Monday, June 27, 2011

Raven's Kiss Blog Tour - Author Interview


Welcome to the Raven's Kiss Blog Tour!
Today I have an interview with author, Toni LoTempio to share with you!

Thanks so much, Toni, for joining me here on Reality Bites!

We’re talking about Raven’s Kiss, the 1st book in the Raven Grace series. How many books do you have planned for this series?

Right now I have two more novella length adventures planned for Raven, and also for Morgan, the heroine of NO REST FOR THE WICCA. There may be more, depending on other writing commitments.  And my day job.  

Can you sum up the series in one sentence?-
  A girl, turned into a Shapeshifter by a demon’s bite, travels to parallel time in search of him and finds romance with hot Scottish detective.

What has been the best part about writing this series? creating the characters of Raven and Finn, and injecting a touch of humor into the series. I don’t really like to get too dark.

What has been the hardest part?
Length. For a novel, you really have to have a cohesive outline, and I suck at those   I usually have a vague idea of where I’m going, but if I write it all out in painful detail, it’s a waste of time. The finished product usually ends up looking NOTHING like the outline.
 

Do you have a favorite place where you go to write? yes, I have a room in my apartment set up as my “den” that’s where I have my bookcases, filled mostly with research materials, computer, etc….and the kittie’s beds, of course 

Can you give us 3 random facts about you? I can shapeshift at will, I like a good nip of blood, and…oh, you want me to be serious? OK.  I’m a born and bred New Yorker, My favorite tv show is a tie between Dancing with the Stars and Castle, and I’m very active in Nathan Fillion’s charity, KIDS NEED TO READ.  And I shapeshift. On occasion.

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not writing?
Not writing???? Is there such a thing???? Planning the next book

What can we look forward to from you in the near future? the aforementioned Raven/Morgan joint novella will be out the end of the year, and early next year I’m releasing a YA fantasy with a Dark Shadows tie –in, which would be before the movie opens in May.  I’ve got a few other paranormal romantic suspense series in the works, but …we’ll have to wait and see on those.

Quickies- Favorites:
Cookie- Chocolate Chip!
Comfort food- Tacos!
Drink-Sangria!
Music PopRock (Barry Manilow…I know, I know, but I like him…and David Buble.)
Movie GONE WITH THE WIND – NO CONTEST
BookThe Thorn Birds, if I absolutely have to pick one.
Authorwe don’t’ have enough space for me to list all of them.  I can’t pick just one 

Finally, any advice for aspiring writers out there?- Yes, keep on writing, and don’t get discouraged. Above all, have patience. Something will happen – exactly how and when it’s supposed to.
Again, Thanks so much! I appreciate you taking the time to answer my questions! :) 




 All About….TONI LOTEMPIO
Hello!  I’m Toni LoTempio, author of Paranormal Romance/Romantic Suspense/YA Fantasy!  I’ve been writing ever since I was old enough to read, when I didn’t like the endings of the stories my mother read me I simply rewrote them   Even though I write mainly in the paranormal genre, I have also written straight horror, as well as contemporary romance/suspense.
In 1995, I joined the staff of SUSABELLA PASSENGERS AND FRIENDS, a pulp magazine for collectors of antique children’s literature (Nancy Drew, Hardy Boys, etc.)  Currently I’ve written over 300 articles for that magazine, and I was the first recipient of their Margaret Sutton Award for Distinguished Writing in 1998.  I joined the staff of NIGHT OWL REVIEWS IN January 2011 as the suspense reviewer/columnist.  My column, DARK STREETS, which features articles on suspense authors and their novels, is featured on a monthly basis. I love to spotlight new talent, so if you’re a suspense author, please contact me!

