Thursday, April 30, 2015

Bookish Digest: April 2015

Hello lovelies! Welcome to Bookish Digest - something we'll be putting together at the end of every month to highlight our recent favorite reads and recap any posts you may have missed. We also include an About My Life and Things I'm Looking Forward To section in an effort for you to get to know us better. Don't forget to tell us in the comments some things that happened to you over the past month so we can get to know you guys better too!



Updates for 2015 TBR Pile Challenge:
  • Our May TBR Read Along winner is Great by Sara Benincasa! Be sure to buy or borrow your copy so you can read along with us next month!
  • Debbie posted her wrap-up for March and April! She's also giving away a book of choice (up to $15). Make sure you link up your reviews, and enter them in the Rafflecopter, for a chance to win!

http://evie-bookish.blogspot.com/2015/04/welcome-to-indie-girl-april.html

This month Bookish hosted Indie Girl April, an event dedicated to celebrating Indie authors/books by reviewing, interviewing and having guest posts (with awesome giveaways). You can check out all the posts by going to the welcome page or checking out the links below!

Evie



Series:
Stand Alone
Genre:
Adult, Horror, Mystery
Website:Ania Ahlborn

Goodreads
Review:
To be posted sometime in June
From indie horror author and bestselling sensation Ania Ahlborn, this brand-new supernatural thriller questions: how far would you go for success, and what would you be capable of if the promise of forever was real?

With his marriage on the rocks and his life in shambles, washed up crime writer Lucas Graham is desperate for a comeback. So when he’s promised exclusive access to notorious cult leader and death row inmate Jeffrey Halcomb, the opportunity is too good to pass up. Lucas leaves New York for the scene of the crime—a split-level farmhouse on the gray-sanded beach of Washington State—a house whose foundation is steeped in the blood of Halcomb’s diviners; runaways who, thirty years prior, were drawn to his message of family, unity, and unconditional love. Lucas wants to tell the real story of Halcomb’s faithful departed, but when Halcomb goes back on his promise of granting Lucas exclusive information on the case, he’s left to put the story together on his own. Except he is not alone. For Jeffrey Halcomb promised his devout eternal life…and within these walls, they’re far from dead.

Reviews

Andrea




Series:
The Cage #1
Genre:
Young Adult, Science Fiction, Thriller
Website:Megan Shepherd

Goodreads
Review:
To Be Posted May 26
The Maze Runner meets Scott Westerfeld in this gripping new series about teens held captive in a human zoo by an otherworldly race. From Megan Shepherd, the acclaimed author of The Madman's Daughter trilogy.

When Cora Mason wakes in a desert, she doesn't know where she is or who put her there. As she explores, she finds an impossible mix of environments—tundra next to desert, farm next to jungle, and a strangely empty town cobbled together from different cultures—all watched over by eerie black windows. And she isn't alone.

Four other teenagers have also been taken: a beautiful model, a tattooed smuggler, a secretive genius, and an army brat who seems to know too much about Cora's past. None of them have a clue as to what happened, and all of them have secrets. As the unlikely group struggles for leadership, they slowly start to trust each other. But when their mysterious jailer—a handsome young guard called Cassian—appears, they realize that their captivity is more terrifying than they could ever imagine: Their captors aren't from Earth. And they have taken the five teenagers for an otherworldly zoo—where the exhibits are humans.

As a forbidden attraction develops between Cora and Cassian, she realizes that her best chance of escape might be in the arms of her own jailer—though that would mean leaving the others behind. Can Cora manage to save herself and her companions? And if so . . . what world lies beyond the walls of their cage?

Reviews
Author Love

Author/Book Promotion
Summer on the Short Bus by Bethany Crandell {Blast + Giveaway}
Tea & Comfort by Andrea Hurst {IGA: Interview + Giveaway}
The Truth About Us by Janet Gurtler  {Interview + Giveaway}
Rook by Sharon Cameron {Guest Post + Giveaway}

About My Life in April
We got our wedding pictures! I have been dying to get these back ever since we got a small sample back in February and they're finally here! I loved looking through all of them, making our parents an album, and figuring out which ones we want to hang on the wall.

We had a few nice weekends where we got to do yard work! I love doing yard work, call me crazy. There's just something about working in the dirt. I pop in my head phones with the latest audio book on my phone - Snow Like Ashes by Sara Raasch - and just get to work.

I finally saw Beauty on the Beast: The Broadway Musical. For being such a musical and Disney nut I cannot believe I haven't seen this prior to now, but it finally came back to down and I bought tickets the second I could! The show was beyond amazing and I've been signing the songs for days. You have to see it if you ever get the chance.

