Book Review & Giveaway: What Little Remains by Gabriella Wise

The intriguing aspect of this YA dystopian is it's focus. Rather than completely focused on the main character, Charlie, and her survival in a destroyed world, the author does a lovely job of dealing with young adult/early 20's issues: relationships, grief, death, independence, and becoming an adult (reality sucks and rules, right?)

Charlie is in love (she tells herself) with the leader, Ricky, of the band of survivors that live in an army base/fort. Every day can be a fight for survival as the established group hunts for supplies to replenish their needs. Scavengers are deadly and lurking out to rob innocents and grief eats at the survivors. But sometimes the danger is way, way closer than Charlie will ever realize.

I had a great time learning more about Charlie and the world she lives in. I appreciated her sticking to her guns and morals while she becomes more of a self-assured woman. The post-apocalyptic world and its problems are realistic. Nicole, Charlie's rebel BFF, is an eye brow raising hell raiser but a good side kick to Charlie's steadfast and cautious nature.

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"I had convinced myself that everything beautiful had been destroyed with the rest of the world. Seeing those flowers, a piece of beautiful life in this dark world, was incredible. It was breathtaking. In all the ugliness going on in the world, those flowers had bloomed and kept living.

I am alive. I am living, and I get to choose how I spend this time. For some reason, I am still on this planet. Maybe it is divine or maybe it is just dumb luck. But I am here. I am not going to waste this time anymore. I am not going to be scared anymore."

"What a future I’ll have. The irony is almost laughable. All those nights I stayed up and worried he wouldn’t come back to me. Now I’m worried that he will."

"He pulls me off the ground and leads me to the dance floor. The tempo is slow as he pulls me in close, wrapping his arms around my waist. I put my arms around his neck, resting my head on his chest. Behind my back, he intertwines his fingers and rests his chin on the top of my head.

It’s weird to think that later this month we would have had our senior prom. I don’t know whom I would have gone with, but I’m confident it wouldn’t be the guy holding me. We aren’t the same people we were the summer before our senior year.

I haven’t decided yet if that’s a good thing or not."

Tell us a bit about yourself
I am an avid reader. Once I start reading a book, I can’t put it down until I have finished it. This makes school and life very challenging because there have been quite a few times that I put both on hold to finish a book. I am also a terrible procrastinator, especially when I have access to Wi-Fi. I also love photography and animals. I combine the two often, with my dogs paying the price. I also love movies.

When did you begin writing?
I don’t really remember a time when I wasn’t writing. The very first thing I remember writing is a poem when I was in the second grade. I started with poetry when I was younger and moved to short stories as I grew older.

Have you ever been discouraged in regard to your writing ability and if so, how did you get past it and move forward?
My immediate family has always been super supportive about my writing. I’ve had other family members express to me that they didn’t think it was practical or didn’t see how I could possibly do it. Then there is that look that some people give me that’s like “Oh, you’re a writer” which translates to “You mean you sit on your parents basement couch and mooch off them?” The best way that I have found to deal with them is to just keep going. Every time I accomplish something, I know that I am proving them wrong. I also focus on the really positive things that come from my writing.

What's your favorite thing about writing?
My favorite thing about writing is seeing something that was just an idea turn into an actual tangible product.

What is your writing style? Do you like to outline or just write as you go?
As far as my writing style, I will generally do a basic outline with all my key plot points. I almost always do an outline for longer projects and also include dates so that I get the timeline right. I also do extensive character charts and plan out how the character will develop throughout the story.

Do you have a favorite spot where you like to write?
Where I like to write depends on my mood. Most of the time I’ll just write in my room. I’ve started to get out a lot more and start to write at the closest coffee shop.

What is something you've written that will never see the light of day?
The very first manuscript that I ever wrote (when I was a freshman in high school) will NEVER see the light of day. I look back on it and can’t help but cringe. My writing has progressed so much since then.

What is your writer food?
Umm…food in general.

What's the hardest thing about writing for you?
The hardest thing about writing for me is to remember that I don’t have to be perfect; that what I write doesn’t have to be perfect.

What inspires you to write?
There are two things that really inspire me to write. The first thing is that I love to tell stories. I love being able to express myself through writing and being able to share that with other people. The second reason is that books were such a haven for my growing up. I didn’t have the best experience in grade school and books became my refuge. I read ALL THE TIME. I want my books to be able to do that for other people.

How many books have you written and which is your favorite?
What Little Remains is the first book that I have written and published, so, by default, right now it is my favorite.

What are some of your favorite books?
That is like asking me to choose my favorite child. I won’t admit to a favorite.

What authors do you like to read?
Right now I have Suzanne Collins, Veronica Rossi, Becca Fitzpatrick, Meg Cabot, and Victoria Aveyard on my top bookshelf. But that changes almost weekly.

What inspired you to write What Little Remains?
I remember being in Algebra 1 my freshman year of high school, after a biology class. I started thinking about what would happen and how people would survive if natural disasters wiped out most of the world and our modern conveniences, and my book progressed from that idea.

If you could choose a dream cast for insert title, who would you pick?
Oh wow, I couldn’t possibly cast my characters. I think it is super important to be able to leave that up to the imagination of the reader, so I wouldn’t even say which actors I favor.

