Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Author Interview- Michele G. Miller


Welcome authorMichele G. Miller

Having grown up in both the cold, quiet town of Topsham, Maine and the steamy, southern hospitality of Mobile, Alabama, Michele is something of a enigma.  She is an avid Yankees fan, loves New England, being outdoors and misses snow.  However she thinks southern boys are hotter, Alabama football is the only REAL football out there and sweet tea is the best thing this side of heaven and her children’s laughter! 

Her family, a doting husband and three awesome  minions, have planted their roots in the middle of Michele’s two childhood homes in Charlotte, North Carolina. 

Never Let You Fall is Michele’s first novel and she is beyond thrilled to have finally followed up on a dream she has held for over 20 years!  God willing there will be many many more books to follow.

Here's what she has to say in an exclusive interview with Review Buzzz



When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer? 

- Back in high school I worked on the yearbook staff and at the time I really thought going into print media would be fun.  I loved learning how create page layouts to send to the printer.  I loved writing quirky puff pieces too.  I actually wrote a student section piece on toothpaste! LOL!  I used all the names to make a cute piece…example: "We AIMed to make our smiles GLEAM each day."  

How long does it take you to write a book?

- I would say ideally it would take 3-4 months.  My goal is to write about 90K in a book and 2k words a day. 

What do you think makes a great story?

- Great characters.  You want readers to love them, hate them, cheer for them and especially understand what motivates them.  If I understand the characters I'm reading I will want to read the story even if I don’t quite like the plot line so much.

What inspired you to write the book(s)? 

- Just a strange creative moment.  I had this little idea pop into my head that I wanted to write about a guardian who protects a girl who is the "key" to something.  That was my original thought.

How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?

- Just Never Let You Fall so far.  I am working on two now and I have a piece of an adult contemp rom done and plan on finishing a NA contemp rom this year.  Choosing one?  That's like picking a favourite kid- I only do that occasionally ;)

What was your favorite part of the book(s)?

- *mild spoiler* I truly enjoyed writing the first kiss scene in NLYF.  That was a fun scene to finally do.

What was the hardest part to write in the book(s)?

- The parts where Xander has to be a jerk because he needs to push Skye away.  That's so against Xander's character to be hateful to her.  So it was hard.

If you could meet any character from your book, go out for a coffee and have a little chat, who would it be and why?

- Oh my goodness that is hard!  Griffin intrigues me.  We know so little about him and he seems a little cocky.  I'd like to get his story.

What is the name of your most recent book and if you had to sum it up in 30 or less words, what would you say?

- I'm writing book 2 right now.  30 words..it's an epic fantasy.  We find Xander on a major quest and Skye gets all warrior princess on us.  It's still a story about love and being brave.

Do you have a favorite place you love to write?

- I have the start of an office in the corner of my kids TV room right now.  We are working on doing some remodelling in our house and I will have my very own office soon.  Hopefully *fingers crossed*

How hard is it to get published?

- Well I self-published because I think it is SUPER hard.  The awesome books and people who I have seen turned down by traditional publishers astounds me.  As far as self-pubbing goes it's one of those things that is really easy to do but hard to do right.  You NEED a professional cover and edit unless you are super super talented and great at grammar.  I would suggest using professionals regardless of how great you might think you are just because I think you need that other person's perspective.

What do your family and friends think about your books?

- So far so good.  The only family member who actually finished my book so far (that I know of) is my mom and she called me to ask when #2 was coming out.  As for friends they have been very sweet in their praise.  I work with a high school youth group and the girls have loved it.

What do you like to do when you are not writing?

- I'm addicted to social media.  I seriously spend so much time chatting on FB and Twitter it's not even funny.  When I can step away from the PC I am usually reading.   Now that summer is here I will spend more time by the pool with my kiddos…but even then I will probably be reading ;)

Is there an Author that you would really like to meet?

- I think I am meeting just about everyone I want to meet this month at UTopYA Con in Nashville! I am stoked!  My favourite gal is Amy Bartol and I get to be on a panel with her!  So um yea…I LOVE my life ;)

Who designed the cover of your book?

- The cover photo is by a photographer in Cali named Nikolai Designs.  I picked found her through Pinterest and fell in love with her stuff.  The Cover design was done by KKeeton Designs.  Kelsea is an amazing photographer, designer and hair and make-up artist!

If your book was made into a TV series or Movie, what actors would you like to see playing your characters?  Feel free to add pictures.

*Let me say I'm picking these people for looks not necessarily for their stellar acting skills!

My muse for Xander is already an actor J  Derek Theler



For Skye - Selena Gomez.  She has that soft small venerable look


Rioden- Van Helsing (Hugh Jackman) LOL He is too old now but he back then he would be my choice.


