Book & Author Details: Relic Bounty by Arwen Paris (Relic Legacy Series) Publication date: December 30th 2020 Genres: Adult, Romance, Science Fiction Synopsis: Kill the courier, retrieve the relic, collect the money. Bounty hunter Janis Torzen finally has a chance to free himself from his indentured servitude to the mob. The brutal weather on planet Urrak is as unforgiving as the mob boss Janis Torzen works for, so of course a sudden sandstorm upsets his best laid plans. To make things worse, the courier, Everell, turns out to be a beautiful, smart-mouthed archeologist who has her own plans for the money. Unfortunately, powerful people will kill to possess the relic Everell carries—everyone from government officials to the social elite, and they will stop at nothing to get it. Now on the run, Janis and Everell are forced to depend on each other to escape from Nadir Space Port. But when Everell and the relic are stolen from Janis, he must go back to the very man he’s trying to get away from and offer a deal with the devil. He’s got nothing to lose but his own life, so he bluffs the mob, willing to sacrifice his future to save the woman he’s fallen in love with—a woman he’s still not sure he can trust. It’s a crazy plan, one so crazy it just might work. If he succeeds, it will pay out big for his wallet and his heart—if he doesn’t die trying. But with a bounty this high, it’s worth any risk… Goodreads Purchase Amazon AUTHOR BIO: Arwen Paris is the author of young adult fiction. Her debut YA Sci-fi Urban Fantasy novel FATE OF THE STARS released in 2017 and the second book in the series RIVAL in 2018. The actions packed pages of her novels are filled with characters that are forced to face fears they never expected. When she's not writing, you can see posts of her (too many) vacations that keep her sane. Arwen lives in Idaho, has a big crazy family & after the day job, she writes Fiction For the Fearless - #F3Fanatic Author links: instagram / goodreads / facebook / twitter / website Today we have have the cover reveal for KIT, the eighth book in the Chicago Blaze Hockey Romance series. ★★★ COVER REVEAL ★★★ Check out the cover for the next title by Brenda Rothert. KIT releases January 26th! Preorder your copy now: Amazon / Apple Add to your TBR pile About the Book: Kit Molly Lynch isn’t like any woman I’ve met before. The pretty, ball-busting reporter has a penchant for asking questions that dredge up memories I’d rather keep buried. I answer them, though, because I’m so intrigued by her—a mix of shy and bold, so set in her ways that the slightest change knocks her off kilter. The closer Molly gets to my dark truth, though, the more I try to shift her focus to what I want most—her total surrender to me in the bedroom. Molly I finally have the life I’m meant for. Predictable. Boring. Safe. NHL player Kit Carter upsets the stability I crave when he looks at me with his dark eyes, wounded and guarded, but also swirling with desire. I can’t let him figure out who I truly am—driven not by ambition but by anxiety. Unable to let go of my control, even for a second. There’s something about Kit that draws me to him so powerfully it’s no longer a choice, though. I need to give in, even if it costs me everything. Author Bio: Brenda Rothert is an Illinois native who was a print journalist for nine years. She made the jump from fact to fiction in 2013 and never looked back. From new adult to steamy contemporary romance, Brenda creates fresh characters in every story she tells. She’s a lover of Diet Coke, chocolate, lazy weekends and happily ever afters. Website: http://brendarothert.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorbrendarothert/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/BrendaRothert Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/brendarothert/ Wattpad: https://www.wattpad.com/user/BrendaRothert Amazon: http://amzn.to/1TyGXds ...And here it is...