Would you say you relate to any of your characters? If so, which one and why?
I think I relate to a little bit to a lot of my characters. Charlie and Daren are definitely a reflection of my sarcastic and sassy side. Nicole is a reflection of the stronger, more resilient side of myself. Even Ricky is a reflection of a side of myself. While he takes it to an extreme, there is defiantly a part of me that would go to great lengths to protect the people that I love.

This or that.
That.
Sweet or Salty?
Salty.
Naughty or nice?
…Little bit of both.
Cats or dogs?
Dogs
Vanilla or chocolate?
Allergic to both.

If you were deserted on an island, which author would you want to be stranded with?
J.K. Rowling. One, because she would tell the best stories. Two, because I know her fans would track her to the ends of the earth now that she’s promised more Harry Potter-related books.

My name is Gabriella Wise. I am a self-published (indie) author, and my first novel, What Little Remains was released in March 2015. I was born and raised in Louisville, Kentucky. I have loved to tell stories since I was a little kid, and this passion for storytelling has brought me to this point. With my first full-length novel, What Little Remains, already published, I am looking toward finishing the second book in The Fallout trilogy.

I love reading. Some of my favorite authors include Suzanne Collins, Veronica Rossi, Cassandra Clare, Becca Fitzpatrick, J. K. Rowling, and Meg Cabot. I also enjoy long walks in the rain (especially when I don’t have waterproof shoes on--#collegeprobs), eating chocolate (which I am allergic to), and freaking out about my favorite fandoms.

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  Author Website: www.gabriellawise.com

  
  

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Book Review & Giveaway: From the Ashes (Legend of the Liberator #1) by Shelby K. Morrison

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** 4/5 **

Ari is on the cusp of her 18th birth and living the good life of a Highborn. She is burdened by a heavy secret and must always maintain control- she's a Bender. She has the power to control aspects of nature and her kind is either sucked of their power or killed. Adopted at a young age, she is constantly tormented by her adoptive brother. Her emotional switch is broken one day and she does the unthinkable- she exposes herself and she's off, running to save her life. Ari is put into an insane dilemma of facing her worst fears, finding family, friends, and learning who she truly is. Oh, and she has save the empire from itself...

Overall a very engaging and fun read. Ari is a likeable character and the fantastical world is built very well and eagerly detailed. The plot was an easy trial to follow. My attention got caught in snags when the action waned here and there, but it didn't happen often. Toward the end of the book, I was able to really see the author mature as a writer; the end of the novel's details and characterizations flowed much easier and were very emotional. A definite read for fantasy folks, especially YA! I could see a teen diving straight into this book.





Tell us a bit about yourself:
I'm twenty-five, or at least I will be by the time this interview is read. I am married to the love of my life and we have two beautiful children. They like to make a mess in the morning and bark when the doorbell rings, but we love them. I currently live in Utah but dream of one day moving to Oregon where I was born. I miss my greenery. I love staying busy so writing is the perfect career for me, there is always something to do. When I do have a moment away from my books you can find me either starting a DIY project or learning some other hobby like painting or crocheting. I could be considered “crunchy” as I am pro organic and all-natural everything. I have a weakness for teriyaki bowls, overcast days, and opportunities for costumes. I have a terrible fear of crabs and heights. I love Japanese culture and have recently begun teaching myself Japanese. My husband is a gamer so some rare occasions you can find me playing a video game or two as well. I suppose that's it for now. Feel free to ask more!

When did you begin writing?
I began writing in junior high. I had an insatiable appetite for books and any area of creative release I would try. I began with poems and songs. Then once I wrote my first short story, it was pure love.

Have you ever been discouraged in regard to your writing ability and if so, how did you get past it and move forward?
Of course! Who hasn't? Writers are their own worst critic...most of the time. 80% of the time we think what we write is garbage. That only lessens to about 70% with rave reviews telling us it isn't. Writers are always compared to other writers. It's difficult not to be discouraged a lot of the time. But what get's me past it is my passion. I never have a lot of faith that what I write is good. But I tell myself it's okay, I'm going to get better with time, and this is what I was born to do. If you give up, you'll always be the level you were. But I know if I push through, keep trying, keep writing, that I will without a doubt get better, even if I don't see it myself.

What's your favorite thing about writing?
The creating and brainstorming. I just turn on the faucet and let the ideas rush forth. There is no filter, just creativity. I love seeing the ideas pour out of my head. I surprise myself sometimes and those are the best moments. Writer's aren't often proud of themselves, but once in a while they'll come across a twist, a character, a passage, a piece of witty dialogue, and they'll smile. I find that most often with brainstorming. It really is the best part about writing.

What is your writing style? Do you like to outline or just write as you go?
I must outline. I have a big board in my office with my three act plot and all the bumps along the way I require. I outline like you wouldn't believe. I must. Some can just get in the car and see where the road takes them. Not me. I have a map with seven highlighters and a dozen sticky notes so I know exactly how my trip will be all along the way and where I'll be at the end of the road. I have my goal in site at all times. This is a method I'll continue to perfect as the years go one. Each book is getting easier and cleaner to write everything as the method molds itself. I'd be lost without my outlines and notes.

