by April | Feb 28, 2018 | Author Interviews
This will be my first author interview on this blog, and I am pleased to share a very lovely debut author with you today.
If you are interested in having an interview featured on this blog, please send me an email at [email protected].
Dana L. Brown
Dana L. Brown is the very lovely author of her debut novel Lottie Loser. I had the pleasure of reading and reviewing this novel earlier this month and absolutely loved it!
You can see my review of Lottie Loser here!
Lottie Loser has recently been re-published and I recommend it wholeheartedly!
Amazon // Goodreads
Now, please enjoy this interview with Award winning Author Dana L. Brown!
Do you plan your books or let the characters drive the stories?
I planned Lottie Loser but half way through the characters took on a life of their own and truly drove the story. My goal was to write one book, but Charlotte and her friends said “no”, so one book has become a three book series!
Are any of your characters based off real life people?
Not totally. I was a banker so I used that knowledge in my protagonist, Charlotte Luce. I like to say that she is me with upgrades! Also, I loved my grandmother above all people, and even though she was nothing like Gran, she was the force behind the love Lottie received from her gran.
What inspired you to write Lottie Loser? Any real life experiences?
I’ve always enjoyed reading, and go back and forth between genres. About five years ago I had just started reading romances again, and I feel in love with the contemporary story-lines, and decided I wanted to write one myself. On the weekends my husband and I ride bicycles and the idea for Lottie Loser came into my head and grew from there. No real life experiences, just living vicariously through Charlotte.
What do you love best about Charlotte’s character?
I love her strength and the way she cares about the people in her life. She is a champion for good, and there’s just not enough of that in the world today.
Were there parts of the story that went differently than you had originally planned?
Lottie Loser was supposed to be just one book, so even though I had a story, I didn’t have an ending. In life I am a planner, so it’s been a serendipity that my idea for a book became a three book series with the possibility of more AMI books in the future.
Do you have any stories in mind that are just screaming to be written?
I want to write a book about a woman closer to my age, and even though I’m currently working on it, I seem to keep falling back to her youth, instead of writing about her at the age she is today.
Lottie Loser left off at quite the cliff hanger, how did you come up with this?
Honestly, it just came to me. I didn’t really have an ending in mind, so the cliffhanger just seemed like the perfect place to stop!
Is Charlotte going to pick up right where Lottie Loser left off?
Yes, the Prologue to Call Me Charlotte is at the end of Lottie Loser and the story picks up where Lottie ends.
If you were asked to give ONE piece of advice to aspiring authors what would you say to them?
You’re never too old for your dreams to come true. I wanted to write for years, but life always got in the way. One day I told my husband that I wanted to retire from the job I loved so I could write a book, and the rest is history. Don’t ever give up on you!!
Do you have any favorite / go-to authors when you sit down to read?
I love Nora Roberts and Lisa Gardner, and recently I’ve started the Lucas Davenport series by John Sandford. Reoccurring characters really appeal to me and there are a lot of books in this series! I do need to give tribute to Liliana Hart because it was her Addison Holmes series that convinced me that I needed to write. While it has a mystery theme to it, it’s the romantic tension that I love, and I continue to read her books whenever one comes out.
Well, That’s all the questions I have for you today! Thank you so VERY much for allowing me to host this interview with you!
Sneak Peek – Call Me Charlotte, Chapter 1
Noah seemed unable to move so Charlotte put her arms around him and asked the question that was turning her stomach inside out. “He’s okay though, right Noah? Nick’s going to be okay?”
Noah stepped out of his trance, squeezed her hand tight, and stepped back. “I don’t know, Lottie,” he said hoarsely. “Nick’s boss called Pop and said he was sending a Sheriff’s Deputy to pick him up because he needs to get there fast. I’ve got to get home before the deputy get’s there.” He started for the door and then looked back at her. “Well aren’t you coming?”
About the Author
A long-time banker, Dana L. Brown retired from a job she loved as a Vice President and Retail Market Leader with First Merchants Bank, to pursue her goal of writing. She attended Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana, and is a graduate of the American Bankers Association School of Bank Marketing and Management, where she earned the distinction of Certified Financial Marketing Professional.
The mother of three daughters she lives with her husband in Indiana, but loves traveling to the laid-back lifestyle of the beaches in Florida. Lottie Loser is her debut novel and won a National Award from the Florida Author and Publishers 2017 Presidential Awards. Book II in the AMI (Anna Maria Island) Series is set to release in May of this year.
