Tuesday, January 12, 2016

Naturally Yours by Adele Downs



Naturally Yours

By: Adele Downs
I won this book from Boroughs Publishing group, at their facebook party-by answering a question with a description to a sexy fireman photo. I answered with a short few sentences, and won. I was tickled, because I have learned that all the writers for Boroughs are pretty amazing!

The character Mickey saved the life of Amanda’s restaurant partners child. Now said restaurant owner wants to do something nice for him. But the problem is that Mickey has one simple rule: no contact after rescue. And she, the Mother of the boy that was rescued, has an organic restaurant and Mickey prefers the meat and potatoes kinds of meals. He also is uncomfortable accepting gratitude. Mickey is simple and shy, he’s someone who is just trying to get a little peace and quiet. And it was when Mickey finally caves to take the woman up on the meal, he meets the cook: Amanda and his whole life changes. You know how that goes, ‘Love at first sight!’ And poof your whole word changes!

The chemistry these two have is amazing. But with Mickey, he has demons. He is a Veteran from the Iraq war, and he still hasn’t gotten over it. However, in order for Mickey and Amanda to live happily ever after he must first be able to move on from his past. The thing is, can he? 

The part that is so upsetting is while Mickey was busy saving the little boy, he was late for a date, (which was not an unusual thing,) and ended up dumped. You see how it is?! Do a good deed for someone, and get knocked down….

This book: “Naturally Yours” just goes to prove to you, that when you think you’re at a stand still, and nothing else matters, you can finally find the answer to all of your prayers. Answers aren’t meant to be searched for, but just found when you aren’t looking. They are just “Naturally yours!”

I give this sweet, romantic book five beautiful stars. It was a wonderful book, and I truly loved every single minute of it. I would recommend this book over and over again. I found it so compelling, and here I was rooting for Mickey and Amanda, and wanting them to work out. When you read something, and find yourself involved in it, so much so that you are rooting for the characters, you know you have found a good book.


My Questions for Adele:


Thank you for inviting me to your blog for an interview, and for reading my veteran-turned-paramedic story NATURALLY YOURS. I’m so glad you enjoyed the book.
1.     What made you write this book? My husband is a Navy veteran who saved the life of a child on a roadside in the 1990’s on his way home from work. At the time, he was a certified CPR instructor. The emergency happened before the days when cell phones and social media recorded such events. His lifesaving effort didn’t make the evening news, as it would have today, but he never expected a thank you or praise. He just did what he could to help a family in crisis, and then came home for dinner that night, like always.

Since the focus of the emergency remained with the child; no personal information, like names or phone numbers, were exchanged, and so he never heard from the family again. Though NATURALLY YOURS is a fictional story, the opening scene is my way of acknowledging my husband for his heroism.

2. How long did it take you to write this book? NATURALLY YOURS is a 25,000 word novella. The first draft took a few weeks to write, and then I took another month to rewrite and polish the story before sending it to my publisher.

3. Who is/are your favorite Author(s)? There are so many favorites! Since I have lots of friends in the romance genre, and don’t want to hurt feelings by failing to mention some of them, I’ll list my favorite thriller writers. Currently, they are Lisa Unger, Linwood Barclay, Lisa Garner and Michael Koryta. I’m sure I’ll discover others.

4. What is your all-time favorite book that you have ever read? Memoirs of A Geisha by Arthur Golden is my favorite book of all time. His writing is lyrical and the story is so convincing it’s almost impossible to believe it wasn’t written by a Japanese woman. The book is a masterpiece.

5. Have you ever met any authors before? Sure! I’ve been a member of Romance Writers of America since 2003 and have met many wonderful authors at local chapter meetings, regional conferences, and national conferences. Some have become friends. We support one another and socialize together.

6. What are your hobbies? When I’m not writing, I’m reading, or watching TV or movies. I especially enjoy thrillers, action-adventure movies, and dramas. During football season, I’m glued to the television on Philadelphia Eagles game days. I love watching football. I like a few other teams, but the Eagles are my home team and have my heart.

7. What are you working on now? I just finished a full-length contemporary romance novel and turned it into my publisher. As soon as I sign the contract I can tell you more about the book. I hope you’ll read my upcoming release and also discover my backlist titles.