Do you have a favorite spot where you like to write?
Currently, not really. I imagine someday I will. But right now my options are limited. I have my writing desk and that's where the writing happens. Occasionally if I'm editing I'll do it in bed or in a comfy chair. But I imagine someday of having a little shed just for my writing. My writing place.

What is something you've written that will never see the light of day?
Hmmm...I don't know if I intend on keeping any of my stuff out of the light of day. Take for example, From the Ashes. This is one of my original stories when I was a teenager, gutted and given new life. But the bare bones premise of the story is there. I have considered doing that to many of my unfinished works I started in my early years of writing. Or at least bringing them into the sun for my writers to see some of my early work, even if it's not published. I'd say of anything, the stuff that won't see the light of day would be my poems. Those will stay nice and comfy on some old dinosaur computer.

What is your writer food?
Unlike most writers, I do not survive on coffee or caffeine. I also don't drink. *Gasp! I know!* So I can scarcely call myself a writer. Just kidding. I do survive on my drink of choice though. Cinnamon Dolce Cream Frapp from Starbucks. Be still my heart. As for my snack of choice, bring on the Riesens.

What's the hardest thing about writing for you?
The hardest thing about writing...editing for sure. You stare at your work, the work you've made as good as it can be and you tell yourself “Make it better.” We writers must be kidding ourselves. How can we make something better when we don't know what's wrong with it? It's a headache. So revising/editing, as well as getting feedback. It is a grueling, terrifying experience. We give our baby to another to read. And with the flick of a pen, they can destroy it. Or, if you're lucky, they bless it. Definitely the hardest part.

What inspires you to write?
Somewhere inside is a little person. A person that tells me that writing is my calling, that I was born to do this. Could be one of my characters for all I know, tricking me to getting them on paper. But something just comes alive when I write, something inside tells me this is what I was made to do. I can't explain it other than that. I just can't imagine a better career for me.

How many books have you written and which is your favorite?
Written? About a dozen half finished ones. Published? One. Two after From the Ashes. And it will be three by the end of the year. But I can easily say, the Legend of the Liberator series is my favorite. It's my first fantasy since junior high. And old ways have reignited my passion for writing that my fiction books couldn't. Something about fantasy is very liberating.

What are some of your favorite books?
I love Jurassic Park, Mistborn, Harry Potter, Pride and Prejudice, Peter Pan, Little Women.... I am a big fan of the classics. And I love a good thrill.

What authors do you like to read?
I don't have a lot of favorite authors. I think it's too limiting. I like to try a huge variety of authors. I am fond of Crichton though. Also Preston & Child. I'm a fan of Sanderson too.

What inspired you to write From the Ashes?
As I mentioned above, From the Ashes has the heart of a story I partially write as a teenager. The inspiration simply came from wondering how much a simple piece of jewelry could connect someone.

If you could choose a dream cast for From the Ashes, who would you pick?
Aia: Karen Gillan
Cole: Nick Bateman
Emperor Stephan: Charles Dance
Dove: Amanda Seyfried
Illcina: Jennifer Connelly
There are more characters (this is fantasy after all) on my pinterest board. Feel free to check them out, along with other pics for inspiration. https://www.pinterest.com/shelbykmorrison/from-the-ashes/

Would you say you relate to any of your characters? If so, which one and why?
I usually always relate most to my leading character. Aia is strong, she has ambitions and plans for herself and doesn't let statistics or people's opinion get her down. She is determined to be her own person. She has a weakness for those who can't defend themselves and has passion for whatever she is doing. I like to think I can see myself in her and can relate to her.

This or that.
Sweet or Salty? Salty! I seriously crave chips all the time.
Naughty or nice? Nice! I like my presents!
Cats or dogs? Dogs! So much more laid back.
Vanilla or chocolate? Swirled! Life is to short to pick.

If you were deserted on an island, which author would you want to be stranded with?
Hmmm....well apart from being insanely awkward, probably, George R. R. Martin. He's got a way of writing that keeps readers coming back for more, even when he hurts them by killing off favorite characters. His worlds are a live. I want my worlds to be alive. Course he could help me write a brilliant book but I'd be on a stinking island and couldn't share it and couldn't share it with anyone. That would be the worst!

Shelby K. Morrison is the author of Shattered, devout member of the Pointless Research Addicts support group, and was voted Most Likely to Be President in high school. She believes fiction should be an escape and any great escape involves a world of wonder, characters you wish you knew, and good food. She can usually be found in three places; her office, the couch or....well just those two unless an overcast day calls her out of doors. She has a particular weakness for animals, Studio Ghibli movies, and Flamin' Hot Cheetos (resulting in a frequently stained keyboard). She is not opposed to tokens of appreciation, particularly edible ones. But if you really want to make her smile, drop her a line!

Website: http://www.shelbykmorrison.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shelbykmorrisonbooks
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/ShelbyKMorrison

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Book Review, Interview & Giveaway: Die Again: A Rizzoli & Isles Novel by Tess Gerritsen

Holy moley cannoli! This book was freaking amazing! Capitol A-M-A-Z-I-N-G. I could hardly put it down and mostly grunted when someone asked a question while I was reading it. First book by Tess Gerritsen I have ever read; I've never seen the TNT show "Rizzoli & Isles" based on the series either. I'm not sure what kept me so long...

