"I am ready to meet my maker. Whether my maker is prepared to meet me is another matter."
-Winston Churchill
Showing posts with label Book Giveaways. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Book Giveaways. Show all posts

Monday, May 13, 2013

Chatting with author, AmBear Shellea & #Giveaway - Heavy Metal Heartbeat




Welcome back to Immortality and Beyond AmBear. Now that we’re settled in, let’s chat. Shall we?

BK: How did your writing journey begin?

AS: On a dark and stormy night, :) Just kidding. It started with the idea for The Pedalstem Lillie Series. Chaos Unleashed was my first published works.

BK: Please share with us how your current release came to life...

AS: Heavy Metal Heartbeat is book 2 in the Rock n Roll Paraphantasy Series. The series came to be due to my love of music and need to write a different kind of Vampire/Paranormal Story.

BK: Do you let your characters tell the story, or do you often fight with them on the direction it will take?

AS: Well, I would love to say I stand my ground, But no! My characters have free reign as for the story. I have an idea, but by the end its usually not where I started.

BK: How do you keep your writing different from all the others that write in this particular genre?

AS: That is a very difficult task indeed. I rely heavily on my creativity. I want not only my stories to be different but my Characters too. People will love them, they need to be as individual as you and I. Same character different name is kinda boring.
BK: Which character was your favorite to write for in this story? Why?

AS: Ozzie! He has become quite the Fan Fav too. He is sarcastic, funny and of course swoon worthy hott! He is definitely Alpha male material! As a hunter he is in control and takes no crap! Absolute Bad boy!

BK: Tell us about one scene you had the most fun writing…

AS: The scenes where Ozzie is in the 'In-Between' It is a total mind blow for him and the reader. I do ask ”Are you ready for the madness?” There is a reason for it.

BK: If you were stranded on an island, which character in your books would you most want to be stranded with and why, and what is one thing that would be a must-have?

AS: I would have to say...Sebastian. If I had to compare him to anyone, he is most like Ian Somerhalder with that winning crooked grin that is so damn sexy. The one thing that would be a must have on the island is a Magic wand, that way I could always have what I wanted, food, shelter, water, even if I had to magic it up :) In the world of magic anything is possible!

BK: Now for a little fun, tell us a bit about what your office looks like. Do you need silence to write?

AS: My office, hmm...it is quite a few places: in the living room scattered across the small coffee table, on my desk that sits in the office/spare room, again more paperwork littered about like confetti and in my purse, in the form of a notebook filled with chicken scratch that takes me hours to get through because I cant read my own handwriting.

BK: What do you like to do when you're not writing?

AS: You mean time to myself...What is that? :) Usually I am either Tanning, getting my hair done and getting the latest gossip at the hair salon, or running around with the hubby. We do hate to be indoors so much! Oh, and let's not forget keeping up with Game of Thrones! OMG, I love this show!

BK: What is one thing your readers would be most surprised to learn about you?

AS: I'm not sure...Probably that unlike regular girls I LOVE classic muscle cars and car shows! Holy Sheep, my dream car is a 1969 Shelby GT 500 and my next drool worthy car is a 2013 black on black Dodge Challenger, yes, with a Hemi! For anyone who doesn't speak car~ Its awesome! In Heavy Metal Heartbeat, Ozzie drives one! Fav character-fav Car...coincidence? Most definitely!

BK: What is the craziest thing you’ve ever wanted to write, or have written, even if it never reached public eyes?

AS: I would have to say, a scene that would make 50 shades blush and no it has not reached public eyes! * blushes *


BK: What is one piece of advice you can give to aspiring writers/authors?

AS: Never give up on this dream. It is meant to be hard so you will appreciate all that comes with it. If it were easy, everyone would be famous!

BK: What can we expect from you in the future?

AS: Well, closer to the end of this year, Stars of Fire will be released. It is book 3 in The Pedalstem Lillie Series published by Devine Destinies. There are also many WIP saved on PC at the moment. There is a sassy YA, Social Butterflies, An adventure story, which doesn't have a title yet and a Western Romance, Boots and Boys plus the other books in my current series'. So I plan to be around a good long time bringing to life many more plots and adventures.

BK: Where can readers connect with you?

AS: All over the place~

Twitter; @AmBearShellea
LinkedIn: AmBearShellea

My Websites:

BK: Using your name as an acronym, please describe your book...

Arousingly
AMazing
Becasue
Every
ChAracter
Rocks!



