Blog Tour – Through The Fire by Michelle Irwin

November 21, 2014sydneygen 2 Comments

I’m very excited to be apart of the blog tour for Michelle’s debut novel.

You might remember I reviewed the book HERE. If you haven’t seen the review, go and check it out! Michelle very graciously answered some questions for me!

Author Interview

In Through the Fire you’ve made the characters quite young, was there a particular reason for that?

In the original version that was submitted to Bottom Drawer Publications, the story focused a little more on what happens next—in fact, a significant portion of that manuscript now resides in book two. During very early discussions, we agreed that the history of “how they got here” needed a little more exploring. An origins story if you will. The encounters and events in Through the Fire are such defining moments in Evie’s life that they were worth revisiting and exploring in more detail.

Part of that exploration was a focus on the pressures on a young couple in love. Personally, I was very lucky and found my wonderful husband quite young (even younger than Evie and Clay are when they first meet), but not all stories of teen love have the same happy ending. Life and responsibility start to interfere, and it’s often hard to find a way to reconcile who you are alone, and who you are together, with who the world expects you to be. If part of that pressure involves destroying the very thing that you love, the pressure is even more intense.

This is part of what I wanted to explore in Through the Fire. The Romeo and Juliette aspect I guess you could call it. Can a couple come together despite all the odds being stacked against them, or is their relationship doomed before it even begins?

Do you find picspiration for your characters before you write them, during, or after?

A little of both. For some characters, what they look like comes through so crystal clear that I can write chapters before I need to find a reference photo or picspiration, and usually then it’s more for showing to my beta as comparison. The bulk of the cast in Through the Fire were like that. Some were based off real actors. For example: David, Evie’s father, is based off David Tennant.

Sometimes though, it works the other way around. For example: Aiden exists as he is solely because I found the perfect picspiration. In the original drafts of the first book, he didn’t really exist in the same capacity as he does now. A particular picture of Nicholas Hoult and his blue, blue eyes sparked something and then Aiden arrived on the scene, grabbed me by the hand and led me (and the other characters) on a brand new adventure.

Without spoiling the book, Evie manages to grow quite considerably through the book, how was it writing her growth, without rushing through?

Firstly, I would like to say thank you for the massive compliment. I never really intended to set out to make the story one about her personal growth. When I first started writing the very first draft of Through the Fire, it certainly wasn’t the focus. I was much more interested in exploring the interactions between two characters who could be perfect for each other, if only they weren’t mortal enemies. Over multiple drafts and reshuffling, that became more of a close examination on how fear and prejudice can drastically alter the course of someone’s life. Much of the book is about Evie learning how to exist in the wider world outside of the safe harbour she had for so long. Hopefully that growth will continue to be evident in the rest of the books; although I should add a caveat on that: like everyone, she has her good days and her bad days. Sometimes it’s two steps forward and one step back.

I really enjoyed the fae aspect in the book – What type of research did you do into the fae, and paranormal worlds?

Research . . . so much research. It was good fun though, especially learning about different beliefs and fae culture. Just for the fae court section, I researched aura colours and meaning, different beliefs about the fae from around the world, about the seelie and unseelie courts and their typical hierarchies (for example, most courts are matriarchies), and research into different types of butterflies.

I’ve done research on much more than just the fae and their world though, I have researched wendigos, banshees, black annis, and a whole raft of other paranormal creatures for upcoming books in the series. Outside of the research, I’ve done a bit of world-building too, taking bits and pieces of the “real” lore and twisting and shaping it into something that is right for this world of Evie and Clay.

What got you into the paranormal romance genre?

I’ve always been a massive fan of fantasy, ever since the very first books I read. I can still remember the adventures Enid Blyton took me on with magic chairs and far-away trees. Then I stepped into Narnia and fell deeper in love with the fantasy genre. The idea that there could be a whole world buried just beneath our own, if only you know what you’re looking for, is just fascinating. As I’ve got older, I fell in love with, well, love.

There are so many books, TV shows, and movies which all contributed to that love. Charmed, Twilight, Supernatural (okay, so not so much romance there, but the urban fantasy side), Just Like Heaven, and so many more.

Do you write a book from start – to – finish, or out of order?

Both. Generally I try to write in a lineal fashion, but occasionally there will be one scene that just demands to be written. When that happens, I tend to jump forward and write it. As I mentioned above, Through the Fire went through a bit of a restructure, so in reality it was written way out of order to how it now is.