In 2007, Whiskey Creek Press published BOUND BY BLOOD, a tale of possession, and EBONY, which deals with zombies and the dark side of man. EBONY was #2 on the Fictionwise bestseller list for e-books for the month of July 2007, beating out Stephen King’s Lisey’s Story. (and no one was more shocked than I, LOL) In 2010, after countless attempts to land another agent, I took the advice of a fellow author HP Mallory, and self published NO REST FOR THE WICCA, which has been on Amazon’s list of top one hundred in Occult since March 2011.  My short story, THE SACRIFICE, appears in the e-published anthology KISS ME KILL ME, and I also have a YA fantasy, MY SUPERHERO SISTER on B&N and Amazon.  A complete listing of my books appears at the end of this bio.

Currently single, I work full time and live in Clifton, NJ, with  my muses:  Rocco, Maxx, Gata and Trixie.  (Rocco is also known as Rocco the SciFi Blogging Cat and has appeared on the SciFi Saturday Night website and radio show, and also on the Kids Need To Read website where he holds the distinction of being the first (and possibly only!) blogging cat to support this charity!)

I love hearing from fans, so please feel free to friend me on FACEBOOK, and visit my website, www.tonilotempio.webs.com  Rocco and I post daily M-F on his blog, www.catsbooksmorecats.blogspot.com


Toni LoTempio Books:

Bound by Blood – Whiskey Creek Press, trade paperback & e-book, Feb. 2007 (paranormal suspense)
Ebony – Whiskey Creek Press, trade paperback & e-book, July 2007 (paranormal suspense)
Witch’s Pawn – Echelon Press, trade paperback & e-book, December 2008 (horror)
Nom de Plume – Whiskey Creek Press, trade paperback & e-book, November 2008 (contemporary romance)
It’s in the Cards – Whiskey Creek Press, e-book, February 2010 – (paranormal romance)
Out of the Ashes – Whiskey Creek Press, e-book, May 2010 – Fantasy
No Rest for the Wicca – Amazon & B&N Pub-It, e-book, September 2010 – paranormal suspense
My Superhero Sister – Amazon & B&N Pub-It, e-book, Trade Paperback - January 2011 – YA Fantasy
Kiss Me, Kill Me – Amazon & B&N Pub-It, e-book anthology –February 2011 – Short Story, “The Sacrifice”
Raven’s Kiss – Amazon & B&N Pub-It, e-book, & Trade Paperback April, 2011 – Paranormal Romance






Buy the book:

Next stop on the tour:


and don't miss the exciting giveaway at the end!


Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Help Me Pick My Next Series!

I need your help! I have a few blog tour books to read, and review books to read - but I want to read some of my huge TBR, as well.
I have some series to catch up on, but I'd like to start a couple new ones. There are a few out there that everyone talks about that I have not yet started. 

I know people talk about Curran and Barrons - I haven't read any of those books, yet. Is there an Ash too? Anyway, what is your favorite series at the moment. (If it's BDB - tell me your 2nd fave...:) ) 

Thanks so much for your help! We have a relaxing family vacation coming up and last year I read almost ten books that week, so I'm looking forward to getting some serious reading done.

~Mandy~

Sunday, June 19, 2011

A Warrior's Witch blog tour - Interview with Stacey Kennedy!

Welcome to the next stop on 
A Warrior's Witch blog tour!!

Today I am so excited to have an interview with author Stacey Kennedy!!

Thanks so much, Stacey, for joining me here on Reality Bites!

I know your loyal readers will recognize the characters in this book, but if we aren’t as well-versed in your other books, where are we introduced to Talon and Zia?
We first meet Talon and Zia in The Magical Sword series—Nexi and Kyden’s books. Talon is Kyden’s father and the Master of Guardians, and Zia is Master of Witches. They are part of the Council who are the leaders of the Otherworld.

Will there be more Otherworld Romance books?

Of course! It is really hard for me to only write one story, so it’s not a surprise that while writing A Warrior’s Witch the next story showed itself. Next up will be Zade and Iyana, which I plan to write in October.

What is the hardest part about writing Romance?
Er…nothing. I love writing romance, the deep connection between the characters, and of course, the happily ever after.

