Tag: Author Interview

Excerpt, Giveaways, Interviews, Spotlight

Excerpt & Author Interview featuring Sophia Karlson’s Perfect Mistake w/a rafflecopter giveaway! @sophiakarlson #romanticsuspense

Admin

Perfect Mistake

by Sophia Karlson

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

GENRE: Contemporary Romantic Suspense

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

BLURB:

Simone Levin had a dream job as a safari pilot until an unexpected pregnancy clipped her wings. Tired of juggling motherhood with her demanding flight schedule, Simone applies for an office job, unaware that her new boss is Carlo Carlevaro, the man who’d ditched her before finding out he’d knocked her up. Carlo returns to East Africa only to kill another fire—Ivory trafficking from his lodges threatens to destroy his company. Finding Simone back on the payroll comes as a pleasant surprise. As his employee, Simone is off-limits, but she is the only one he trusts to help with his undercover investigation. With time running out, Simone and Carlo strive to expose the trafficking ring, but working together rekindles their mutual desire. When Simone is implicated as a trafficker, revealing her daughter’s existence to Carlo seems inevitable. Acting on her instincts might come too late as the syndicate retaliate and hone in their threat. Will they survive to give their love a chance?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

What group did you hang out with in high school?

I was definitely an odd one out!

What are you passionate about these days?

Crossfit! I’ve heard someone speculate the other day that it’s a cult and just laughed. I’m not throwing tractor tires around yet, and really hope I never will, but it is a great way to get strong and keep fit.

If you had to do your journey to getting published all over again, what would you do differently?

This book-writing-getting-published-business is such a learning curve I can’t see myself doing anything differently.

Ebook or print? And why?

Both, but I’m all for saving trees. Since I lived in far off places where there were neither book stores nor English as a first language, my kindle has become my lifeline. My husband also reads piles of books, and it’s nice not to have them all over the house. We are currently storing his 25 boxes of classic Sci-Fi in the garage because we don’t have enough space in our house for his collection!

What is your favorite scene in this book?

My favorite scene in Perfect Mistake is where Simone tells Carlo about their daughter. It was such an emotional scene to write.

 

Excerpt Three:

She glanced at him but had to look away from the intensity of his eyes, which held her with such dearness that she knew he’d spoken of her. Inwardly she trembled, her murmur of need escalating to an oscillating quake.

“Simone, there’s something you’re not telling me. If you are in trouble, please–”

She extracted her fingers from his, but he cupped her elbow in his hand. She felt like crying, but the only sound that slipped out was a strangled choke as she jerked away from him. “I’m in no trouble, thank you.” Four years too late for that one.

She wanted to laugh but it hurt too much. She had to phone her mom, but it would only be to confirm her suspicions. Her mother had never passed on the message that Carlo had phoned. Her eyes misted over and she had to blink, looking away. “I just wish someone could show me where I’m to sleep tonight.”

With me. He didn’t say the words, but they hung between them, heavy and drenched.

She curled her fingers into her palms, her nails cutting into her skin. Any physical pain that would stop her from showing him where it truly ached. “It’s such a fine bloody line, Carlo. Please understand.” She swallowed the last words, biting hard on her lip to transfer the pain that had settled underneath her heart.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

 

Sophia Karlson has lived in France, Germany, East Africa, Madagascar (not the movie, the country) and now finds herself back on home ground in South Africa. As a teenager, she devoured romances with far flung settings, loving to travel through books. After school her itchy feet took her around the world, but now she doesn’t get much further than the school run and the daily walk with her very demanding beagle. She writes contemporary and erotic romance, wanting to take readers on a journey of their own. She loves hearing from readers, follow her on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sophia.karlson.5, Twitter: @SophiaKarlson, on the web at www.sophiakarlson.com.

https://twitter.com/sophiakarlson

 

Amazon:  https://www.amazon.com/Perfect-Mistake-Sophia-Karlson-ebook/dp/B07CXWFKQ2

 

BN: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/perfect-mistake-sophia-karlson/1128760824

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

GIVEAWAY INFORMATION and RAFFLECOPTER CODE

 

One randomly chosen winner via rafflecopter will win a $50 Amazon/BN.com gift card.

a Rafflecopter giveaway ”