8. How long have you been writing? I’ve been writing since I was nine years old, and sold my first story to a regional news magazine at nineteen. For many years I worked as a reporter and newspaper columnist before writing fiction.  My first romance novel was published in 2007, and I wrote several books under another pen name before changing direction and writing sweet but sexy mainstream romances as Adele Downs.
9. Do you have photos or descriptions of Mickey Kendall and Amanda Greer?
Amanda Greer has long, shiny dark hair, full lips and a lush body. She glows with good health. She’s not exactly thin, but has a wholesome appearance. Although she doesn’t realize it, she’s beautiful.
Mickey Kendall has light brown hair and gorgeous blue eyes. He’s strong and muscular, but not overly so. He’s of medium height and medium build.

10. Please provide for us your social links and book links?

Find Adele Downs’ Books on Amazon!
http://www.amazon.com/Adele-Downs/e/B00G1RRS60
Like Adele Downs on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/authoradeledowns
Follow @Adele_Downs on Twitter!  https://twitter.com/Adele_Downs

 About the Author:
Adele Downs is the best-selling, award-winning author of more than 20 romance titles, including those written under another pen name, and a former journalist with hundreds of articles to her credit. When not writing in her home office in rural Pennsylvania, she can be found reading a book on the nearest beach, taking photographs, or riding in her convertible.



Naturally YoursNaturally Yours by Adele Downs
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I won this book from Boroughs Publishing group, at their facebook party-by answering a question with a description to a sexy fireman photo. I answered with a short few sentences, and won. I was tickled, because I have learned that all the writers for Boroughs are pretty amazing!

The character Mickey saved the life of Amanda’s restaurant partners child. Now said restaurant owner wants to do something nice for him. But the problem is that Mickey has one simple rule: no contact after rescue. And she, the Mother of the boy that was rescued, has an organic restaurant and Mickey prefers the meat and potatoes kinds of meals. He also is uncomfortable accepting gratitude. Mickey is simple and shy, he’s someone who is just trying to get a little peace and quiet. And it was when Mickey finally caves to take the woman up on the meal, he meets the cook: Amanda and his whole life changes. You know how that goes, ‘Love at first sight!’ And poof your whole word changes!

The chemistry these two have is amazing. But with Mickey, he has demons. He is a Veteran from the Iraq war, and he still hasn’t gotten over it. However, in order for Mickey and Amanda to live happily ever after he must first be able to move on from his past. The thing is, can he?

The part that is so upsetting is while Mickey was busy saving the little boy, he was late for a date, (which was not an unusual thing,) and ended up dumped. You see how it is?! Do a good deed for someone, and get knocked down….

This book: “Naturally Yours” just goes to prove to you, that when you think you’re at a stand still, and nothing else matters, you can finally find the answer to all of your prayers. Answers aren’t meant to be searched for, but just found when you aren’t looking. They are just “Naturally yours!”

I give this sweet, romantic book five beautiful stars. It was a wonderful book, and I truly loved every single minute of it. I would recommend this book over and over again. I found it so compelling, and here I was rooting for Mickey and Amanda, and wanting them to work out. When you read something, and find yourself involved in it, so much so that you are rooting for the characters, you know you have found a good book.



View all my reviews

Monday, January 11, 2016

Pure Adrenaline by Nikki Prince



Pure Adrenaline


By: Nikki Prince

When I opened this book that I won through “BoroughsPublishing Group” and their Christmas event, I was pretty excited for many reasons. Firstly, I had never heard of Nikki, secondly I had never read a book about two men in a relationship. This would be a great experience, so I truly looked forward to it all around.

The dedication grabbed it right from the start: “For those who believe “Love is Love” and that “Love is colorblind.”” When I read that, I knew Nikki would have a book that would be worthy of my time right here. I also knew that Nikki would be one of those Authors that I would be keeping around. She was a definite keeper. 

Then I continued reading, and hit this part: “I’m tired of this same damn argument!” Instantly I relaxed. Okay, this is a true to life book. Everyone argues, we’re all the same. Why am I thinking this book is going to be any different?