Have you already written the next books, or are you in progress? (No pressure, but HURRY UP! hahaha)

The easiest answer to this question is yes. At least, mostly. The more elaborate answer is that I have written all of Evie’s side of the story, I know how and where it ends and all the twists and turns that the road takes along the way.

There will also be a series of four books from Clay’s point of view as well. I know the go-to assumption when people see two books of the same events from two different people’s perspectives is that it is unnecessary and a little pointless, and to be honest, I completely agree. The same timeline, yes, and there is naturally some cross-over, but each of these characters has a vastly different story to tell. However, and it’s a big however, the majority of these two series do not cover the exact same events. It’s hard to explain more without spoilering the story, but those who have read it will no doubt understand exactly what I mean. Basically it eventuated when Clay niggled and nudged until I relented and started to write what I thought might end up as a one-book supplement to Evie’s side of the story. But wow, the things that boy told me! Three out of four of his are all written too.

The first of Clay’s books will actually be the next one released through Bottom Drawer Publications, and is slated for February 2015. Then the books will alternate between Evie’s side and Clay’s side every four months.

Thanks for answering my Q’s

Thank you for having me.

Release & Blog Tour Giveaway

Paperback copy of Through the Fire

$10 BDP voucher

3 x Through the Fire e-books

CLICK ON THE IMAGE TO ENTER!

On Goodreads: On Booklikes:
For more information:
www.bottomdrawerpublications.net
info@bottomdrawerpublications.net

About the Author

Michelle Irwin

Michelle Irwin has been many things in her life: a hobbit taking a precious item to a fiery mountain; a young child stepping through the back of a wardrobe into another land; the last human stranded not-quite-alone in space three million years in the future; a young girl willing to fight for the love of a vampire; and a time-travelling madman in a box. She achieved all of these feats and many more through her voracious reading habit. Eventually, so much reading had to have an effect and the cast of characters inside her mind took over and spilled out onto the page.

Michelle lives in sunny Queensland in the land down under with her surprisingly patient husband and ever-intriguing daughter, carving out precious moments of writing and reading time around her accounts-based day job. A lover of love and overcoming the odds, she primarily writes paranormal and fantasy romance.

Find Michelle at:

http://blog.michelle-irwin.com/

Blog Tour proudly presented by

Review – Three of Hearts by Kelly Jamieson

November 20, 2014sydneygen Leave a comment

Genre: Contemporary Romance. Erotica. Menage (MMF).

Haylee Tremayne is tired of the road. The concert tour for Three of Hearts was a success, but she’s confused by the inexplicable tension between her bandmates, Ben and Lucas. She’s also ready to go home to her boyfriend in Nashville. Time off would probably help everyone relax, even if it is Christmas, a season with too many bad memories.

But right before their last concert, Haylee discovers she’s been dumped for a sexy girly-girl. Story of her life: all guys see is tomboy Haylee. At the after-concert party, she drowns her sorrows and—desperate to feel feminine for once in her life—asks Ben and Lucas for a threesome. And it’s just as sexy and fun as she hoped.

Back in Nashville, Ben and Lucas prove again and again that their first night wasn’t a mistake. But the tension between them is still high, and on Christmas Eve, their ménage takes a stunning turn. When it all falls apart, Haylee is terrified that their crazy relationship might cost them the band, their success, and worst of all, each other.

A generous story about how being together can bring you closer, but not before tearing you apart. I enjoyed this story, with the mix of intimate scenes, as well as storyline. I felt like there could have been a bit more drama and fleshing out of the ‘issues’, but in the end it was wrapped up nicely. The chemistry between the three main characters was believable and the sex scenes weren’t outrageous, which can sometimes happen in menage. I have a thing for guys with guitars, so of course I was all over the guys in this book! I loved the cover as well. I would recommend this book to friends, and love the fact that profits of this book help the It Gets Better campaign.

~ If you like the book – be sure to check out the Pinterest board!

*Twenty percent of all proceeds from the sale of this book will be donated to the It Gets Better Project.

The It Gets Better Project’s mission is to communicate to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender youth around the world that it gets better, and to create and inspire the changes needed to make it better for them. Visit their website for more information and to find out how you can get involved: http://itgetsbetter.org/pages/about-it-gets-better-project.

