Monday, February 29, 2016

Books to curl up with: HAPPY LEAP YEAR ALL

Books to curl up with: HAPPY LEAP YEAR ALL: HAPPY LEAP YEAR ALL Today we are going to talk Irish folk lore , dark magic and what can happen when you mess all of the above.  Lets talk T...

HAPPY LEAP YEAR ALL

HAPPY LEAP YEAR ALL Today we are going to talk Irish folk lore , dark magic and what can happen when you mess all of the above.  Lets talk THE HAUNTER OF THE MOOR ( AN IRISH GHOST STORY) by Jeffrey Kosh.

                             BOOK BLURB

Patrick Conroy, a young American student of medicine in Dublin, decides to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the big city and spend a month in the quietude of the wild and beautiful Glencree valley, County Wicklow. However, surrounded by local legends and myths, he is soon dragged into an ancient mystery that has haunted the village of Ballymoor for centuries. Set on the background of the tumultuous years preceding the War of Independence, and colored by Irish folklore, the Haunter of the Moor is a ghost story written in the style of Victorian Gothic novels.

                            MY REVIEW
     When I started this book , I really didn't know what I was getting pulled into . It is set back in the time before the war of Independence . So I was thinking classic Victorian story . But boy was I wrong . I got sucked in by the end of chapter one. The story takes us on such a rollercoaster . The story has such a strong back story based on Irish folk lore and dark magic
  Our main character Patrick Conroy is a young medical student , studying in Dublin. When he decides to take a break in the countryside. Boy was he wrong , from the very moment he rode up to the manor , strange things started happening to him.  As you begin to read I found him to be a cocky young man that felt like he was kind of cocky and full if himself but as you continue to read you see him turned into a tortured soul that needed saving as much as he wanted to save Maggie . The young gypsy woman that when she first met him it was kind of disastrous and embarrassing for him. She is the sweet young woman, you will instantly like but also be wary of . She becomes such a strong willed  woman as she and Patrick fight to keep the Evil at bay. You will really love these characters they are well written and are complex but with their own evils to bear.
    This is an unique well thought out story, the plot is intriguing and the characters are complex. I loved all the folk lore mixed into the mystery. It kept me on the edge of my seat, the whole time I was reading .  I honestly couldn't put this one down, I wanted to know what was haunting them and how they were going to get rid of the evil. This was the first book I have read by this author and I think I will read more from him.  So if you want an intelligent well written story filled with mystery, folk lore and yes some romance . Check it out I promise you will not be disappointed .

Saturday, February 27, 2016

Books to curl up with: its X FILES SATURDAY

Books to curl up with: its X FILES SATURDAY:  I have been a long time X FILES fan and was so excited when I found out that they were in graphic novel form . So when I had the chance to ...

its X FILES SATURDAY

 I have been a long time X FILES fan and was so excited when I found out that they were in graphic novel form . So when I had the chance to review one , I jumped at the chance . X Files Season 11 volume 1 by Joe Harris .

                               BOOK BLURB

For years, FBI agents Fox Mulder and Dana Scully toiled in the X-Files Unit, a one-office division of the Bureau dealing with cases deemed unsolvable and related to unexplained phenomena. Eventually, both agents left the FBI and began a new life together in peaceful anonymity. However, recent events prompted them to return to the Bureau and the X-Files.

Since then, Mulder has seen his work with the FBI discredited and has found himself a fugitive from the U.S. government―all thanks to the mechanizations of a former ally, Gibson Praise, who now wields powers far beyond even what Mulder can imagine. Meanwhile, Scully remains at the FBI under the watchful eye of Gibson, as she works to prevent the government from falling further into his clutches and to clear her partner’s name.

                             MY REVIEW
  I was so excited when I saw this volume up for grabs , so of course I grabbed it . Some of the old characters are back and wreaking havoc all over the place . Scully is trying to keep the government falling into the clutches of an evil man . As she works to clear Mulders name.
  This book falls back to the old ways of the X Files the characters are well written and complex . The illustrations are good and easy to follow. The plot was ok and sometimes you got confused but that is THE X FILES  way of doing things .  We see Mulder and Scully fight all kinds in this series and I so can't wait for the next volume out there . So for all X FILES fans out there check  the characters are awesome and the graphics are great , not too dark . They are an easy read that will keep you entertained. Check them out if you are a x files fan . You won't be disappointed

Friday, February 26, 2016

Books to curl up with: welcome to UNINVITED friday

Books to curl up with: welcome to UNINVITED friday:  Ok everyone out there in book land , have you ever read a book that just crept you out from the very first page .  Well that's what Mik...

welcome to UNINVITED friday

 Ok everyone out there in book land , have you ever read a book that just crept you out from the very first page .  Well that's what Mike Evan's new book did to me . It crept me out but in a good way . So let me tell you about UNINVITED .