The story focuses in Boston and Africa on differing timelines. Millie and her snobby author boyfriend are on a safari with other folks. It goes from bad to worse. People start to disappear and their entrails reappear after supposed animal attacks. Suspecting their vigilant guide, the remaining members go mad and the body count goes even higher. The only survivor is found weeks later stumbling out of the bush. The gruesome tale is told throughout the current events unfolding with Detective Rizzoli and medical examiner Isles. And yep, you guessed it, they tie together. It's madness!

The plot just gets wilder, weirder, and hair raising. Local taxidermist is the first (so they think, dum dum dum) murder. A suspected home invasion is the second. Previously unsolved murders, where the victims are strung up, gutted, and marked with three claw marks in two distinct places pop up. Tying all the bodies, murders, a possible cult tie in, lions, tigers, missing snow leopard pelt, and missing persons is quite a task. It's quite a zoo of a case (pun intended!). The lone survivor of the African safari is brought in to lure out the least expected murderer.

The book starts and ends on a climax. I was fairly catatonic and afraid to turn the last few pages to find out what the crap was going down in this twisted road of a mystery thriller. Perfect ending, perfect piecing together of the puzzle... ahh, was very satisfying. Loved the main characters and the awesomely detailed and methodically descriptions completed by the author.

Pick up this book. Get lost and freaked out in it. It will do a mystery lover very, very good. Ms. Gerritsen has a new die hard fan.

Tell us a bit about yourself

I'm the author of 26 novels, including a crime series featuring Detective Jane Rizzoli and ME Maura Isles, on which the TV show "Rizzoli & Isles" is based. Over the course of my 30-year career I've written medical thrillers, historical suspense, crime novels, and romantic suspense. I'm also a medical doctor, although I haven't practiced medicine in decades.

When did you begin writing?

At age seven. That's when I knew I wanted to be a writer.

Have you ever been discouraged in regard to your writing ability and if so, how did you get past it and move forward?

I'm constantly discouraged. With every book, I find myself questioning my ability to tell a story. I think it's part of writing the best book you can -- you never settle for less than your best effort, and it may involve multiple drafts. I've sometimes gone through six or seven revisions before I feel ready to send the manuscript to my editor.

I also go through plot block with almost every manuscript, where I don't know what happens next, or I don't know how to tie the disparate plot elements together. The best cure for that is a long drive, or a day or two lying on the couch staring at the ceiling, until the "A ha!" moment happens.

 

What's your favorite thing about writing?

I love the very beginning of a project, when the ideas come flying at me, and I'm trying to see how they all relate to each other. It's before the hard work of writing actually begins.

I also love doing the research -- finding out enticing new facts, and delving into a topic I know nothing about.

 

What is your writing style? Do you like to outline or just write as you go?

I don't do a formal outline, more like a few jotted sentences of how the story begins. Generally, I don't know much more than about a third of the plot, and I make up the rest as I go along. I've tried to outline in the past, but always ended up veering away from it, because I get better ideas as I move into the story. It leads to a chaotic first draft, and I often get stuck midway through, trying to come up with ways to make the mystery fit together. But if I'm surprised by the story, I think my readers are as well.

 

Do you have a favorite spot where you like to write?

I have an office over my garage where I write. It has a view of the sea, lots of light, and a huge desk where I can spread out all my papers. It's the only place where I compose my first drafts.

 

What is something you've written that will never see the light of day?

I have bits and pieces of earlier manuscripts that never got completed, but I keep them around. You never know when a scene can be recycled into another book.

 

What is your writer food?

Whatever's left over in the refrigerator from last night's dinner.

 

What's the hardest thing about writing for you?

Getting to the end of the first draft. I'm never sure what the story's about until I finish that draft. Another difficult point is the first revision, when I look at that first draft, see all the flaws, and wonder if I'll ever be able to fix it.

 

What inspires you to write?

I find ideas everywhere -- the news, my interests, travel. I never know when something strikes me as a great idea for a story. I'm very clued in to emotional impacts. If I learn something that scares me or upsets me, that's usually a great topic for a book.

 

How many books have you written and which is your favorite?

I've just finished writing my 26th book. My favorite is probably GRAVITY, about a disaster aboard the International Space Station. Because of the highly technical details, requiring months of research, that book was a challenge to write, and I was terrified I wouldn't be able to pull it off. But I did.

 

What are some of your favorite books?

My reading tastes are eclectic. I love historicals, non-fiction, fantasy. Looking back at the books that have stayed with me through the years, I would count JRR Tolkien's Lord of the Rings trilogy as my absolute favorite.

 

What authors do you like to read?

I'm a big fan of Philippa Gregory, who makes history come alive.

 

What inspired you to write Die Again?

A few years ago, my husband and I went on safari in South Africa. One day in the bush, we had a surprise encounter with a leopard, and our bush guide essentially saved our lives. It brought home how dangerous the bush is, and how much you have to trust your guide. Then I thought: what if you trust the wrong man? What if the most dangerous creature in the bush walks on two legs? What if the guide who meets your plane at the remote landing strip isn't the man he says he is? That inspired the initial premise: seven tourists fly into Botswana, drive off into the wilderness, and are never seen again.

 

If you could choose a dream cast for DIE AGAIN, who would you pick?