Buying Links:

Riptide Publishing Buy Links
Amazon
Barnes & Noble

About the Author:

I’m a married mother of two who lives a very ordinary life outside of my imagination. When I’m not writing I’m usually reading. I also like to cook and that means I like to read cookbooks and cooking magazines. In the summer I enjoy spending time gardening and in the winter I like to read gardening magazines and seed catalogues. I love lying on the beach or on my deck with a glass of wine and a good book. I also love to travel. As you can see, pretty much all my activities involve reading somehow! Although I don’t have as much time for it any more, I also love to shop, especially for clothes and shoes. Some think I’m obsessed with shoes but that is not true (although my husband would point out that there is no room left in our closet).

I love to hear from readers, so Tweet me on Twitter, leave me a comment on Goodreads or Amazon or my blog, or email me at info (at) kellyjamieson.com.

Twitter : Website : Goodreads : Facebook

*I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

Review: Only in New York by Lily Brett

November 20, 2014sydneygen Leave a comment

Genre: Entertainment. Nonfiction (Adult)

New York is a walker’s city. You can walk for hours. The streets slip by. There is so much to look at, so much to take in. I walk a lot. Especially when I am not writing…

Lily Brett’s love affair with New York began as an outsider in her late teens when she was posted on assignment there as a young Australian rock journalist. In her early forties she returned, together with her soul mate and three children, to start a new life, and for the last twenty-five years she has called New York home.

This witty, candid and moving collection of short pieces celebrates the city that’s now part of her heartbeat. A compulsive walker, Brett takes us to her favourite places and introduces us to the characters of the city that has nurtured, perplexed and inspired her. She brings to life the delights of Chinatown, the majesty of Grand Central Station, the lure of spandex and sequins in the Garment District, and the peculiarity of canine couture. And she muses on the miracle of love in the Lodz ghetto, the possibility of loneliness amidst skyscrapers, and the joy and redemption in a child’s curiosity.

Full of wisdom, humour and grace, Only in New York is a human portrait of a city much loved – and of a woman in step with herself.

This witty, clever book was a change of pace for me. It was a delightful read. I enjoyed reading about the insight into one woman’s relationship with a city she calls home.

Her short, sharp ‘scenes’ transport you throughout New York and make you want to write a list of ‘places that the locals go’ next time you visit. From places she loves to walk, restaurants she loves to frequent, to a brief encounters with someone she is ‘sure she knows’, Lily Brett creates refreshing and fun storylines that lends itself to remind us that human contact has been lost in our world of technology, but really is just a phone call away. There is no ‘beginning’ and there is no ‘end’, but there is a wonderful amount of stories told ‘in between’.

Penguin Books Australia – Only In New York Book Link
E-book Purchasing Link
Amazon Buy Link

About the Author:

Lily Brett was born in Germany and came to Melbourne with her parents in 1948. She is one of Australia’s most prolific and successful authors. She has published six works of fiction, nine books of poetry, and three essay collections to much critical acclaim in Australia and around the world. Lily Brett is married to the Australian painter David Rankin. They have three children and live in New York.

lilybrett.com

Blog Tour – Cutting Out by Meredith Shayne

November 10, 2014sydneygen 2 Comments

You might remember I had the pleasure of reviewing the new release, Cutting Out by Meredith Shayne. A story about sheep shearing in New Zealand, and finding love when the world seems to be against you.

I have the honour of hosting a spot on the blog tour this month and got to ask the author some questions. Check out the interview below.

In Cutting Out you’ve created such a great atmosphere surrounding the shearing stations and camaraderie amongst the crews, what type of research did that entail?

Thank you, I’m glad to hear you think that! I’m a bit of a reality TV nut, and there’s a TV show that plays here called Shearing Gang (an episode can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1W4vkoDA5BI), which I watch and love. It’s a bit of a warts-and-all kind of show, very Kiwi in the way the subject is treated. The original idea for the setting came from that, but a lot of the way the Kiwis are with Shane, all the teasing about him being Australian, etc, came from my own real life. That’s just the way Kiwis are with us Aussies, bro! J

Was there any particular inspiration for the characters of Lachie and Shane?

Not really. When I decided to set the story in New Zealand I knew that I wanted a Maori presence in it, particularly since there’s a high proportion of Maoris in shearing. I also wanted one of the main characters to be Australian—it seems I’m incapable of writing a story without an Aussie in it, and in fact there ended up being two in there, so there you go! But apart from deciding on some general characteristics, once I’ve started thinking about a story the characters tend to pop into my head pretty much fully formed, and seemingly from out of nowhere. I wasn’t necessarily intending on making the second main character Maori, but then Lachie showed up and that was it.