Things I'm Looking Forward to in May
Catching up on series. I know this was something I was hoping to accomplish last month, but . . . I didn't. I'm only four books away from getting this done and then I can start new series (again).

The NBA Playoffs. Okay, I'm not a huge sports gal, but when you're team is in the playoffs, bitch you better be excited. Let's go, Cavs!

Elizabeth



Series:
Stand Alone
Genre:
Young Adult, Fantasy
Website:Emm Cole 

Goodreads
Review:
Beneath the light of a full moon, the Nightbloods and Seers are dancing. They are dancing as they await another Awakening, a dream that defines every witch’s destiny.

It doesn’t matter that the coven is cheering and anticipating her turn into womanhood, because Calli doesn’t want any of it. She doesn’t want to see the face of the hired hand Isaiah, nor does she desire the pursuits of a very determined Nightblood as she runs from a future with the Ordinary help. She knows that regardless of whether she taps into forbidden magic or not, an Awakening is rumored to hold ultimate power over the Seer who dreams it.

While the other Seers her age are given to their parties, their enchantments, and the lust of Nightblood suitors, Calli must choose how she'll endure the worst of her visions. There may be a way to survive her sleep, but she's not sure she can defeat the truth that will find her when she’s wide awake.

Does real love even stand a chance against the darkest of magic?

Reviews
Collide by Christine Fonseca {IGA: 5/5 + Giveaway}
Unblocked *Episode 1* by Marni Mann
The Short Life of Sparrows by Emm Cole  {IGA: 5/5 + Giveaway}
8 Weeks by Bethany Lopez {IGA: 5/5 + Giveaway}
Wanderings on Darker Shores by Cora Pop {IGA: 5/5 + Giveaway}
Rising Tide by Claudette Melanson  {IGA: 4/5 + Giveaway}
Truly, Madly, Deeply by Brenda Pandos  {IGA: 4/5 + Giveaway}
Black Rebel Riders' MC Volumes 1 & 2 by Glenna Maynard {IGA: 4/5 + Giveaway}

Author/Book Promotion
Nova and Quinton: No Regret by Jessica Sorensen  {Excerpt + Giveaway)
Sutton Shields {IGA: Guest Post + Giveaway}
Molli Moran {IGA: Interview}

About My Life in April
I started a new job! And... It consumes far more time than I would like but I am happy to be able to say that I have become employed in my field of work.

I got a new van...  Well used but new to me.  I sadly lost my car last month (March) and am now a Caravan owner O_o

Jessica


Series:
A Court of Thorns and Roses #1
Genre:
Young Adult, Romance, Retelling, Fantasy
Website:Sarah J. Maas 

Goodreads
Review:
To be posted May 3 on Stuck in Books
A thrilling, seductive new series from New York Times bestselling author Sarah J. Maas, blending Beauty and the Beast with faerie lore.

When nineteen-year-old huntress Feyre kills a wolf in the woods, a beast-like creature arrives to demand retribution for it. Dragged to a treacherous magical land she only knows about from legends, Feyre discovers that her captor is not an animal, but Tamlin—one of the lethal, immortal faeries who once ruled their world.

As she dwells on his estate, her feelings for Tamlin transform from icy hostility into a fiery passion that burns through every lie and warning she's been told about the beautiful, dangerous world of the Fae. But an ancient, wicked shadow grows over the faerie lands, and Feyre must find a way to stop it . . . or doom Tamlin—and his world—forever.

Perfect for fans of Kristin Cashore and George R. R. Martin, this first book in a sexy and action-packed new series is impossible to put down!

Reviews
Flirting with Love by Clara Stone {IGA: 5/5}
Worth the Fight by Beth Maria {IGA: 5/5 + Giveaway}
Pieces of Revenge by Valia Lind  {IGA: 3/5}
Broken by A.E. Murphy  {IGA: 3/5}

Author/Book Promotion
Clara Stone {IGA: Interview}
Valia Lind {IGA: Interview}

About My Life in April
I got to see exactly zero of my friends. First I was supposed to go to Teen Book Con, but my plans fell through for that. Then I was supposed to go to TLA, but I was sick for half and then the other half I had to play catch up BECAUSE of said sickness. Sigh. I really really really miss my friends.

Nephew 1 turned 7. DO YOU EVEN KNOW HOW OLD THIS MAKES ME FEEL??? I was in 6th grade when that kid was born. Now he's in elementary school and I'm in college and he's so big and smart and ahhh. But yeah, he turned 7. And we had a birthday party for him, at a place where I'm pretty sure Brother 3 and I had just as much fun as (if not more fun than) all the children. There were big slides and obstacle course things and it was a super good time.

