Tag: LGBTQ

Author Spotlight · Interview with an Author

Interview with an Author featuring Dani Hoots

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The Literary Vixen presents…

Joining us today is Dani Hoots! Her book, Revenge (City of Klaus Book 1) released on November 16th 2021.

Tell us a bit about yourself.

I am a Capricorn and live in Arizona where I am very active in the local YA community. I also run an apothecary called Fox Craft Apothecary. In my spare time, if that is a thing, I am practicing the bagpipes, taiko, or drawing. I also do a bit of cross stitch and love to hike, sew, or find some new shiny thing to learn. If I had to pick between vampires and werewolves, I would pick vampires. If I had to pick between anything, it would be vampires even if it wasn’t a choice. My favorite books are the Sookie Stackhouse series by Charlene Harris, Icarus Hunt by Timothy Zahn, Gunslinger Girl by Lyndsay Ely, and Echo North by Joanna Ruth Meyer.

How long have you been writing?

I have been writing since middle school and publishing since 2014.

Describe a typical writing day.

I wake up, cuddle my cat for a bit, and get ready for the day. Then I write in the morning from about 10 to 1pm. If I have an outline done, I can typically write a chapter or two in that time, but if I don’t, then I am either outlining, researching, or worldbuilding. The rest of the day I spend writing for HerbalGram or making tea for my apothecary. I am also an artist, so there is some drawing in there, along with practicing bagpipes, taiko, and Swedish.

Where do you get your inspiration for your books?

Anywhere and everywhere. Sometimes it’s a photo, actor, character, dream, song… it really depends on the book.

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

Getting sales is always the biggest challenge, and with that marketing. It would be so nice to just write and not have to worry about all the marketing that comes with it, but self-publishing is practically a business, and it must be treated as such.

When you’re writing an emotionally draining (or sexy, or sad, etc) scene, how do you get in the mood?

I usually find music that fits the mood or watch some anime that is in the same emotional mood.

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

Ambitious, weird, engaging.

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

Find music and anime to cheer me up.

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

I am finishing up the CITY OF KAUS series and will be having a kickstarter for a special edition version of the last book of the series (and the rest of the series if we hit those bonus goals!).

What advice would you give to other aspiring authors?

Just keep writing! Don’t give up and keep learning different skills from other authors and teachers. Find a circle of writer friends to keep each other going.

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

I write to entertain, for people to find a character they identify with, and to inspire!

Thank you Dani Hoots for chatting with me! I will include her information down below. Check out her book, Revenge today!

~Synopsis~

A swashbuckling upper YA/NA LGBTQ+ sci-fi western you don’t want to miss!

It has been three years since Elvira “Ellie” Ryder was betrayed by her ex-boyfriend Cor, which caused the destruction of her people by invaders from a different Zone. Now she will do anything to find him and make him pay.

Ellie has found someone who knows where Cor is. The price—assassinate a half-human, half-Sirian who is trying to join the Society, a high-class club only for the rich. Ellie takes the job, as it wouldn’t be the first assassination job she has taken, and heads to the Human Zone. However, when she learns more about her target, the more she realizes what is going on behind the curtain, and how her people were really destroyed.

Will Ellie be able to forgive Cor after learning the truth? Or will she forever hold on to that hatred?

*Rep: Bisexual, asexual, & gay

Dani Hoots is a young adult sci-fi and fantasy author who is inspired by ancient tales. She has a background in anthropology, urban planning, herbal science, and sci-fi writing. She enjoys learning about history, astronomy, and plants, and in her spare time she is either watching anime, reading manga and books, playing the bagpipes, or drawing.