Do you have a particular process of writing? From start – to – finish, or ending first?

I’m not a planner, so I never have an outline. I generally know how I want it to start and end, and a few things that happen in between, but that’s it. Things to add in come to me as I’m writing. I tend to start at the beginning, but then there’ll come a point where I start skipping around writing scenes out of sequence. Then I have to go back and stitch them all together. I wish I didn’t do things that way, but it’s happened during the writing of every one of my books so far, so that’s clearly my process! It’s a good way to avoid writers block though, I have to say.

Do you have any advice for people who would really like to get into the MM genre, but don’t know how to?

That is a really good question. I think to someone who’s never written before I would say: the only way to do it is to jump in, publishing a book has never been more achievable than it is now. Read a lot in the genre, decide what you do and don’t like in a story, then write the one that’s in your heart. Be prepared for writing to be harder than you ever expected. Find a writing process that works for you, and don’t worry if it’s different to everyone else’s, it can’t be wrong if it works for you. Put one word in front of the other however you can until you’re finished, then give it to someone—preferably at least two someones—you can trust to tell you the truth about it. Listen to them, but remember it’s your book, not theirs. Once it’s done, decide which publisher to send it to very, very carefully. Seek as much advice as you can about that from published M/M authors, because after you’ve signed on the dotted line is too late to find out you’ve made a mistake. Once it’s out in the world, let it go—some people are going to love it, but some people are going to hate it, and there’s nothing you can do about that. Holding a paperback book that you wrote in your hands will never get old, and all the blood, sweat and tears you’ve shed along the way will be worth it every time someone emails you to tell you how much they adored your book.

Will we get another book, perhaps Zach *grins*?!?!

Haha! Possibly. I don’t ever really plan sequels but if there’s one character who deserves to be completely knocked on his arse by love, it’s Zach Harris. And I did like writing in that setting, so… he might get lucky. J

Are there any parts to the book that you edited out, that you think would have been good, or that you could share?!

Actually, there’s not! I don’t tend to cut big chunks out when I edit, if they need to be changed I rewrite them instead, so I don’t have a little pile of deleted scenes to share. Occasionally I do write missing scenes or alternate point-of-view scenes after a book has been published which I usually make available for free, but I haven’t done that for Cutting Out as yet! Sorry. 😉

What’s your favourite genre to read?

I mainly read M/M these days, and I’m a pretty wide-ranging reader within that but funnily enough, because I hardly ever write it, if I was to pin down a subgenre I would say that I really like to read paranormals. That carries over into mainstream fiction as well, because I love a good urban fantasy, and paranormal romance. I mainlined the entire Kate Daniels series by Ilona Andrews last year, and they almost killed me, but in the absolute best of ways.

Blog Tour Giveaway
Click on the Image to Enter

Paperback copy of Cutting Out
$10 BDP voucher
3 x Cutting Out e-books

Buying Links:

Smashwords
Apple iBooks

About the Author: A scientist in a past life, these days Meredith Shayne mainly uses her scientific training to poke holes in television pseudoscience. Originally from Australia, she moved to New Zealand to start a new life a few years ago and hasn’t regretted it for one minute, even if she frequently wishes that the New Zealand weather was a little better; if she’s forced, she’ll admit that the refreshing lack of animals that can kill you in New Zealand makes up for a little rain. Meredith travels a lot, so much so that she has developed a shameful love of airplane food and knows her passport number by heart. When she is at home, she enjoys baking, horrible music from the 1980s, reality television, and gloating any time Australia thrashes the living daylights out of New Zealand on the sporting field. Find Meredith at her website: http://www.meredithshayne.com : Twitter : Goodreads : Booklikes

Cutting Out is proudly bought to you by

Review: Unlucky for Some by Carla Caruso

November 9, 2014sydneygen 1 Comment

Genre: Women’s Literature. Romance.

Sassy Italian-Australian newspaper reporter Raffy has been ultra-superstitious ever since her ex-fiance saw her in her bridal gown before they got hitched – and left her at the altar. But as luck would have it, one of her new assignments at Press Publishing is a feature series challenging some of the most common superstitions in the lead-up to Friday the thirteenth. It’s her worst nightmare – not helped by the grumpy, yet annoyingly handsome cameraman accompanying her to film the daily online videos for the newspaper’s site.