The Voice is happening. And by that I mean that I am a total fangirl for Sawyer Fredericks and I am not ashamed to admit it.

BASEBALL SEASON IS BACK! Honestly, I think this is the best thing to happen to me this month. I am a die hard Yankees fan, and goodness gracious I am loving watching them play. We don't get every single game down here in Texas (which saddens me), but when we do get a game you better bet I'm sitting down and watchin' it. I missed baseball so muuuuuuuch. YAY for being back!
 
Things I'm Looking Forward to in May
The end of the semester. May 15th, y'all. School will be over and I'll finally be able to breathe and relax. I cannot wait.

RT? So I'm trying to go to RT for Teen Day. As of right now it's looking extremely iffy because transportation to and from Dallas is apparently an impossible feat. But I'm trying!

Boooooksssss. Yeah, I've got nothing else fun to even possibly look forward to, so I'm gonna drown in books. A Court of Thorns and Roses releases, The Heir releases, Velvet releases, A LOT OF WONDERFUL BOOKS ARE RELEASING. So that'll make up for the stuff I'm not doing. Hehe.

Debbie


Reviews
Beyond Believing by D.D. Marx {IGA: Review + Giveaway}

Author/Book Promotion
 
Most Popular Review
Tiffany loved Rising Tide: Dark Innocence by Claudette Melanson, describing it as the beginning of "a trilogy that will pull readers in and have them waiting anxiously for the next book." Be sure to check out her full review and enter for your chance to win a copy!

Most Popular Non-Review
Rook author Sharon Cameron stopped by Bookish to detail her life while writing her novel. Also, readers were given a chance to win one of five copies. Don't miss your chance to enter and to visit the other stops on the tour for reviews and interviews.


Tell us - what went on in your month?! What were some of your favorite books this month? Favorite posts from either your blog or others? What are some new (or old) and noteworthy things we should know about? Be sure to leave a link!

Wednesday, April 29, 2015

Molli Moran (Interview)

http://evie-bookish.blogspot.com/2015/04/welcome-to-indie-girl-april.html
Click the banner to go to the full schedule for Indie Girl April!