Excerpt, Giveaways, Interviews, Spotlight

Author Interview featuring The Crying of Ross 125 by David Allan Hamilton w/a rafflecopter giveaway! #scifi #sciencefiction @DAllanHamilton

Admin

The Crying of Ross 128

by David Allan Hamilton

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

GENRE: Science Fiction

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

BLURB:

America has splintered into various independent republics after a brutal civil war. Against this backdrop, space exploration is on the cusp of new technological breakthroughs. Jim Atteberry, a mid-30s English professor at City College in San Francisco, spends his free time listening for alien signals on the amateur radio astronomy bands. His life as a single parent to his precocious daughter is turned upside-down when he hears an intelligent cry for help from the Ross 128 system and realizes we are not alone. This signal unleashes a chain of events pitting Jim and his brilliant, mysterious colleague Kate against a power-hungry scientist with his own secret agenda. Jim must learn the truth about the signal, the strange disappearance of his wife Janet, and the meaning of true love before it’s too late in this first contact thriller.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

What would we find under your bed?

I wish I had a crazy off-the-wall answer for this question, but alas, I don’t. The only things you’ll find under my bed are dust bunnies. And they hang around, multiplying, until I haul out the vacuum  and battle them mano a mano. Mind you, I had some ants poking around upstairs at one point. I gassed the crap out of them.

 

What was the scariest moment of your life?

Easy. I was about four years old and my mum was bringing me and my siblings to Canada from England by boat. My older sister was 6 and my younger brother was about 2 or so. One day at lunch, I needed to go to the washroom, and my mum asked if I knew how to find it. Of course, I said. But I had trouble remembering once I started walking down this hallway. I ended up going past the kitchen, through various corridors. Finally, I found myself in a stair well, crying because I was lost and terrified. My sister found me and took me back, and all worked out well in the end. But I’ve never forgotten that feeling of dread and terror I felt back then.

 

Do you listen to music while writing? If so what?

Normally I don’t. One of my writing spaces is at my dining room table and I usually write there when I’m alone in the house, so I never listen to music when I’m working there. Other times, I will. For example, I also write in the library at Carleton University and when I’m there, I’ll put on my earphones and listen to one of those six hour gentle relaxing music things on youtube.

 

What is something you’d like to accomplish in your writing career next year?

Well I’m already working on the sequel to The Crying of Ross 128 and I hope to have the final manuscript ready for publication by the end of this year and therefore distributed early in 2019. But on top of that, I also run writing workshops at Carleton University, and these take up a lot of my time and energy, but I love working with emerging writers and helping them develop their voices and their craft.

How long did it take you to write this book?

I began plotting The Crying of Ross 128 near the end of September 2018, and the first draft was finished just before Christmas, so about three months for the first draft. Revisions and editing took another three months, so half a year in all.

 

Excerpt One:

“How long does it take a subspace signal to travel from Ross 128 to Earth?” he asked.

The machine responded verbally. “Twenty-two minutes, 13.4 seconds with current subspace technology.”

Atteberry recorded the time on his notepad, then looked at the screen. “Is there any history of alien signals coming from Ross 128?”

“Negative. Although in 2017, unknown signals from that system were received at the University of Puerto Rico at Arecibo. They were later dismissed as Terran satellites.”

Ghost signals. That happened sometimes due to the multitude of satellites orbiting Earth back then, and now around the moon and Mars. Signals would bounce and echo off them all the time, like ripples in a pond bouncing off rocks and plants.

“Speculate as to the origin of this signal if it’s a ghost.”

“Ready.”

“Proceed.”

“If the signal is a ghost, it is most likely an artifact of the Second American Civil War circa 2070. The Northern Democratic States and the Confederate States often used ghost signals as decoys to confuse enemy communications.”

So that’s it, Atteberry thought, he’s been chasing old civil war ghosts. Yet the question of subspace remained, and, as far as he knew, neither side in the civil war used the emerging FTL technology. It wasn’t sufficiently developed until after the new republics separated.

“What is the likelihood that these Ross 128 signals are satellite ghosts?”

“0.02 percent.”

“What’s the probability the true source is the Ross 128 system itself?”

“74.8 percent.”

Atteberry leaned forward on his workbench and realized the results were inconclusive. “What’s the probability that these signals are naturally occurring… a pulsar or a quasar for example?”