BIO:
Although I have always enjoyed writing, the dream to become a writer came when I read A Midsummer Night’s Dream by William Shakespeare, in the sixth grade. My early works, not published, were in the form of children’s stories I would read to my two daughters. I divide my days between the real world and the ones I’ve created. My life and my characters keep me very busy in my Mid-Western scene, where I live with my husband, and my children (both human and furry).


Synopsis:

Heavy Metal Heartbeat is one wild ride. Its twists, turns and mind games will leave you breathless and borderline crazy.

This rockin' adventure begins with Ozzie, who has awakened from a harsh brush with death. Just as he thought he overcame all the dangers of his supernatural survival, danger strikes with a vengeance. The news of the kidnapping of a loved one ignites his rage, unlocking a family secret and changing who he is forever.

Now he's in a rush to play hero and savior. There's only problem; What happens if the savior becomes a villain?

Ozzie's friends, with the help of his father, put him to the test to see if he can indeed be the hero that saves the day or the hindrance that gets them all killed. While visiting the in-between he is given the knowledge to overcome his situation. All he must do is embrace who he is. Who is that, exactly?

Turns out when you take a human man with an ancient bloodline, add in slash marks from a Wolf, a bite from a Vampire, the pure love from the woman he loves and piss him off, you get a man no one expected!

Bad Ass Hunter or Uncontrollable Vigilante?


Excerpt:

“You have been marked, Son. By what, I do not know.”

He felt his father’s touch on his chest.

“...You are, among us, are a fallen soldier. It is proof that you have been touched by the supernatural and come out the other side…but at what cost? At what cost, my son?”

His father fell back onto the couch and hung his head. Tears fell down his father's face as he wept. Ozzie's heart shattered like glass.
“Father, I am right here. I am alive. I’m not a fallen solider. You felt my heart beat in my chest and blood surge through my veins. I don’t understand. Why are you crying as if I have died?”

His father’s dark brown eyes stared back at him.
“Because you have, Son. This, you here, this is not my son. This is the work of supernatural witches. The tattoo is proof you are dead. It’s just a matter of time before we find out what dead you shall run with.”

For the first time in his life, his father looked at him as if he were something to pity. His chest felt as if knives made of fire and ice plunged into him to the hilt. He stumbled backward, his hand over his heart. His breath wouldn’t pass his lips and tears of anger rimmed his eyes. What used to be his heart lay in pieces somewhere on the floor. He watched his father move from the couch and head for the door. 


Thursday, April 28, 2011

Author Interview & Giveaway - Aleron by Kane




Aleron arose from his slumber and she was gone. Aleron was alone—his heart empty for his maker had deserted him. The only reminder was an ancient book he can’t decipher and Minea’s ever faithful human servant, Eliza.
Minea watched him closely, she knew he would be the one, her new King—Aleron. She made him in secrecy and for decades she has nurtured him in the ways of the Vampire. He must be strong for she knew the time would come for her to leave him. Her beloved Aleron.
Vlad’s temper was growing. How dare Minea disappear for decades? He is the beginning, the father of them all, no Vampire dare to defy him. Those who have tried no longer bare the mark of immortality.
Pandora will not bow down to Minea—for she was made first. Minea will not garner the respect of queen, not from her nor from her personal coven. Pandora knows Minea is hiding something. She has seen for herself. Something Vlad has strictly forbidden.






Today please welcome Kane to Immortality and Beyond.  Kane is the author of Aleron and has taken time out to chat with me today,  and to offer you a chance to win a copy of Aleron in PDF. 


Welcome to the Round Table. May I offer you a beverage before we begin?

Absolutely. Dirty Martini (Filthy). Do you mind if a very special guest joins us tonight?
He needs no introduction. Simply call him Aleron and he’s not thirsty....for a beverage.


For you Kane.

For you Aleron...Our special select.....wine.  Welcome and enjoy.

Thank you.

Thank you so much for taking time to chat with me today. It's so nice to have you both at the Round Table.

BK: Please tell us a bit about yourself....
Kane: I would have to say I am an infant compared to the information unearthed by my new friend. I now understand that my years in corporate America, my degree in mathematics and psychology mean very little to life. I thought I was living; however I was wrong.

BK: What inspired you to pen this novel?
Kane: Getting to know my new friend and learning of his travels and experiences have left me awe struck. I live now to share this information with all who will listen. Besides, would you tell a vampire no?
BK:  I see your point.

BK: How do you keep your writing different from all the other novels in this genre?
Kane: Simple, I’m a good listener. People want to here fantastical stories that are believable. I also listened to the unspoken we they speak.

BK: Who is your favorite character and why?
Kane: My favorite character would have to be Aleron himself. He was taken from humanity and forced into darkness where he thrived and adapted to a life of death eternal. And though he is tormented by the longings of his heart, he continues to persevere.