#Blog Tour #Book Review In pursuit of Happiness by Freya Kennedy @rararesources @Boldwood Books21/12/2020
Thank you to Rachel from Rachel's Random Resources for inviting to participate in the blog tour for 'In Pursuit of Happiness' by Freya Kennedy. It was so lovely to return to the wonderfuly supportive community of Ivy Lane and see what was happening in the lives of its inhabitants. 'In pursuit of Happiness' can be read as a standalone, even if you haven't read 'The Dreams and Hopes of Libby Quinn, which was published in May 2020 (you can see my review here). In Pursuit of Happiness 'A lovely escape that leaves you feeling warm and fuzzy inside. Just what’s needed at the moment' No1 bestselling author Jane Fallon The world is waiting...but just outside of your comfort zone.Jo Campbell is perfectly content in a perfectly structured life. Nothing ever changes in Jo’s life, and she likes it that way. Or at least, she tells herself she does. Most of the time, she manages to push down the tiny voice that tells her to chase her dream and maybe, just maybe, open her battered and bruised heart up to love. But to chase her dreams she needs to take chances that are way out of her comfort zone and learn to not put other people’s happiness above her own. Most of all she has to learn to trust her heart, which may just be the biggest challenge of all. Purchase Link - https://amzn.to/3iISOpc My thoughts: If I had to describe Freya Kennedy's books in one word it would be heartwarming. In Pursuit of Happiness is set in Derry, Ireland, so, if you enjoyed Freya's previous book Dreams and Hopes of Libby Quinn, you'll be delighted to re-visit Ivy Lane and catch on what's been happening in this lovely, supportive community. Jo Campbell loves her family and her job (she is a co-owner of the local pub), but ever since she was a child, Jo dreamt of becoming a writer and sharing her stories with the world. Her friend and future sister-in-law Libby risked everything and took a chance on a shabby place which she turned into a cosy bookshop. Perhaps the time has come for Jo to step out of her comfort zone and see if her first book is any good. Jo lets her friends read it ...and surprise, surprise...they love it. In fact, Libby sendsa copy of it to a famous Scottish writer who is about to visit Derry and do a book signing event in Libby's bookshop. Things begin to happen on the personal front too. Harry Gallagher's grandson Lorcan comes to visit his granddad. Lorcan is in need of a quiet place to reflect on his long-term relationship which has just ended, and Derry seems to be a great place. I think this might be the right place for me to stop telling you about the plot, otherwise I might spoil your enjoyment of the story. The events are quite straightforward and once you know more about Jo and Lorcan's past, you will also understand their present and their dilemmas. In Lorcan's words Jo is 'funny and talented' and 'can make a horrible day seem infinitely brighter'. Jo's relationship with her six-year-old little sister Clara is really special. I also enjoyed reading about Jo's parents, especially her Mum's crotchet club, which is all about 'caring and sharing' (read 'good-natured gossip') The way they care for their foster chidren and now the youngest adopted one- Clara- their kindness, attention, stability and love which they never tire of giving- are all the reasons why their children grow up to be happy, independent, and caring people. There's also everybody's favourite shopkeeper Harry with his inexplicable aversion to kitchen rolls and dishwasher tablets. The book is full of charming, likeable characters that will make you smile. A charming story with my favourite slow-burn romance which higlights the importance of realising our hopes and dreams, being kind and considerate, and paying attention to things that really matter in life. Thankyou to NetGalley, Rachel, and the publisher, Boldwood Books, for the review copy. All opinions are my own and were not influenced in any way. Author Bio Freya Kennedy lives in Derry, Northern Ireland, with her husband, two children, two cats and a mad dog called Izzy. She worked as a journalist for eighteen years before deciding to write full time. When not writing, she can be found reading, hanging out with her nieces and nephews, cleaning up after her children (a lot) and telling her dog that she loves her. She has met Michael Buble and even kissed him. It was one of her best ever moments. She believes in happy ever afters. Freya Kennedy is a pen name for Claire Allan, who also writes psychological thrillers. Social Media Links http://www.claireallan.com/ https://twitter.com/ClaireAllan / https://twitter.com/AuthorFreya https://www.facebook.com/ClaireAllanAuthor https://www.instagram.com/claireallan_author/ https://www.bookbub.com/authors/freya-kennedy Newsletter sign up: http://bit.ly/FreyaKennedyNewsletter Have a great Monday! If you would like to see what other bloggers thought of Freya Kennedy's In Pursuit of Happiness, here is the full blog tour schedule:
Book & Author Details: A Billionaire for Christmas : A Secret Billionaire Romantic Comedy Holiday Boxed Set Publication date: December 4th 2020 Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance Synopsis: For surviving 2020, you deserve A Billionaire for Christmas. Heck, you deserve SEVEN billionaires for Christmas. It’s been a wild ride this year. So 7 of your favorite romance authors have teamed up to raise a glass of eggnog, sit in front of the fire, and give you 7 billionaire holiday romance novels to help you make it through this last month of the year with a hot billionaire by your side, in his Maserati, with his staff cleaning your house. Thank you, romance authors. And what’s in this little holiday present just for you, all tied up in a bow? Infatuation by Willow Winters -- "Maybe the chill that traveled down my spine when I first saw him was a warning. A warning that once he laid eyes on me, I was his to keep. A warning that this man would stop at nothing to have me. A warning I wasn’t given until it was too late.” Sweet Liar by Laurelin Paige -- He isn't looking for love. She's looking for lessons and is certain he'll be the best teacher. If he agrees, can this Love Scrooge keep his heart? A Very Dare Christmas by Carly Phillips -- Ian Dare misses the alone time and intense sex life he and his wife shared before their children were born. What’s an alpha man to do? He kidnaps Riley for an erotic weekend away before the Christmas rush overwhelms them both. Riley Dare adores her husband and she’s excited to spend time with him minus distractions on a sexy retreat where anything goes … and spontaneity leads to future surprises. A complete stand-alone for people who haven’t yet read Dare to Love but a special treat for those who want to revisit their favorite couple. Delight Me by J. Kenner -- There’s one special gift Damien wants to give his wife Nikki and their daughters for Christmas… but with a crisis brewing and time running out, can he make it home in time for the holidays? Christmas Shopping for a Billionaire by Julia Kent -- When Shannon is called to the mall to work as a sexy Christmas elf, her billionaire boyfriend, Declan, gets roped into playing Santa. The mall mommies start tweeting pictures, and soon everyone is crashing the mall to have a seat on Santa's lap. Ho ho... ahem. Bossy Bride by JA Huss -- Jesse Boston is the man of my dreams so I’m gonna marry him. I’m not real picky about how that happens but when my mother invites my childhood nemesis, KAREN, to plan our wedding AND be one of my bride’s maids? Uh---no. We’re going to elope to Vegas on Christmas Eve, get hitched in the most ridiculous way possible, and then fly home in time for dinner. We’ve got it all figured out. Nothing can go wrong. Santa, Baby by Blair Babylon – Peyton Cabot hates his life: being a rock star, performing for screaming crowds, being interviewed for magazines’ hottest musician of the year articles, winning awards, and banking loads of money. Yeah, it sucks to be him. Especially when the one woman who really gets him won’t return his calls anymore. When he goes to see what’s up, he gets a Christmas surprise that really rings his sleigh bells. (Maserati and house-cleaning staff not included.) Goodreads
Purchase: FREE for a limited time! Amazon: https://amzn.to/3ac19jM GIVEAWAY Blitz-wide giveaway (INT)
Book & Author Details: The Breakup Plan by Elle Vaughn Publication date: December 15th 2020 Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance . Synopsis: Elliot has just made the list of America’s hottest bachelors. A successful business mogul who has made a name for himself in Silicon Valley, Elliot’s life is just about perfect—that is until an incriminating photo of himself appears in a tabloid magazine. If anyone discovers who the other person in the photo is, his career would be ruined. Penny’s life has been anything but charmed. Struggling to make ends meet, she’s determined to make a better life for herself. Desperate to rescue her little brother from the same troubled life she had growing up, Penny will do whatever it takes to make sure he’s safe. Now that she’s starting an internship at a large corporation, she can only hope this is the start of something better. And that’s when an asshole named Elliot Faulkner makes her an offer she can’t refuse. Goodreads Purchase Amazon AUTHOR BIO: Elle Vaughn is an avid book lover - especially romance novels. She's the author of the Anna and Quinton novella series and is always working on a new story project. When she's not lost in her character creations she can be found chasing around her toddler, being outside in the Colorado outdoors, gardening and attempting to cook for her family! Author links: twitter /instagram / website / facebook / goodreads GIVEAWAY (ends December 28th) Blitz-wide giveaway (INT)