Interview

What do you find the most fun about being an Indie author?
Getting to write the stories in my heart! Getting to give faces and voices to the characters that live in my head. Hehe. 
What are the five words that you feel best describe the moments before you hit publish on a book? Why?
Exciting, terrifying, game-changing, happy, nerve-wracking. It’s a mix of all of those. I’m happy and excited because I’m publishing, but I’m also nervous and scared, hoping people will like it. Each book is a game-changer for me, because it shows another side of what I’m capable of producing. 
Who inspired you the most to write?
My Grandma Jean. She spent so much time telling me stories when I was little. She’d always make me the heroine, and she inspired me to find my own stories to tell. 
Do you feel like you grew with your writing or your writing grew with you? ;)
I think I grew with it. I look back now to right before I published AS YOU TURN AWAY, and even in that short time, I’ve changed so much. I’m a little wiser, but I’m still growing, still stretching my wings, and definitely still looking to challenge myself. 
What do you find the most challenging about being an author?
Probably the stress. I’ve had to become a lot better at self-care and realizing there are things I can’t change. Some things, like reader reactions, book sales, the market and reader’s wants, are just out of my hands. I love the control of being an indie, but it can be hard realizing there are things I just can’t control. I don’t begrudge any of those things, because all reader reactions are valid, sales will eventually happen, etc., but it’s a struggle. 
How do you come up with the titles for your books?
This is a fun question, because it differs for each book. With my first, AS YOU TURN AWAY, that was just a working title because it’s also a song title from one of my favorite groups, Lady Antebellum. Slowly over the course of the book, the phrase took on a new meaning, and now the other books in that series (forthcoming AS YOU BREATHE AGAIN and AS YOU COME UNDONE) are expansions on the “As you” theme from the first title. With my second book, ONE SONG AWAY, I called it “Southern Rebel Belle” for most of the time I wrote it, and the title came in during the last few chapters. I will say though, once I decide on the title, I just know, and it doesn’t change.
Do you love or hate writing the synopsis for your books?
I love-hate it. I love tweaking them and getting them just right, but I feel like I could be better at writing them. I usually go through several drafts before I settle on one. 
What book do you feel the closest to and why?
Of mine: AS YOU TURN AWAY, because it’s my first, and has a lot of my heart. That I’ve read: probably THE FAULT IN OUR STARS by John Green, because it changed a part of me. 
Is there a genre that you would like to write but feel that you just couldn't or are too nervous to try?
Yep! I really want to write some type of alt-universe retelling (of what, I’m not sure), but I’m too scared…for now. 
Covers... How long do you spend either on them or working with someone to come up with the perfect one?
When I’m about halfway through each book (or sooner if I know what sort of feel I want), I start scouring my stock photography sites. I’ll create a collection of images I like, and I spend a few weeks circling them, narrowing it down until I get to two or three finalists. Then I enlist help from my CP, my beta readers, and friends and try to somehow make a choice. :D 
You wake up and find you are no longer an author... Instead you are?
Oh man, this is a hard question. Probably photographer. I don’t know much about photography, but I’m learning and I love it. 
Name some kick ass Indie Girls that you feel everyone should know about.
You should definitely be reading Marie Landry, who writes both YA and NA, and such amazingly genuine characters. Her love interests are such realistic guys and girls. Her latest release is a female/female NA, TAKE THEM BY STORM. Then there’s Lilly Avalon, my pal who writes swoony erotica that I just devour. I love her RESIST series. Jessica Sankiewicz wrote a wonderful YA Groundhog Day-inspired novel called IF ONLY WE that I thought was super cute. And I have to mention Becka Paula, because her NA books are gritty and romantic. I loved EVERLY AFTER and BETWEEN EVERYTHING AND US. Elizabeth Barone is a talented writer; her latest, THE NANNY WITH THE SKULL TATTOOS, is really great. 
Do you love your Indie ways or would you want to go the Traditional way at some point?
I’d be lying if I said there wasn’t a small part of me that would like to be traditionally published, but ultimately I think if anything, I’d want to be a hybrid author and have the best of both worlds. For now, I’m happy to be an indie author, because it gives me full control over my career, as well as the chance to grow as a writer. 
Most random place you have found yourself inspired...
In the shower! Weird, I know, but I’ve almost decided to keep a notepad on my vanity so I can jot down all the ideas I get. If I’m stuck on part of a plot, I’ll go take a bath, read a little, and then usually the pieces just fall into place. I swear, I could take over the world with the ideas I get in the bathroom. LOL.
Best tip that you can give to any aspiring Indie Authors out there.
Keep writing and never, ever give up on your dreams. No matter what someone says to discourage you, if you want this enough, you’ll get there. It’s hard work, sometimes sacrificing, tears, ranting to critique partners, but when the magic works and you end up with a finished book, there’s no other feeling in the world like it. The second piece to go along with that would be: be you. You are the brand, not your swag, a publicist you hire, etc. Readers are going to want to get to know YOU, and for that to happen you have to be genuine.
About Molli





Molli is a Southern author who doesn't consider her day complete if she hasn't written. She loves coffee and talking fast, things she attributes to being raised by Gilmore Girls. She's a romantic at heart, and brings that to her books, which are usually about quirky characters chasing after their happily ever after. Although content when reading, she can often be found watching and flailing over Doctor Who, cuddling her various pets, or spending time with friends, family, or her girlfriend. Molli loves Oxford commas, country music, Stefan Salvatore, and scarves.

If you need to reach her for any reason - especially if you want to talk books, or theorize about Doctor Who, you can send her an email or tweet her.

Molli's Books


Two hearts, one life-changing summer, and a long-awaited second chance...

When Quinnlan Reynolds left home at 18, she escaped her small, Georgia town and her suffocating upbringing. She started a new life as a ballerina, and tasted freedom for the first time. But four years later, her first visit home turns tragic. Reeling, Quinn tries to piece her life back together again. But doing so is easier said than done when sexy Jonah Walker saunters back into her life. 

Quinn shattered Jonah’s heart once, so getting involved with her isn’t something he’s sure he’s ready to do again. He became someone he didn’t recognize when he left home. He’s spent the last years burying his pain by keeping everyone in his life at arm’s length. Now he needs to get to know his family again, and finally become who he wants to be. 

But neither Quinn or Jonah can stay away from each other, especially when old feelings resurface. Something is pulling them back together, and they can’t deny their chemistry for long. One Georgia summer could change both their lives forever, if they can work through their past to have a future together. 

* This book is considered New Adult due to age range and subject matter. The sequel, AS WE FALL TOGETHER will be published in 2015, and will feature Jonah and Quinn*

Find it/Buy it:
|Kobo | iBooks




She needs a fill-in boyfriend. He needs a favor. It’s the perfect, no-strings arrangement until they both realize it’s too real…

Sophie-Claire Wright’s life is like a bad country song on repeat. She keeps running into her cheating ex, her songwriting career isn't taking off, and her roommate just kicked her out of their apartment. With nothing to lose, she decides to do the one thing she said she’d never do: she moves back home. She left her small Southern town with big dreams, but now she’s going home with empty pockets.

