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Interview with an Author featuring Christine Clinton

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The Literary Vixen presents…

Joining us today is Christine Clinton! Her upcoming release, Xavion (YNO Idols Series Book 1) is releasing February 6th 2023.

Tell us a bit about yourself.

Hello my name is Christine Clinton and I live in Oklahoma. I have been married for 31 years. We live on 55 acres where we raise cattle and chickens.

Have you always wanted to be a writer?

I have always loved to tell stories, writing just came along with it.

How much ‘world building’ takes place before you start writing?

 I make a vision board. I try to see the characters before I write about them.

What time of the day do you usually write?

I write mostly during the day because I stay at home by myself.

What gave you that final push to press publish on your first book?

I was so scared to push the button. I said a quick prayer and pushed it. Here goes nothing haha

Which of your books were the most enjoyable to write?

I love all my books but if I had to chose one it would be Apache Sun. It just came so naturally.

What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?

What has surprised me the most is how some characters are just chatty and easy to tell the story, but there is always that one character that is hard to figure out.

What are some challenges that have come up during your writing and publishing journey?

I have struggled finding a good editor. I finally after several editors found an honest reliable one.

Are you working on anything at the present you would like to share with me?

Yes, I’m working on Looks to Timber. This book is a part of the Cheyenne Dog Soldiers series.

What advice would you give to other authors?

Don’t give up. Write something everyday even if it is one sentence. Believe in yourself you can do it.

What is the one thing you want people to know about you and your books?

 I hope that when people read my books they feel and hear my heart in every story. I pray they walk away satisfied.

 

Thank you Christine Clinton for chatting with me! I will include her information down below. Check out her newest release, Xavion today!

~Synopsis~

Emma, a naive country girl is burned by the first love. Out of this relationship she emerges, not just with scars and the broken pieces of her heart, but with the opportunity to be a mother.
Just when Emma thinks she has all she ever wanted in her life, in comes Xavion, K-pop singer and hallyu star from Korea. Xavion with his own share of difficulties shows Emma that sometimes, your life is not as complete as you think it is. We just need that one last piece for life to really fall into its perfect place.
This is a story that tells how love can rise above barriers set by origins and status.

I was born and raised in Arizona. Which is where I met the love of my life. We decided to move to Northern Oklahoma. Where we have raised our children around faith, love, and storytelling. When I’m not writing I’m usually enjoying spending time with my grandbabies, junk journaling or researching history. I’m a hopeless romantic. I have always been a sucker for happy endings.

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Christine-Clinton/author/B087N1SM1B

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorchristineclinton

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/christineclintonreadergroup

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorchristineclinton/

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Interview with an Author featuring Victoria DeLuis

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The Literary Vixen presents…

Joining us today is Victoria DeLuis! Her upcoming release, No Witch is an Island (An Eira Snow Cozy Mystery Book 5) is releasing January 31st 2023.

Tell us a bit about yourself

I am a happily Married mother of a tween girl who is 12 going on 42. I have 3 cats and a dog, who rule the house. The dog bosses me around, and the cats boss the dog around.

I’ve been writing Urban Fantasy and Paranormal mystery for a few years and have a number of books out, including the Rune Witch Series and The Eira Snow Mysteries. I like to focus my books and characters around Wales, which is where I was born and still live.

Have you always wanted to be a writer?

Yes, my mother enjoyed writing as a hobby, and it’s something she passed on to me at a very early age. I started writing the ‘Continuing Stories of Gandalf’ after reading The Hobbit when I was young, and always harboured the dream of being a published writer, even when I was working in finance in my early twenties, my spare time was spent taking course after course on writing, and of course, reading lots and lots of books. I am a huge fantasy fan 😊

How much ‘world building’ takes place before you start writing?

I used to do a lot more than I do know. Every detail had to be in place and I needed to know everything, but I found that after I had finished the world and planning all the details, I felt like that story was somehow complete in my head, and didn’t need to be written. In light of this, I do a lot less world-building these days. I plan my characters and chapter outlines briefly and let them evolve more on the page. 