You can connect with Dana:
Website
Facebook
Twitter
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by April | Feb 27, 2018 | Book Reviews
Four Letter Word 
by J. Daniels
Published by Grand Central Publishing on October 4th 2016
Genres: Romance, Erotica, Romantic Comedy, New Adult
Pages: 416
Buy on Amazon//Barnes & Noble
Goodreads
"Love! That's the four letter word to describe how I felt about this unique, sexy story. J. Daniels' hottest book to date."---Penelope Ward, New York Times bestselling author
Fate. Hate. Love. Lies. Which four letter word will change their lives forever? Sydney Paige was never so mortified to hear the words "wrong number" in her life. She meant to tell off the guy who broke her best friend's heart, but unleashed her anger on a perfect stranger instead. And now her world is turned upside down by the captivating man who wants to keep her on the line. Brian Savage is living a life he's quickly come to hate-until Sydney's wild rant has him hooked and hungry for more. Soon the sexy woman on the phone becomes the lover in his bed. But Brian has secrets, and the closer he lets Syd get, the harder it is to shield her from the devastating mistakes of his past . . .
Review of Four Letter Word
Four Letter Word is the first novel in the Dirty Deeds series by New York Times bestselling author J. Daniels. The story follows Sydney Paige, a young woman who has recently separated from her husband after years of being in a loveless marriage, and Brian Savage a young man who both co-owns a surfing shop and is involved in adult filming (though for reasons that totally broke my heart). Sydney moves in with her best friend after leaving her husband and is confronted with her friend’s own heartache. This results in a phone call to the completely wrong person- thank goodness! I swear fate stepped in here and directed her to Brian- who was completely flabbergasted and amused by Sydney’s surprise tirade (it was the wrong number, after all). Naturally, this sparked Brian’s interest in Sydney and they decided to carry on a relationship over the phone before finally meeting in person-
And did the sparks fly or what?!
Four Letter Word was brimming with sizzling passion, heartbreaking turmoil, and laugh-out-loud moments!
There were times I laughed, times I cried, and times I needed to turn my fan on blast despite the sub-zero temps outside- it was just that hot! I adored Brian- I mean, do guys like that really exist? He made one fatal mistake and it made him humble- the things he was willing to do to make up for this mistake…and everything he does for Sydney! Ah! It’s just too much. Sydney- here’s a young woman that some women may be able to relate to. I love that she’s not perfect. I love that she’s not certain of every moment of her life, but she’s willing to take chances and learn from her own mistakes. And her relationship with her best friend? I adored it! It reminded me of my own best friend and how close we are.
Despite some of the heavy content (you’ll understand when you read it), J. Daniels was still able to make the story one you could read over and over. The chemistry between the characters was spot on, and it provided the HEA I was hoping for. And that first meeting between them on the beach…uh…yeah. I highly suggest getting a fan for your room when reading that particular part. Sigh.
Four stars for Four Letter Word!!
by April | Feb 27, 2018 | Tips
The Book Hangover Cure To Get You Through
We’ve all been through that horrible book hangover a time or two. If you’re like me, you’re hungover all the time. I might be almost 30 years old, but I can still pull an all-nighter- by now, I’m pretty used to the sensation of gritty, burning eyes. But that’s what happens when you’re addicted to something- all you can think about is that one thing that keeps you going- even when it’s two in the morning and you know you need to get up in three hours for work.
There are some books that just take complete control of your mind, your life– and suddenly, getting through the next chapter becomes your sole purpose for living. You just must know what happens next. While this is not always a terrible thing, the feeling after you finish the book leaves something to be desired- you feel just plain awful. You suddenly don’t know how to cope with the world. I know. I’ve been there. Multiple times. Which is why I’ve had plenty of opportunities to cultivate my skills in curing-or managing-those ghastly hangovers…
Here are some helpful tips to get you through your next book hangover:
• Bookaholics Anonymous
Connect with a friend, your book club, family member, or co-worker who not only understands what you’re going through but is also patient enough to listen to you prattle on about how much that story blew your mind. Sometimes, just talking about the story with someone helps get you through the seemingly endless void lodged in your stomach after turning that last, and final, page.
I just started a little Book Club on Facebook, You should join up and share your hangover!
• Write a review
Writing a review on a novel not only allows for the opportunity to write about your feelings, but also helps to give you a little closure. Some books wrecked me mentally and emotionally and writing about how I feel helped to organize my thoughts. A bonus to reviewing the novel- you could engage in conversation with others who may be experiencing the same feelings you felt after finishing the book.
