Tuesday, June 30, 2015

*Platypire's Read-A-Thon* June Results

Image Courtesy of Platypire Maribel

X - Read
R - Currently Reading
+ - To Be Read

X - The Balance Project by Susie Orman Schnall
See my review here.

X - House of Harwood by Olivia Batker Pritzker
See my review here.

X - Elwyndyn by Raven Williams
See my review here.

X - The Enchanted April by Elizabeth von Arnim
See my review here.

X - Eight Hundred Grapes by Laura Dave
See my review here.

X - Kennedy in Denver by R. Colora
See my review here.

X - The King's Wife books 1 & 2 by Alexandrea Weis
Proofreading jobs, no reviews available at this time. 

X - Enchanted August by Brenda Bowen
See my review here.

X - Anal Space Slaves from the Void by Virginia de Sade
See my review here.

X - Taken by the Tetris Blocks by Leonard Delaney
See my review here.

X - The Maze Runner by James Dashner
See my review here.

R - The Rewriting of America's History by Catherine Millard
R - Sector 64: Ambush by Dean M. Cole
R - Sweetwater (The Kihn #1) By Rivi Jacks
R - The Voyage by Tammie Painter
R - Circling the Sun by Paula McClain
R - The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd
R - Worthy by Catherine Ryan Hyde

+ - Far From Home by V. Stolte
+ - &Now Awards 3 by Various Authors
+ - Shadows of the Unseen by Christine Steendam
+ - Affliction by S.L. Dearing
+ - Bloodlines by S.L. Dearing
+ - Drawing Heat by S.L. Dearing
+ - Dr. Sleep by Stephen King
+ - PrairyErth by William Least Heat-Moon
+ - Carus and Mitch by Tim Major
+ - House of Holes by Nicholson Baker
+ - Christmas in Paradise by Kathi Daley
+ - Pieces by Maria Kostaki
+ - Summer Secrets by Jane Green
+ - Forgiveness by Chiquis Rivera
+ - The Summer After You & Me by Jennifer Salvato Doktorski
+ - The Prophets of Eternal Fjord by Kim Leine
+ - Making Pretty by Corey Ann Haydy
+ - The Underwriting by Michelle Miller
+ - The Biology of Luck by Jacob M. Appel
+ - Omega City by Diana Peterfreund
+ - American Warlord by Johnny Dwyer
+ - When the Moon is Low by Nadia Hashimi
+ Bell Weather by Dennis Mahoney
+ - Deadly Design by Debra Dockter
+ - Unprocessed by Megan Kimble
+ - The Watchmaker of Filigree Street
+ - The Sparks by Kyle Prue
+ - Take by Silvia Ami

So I managed to read 12 books this month (which seems to be my average), but only moved three books off of my TBR list, although it would have been more if not for three proofreading jobs coming in at the last minute this month. I think next month my goal will simply be to get 13 or more books read, just to break my trend. - Katie 

*Book Movie Match-up* The Maze Runner by James Dashner


Genre: Dystopia
Published: January 1, 2009
Pages: 384
Ages: 14+
Movie Released: September 19, 2014

Synopsis

If you ain’t scared, you ain’t human.

When Thomas wakes up in the lift, the only thing he can remember is his name. He’s surrounded by strangers—boys whose memories are also gone.

Nice to meet ya, shank. Welcome to the Glade.

Outside the towering stone walls that surround the Glade is a limitless, ever-changing maze. It’s the only way out—and no one’s ever made it through alive.

Everything is going to change.

Then a girl arrives. The first girl ever. And the message she delivers is terrifying.

Remember. Survive. Run.


Review

I received a copy of this book as a Secret Santa Christmas present. I read it now because my husband has been wanting to watch the movie for months and I kept telling him I had to read the book first. Also, I needed a book for this months book movie match-up and this was handy.

To start off, dystopia is one of my favorite sub-genres of literature. There's so many different ways for the almost end of the world to be portrayed that it basically never gets old. Beyond that, even though the characters in most of the books I've read in this sub-genre are teenagers, it's not hard to imagine myself acting the same way, although in reality I'd probably be even worse off because I'm older and less adaptable. I think that's really what's at the heart of this story too. They used children because they are naturally better able to adapt to new circumstances.