Selene- I could go with Kate Beckinsale.  She's already done the goth looking, piercing blue eyes look for Underworld. 



Where can your readers stalk you?

Twitter: @chelemybelles
Smashwords: NA

Is your book in Print, ebook or both?
Both

Please also include a pic of yourself if you like. The idea is to make the interview more personal.
- This is my funny collage. 












Books by Author:

Saturday, June 15, 2013

BOOK TOUR 

The Halo Effect by Shauna Allen

Book Name: The halo Effect

Author Name: Shauna Allen

Genre: Paranormal Romance

He’s gotta earn his wings…again.

 Love Detail’s favorite angel has his sights set on his next target: the stoic and mysterious Noble Blackfeather.  And it just may prove to be his toughest case yet.  Noble’s reclusive ways keep his angel at wing’s distance, and love even further.  But he’s not playing a part – he’s truly masking a painful secret and a profoundly wounded heart.

 A cupid’s worst nightmare.

 Noble’s been paired with Braelyn Campbell, the cute single mother next door.  She’s adorable, friendly, fun…everything Noble needs.  This should be a Love Squad slam dunk.  Except she’s making a fresh start in Texas to protect her son from a volatile ex, and she’s not about to risk her heart or her son on another man.  Even if he’s sexy as sin and always coming to her rescue.

 Thank God for possibilities.

 But, reluctantly, they are drawn together – thanks to their cupid’s dogged efforts and a whole lotta chemistry.  Can the girl next door learn to trust again and help heal Noble’s wounded heart? Together, can they save the lost, hurting boy she's raising? Can the angels help it happen before it's too late?

 Thank God for love.

 
 REVIEW QUOTES:

Tattoos, cupids, and bad boys: Shauna Allen delivers one heck of a read.  Fresh, sassy, and witty - she brings a new voice to romance that readers are gonna love!
New York Times Bestselling Author, Christie Craig
 
A charming romance from start to finish. Shauna Allen's fresh, new voice makes Inked by an Angel a must read.
Author of The Trouble with Cowboys and Seduction Under Fire from Harlequin Romantic Suspense, Melissa Cutler
  
An impressive start to a sassy new series. When Shauna Allen writes, “The Angel made me do it,” how could you not read more? This delightful, witty, unpredictable romance is downright heavenly. 
2012 Golden Heart Finalist and author of Powerless Consent
Janet Nash


Author Bio:

Shauna grew up an only child with two open and loving parents in Central Texas.  She’s married to her high school sweetheart and is the mother to three fantastic (no, that’s not a typo!) teenagers. 
When she’s not writing, editing, or acting as a personal assistant to a NYT Bestselling author, Shauna enjoys reading, movies with Gerard Butler, vacays to the beach, and hangin’ with the kiddos–even if they don’t like hangin’ with her!
Shauna would love for you to visit her at her website and blog at: www.shaunaallen.com


Thursday, June 13, 2013

Book Review- Taking Chances by Molly McAdams

Taking Chances by Molly McAdams

Book Name: Taking Chances

Author: Molly McAdams

Genre/Tags: Contemporary Romance

Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks

My Rating:



Her first year away is turning out to be nearly perfect, but one weekend of giving in to heated passion will change everything.

Eighteen-year-old Harper has grown up under the thumb of her career marine father. Ready to live life her own way and to experience things she's only ever heard of from the jarheads in her father's unit, she's on her way to college at San Diego State University.

Thanks to her new roommate, Harper is introduced to a world of parties, gorgeous guys, family, and emotions. She finds herself being torn in two as she quickly falls in love with both her new boyfriend, Brandon, and her roommate's brother, Chase. Despite their dangerous looks and histories, both men adore Harper and would do anything for her, including taking a step back if it would mean she'd be happy.


                                                         My Review                               


The book started off as a cross between Thoughtless and Beautiful Disaster. That's one helluva literary cocktail. I'll take two! But eventually the story completely evolved into something totally unique. I freaking love love triangles.

“I wanted to have dysfunctional relationships and flings but did that happen? Nope. I felt like Elena from the Vampire Diaries. She has two insanely hot men who are in love with her and would do anything for her. One of which, she would give almost everything to be with, and the other she continues to push away, even though she can't ever actually stay away, so she won't have to admit she was in love with him too. At least my guys weren't brothers. Thank God for that.'
--Harpers inner monologue in 
Taking Chances

TAKING CHANCES follows Harper, an eighteen-year old. She's homeschooled, lives with her father (she calls him 'Sir') on the base, and her best friends are a bunch of young Marines. 