                          BOOK BLURB

The best part about a book, is that moment you can put it down, and say at least that can’t happen in real life…..until now. The Uninvited will leave you checking your doors, locking your windows and skipping the weekend camping trip. Meet the stranger, a killer who is unbiased about who it chooses to be the victim, and never tires of the killing. If Dexter and Leather face had a baby The Uninvited would be their offspring. Smart, dark, twisted and disturbing is The Uninvited

                         MY REVIEW
 OK going to warn you all right off the bat , don't read this book at night and don't read this book when you are alone . There was such a great creep factor to this book that I haven't found in other books . The insanity starts on the very first page and it just keeps getting more insane as you read . This is a dark, twisted tale of a serial killer and the bloody mess he leaves behind and the dedicated police officers that are out to take him down . Will they actually take the masked man down and survive . You just never know.
   The characters in this book are so complex. We have the man in the mask , the serial killer and destroyer or all . He really freaked me out from the very beginning . Seriously thinking that he is the son of Jason and some unsuspecting victim. He was vicious and methodical the way he took down his victims .  All the victims from Steven and Christy to Traci , Isaac and the rest of the entourage . Are all feisty characters that fight valiantly to escape this maniac . They use everything they have to try and fight this monster. You want to scream at them to watch your back and get the hell out of there .
These characters will keep you sitting on the edge of your seat . You want them to survive and get home .  Even the men on the police force hunting down this maniac will keep you on the edge of your seat . You will want to cheer them on as they hunt down the man . Even to the point of to the death.
   I couldn't believe the twists and turns in this book . I got sucked into the story from the very beginning . I actually read this book under a blanket all curled up , it actually had me sleeping with the lights on and a baseball bat beside the bed . I should know don't start a book that starts out in an old farm yard at night . When you live in an old farm yard described on the first pages of the book . Every creak and moan had me up and checking locks and windows that night . Yes I admit I was freaked out .  The story is so good and reminds me of a good ole slasher book and movie that will take you to the edge of your seat and not let you off the hook for a moment . The twist at the end of the book through me for a loop and hand me rethinking who I thought it was. So if you want a book that will keep you on the edge of your seat and not let you sleep for a couple of nights . Check out the UNINVITED  you will not be disappointed .

Thursday, February 25, 2016

Books to curl up with: Welcome to Thursday

Books to curl up with: Welcome to Thursday: Welcome to Thursday all , hope everyone is happily reading and staying warm if you guys are getting hit with the storms . I am so happy that...

Welcome to Thursday

Welcome to Thursday all , hope everyone is happily reading and staying warm if you guys are getting hit with the storms . I am so happy that I got to read the start of a new series by Cathy Jackson . FIVE COFFEES  is coming out on the 27th of February .

                            BOOK BLURB

Tavora Kar is a young woman who has known love and loss. Seeking isolation and solitude as a balm against the pain, she spends her days poring over dusty tomes of the town's history as a means to fill her time and the emptiness in her heart.

Luke R’Phael is a popular actor who loves his family and his craft with equal passion. Given a week to get some “local flavor” for his next role, he finds it in the most unlikely of places and person.

How long does it take to change a life? Five minutes, five hours, five coffees?

Luke’s charm, compassion, and passion reignite a fire in Tavora’s heart, burning away the sorrow and fear that had once left her empty.

Does she dare love again?

                        MY REVIEW
   Oh how I loved this book,  I couldn't put it down. The story revolves around Luke and Tavora . Two unlikely people that become friends but there is something more between them . Tavora has a past love that has passed away , she is still is haunted by him . Luke is a actor in town for a few weeks shooting a movie but he is blocked and needs to get into the mind of his character . A chance meeting in an elevator and a friendship is born.
    The characters in this book are polar opposites of each other . Tavora Kar is a sweet character who is harboring a deep secret. She has become an introvert that can not stand to be touched by other people . She is lonely but doesn't want to have the connection with people .  As you read into the book you see her start to blossom and come out of her shell. She is the type of woman that you want to have as your best friend once you get to know her . Luke is an actor but not the type of actor that would go cheating on his wife and son. He is the type of man that will defend your honor and keep you safe even if you are a friend .  Their friendship grows deeper and deeper and you love them . There is much more going on with these characters and you want to find out and keep reading .  You will love them hopefully as much as I do .LOL
   The author has captured the small town life perfectly. The way she describes how the town folk are is pretty accurate . Her characters are both complex yet they have hidden flaws, that make you just want to hug them and tell them everything will be ok.  You know when you read any of Cathy's books you better have a box of Kleenex beside you . She will make you laugh and make you cry, make you want to throw your kindle and then in the next moment you will be hugging your kindle with a goofy grin on your face. As with this book I did have some crying experiences and I laughed
I really loved this book and read it in one sitting . So if you want a sweet read that will make you want to hug the ones you love just a little harder and take your best friend out for coffee. This book is for you , Check it out





Tuesday, February 23, 2016

Books to curl up with: Welcome to Tuesday

Books to curl up with: Welcome to Tuesday:   I have fallen in love this author and have read everything she has written. I especially love her Kincaid Wolf Pack books.  I devoured Jes...

Welcome to Tuesday

  I have fallen in love this author and have read everything she has written. I especially love her Kincaid Wolf Pack books.  I devoured Jessica Lee's newest book in a matter of hours , So let me introduce you to the boys of SINS OF A WOLF  by Jessica Lee

                              BOOK BLURB

The heat building between them is ready to erupt, threatening to shatter the wall around a soldier’s heart.