Shortly thereafter that, we read: “I’m not ashamed of you, and I’m not ashamed to be gay!” How often do we hear of ‘gay’ people saying this, but not acting on it. Quite a lot, if I do say so myself. But this was intriguing because these men weren’t ashamed of one another, and they wanted to make it work. And as you read, you’re actually rooting for them. They’re sexy, romantic, and perfect for one another. 

Here I am reading and hoping that Julian and Pierce will be succeed. They are everything you want for one another, and just like every relationship, they keep having their issues, and making mistakes. You want to help, and you just keep reading. The romance is so deep, the love is so real. And your feelings are right there with them. 

I love the fact that once they realize they are meant for one another, Julian and Pierce aren’t afraid to come out and make their life and love known to the world. That is how love should be known, no matter who or what you are. Like Nikki said, “Love is Love.” If you don’t like who someone loves, deal with it. It Isn’t your business!

And from what I was told, as I learned from Nikki, this book, was written, and rewritten several times. I don’t know how it was at first, but it is total perfection right here, right now. I was totally in love with “Pure Adrenaline”. I just was right there, rooting them along, wanting everything to work out, and watching as I read. It is a five star book, strong and sound, sensitive, and represents the LGBT community in every sense of the way. If you haven't read it yet, you truly should.


My Questions for Nikki:


1. You wrote this book for School? What was the grade you received on it "before" you added more pages and perfected this book?  
I got an A on the paper and in the class. :)



2. What is your favorite book that you have ever read (of someone else's?)
My most favorite book (though I have a lot of them) is Gabrielle by Theresa Conway from 1977.




3. What is your favorite book of your own?
I have to say that my most favorite is On Angel's Wings.


4. Who are/is your favorite Author(s)?
Oooh my I have a lot...here are some.  Some oldies from when I was younger are Johanna Lindsay, Theresa Devine, Bertrice Small.  Authors from now are Shyla Colt, Louisa Bacio, Sabrina Sol, Alanna Lucas, Kate Pearce, Delilah Devlin, Sheri Whitefeather...and many more...I love to read.


5. What are your hobbies?
Gaming.  Any kind of games.  I played World of Warcraft for 6 years before I decided I needed to give it up to write and become published.  I play games with my kids...right now we are playing Call of Duty Black Ops 3.   I also love to travel and try new food.



6. What are your future plans?
Future plans after I finish my Masters this year are to get my Teaching Credential and my PhD.  I also plan to continue to write.



7. What was your favorite childhood story?
I loved Willy Wonka.  Absolutely loved the movie and the book as a kid.



8. How long have you been with Boroughs Publishing Group?
I've been with Boroughs almost a year.  I am published with several publishers since 2012.


9. What was your favorite scene is "Pure Adrenaline?"
My favorite scene is when Pierce and Julian go to Julian's office party.  Because this right here shows Pierce that Julian loves him and wants a life with him.



10. Please share with us links to follow you on social media, blogs, etc:
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorNikkiPrince
http://authornikkiprince.com/


11. Anything to add:
Thank you for having me it has been a pleasure.



 *Please note in honor of the LBGT we colored our questions in rainbow coloring.*



Pure AdrenalinePure Adrenaline by Nikki Prince
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

When I opened this book that I won through “BoroughsPublishing Group” and their Christmas event, I was pretty excited for many reasons. Firstly, I had never heard of Nikki, secondly I had never read a book about two men in a relationship. This would be a great experience, so I truly looked forward to it all around.

The dedication grabbed it right from the start: “For those who believe “Love is Love” and that “Love is colorblind.”” When I read that, I knew Nikki would have a book that would be worthy of my time right here. I also knew that Nikki would be one of those Authors that I would be keeping around. She was a definite keeper.

Then I continued reading, and hit this part: “I’m tired of this same damn argument!” Instantly I relaxed. Okay, this is a true to life book. Everyone argues, we’re all the same. Why am I thinking this book is going to be any different?

Shortly thereafter that, we read: “I’m not ashamed of you, and I’m not ashamed to be gay!” How often do we hear of ‘gay’ people saying this, but not acting on it. Quite a lot, if I do say so myself. But this was intriguing because these men weren’t ashamed of one another, and they wanted to make it work. And as you read, you’re actually rooting for them. They’re sexy, romantic, and perfect for one another.