Today is my stop on the blog tour for The Lucky Ones, a gorgeous new novella by Cassie Cross. Hope you get your copy and enjoy reading it as much as I did. Title: The Lucky Ones Author: Cassie Cross Genre: Contemporary Romance About The Lucky Ones: Kendall Moore’s professional life has never been better. She’s an in-demand video editor who’s just started her own business, and that business is booming. She rarely has a moment to relax and has completely thrown herself into her work, which is just the way that she likes it. There’s just one tiny issue in her pursuit of professional and personal happiness: she’s getting burned out. Of course, it doesn’t help that she’s hopelessly and secretly in love with her totally off-limits business partner, Jordan. Jordan Murphy is an aspiring filmmaker with a past that he’s desperate to put behind him. When an opportunity arises to go to Vegas and film for a project he’s working on, he gets Kendall to agree to come along with him. After he makes a lucky bet that leads to a weekend full of fun, unexpected confessions, and a visit to a wedding chapel that neither one of them can remember, Kendall and Jordan head home wondering if what happened in Vegas should stay in Vegas… Order Your Copy! Catch up on the Series: The Sweet Spot Let’s Get Physical The Plus-One Proposal The Breakup Bucket List My thoughts:
This short novella was just perfect... Great protagonists you're going to root for, gorgeous setting, no angst whatsoever and lots of romance. Friends to lovers is my favourite trope. The die-hard romantic in me likes to think that it is possible to know a person inside out, all their routines and habits, nice and kind of annoying, things they are proud of and things they'd want everybody to forget... and still love them. Kendall and Jordan are business partners. She is a very talented film editor who regularly puts in eighty-hour working weeks. He is the person who persuaded her to go freelance and make her believe she is going to make it...and he is also her crush, somebody she's been hopelessly in love with for a very long time. Jordan is confident and decisive, he knows luck is on his side. Maybe that's why he always carries a pair of dice in his pocket- if all options seem equal, why not just roll the dice. Ken, on the other hand, doesn't believe herself lucky. Not in love, anyway... Why else would she still be thinking about her unattainable business partner. But maybe this weekend things are going to change. Jordan needs help with a filming project and Ken needs to take a break from all the hard work she's been doing. Vegas, here we come... Of course, what happens in Vegas ... actually, you can decide yourself what to do with that new shiny golden band on your hand that you have no recollection getting... The protagonists had such a great chemistry. The pace, the tension, the build-up- everything was just right and so enjoyable to read. Don't miss this gorgeous little novella about two friends who realise how lucky they are because the person they've loved for ages loves them back. Thank you to Inkslinger PR for the review copy. All opinions are my own and were not influenced in any way. About Cassie Cross: Cassie Cross is a Maryland native and a romantic at heart, who lives outside of Baltimore with her two dogs and a closet full of shoes. Cassie’s fondness for swoon-worthy men and strong women are the inspiration for most of her stories, and when she’s not busy writing a book, you’ll probably find her eating takeout and indulging in her love of 80’s sitcoms. Connect with Cassie: Website | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook Thank you to Rachel from Racel's Random resources for inviting me to participate in the blog tour for this lovely book. This was my first book by Jules Wake, but it definitely won't be the last! The Spark Jess is falling for Sam. Sam is falling for Jess. But it seems life will do whatever it takes to make them fall apart. When Jess and Sam lock eyes at a party, a spark ignites. The spark. But love at first sight isn’t like the movies, especially when Sam’s ex, Victoria, is determined to make their honeymoon period a living hell. Is love at first sight enough? Purchase Links 🇬🇧 amzn.to/36wkD0N 🌎 mybook.to/TheSparkJW My thoughts: This is one of those times when I had had a completely different idea what the book