BK: Which character would you most invite to dinner?
Kane: I must say Raya. She’s my kinda girl, so to speak.

BK: Any advice for new aspiring authors?
Kane: Never stop writing and look everywhere for inspiration.

BK: Where can readers find you? (Facebook, twitter, website, blog, etc.)
Kane: FaceBook: Aleron Kane, Twitter: Aleron11, www.aleron.co, Author’s Den

    BK:  What inspired your book to be a series? More tales to tell.
Kane: The life and struggles of immortal beings are monumental and need to be told.

    BK:  How difficult is it to write a series?
Kane: Simply takes more time and more character development.

    BK:  What is your favorite part about writing?
Kane: Writing allows me to withdraw from what is normal and typical of life’s rat race. I can tell fantastical tales from the perspective of a narrator with little twist and turns that I add.

    BK:  Do you have a favorite book in the series?
Kane:  Nope.

    BK:  Who is your favorite character? Which one would you most likely invite to dinner?
Kane:  I would invite Sinaa. Nuff said!

    BK:  Are you finding yourself running into any challenges while writing this series?
Kane:  Keeping it to only five books.

    BK:  Where do you draw your inspiration from?
Kane: The world of the undead has been an interest of mine for many years. Only now it is all I think about.

     BK:  How did you come up with the title for your series?

Kane: Strigoi embodies them. They are the undead, thus Strigoi.

BK. What do you like to read when you're not writing?
Kane: Greek Mythology

BK. Do you have a favorite author/book?
Kane: Anne Rice’s Memnock the Devil

BK. What is one thing your readers would be most surprised to know about you?
Kane: I only sleep between 10am-Noon

BK. What do you like to do for fun?
Kane: Wouldn’t you like to know. Lets just say carnal dancing.

BK. What is your favorite food and restaurant?
Kane: I enjoy a medium rare rib eye from Kevin Rathbun’s

      BK:  Do you have any special announcements or events you would like to share with readers today?
Kane: Stay plugged into aleron.co for updates on The Nephilim Project.


BK. Can you tell us about any projects you are currently working on?
Kane: I am writing the screen play for Aleron. I am also writing the Strigoi Series Book 2 along with another book entitled Nephilim.

BK. Where can readers find you?
Kane: They only have to look over their shoulder’s and I will be there.
Links: GOTO www.aleron.co/ for purchase info and reviews.

FUN FACTS

BK: Fantasy or Horror?
Kane: Both

BK: Day or Night?
Kane: Night

BK: Favorite Drink?
Kane: Dirty Martini (Extra Dirty)

BK: Favorite Movie?
Kane: Silence of the Lambs



BK: What is a must have to write?
Kane: Vivid imagination, determination and discipline. In addition to plenty of your favorite cocktail.

BK: If you could possess a supernatural power, what would it be and why?
Kane: Immortality. Infinite life.

BK: Favorite Book?
Kane: Memnock the Devil by Anne Rice.

BK: Favorite Author?
Kane: Anne Rice




BK: Favorite Song?
Kane: Slept So Long

BK: Favorite Saying?
Kane: “If love is, then blood is.”- Aleron

BK: Sometimes while reading a book we visualize a certain actor/actress playing the part. If your book were being made into a movie, which actor or actresses do you see playing the part(s)?
Kane: Mynea - Aishwara Rai; Pandora - Angelina Jolie; Eliza - Charlize Theron; Raya- Riyanna; Sinaa - Natalie Portman; Vlad - Christian Bale; Aleron - Himself



BK: What is one thing your readers would be most surprised to know about you?
Kane: I sleep 2 hours a day. Only during the day.

BK: What is the craziest thing you've ever done?
Kane: If I tell I will go directly to jail. I won’t pass Go and I won’t collect $200!

BK: If someone could describe you in one word, what would it be?
Kane: Smartass!

Thank you so much for being at the Round Table today. It's been such a pleasure chatting with you and I wish you much success in the future.

Giveaways:

If you would like to win a copy of Aleron for your very own, simply leave a comment with your email and answer this question - Would you like to live on the dark side?

Extra Entry and must be left in separate comment so it gets its own number:

Visit Kane & Aleron's Website and tell me one thing you loved about it.
Friend Aleron Kane on Facebook
Follow on Twitter

It has been such a pleasure having you both at the Round Table today (not making eye contact with Aleron,  looking directly at Kane).  I cannot wait to read all about Aleron and I wish you both much success in the future.

Until next time,








You can view the full schedule for Aleron's Book Tour by Visiting the VBT Cafe' Blog.  There will also be more chances to win this awesome title.