I like to incorporate Welsh Mythology, locations, and history into my stories, so most of research I complete goes into researching these elements.

What time of the day do you usually write?

When I’m approaching a deadline, I work all hours of the day and night, but my sweet spot for getting work done is between 10:00 and 14:00.

What gave you that final push to press publish on your first book?

I met a wonderful man online called David way back in 2012. We met on an online class called ‘Write About Dragons’ which was following Brandon Sanderson’s recorded lectures At Brigham Young University. Dave became a good friend who met Meg Cowley in real life, while practising archery. Along with Meg, David, and a few others, we formed an online writing group where we gave each other a lot of support and encouragement. Meg was the first to take the plunge into self-publishing. To be honest, until then it wasn’t something I had considered. Meg encouraged me to take the plunge, and I first hit publish in 2016.

Which of your books were the most enjoyable to write?

That’s a hard question to answer. I go up and down with my emotions when writing all of them. I’m often nervous to start, and then I get into the writing, then the self-doubt kicks in!

I think though it would have to be the current Eira Snow Mystery. I know I am on the downward track of finishing the series (I am on book 5, and there will be 7 all together). It’s fun starting to wind things up.

What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?

I’m often surprised at how little things that happened in previous books can be used as clues to link the overarching story together. In my new book, I also found a way to link my previous Rune Witch series to my Eira Snow series. This was something I never planned on doing, but has worked out quite well. Plus, it’s been fun to go back and delve into characters I last wrote about in 2019.

What are some challenges that have come up during your writing and publishing journey?

I find there is always so much to learn and do, and everything changes all the time. This can be particularly difficult as I also work at the local college. Thankfully, there is an awesome community out there that is always happy and willing to help you stay up to date with all you need to know.

Are you working on anything at the present you would like to share with me?

I am working on finishing my Eira Snow Mystery series at the moment. The next book is out shortly and the remaining two later in the year.

As I mentioned, I am also a huge fantasy fan, but with my writing I focus on urban fantasy and paranormal cozy mysteries. I have therefore decided to explore a bit more fantasy orientated stories this year, and my first, The Flame Within, is included in the Shadows and Fate anthology, which is out in February.

What advice would you give to other authors?

Keep writing and keep learning. As with everything in life, you are going to run into some hurdles but if you love what you are doing then it’s worth it. Make connections. As I said before, there is an amazing community out there who will support you on your journey.

What is the one thing you want people to know about you and your books?

To me books are escapism and entertainment, and I like to think that’s what I aim for in my books. They are fun reads that are safe for everyone. They’re feel good stories that aren’t too dark. Overall, they’re about the relationships people make.

Thank you Victoria DeLuis for chatting with me! I will include her information down below. Check out her upcoming release, No Witch is an Island today!

~Synopsis~

Description coming soon!

Join witch Eira Snow, her bubbly apprentice Fleur Evans, and a cast of quirky characters as they solve a new mystery in the quaint Welsh village of Caerleon.

No Witch is an Island is the 5th book in the Eira Snow series of paranormal cozy mysteries.

If you like believable characters, fun mysteries with surprising clues, then you’ll love Victoria DeLuis’ delightful story.

Victoria is a short story author and novelist, who loves reading – everything – and writing urban fantasy, mystery stories, paranormal romantic suspense, and even the occasional sci-fi.

She was born and raised in South Wales, which offers her rich heritage and mythology to use in her stories.

After the birth of her fabulous daughter, Jennifer, she decided to abandon the corporate life, return to education, and pursue her lifelong passion for writing. She studied creative writing and gained a first-class honours degree, and followed that with a Masters in Novel Writing.

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Interview with an Author featuring S.A. Mackenzie

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The Literary Vixen presents…

Joining us today is S.A. Mackenzie! Her upcoming release, Possessing Greed: A Sons of Satan Novel releases September 13th 2022.

Tell us a bit about yourself.