I think the best cast for my poor seven tourists would all be unknowns!

 

Would you say you relate to any of your characters? If so, which one and why?

 I'm definitely like Maura Isles. We're both medically trained, we're both introverts, and we both want to believe there's a logical explanation for everything.

This or that.

Sweet or Salty?

Salty.

Naughty or nice?

Nice.

Cats or dogs?

Cats AND dogs.

Vanilla or chocolate?

Chocolate.

 

If you were deserted on an island, which author would you want to be stranded with?

Lee Child. I think he would keep me well entertained.

 



[caption id="attachment_7804" align="alignright" width="300"] Tess Gerritsen, © Leonardo Cendamo / Blackarchives[/caption]

Internationally bestselling author Tess Gerritsen took an unusual route to a writing career. A graduate of Stanford University, Tess went on to medical school at the University of California, San Francisco, where she was awarded her M.D.

While on maternity leave from her work as a physician, she began to write fiction. In 1987, her first novel was published. Call After Midnight, a romantic thriller, was followed by eight more romantic suspense novels. She also wrote a screenplay, "Adrift", which aired as a 1993 CBS Movie of the Week starring Kate Jackson.

Tess's first medical thriller, Harvest, was released in hardcover in 1996, and it marked her debut on the New York Times bestseller list. Her suspense novels since then have been: Life Support (1997), Bloodstream (1998), Gravity (1999), The Surgeon (2001), The Apprentice (2002), The Sinner (2003), Body Double (2004), Vanish (2005), The Mephisto Club (2006), The Bone Garden (2007), The Keepsake (2008; UK title: Keeping the Dead), Ice Cold (2010; UK title: The Killing Place), The Silent Girl (2011), and Last To Die (August 2012.) Her books have been published in forty countries, and more than 30 million copies have been sold around the world.

Her books have been top-3 bestsellers in the United States and number one bestsellers abroad. She has won both the Nero Wolfe Award (for Vanish) and the Rita Award (for The Surgeon). Critics around the world have praised her novels as "Pulse-pounding fun" (Philadelphia Inquirer), "Scary and brilliant" (Toronto Globe and Mail), and "Polished, riveting prose" (Chicago Tribune). Publisher Weekly has dubbed her the "medical suspense queen".

Her series of novels featuring homicide detective Jane Rizzoli and medical examiner Maura Isles inspired the TNT television series "Rizzoli & Isles" starring Angie Harmon and Sasha Alexander.

Now retired from medicine, she writes full time. She lives in Maine.

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Book Reviews, Interview (cool one!) & Giveaway: Under The Moonlight by Ashley Nemer & Soul Mates by Ashley Nemer, L.S. Broomfield

The concept of soul mates is timeless, but what happens when circumstance comes between soul mates? Will they find their way back to each other? This short story duo packs a hard punch in the realm of soul mates, giving the reader two different paranormal erotica’s that both ask (and answer) that very question.

Wolf Pack...

Lucas, alpha-wolf and playboy extraordinaire, must face hard truths when an old love returns to town bearing secrets of her own.

Souls Caught Fire…

Katrine, vampire assassin and femme fetal, must choose between love and business when a strong and unexplained attraction blooms between herself and her current mark.

If love is meant to be and souls are bound together by fate, Lucas and Katrine must find a way to hold on to the gift they’ve each been given. When life gets in the way, will love be strong enough to unite them with their soul mates?

*** 4/5 Stars for Book #1 ***

Super fast, sweet, and somewhat spicy read. The first novella centers around Lucas and his long lost love. She suddenly comes back into town with a huge surprise and secret. Angry, Lucas takes over. Lucas is consumed with frustration, but soon loses out to love and a new future.

The novella starts out with a hot chase and sex scene. Honestly, I thought it was headed to be more of erotica novel without the good feelings... but I was proven wrong. A very sweet story that makes sense of the opening scene at the end.

*** 3.5/5 Stars for Book #2 ***

Book number two was more of a classic paranormal romance with hot guy meeting hot girl, sparks fly, tempers fly, and we have the hot kiss. Two paranormal factions not normally meant for each other come face to face with the reality that the only thing either one of them will be killing is their hate for each other. Wink wink, nudge nudge.

A quick read, slightly predictable. The main character seemed a bit in love with herself, but again, the main characters were both alpha(ish) in nature and hot to trot for each other. Fun for a fling, fun for an hour read.

Zara's fate had been decided thousands of years before her birth. She is now fighting against time and family to reclaim the decisions that will ultimately shape her destiny.

Sentenced to live an existence in the Underworld, mated to a man she despises, Zara must find a way to overcome the Gods and their curses, with love as her only guide.

Can James, a sailor, help Zara break the bonds of magical spells or will she end up mated to Xander, the Son of Satan?

Take a dive Under the Moonlight to see where love can take you.

This novella is a mix of mythology, modern relationships, and romance. Zara is one of many prince and princess born to her immortal parents who rule the sea. Using deities of Greek mythology, the author sprinkles their roles through Zara's life. Zara is approaching a pinnacle in her life in which she will chose to live on the land with human or remain in the sea with her people. A handsome bass playing sailor catches her eye. A few awkward dates and a visit from an angry uncle quickly have Zara backing off. James, the sailor, has way more than meets the eye. To add to the mix, Zara is at the center of a family curse that has her tied to Hades son. Ick! Zara has to follow her heart or her duty.