Website: www.danihoots.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/danihootsauthor

Tiktok: www.tiktok.com/@danihootsauthor

Facebook: www.facebook.com/danihootsauthor

Review

The Midnight Lie (Forgotten Gods Book 1) by Marie Rutkoski – My Review

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Title: The Midnight Lie (Forgotten Gods Book 1)

Author: Marie Rutkoski

Release Date: March 3rd 2020

Genre: LGBTQ+, Fantasy, Romance

Set in the world of the New York Times–bestselling Winner’s Trilogy, Marie Rutkoski’s The Midnight Lie is an epic LGBTQ romantic fantasy about learning to free ourselves from the lies others tell us—and the lies we tell ourselves.

Where Nirrim lives, crime abounds, a harsh tribunal rules, and society’s pleasures are reserved for the High Kith. Life in the Ward is grim and punishing. People of her low status are forbidden from sampling sweets or wearing colors. You either follow the rules, or pay a tithe and suffer the consequences.

Nirrim keeps her head down, and a dangerous secret close to her chest.

But then she encounters Sid, a rakish traveler from far away, who whispers rumors that the High Kith possess magic. Sid tempts Nirrim to seek that magic for herself. But to do that, Nirrim must surrender her old life. She must place her trust in this sly stranger who asks, above all, not to be trusted.

This is one of those reads where you’re unexpectedly surprised at how much you end up loving it. The beginning of the story you meet Nirrim. The story is slow moving, along with a feeling of despair. Nirrim lives a life that is hard. No dreams or even hope can change that. Then one night everything starts to change for her. At that point the story slowly blossoms into one of adventure and curiosity with a slight hint of danger. Vivid scenery and debauchery was easily pictured in my mind, thanks to the incredible writing talent of the author. There are some twists and secrets. None of which I saw coming and I loved that. I wasn’t expecting that ending. Mind blown. 

This book was unputdownable! The story was fascinating and refreshing. It left me wanting more! Marie Rutkowski is a new to me author. I can’t wait to read the next book or any of her future works. I highly recommend this book! I give this 5 stars.

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

Review

The Anatomy of Desire: A Novel by L.R. Dorn – My Review

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Title: The Anatomy of Desire: A Novel

Author: L.R. Dorn

Release Date: May 11th 2021

Genre: Thrillers, LGBTQ+

A Publishers Weekly Best Mystery/Thriller of 2021

For fans of riveting true crime docuseries a la Serial and Making a Murderer, The Anatomy of Desire is a modern tale of crime and punishment exploring unbridled ambition, blinding passion, and the dark side of desire

Ambition. Passion. Betrayal. Murder?

Claire Griffith has it all, a thriving career, a gorgeous boyfriend, glamorous friends. She always knew she was destined for more than the life her conservative parents preached to her. Arriving in Los Angeles flat broke, she has risen to become a popular fitness coach and social media influencer. Having rebranded herself as Cleo Ray, she stands at the threshold of realizing her biggest dreams.

One summer day, Cleo and a woman named Beck Alden set off in a canoe on a serene mountain lake. An hour later, Beck is found dead in the water and Cleo is missing. Authorities suspect foul play, and news of Cleo’s involvement goes viral. Who was Beck? An infatuated follower? Were she and Cleo friends or lovers? Was Beck’s death an accident . . . or murder?

Told in the form of an immersive investigative docuseries, L. R. Dorn’s brilliant reimagining of Theodore Dreiser’s classic crime drama, An American Tragedy, captures the urgency and poignance of the original and rekindles it as a very contemporary and utterly mesmerizing page-turner that will keep you guessing… Did she or didn’t she?

This story seemed to check most of my boxes. Murder, check. Dark side, check. Let’s get started. Right away I noticed how the book would be told. Documentary style, which took some getting used to. Two people go out in a canoe and only one comes back, alive. The story was interesting even though it had a lot of lull scenes. Despite that, it kept me reading more. Cleo Ray wasn’t a likable character to me. In fact, I thought she was horrible. We keep bouncing between did she really do it to who could have done it? As the story progressed, I found myself getting bored. I reached a point where I didn’t care who had done. The ending fell flat. There wasn’t any surprise or wow factor and I was disappointed.