 I am an avid video game player and reader. I spend most of my time inside, hiding away from the world because it’s my happy place. My son is my favourite person in the world next to my husband and I would spend all of my time with them if I could. My favourite activity with friends is playing board and card games. I love to laugh, I cry way too easily, and I’m very apologetically me (it’s the Canadian in me, we apologize for everything!)

Have you always wanted to be a writer?

No, actually. I’ve always been an avid reader, but sitting down and writing out stories was never something that interested me until I had my son. After my son was born, I was desperate to find a purpose for me, especially as a stay at home mom. For almost a year, I spent so much time daydreaming while idly rocking my baby and those daydreams turned into full stories in my head. So, I just picked up my laptop and started writing one day. I’ve never looked back since then.

What time of the day do you usually write?

I fit it in when I can! As the needs of my child change, so does my writing schedule. Right now, it’s mostly the morning and early afternoon, though I do write in the evenings when I have a deadline coming up.

How much ‘world building’ takes place before you start writing?

I’m a pantser for the most part. From the time an idea sprouts, I normally do a lot of vague large world building. Once writing actually starts, I try to have a basic outline of point a to point b, but I give my characters and creativity the reigns. Sometimes we get off track, but it all comes together in the end. The journey is a lot of fun when all you have is the destination in mind. 

Which of your books were the most enjoyable to write?

Hmm, that’s a hard one. The most enjoyable was probably the one releasing mid-September, Possessing Greed. It’s a shared world so the world building was so much fun and then the main character was an absolute blast to give the reins to.

What gave you that final push to press publish on your first book?

My husband and my alpha reader team. Both my husband and those beautiful women are my rock. They’ve given me the drive, confidence, and support to publish my first and every other book since. 

Do you hear from your readers much? What do they say?

 I do! It’s normally around a release that I hear from them the most. It’s always the sweetest compliments and encouragement from all of them. I’m a very awkward person, but hearing from them puts a smile on my face every time. 

Favorite book when you were a kid?

A kid kid? Probably the Ashley and Mary Kate Olsen mystery books. As a teen it would have been Just Listen by Sarah Dessen.

If you had to describe yourself in three words, what would they be?

Chaotic, clumsy, silly.

What advice would you give to other authors?

Don’t compare your journey to anyone else’s, it will never look the same. You need to add in time for yourself and work within your limits or you’ll hit your burn out and after that it can be hard to find your love for writing again.

What is the one thing you want people to know about you and your books?

Each one is a part of me, yet none of them are the same. Some are the darker parts that I mostly keep hidden, others are the sweet, surface level stuff I show the world. The dark and light, the sweet and the sad, these books tell a story of me and who I was, who I am, and who I want to be.

 

Thank you S.A. Mackenzie for chatting with me! I will include her information down below. Check out her upcoming release, Possessing Greed today!

~Synopsis~

Nothing in this world is free. The sooner you realize that, the better.

As a woman in a man’s world, I have to work twice as hard to bring home half as much as my male counterparts. Time is money, and apparently having tits makes my time worth less.

Being a woman doesn’t stop me from out performing and destroying them all as the top corporate lawyer in my city. I’ve worked my ass off to be the best, so I can afford every luxury my heart desires. Diamonds? Check. Emeralds? Check. The sweet smell of a new leather purse dripping in 24-karat gold? Drool, and double check!

That is until a gorgeous man in a stunning suit rips it all away from me with a one-way ticket to Hell. As in, actual Hell. And that one-way ticket? A knife through my heart.

This demon is going to regret making me the Queen of Greed. Possessing Greed may have been my greatest sin, but it’s also going to be my strongest asset in the sparkling, frozen tundra of Hell’s first Circle.

Possessing Greed is a novel in the multi-author shared world, Sons of Satan. Be sure to read all seven books for a hellish good time! This book is for audiences 18 and over due to mature language and content. Possessing Greed is a reverse harem romantic stand-alone with an HEA.