The kids in the glad have adopted their own language, which is really basically just a way for James Dashner to allow them to curse without having them cursing by today's standards. It makes sense though, because a group of teenage boys living together like these boys do and not cursing would be completely unbelievable. It was also pretty clear what the new words were replacing most of the time, although I still have no idea what "shank" equates to.

I was annoyed in the beginning by the boys reluctance to answer questions. Their method for bringing "green beans" up to speed with life in the glade just doesn't make much sense. It's almost like an every man for himself mentality, but once you get used to the way things work, then you're part of the community. I just think it would have been more efficient for them to just answer the questions.

Overall I give this book 4 out of 5 stars because it kept me interested, even though it annoyed me, and I already really want to read the next book. I would definitely recommend it for fans of books like The Hunger Games. 

Buy the Book



Movie Review

This movie got off to a quick start in the details changing department and it didn't slow down. In fact, about halfway through the movie, they pretty much just started changing everything. I gave up on taking notes on what was different at that point because I would have spent way more time writing than watching. If you like your movies to stay mostly true to the book they're based off of, this is not the book movie combination for you. You will spend almost the entire movie saying, "That's not how it happened," or "That's not right."

However, if you either don't read the book or can pretend that the movie isn't based on the book, it's a pretty entertaining movie. The action starts fast and the intensity doesn't wane until the very end. The maze in the movie was even more ominous and terrifying for me than what I had imagined while reading and everything in general progressed very quickly (and while that's a change from the book, it's necessary for the movie to fit in the allocated time, really.)

There are many more things I'd love to talk about, but that would just lead to a complete rundown of everything that is different between the two, which would lead to spoilers, so it's just time for me to wrap this up. As an adaptation, the movie gets a D because it was just so different, but on it's own merit, I'd rate it 4 out of 5 stars. - Katie 

Buy the Movie


About the Author

James is the author of THE MAZE RUNNER trilogy and THE 13TH REALITY series. He also published a series (beginning with A DOOR IN THE WOODS) with a small publisher several years ago. He lives and writes in the Rocky Mountains.

Sunday, June 28, 2015

*Summer Blog Hop and Giveaway* Z-Plan: Blood on the Sand by Mikhail Lerma

Summer Blog Hop

 Title: Z-Plan: Blood on the Sand
Author: Mikhail Lerma
Genre: Horror Fiction
Published: July 23, 2014
Pages: 204
Ages: 14+ (Just a guess)

Synopsis: Cale was sent to Iraq with the usual thoughts any Soldier going to war might have; being lonely away from his family, not wanting to take another human's life, and above all, the fear of never returning home. Although well trained, nothing could have prepared him for the horror he was about to face. 

Cale never thought the thing that could keep him from ever seeing his wife and daughter again would be a zombie apocalypse. As he and a handful of fellow Soldiers escape their base after a massive zombie attack, becoming deserters in order to survive, he begins the long and unexpected journey home through the harsh terrain of the desert; a barren landscape now swarming with not only undead cannibals, but also the enemy he was originally sent to fight. 

The newly formed group plans to travel west, find a boat and maybe, with a bit of luck, make it back to America. Cale is tested beyond his imagination and brought to the brink of insanity as he loses friends while fighting the flesh eating masses. He risks his life for weeks, focused on holding his wife and daughter in his arms again. It seems all hope is lost when he finds himself alone and adrift at sea ... but is hope really lost? 

Inspired by my experiences as a U.S. Army Soldier in Iraq, BLOOD ON THE SAND delves into the idea of not just surviving a zombie apocalypse but making the seemingly impossible trek home. It is the first book in the Z PLAN series.

Book Links

Excerpt

He laid on the old beat up mattress on the floor, staring at the spot on the ceiling. It was dark brown, water maybe, or maybe even an old blood stain. The curtains hanging in the window began to rustle. The breeze brought in the putrid smell of the crowds of undead wandering the streets outside, their moans never ceasing. 