“Zero percent. The signals are artificially produced with slight variations in pattern frequency, suggesting unknown transmission methodology.”

“Human?”

“Improbable. There are no known humans in the Ross 128 space.”

Atteberry feared asking the next question; he swallowed hard. “Alien?”

“99.8 percent probable.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

 

David Allan Hamilton is a teacher, writer, and multipotentialite. He is a graduate of Laurentian University (BSc. Applied Physics) and The University of Western Ontario (MSc. Geophysics). He lives in Ottawa where he facilitates writing workshops and teaches. When not writing, David enjoys riding his bike long distances, painting, and knitting.

Author Links:

www.davidallanhamilton.com

facebook.com/davidallanhamilton/

twitter.com/DAllanHamilton

instagram.com/davidhamilton2561

goodreads.com/search?utf8=%E2%9C%93&query=david+allan+hamilton

 

Buy Links:

Amazon.com

hard cover

https://www.amazon.com/Crying-Ross-David-Allan-Hamilton/dp/1773705679/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1529416343&sr=1-1

paper back

https://www.amazon.com/Crying-Ross-David-Allan-Hamilton/dp/1773705660/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1529416343&sr=1-1

kindle

https://www.amazon.com/Crying-Ross-David-Allan-Hamilton-ebook/dp/B07DD7HHKR/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1529416343&sr=1-1

Barnes & Noble

hard cover

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-crying-of-ross-128-david-hamilton/1128831071?ean=9781773705675

paper back

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-crying-of-ross-128-david-hamilton/1128831071?ean=9781773705668

nook

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-crying-of-ross-128-david-hamilton/1128831071?ean=2940155275763

Kobo

https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/the-crying-of-ross-128/9781773705682-item.html?ikwid=the+crying+of+ross+128&ikwsec=Home&ikwidx=0

Smashwords.com

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/834220

Indigo.ca

hard cover

https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/the-crying-of-ross-128/9781773705675-item.html?ref=isbn-search

paper back

https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/the-crying-of-ross-128/9781773705668-item.html?ikwsec=Books&ikwidx=1

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

GIVEAWAY INFORMATION and RAFFLECOPTER CODE

One randomly chosen winner via rafflecopter will win a $50 Amazon/BN.com gift card.

a Rafflecopter giveaway ”

Excerpt, Giveaways, Interviews

Author Interview featuring debut author V.H. Luis & Waking to Black (Uninhibited #1) w/a rafflecopter giveaway! @VH_Luis_ #contemporaryromance

Admin

Waking to Black

by V.H. Luis

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

GENRE:   Erotic Romance

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

BLURB:

He shattered my defenses, and I was fragile to begin with…

The first time I saw Adam Black, I was between the arms of a criminal, a gun to my throat and even then, I knew I was staring at the most dangerous man in the room.

Maybe it was his confident, cerulean eyes, or the sex appeal radiating from his pores like heat waves on a scorching day, but by proximity alone he made my vision blur and my heart stammer.

The day I was nearly killed in a bank hold-up, I began to live—because of him.

Now, I’m praying for the first time in years, hoping the scars of my past, the secrets I keep, don’t interfere with my future…

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Excerpt Two:

“It must be difficult; constantly running away from anything remotely intimidating.”

It’s the dare in his voice that makes me turn my head, not the statement.

“Those are the words of someone who hasn’t gotten what they want.” Even as I’m speaking I know I’m the mouse in this cat and mouse game—I should walk away, but I can’t.

“What do you know about what I want?” He climbs the last step of the porch, his broad shoulders flexed.

Refusing to take the bait, I give him my back. Reaching for the door with my right hand, I’m halted by the strong pull of my left.

Before I can focus, his lips press against mine while his body traps me between him and the door. One of his hands runs over the curve of my waist while the other tangles in the curls of my hair, pulling on the strands and angling me so that he can have free reign. I moan, loving the possessive way he grips my body, and he takes the opportunity to dip his tongue inside my mouth. His taste is divine; it’s a heady mix of wine and passion. The remnants of my resistance melt as I meld against him, moving my hands over his stomach, and resting them on his belt buckle.

He pulls back with a quick nip to my bottom lip and my eyes pop open at the sudden jolt of pleasure-filled pain.

“Say you’ll do the mural,” he commands.

“Do you always get what you want?” I counter, gazing up at him from lowered lashes.