Life moves at a slower pace in Sophie’s blink-and-you’ll-miss-it hometown, but her well-meaning, matchmaking mama doesn't have a slow gear. Sophie invents a boyfriend to hold off her mother’s efforts, but she’s out of luck when her mom wants to meet him. Sophie panics until she runs into Jake Cooper. Her high school crush (and former best friend) is back in town, too, and when he asks her for a favor, she agrees...on one condition. He says he’ll be her fill-in boyfriend, so it should be simple: re-introduce him to her family and then “break up” with him after a few weeks.

Sophie is sure she’ll be able to resist Jake this time. Sure, she was in love with him years ago, but that was then. This is now, no matter how great he looks, or how she feels around him. But she didn't bargain for moments that feel all too genuine. Dates that don’t seem fake. Kisses that leave her shaken and wanting more. Sweet moments where she forgets they aren't really dating. And she didn't count on old feelings resurfacing and complicating their arrangement—which is starting to feel less like acting and more like the real deal.

Soon, Sophie can’t tell which kisses are real or fake, but she knows she’s in deep...and she thinks Jake is, too. When she gets a chance to go back to Nashville and chase her dreams again, she has a choice to make: stay or go? Continue hoping that the life she wants is one song away, or finally write her own song?

Find it/Buy it:

 Goodreads Twitter Blog Instagram Facebook Image Map

Tuesday, April 28, 2015

Rook by Sharon Cameron (Guest Post + Giveaway)


I am thrilled to be a stop on the book tour for Rook by Sharon Cameron hosted by Rockstar Book Tours! Today, I have an guest post for your reading pleasure, but be sure to check out the tour schedule below, or click the banner above, to read reviews and more!
Don't forget to enter the giveaway!

Title: Rook
Author: Sharon Cameron
Series: Standalone
Release Date: April 28, 2015
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Genre: Young Adult, Science Fiction, Romance, Dystopia
Find it: Goodreads | Amazon Barnes & Noble
History has a way of repeating itself. In the Sunken City that was once Paris, all who oppose the new revolution are being put to the blade. Except for those who disappear from their prison cells, a red-tipped rook feather left in their place. Is the mysterious Red Rook a savior of the innocent or a criminal?

Meanwhile, across the sea in the Commonwealth, Sophia Bellamy’s arranged marriage to the wealthy René Hasard is the last chance to save her family from ruin. But when the search for the Red Rook comes straight to her doorstep, Sophia discovers that her fiancé is not all he seems. Which is only fair, because neither is she.

As the Red Rook grows bolder and the stakes grow higher, Sophia and René find themselves locked in a tantalizing game of cat and mouse.

Guest Post

A Day in the Life of Writing ROOK

So for many reasons that were mostly my fault, Rook had a very short deadline. Like, a really short deadline. So EVERY hour of EVERY day of my ENTIRE LIFE for about five months was all about writing Rook. A routine like this comes with one or two drawbacks.

Writing Life Casualty #1:
Grown-up responsibilities


Writing Life Casualty #2:
Friends (My writer friends didn’t even bother to dial. They knew…)

Writing Life Casualty #3:
Personal Hygiene (sorry, family)


Writing Life Casualty #4:
Basic Needs (sorry yet again, family)

And last but not least,

Writing Life Casualty #5: 
Sunshine

But let’s not dwell! Let’s discuss the amazing advantages that come with being holed up in a writing cave:

Amazing Writer’s Life Deal #1: 
Cause I have to “work.”

Amazing Writer’s Life Deal #2:
It’s creativity in a bag! And a “work” expense.

Amazing Writer’s Life Deal #3:
Google image searches are now also “work.”
Why, hello there, Renè.

Amazing Writer’s Life Deal #4:
Cats increase your word count.
Okay, so that’s not me or my cat. I have no personal pictorial evidence of this phenomenon (see Life Casualty #3) but trust me, it’s a THING.

And the perk to beat all perks:

Amazing Writer’s Life Deal #5:
Getting paid to daydream.

And of course, when you’re done, you end up with this:
Which is the most awesome deal of all.


Book Trailer


About the Author

Sharon Cameron was awarded the 2009 Sue Alexander Most Promising New Work Award by the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators for her debut novel, The Dark Unwinding. When not writing Sharon can be found thumbing dusty tomes, shooting her longbow, or indulging in her lifelong search for secret passages. She lives with her family in Nashville, Tennessee.