The story flowed well and was interested with the mix of mythology and modern background. Without spoiling the story, my head tilted in confusion during a consummating scene- it was just a bit oddly described and seemed rush. Beyond that, this was an acceptable paranormal romance to pass an hour or two.





The birth of Under The Moonlight

Some authors find their muses in music or the outdoors or even everyday life. This story found its life through one of my oldest and dearest friends, Jennifer. She is a fellow blogger/writer (The Cubicle Escapee) and loves to help me make new ideas for my many different worlds. Well one day Jen goes “I want to read a story about a mermaid.” Now she had emailed me this statement while I was at work so logically I said “Jen go buy a book!”
Of course … I knew what she meant.
She then goes into detail about what all she needs this story to contain.
-Hades
-A character named Zara
-Mermaids
-Crazy Mermaid Sex
Of course I took this insane request in stride and let it alone. Until she came back at me telling me all the guys where she works wanted to read crazy mermaid sex. And at this point, Under The Moonlight was born.
So when the story was finally finished I had all the elements she required. Except the sex. I had a totally crazy and insane sex scene … but my Facebook fans vetoed it. So that scene got tamed down. Here is exactly what one man said …. His name is David … he’s a writer as well. “I like that you're trying something new here! But I gotta agree, the description of a random hole appearing and such, I dunno. It was a bit off. And as a guy, I dunno if I'd be cool with just sticking things in there, lol.” So while his comment made me laugh out loud it did also make me decide to bring it back home to some regular, ‘normal’ sexual fun.
So there is the story of Under the Moonlight and there should be one moral you all take away from this story …. Never let your friends dictate your writing … it may lead to strange looks and odd scenes.

Jen can be found here: http://thecubicleescapee.com/ or here http://twistedadmiration.blogspot.com/

Hello, and welcome to my Goodreads page! I am touched you have taken the time to visit me.

Here's a bit about me. I've been married just under 6 years and my wonderful husband along with our two pup's, Toto and Doogie, are the center of my world.

Writing has always been something that called to me, or rather being creative in one form or another.

I am so thankful to everyone (and there are a lot!) who has helped me along this journey. Each and everyone of you mean so much to me and I will never forget your love, support and help!

I can be found here: www.ashleynemer.com or here http://ashleynemer.blogspot.com or www.facebook.com/ashers83

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Book Tour, Reviews, and Interview: Murder & Mayhem in Goose Pimple Junction and Heroes & Hooligans in Goose Pimple Junction by Amy Metz

Murder & Mayhem in Goose Pimple Junction

by Amy Metz

Genre: Cozy Mystery

 

 

Amazon  

 

Murder & Mayhem in Goose Pimple Junction:

When Tess Tremaine starts a new life in the colorful town of Goose Pimple Junction, curiosity leads her to look into a seventy-five-year-old murder. Suddenly she’s learning the foreign language of southern speak, resisting her attraction to local celebrity Jackson Wright, and dealing with more mayhem than she can handle. 

A bank robbery, murder, and family tragedy from the 1930s are pieces of the mystery that Tess attempts to solve. As she gets close to the truth, she encounters danger, mystery, a lot of southern charm, and a new temptation for which she’s not sure she’s ready. 

*** 5/5 Stars! ***

This book was excitingly cute and quirky. The town is full of charm, goofballs, and some stodgy, questionable characters. After her divorce, Tess moves into an home that belonged to one of the town's old family's. While fighting her attraction to Jackson, a mystery/murder writer, odd and dangerous things start to occur around Tess and her home. Delving into a decades old murder, and ahem lots of romance, the pair and their slew of quirky side kicks and friends end involved in a murder, kidnapping, and insanely old secret.

I enjoyed this book a ton and it sure kept me entertained. It's full of southern charm, drawl, and sayings. Thankfully, translation for their southern speak is included.

Heroes & Hooligans in Goose Pimple Junction

 

 

Amazon

Goose Pimple Junction is just recovering from a kidnapping and a murder, its first major crimes in years, when trouble begins anew. Life is turned upside down in the quirky little Southern town with the arrival of several shifty hooligans: A philandering husband intent on getting his wife back, another murderer loose in town, a stalker intent on frightening Martha Maye, and a thief who’s stealing the town blind of their pumpkins, pies, and peace. Together, they’re scaring the living daylights out of the residents and keeping the new police chief busier than a set of jumper cables at a redneck picnic. Suddenly, he has his hands full trying to apprehend a killer, stop a stalker, and fight his feelings for the damsel in distress. 

 

*** 5/5 Stars! ***

Book number two of this cozy little southern mystery takes readers into the life of Martha Maye, who is being stalked by a creepy admirer, chasing off her no good soon to be ex husband, and the welcome romantic attentions of the new police chief. Petty thefts around the town are keeping the small police force busy. A sudden gruesome murder out on Martha's lawn causes the town's gossipy eye to be focused on her and her romantic interest, Johnny, the chief of police.

Just as cute and quirky as book numero uno, this book was very entertaining and very fun. I seriously did not know who dun it until the author revealed it at the end.