She's basically missed out on everything girls her age should've at least done, and decides to go to college at San Diego State University to escape her controlled life. She quickly befriends her roommate, Breanna or Bree,  a kind-hearted promiscuous girl.

Chase. Harper has a hidden crush on Chase; Breanna's brother. Chase is tall blonde with surfer boy hair and piercing blue eyes. He also has a few tattoos. But the guy is a player. Everytime she sees him he is sporting a new chick on his arm lap or wherever else they can hang off him at. He falls for Harper but doesn’t feel he’s good enough for her. He’s every girl’s wet dream. He's got that come hither look about him and every girl wants him. He's a bad boy to say the least and you can't help but find yourself drawn to him and every page his name is on.

Brandon. I am seriously crushing on this guy. He’s the best of the two worlds. Hot, big badass fighter covered in tatts yet a big softy; gentle caring and the best boyfriend in the whole wide world. He had so many wonderful qualities and is most definitely the type of man any woman would be lucky to have. Not only did he have the looks to kill, but he was also selfless and forgiving. A man who never backed down, even when life knocked him to his knees. Unfortunately though, his honesty and faithfulness was taken advantage of in the worst kind of way. I really respected his character.

I felt myself being pulled back and forth between Chase and Brandon, I couldn't decide at first but I decided on Brandon. Don’t get me wrong, I would forever love Chase and I know if he had remained in the story long enough I would had made him my freaking everything. But, if I have to spend a lifetime with someone, I would prefer it to be Brandon.

After introducing Harper to Chase and Brandon , Harper turns into a party-girl and ends up in a love triangle with Chase and her boyfriend Brandon. A night of lustful passion ends up completely turning Harper's life around.

And then we find out that Harper is... Well she is something and I'm just in shock... So now life as we know it, will never be the same!

I’m sure many of you who have read reviews on this book know that there’s a big jaw-dropping scene that will throw you into a frenzy. The twist which is comes around 50% through the book is SHOCKING, Like seriously.. Its like BAM!
It was heart breaking, left me breathless, I thought I read it wrong till I re-read the page again and I was like WHAT??? NO!!! There has to be some error in my book. I won’t give out much, because the suspense is mad. And I have to admit after reading it and suffering through a complete shock, I pushed through and made myself continue on with the rest of the story And I’m definitely glad that I did because I felt like the ending and everything that happened after that incident really helped to get my mind off of the sheer horribleness of what had happened. I’m all about happy endings, and the author definitely did a good job wrapping the story up in the best way possible after what had happened.

Taking Chances is almost like having two books in one. I felt like I was reading a book that was immediately followed by its sequel. I totally loved that, but it did kind of make the ending drag on. Maybe by that point I was just too emotionally exhausted, but I feel it could have been edited and trimmed down just a bit. Not that I am complaining. This book is so worth it and so very amazing.

A total emotional roller coaster, I cried, I laughed, I blushed, I was shocked and I fell in love with two wonderful guys !

Buy this book at:




Wednesday, June 12, 2013

BOOK TOUR Never Let You Fall by Michele G. Miller

BOOK TOUR 

Never Let You Fall by Michele G. Miller



Book Name: Never Let You Fall

Author Name: Michele G. Miller

Genre: Paranormal Romance


Orphaned at 7, with no memory of her past or the family she lost, 17 year old Skye Martin is tired of being alone and afraid. After a hard night of partying, Skye wakes up alone in an unfamiliar hotel. All she can remember is the deep voice of her rescuer and his promise: “I am safe.”

Xander has been tasked with watching Skye from afar for the past two years, in order to keep her safe from the demons that hunt her. An easy job - until a pair of red glowing eyes reveal themselves to Skye, and Xander, in a moment of weakness, is forced to break his cover to protect her.

Never good at trusting people, Skye is inexplicably drawn to Xander and the immediate bond she feels for him. However, Xander is filled with secrets and ties to her past that threaten to thrust Skye into a world she could never imagine existed…

As she begins to unravel the truth about who Xander is and the details surrounding her family, she discovers that she might just be the key to saving everything... 

And, most importantly, she finds that there has always been someone by her side who would never let her fall…

Buy this book at:


http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/never-let-you-fall-michele-g-miller/1115256687?ean=2940016496122&isbn=2940016496122



Author Bio:

Having grown up in both the cold, quiet town of Topsham, Maine and the steamy, southern hospitality of Mobile, Alabama, Michele is something of a enigma.  She is an avid Yankees fan, loves New England, being outdoors and misses snow.  However she thinks southern boys are hotter, Alabama football is the only REAL football out there and sweet tea is the best thing this side of heaven and her children’s laughter! 