S.A. Mackenzie is a Canadian why choose author that writes everything from contemporary to paranormal romance. S.A. loves all things spicy, from food to books. She spends her days chasing around her child as a stay at home mom and writing. Her evenings are spent with her big, bearded husband watching movies and playing video games.

Author Links: https://linktr.ee/samackenzieauthor

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Interview with an Author featuring Angelina J. Steffort

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The Literary Vixen presents…

Welcoming back, Angelina J. Steffort! Her upcoming release, The Quarter Mage is set to release August 31st 2022.

How do you handle writer’s block?

Honestly, I rarely run into writer’s block. Usually my characters are quite chatty throughout the writing process. My life is determined by family life, so I have natural breaks during writing that allow me to come up with the next plot point or the next book idea. I consider myself lucky to be surrounded by a team of wonderful creatives to bounce ideas off if needed. That helps in some of the cases when I reach a fork in the road and need to decide which way to go with a story.

What inspired you to write The Quarter Mage?

The idea for The Quarter Mage has been brewing for over 3 years. I commissioned the covers for the entire series in 2020, the map in 2021, and have been anxiously waiting to fill the world with life.

What, in your opinion, are the most important elements of good writing?

I sincerely believe that there is no one right answer to this question. While craft is important, craft is nothing without the ability to create intriguing worlds and settings. Adorable characters are nothing without proper plot and clean prose. From a writing perspective, I can only say what I find most enjoyable, and that highly depends on the day and the mood. Sometimes I will obsess about grammar and sentence structures, on other days I will question every plot point and story line, and there will be days where I simply hang out with my characters and let them chat. So what is important depends on the phase in the process of creating a book. 

From a reader’s perspective, the characters are what hooks me first.

What comes first, the plot or characters?

In my books, usually the book title, then a premise. Once I have those, the characters spring to life on their own.

How do you develop your plot and characters?

In a lot of cases, I don’t have the characters ready when I write the first sentence. They simply awaken word by word. The same is true for the plot. As a pantser I write into the dark and follow where the characters lead. The Quarter Mage was the first book I had thoroughly plotted before starting. But it pantsed me from the first line—and the outcome is so much better than the intended version. I guess, I learned my lesson.

How do you come up with the titles to your books?

The book titles are usually what comes first, long before I ever think up a character or a potential plot. Usually, they just pop up in my head while I’m trying to focus on finishing a book. I have a list of over forty titles that are waiting to be written.

Do you find it more challenging to write the first book in a series or to write the subsequent novels?

Over the past six years I’ve written twenty-three books in five different series, and I still can’t tell you what terrifies me more, a first in a series, the sequels, or finishing up the last in a series. Each has its perks and its daunting properties. The Quarter Mage as a first in a series was difficult for me, since it pantsed me from line one. Now I’m dreading what The Hour Mage and the other two in the series have in store for me.

What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?

There’s so much I’m learning on a daily basis. What surprised me was that this is something I can see myself doing when I’m 92.

Describe your perfect book hero or heroine.

The best heroes or heroines are unexpected ones.

What advice would you give a new writer, someone just starting out?

Know your genre and what readers love. Don’t worry about a perfect first draft. You can do revisions later, and that’s why authors work with experienced editors. If you want to write a book—really write one and not just dream about it—sit down and write. It’s not going to write itself.

 

Thank you Angelina J. Steffort for chatting with me! I will include her information down below. Check out her upcoming release, The Quarter Mage today!

~Synopsis~

Perfect for fans of A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas and The Cruel Prince by Holly Black.

WHEN DESTINY FAILS YOU, WHO WILL YOU BECOME?

A forgotten princess. A cruel realm. A Mage who might be her salvation.

Sanja is a princess on the run. And when she flees her father’s court to escape an arranged marriage to a tyrant, the one thing she doesn’t expect, is to be killed for her throne.

But magic that shouldn’t exist in her kingdom saves her, and Sanja is thrust into the daunting fairylands where, as a human, she’s prey…

Fighting to survive, Sanja signs herself into the service of the most powerful Mages in the fairylands, determined to master the magic to save her kingdom—and finds herself stuck with a brooding Mage with a knack for keeping secrets.