The story is an okay read. I expected more and it’s most likely my fault for being disappointed. I recommend checking out this book for yourself. It may be the read for you! I give this two stars.

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

New Release

Merry MVP (Espen Emperors Book 6) by Haven Hadley – New Release

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Merry MVP (Espen Emperors Book 6) by Haven Hadley is now available!

~Synopsis~

Christmas in Espen, what a wonderful thing. The city was decorated, the season in full swing.

The only way to make it better was to celebrate love. Callen knew for this play he wouldn’t need his glove.

It took a while for them to find their way. Now it was here, Callen and Spencer’s special day.

With their family and friends by their side, they knew their life together would be an amazing ride.

The Emperors cheered as the vows were said. One of their own was finally wed.

Baseball was what had brought them together. Now Callen and Spencer had their forever.

https://amzn.to/3ozyk7w

 

Audiobook · Sale · Saturday Sales

✮☆ Saturday Sales ☆✮

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✮☆ On Sale for a Limited Time ☆✮

🔥 50% Off Digital Editions Sale! Limited Time!

Have you read the latest books in the Z-Tech Chronicles series by Ryan Southwick? Now is your chance to get them at a great price! Download Zima: Origins and Angels Lost today! 

𝐘𝐨𝐮’𝐥𝐥 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞:

✨Vampires

✨Sci-Fi, Urban Fantasy

✨Assassin with a heart

The streets of San Francisco aren’t safe and it’s up to some unlikely heroes to save the city.

https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/ryansouthwick

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Also new from Ryan Southwick!

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🎧 LIVE ON AUDIO 🎧

Angels in the Mist by Ryan Southwick is now available on audiobook! 

This exciting sci-fi, urban fantasy is brought to life with the wonderful voice talent of Dayna Ganiko! 

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Review

Angels in the Mist (The Z-Tech Chronicles Book 1) by Ryan Southwick – My Review

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Title: Angels in the Mist (The Z-Tech Chronicles Book 1)

Author: Ryan Southwick

Release Date: June 16th 2020

Genre: LGBTQ, Science Fiction

An ancient, powerful evil is loose in San Francisco. The heart of Silicon Valley must fight back the only way they know how — with compassion, unwavering determination, and, of course, super-technology.

Anne Perrin is resigned to a life driven by an adolescent trauma: a strict routine, no socializing (outside of the safety of her waitressing job), and no romantic relationships. When her cautious lifestyle lets the perfect partner slip through her fingers, Anne vows she won’t let it happen again and ventures into San Francisco to find happiness.

Her first night out in a decade becomes a nightmare when her date turns on her with sadistic intent. But his nefarious plans for Anne are unexpectedly interrupted by a mysterious savior. Valiant, smart, compassionate … Charlie is exactly the partner Anne has been looking for. And best of all, he likes her too.

Things go well between her and Charlie until an assailant with unexpected strength plunges Anne into a world she didn’t know existed — nor could have imagined — where super-science and an eclectic group of extraordinary individuals may be the solution to Anne’s lifelong loneliness … and humanity’s only hope against an ancient threat.

You’ve never read a story like this! 

You meet Anne. She suffers from PTSD from something that happened in her past. She’s tired of living her life this way and decides to go out one night. That night will change her life forever.

I was not expecting to devour this book the way I did. It’s a mix of science fiction and paranormal. The we also have some tech and action. The author did an awesome job of bringing it all together. He even managed to throw in a love story of sorts. Not your average for sure and I was digging it. Very unique characters! LOVED Zima! I enjoyed the humor and banter between everyone. I appreciate that the techy part was written in a way I could both understand and picture as I was reading. Thank you Mr. Southwick!

As a whole, this book is entertaining. It’s different with very unique characters. If you’re a fan of sci-fi and paranormal, I highly suggest you taking a chance on this book! Add to your TBR! This is a new to me author and I really enjoyed his style of storytelling. I look forward to reading more by him. I give this 5 stars.

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