Former Green Beret, Zackary “Sin” Sinclair has a secret nipping at his heels. And he’ll do anything—go anywhere—to keep that info locked down tight. Including playing along with the news that he’s the father of his best friend’s little sister’s baby. But there’s no way in hell that’s possible since he hasn’t touched a woman in years. That, and his best friend has no idea Sin’s been hiding the fact he’s gay since they were teenagers.
KinKaid Wolf Pack Enforcer, Aydin Michaels is his cousin’s new pet project. If he doesn’t sober up and fall in line, he’ll be kissing his new career goodbye, and more than likely, packing up to head back east. The last thing he needs is a smokin’ hot human male with eyes that turn him inside out trying to play his hero.
When a bar fight goes wrong and Sin ends up bitten, Aydin is charged with tracking him down—before he shifts—and educating him about those in the world who aren’t quite human. Rule number one: in order to survive, shifters stick together. But convincing the hardheaded soldier on the run to stay put, preferably with him, is easier said than done. For Sin, putting down roots means paying a price. He either betrays a friend and risks losing the only family he’s ever known, or walk away from the man who’s claimed a piece of his soul. 

                            MY REVIEW
     I forgot how much I loved the boy of the Kincaid pack, until I started reading Sins of a Wolf . Jessica took me right back to the pack. The action starts on the very first page and continues through out the whole book .  We meet Aydin a sexy shifter, who has a little bit of a problem with an attitude and fighting. When Zack, Sin, Sinclair interferes and gets bitten by Aydin.  Now they are destined to be together . Aydin is told to track down Sin and make sure he gets through the first shift. But there is more to them then meets the eye , there is a strong attraction and undeniable sexual chemistry between the two men. Will they realize that they are meant to be together and will they survive the first shift .
      Jessica writes some pretty complex characters and Aydin and Sin are no exception. Zachary Sin Sinclair is a former green beret who is trying to come to terms with what is happening in his life . He is gay but hasn't told anyone yet . You see him struggling at the beginning of the book and when you read him , you want to hold him and make his life a lot easier . As you read you see him grow and become the man that is comfortable in his skin and what he is , both gay and a shifter .  He comes around and realizes that coming clean is the best thing that could ever happen , Aydin is the hot sexy shifter that has a problem with authority and is always getting into trouble . He wants to find love but he has issues that he needs to work out . He thinks that love is unattainable and he doesn't deserve love . As you read you see them grow and finally realize that home is where they both are .
   Jessica is my go to read if I want to read something sweet and sexy. She takes us on such a ride The characters are always well developed and complex . You want to just hug them and keep them safe .
So if you want a good afternoon read that will  melt your kindle and make you want to cool off afterwards this is the series for you . So check out the boys of the Kincaid pack



Monday, February 22, 2016

Books to curl up with: ITS COVER REVEAL DAY TODAY

Books to curl up with: ITS COVER REVEAL DAY TODAY: They call me a slut. Maybe I am. Sometimes I do things I despise. Sometimes men take without asking. But I have a musical gift, o...

ITS COVER REVEAL DAY TODAY


Dark Notes Pam Godwin eBook
They call me a slut. Maybe I am. Sometimes I do things I despise. Sometimes men take without asking.
But I have a musical gift, only a year left of high school, and a plan. With one obstacle.
Emeric Marceaux doesn’t just take. He seizes my willpower and bangs it like a dark note. When he commands me to play, I want to give him everything. I kneel for his punishments, tremble for his touch, and risk it all for our stolen moments.
He’s my obsession, my master, my music. And my teacher.
Adult 18+ only
Genre: Dark student teacher romance
Expected release date → April 2016

Wednesday, February 17, 2016

Books to curl up with: HAPPY WEDNESDAY EVERYONE .

Books to curl up with: HAPPY WEDNESDAY EVERYONE .:  Have you ever had a love hate relationship with a book. You were wondering if the book would get better so you keep reading . This is what ...

HAPPY WEDNESDAY EVERYONE .

 Have you ever had a love hate relationship with a book. You were wondering if the book would get better so you keep reading . This is what happened to me while I was reading this book. THE UNATTACTIVE VAMPIRE by Jim McDoniel

                              BOOK BLURB

Thought vampires were dead? Well of course they are, but Jim McDoniel proves that don't have to be boring. Or sparkly." Veronica Belmont and Tom Merritt, "Sword & Laser"
Jim McDoniel s debut novel, "An Unattractive Vampire," is a darkly comic urban fantasy of ancient horrors in suburban cities. After three centuries trapped underground, thousand-year-old Yulric Bile also known as the Cursed One, the Devil s Apprentice, He Who Worships the Slumbering Horrors awakens only to find that no one believes he is a vampire. Apparently he s just too ugly modern vampires, he soon discovers, are pretty, weak, and, most disturbing of all, good. Determined to reestablish his bloodstained reign, Yulric sets out to correct this disgusting turn of events or, at the very least, murder the person responsible. With the help of pert vampire-wannabe Amanda; Simon, the eight-year-old reincarnation of his greatest foe; and a cadre of ancient and ugly horrors, Yulric prepares to battle the glamorous undead. But who will win the right to determine, once and for all, what it truly means to be a vampire?
   