As Sanja’s feelings for Tristan turn from dread to attraction, she learns that she isn’t the only thing the fairies are after. And Sanja must risk her life and her heart, or she will lose both him and her kingdom forever.

Dive into Angelina J. Steffort’s latest heart-wrenching upper YA fantasy romance and find out what makes the world of The Quarter Mage so special.

“Chocolate fanatic, milk-foam enthusiast and huge friend of the southern sting-ray. Writing is an unexpected career-path for me.”

Angelina J. Steffort is an Austrian novelist, best known for her Wings series, a young adult paranormal romance series about the impossible love between a girl and an angel. The bestselling Wings series has been ranked among calibers such as the Twilight Saga by Stephenie Meyer, The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare, and Lauren Kate’s Fallen, and has been top listed among angel books for teens by bloggers and readers. Her young adult epic fantasy series Shattered Kingdom is already being compared to Sarah J. Maas’s Throne of Glass series by readers and fans. Angelina has multiple educational backgrounds including engineering, business, music, and acting, and lives in Vienna, Austria with her husband and her son.

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Cover Reveal for She Conquers by Caitlin Denman

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 Cover reveal for She Conquers by Caitlin Denman!

Cover Artist: @darkwishdesigns

Releasing on June 14th 2022!

~Synopsis~

Her new powers have risen but can she conquer them in time to take on Henrik and become the reigning Fae queen?

Attina’s new powers have risen since her Awakening. Now she must battle to conquer them and call them at will. Can she master her powers and defeat Henrik in time to take the throne which is rightfully hers?

Hazel, a strange and mysterious companion shows up to help Allister and Attina dive into the past. They soon figure out, the only way to see their future is to face the hidden darkness of the past.

As Attina’s powers unveil themselves, she finds some hidden wounds difficult to overcome. She quickly learns not all injuries are skin deep. She realizes sometimes the invisible scars are the ones which change us the most. And not always for the better.

The group decides to make their way to the Eastern Fae. When they finally reach them, Attina finds out not everything is what it seems. Secrets are uncovered and battle lines are drawn.

Where you can preorder: https://books2read.com/u/4NjRBG

 

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The Golden Couple: A Novel by Greer Hendricks & Sarah Pekkanen – My Review

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Title: The Golden Couple: A Novel

Author: Greer Hendricks & Sarah Pekkanen

Release Date: March 8th 2022

Genre: Domestic Thrillers

Wealthy Washington suburbanites Marissa and Matthew Bishop seem to have it all—until Marissa is unfaithful. Beneath their veneer of perfection is a relationship riven by work and a lack of intimacy. She wants to repair things for the sake of their eight-year-old son and because she loves her husband. Enter Avery Chambers.

Avery is a therapist who lost her professional license. Still, it doesn’t stop her from counseling those in crisis, though they have to adhere to her unorthodox methods. And the Bishops are desperate.
When they glide through Avery’s door and Marissa reveals her infidelity, all three are set on a collision course. Because the biggest secrets in the room are still hidden, and it’s no longer simply a marriage that’s in danger.

You’ve seen those couples. You know which ones I’m talking about. The ones who have the perfect life. Or so it seems…..

I never really know what to expect when I pick up a Hendricks/Pekkanen book. I was intrigued by the description and was excited to dive in. The story begins and you meet the characters. Right off the bat, I don’t like any of them. I know I’m supposed to feel that way but I couldn’t help feeling irked. Yet it’s not enough to turn me off from the book. More like, let’s see where this is going. The story unravels lots of suspense and turns. Just when you think you’ve figured it out, it’s a dead end. LOVED THAT! What an ending! Totally satisfying. It felt like the sun came out after being hidden by the clouds. Very nice.

This is a great read! You have suspense and that thrilling feeling like something bad is going to happen but you’ll get all your answers. I highly recommend this book! I give it 4 stars.