Here I am reading and hoping that Julian and Pierce will be succeed. They are everything you want for one another, and just like every relationship, they keep having their issues, and making mistakes. You want to help, and you just keep reading. The romance is so deep, the love is so real. And your feelings are right there with them.

I love the fact that once they realize they are meant for one another, Julian and Pierce aren’t afraid to come out and make their life and love known to the world. That is how love should be known, no matter who or what you are. Like Nikki said, “Love is Love.” If you don’t like who someone loves, deal with it. It Isn’t your business!

And from what I was told, as I learned from Nikki, this book, was written, and rewritten several times. I don’t know how it was at first, but it is total perfection right here, right now. I was totally in love with “Pure Adrenaline”. I just was right there, rooting them along, wanting everything to work out, and watching as I read. It is a five star book, strong and sound, sensitive, and represents the LGBT community in every sense of the way. If you haven't read it yet, you truly should.



View all my reviews

Thursday, January 7, 2016

A World Apart (Shades Below #1) By: Oliva L.J.K.



A World Apart

(Shades Below #1)
By: Oliva L.J.K

I was introduced to Laura at a facebook party. And it was there that I fell in love with her winning personality. And at that very facebook party, I won this very book. And when I did, I instantly ask her, can I please do an interview and review of her, and she said she would be honored. So here it is!

First, I want to say, I couldn’t put it down. But I have that problem with a lot of books, especially if they are well written, and something along a topic I like. And this was one of them. Paranormal romance, where the world can take you just about anywhere.

Lena Alan is a medium and Jesper Mac Millian is a private detective that Lena ends up dragging into her life where she can feel, see, and sense things from the other side.

Lena knows there is something about to be happening in San Francisco. And she knows she just can’t handle it alone. A recent case has led her to find a missing child named Jimmy, and what better way to find the missing, than with a P.I.

What you end up learning about Jesper is that he has lost his leg and his brother in his past. And the part I like best, though, is that Jes has no problem taking on ghosts. He accepts them with no problems, unlike the rest of the world. Jesper himself, is quite a unique person. 

But the part of this story that really threw me, is the character Mark Durban. He seems to not want Mark and Lena to work together, and even Lena suspects something but can’t quite figure it out. 

The book ends as a cliff hanger, but that is meant to lead you into the upcoming book. 

If you have ever watched the TV Show “The Medium” starring “Patricia Arquette” who plays the starring role as Allison Dubois, you will end up recalling and even missing that show. I end up picturing Lena as Patricia and Jesper as “David Cubitt” who played the ever sexy Lee Scanlon.


I found this book very intriguing, and I enjoyed every little minute of it. It was more than the average paranormal romance, it is also a mystery thriller too. I give this book: “A World Apart (Shades Below #1)” to be a definite five star book. If you haven’t read it yet, it’s a book that will surely keep you on the edge of your seat wanting more!

Here are my questions for Laura:

1. What made you want to write this book in particular?

Hey Deneale, thanks so much for having me on your blog!

A World Apart initially came to be because this tough, lonely, one-legged detective named MacMillian waltzed into my brain one day and introduced himself.  We got to talking, and the more I learned about him, his life, and his hometown of San Francisco, the more I wanted to ride shotgun with him for a while.  Imagine my surprise when a psychic medium named Lena Alan showed up, and I found out the entire city was haunted!

My life.  Go figure.

2. Do you have photos or descriptions of Lena Alan or Jesper MacMillian?

I do indeed!  Before I got serious with my writing, I dabbled in drawing and painting, and visual stimulation (*cough*) is still a huge part of how my brain works.  Below are a couple posters I made up that capture how I see Lena and MacMillian in my head (P.S.- MacMillian's is from Shades Below, #2: The Devil's Disease, out in a couple months):
 



3. How long did it take you to write this book?

The actual writing took about five months, but I sat on it for a couple months after that.  I tell myself it was so I could set up a blog tour, but really, I spent the entire time editing obsessively.