Need a super quickie read to tie you over between longer reads?!? I’ve got it right here. This book was just released on the 1st of November, so it’s nice and fresh! This was a really fun quick contemporary women’s fiction, I managed to read half of it whilst I was making dinner!

I enjoyed the characters, and although just a novella, the writing was done in a way that all the background character information was weaved throughout the story, making it seem like a much longer novel. Set in Adelaide, it was another great Aussie read. I really liked the male character lead in this, although not quite sure of the name choices!!

This book gives you thought to question, what would you do if you were forced to break ‘superstitions’?!?!

Be sure to check out the authors goodreads and website for more exciting titles.

Amazon Buy Link

Goodreads : Twitter : Website

*this book was obtained from Netgalley/publisher in exchange for an honest review*

Pre-Release Blitz – Winter Wolf by Rachel M Raithby

November 9, 2014sydneygen Leave a comment

Genre: Young Adult. Paranormal.

Katalina Winter has been living for eighteen years, with a secret hidden inside of her, a secret not even she knew.

With this secret comes consequences, expectations, one’s she’s not willing to fulfill; she’ll give her heart to whom she wishes, even if he is, a Dark Shadow wolf…

Join Katalina as she navigates her way through this world at war, where the alpha is law, and only the strong survive. You will see the power of true love, and the length’s people will go to destroy it.

**Please note this is a YA Stand alone novel, no cliffhangers**

I’m looking forward to reading this book, which will be released soon! If you’d like to get a sneak peek and read the first THREE chapters – click on the teaser below!!!

About the Author:

I’ve being reading books for as long as I can remember but I never thought about writing until I read Nalini Singh – Slave to sensation which is the first book in her psy-changling series.

At first I just wrote fan fiction until one morning I woke up with a story of my own. Lincoln

and Lexia were born! I spent 6 solid months writing and re-writing and now their story is out in the world and I am currently working on the final book Holocaust due 2015.

After the birth of my 3rd child I wrote Winter Wolf a YA Paranormal Novel which is due for Release in November.

I have lived in England, New Zealand and currently live in QLD Australia but to me England will always be home.

I’ve been a dish washer, Admin assistant, horse groom and now spend my days looking after my 3 children and writing as often as I can.

Goodreads : Amazon Author Page : Facebook Page :Facebook Author Page : Twitter :

Instagram : Website : Blog:

Pre Order Links Below:

Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon AU | Amazon CA

preleasewofl Bought to you by: bookpromokat

Review: The Boyfriend Sessions by Belinda Williams

November 8, 2014sydneygen 1 Comment

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Chick Lit

Please take your seats. The journey to happiness may involve some turbulence.

Christa Morrison has commitment issues, a fact that quickly becomes apparent after she flees a romantic proposal in Paris, the thunder of impending wedding bells ringing in her ears.

Back in Sydney, she turns to her closest friends for reassurance. Instead they offer her a startling and painful diagnosis: she’s a relationship junkie. The cure? An extreme rehabilitation program guaranteed to reform even the most L-word illiterate.

With her girlfriends along for the ride, Christa commits to their radical plan and the chances of recovery look good. The only problem is Max Spencer. The one guy Christa—and her friends—never expected her to fall for. But he’s proving to be a temptation she may not have the willpower to resist …

For a shot at happiness, is being with Max worth betraying her friends? And will Christa have the strength to trust her heart when her colorful relationship history comes back to haunt her?

It might just be enough to make a poor girl leave the country (again).

I saw the cover for this and it piqued my curiosity! This a new release you need to get onto! The Boyfriend Sessions is a great read. Christa is always running away from commitment, but doesn’t know why, or how to stop it. After a surprise proposal in Paris, she runs back to Australia and finds comfort with her friends. All is not as it seems though, as the friends band together and put her through her paces, imposing a man-ban and starting weekly counseling sessions over wine (WINNING – I mean, great idea!).

I loved reading this book. The author does a lovely job of creating believable situations and scenery, and as I was reading about all the places in Sydney, I could see it clear as a sunny harbour day. So much fun to think about walking exactly where the characters were walking, or sitting, or doing boot camp! There were times where I was sad, or my heart was clenching a bit. There were also times were I smiled and fist pumped. All through the book, although I was a little frustrated with her, I still found Christa to be likeable. The way the author writes her, you have empathy and compassion for her past, rather than thinking she’s an idiot for just “not getting it”.