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion*

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Interview with an Author Featuring Shae Coon

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The Literary Vixen presents…

Joining us today is Shae Coon! Her latest release, Her Broken Pieces (Marron House Romance Series Book 4) will release on December 26th 2021.

What inspired you to start writing?

I had all these movie-like scenes playing in my head, and I just decided to write them down. Then one day, I said, “what the hell,” and started putting together my 1st book from the remnants of scratch paper with my thoughts written down.

What would you say is your most interesting writing quirk?

I don’t plot! I get an idea and just let my fingers fly. The scene may change a million times, but I just keep writing.

How do you deal with the emotional impact of a book (on yourself) as you are writing the story?

Honestly? I don’t. I let myself feel sadness, joyfulness, or frustration. If I try to control it or suppress it, then when the words start to flow, they will fall flat. I have to feel so that my characters can.

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

Five total. For His Own Protection has become my favorite. I love a badass woman with a heart of gold and a smart-ass mouth.

How much ‘world building’ takes place before you start writing?

None. Ouch, I know. But again, I play the scene in my head, and as I build the scene, the world begins to develop.

Do you hear from your readers much? What do they say?

I hear from readers a lot. They are my sounding board and my saving grace. So far, they love the books. They are completely honest with me and tell me if they feel something could have been done better or offer up storylines they would like to see me write.

What book is currently on your bedside table?

The Enigma by Jodi Ellen Malpas. She is one that got me hooked on dark romance all those years ago.

Describe yourself in three words.

Loyal, fierce, stubborn

If your book was to be made into a movie, who are the celebrities that would star in it?

Andrew Biernat as Caleb Marron, most definitely. For the female lead, Talia Stone, that would be hard to say. She would need to be a fierce CEO type, with demons that keep her a bit unsure of herself.

What advice would you give to other authors?

As a very wise woman (https://www.instagram.com/me_myself_and_romance_books/) once screamed at me, “HASHTAGS.” It’s insane how important those little things are in marketing your work.

What is the one thing you want people to know about you and your books?

Each book has a bit of my life or the history of my ancestry in it. Which parts? You’ll never know.

 

Thank you Shae Coon for chatting with me! I will include her information down below. Check out and preorder her newest release, Her Broken Pieces today!

~Synopsis~

Gerry

Five years ago, Jax Townsend saved me from a fate worse than death. I was sold to a prince by a man who claimed to love me, then tortured and enslaved by another. That’s why I decided if that was love, then I wanted no part in it.
Now, I work for Marron House Security. Hired by the same man who shot a Sheikh to save me. The same man that haunts my dreams with the promise of a happily ever after. Jax sees my broken pieces, and it scares me. Because for all he sees, I see more.
I see his desire for me, and it heats my blood with untold need. I hide my body’s reaction to his innocent touches. I’ve never desired a man the way I desire Jax Townsend, but if I allow myself to embrace this passion, then I allow him a piece of my heart. And I just can’t do that.

Jax

She carved her name into my heart the moment our eyes locked five years ago on that yacht belonging to a prince. I killed for her, then left her in the hands of my best friend’s mother and went back to fight another battle.
Now, I’m co-founder of Marron House Security, and I’ve hired Gerry as our office manager. Her bright smiles and scent of wildflowers have me fantasizing about all sorts of naughty, after-hours escapades.
I want Gerry. Body, soul, but above all else…heart. And that’s the shit of it all. Because Gerry doesn’t believe love comes without cruelity, and I’m not sure I’m enough to prove her wrong.

I am a native Texan, wife, and mother. I started writing soon after my daughter was born in 2012 but only recently decided to publish my work. I hadn’t been into any particular genre until I took on a well-known romance title and fell in love.