                            MY REVIEW
  I started reading this book and had a really hard time with it at the beginning . I had a really hard time getting into the story . I am a lover of all things vampire , preferably not shining vampires more like Dracula type. Yulric was a different character all together . Not attractive at all with a stake in his chest. The story is Yulric is uncovered by a strange boy and his sister . He tries to understand about the ways of the new world . Will he survive his arch enemy and will he find his way in the new world
  The characters in the book were ok , I mean they all had promise but I feel that they fell just a little flat . I think they could of done a lot more with the characters . They could of been a little bit more complex and funnier . They do get a little better as you read into the book . Thank god they don't sparkle though, Which is brought up a lot in the book.
  There are some areas where you will laugh and chuckle as the characters fumble their way through the events . The satire is dark and there are some things that will make you go hmmmm .  I felt that it was just not up to par with the other vampire novels out there, The prologue writing didn't really match the rest of the story and the puritan jokes were flying all over the place and they got old really fast .
 Overall I did like the book and it was a good read if you like reading about vampires before sparkled and love quirky characters that just want to kill each other . This could be the book for you

                                                         

Monday, February 15, 2016

Books to curl up with: Good Monday morning everyone

Books to curl up with: Good Monday morning everyone:   Good morning all , hope everyone had a great Valentine's day weekend . I read most of the weekend and I found a series of books that j...

Good Monday morning everyone

  Good morning all , hope everyone had a great Valentine's day weekend . I read most of the weekend and I found a series of books that just blew my mind and are such a great read and can be read in an afternoon. Cinder ( a sexy shifter fairy tale romance , A chain of love novella ) by Jessica Aspen

                            BOOK BLURB

When curvy Cinderella meets a charming reluctant alpha can he save her from a step mother who means murder?

Cinder Vandeburg dreams getting away from her overbearing step mother and getting a real job—one that pays. When her step sisters are finalists in a teen modeling competition at a chic resort in the beautiful mountains of Jackson Hole, Wyoming, her step mother offers her an opportunity: prove herself a competent personal assistant and earn not only a stellar referral, but a bona-fide introduction to the movers and shakers of the modeling world. This is Cinder’s chance at freedom but as usual, her step mother seems to find fault in everything she does—even when she sends her to seduce suspected modeling judge, Aiden Burdock.

Aiden is no modeling judge. He’s a tour guide with a pack of bachelor wolves depending on him to rustle up quality clients and keep their business afloat. But Aiden never wanted to be an alpha. He dreams of freedom and running wild in the hills. Having six…no seven…now eight wolves depending on him for leadership and jobs is more than he counted on when he fled pack expectations in Colorado. But his alpha tendencies can’t be ignored and when he sees curvy Cinder being treated as the runt of the litter, he lies and says he’s a judge to get her away from her malicious boss.

Now Aiden is faced with how to tell Cinder he’s just a working stiff, like her, and a wolf shifter to boot. As Aiden and Cinder’s fairy godmother build up her self esteem and she starts falling in love with a man of secrets, Cinder’s step mother is determined one of her daughters will win the modeling competition. Even if it means she has to go all the way—and permanently eliminate the competition.

Lions and wolves and bears, oh my.
Discover why readers love the twisted tales of Jessica Aspen’s Sexy Shifter Fairytale Romance.
                       MY REVIEW
  This is a twisted retelling of Cinderella , with a twist prince charming is a wolf alpha and Cinder is a over worked assistant to her step mother who has two daughters in the pageant world . Cinder is trying to get out from underneath all of them. She came to the pageant in hopes of finding another person to be an assistant for . Her step mom treats her like crap cause she is curvy and a little shy.
She is unsure of herself until she met Aiden , he is a hot shifter and they are drawn together. Sparks fly . Will the step mother destroy everything that Cinder is trying to do , will Aiden and Cinder get to their happily ever after.
  The characters in this novella are so complex. I love that Cinder is a curvy girl that is kind of unsure of herself and her place in the world . She is such a timid little mouse at the beginning of the books . Not saying no to her step mom and step sisters . She is being used so much and she is so tolerant of these wicked people . Even doing what her mother wants , seducing a guy that they think is a judge .
But as we start to read and we see start to blossom into a sexy young confidant woman that turns more then just Aiden's head . With the help of her fairy god mother Cinder gets the power she deserves and the man of her dreams . Now Aiden is the man that any woman would fall head over heels with. He is sexy as sin but there is also the other side of him . The alpha of his pack and the head of a outfitting company , he is trying to keep his head above water . He didn't want to be the alpha but the eight other wolves need him to be in charge . You can see him fighting everything that is happening . He is falling for Cinder and wants her to be his and when push comes to shove he will protect her no matter what the cost . NOW THATS LOVE  .
    In this retelling of Cinderella is twisted but also such a good read . The author stays true to the story of the Cinderella but also throws in so many cool new elements. I read this book in an afternoon and loved every second of the story . The characters are crisp and new but so relatable . The story has been told and retold over and over but this story is a fresh take on the fairy tale  but just a little more sexier and a little more kinkier . So if you want a great series of books to read check them all out . There are some pretty sexy shifters out in the books . But really check out Cinder you will not be disappointed.

Sunday, February 14, 2016

Books to curl up with: Welcome to our last day in our week long Valentine...

Books to curl up with: Welcome to our last day in our week long Valentine...: Today we heading back down to Florida . Going to his favorite karoke bar to find our last featured author . Books to curl up with . Hey Eri...