About the Author

Biography
Mikhail Lerma was raised in the rural town of Holdrege Nebraska. His strong interest in horror and science fiction began at a young age, starting with late night zombie movies and Star Trek. He finished his high school years by joining the army when he was only 17.

He is a 10 year U.S. Army veteran. While deployed to Iraq in 2007 he spent missions in a turret as gunner, and began writing in his free time. Storytelling has become a passion of his, and he looks forward to writing more science fiction in the future.

He currently lives in Iowa with his wife and three daughters. Balancing his roles between husband, father, writer, and full time steel mill worker.








*Review* Taken by the Tetris Blocks by Leonard Delaney


Genre: Erotica
Published: December 13, 2014
Pages: 17
Ages: 18+

Synopsis

When blocks started falling from the sky, Christie Aackerlund welcomed the excitement. Now she’s having a bad day at work, and looking for some fun and games. Luckily, she runs into some large Russian blocks that are more than happy to score. Soon, she’ll be the one falling … in lust.

Taken by the Tetris Blocks is a 4000 word short story featuring sexual situations involving blocks. It’s for super mature audiences only.


Review

This is one of those books that leaves most people, myself included, astounded that anyone would even think to write that story. I went into it expecting to encounter utter ridiculousness, and I was let down. 

The book starts out with the idea that there are Tetris block shaped alien life forms somewhere in the galaxy (or in some galaxy) and they come to Earth, which is a bit absurd, but no more absurd than the idea that there is an alien species made out of metal, rubber, etc and brought to life by a cube called the All Spark, that can transform from a human-ish shape into cars or electronics, and Transformers have been quite popular during two separate times in my lifetime alone. And really, that is the most ridiculous part of this story. Once you accept that premise, it becomes pretty standard sci-fi erotica.

I don't really want to go into too many more details though because that would basically involve rehashing the entire story (it is a short story after all), but I will say that I thought the sex scene was hot. I was surprisingly and oddly aroused by it. It wasn't ridiculous or awkward.

Overall I give this story 5 out of 5 stars because it was well written and surprised me. My only complaint is that I would have liked it to have been longer, but I have to rate the story for what it is, not for what I want it to be. If you like erotica that is a little bit out there, this story is definitely for you. - Katie 

Buy the Book


About the Author

Fully ignoring the lame advice to "write what you know," Leonard Delaney uses a vivid imagination to overcome limited life experience. His unique blend of erotica, fantasy, and science fiction explores the lighter side of massacring good taste. His debut novella, Sex Boat, is two parts parody, one part satire, with a sprinkle of sea monsters.

See http://www.forestcitypulp.com for more information about Leonard, or email him at ldelaney@forestcitypulp.com

Friday, June 26, 2015

*Read This Review Roundup #40*

Need Another bookcasePhoto courtesy of Felita @Lilac Reviews
Welcome to Read This, a collection of book reviews and giveaways that were posted in the past week or so from around the web. This is a collection of book reviews & contests from real reviewers. If you want to be included in the next edition start with the guidelines, then use the submission form.
Want to read more reviews? Check out Read This for a list of the latest reviews and stellar reviewers. You can also follow on twitter for the latest round ups. Read This is now accepting photo submissions for each edition.

CONTESTS


NON FICTION


FICTION

-WOMEN’S FICTION

-HISTORICAL FICTION


MIDDLE GRADE


YOUNG ADULT

-THRILLER

-HISTORICAL FICTION


ROMANCE


EROTICA


SCIENCE FICTION


MYSTERY


300x200readthis

*Review* Anal Space Slaves From the Void by Virginia de Sade


Genre: Science Fiction Erotica
Published: March 15, 2015
Pages: 40
Ages: 18+

Synopsis

This is the tale of Anal Space Slaves from the Void, where one finds space sex slave-girls, intergalactic buggery, and humanoid incest set in a futuristic galaxy of pleasure sabers, scrambikes, and zero-gravity sexual pursuits. Meet the imperial King Zemanshãh of the Paresii Empire and eternal raping of young slave-girls. Meet the sex slave-girl slut Grenade and read about her taking it in the bunghole by her brother and space pageboys. Meet Emperor Zaphine of the Triangulum Galaxy and hear the tale of his ribald wanderings. Meet the libertine Hâles from the Void and learn about its endless pursuit of blowing semen on his next of kin. Lust knows no dimensional bounds in this wildly hypnotic tale of erotic science fiction.