Thursday, April 21, 2011

5 FR Review for Hungry For You - BTDF Round 4


We're getting down to the final matches with the Blog Tour de Force Cage Match Edition.  We've seen some great rounds thus far and I am happy to announce today's Cage Match - Zombies VS The British!  Can you even take the Undead Out of the running?????

Ding or Dead?
Who will you vote for?

Don't forget for every comment you leave on the authors blogs you will gain an entry to win a Kindle,  along with some great books and gift baskets,  so check it out then GO GO GO!

Paperback Woman by Suzanne Adair

She expected the redcoats to solve her father's murder. The redcoats and her father had other plans.

In early June 1780, the village of Alton, Georgia, is rocked by the triple murder of the town printer and one of his associates, both outspoken patriots, and a Spanish assassin. Alton's redcoats are in no hurry to seek justice for the murdered men. The printer and his buddies have stirred up trouble for the garrison. But the printer's widowed daughter, Sophie Barton, wants justice for her father. Under suspicion from the redcoats, Sophie sets out on a harrowing journey to find the truth about her father -- a journey that plunges her into a hornet's nest of terror, treachery, and international espionage.




Hungry For You by A.M. Harte

“There is no greater drug than relationships; there is no sweeter death than love.”

Love is horrible. It’s ruthless, messy, mind-altering, and raw. It takes no prisoners. It chews you up and spits you out and leaves you for dead. Love is, you could say, very much like a zombie.

In this haunting short story collection, anything is possible—a dying musician turns to tea for inspiration; a police sergeant struggles with a very unusual victim; a young wife is trapped in a house hiding unimaginable evil....

With "Hungry For You", A.M. Harte explores the disturbing and delightful in an anthology that unearths the thin boundary between love and death.



My Review of Hungry For You:

I've got two words for you - Zombies.  Phenomenal.  This was a collection of short stories of...well you guessed it...Zombies!  I never knew they could be portrayed in so many ways.  It was magnificent!  From needing to feed by having sex,  to epidemics and tea addictions,  the transformations were incredible.  I truly enjoyed this read,  which is a very fast paced read by the way.  You will find yourself so enthralled and finished before you know it.

Harte did such a great job with this title I just can't say enough.  It was such a pleasant turn from the normal paranormal/fantasy that it gave me goose bumps.  I even loved the first story so much I think it could be made into a whole novel in itself.  I loved it!  Not only can you get a copy of this book today for FREE by simply hopping over to A.M.'s blog and leaving her a comment,  but if you miss out it's only $1.99 for Kindle.  So now you can truly feed the hunger.  Go get yourself some Zombie Love Man!


Don't forget you will gain an entry for a Kindle for every comment you leave not to mention win a book from the author.  Visit Blog Tour de Force and sign up for their newsletter to stay updated and get 5 entries.  You read that right,  FIVE ENTRIES.

Who will you vote for today?  I'd love to know - so leave me a comment.  Let's talk Zombies VS The British.

Thanks for stopping in and it would be greatly appreciated if you could help me by sharing this post and tweeting about today's cage match.  MUAH!
     

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

BLB Ebook Tours - At The Round Table with Toni LoTempio, Review & Giveaway

Today I'm
Author - Toni LoTempio


Toni please enjoy your  Zesty Zombie.


Welcome to the Round Table and thank you so much for taking time to chat with me today.  Today we are doing some fun facts with Toni,  and I also had the pleasure of reviewing her book,  No Rest for the Wicca.  Toni has been kind enough to offer 2 of our readers their choice of Ebook for either No Rest for the Wicca or My Superhero Sister.  Contest rules are below and will end March 13.

Fun Facts:

BK: Fantasy or Horror? – HORROR, definitely!

BK: Day or Night? – Day – I’m an earlybird.

BK: Favorite Drink? – Kahlua and club but I’ve gotta tell ya, I’m lovin’ this Zesty Zombie!

BK: Favorite Movie? – I’m a classic person – GONE WITH THE WIND – for telemovie, it’d have to be THE THORN BIRDS.


BK: What is a must have to write? _ Music! I can’t write unless something’s playing in the background!

BK: If you could possess a supernatural power, what would it be and why? – I think I’d like the ability to read minds – I'm always into the how and why of how people think!

BK: Favorite Book? – Gosh, I have so many. Pick just one? That’s hard. Maybe THE THORN BIRDS.

BK: Favorite Author? – once again, there are so many. I guess I’d take James Patterson.

BK: Favorite Song? – anything by Michael Buble or KALIFORNIA GURLS by KatyPerry.