was going to be about from what it turned out to be. The Spark has some very emotional moments and discusses things that we tend to see as black and white. Jess is a lovely girl. She considerate, and genuinely non-judgemental. She works with victims of domestic abuse at a refuge centre, so it is her deeply held conviction that women should be supportive of each other. Sam is a primary school teacher who works with autistic children. He's also used to taking care of other people's needs first. They are perfect for each other. They really are. Sometimes it just happens that you meet a person who seems to have been made for you. But what if they are already in a long-term relationship or even married? There are lines you just don't cross, however intense your feelings are. If you are the single part of the equation, you quietly walk away. If you are the 'taken' part, you either forget about the spark or start questioning the relationship you are in. This is what Sam does and then...he breaks up with his long-term girlfriend. A month later he asks Jess out. Breakups are often messy. Friends and families often take sides and refuse to see the new girlfriend as anything else, but a fling, or even worse 'the other woman'. We see the events from Jess's point of view and this is why I started this review by saying what a great person she is. Strong, independent, dignified, and emotionally mature. Jules Wake takes this situation and asks us explore What if 'The Other Woman' was the nicest person imaginable, while the ex ...well, we get an exaggerated version of her behaviour, but let's say, she is having trouble moving on. I loved the sub-plot of Jess's own family and their history. My heart was breaking when I read what she went through as a child. To what extent does our parents' personal life, with its successes and mistakes influence us? Are we doomed to repeat them or do we choose how to live our lives and how to love freely? This was a quick and entertaining read, despite all these heavy questions (and I haven't even said anything about the social media and how they sometimes add oil to the bonfire of our past relationships). Recommended to anybody who likes looking at both sides and making their own opinion. Thank you to NetgGalley, rachel and the publisher for the review copy. All opinions are my own and were not influenced in any way. Author Bio –
Jules Wake announced at the age of ten that she planned to be a writer. Along the way she was diverted by the glamorous world of PR and worked on many luxury and not so luxury brands. This proved fabulous training for writing novels as it provided her with the opportunity to hone her creative writing skills. She writes best-selling warm-hearted romantic contemporary fiction for One More Chapter as Jules Wake and was shortlisted for Romantic Novel of the Year 2019 with Notting Hill in the Snow. Under her pen name Julie Caplin, she also writes the warm and witty Romantic Escapes series. Between them, the two Js have written sixteen novels, The Spark being the latest. Social Media Links – @Juleswake Twitter https://www.facebook.com/juleswakewrites/ Instagram: juleswakeauthor Book & Author Details: A Shattering Glimpse by Nicole Putter Publication date: December 10th 2020 Genres: Adult, Romance, Thriller Synopsis: The dreams: For years, Claire Baxter has been haunted by ceaseless dreams of an FBI Agent. The dilemma: She has no idea who he is or if he even exists. The death: Right before she’s set to graduate from college, a dream reveals him dying in a brutal explosion. One touch and not-so-normal Portland girl, Claire Baxter, can get a glimpse of your nearby future. She considers nothing about her clairvoyance a gift, it’s a curse, to say the least. Her parents raised her with the rule that she is to keep the secret at all cost, leaving little room for relationships of any kind. As if the burden isn’t enough, FBI agent Byron Black becomes the phantom of a series of sinister dreams. The night before her final college exam, she has another dream, except in this one, he dies in a nuclear explosion. Does he exist? Will she find him? If so, can she save the countless lives affected by a blast that can crush steel like it’s a piece of paper, or… is this something her lost, psychic mind conjured up? Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55519540-a-shattering-glimpse Purchase: Amazon: https://books2read.com/u/bw7yda?store=amazon Guest Post by Nicole Putter Why a romantic thriller? Is romantic thriller even a genre or is this a meta genre? Romantic suspense seems to be the more accepted term but even that doesn’t have a perfect definition. I have scoured the internet and I couldn’t really find a definitive answer. Most would agree that the plotline should include equal parts love story intertwined with mystery and intrigue. Iconic romantic suspense writer, Sandra Brown, tells Novel Suspects in an interview that the heroes should be reluctant allies against a common threat or enemy who desire each other, badly. Some underlying truth, such as fireman vs arsonist, should make it impossible for them to act on the desire. She says that the suspense is posed as a question early on which goes unanswered for as long as possible. This definition from a trained hand in the genre sheds a little more light on the structure. I agree with her, but I have to add that I don’t think romantic thrillers and romantic suspense are necessarily the same thing. Here’s my personal take on it and the reason why I chose this genre. The romance I’ll admit, I’m been a sucker for a budding attraction since I can remember. Whether in books, movies or television, I can’t resist. But romance plots can sometimes feel unoriginal when it’s a simple love triangle or forbidden due to classism or emotional unavailability. This is where I like to add the element of surprise and uncertainty. The reader should feel a constant ambiguity due to components other than the norm. In ‘A Shattering Glimpse’ Claire has been dreaming about this man since she was fourteen years old. Due to her psychic condition she doesn’t pursue many relationships and forms a bit of an obsession with the man from her dreams. She has no idea if he’s real or if it’s something she dreamt up out of utter loneliness and boredom. A romantic suspense constitutes equal parts romance and suspense while romance takes the passenger seat in a romantic thriller. The romantic plotline should still form an integral part of the story, but the thriller should dominate. Also, a happily ever after is not a certainty. In many ways I think ‘Gone Girl’ by Gillian Flynn could also qualify. A large part of Amy’s diary entries in part I of the story, tells a romantic tale without a definite conclusion. In the 2010 film ‘The Tourist’, starring Johnny Depp and Angelina Jolie, the romance is seamlessly woven into the thriller plot where spies rope an unsuspecting tourist into their search for a thief. The thrills In all the abovementioned examples, the story is told through the eyes of an unreliable narrator that keeps the reader guessing about both plots for as long as possible. Unreliable narrators are remarkable literary tools for grabbing and retaining attention. As mentioned, I love a good romance, but I can’t deny a twisted and suspenseful thriller that will keep me reading through the night. Whether it’s a whodunnit or the perverse life of a serial killer, there’s nothing more satisfying than getting swept up into shocking twists and turns. While thrillers come in a wide variety, certain elements should be present to qualify: Danger, excitement, suspense and mystery. In my opinion, this should be the focus of a romantic thriller. As Brown suggested, in romantic suspense novels, the heroes will work together in trying to solve the mystery or defeat the threat. This is not necessarily the case in a romantic thriller, in my opinion. Love can often be the cause or give rise to the thrilling events as is the case in the novel ‘Verity’ by Colleen Hoover. ‘A Shattering Glimpse’ follows somewhat of the same recipe but I can’t say too much without giving anything away. This testimonial from award-winning thriller author, Andrew Salomon will give you more or less of an idea: “The novel deftly manages to combine both thriller and fantastical genres, along with a good dollop of romance, and without resorting to clichés and sentimentality. This is a significant achievement, and the reader is skilfully drawn into a love story intertwined with murder, interwoven with a special agent thriller.” Deviating from the norm To create something a little more original, I had to deviate slightly from the norm of romantic suspense and fast paced FBI thrillers. It was a risk but so far, the response has only been positive. I tried to combine both genres in way that could fulfil both readerships without overcompensating. I enjoy romance and thrillers and I felt a lack of stories that effortlessly merge the two. As Toni Morrison once said, “If there's a book that you want to read, but it hasn't been written yet, then you must write it.” My thoughts:
The genre or rather the particular mix of genres this book is written in is quite new to me. The premise is really interesting and there is a lot of potential in exploring the conflict between the natural disbelief a federal agent would feel for a clairevoyant's visions and a sense of duty to save innocent lives. An interest in a person who seems to know your past and present incredibly well, despite the fact that you've never met her, plus the bonding experience of surviving an incredibly dangerous journey and passion is bound to spring to life. Still, I didn't find it easy to connect with the characters. Claire comes across as quite immature. Perhaps, we are going to see more character development in the following books. I didn't feel we got to know Byron that well, either. I don't want to give the story away, but I would have liked to see and understand better his relationship with his family. Penn, Byron's partner, is probably the only character where I felt the level of detail was just right. The part of the book which worked the best for me was where the protagonists become fugitives and run for their lives. Since this is the part which resembles most closely a thriller, perhaps, my expectations are at fault. I was also a bit confused about the science fiction parts at the end of the book- the explanation seemed a bit rushed or perhaps everything is going to become clearer in book2. Thank you to NetGalley and the author for the review copy provided in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and were not influenced in any way. #Book Blitz (December 10-16) #A Shattering Glimpse by Nicole Putter #Q and A with the author16/12/2020
Book & Author Details: A Shattering Glimpse by Nicole Putter Publication date: December 10th 2020 Genres: Adult, Romance, Thriller Synopsis:The dreams: For years, Claire Baxter has been haunted by ceaseless dreams of an FBI Agent. The dilemma: She has no idea who he is or if he even exists. The death: Right before she’s set to graduate from college, a dream reveals him dying in a brutal explosion. One touch and not-so-normal Portland girl, Claire Baxter, can get a glimpse of your nearby future. She considers nothing about her clairvoyance a gift, it’s a curse, to say the least. Her parents raised her with the rule that she is to keep the secret at all cost, leaving little room for relationships of any kind. As if the burden isn’t enough, FBI agent Byron Black becomes the phantom of a series of sinister dreams. The night before her final college exam, she has another dream, except in this one, he dies in a nuclear explosion. Does he exist? Will she find him? If so, can she save the countless lives affected by a blast that can crush steel like it’s a piece of paper, or… is this something her lost, psychic mind conjured up? Author interview Does writing energize or exhaust you? Both. It depends on which part of the story I’m writing. Scenes with technicalities that aren’t familiar to me can be exhausting to get just right. Also, linking certain parts of the story to keep the reader guessing can be quite a challenge. Otherwise I absolutely love writing. Have you ever gotten reader’s block? Yes, many times. I’m very fussy when it comes to books and television and there are sometimes months that go by where I don’t read any fiction. Then I’ll read non-fiction for research or to improve writing and marketing skills. Until I pass a second-hand bookstore where something odd catches my eye and I get right back to it. Do you try more to be original or to deliver to readers what they want? This is a very difficult question to answer. I don’t really know what readers want and not all readers want the same thing. So, not really. Obviously, I take advice from beta-readers and adjust the story if I agree but I don’t necessarily write to market. If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be? Write a book you can distribute for free and start building a mailing list. I wish I had done this much sooner. How did publishing your first book change your process of writing? I try to write much faster. Emphasis on try, research and time heckles me. Readers are like vultures; they need the next book right now. I’m also like that, so I try to get the next in the series out as soon as possible. What kind of research do you do, and how long do you spend researching before beginning a book? The sci-fi elements in my books requires quite a bit of research. I’m a planner and I plan my series in advance, so I research as I go along. The novel I’m currently writing required a lot of medical, scientific and nanotechnology research. I interviewed some professionals and patients, read books and research papers and watched webinars on the subject until I had a firm grasp on it. What’s the most difficult thing about writing characters from the opposite sex? Actually, I didn’t realize the main character in my book was a lot like my husband until I started evaluating him. In some senses, men are easier to write because they are emotionally less complicated, but I find it hard to pen down their thoughts and articulate their observations