See my list of Book Reviews here!
• Genre Jumping
Sometimes, changing up the genres helps to process the experiences from the book you just read. If I read a YA novel that completely turns my world topsy turvy, I like to jump to another genre- such as romance- that offsets what I just experienced.
• Peruse online book recommendations
Thankfully, there are many sites that offer helpful suggestions for books to read if you enjoyed a similar novel. For example, I recently finished reading Firstlife by Gena Showalter- for those that enjoyed this series, I highly suggest they read the Divergent series by Veronica Roth, as the concepts are somewhat similar. Not to mention, these series are incredibly addictive! Also Check out one of my favorite book bloggers, In Love and Words, for her book hangover remedies for The Hating Game by Sally Thorne.
See my Top YA Fiction Series for some ideas!
• Convince someone you know to read the book
I will admit, there are times I like to live vicariously through others. Sometimes, just seeing other people get sucked helplessly into the novel in the same manner I did helps to get me through the “hangover”. Once they finish it, we can help each other process the feels…usually with a couple pints of Ben and Jerry’s and a glass of wine.
I hope these suggestions answered your “how to get over a book hangover” question! Sometimes you may need to engage a few of these tips to get yourself through the worst of book hangovers. Just remember…you’re not alone. Your fellow bookworms are your tribe. We know book hangovers. They’re inevitable. The struggle is real. Please feel free to share some of your own personal hangover tips in the comments below!
by April | Feb 26, 2018 | Cover Reveals
Breachers
By Anthony Thomas
Fiery Seas Publishing
Science Fiction
September 18, 2018
Jason Conners is the last person you’d expect to run into a burning building, unless of course there was something inside worth stealing. Call him what you want: criminal, thief, asshole, but hero? Absolutely not. Jason’s questionable behavior and disturbing antics can only be attributed to one secret.
He can change the future, but with great power comes great responsibility? Hell no. His ability makes him the best thief in the city, and nothing is off-limits. Until Jason’s carefree attitude gains the attention of the Rogues, and the government.
The Rogues want him to stop catastrophic events from taking place, and the government has their own agenda. When the hunt begins, Jason is caught in the crosshairs and learns that breaching is not as limitless as he thought.
Can this anti-hero give up a life of easy money and become the savior the Rogues need, or will it cost him everything—even his immortality?
About the Author:
Anthony Thomas settled in the city of sin, though part of him will always remain in the small farming town in Northern California. When he’s not hunched over a keyboard, Anthony enjoys spending time with his wife, daughter and two dogs.
Social Media:
Website
Twitter
by April | Feb 19, 2018 | Book Recommendations
‘I have a confession to make.
I’ve had countless relationships with men. Some that I remember fondly, others that are merely a vague recollection of sigh-worthy moments, and some whose names are forever imprinted on my mind and heart in a list.
These past beaus are neither one alike. In fact, some do not even exist in the same century. Others come from differing backgrounds, such as piracy, the mafia, and dukedoms. Others are not entirely human. For example, I’ve dated a brooding werewolf or two, a mysterious vampire or four, a sea king, a god, demons, angels, and sometimes a mix of one or two of these.
I have another confession to make. (Based on my husband’s reply)
These relationships occurred purely in my head and only during the time that I was fortunate enough to be reading about them throughout a fiction series.
Following Are My Personal Swoon-Worthy Book Boyfriends
1.
Lord Alaric Wilde from Wilde in Love by Eloisa James
I recently became acquainted with this delightful, adventurous lord and was instantly smitten. Alaric is charming, is as wary of 18th century British attire as I am, and has a thing for intelligent women. His keen wit and inability to resist a naughty pun, coupled with his amazing physique make him the perfect beau. You need to check out The Wildes of Lindow Castle series to experience this beau. It’s really too bad he is fiction.
See my FIVE Stars Review of Wilde in Love here!
Amazon
Goodreads
2.
Roman Merrick from One Night is Never Enough by Anne Mallory
Where to begin? Roman is a personal favorite of mine. In fact, I consider him more of an “on again- off again” fiction boyfriend due to my inability to move on from him. I need to read this novel every other year or so to reacquaint myself to his magnetism. Roman is ruthless, seductive, calculated, and wicked. He tends to leave a reader breathless and tensed with anticipation *sigh*. Roman isn’t in a series so if you read the book in one night, it won’t be enough… See what I did there?