 

Chapter 1

 

 

 

Marry in haste, repent in leisure.

~Southern Proverb

 

 

Lenny drove to his neighborhood bar with the windows wide open and Johnny Cash blaring on the radio, but he was oblivious to both. He was thinking about the phone conversation he’d just had with his ten-year-old daughter Carrie. It made him crazy the way her mother’s family called her “Butterbean.” What kind of a name was that for a child? But today he was crazy for a whole new reason. Jealousy and anger tore through him faster than small-town gossip. His daughter had spilled everything, and just when he thought he’d finally gotten a break, she said, “Mama kinda had a boyfriend but not anymore.” And: “Mama was kidnapped, but she’s back now.”

He pulled into the parking lot of the bar thinking, Boyfriend? We literally aren’t even divorced yet and she had a boyfriend? He pounded his fist against the steering wheel. He knew she’d been cheating on him. And now she’d done it right in front of their daughter. No doubt about it, he was going to have to do something about this Martha Maye situation.

Pulling into a primo spot at the front door, he looked up at the old rusty sign that had been over the entrance for years: Teetotalers ain’t welcome here. He winced at the loud screech announcing his car door opening, followed by the same screech when he slammed it shut. He glanced around the parking lot and saw the same cars that were there every night. His feet crunched on the gravel as he walked, and he remembered waking up three months earlier and slowly realizing his wife and daughter weren’t there.

The familiar bacon and coffee smells were gone. Cartoons weren’t blaring on the TV. His wife’s clothes were missing, along with his daughter’s, her teddy bear, and her dolls. The bookshelves were dotted with bare spots where Martha Maye’s favorite knickknacks and paddywhacks had been. And then he saw the note on the kitchen table that said she was divorcing him and that he shouldn’t try to find them. The realization that she’d left him in the middle of the night and taken their daughter seared through him like a red-hot poker.

Pretty stealthy for a woman who could literally be outwitted by a jar of marshmallow fluff. If she thinks she can literally run out on me and then humiliate me by going out with some scumbag before we’re even divorced, she has another think coming. I’ll show her. I’ll put on the charm and win her back.

Country music blasted as he opened the door, turned his head, and spit in disgust. She literally can’t be let her out by herself. Just look where it got her: kidnapped and almost killed.

His daughter had told him they’d been staying at his mother-in-law’s house. He should have figured. He’d always known Louetta to be a meddlesome old biddy. She lied to me when I called looking for my wife and daughter. She aided and abetted a woman leaving her husband. She allowed nefarious suitors to court my wife. Both of them must have literally stopped to think and forgotten how to start again.

And then there was his no-account, good-for-nothing brother who, upon learning of the impending divorce, wanted to know if Lenny would mind if he dated Martha Maye. Boy, I’m gonna slap you so hard, when you quit rolling your clothes’ll literally be outta style. My baby brother and my wife. Yeah. Over my dead body. How could he even ask such a thing? Both of them were nothing but a bunch of backstabbing traitors.

He hitched up his jeans under his overflowing beer belly, swaggered into the bar, and ordered a Colt 45. The jukebox was playing, “I Want a Beer as Cold as My Ex-Wife’s Heart,” and he thought that was pretty darn perfect for his life at the moment.

Looking around the room, he spotted a hot blonde giving him the eye. He sucked in his gut—a move that didn’t yield the desired result—and looked back, waggling his eyebrows suggestively. She brazenly smiled back at him.

How dare Martha Maye leave me? I can literally get any woman I want. And two on Saturday.

A football star in high school, homecoming king, and voted best looking his senior year, Lenny was used to women coming onto him, not leaving him. He put the bottle to his lips and downed half of it.

That woman was literally lucky to have me. Sure, I’ve put on a little weight, but only in the gut. I practically have to fight women off with a stick. Looking around the room again, he saw female eyes on him from several tables in the room. Yessirree, sir, I still got it.

Lenny started to lift his bottle to his mouth again but halted midway when two men sat down heavily on barstools on either side of him; they looked capable of eating their young. Both men were muscular and tough. One was as tall as a telephone pole. One was as short as a gnat’s tail. The taller man had black eyes under bushy eyebrows, and the other man wore aviator sunglasses on a flat, wide nose. He pushed the glasses to the top of his head to give Lenny his best glare.

“We’ve been looking all over Hell and half of Georgia for you, boy.” Eyebrows scooted his stool in close, crowding Lenny.

“Shoot.” Lenny’s hand automatically moved to his ankle holster, checking for his knife. “That don’t surprise me none. You literally couldn’t find oil with a dipstick.”

“Solly says he’s had about enough of you,” Eyebrows said.

“Yeah,” Mr. Gnat joined in, “he’s had about enough of you.”

Lenny snorted. “You can tell Solly to blow it out his butt,” Lenny said boldly, more boldly than he felt. He shelled a peanut, popped it in his mouth, and threw the shell into Mr. Gnat’s face.

“Solly says not to let you off the hook this time.”

“Yeah, not to let you off the hook.” Mr. Gnat’s left eye twitched.

“What’s with Mr. Echo over here?” Lenny pointed his thumb at the short man.

The telephone pole ignored him and said, “Solly says you’ve screwed him over for the last time.”

“Yeah, the last time.”