Giveaway

Cheaters Never Prosper // US Only

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Schedule

4/20/2015- Xpresso Reads- Interview
4/21/2015- The Starry-Eyed Revue- Review
4/22/2015- The Eater of Books!- Guest Post
4/23/2015- Mundie Moms- Review
4/24/2015- Two Chicks on Books- Guest Post

***

4/27/2015- Fiktshun- Review
4/28/2015- Bookish- Guest Post
4/29/2015- Bumbles and Fairy-Tales- Review
4/30/2015- Chapter by Chapter- Interview
5/1/2015- Winterhaven Books- Review


Monday, April 27, 2015

Worth the FIght by Beth Maria {Indie Author Month:Book Review & GIveaway}


http://evie-bookish.blogspot.com/2015/04/welcome-to-indie-girl-april.html



Worth The Fight by Beth Maria
Goodreads | Amazon

E-book 264 pages
Published January 2015

My whole life as I knew it changed when I was just seventeen years old.
The night that I caught him killing a person and showing no sign of remorse.
He promised me that he would never turn into this person, he would help me get out, then we would move far away to start over. He promised me that he would never hurt me, but he did.

My world shattered. I was plunged into the dark pits of hell with no end in sight. I just had to keep going on, living in the motions.

Until four years later when we are forced to be in each other’s lives again. Can we move forward from our past and leave behind the fact that he deceived me, or will it all be too hard to forgive and forget, especially when secrets are revealed that could threaten to ruin everything.

All I know is that I always have, and always will be in love with Phoenix James.




It really is unbelievable how different he is from four years ago when we swore that we would never bow down to our families, that we would go our own way, make our own choices--the right choices. Now look at him. He's in here, doing business with my father, reminding me that he is a million miles away from the guy I knew four years ago. The day that he signed his death wish. 
Look, I know you've come here to warn me not to fight, but I'm still going to do it. This is what I do, Em. This is who I am. I'm a fighter, and that is never going to change. That little boy who you used to know? He's gone, and in his place is a monster who has been dealt a shitty hard life. Just save your breath and go home.  
I'm not asking you to tell me your deepest, darkest secrets. I"m not asking you to tell me everything Em. All I ask is that you try to confide in me. Let me be your light by helping you shed some of that darkness that follows you around. 


This story......Just wow!! It starts out with a bang, quite literally and takes off on an emotional roller coaster from there. Every time I think about Phoenix (the male protagonist) in this story, I get feverish and butterflies. Phoenix is ALL male. He is the epitome of the alpha male. Tough. Roughed. Smooth. Sexy. He is also a typical guy in the fact that he is frustrating, raw, mean, and domineering at times.

Emilia (known as Em) appears strong on the outside but hides so much anger and sadness in her eyes. Em is determined to stay away from Phoenix since he betrayed her four years earlier. She thought he was the only one she could trust, turns out he was the absolute LAST one she could trust. Her heart just doesn't seem to be cooperating with her though. As soon as Phoenix enters her life again, Em knows by instinct, she needs to protect her heart. But how long can she stand being near him and not being with him?

Emilia's father is the head of THE organization. He a ruthless, conniving horrible man. Em wonders how she is related to such a tyrant. All she wants is to get out from under her fathers lethal hand and live her life. That small dream depends on Phoenix though, and when Phoenix breaks his promise, Em feels even more alone in the world.

This book is intense in every sense of the word. There are steamy sex scenes, suspenseful story lines, and sweet poetry like scenes that take your breath away. This book has it all but is definitely highly emotional. SO grab your tissues because this book is a MUST for any romance junky!




GIVEAWAY
Beth is giving away three eBook copies of "Worth the Fight"  


a Rafflecopter giveaway
 
About the author:

Hi, I'm Beth Maria.

I have a two year old son and we live in the not so sunny country England.
I love reading, so when I read over 300 books, I decided to give writing a go myself. I had an amazing journey writing 'Alive' and can't wait for you all to read it.
When I'm not looking after my son, you can find me in bed, reading, writing or watching a good film, whether it be action, romance or comedy. I like anything :)


Beth  loves interacting with readers, so go ahead and connect:
 

Sunday, April 26, 2015

Author Interview: Valia Lind

http://evie-bookish.blogspot.com/2015/04/welcome-to-indie-girl-april.html
Click the banner to go to the full schedule for Indie Girl April!


Author Interview 


Hi, Valia! Welcome to Bookish! Thank you so much for dropping by!

I’m so excited to be here!


To kick this off, can you tell us a little bit about your books?