What is the most fun part? :)
Well, this is an easy answer—the steamy stuff. By far, the love scenes are the easiest for me to write and I enjoy every darn minute of it.

Do you have a favorite place where you go to write?

The couch with a coffee—that’s it…that’s all!

Can you give us 3 random facts about you?
  • I never refill ice cube trays. It drives my hubby nuts, but he loves me so gets over it.
  • When I was born I only weighed two pounds. As far as the doctors were concerned I wasn’t going to make it, but out I came screaming and ready to face to the world.
  • I have no patience, and in the world of publishing you need lots of it. Needless to say, it’s a daily struggle.

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not writing?
Camping, canoeing, hiking, and picnics at the park—I’m a total outdoors type of gal. I love spending as much time as I can outdoors and enjoying nature.

What can we look forward to from you in the near future?
At the end of the month I’ll be releasing Tainted Blood – The Dark Element Book One, which will be Sabi and Ryker’s first book. Here is a peek at it:

Earth Witch, Sabi has been gifted with the ability to see premonitions of the darkness that threatens human lives.  Safe in the Otherworld she adjusts to these new visions…which isn’t going so well.  Luckily, she’s got the sexy Guardian, Ryker to help her work through these visions.  He’s intent to show her how to distance herself from them and help her gain control of life.  Not that it’s really helping.  These visions are leaving her crippled and unable to help pinpoint the killer’s locations to stop these acts from happening.
If that’s not enough to deal with, she soon begins to see vampires on a killing rampage in San Francisco.  Vampires are being born and left to fend for themselves, resulting in innocent lives being taken while they’re in the throes of blood lust. But as Sabi’s visions begin to kick up a notch, personal matters need to be put aside.  And as the mystery begins to unravel, Sabi will begin to see that these visions are getting far more dangerous and that humans are not the only ones at risk―she is…

Quickies- Favorites:

Cookie- All of them!
Comfort food- Anything chocolate.
Drink- Coke
Music – Top 40. Right now I’m lovin’ Adele.
Movie – Secrets of the Ya Ya Sisterhood.
Book- All of Katie MacAlister’s Dragon books.
Author – Um…Katie MacAlister.


Finally, any advice for aspiring writers out there?
Just write and keep writing. The more you do it…the better you’ll get at it!

Again, Thanks so much! I appreciate you taking the time to answer my questions! :)
Thanks for having me!!! *hugs* 


Buy the book:


Don't miss the next stop on the tour:   June 21 – Adventures of The Cautionary Tale http://adventuresofthecautionarytale.blogspot.com

 

Top 5 Sundays #8

This weekly meme is hosted by Larissa's Bookish Life

The theme for today is:
Books for a PNR 1st Timer!

My ideas were kind of the same as I've seen on others' posts. :)
1. Dark Lover - definitely - this series seems to be the epitome of PNR, without being too sappy or HEA for me - there's always twists and angst, so it still works for me. :)
Dark Lover (Black Dagger Brotherhood, Book 1) 
 
 
2.  Dead Until Dark - Before True Blood- These books still have everything a good PNR needs, but are a lighter, sometimes humorous read. You still get some HEA, but it's still not overly sweet. 
Dead Until Dark (Sookie Stackhouse/True Blood) 
 
3.  A Quick Bite - Lynsay Sands' Argeneau vampire series has lots of HEAs with hot vampires and they are fun and quick to read. 
A Quick Bite (Argeneau Vampires, Book 1) 
 
4.  How to Marry a Millionaire Vampire - kind of similar to The Argeneau series, Kerrelyn Sparks' series includes shifters and different types of vampires. These books are fun and overall light - but there is action, and of course HEA. 
How to Marry a Millionaire Vampire (Love at Stake, Book 1) 
 
 
5.  Kiss of Midnight - Lara Adrian creates a world similar to the BDB, but this series is still good. I love it! A little darker than my #s 2-4, but not quite as heavy as BDB. Great sex scenes, though and heartwarming HEAs.
Kiss of Midnight (The Midnight Breed, Book 1) 
 
There are my top 5, I guess. Really - I love PNR so much, and have been reading it for so long, it was hard to choose just 5. It was really kind of arbitrary. :) Yesterday I pushed Dark Lover into my sister's hand and told her she HAD to read it - she hasn't really read any PNR, so that's why I started with that one. We'll see how she likes it. 
 