This was a well thought out story and one I highly recommended if you’re after a lovely Aussie based romance to read on a sunny day.

And just in case you weren’t sure.. here’s a little Max-spiration from the author’s website!

Authors Website: Goodreads: Facebook : Twitter

CLICK FOR VARIOUS BUYING LINKS

*I received a copy of this book from Netgalley
in exchange for an honest review – very glad so say I loved it!

Giveaway – 51 Authors & Blogs – 80 prizes to be Won!

November 5, 2014sydneygen Leave a comment

I’m participating in an awesome giveaway at the moment. It’s all about getting exposure to lots of great authors, and bloggers out there! All you have to do is go to the Rafflecopter page to enter. You can reach the competition link by clicking on the image below.

PRIZE LIST

1. J.L. Beck – Winners Coice of an ebook at $2.99

2. Julie Farrell – Winners Choice of an ebook written by her

3. T.E. Ridener – Winner’s Choice of an ebook written by her

4. Kira Adams – Ebook written by her

5. Kira Adams – Ebook written by her

6. Kira Adams – Ebook written by her

7. Kira Adams – Ebook written by her

8. Kerry Gray Dubrock – Ebook written by her

9. L. Kandice Allman – Swag Totebag

10. B.A. Dillion – Signed Paperback written by her

11. Gone Readin – $5 Amazon Gift Card

12. Blakely Bennett – Ebook written by her

13. Blakely Bennett – Ebook written by her

14. Ava Bell – Large Swag Pack

15. Stephanie Stacker – Ebook of Magyn’s Letter

16. Stephanie Stacker – Ebook of Magyn’s Awakening

17. Stephanie Stacker – Ebook of Magyn’s Decisions

18. Alexander McCabe – Ebook of Greater Expectations

19. Michelle Irwin – Ebook of Through the Fire

20. Book Reviews, Blogs and Amazon Links – Ebook of Elise Marion’s The Second Son

21. The Birthright Series – Ebook of Birthright’s Tethered

22. The Birthright Series – Ebook of Birthright’s Tempted

23. S. Reynolds – Ebook written by her

24. S. Reynolds – Ebook written by her

25. Stephanie Nett – Winner’s choice of ebook up to $3.99

26. Breigh Forstner – Ebook of Straight From the Heart

27. Breigh Forstner – $5 Amazon Gift Card

28. Carolyn Ridder Aspenson – Novella of Inn at Laurel Creek

29. Carolyn Ridder Aspenson – Ebook of Unfinished Business/An Angel and Panther

30. Indie Authors and Books Blog – Winner’s Choice of Author to be spotlighted on their page for one day

31. EJ Logan – Ebook of Unbreak Me

32. Independent Authors – Ebook of Killers and Demons II

33. A.F. Stewart – Ebook of Legends of Love

34. John Wiley – Ebook written by him

35. John Wiley – Promo code for Audiobook by him

36. Diary of a Book Addict – $5 Amazon Gift Card

37. Nancy Sartor – $5 Amazon Gift Card

38. Lucee Santini – Ebook written by her

39. Carrie Fox – Ebook written by her

40. Bibliophile Jen – Ebook of Side by Kim Holden

41. Bibliophile Jen – Ebook of All of It by Kim Holden

42. Aimie Grey – Signed Paperback written by her

43. JB Heller – Ebook of Vipers Den Part One

44. Lisa Glenn – Ebook of Born of an Angel

45. Lisa Glenn – Ebook of Leftovers

46. Shea Swain – Ebook of Lascivious

47. Shea Swain – $5 Amazon Gift Card

48. Bella Johnson – Ebook written by her

49. Book Reviews, Blogs and Amazon Links – Ebook of Danielle Harmon’s The Beloved One

50. Elizabeth Johns – Winner’s Choice of Ebook through Amazon up to $5.

51. Rae Matthews – Ebook of Sasha

52. Rae Matthews – Ebook of Sasha

53. BL Berry – Ebook of Love Nouveau

54. Janet Mota – Winners choice of an ebook on Amazon at $0.99

55. Charlene M. Martin – Winners Choice of an ebook on Amazon at $0.99

56. SydneyGen Reads – Winners choice of ebook on Amazon up to $5

57. Carly Wakefield – $5 Amazon Gift Card

58. Danielle Stewart – Ebook of Cutting Ties Book 2

59. S.E. Hall – Ebooks of the Evolve Series Boxed Set

60. S.E. Hall – Ebooks of the Evolve Series Boxed Set

61. Independent Author – Ebook Copy of Legends and Lore

61. Tessa Brookfield – Ebook written by her

62. Tessa Brookfield – Ebook written by her

63. Tessa Brookfield – Ebook written by her

64. SJ Molloy – Winner’s Choice of Ebook of Lussuria or L’Amore

65. SJ Molloy – Winners Choice of Ebook of Lussuria or L’Amore

66. SJ Molloy – Winners Choice of Ebook of Lussuria or L’Amore

67. SJ Molloy – Winners Choice of Ebook of Lussuria or L’Amore

68. H.S. Strickland- Ebook of The Missing Pieces