Well, I have four books out now, so I’ll do a quick run down. Falling by Design, my debut YA Contemporary, is about a high school senior struggling to follow her dreams of becoming a fashion designer, while dealing with the return of her very hot, but oh so annoying childhood nemesis. Edge of Falling is a companion novel, focusing on two best friends and their journey on figuring out what exactly do they want out of life. 

Pieces of Revenge is my first YA Thriller and it focuses on a girl who lost her whole family to a corporation that likes to play God. Anastasia, the main character, has a beyond perfect memory and a particular set of skills (very Liam Neeson like). She sets out on a revenge mission, meeting people along the way and discovering for herself why her family was murdered in the first place. Scarred by Vengeance is book two in the YA Thriller trilogy.



You write a few different genres. Do you have one you prefer to write more than others? Or is one easier to write?

It’s kind of funny when I look back over my books because I wrote Pieces of Revenge way before I wrote Falling by Design. I thought that I was better at action like writing versus romance, but now, I have discovered that it just depends on the mood I am in. When I get an idea, like I did with Falling by Design, I couldn’t write another genre until that book was out of my system. But the moment it was, I needed blood and gore of Pieces. I think for me, both of the genre’s balance each other out and make me a better writer because it takes that much more work. I’m always looking to expand on my writing, so we’ll see what other genre’s I’ll have under my belt soon!


Do you have a favorite character from your books? If so, who is it and why?


I feel like this is one of those questions that people would say, “It’s like picking a favorite child.” I’m not a mother so I wouldn’t know, but I’d think that it may feel something like this. :)

I don’t know if I have an absolute favorite character, because I truly enjoy writing each and every single one. But I think if I were to pick one character that stands out to me, it’ll be Anastasia. I’m just as stubborn as she is, so I think I relate to her the most. Then again, I think all of my characters have pieces of me in them. Logan is also a big favorite, because he’s a bad boy but a good guy all rolled into one. And he drives Anastasia crazy and that’s fun to write.



Where do you come up with the ideas for your books?


This is definitely one of those questions that deserve and ‘I don’t know’ answer. Honestly, when I’m slammed with an idea, I don’t even know where it came from. It just takes a hold of my whole body, it seems, and I have to write it out right then and there. 

The only book I can truly rememeber having a starting point with was Pieces. I downloaded a song off itunes free song of the day gig, Clarity by Zedd, before they became popular. And the song just spoke to me. I listened to it at least five times on the way to meet my critique partner for a writing session and when I got there I told her, “I heard this song. Listen to it. I want to write the characters that feel that intensly about each other.” She told me to go for it, and Anastasia and Logan were born. 



Let’s talk specifically about the Titanium series for a moment. The second book, Scarred by Vengeance released recently. What can people expect when picking up this series?

I think the biggest thing they can expect from Titanium is action. The whole series is written almost like a TV show. There’s not much character development in book one, but there’s plenty of hand to hand combat and car chases. I wanted it to be like that because sometimes you need a book that just takes you for a ride. Book two is a little bit more slow paced, and you get to really discover the characters for yourself, but not by much. You want action? This is the series for you.


Because my curiosity about this never fades, I must ask--how do you choose the names of your characters? Is it something you think about for a while, or do you go with gut feelings and just choose names on the spot? Do any of your character names have any special meaning? Have any of the characters’ names changed throughout writing?


Actually, I have a name choosing ceremony where I invite all kinds of sprits to guide me on the journey. No, I’m kidding. No animals were harmed in the naming of any of my characters. But it is a process for me. I cannot start a book until I have named my babies in the way that speaks to me. I like unique names, but I also like names that can be shortened into nicknames. I will browse every possible website or baby naming book until something speaks to me. Sometimes, it takes a while. But once I settle on a name, it sticks. I don’t think I’ve every changed a name once I start writing the characters. 

Anastasia was one name that has a special meaning to me. Born and raised in St. Petersburg, Russia, I grew up hearing the stories of the last Romanov’s. I watched their burial on national television when they finally recovered the bones. My Anastasia has a little of that Russian royalty in her.



And again, because I can’t help but ask--how do you title your books? Do you come up with the titles before or after you’ve written the book? Have any titles ever changed throughout the writing process?

Titles are a spawn of the devil and they hate me. Seriously, I have the hardest time ever finding titles for my books. I think it takes me longer to name something, then it does to write the whole book. I have never had a title come to me before the book is done. It’s like I have to know what the book is before I can name it. I’m so bad at titles, it would be laughable if it wasn’t such a nuisance to me. I have a friend who names all her books before she writes them and I wish I could do that!


What is your writing process like? How long does writing a book usually take?