Review

I received a copy of this book through the Goodreads First Reads giveaway program in the hopes that I would leave an honest review.

I did something with this book that I've never done with a book before. While I was reading, I shared quotes that really stood out to me on a post on my Facebook page, and I really think for this review that I need to share those quotes with you and my thoughts on the matter. But first, I need to point out that this book is published by a company whose headquarters are in Leoti, Kansis (Yeah, they misspelled the state, and since I'm from Kansas, I'm pretty familiar with it's spelling.) This book had far more spelling and grammar errors than I expect to find in a book this size, and yet in this case, they almost added to the appeal. 

The book got off to a rousing good start when "King Zemanshah wondered to himself why after raping over half of the humanoid women of his empire had he not had any children." This was at location 17 in the story. Can we just stop for a second to appreciate the fact that this king is aware that his actions constitute rape. 

When a trader arrives at his palace with a space slave girl, it doesn't take long for the king to take what he wants. "The King leant over and began to lick at the space slave-girl's titties." That is pure poetry right there. Then, even though the king is taking liberties with his slave "The space merchant undid the King's pants. A turgid, ribald cock flopped out. The merchant stroked the royal penis." Talk about a man who knows how to make a sale. Think about it. If the next time you went to buy a car, the salesman did this for you, you'd probably buy the car in a heartbeat right? 

The book also has some very vivid descriptions like "King Zemanshah could no longer hold back his royal orgasm. The King blew a load or ardent, sticky semen into the space slave-girl's maw. Some yellowish cock-juice dribbled down her pink chin and fell to the floor." Who can't see the cock-juice dribbling onto the floor here? Then there's this, "His erection went from hard to harder to space crystal-rock hard." I'm guessing his erection is basically as hard as a diamond, and what girl doesn't love diamonds? 

So far we've got poetry, a masterful salesman, and uber-vivid descriptions. But what really seals the deal for this book is the way the characters talk. "'Whence does such a whorish treat as this hail?' questioned the King." and "Though it is true that our dark lust-space magic is the most powerful in the Triangulum Galaxy, even we wish to spread open our legs and our butt cheeks to astronauts from without our realm." are just two examples of the linguistics of these characters. 

As erotica, this book gets an F. As science fiction, this book also gets an F. As comedy, this book is pure space crystal-rock (diamonds, remember). So overall I give it 3 out of 5 stars because it was entertaining, but not in the way it was intended to be entertaining. It didn't really provide much story at all, just a lot of really awkward and taboo sex. But it was fun for me to read. - Katie 

To see the other quotes I shared but didn't include in the review go here.

Buy the Book


About the Author

Virginia de Sade is the pen name I use. My poor husband would have a heart attack if he knew I was writing erotica in my free time. This is a secret hobby, something I save for myself when not teaching, or reading, or taking care of our two spoiled children and one fat, fluffy cat. I live in the Midwest and am an associate professor in classical and comparative literature. But I also love science fiction. And I absolutely adore erotic fiction. My style is an odd blending of all three. I take old tales and stories from across the world and project them forward into a sci-fi filled future of dystopic erotica. I call this series "Erotic Sci-Fi Tales of Yore." Plenty of smut, but also a story: that is my formula. Enjoy!

Thursday, June 25, 2015

*Beyond the Books* I Collect These

There are so many things to go on this list, but most of my collections are in boxes at my parents house because they weren't worth moving to Germany (and in some cases I was worried I wouldn't be allowed to take them back home.) So after I wrote that introduction, I started to think about the things I have collected while here in Germany, and found a fair few things to photograph that I also use occasionally.