69. United Indie Book Blog – Winner’s Choice of an Ebook at $2.99

70. Bookends Book Club – Winner’s Choice of Author to be spotlighed on their blog for an entire day

71. Quira Casey – Ebook Written by Her

72. Carly Fall – Two Supernatural Renegade Magnuts and Supernatural Renegade Pen

73. LA Cotton – Ebook of Fate’s Love

74. LA Cotton – Ebook of Fate’s Love

75. Book Reviews, Blogs and Amazon Links – Ebook of Liberty For Paul

76. Sharon Bayliss- Ebook of Destruction

77. Sharon Bayliss – Ebook of Destruction

78. Sharon Bayliss – Ebook of Destruction

79. Sharon Bayliss – Ebook of Destruction

80. Sharon Bayliss – Ebook of Destruction

You’ve got to be in it, to win it! Good Luck, Everyone!

New Release & Review – Through The Fire by Michelle Irwin

October 31, 2014sydneygen 3 Comments

Bottom Drawer Publications is proud to present Through the Fire, book one in the New Adult Paranormal series Daughter of Fire, by Michelle Irwin

Ever since Clay, a soldier for an organization tasked with ridding the world of non-humans, stumbled upon the secret of her birth, Evie’s been on the run. Now he’s back, and she’s unprepared as he forces his way into her heart.

Genre: New Adult Paranormal Romance

Evie Meyers’ life is one spent on the run. Every minute of every day, her life is in danger if anyone should suspect the truth about her ancestry. Her father was willing to risk everything to keep the truth hidden, even from her, but the lies he fabricated were exposed when her high school crush, Clay Jacobs, inadvertently stumbled upon her secret. His discovery puts Evie at risk from a secret organization tasked with washing the world clean of nonhumans—and Clay is one of its deadliest soldiers. Forced into a war she doesn’t understand, all because of what she is, Evie is left with no choice but to flee with her father to escape persecution.

When Clay reappears in her life, battle scarred and mysterious, Evie is unprepared and terrified as he forces his way back into her heart. When the battle catches up with her, and a tragic accident tears apart the peace she discovered, she finds herself alone and without the protection of her father, or her lover. Now, she needs to keep her secrets hidden and learn to survive on her own in a world that wants her dead, all while searching for the missing piece of her heart.

I have to say, I have been anticipating this book for awhile now. I knew it was being written, but didn’t quite understand what it would be about! For a first time author, Michelle has proved to herself, and her readers, that she is a force to be reckoned with.

Through the Fire is the first in a series, and although I’m not a huge fan of starting a series knowing that other books aren’t complete, or have a set release, this was an exciting book on my to be read list! It’s set in a paranormal world, which in my opinion can be a tricky thing to do. Being the first in a series, there are snippets of characters introduced, that I am very keen to understand further in future books, I certainly hoped they’re developed further! I also think the interactions between the “Rain family” was too brief, but I’m sure that’s coming… Paranormal worlds can often come off as being a bit complicated and messy, however, Michelle has managed to create a world the reader can immerse themselves into, without confusion.

She weaves in the legends of the old-timers, such as the fae, that we all know, as well as creating her own world, involving non-humans, with the ability to create fire (You’ll get it once you start reading), and an elite group of people, known as “The Rain” who hunt down all the paranormal creatures of the world, believing they are all evil. The heart of the book is the Romeo and Juliet relationship between Evie (a phoenix) and Clay (The Rain). They meet as teens, but then, we don’t see any interaction until they are older, Evie having fled under instructions from her protective father. Their relationship starts where they left off, however a tragedy soon tears them apart. Throughout their time apart, instead of thriving, we see the main character struggle with her identity, ability to develop relationships, and life-as something other than ‘normal’. I really appreciated the fact that the author showed these struggles and lead the reader through a timeline that wasn’t hurried, nor too slow.