He rubs his cheek against mine so his lips hover over my ear.

“Persistence is a virtue.”

“I thought that was patience.”

Welcome V.H. Luis! Please start off by telling us a little about yourself.

I’m a Miami girl who lives minutes from the beach. I love to write, paint, play video games and most important of all, spend time with my baby boy. Waking to Black (Uninhibited #1), is my debut book and I’ve enjoyed the experience of publishing and reaching out to readers and bloggers.

Is Waking to Black (Uninhibited #1) a single title, or part of a series?

It is the first in a planned trilogy. Fortunately for those that hate reading books in a series which is yet complete, Fading to Black (Uninhibited #1), is already written and will be released in three months.

What were your inspirations for the story?

I love billionaire romances—I’ve read so many of them throughout the years. In part my reading preferences inspired me to write this story. Though if I’m one-hundred percent honest my relationship with my father is reminiscent of the relationship Evelyn Snowe (the heroine of my series), had with her father. I wanted to shed light on a subject that I don’t often see in romance while still writing a steamy-read about self-discovery, redemption, and perseverance. I think I’ve done that and I’m proud of the accomplishment.

Please share your setting for Waking to Black (Uninhibited #1). Have you ever lived or visited there? If so, what did you like most?

Waking to Black is set in Miami, FL. I was born and raised in this city so I am very familiar with all the wonderful things Miami has to offer. I love how cosmopolitan this city is and of course it’s beautiful down here, we have gorgeous beaches and the best weather. Some might think I took the easy route and developed my story in a setting I’m familiar with and though in part that is true, Waking to Black is set in Miami because I genuinely believe it to be one of the best cities in the world—even if the people down here can get super aggressive when driving…

If you could have an author roundtable discussion with any authors, who would you invite?

Julie Garwood, because I love her historical romances and I want to BEG her for more of them. Sylvia Day, because her Crossfire Series in part inspired me to write my debut book. J.R. Ward because I want to ask her so many questions about self-publishing and writing. Kristen Ashley because I’m a fan and she seems like cool people. Maya Banks because of so many reasons already mentioned—I’m a fan. I can probably sit here all day adding names…

What is the one thing that you would tell an inspiring writer to do?

Keep reading and without-a-doubt keep writing. There will always be people who love what you write and of course there will be those who absolutely HATE it—you need to recognize that and follow Dory’s advice from Finding Nemo, just keep swimming. I think I waited as long as I did to publish because I was terrified of reading bad reviews and having others diminish what I worked so hard to create. Perhaps it’s the fact that I’m older now but the idea of being criticized doesn’t scare me as much, in fact I read those critiques learn from them and hope that perhaps with the next book I can change those people’s opinions.

Aspiring writers listen carefully… EVERY book, even the most famous ones, have negative critiques and that’s okay. An audience exists for what you write and it’s your job as a writer to find that audience. Take comfort in knowing you did it, you actually wrote a book and many people say they will do this one day, but few actually do.

Keep your head up high and keep reading and writing.

 

***Thank you for your time and attention.

XOXO

V.H. Luis

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

V.H. Luis is the author of the Black Series, an erotic romance trilogy that follows the love affair of Evelyn Snowe and Adam Black. Her debut book WAKING to Black, will be released in 2018, and the subsequent sequels FADING to Black, and SURRENDERING to Black, will follow shortly thereafter.

Welcome to my internet haven!

I’m a born and bred Miami Girl—and proud of it! I would wear shorts and flip-flops every day of the week if I could. Growing up in Miami, surrounded by my parent’s heritage has made me proud of my Cuban ancestry. Cafecito and a guava pastry for breakfast? Yes, please! Salsa music while I tidy the house? Of course.

If I’m not busy scribbling notes about the story pounding out of my head, I’m painting, listening to music, or spending time with the love of my life—my son. If I decide to travel, I bring the whole family (in-laws included), or at least I try to, because life is too short not to spend it with family; one of the many lessons my father taught me.

My website:  https://vhluis.com/

My Twitter: https://twitter.com/VH_Luis_

My book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Waking-Black-Uninhibited-Book-1-ebook/dp/B07C9CBV67/

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

GIVEAWAY INFORMATION and RAFFLECOPTER CODE:

V.H. Luis will be awarding a $25 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

a Rafflecopter giveaway ”