First and foremost, I collect books. There are two other bookshelves full of books not pictured here, but it's not possible for me to get a single picture of the entire room. I have books in piles and bags on the floor that I've recently bought at the thrift store and still need to put up on my shelves. I have stacks of books that sit on my windowsill in the office and on the floor next to my desk. I have a closet full of children's books in the hallway outside of their rooms (I think it's supposed to be a linen closet, but I needed it more for the books.) This collection should surprise no one.
One of the things my husband and I have started collecting while living here in Germany is beer steins. Most of these steins were won at a 4th of July carnival on base. My husband is obsessed with the game that is sort of like beer pong, except you have to bounce the ping pong ball off the counter in front of you and into one of the displayed steins, and if you do, you win it. It's certainly better than winning a goldfish that's going to die in a week.
 Another thing I started collecting in Germany is wine glasses. When we first moved here, we owned two champagne flutes that my cousin gave us on our marriage day, that was it. I now have a massive collection of assorted wine glasses that I've collected at various wine festivals where I pay a 2 euro pfand, which is basically just a security deposit, when I buy a glass of wine, and then I keep the glass rather than returning it to get my 2 euro back. This is also a good way for me to know how many glasses of wine I consumed at any particular festival.
 Then I have a shot glass collection (and this picture doesn't show all of them because I have my more recent shot glasses in the cabinet with my wine glasses). These are just most of the shot glasses I bought before I was even 21 and old enough to buy alcohol. I got the blue one on the left my junior year of high school at band camp (held at Bethany College in Kansas). The one next to it came from my senior class trip to South Padre Island, Texas. Basically shot glasses are the things I buy to commemorate places I've been.
 This is a small portion of my character shaped cake pan collection. When I was growing up my mother always made my siblings and me character cakes for our birthdays (my favorite was 3-D Garfield), and I really wanted to do the same for my kids, so when I see any shaped cake pan at the thrift store or on an online yard sale group, I buy it so my kids can have a wide selection of shapes to choose from (and I'm not spending a fortune on the pans).
 Another item I collect here in Germany are gluhwein mugs. Gluhwein is a spiced wine served warm at the Christmas markets (or Weihnachtsmarkts). Like the wine glasses, when you buy a mug of gluhwein, you pay a pfand, usually only 1 or 1.5 euro for the mugs, and then you can keep the mug if you wish. Our first Christmas here, we even used these as part of our Christmas presents for all of our family back home (I had to drink a LOT of gluhwein that year.)
 We also have a collection of old Disney movies on VHS (we're currently looking to buy a VHS to DVD converter so we can burn them all to discs and get rid of this collection). We bought all of these at our local thrift store for 25 cents a piece (or less sometimes if we caught a sale).

There are other things I've realized that I collect here that I didn't photograph, like bottle tops, German take-out menus (which I plan to use for accents while scrapbooking in the future), cardboard coasters from restaurants, and postcards (which I collect for reasons similar to my shot glasses). Some of the things I have collected and stored at my parents house are jars of dirt from different places (because it's easy to ask someone to bring you back a present when it's not going to cost them anything). My favorite dirt present story is from my cousin (the same one that bought my champagne flutes). She got me dirt from a Las Vegas construction site while drunk with her mom at 2 in the afternoon, and she's pretty sure they only just barely escaped getting arrested for trespassing to get the dirt. I also have a keychain collection that I left at my parents house, along with old keys to vehicles I've owned in the past and then junked because I drove them to death.

So what do you collect? - Katie

Wednesday, June 24, 2015

*Author Spotlight* Fabiola Francisco

Fabiola Francisco


Title: Perfectly Imperfect
Genre: Romance
Published: June 3rd, 2014
Pages: 175

Synopsis

Mia is a strong, successful woman rising in her career. She has her best friend, Steph, by her side, and a taste for party and men. She also carries the burden of her past on her shoulders. 

That is until she meets Grayson, and he throws her off balance, causing her to feel emotions she's hidden under the surface for a very long time. 

Will she be able to finally open her heart to someone and blossom, or will her past continue to haunt her and keep her sheltered under the murky waters of those memories?