Welcome to our last day in our week long Valentine's massacre

Today we heading back down to Florida . Going to his favorite karoke bar to find our last featured author .
Books to curl up with . Hey Eric thank you for agreeing to meet with me.
Eric Shelanan. Thanks for having me


1 Tell us all a little bit about yourself.

I'm a human being (some would argue that point) and I am married to another of my species named Linda.   This year is our 30th wedding anniversary, which is pretty cool, because I didn't mess it up!   I was born in Ft. Worth, Texas, which privileges me to wear boots and cowboy hats.  I do this often when appropriate - and in Florida, that's pretty much at a rodeo.   Boots and hats can look ... off ... when you're wearing  shorts.

2 What inspired you to write your first novel?   -
the short story market was tough and drying up, so in the late 90s, I decided to begin my first novel - then I canned it and wrote Out of the Darkness: The Story of Mary Ellen Wilson, which is a true story of the 1874 rescue of an abused little girl in New York City.   She was rescued by the ASPCA.     My first novel was A Reason To Kill, which is a bit of serial killer fare.   My inspiration?  My heroes, of course!   King, Koontz, Cussler and Follett. 

3 Who or what inspired you to start writing and in what way?  
Well, I've always dug a well-spun tale, and the authors listed above were my inspiration.  I've written since I was old enough to spell, but when I was a punk, it was mostly poetry.  I wrote a lot of poetry as a young man, both pre-adolescent and post-adolescent.  Every time I fell in love, I'd write a joyous poem about my happiness - and when it all fell apart, I wrote a bitter poem about what a ____ she was.

4 Do you have a specific writing style?
  I'd say my style is "conversational."  I don't spend hours on a sentence, and I don't typically jump to a thesaurus to find alternate words.  If I don't use it in my everyday conversation, it ain't gonna be in my books.   I don't "structure prose," rather, I write stories. 

5  Tell us about your current project.  
I'm currently working on the sequel to Scabs:The Gemini Exception.   It's called, Scabs II: The Quantum Connection.  It's a bit of alien fare with an apocalyptic twist.  There is a unique bent to the story in that only identical twins survived the initial onslaught by the invading creatures.

6 What made you decide to write about vampires and zombies?  
 They are part of horror - and both are pretty horrible.   But you must check your source, because I never wrote about vampires.   :-)    I have considered it, but it seemed that after Twilight and True Blood, it was all a bit overdone.  I might do one - getting back to vampire roots - sometime! 

7 What scares you the most?
  I have to say the creepers, like serial killers and the like.  They are REAL, and they are OUT THERE.   They all seem to be sadistic in one way or another, and I could not imagine being under their control until my demise.  THAT is frightening to me. 

8 How do you feel about the boom in horror / zombie genre. Has the graphic novel helped or hurt this genre?  
  I love the boom ... I'm not so sure about how easy it is to publish a novel, though.   I realize that I am not Stephen King, nor am I Dean Koontz.  I could not write (at this point in my career) an epic tale like Ken Follett's Pillars of the Earth, but I do know how to structure a sentence - which many of the new authors do not.     I would urge them to polish, polish, polish, then let Beta readers read it before releasing.   Then I would urge the beta readers to be deadly honest with the author.   THEN I would urge the author to heed their advice.   Ignoring it is to the writer's own detriment.


Now for some fun questions 

 If your book was to be made into a movie , who would like to see play the leads?  
  I see Mark Wahlberg as a possible Flex Sheridan.  I like Naya Rivera as Gem Cardoza.   Hemp Chatsworth could be played by Charlie Hunnam, and Charlie Sanders could be played by Yvonne Strahovski, who played Hannah in the last season of Dexter. 

10. When was the last time you were really scared.
  Recently, I was in a boat when it hit a huge wake.  I flew up and landed on my ass, and felt all sorts of stuff go "CRUNCH!"   I got multiple disc herniations, two compression fractures, and an annular tear.   I was really worried I would never be the same again.    I'm too old for that shit, but I'm doing okay now.  Still some back pain now and then, but doing much better, less than two months out. 

11 Who is your favorite author and why.  I have to say it's either Clive Cussler or Ken Follett.  Mainly for their ability to write a sweeping tale encompassing many years, with so much historical detail or otherwise.   They inspire me to be a much better writer than I am. 

12 Your favorite place to write.
 Wherever I can.  Anywhere I can.   I'm in my own world when I write, so it really doesn't matter.    

Last but not least where can we find you and stalk you?  
 Cape Coral, Florida!    Send up a signal flare ... I'll find you.

thank you for you time... YOU'RE WELCOME!  Thank you!
 




Friday, February 12, 2016

Books to curl up with: WELCOME TO DAY FIVE OUR VALENTINE'S WEEK MASSACRE

Books to curl up with: WELCOME TO DAY FIVE OUR VALENTINE'S WEEK MASSACRE:   Today we are heading to Florida and heading to the Kokomo Café at Flagler Beach. Spying our next featured author at his favorite corner ta...