4. What is your favorite book you have ever read? (This includes even from a Child's book!)

Tough question!  My first favorite book was Redwall, by Brian Jacques.  My mom read it to me before I could read on my own, and I still remember it as the book that introduced me to magic.

A couple more recent favorites would be the Fever series by Karen Marie Moning, and the Downside Ghosts series by Stacia Kane.  Jericho Barrons and Terrible are tied for my two favorite book boyfriends of all time.

5. How long have you been writing?

Ever since I realized picking up a pen was an invitation to go on an adventure.  The earliest story I remember finishing and putting out there for people to read was in 2nd grade.  There was a Young Author's contest at my school, and I won a prize.  I've been pretty much addicted ever since.

6. Who are/is your favorite Author(s)?

Currently, it's a tie between Karen Marie Moning and Stacia Kane.  I recently discovered Naomi Novik, though, so my list is getting pretty long...

7. Have you ever met any other writers?

Absolutely!  I was lucky to be able to attend the Indie Romance Convention a few years back, and I met some amazing writers- most of whom I'm still in touch with today.  That's also where I met my fabulous, fearless writing partner/author-wife, Julia Sykes.

If you're reading this, Julia, you complete me.

8. What is your favorite thing about writing books?
 
Honestly?  Sharing them!  It's a lovely feeling to put something out into the world—particularly if it's something I've struggled with, sweated over, bled on, etc.—and see it take on a life and meaning of its own for the people who read it.  At the risk of sounding like a hippie (cut me some slack, I'm from California), it makes me feel like we're all connected, man.

9. What are your hobbies?

When I'm not writing, I spend the majority of my waking hours wrangling my four-year-old son.  That said, I occasionally manage to find time for gardening, hiking, cooking, and eating.  Especially eating.

10. Please provide for us your links to your social accounts and books:
Sure thing!

L.J.K. Oliva Links
Newsletter Signup- http://eepurl.com/xRJuD
                   http://writebitches.com
         
Shades Below Links
A World Apart (Shades Below, #1)
Ptolemy's Tablet (Shades Below Shorts, #1)
Season Of The Witch (Shades Below, #1.5)

11. Anything to add:

Just another huge thank-you for hosting me, and if anyone reading this is considering taking a peek at my Shades Below series, thank you to you as well!  I know your time is valuable, and I appreciate you choosing to spend some of it on me.
Happy New Year!





A World Apart (Shades Below, #1)A World Apart by L.J.K. Oliva
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was introduced to Laura at a facebook party. And it was there that I fell in love with her winning personality. And at that very facebook party, I won this very book. And when I did, I instantly ask her, can I please do an interview and review of her, and she said she would be honored. So here it is!

First, I want to say, I couldn’t put it down. But I have that problem with a lot of books, especially if they are well written, and something along a topic I like. And this was one of them. Paranormal romance, where the world can take you just about anywhere.

Lena Alan is a medium and Jesper Mac Millian is a private detective that Lena ends up dragging into her life where she can feel, see, and sense things from the other side.

Lena knows there is something about to be happening in San Francisco. And she knows she just can’t handle it alone. A recent case has led her to find a missing child named Jimmy, and what better way to find the missing, than with a P.I.

What you end up learning about Jesper is that he has lost his leg and his brother in his past. And the part I like best, though, is that Jes has no problem taking on ghosts. He accepts them with no problems, unlike the rest of the world. Jesper himself, is quite a unique person.

But the part of this story that really threw me, is the character Mark Durban. He seems to not want Mark and Lena to work together, and even Lena suspects something but can’t quite figure it out.

The book ends as a cliff hanger, but that is meant to lead you into the upcoming book.

If you have ever watched the TV Show “The Medium” starring “Patricia Arquette” who plays the starring role as Allison Dubois, you will end up recalling and even missing that show. I end up picturing Lena as Patricia and Jesper as “David Cubitt” who played the ever sexy Lee Scanlon.

I found this book very intriguing, and I enjoyed every little minute of it. It was more than the average paranormal romance, it is also a mystery thriller too. I give this book: “A World Apart (Shades Below #1)” to be a definite five star book. If you haven’t read it yet, it’s a book that will surely keep you on the edge of your seat wanting more!


View all my reviews