BK: Favorite Saying? – from Star Trek: Never give up, Never surrender.

BK: What is one thing your readers would be most surprised to know about you? – I can twist the fingers of my hand into a pretzel shape.

BK: What is the craziest thing you've ever done? – skinny dipped in the hotel pool when I was on my honeymoon.

BK: What do you hope readers will most take away from your writing? – I hope that they take away a sense of enjoyment, and that they can, for a brief time, lose themselves in story and forget their everyday troubles.

BK: If someone could describe you in one word, what would it be? – IMPATIENT.

BK: Where can readers find you? I’m on FACEBOOK, and my website: tonilotempioauthor.webs.com – and also at my cat’s blog *(yes, my cat’s blog!) catsbooksmorecats.blogspot.com


Thank you so much for being at the Round Table today. It's been such a pleasure chatting with you and I wish you much success in the future.

My Review of No Rest for the Wicca:

No Rest for the Wicca was,  in one word...Amazing.  I absolutely loved this book.  

Morgan Hawkes is a Paranormal Investigator.  Being half Wiccan,  she possesses certain powers that allow her to help spirits move on that are caught in between worlds.  

When she is summoned to take on a case with the Special Forces Unit,  memories of the past haunt her and she isn't sure this case is for her.  That is until the voices of the dead witches speak to her,  telling her she is the only one that can help them.  Someone is killing full blooded witches and it is up to Morgan,  and her new,  gorgeous,  Inheritor Vampire Partner,  Cole St. John,  to find them,  should she agree to take on the case. 

After her cousin is attacked,  Morgan takes the case,  facing her biggest fears head on.  What she wasn't planning was the strong attraction to Cole.  As they close in on who is behind these witch murders,  they also close in on feelings never before ventured.

LoTempio did a fantastic job keeping you in suspense,  guessing through the entire book and leaving you with a surprise twist at the end.  This was a title that has a great opening,  the characters are very likeable and easy to connect with,  and the action keeps you turning the pages.  I particularly love Cole,  he has so much patience to deal with Morgan as she can be very stubborn and sassy.  They were a great match and I just loved the chemistry LoTempio developed between them. Research was well done and  I love her Vampire classifications,  an Inheritor being half human.  Brilliant.  Toni LoTempio could be the next Laurell K. Hamilton,  for she carries a similar intensity.  I loved everything about this title.  I highly recommend this book and give it 5/5 Stars!

Giveaway

2 winners will each receive an e-book copy of their choice, either NO REST FOR THE WICCA OR MY SUPERHERO SISTER (Smashwords coupon)
Ends March 13

Mandatory - leave a comment with your email address so I have a way to contact you should you be one of our 2 lucky winners.  It's not necessary to be a follower of this blog,  but it's so greatly appreciated :). 

Optional Extra Entries:(Please leave in a separate comment so it gets a number for the drawing)

  •   Leave a comment on Toni's Blog above
  •   Tweet about this giveaway (Leave link in comment)

  
Thank you for stopping in while I chatted with Toni.  It was so much fun and good luck in the giveaway.  I will announce the winner Monday,  March 14 using Random.org.

Until next time,

Thursday, February 24, 2011

PNR4Wolves - Authors with a Cause


So I got this email today from one of my favorite bloggers and author,  EJ Stevens.  As I read this email and clicked on the link to visit her new blog,  I was blown away.  Wolves have always been a love of our family and I was more than happy to help EJ in this wonderful cause.  It's such a wonderful concept and wolves need our help across the board.  So with that said,  I want to encourage all of you to stop into PNR4Wolves and follow the blog,  assist in any way you can,  and if you're an author,  simply join the giveaway with one or more of your books as a prize. 

Here's an excerpt from PNR4Wolves:

PNR4Wolves is a fun way to win prizes including paranormal romance books, ebooks, and bookmarks.  To enter, fill out this form to let us know that you have contributed to the rescue and preservation of wolves.  This may be in the form of volunteering with your local wildlife refuge or nature conservancy, joining a letter writing campaign, donating to wolf rescue organizations or wolf sanctuaries, and/or adopting a wolf.

There are many organizations that are in need of help.  PNR4Wolves is not affiliated with any individual charity or organization.  If you choose to make a monetary donation, please research the organization carefully.  I have made donations to the HSUS and WWF for many years with no difficulties, but I cannot vouch for the authenticity or reliability of any agency or website.

So I hope you will help me spread the word,  hop over and follow the blog,  and learn about the wolves and all we can do to support this great cause.  Please re-blog about this,  tweet this,  share on facebook and any other social network you belong to.  It is greatly appreciated.

Until next time,

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