Since then, different scenes have played out in my head, and I couldn’t help but jot down my ideas with any available scrap of paper. I never thought I would actually take the leap to put my work out there for all to see. It took me four years to finish my first manuscript because I kept putting it down and picking it back up. But with the support of family and friends, I finished it and am now able to live my dream of taking others to a world of seduction and romance through my writing.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shae.coonauthor/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShaeCoonAuthor

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Shae-Coon/e/B09582JXSK/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/shae-coon

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20973171.Shae_Coon

TikTok: https://shaecoon.com/https://www.tiktok.com/@shaecoon_author

Twitter: https://twitter.com/CoonShae

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The Sky Above Us by Natalie Lund – My Review

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Title: The Sky Above Us

Author: Natalie Lund

Release Date: April 13th 2021

Genre: Young Adult Fiction

From the author of We Speak in Storms comes a twisty, psychological thriller about three friends searching for the truth in the aftermath of a plane crash.

The morning after their senior year beach party, Izzy, Cass, and Janie are woken by a thundering overhead. Then they and their classmates watch in shock as a plane crashes into the water. When the passengers are finally recovered, they are identified as Izzy’s twin brother, Israel, Cass’s ex-boyfriend, Shane, and Janie’s best friend, Nate. But Izzy can feel when her brother is in pain, and she knows he’s not really dead. So she, Cass, and Janie set out to discover what actually happened that day–and why the boys were on the plane.

Told in alternating timelines and points of view, this powerful and captivating novel follows the three boys in the weeks leading up to that fateful flight, and the girls they left behind as they try to piece together the truth about the boys they loved and thought they knew. A spellbinding story about the ripple effects of tragedy, the questions we leave unanswered, and the enduring power of friendship.

Loss. Grief. 

It’s never easy losing a loved one. The pain that comes from the emptiness you feel, is very hard to bear. Three deaths. No answers.

I was not expecting such a heavy story. I didn’t feel like this story was a thriller. A lot happens within each person’s life and we get a peek into what each person is dealing with. The choices they make/made and how they affected everyone around them. Mental illness is mentioned and I liked that. Too many shy away from that topic but it is a real thing affecting many people every day. While I enjoyed the story, I felt like there was too much going on. Too many characters. I didn’t connect with many of them. 

This is a good YA story and while I expected a thriller, I got a different kind of story and I enjoyed it. This is my first Natalie Lund book and I enjoyed her writing. I will look for more works by her. I give this 3.5 stars rounded up to 4 stars.

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion*

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After All I’ve Done by Mina Hardy – My Review

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Title: After All I’ve Done: A Novel

Author: Mina Hardy

Release Date: November 10th 2020

Genre: Psychological Thrillers

Writing as Mina Hardy, New York Times bestselling author Megan Hart delivers a thrilling new psychological suspense for fans of The Woman in the Window and When the Lights Go Out.

She’s lost her best friend, her husband–and possibly, her mind.

Five months ago, an accident left Diana Sparrow badly injured and missing a few months of her memory. As if that’s not enough, she’s started having recurring nightmares about the night of the accident. Dreams that feel so real, she’s left questioning: maybe she didn’t just slide off the road into a ditch. Maybe, just maybe, she hit something. Or someone.

She can’t turn to her former best friend Val, who’s been sleeping with Diana’s husband Jonathan for months, but she might find some comfort in newcomer Cole Pelham. Yet the closer they become, the more Diana begins to wonder what really happened that night–and how Cole might be connected. Worse, it seems everyone else could be involved, too.

Who was with her that night? What really happened? As her life unravels thread by thread and the dreams become too real to ignore, Diana will have to face the unthinkable–and do the unforgivable.

After All I’ve Done is a fast paced thriller that will have your heart racing and rapidly turning those pages! 

Right from the start, the story had me in its clutches. It didn’t let go till the very end. This book is one crazy ride and I was there for it! There are many questions about what had happened to Diana. As the story went on, I found myself not liking any of the characters. They were all bad people and some were more irritating than others. This might be weird to say but it didn’t take away from the story. In fact, it enhanced the story and the mystery in solving what happened that night. Towards the end, there was an urgency to find out how all the pieces fit and boy was I surprised! That was one twist I did not see coming. Very nice Miss Hardy. 