What are your top 5?
Don't miss my giveaway of Save My Soul!!
 
Have a great Sunday!
 

Friday, June 17, 2011

Follow Friday #12 and 18 and Over Tag Along #4

It's Friday! Time for some follow fun... :)


This week's featured blog is Rhiannon Paille Go follow her blog. :)
This week's question:

Q. Genre Wars! What's your favorite genre and which book in that genre made it your favorite?

This one is soooo hard! I don't know for sure all the sub-genres that have sprung up in the last couple years- but I'd have to go with paranormal romance, I guess it's called, and my favorite book - Yikes! probably the entire BDB series. But it's hard to pick a favorite!!

 

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Be sure to check out my current giveaway! Have a great weekend! :) 


Sunday, June 12, 2011

Save My Soul Blog Tour! Interview and Giveaway!!


Welcome to the next stop on the blog tour for Save My Soul by Zoe Winters!

Today, I'm so excited to have Zoe here for an interview. She is also generously giving away an ebook copy AND a print copy of this fabulous book! Two lucky commenters will win!


Thanks so much, Zoe, for joining me here on Reality Bites!

We’re talking about Save My Soul, the 2nd book in the Preternaturals series. How many books do you have planned for this series?
Currently I have 10 planned, but the world is set up in such a way where I can expand it out indefinitely. So we’ll see how it goes.

Can you sum up the series in one sentence?
Everyone is the hero of his own story.

What has been the best part about writing this series?
Getting to make heroes into villains and villains into heroes. Mainly because it’s all about the point of view you’re dealing with. I think it’s easy to forget that to the villain, the hero is the villain. So playing with moral grays in fiction is fun. I think it also helps us not to look at other people in such black and white terms.
(So...about Cain... lol)

What has been the hardest part?

Not breaking HEA’s. Once a couple is together if I temporarily upset the apple cart, it is VERY temporary. Also, sometimes characters may do something that makes you dislike them, but it all becomes clear why, later. But I won’t ever split a couple up in a permanent way once they are a couple. And if I have to do something temporarily, I’ll try very hard to resolve the issue in that book. I have to do this in the book I’m working on now, but by the time you know something has happened, we’re already on the road to fixing it, so hopefully readers will forgive me. It makes for a richer story, and I’m not interested in writing fluffyverse. I want to write stories that make you CARE about the characters and what happens next, as well as stories where nearly anything can happen.


Do you have a favorite place where you go to write?
It varies. In the summer I write in bed because the bedroom is where the AC is and it’s the “meat locker”. In the fall and winter I tend to write in the living room, where the heat is. I’m seasonally nomadic that way.


What do you enjoy doing when you’re not writing?
I don’t do a lot besides writing. Writing kind of IS the thing I enjoy most, so that’s hard to answer.

What can we look forward to from you in the near future?
A former hero as the villain (book 3), a big secret about Tam being revealed (in book 4), and some stories involving the future when everyone knows about the preternaturals (probably by book 5 or 6).

Finally, any advice for aspiring writers out there?
Learn to love the actual process of writing. The act itself. If you can love it, you’ll bring more passion to the work, and readers will respond to it. If you approach It as something agonizing you’re only hurting yourself. 
Again, Thanks so much! I appreciate you taking the time to answer my questions! :)
Thank you for having me!