WELCOME TO DAY FIVE OUR VALENTINE'S WEEK MASSACRE

  Today we are heading to Florida and heading to the Kokomo Café at Flagler Beach. Spying our next featured author at his favorite corner table writing away.

books to curl up with : Hi Armand , thank you for taking time out to talk to us.
Armand Rosamilia : Thanks for having me

books to curl up with :Tell us all a little bit about yourself
Armand :
No. Mind your own business. Fine. I'm from New Jersey but living in Florida the last 14+ years. I wouldn't trade any of it. I'm living the dream as a full-time author and have over 100 releases to my name with many more coming. I swear. I hate walks on the beach but love M&Ms and coffee. 
 
books to curl up with:  What inspired you to write your first novel .
Armand :
Reading "The Rising" by Brian Keene got me thinking about my first longer book. I wanted to do a zombie story. I'd written many shorts before that but his book was the push to write something longer. 
 
books to curl up with : Who or what inspired you to start writing and in what way .
Armand:
Dean Koontz books at 12. My mother still is a huge horror reader and she passed the love of reading and horror onto me. I used to write horrible stories as a kid and she'd have to read them and tell me what she liked about it or what I needed to do to improve them. 
 
books to curl up with :  Do you have a specific writing style
Armand :
I think I've finally found my voice wit writing. readers have picked up on it. No matter if I write a horror book or a crime thriller or a contemporary fiction story, it still retains my style. At least that's what readers tell me. I just write. 
 
books to curl up with :  Tell us about your current project
Armand :
"Dirty Deeds" is a crime thriller that just came out. It won a Kindle Scout contract for me and I am very proud to have gotten it. It tells the story of a hit man who kills children for a living... only he doesn't actually do it. Read it to find out more! (that was a subtle tease to get you to read it)
books to curl up with: I read Dirty Deeds and fell in love with it . What a twist on the hit man angle .
Armand: Thank you .
 
books to curl up with:What made you decide to write about zombies .
Armand :
Zombie literature has always fascinated me. Once I'd read "The Rising" I grabbed every zombie anthology I could find and read some great new authors and searched for their books. Joe McKinney was a big inspiration with what he was doing. I knew there was a unique way to tell a zombie story so I gave it a shot. I really don't write about vampires, though. I was never a big fan. 
 
books to curl up with':  What scares you the most .
Armand:
You not loving me... 
 
books to curl up with: How do you feel about the boom in horror / zombie genre. Has the graphic novel helped or hurt this genre . 
Armand:
I think it all helps. Everyone talks about how zombies are so five minutes ago and no one cares anymore, but I don't see it dying off as quickly as the critics are saying it will or is. I think there will always be a small but rabid fan base for zombie literature, me included.
 
books to curl up with:
 If your book was to be made into a movie , who would like to see play the leads .
Armand:
Someone said the lead of "Dirty Deeds" could be Colin Ferrell. I don't see it. Maybe Will Farrell in a dramatic role... 
 
books to curl up with: When was the last time you were really scared
Armand:
When Mike Evans threatened me with bodily harm. Obviously I scare easily. 
 
books to curl up with: Who is your favorite author and why
Armand :
There are way too many to name. Dean Koontz was obviously the first big one for me. Robert E Howard was also a great read when i was growing up.
 
books to curl up with :  Your favorite place to write .
Armand:
Either in my office surrounded by all of my toys (comic books, baseball cards, zombies) or at Kokomo's Cafe in Flagler Beach, Florida. I've written most of my stories in the last 4 years sitting in the corner table. 
 
books to curl up with:
Last but not least where can we find you and stalk you
Armand:
http://armandrosamilia.com as well as on Twitter as @ArmandAuthor. I have a fan club on Facebook someone cool made for me, too: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1637817943125835/
 
Thanks for your time today .
 

Thursday, February 11, 2016

Books to curl up with: WELCOME TO DAY FOUR OF OUR VALENTINE'S WEEK MASSAC...

Books to curl up with: WELCOME TO DAY FOUR OF OUR VALENTINE'S WEEK MASSAC...:  Welcome to day four of our week long Valentine's week blog party featuring some great authors . Today we are heading to Portland Oregon...

WELCOME TO DAY FOUR OF OUR VALENTINE'S WEEK MASSACRE

 Welcome to day four of our week long Valentine's week blog party featuring some great authors . Today we are heading to Portland Oregon. Going to have coffee with the Shawn Chesser.

books to curl up with.  Goo Morning Shawn, I am glad you could make it today .
Shawn Chesser:  Glad to be here and thank you for having me .

books to curl up with : Ok here we go

books to curl up with: Tell us all a little bit about yourself.
 
 
Shawn Chesser:
I’ve been happily married to my wife for 22 years and a father of two. I live in Portland, Oregon, where I write full time. I’m a Star Wars geek who enjoys reading comic books, playing outdoors in the Pacific Northwest and ogling classic automobiles in the wild. As for the genre I write exclusively (for now), it was a no brainer as I’ve been a zombie fanatic for decades. I’m a Romero purist at heart and prefer my creatures shambling, trudging and moaning. As for fast, agile, screaming specimens... not my cup of tea.
books to curl up with: What inspired you to write your first novel.
 
Shawn Chesser :
Emerging from a dark time of my life I needed to prove to myself that I could finally finish something I’d started. I actually wrote most of my first novel, 'Trudge: Surviving the Zombie Apocalypse,' on my first generation iPhone over a three month stretch while my boy was playing indoor gym here in rainy Portland, Oregon.
 
 
books to curl up with :  Who or what inspired you to start writing and in what way.
 