Amazon
Goodreads
3.
Reed Royal from The Royals series by Erin Watt
This serious and athletic young man is the perfect book boyfriend to enjoy (when he’s not plotting your social demise due to his wariness of strangers and their involvement in his family life). Reed is loyal, confident, and passionate. Once this man falls in love you can bet your last girl scout cookie that he’s going to worship the very ground you prance upon. I only wish there were another series that features him.
See my FIVE Stars review of Paper Princess here!
Amazon
Goodreads
4.
Seth from the Titan Series by Jennifer Armentrout
Seth: This godly young man is reckless, seductive, and can charm your panties off with his wicked wit and devil-may-care attitude. Seth is confident, loyal, brave, and volatile. His ability to easily dispense of his enemies and still make it back in time for a little “cuddle” session makes him a steamy, unforgettable book boyfriend to experience throughout the series. *fans self* Is it hot in here or is it just me? This heat ain’t fiction it’s science!
Amazon
Goodreads
5.
Daemon from the Lux series by Jennifer Armentrout
Daemon was my very first alien book boyfriend. I wasn’t aware I had a liking for extra-terrestrial adult men until this mysterious and seductive young man strolled across those pages. Daemon can come off as quiet, intense, and cold- but once you get close to this young man you’ll find that there’s a whole lot of fire that runs through those veins. His desire to keep those loves safe, visual appeal, and mysterious abilities makes him memorable in my opinion *wink*. Trust me, the Lux series is not one you will forget.
Amazon
Goodreads
6.
Jericho Barrons from the Fever series by Karen Marie Moning
Holy intense hotness guys! I had to keep a fan on whenever this man graced the pages of this intense, action-packed series. Barrons is intimidating (mostly in a pleasant way), possesses dry wit, and is 100% ruthless in both love and war. He’s the type of man to invade your dreams and make a home there. If you’re into soft cuddle sessions and sweet endearments, Barrons is not your man. But if you want to be loved completely, passionately, and intensely in novels to a historical proportion, then the alpha male romance series is just for you.
Amazon
Goodreads
7.
Daniel Grigori from the Fallen series by Lauren Kate
Daniel is basically the opposite of Jericho Barrons. While he is strong and devoted, his love is a lot like those sonnets and poems penned by poets like William Shakespeare and Lord Byron. This man will literally love you for all eternity in his fiction world. Literally. You can’t get much more romantic than that. Check out the Fallen series.
Amazon
Goodreads
8.
Lazarus from The Darkest Promise by Gena Showalter
Lazarus, from the Lords of the Underworld series, is everything I like in a book boyfriend- sexy as hell, confident, witty, wicked, loyal, dangerous, and a constant delight to read. He’s a fearless leader, a thorough lover, and frightening to just about everyone. Lazarus’s wicked and relentless personality make him a perfect and sizzling challenge. I’m pretty sure I’m going to have an on again/off again relationship with him.
Amazon
Goodreads
9.
Mason Kade from the Fallen Crest series by Tijan
Mason Kade is not exactly the type of guy you want to bring home to your parents. He has a sharp tongue (which he is also great at using for things other than talking *wink*), a devil-may-care attitude, and completely dominates those around him. He can either be your best friend, or your worst enemy. Trust me. You don’t want to be the latter. Mason was perfect for my “bad boy” phase. The Fallen Crest series is definitely worth a gander.
Amazon
Goodreads
10.
Will from the Infernal Devices series by Cassandra Clare
Will is an intriguing and wickedly handsome young man who hides a lot of his feelings behind his caustic wit and flippant attitude. However, once you get to know Will, you’ll find that he’s immensely loyal and capable of loving someone with all his being. Will is passionate, wicked, and charming- and perhaps brave and bold to a fault. He’s another favorite of mine and one I find truly hard to forget. The Infernal Devices series will be sure to make you want more of Will and wish it weren’t fiction..
Amazon
Goodreads
Most Honorable Book Boyfriend*
Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy from Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
In the memorable words of the man himself, he has “bewitched me body and soul” *sigh* I don’t care if he’s historical fiction!
Well, there they are! My most memorable historical BBF list. It’s too bad they live in the fiction world. I may add on to this list in the future as I encounter more and more beaus every week. What did you think? Who are your most memorable BBFs? Reply down in the comments below! Don’t forget to check out the ones from my list, I am willing to share!