Author Bio: Zoe Winters writes quirky and sometimes dark paranormal romance. She lives with her husband and two cats, and her favorite colors are rainbow and clear. For more information visit http://www.zoewinters.org or her blog at: http://zoewinters.wordpress.com 
 






For the giveaway- Zoe is giving away an ebook and a paperback copy. 
Comment to win - with your preference of book type. Tell me which paranormal being attracts you the most. :) Because, after reading this book - I'm leaning towards incubi... 
Contest will stay open until June 20th, when I'll pick the winners via Random.org... 

Buy the book:
 Amazon
Barnes & Noble 
Smashwords 











Don't forget the last stop!! 




 Next stop on the tour:
June 14 - Ramblings of a Chaotic Mind – http://nikkibrandyberry.wordpress.com/

Review - Save My Soul by Zoe Winters

Save My Soul (Preternaturals, #2)Save My Soul by Zoe Winters

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



From Goodreads:
All he's asking for is her soul.

After buying the antebellum home she's fantasized about since childhood, Anna Worthington discovers Luc, a dangerously seductive incubus who has been trapped in the house by a fifty-year-old curse. To rid herself of her problem house guest she'll call on a priest, gypsies, ghost hunters, and the coven of witches from lust bunny hell. All she has to do is resist him long enough to break the spell so they can go their separate ways. If she doesn't, she could die. And that would be the best case scenario.


What I thought:
This is the second book in Zoe Winters’s Preternaturals series. I did not read book 1, but I will doing so soon. You can pick up Save My Soul and not be lost at all, it seems this story is independent of the others. If there were any crossovers, I didn’t notice and they did not distract from the plot.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! The idea of Luc being an incubus and trapped in the house was so new and different. I really enjoyed it! The storyline sucked me right in and I had to force myself to go to bed and not stay up until all hours of the morning just to finish the book-- I did stay up the next night to finish it, though. :)

Anna is an awesome character! She was strong, snarky, independent - everything I would love to be! She resists the temptations of Luc, even when she knows he wants only her. She sticks to her principles, and even though I was yelling at her just to sleep with him already, it really was admirable. All the characters are well-developed and I found myself getting drawn into their lives and caring about what happened to them. The plot moved quickly, there was action, humor, the discovery of alternate dimensions, magic, and nosy, old, small-town bitties. (Or is it biddies? Hmmm).

At the beginning of the book, I thought the house was simply haunted, and Ms. Winters’s descriptions left me looking over my shoulder nervously. Yes, I got a little creeped out - her ghostly descriptions were so vivid. The rest of the book was well written also. I loved the descriptions of the small-town because I live in one, and I could totally relate. When the old biddies encounter Anna and the prostitutes--hilarious!! (You’ll just have to read to find out).

The twist at the end was a little cheesy for me, but it worked. I don’t know who the next book will feature, but I would love to learn more about Cain - I mean he can’t be ALL bad, right? Haha

Overall, I rate the book 4 out of 5 stars- I thoroughly enjoyed it, but I probably won’t ever re-read it. There was some hot sex that I liked, but nothing too graphic or detailed - heat level probably a 3 out of 5.



View all my reviews

Friday, June 3, 2011

WINNERS! And 18 and Over Tag Along Friday...

What a crazy week! I haven't been able to be on here much, but I did pick my two giveaway winners from the blog tours last week. 
Congratulations!
Aydrea wins a copy of The Demon Kiss by Lacey Weatherford
&
Krysykat wins a copy of Daughter of Deception by Kara Thorpe.
I will be passing your contact info on to the authors.
Thanks so much to everyone who stopped by and commented!

Now, onto the Friday goodness!
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This is hosted by Bitten by Paranormal Romance. Check out that blog and all the others on the tag along... :)
Question of the week
Do you buy or swap books online, if so whats your favorite place?
I have been a member of paperbackswap.com for about 3 years now and I love it! It has grown my book collection by leaps and bounds, not to mention introduced me to some great, new books. I've also met so many great people there and made a lot of new friends. It's like a second home. :)
If I'm buying books online, I usually buy at Amazon, sometimes the Book Depository, and I've been known to buy from Half.com...

Your turn!!