My writing process has really changed with every book I’ve written. I’m not an outliner, not even when I was writing book two in my trilogy. I write all over the place until I find my voice and then I put it in order and go from there. Before I start, I write out the back of the book summary and that’s the outline that guides my writing. I use notecards in Scrivener and regular paper ones to keep track of my ideas as I go along. I also don’t edit as much when I write. I just need to get it all out of me first. It’s trully a mess, until I go into revisions and figure it all out. 

It usually takes me a good month to month and half to get the first draft out. Sometimes it takes way longer, but I think I’m finally finding a rhythm.



What are you currently working on and what can we expect from you in the future?


I’m actually working on quite a few things right now, because apparently, I like to torture myself. Haha. The project I’m working on at the moment is a NA Mystery. Think Nancy Drew/Veronica Mars kind of a story. I’m crazy excited about it because NA is a new genre for me. 

I also have book three in Titanium series to finish and book three in my Falling companion series. Hoping to have those last two out this summer!



As a reader, do you prefer to read the same genres you write? Or are your reading tastes different? Who are some of you favorite authors? Some of your favorite books?


Your questions are so hard, Jessica! You keep asking me to pick favorites. 

In terms of my reading habits, I’ve been trying to read a variety of genre’s every month. I’ll pick five books or so, raging from adult to young adult to non fiction, and try to get through as many as I can. Sometimes, it’s hard when I’m on a deadline, but I’ve learned that I absolutely cannot stop reading. I try not too read too much in the exact genre I’m writing, but around it. For example, I’m writing a NA Mystery, so I’m reading a lot of adult thrillers in any sub-genre that interests me. When I’m writing YA Contemporaries, I try to read chik lit, historical romance, mystery romance, you get the idea. I need to learn how to craft my books, but I also don’t want to unintentionally write something down that isn’t mine. It’s a process. Haha. 

As for favorites, ah! Where to even begin? I’ve read so many fantastic books already this year. The Martian by Andy Weir, The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins, Falling Kingdoms by Morgan Rhodes. I’m obsessed with the Others series by Anne Bishop. Should I keep going? Because I’ve got lots more recommendations!



And before we have to go, can you tell us something random about yourself? Also, that favorite character you mentioned--something random about them, too?


Hmm, something random about myself.... I like to play board games, I’m trying to collect snow globes from every place I visit, and I can’t fall asleep at night unless I have Criminal Minds on in the background. 

As for Anastasia, she has a serious secret love colorful high heels. You won’t find this out till book three, but she’s obsessed. It’s very girly and not at all like Anastasia. As for Logan, he’s an amazing cook. There’s a story there, but I’m not sharing. You’ll have to read the book to find out more about those two.



Thank you so, so much for chatting with me, Valia! You’re awesome and we’ll definitely have to bring you back for another visit sometime :)

Thank you so much for having me! I had a ton of fun answering all the questions! You’re the best!



About Valia

Author. Photographer. Artist. Born and raised in St. Petersburg, Russia, Valia Lind always had a love for the written word. She wrote her first full book on the bathroom floor of her dormitory, while procrastinating to study for her college classes. Upon graduation, she has moved her writing to more respectable places, and have found her voice in Young Adult fiction. Falling by Design is her debut young adult novel. You can visit her online at www.valialind.wordpress.com or follow her on twitter, where she spends way too much time, @ValiaLind.
 
About Pieces of Revenge

A weapon. A broken life. A humanity lost.

That is all Anastasia knows, that is all that she is. As an eleven-year-old, she witnessed her family's brutal murder and she's been on the run ever since. She's spent her life training and planning for the day when she can take her revenge.

Kallos Enterprises is a well respected corporation, set on improving the genetic structure of an individual. Or so they say. Anastasia knows, first hand, what kind of monsters lurk behind the pretty walls of those skyscrapers. Armed with combat skills and a beyond perfect memory, she heads to Chicago to uncover the answers to questions that plagued her for years.

After arriving in the city, she meets Logan, a boy from her past who changes all the rules. She doesn't remember him, but he remembers her. His position at Kallos Enterprises is useful, his presence is unnerving, and he makes her question everything she knows about herself to be true. If her perfect memory can't remember Logan, what else about her past is wrong?

Time is running out. Anastasia has nowhere to turn, but to trust the one person who's a memory she should have, but doesn't. With a madman threatening their every step, Anastasia and Logan must uncover the truths behind Kallos experiments and hope that the answers they find won't destroy the world forever.


More of Valia's Books


Scarred by Vengeance (Titanium, #2)  Simplicity

Falling by Design (Falling, #1)  Edge of Falling (Falling #2)

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