“I didn’t screw him over the first time.” Lenny drained his bottle. He felt like his mouth was full of cotton. “Solly wouldn’t tell the truth to save his life from dying.” Lenny tried to stand up, but the men had him penned in.

“You can’t talk about Solly that way.”

“Yeah, not that way,” Mr. Gnat echoed.

Eyebrows looked behind Lenny to his friend. “This boy has the mental agility of a soap dish, Joey.”

“Yeah, a soap dish.”

Lenny leaned in real close to Joey, who said, “Whatta you think you’re doing?”

“Just wondered if I got close enough if I could literally hear the ocean.”

“Boy, what you need is an education,” Eyebrows said.

“Yeah, an edj-ee-cation.” Gnat strung the word out.

The men grabbed Lenny’s arms, lifting him off his stool. The song on the jukebox had ended, and Lenny heard the crunch of peanut shells as the men propelled him toward the door.

“Boys, y’all best not be messing with me,” Lenny snapped, trying to break free.

“That’s mighty big talk for a punk like you.” They stepped aside as someone came through the door, and then they threw Lenny through it. He landed on the ground but sprang right back to his feet, his dukes up, ready to fight.

Eyebrows was fast. He knocked Lenny to the ground again with a left hook. Joey followed up with two kicks to the ribs.

Lenny pulled himself into a ball, both to protect himself from further harm and to have better access to his ankle holster. But Joey saw the knife and kicked it away as Lenny drew it from his pants leg.

The men both grabbed Lenny by an arm again, pulling him upright, and Eyebrows punched him in the gut, causing him to double over. They double-teamed him and left him on the ground bloody and beaten, as cars whizzed past on the road in front of the bar.

Right before Lenny passed out, he thought: Tomorrow I’ll pack up and head for Goose Pimple Junction to reclaim what’s rightfully mine. I’ll literally be a devoted husband and father and get my family back. I ain’t gonna let that woman leave me. Nobody leaves Lenny Applewhite.

 

 

Tell us a bit about yourself. 
I grew up in Louisville, Kentucky, where I still live. I taught first grade before I had  two sons — my oldest is married and my youngest is a freshman in college. I’m a semi-retired mom, completely retired wife (divorced), and full-time writer. I love photography,  baking, and sweet tea. 

When did you begin writing? 
I started writing as therapy when my mother was diagnosed with dementia and I became her caretaker. It was therapeutic, but it was also stressful to relive the experiences, so I began writing a humorous southern mystery as an escape from real life. I found I really like living in imaginary worlds and talking to imaginary people, 

Have you ever been discouraged in regard to your writing ability and if so, how did you get past it and move forward? 
Yes. I've had some negative reviews that hurt and caused me to question myself as a writer: " I can't imagine how this got published." Another person said the book was "idiotic and sadly offensive." Luckily, the good reviews outnumber the bad. When someone says something hurtful, I just go read the good ones again. 

What's your favorite thing about writing? 
Getting lost in another world. 

What is your writing style? Do you like to outline or just write as you go? 
Both. With Murder & Mayhem, I knew how I wanted it to end, and I just wrote the book until I got there. I felt like the characters were telling me what to write. With Heroes & Hooligans I had a harder time and ended up outlining. I'm outlining with the third book also. 

Do you have a favorite spot where you like to write? 
Not really. I write on a laptop, so I can work anywhere. One thing I have to have is a lot of light. Preferably natural light. 

What is something you've written that will never see the light of day? 
Possibly a thriller I started writing. I got stuck on the plot and put it aside three years ago. 

What is your writer food? 
Sweet tea and M&Ms. Sometimes Mtn. Dew and jellybeans. 

What's the hardest thing about writing for you? 
Figuring out a complete plot. 

What inspires you to write? 
Life. 

How many books have you written and which is your favorite? 
I have written three complete books, but my favorite is always the one I'm currently working on. 

What are some of your favorite books? 
I love all three series that Robert B. Parker wrote. My next favorite is David Rosenfelt's Andy Carpenter series, Michael Connelly's Bosch series,  and . . . I could go on and on. 

What authors do you like to read? 
In addition to the above authors, I like Harlan Coben, Laura Lippman, John Sandford, Michael Lee West, Chris Knopf, Rick Bragg, and Dr. Seuss . . . there's a never ending list. 

What inspired you to write Heroes & Hooligans in Goose Pimple Junction? 
The characters. They had more to say and do. 

Would you say you relate to any of your characters? If so, which one and why? 
I relate to Tess in that we're both writers, both divorced, and we both can trip over a cordless phone. I relate to Martha Maye in that I'm too trusting and now doubt everyone. 

This or that. 
Sweet or Salty? Sweeet 
Naughty or nice? Nice 
Cats or dogs? Dogs 
Vanilla or chocolate? Chocolate 

If you were deserted on an island, which author would you want to be stranded with? 
David Rosenfelt. He would keep

Amy Metz is the author of Murder & Mayhem In Goose Pimple Junction. She is a former first grade teacher and the mother of two sons. When not actively engaged in writing, enjoying her family, or surfing Facebook or Pinterest, Amy can usually be found with a mixing spoon, camera, or book in one hand and a glass of sweet tea in the other. Amy lives in Louisville, Kentucky.

 

 

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