and inspirations. How do men really see women? That is a question I would like an answer to. How many hours a day do you write? As many as possible but at least two. Between 5 and 6am in the morning and 9 and 10pm at night. Early mornings and late nights while everyone are sleeping is my best time to write. What did you edit out of this book? Oh, I killed a lot of darlings in this book. I deleted a big part right before the end when I realized it won’t work with the second novel. How do you select the names of your characters? I derived the name Claire from clairvoyant since she can glimpse the future. I put some effort into naming main characters. Byron was named after one of my favourite television characters and the poet Lord Byron. As the poem Don Juan goes: I want a hero: an uncommon want, When every year and month sends forth a new one, Till, after cloying the gazettes with cant, The age discovers he is not the true one; One of my writer friends taught me a great tactic for naming minor characters. I google popular baby names around the time of the character’s birth and scroll through the list until I find one that suits the character I have in mind. AUTHOR BIO: Nicole Putter is the author of the Shattering Series and several short stories. She completed four creative writing and journalism courses with honours between a successful career in finance. When she’s not writing fiction, she blogs about her passion for books and writing. She’s also happily married, and a proud mom of one son and a Jack Russel Terrier named Striker. You can connect with Nicole on: Author links: https://twitter.com/NjpWriter https://nicoleputter.com/ https://www.facebook.com/nicoleputterbooks https://nicoleputter.com/signup/ https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20767066.Nicole_Putter Thank you to Nicole for this Q and A session- it was really interesting to find out more about her writing process. If you would like more information about the book or would like to purchase it, please check out these links:
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55519540-a-shattering-glimpse Purchase: Amazon: https://books2read.com/u/bw7yda?store=amazon Book & Author Details: A Sweet, Soft Glow by Joshua Magnotta Publication date: December 15th 2020 Genres: Adult, Thriller Synopsis: In the ten years since John Malley lost his wife and daughter, he has slowly faded into obscurity in a rural Pennsylvania town. He spends his days at the local bar and tries to numb the pain of his loss. That is, until Ted’s Dead Rose Tavern becomes the home of the biggest mass killing in the history of the town. John, the lone survivor of the killing-spree, is forced on the run. He heads north where he hopes to hide out at his brother’s house. Meanwhile, in New York City, young Melanie Parker investigates a disturbing new trend she discovered online. From what she has learned, metallic black bands worn along the forearm are responsible for some form of mind control. Skeptical of this theory, Melanie embarks on a night time excursion that places her in the middle of a riot in the middle of the city. Melanie fights for her life as chaos spreads throughout the city. As John witnesses the events in New York, he is compelled to take action. But once in the city, John is forced to confront his past. Goodreads Purchase Links Amazon / B&N / iBooks AUTHOR BIO: Josh Magnotta has been a resident of northern Pennsylvania for most of his life. Throughout his early life and teenager years he was an avid writer but during college drifted away from the passion as work and other priorities took precedence. In 2014 he graduated from college and soon began working swing shift in a factory. It was here, during off shifts where Josh would read during the night to stay awake, that his passion for writing was rekindled. After leaving the factory-life behind Josh went back to college and began work on his first novel, A Sweet, Soft Glow. He has since been writing ever since. Author links: twitter / facebook / website / instagram Excerpt:
”It’s time to go, Maggie,” Harry’s voice whispered in her head. She left the parking lot and sped through Watsonfield without knowing where she was going. Harry was driving. He was always in control. She could not remember a time before this moment. She pulled into a small-town bar. Music droned from inside, but there were no voices. Maggie climbed the steps and went inside. Bodies lined the floor. She walked through the devastation and saw the remains of the bald man who had started the day with her. He was dead like everyone else. However, a quick scan of the bodies told her that John Malley wasn’t here. He was still alive, somewhere.” |
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