Shawn Chesser\;
It started out as a kind of esteem building exercise for myself that when fully embraced became more than just a lark. I quickly found that I enjoyed getting sucked into the world I had created and once I had gotten a taste of that there was no turning back.
books to curl up with:  Do you have a specific writing style.
 
Shawn Chesser:
I write third person pov exclusively. I tried to write a short story in first person and failed to get into a groove. As far as my prose goes, I tend to be minimalist when it comes to using obscure words. I also am apt to sprinkle lots of pop culture references into my work.
books to curl up with:  Tell us about your current project.
 
Shawn Chesser
I'm deep into writing 'District: Surviving the Zombie Apocalypse’ which will be the eleventh book in my bestselling series.
 
books to curl up with:  What made you decide to write about zombies .
 
 
Shawn Chesser:
I kind of touched on this above. Definitely it was George Romero's  Night of the Living Dead that began my fascination with zombies. I was first allowed to watch it when I was about twelve or thirteen. I really liked how even when confronted by the Zs relentless march, the disparate band of survivors—save for a couple of bad apples—banded together to fight the inexplicable scenario unfolding before them.
 
books to curl up with: What scares you the most.
 
Shawn Chesser:
On land, it’s spiders that I’m afraid of. In the ocean, I see myself as shark bait. Concerning the arachnophobia, it’s rooted mainly in how the little bugger’s move on their eight spindly legs.
As for the latter, watching Jaws when I was 9 ruined the ocean for me. Thanks a ton, Spielberg!
 
 
books to curl up with: How do you feel about the boom in horror / zombie genre. Has the graphic novel helped or hurt this genre.
 
 
Shawn Chesser:

The zombie boom is awesome for readers and writers alike. The zombie/post apocalyptic genre tent is huge and there’s plenty of room under the big top for everyone’s take on the apocalypse to be voiced. Conversely, I’ve noticed readers of zombie/PA fiction have voracious appetites and they’re always looking for a new series to glom on to. Speaking from my own personal experience—gleaned from reviews and internet trolls—sadly, there are a few writers out there who fail to see this as truth and instead of putting their heads down and grinding away on their next book— they prefer to cast shade on other writer’s work by publicly slamming the type of Zs, cause of outbreak, mode of transmission … etc. Thankfully they are the exception to the norm.
            I don’t know how much of an impact the graphic novel aspect has on the genre. When I started writing I was doing it solely for my own enjoyment. I published Trudge at the urging of a friend back when self publishing was just becoming accessible to those of us less tech savvy individuals. Turned out, for me, the timing was everything. Back then zombie books were few and far between and I was fortunate enough to gain a pretty big reading audience after about book three. And I must say, I’m grateful to have the best constant readers an indie could hope for.
 
books to curl up with :
 If your book was to be made into a movie , who would like to see play the leads
 
Shawn Chesser:
That would be a dream come true. I’d first try and get the combat veteran who portrays my protagonist, Cade Grayson,  on my book covers to play the part. If he wasn’t game … good question. I’d probably end up doing an online poll and letting my readers voice their casting recommendations and then go from there.
 
 
 
books to curl up with : When was the last time you were really scared.
 
Shawn Chesser:
On approach to the airport on Maui the plane was bucking like a bronco and visibility out my window was zero. Though I knew my family was in good hands with the pilots in the cockpit, not being in control of the situation was damn scary for me.
books to curl up with: Who is your favorite author and why?
 
 
Shawn Chesser
This one’s a tie ... Stephen King for his ability to include pop culture in his work. He's such a wordsmith. Lee Child for his crisp minimalist style of writing. He's a great story teller whose words paint a vivid picture in my mind. I really dig his protagonist, Jack Reacher.
books to curl up with :  Your favorite place to write .
Shawn Chesser:
At home in the morning just after the kids head off to school. Coffee and quiet is all I need.
 
 
 
books to curl up with:
Last but not least where can we find you and stalk you
Shawn Chesser:

Shawn Chesser’s latest book. Drawl: Surviving the Zombie Apocalypse

is where you may sign up for my non spammy STZA SITREP NEWSLETTER.
Shawn Chesser’s FACEBOOK AUTHOR PAGE
 
 
 


Shawn Chesser’s Twitter handle is @sdchess






 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Wednesday, February 10, 2016

Books to curl up with: WELCOME TO DAY THREE OF VALENTINE'S WEEK MASSACRE

Books to curl up with: WELCOME TO DAY THREE OF VALENTINE'S WEEK MASSACRE:   Sorry todays featured author is late , had a hard time rounding up our next author. Finally tracking our next author down on Skype. Wel...

WELCOME TO DAY THREE OF VALENTINE'S WEEK MASSACRE

  Sorry todays featured author is late , had a hard time rounding up our next author. Finally tracking
our next author down on Skype.