Her family, a doting husband and three awesome  minions, have planted their roots in the middle of Michele’s two childhood homes in Charlotte, North Carolina. 

Never Let You Fall is Michele’s first novel and she is beyond thrilled to have finally followed up on a dream she has held for over 20 years!  God willing there will be many many more books to follow.

Enter the GIVEAWAY
a Rafflecopter giveaway



Author Interview:

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer? 

- Back in high school I worked on the yearbook staff and at the time I really thought going into print media would be fun.  I loved learning how create page layouts to send to the printer.  I loved writing quirky puff pieces too.  I actually wrote a student section piece on toothpaste! LOL!  I used all the names to make a cute piece…example: "We AIMed to make our smiles GLEAM each day."  

How long does it take you to write a book?

- I would say ideally it would take 3-4 months.  My goal is to write about 90K in a book and 2k words a day. 

What do you think makes a great story?

- Great characters.  You want readers to love them, hate them, cheer for them and especially understand what motivates them.  If I understand the characters I'm reading I will want to read the story even if I don’t quite like the plot line so much.

What inspired you to write the book(s)? 

- Just a strange creative moment.  I had this little idea pop into my head that I wanted to write about a guardian who protects a girl who is the "key" to something.  That was my original thought.

How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?

- Just Never Let You Fall so far.  I am working on two now and I have a piece of an adult contemp rom done and plan on finishing a NA contemp rom this year.  Choosing one?  That's like picking a favourite kid- I only do that occasionally ;)

What was your favorite part of the book(s)?

- *mild spoiler* I truly enjoyed writing the first kiss scene in NLYF.  That was a fun scene to finally do.

What was the hardest part to write in the book(s)?

- The parts where Xander has to be a jerk because he needs to push Skye away.  That's so against Xander's character to be hateful to her.  So it was hard.

If you could meet any character from your book, go out for a coffee and have a little chat, who would it be and why?

- Oh my goodness that is hard!  Griffin intrigues me.  We know so little about him and he seems a little cocky.  I'd like to get his story.

What is the name of your most recent book and if you had to sum it up in 30 or less words, what would you say?

- I'm writing book 2 right now.  30 words..it's an epic fantasy.  We find Xander on a major quest and Skye gets all warrior princess on us.  It's still a story about love and being brave.

Do you have a favorite place you love to write?

- I have the start of an office in the corner of my kids TV room right now.  We are working on doing some remodelling in our house and I will have my very own office soon.  Hopefully *fingers crossed*

How hard is it to get published?

- Well I self-published because I think it is SUPER hard.  The awesome books and people who I have seen turned down by traditional publishers astounds me.  As far as self-pubbing goes it's one of those things that is really easy to do but hard to do right.  You NEED a professional cover and edit unless you are super super talented and great at grammar.  I would suggest using professionals regardless of how great you might think you are just because I think you need that other person's perspective.

What do your family and friends think about your books?

- So far so good.  The only family member who actually finished my book so far (that I know of) is my mom and she called me to ask when #2 was coming out.  As for friends they have been very sweet in their praise.  I work with a high school youth group and the girls have loved it.

What do you like to do when you are not writing?

- I'm addicted to social media.  I seriously spend so much time chatting on FB and Twitter it's not even funny.  When I can step away from the PC I am usually reading.   Now that summer is here I will spend more time by the pool with my kiddos…but even then I will probably be reading ;)

Is there an Author that you would really like to meet?

- I think I am meeting just about everyone I want to meet this month at UTopYA Con in Nashville! I am stoked!  My favourite gal is Amy Bartol and I get to be on a panel with her!  So um yea…I LOVE my life ;)

Who designed the cover of your book?

- The cover photo is by a photographer in Cali named Nikolai Designs.  I picked found her through Pinterest and fell in love with her stuff.  The Cover design was done by KKeeton Designs.  Kelsea is an amazing photographer, designer and hair and make-up artist!

If your book was made into a TV series or Movie, what actors would you like to see playing your characters?  Feel free to add pictures.

*Let me say I'm picking these people for looks not necessarily for their stellar acting skills!

My muse for Xander is already an actor J  Derek Theler



For Skye - Selena Gomez.  She has that soft small venerable look


Rioden- Van Helsing (Hugh Jackman) LOL He is too old now but he back then he would be my choice.


Selene- I could go with Kate Beckinsale.  She's already done the goth looking, piercing blue eyes look for Underworld. 



Where can your readers stalk you?

Twitter: @chelemybelles
Smashwords: NA

Is your book in Print, ebook or both?
Both

Please also include a pic of yourself if you like. The idea is to make the interview more personal.
- This is my funny collage.