Buy the Book




Title: Restoring Us
Genre: Romance
Published: January 11, 2015
Pages: 343

Synopsis

Two Years.

It’s been two long years since Ava packed everything and left the life she once knew far behind her seeking a new adventure. All, except for her broken heart. 

Once upon a time Ava and Ethan were in love. Their relationship was perfect, and they both planned a future together, filled with promise and hope. It wasn’t until an unwelcomed event storms into their lives, tearing their plans and dreams away; leaving Ethan broken and Ava unable to recover. 

Two years later, fate crosses their paths once again but the shadow of their haunted past lingers. Ava has slowly rebuilt her life, finally finding some normalcy in it. On the other hand, Ethan has sorted to releasing his guilt and remorse in questionable ways, but his thoughts never strayed from the memories of Ava. 

Will they get a second chance to rewrite their story, or will the pain and rejection be too much for Ava to bear and furthermore forgive?

Buy the Book


Title: Resisting You
Genre: Romance
Published: March 8, 2015
Pages: 119

Synopsis

Aiden is Chicago’s most desired bachelor. Women either want to tame him, or get lost in his touch. He’s a man who has it all: great job, money, and women. 

When he meets Stacy, the one woman who doesn’t surrender to his inescapable appeal, he is faced with a challenge he can’t resist, an exhilarating chase he is determined to win. 

The chase becomes a seduction neither of them can withhold. Will it last or are some habits too difficult to break?

Buy the Book


Title: Sweet on Wilde
Genre: Romance
Published: June 7, 2015
Pages: 283

Synopsis


Cheesy pick up lines.
Inappropriate messages.
Disaster dates.

I don’t want to be "Savannah, profile 8713," but a pinky promise is a promise you keep. What I wasn’t counting on was meeting a guy at the local bar. 

So what happens when you decide to open yourself up to new opportunities? You might just cross paths with someone who makes you believe in love. Parker Wilde brought out the best in me and understood the worst, but when an amazing opportunity presents itself and our lives take different directions, is being sweet on Wilde enough for us?

Buy the Book

About Fabiola

Fabiola Francisco is an independent Contemporary Romance author from Miami, FL. She has always enjoyed writing and found it a therapeutic way for to express herself when she was young. She began with poetry, and throughout the years went expanding to short narratives until she wrote Perfectly Imperfect, her debut novel.

Her love for books has inspired her to write her own story. She writes stories readers could relate to and grow with. She hopes to continue writing more stories to reach readers individually.

Fabiola also loves expressing herself through art and being out in nature. On her spare time, she loves to cuddle with a good book and a glass of wine.

Connect with Fabiola

Website // Facebook // Twitter // Amazon
Tsu // Goodreads // Instagram: @authorfabiola 

Interview

What inspired you to become an author?
Having a story to tell. That’s really what pushed me to write my first book. You know when you have a voice continuously whispering in your ear and it won’t stop until you listen to it? That’s kind of what happened to me. 
The first idea I ever got to write a book was in 2009 but I had no idea what I was doing or that I could actually get it done. I wrote the scene that was driving me crazy and somewhat plotted the idea. I saved it on my laptop and didn’t open it for years. In 2013 I decided it was time to take a look at it. Reading really helped me get the courage to write my own story. 

I assume all authors also love to read, so what book inspired your love of reading?
I do love to read, but I will confess I didn’t grow up being a bookworm. I really did get inspired once I found the books I truly enjoyed and resonated with me. Some of those are Emily Giffin’s “Something Blue,” “Something Borrowed,” and “Baby Proof.” “The Undomestic Goddess” by Sophie Kinsella also sparked my love of reading. Once I found these books, I found the genre I loved and was swept away in their stories. 

How old were you when you wrote your first story?
The first story I can remember writing was in middle school. That’s the time in my life where writing really became a priority and a way of self-expression that I could rely on. 

Who are some of your favorite authors now?
Oh, this is a hard one! There are so many authors that I love, but a few inspired me to follow the path that I am on by my love for their writing and books. To name a few, KA Linde, SC Stephens, Jessica Sorensen, Erin Noelle and Jamie McGuire. Reading their books just brought out so many emotions and helped me realize how much I love writing myself. I will read anything these authors write. 