Welcome Mike to the blog , thanks for finding time today.
Mike Evans: Anytime, thanks for having me here today

bookstocurlup: Tell us all a little bit about yourself

Mike Evans:
My name as you’ve gathered by now is Mike Evans. If I’m writing in my kids series it’s Michael Patrick. Why, because I want NOTHING to do with mothers and their wrath of a child getting one of my books that are meant for adults.
I live in Iowa, yes that state in the middle that grows corn. I have a few kids, a few dogs, but just one wife. I like to shoot guns, archery, and recently found and rekindled my love for very loud electric guitar. Writing used to be a hobby but I ended up turning it into something to help feed my other interests. I’m a pretty laid back guy as long as you leave the wife, kids, and animals alone.
 
 
bookstocurlupwith: What inspired you to write your first novel .
Mike Evans
My son Jake who was probably 2-3 at the time. I have a pretty active imagination and thought about something happening to him and being taken, and baaam that was my first book Buried Broken Oaths(crime action thriller drama) and my only first person book to date.
 
 
bookstocurlupwith:  Who or what inspired you to start writing and in what way .
Mike Evans :
I don’t think anyone really inspired me. I just wanted to write a novel, I had that thought of my kid being taken and it really put out everything for me.
 
 
bookstocurlupwith: Do you have a specific writing style
 
Mike Evans:
I like to outline and then be as unfaithful to it. I have zero training in it, and thank god for editors and their skills at fixing my grammar. People seem to like my style it’s pretty straight forward, I don’t really know how to explain it and I’d say who my influences are but I don’t think you’d know by reading my books. Mostly I strive to make you love, love,  love the characters regardless if they are good or bad, and at sometimes they leave you heartbroken, or scared.
 
 
bookstocurlupwith: Tell us about your current project
 
Mike Evans:
Currently I’m working on a project called The Uninvited. It is a psychological horror book with plenty of suspense, characters you’ll love, and a killer that will creep the hell out of you. Interlaced are back stories and as well some oh my god moments where you realize it isn’t just a horror book but a series of very intelligent plot lines building up to a moment where you might wonder if I’m trying to get psychiatrists more work.
 
 
bookstocurlupwith: What made you decide to write about vampires and zombies .
 
MIKE EVANS :

It was a genre I’d played around with for vampires and werewolves. I had never really sold myself on it though. One day as usual I was driving to work blaring music at ear splitting decibels. I had the idea of my book Deal with the Devil hit me in a bad way. I tried pushing it out of my head, it was very stubborn and would not leave. So after I had finished writing Zombies and Chainsaws Book 1 I decided my brain was ready for this. I really wanted to change it up and go a different route with how the vampire and the werewolf was created. I am pretty confident you’ve not seen this one before.
For zombies that is simple and feel free to laugh at me, most people do. When I have an idea, I don’t go looking around to see what other people have done. I like to think what I’m doing is original. I had been on a bender of watching The Walking Dead, and I kept thinking as I was finishing Buried, that I should write a zombie book, that would be a great market to get into and no one had probably ever done it….I know I said you could laugh, now you can stop…..no seriously I’ll get a frickin complex…...anyways about half way through it I looked up zombie books only to realize that oh yes there was plenty of them out there and in no short demand. But that is where The Orphans Origins Vol I came from. Which is still one of my favorite books I’ve written to date.
 
 
bookstocurlupwith: What scares you the most .
 
Mike Evans :
Anything that has to do with my children or family being hurt. I hate the idea of it and would do horrible things to anyone that ever did that. Also being near anyone dumb enough to take Armand Rosamilia's M&M’s that’s just a really bad idea.
bookstocurlupwith.: giggling going to ask Armand about those M&MS
 
 
bookstocurlupwith: How do you feel about the boom in horror / zombie genre. Has the graphic novel helped or hurt this genre . 
 
Mike Evans :
I think it is a good thing. I love indie writers, I do wish that those that want to write a book would take the time to get an editor, good cover art, and really put out a legit book. As far as the graphic novel, no I don’t think it hurts anything, there are people that want to read a hundred thousand words worth of dialogue and don’t want the graphic pictures to go along with it. Them much like myself have the type of imagination truly able to happily step into their world and visualize it for themselves.
 
 
bookstocurlupwith:
Now for some fun questions
Mike Evans : Ok bring them on
 
 
bookstocurlupwith: When was the last time you were really scared
 
Mike Evans :
It was some time last week. My wife has to get up extremely early for work. I apparently thought while sleeping that she should still have been in bed and one of my two dogs an older beagle mutt named Rusty, who has a little bit of a weight problem to put it nicely, did not make the leap he needed to so he could land on the pillow top mattress. The thud was loud and echoed to put it nicely. I woke up thinking something had happened to my wife, she however was safe, but Rusty was very confused at the chain of events that took place between his leap of faith and the floor.
 
 
bookstocurlupwith:  Who is your favorite author and why
 
Mike Evans :
I have two, Stephen King and Greg Rucka, they both always can pull me into a story and I don’t care how long it is I never get bored.
 
 
bookstocurlupwith: Your favorite place to write .
 
Mike Evans:
Until I get to write full time, it is the couch. I sit in the morning with my dog Harley Quinn(yes like the character from Batman)this is the dog that will be useful in the apocalypse (unsure for what) and listen to very loud music on the couch while drinking unhealthy amounts of coffee each morning around 4AM until 6AM when I’m forced to leave for work
 
 
bookstocurlupwith:
Last but not least where can we find you and stalk you
 
Mike Evans :

You can find me on Facebook for the Mike Evans Author Page

I have twitter @mikee1123
I also have an amazon author page as well