This is a fantastic and thrilling read! It’s entertaining and an ending you won’t see coming. I can promise you that. The cover is very eye catching and pretty. I know this author is using a different pen name and I hope she continues to write more of these types of books. I look forward to reading more by Miss Hardy. I give this 5 stars.

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion*

Author Spotlight · Coming Soon · Interview with an Author · Pre-Order

Interview with an Author Featuring Ally Vance

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The Literary Vixen presents…

Joining us today is Ally Vance! Her upcoming release, Wicked Dreams (The Reveries Duet Book 1) will release on October 27th 2020.

When did you realize you wanted to be a writer?

When I was about 8 I got hooked on reading and wrote my very first story, but I was about 13 when I knew for sure that’s what I wanted to be.

What about the horror genre interests you?

The freedom of it and the lack of limitations when it comes to writing and reading it. I expect to be scared or horrified and I love how it pushes all of the boundaries.

What was the first horror/story you remember reading?

I think it was Cirque du Freak by Darren Shan

Do you ever come up with anything so wild that you scare yourself, that leaves you wondering where that came from?

There have been a few moments for sure when writing when I’ve felt that way.

Do you have a favorite character that you have written? If so who? And what makes them so special.

I love most of my characters but one of my current favourites is Maia from Mutatus (Carnaval Des Ténèbres #3). There is a lot that makes her special, but I think her strength and love for those around her stands out, as well as the fact that had Yolanda Olson not asked me to join the collaborative series she wouldn’t exist.

Do you ever research real events, legends, or myths to get ideas?

Occasionally I’ve done research to help with character development and get details on real events/legends.

Do you look to your own phobias to find subject matter? Are your stories the products of nightmares, childhood experiences, fantasies?

I have occasionally used my own experiences to write with, but not all. I have never written about one of my phobias, but that doesn’t mean I won’t someday.

What is one stereotype about horror authors is absolutely wrong? What one stereotype is dead on?

It’s wrong that we are all as scary as our writing, but it’s true that we are all serial killers; no fictional character is safe from us!

Do you have any fun Halloween experiences you can share with us?

I went to a Halloween party one year as a vampire with my boyfriend (now husband) and he went as a vampire too while his brother was a devil. I jokingly offered to mix glitter in with the white face paint so he could go as Edward Cullen, he found this less funny than me and his brother did.

What advice would you give to other authors?

Keep writing and don’t stop, and don’t let others control your creativity whether it’s other authors or readers, as you’re writing for you not them.

What is the one thing you want people to know about you and your books?

I’m not afraid to rip your hearts out and no character is safe when I’m at the keyboard.

Thank you Ally Vance for chatting with me! I will include her information down below. Pre-order her newest release, Wicked Dreams today!

~Synopsis~

Even the most vile of nightmares are born from the sweetest of dreams.

Miles tempts me in a way no other has before; he’s no idea of the truth that lurks behind the handsome face of his dream lover. I’ll bide my time until I’m ready to reveal myself. Only when Miles is weak, compliant, and willing to sign his soul over to me, will I show him exactly who and what he’s given himself to.

I’m not often tempted to cross the boundaries and physically enter this world. When I do I feast until I’ve had my fill, extracting every delicious morsel of my lover’s pleasure and pain as I bend them to my will. I know what will happen if I manifest in their reality, what they’ll see…

Nightmares are just the blurred lines between dreams and reality. Sooner or later your demons are going to get you.

Warning: Contains graphic scenes of sexual violence and sexual situations not suitable for readers under the age of 18. Contains scenes featuring M/M & M/F couples. Cliffhanger ending no HEA.

Ally is an International Bestselling Author who writes in the Dark Romance & Horror genres. Ally has been writing since she was a teenager, and it had been a long time dream of hers to finally become a published author. Ally also co-writes with her close friend Michelle under the pen name Ally Michelle. Ally lives in Kent, in the United Kingdom with her husband, stepson and two cats.

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