Are you a plotter or a pantser?
Definitely a pantser. The most that I do in terms of plotting is jot down a couple of phrases of what I’d like to write in a chapter I’m starting on (specific scenes or interactions) but once I start writing that is all thrown out the window. I let the story and characters take over. I never know how many chapters a book will have until I’ve written “The End.” 

Are your characters based on people you know?
Fantasy always comes from some part of reality, right? My characters aren’t based on people in particular, but there is a piece of me in all of my characters. There is a piece of people I’ve come across in life in my secondary characters, but their individual personalities and quirks are an inspiration for the people I imagine them to be in my books. Friends I’ve had or still have may have helped inspire a character, as well as things I’ve lived may have helped inspire situations, but I always like to have fun with it and go beyond reality. That’s the fun thing about fiction; anything or any type of person is possible for any situation. 

What are some of your writing rituals?
I wish I could say I have more rituals than I do. Since I am a pantser, I just go with it but some of my writing rituals are listening to music, many times “sprinting” with a fellow authors and if the weather is nice, taking my writing outside with a refreshing drink. I don’t have a specific spot I need to sit at in order to write. I just take in how I’m feeling at that moment and sit where it feels right. Lately I have acquired a new ritual, which may not last long once I start up work again, but I’ve been writing late at night when the house is quiet. It’s really proven to work well for me so time will tell. 

How do other books influence your writing?
I have to say that other books have mostly influenced my courage to write the stories I have inside me. Sometimes I doubt if the storyline is too out there, or if certain characters will be liked. By reading other books, I realize that it’s okay, no, necessary, to follow your voice and once you write from the heart like so many authors do, it all works out perfectly. 

How do you get motivated to sit down and write with all the real world interruptions?
I get asked this question so many times from friends and readers. Honestly, writing is my stress release. Some people find quiet time when they run, others when they dance. I find peace when I’m writing, so to find time to sit and write when the real world is knocking on my door is easy. It’s what I do when the real world might get a little overwhelming. I also daydream a lot so I find the time, wherever I am, to write down those notes. I do carry a journal with me to make it easier to write things down if I don’t have the opportunity to sit and write for a long time. Also, my notes app on my phone has become my best friend. 

Which one of your books is your favorite? 
Oh boy, that would be like asking me which of my kids is my favorite. All my books so far  are so different that I love them all, but Sweet on Wilde has really stuck with me. I find myself wanting to reread it and get caught up in Parker and Savannah again. I guess that’s the romantic in me looking for a sweet story. 

If you could have a writing retreat anywhere in the world, where would you want it to be and why?
Anywhere in the world? I love this question. Somewhere in the mountains away from the big city. It’s so peaceful to be in the quiet of nature and I find it so inspiring to allow my voices to be heard without the hustle from the city.  

If your main character were an alcoholic beverage, which beverage would they be and why?
Scotch. Do I really need a why? Ha. Scotch is sophisticated with an edge. It’s a drink that draws attention yet is subtle in its own unique way. It’s a good time without being overly rowdy. I find it the perfect balance of naughty and nice. 

If you could live in a fictional world, which world would you choose and why?
A world where Kellan Kyle and I can live happily ever after. It would be fun to tour with him then retreat to spend some one on one. ;) He’s really my ultimate book boyfriend so any world with him would be ideal. 

What’s the best way to hide a body?
Body? What body? I have no idea what you’re talking about. 

This or That

Coke or Pepsi? Coke
Paperback or e-reader? (I guess she couldn't choose!) 
Facebook or Twitter? Facebook
Peeta or Gale? Peeta
Edward or Jacob? Edward
Money or love? Love
Tattoos or bare? Tattoos
Hairy or smooth? Hairy 
Call or text? Text
Hot or cold? Cold
Harry Potter or Lord of the Rings? Lord of the Rings
Coffee or Tea? Coffee
Halloween or Christmas? Halloween
McDonald’s or Burger King? Burger King
Batman or Spiderman? Spiderman