The author has blended in enough action, romance, and mystery to make this a brilliant read. The push and pull of the relationship between the main characters, along with the timeline of events, is cleverly composed and smoothly executed. Warning – the ending “may” cause you to throw the book and cuss the author…but in a really good way! GO, read it and tell me what you think!

Read this book if you’re after a new world to immerse yourself into. A story of a girl who’s lost and struggling with a power inside her, and of a boy who could be her saviour, if only he wasn’t her sworn enemy.

I can’t wait to read the next installment.

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Stage Dive Series by Kylie Scott

October 31, 2014sydneygen 3 Comments

Congratulations to Fiona W who won the prize pack!
Thank you to everyone who stopped by and supported the giveaway!

Don’t forget to check out the Stage Dive Series!

Today on the blog I have something super fun to share with you! It’s a GIVEAWAY!

I have a love of boys with guitars. It’s true. I even have a tattoo to prove it..but… Boys with guitars WITH tattoos…well that’s just the frosting on the cupcake! With that in order, let me introduce you a bunch of books that have everything above, and more….Welcome to the Stage Dive Series! One day I was walking through Dymocks (a bookshop here in Sydney) and I wasn’t looking for anything in particular. I love to browse and see what’s available, and I am a sucker for a cool cover. The first book of the series, “Lick” completely stood out to me. I think I walked past it at least four times constantly starting at the cover, before I finally picked it up and read the back. I read the first page and knew I had to have it!
The world of Stage Dive is fun, crazy, silly, emotional, and a really great read. I’ve enjoyed them so much that I’ve insisted my friends borrow my paperbacks! With each book, the characters gets better and the story line comes together to resolve itself from previous books. There are little clues for next books sprinkled throughout, and I love how the author has stitched them all together. I am eagerly awaiting the arrival of the final book in the series, due out next year!

In the meantime, you all need to get onto the first three books! In honour of an amazing series (and author!) Kylie Scott has provided an awesome book of Lick & Stage Dive swag back giveaway to one of my lucky readers! She will send it internationally!!

Click on the PHOTO below to go to the Rafflecopter giveaway page!

 Competition is open now & closes 8th November
*winner will be drawn randomly by Rafflecopter app*

The Stage Dive Series

Waking up in Vegas was never meant to be like this.

Evelyn Thomas’s plans for celebrating her twenty-first birthday in Las Vegas were big. Huge. But she sure as hell never meant to wake up on the bathroom floor with a hangover to rival the black plague, a very attractive half-naked tattooed man, and a diamond on her finger large enough to scare King Kong. Now if she could just remember how it all happened.

One thing is for certain, being married to rock and roll’s favourite son is sure to be a wild ride.

Mal Ericson, drummer for the world famous rock band Stage Dive, needs to clean up his image fast – at least for a little while. Having a good girl on his arm should do the job just fine. But he didn’t count on exactly how much fun he could have being with the one right girl.

Anne Rollins has money problems. Big ones. But being paid to play the pretend girlfriend to a demented drummer was never going to be a good idea. No matter how hot he is. She’s had her sights set on her male bestie, Reece, for years. And now that she’s supposedly taken, he’s finally paying attention. If only the chemistry between her and her rock star would stop hitting new heights.

Stay up all night with the sexy rockers in Stage Dive, the epic rock star romance series from New York Times bestselling author Kylie Scott, author of Lick and Play.

Lena is the only thing holding Jimmy back from total annihilation. But who will save her from him?
Lena Morrissey has had some lousy jobs in her time, but none of them compare to being the personal assistant to one of the rock world’s biggest – and most egotistical – stars. As the lead singer of Stage Dive, Jimmy is used to having whatever he wants, whenever he wants it. But after a PR disaster landed him in rehab, it’s Lena’s job to keep him on the straight and narrow.
Lena’s not willing to take any crap from the sexy rocker and is determined to keep their relationship completely professional, despite their sizzling chemistry.

But in the end, Jimmy always gets his way…

Available March 2015

Don’t miss a beat with the fourth and final novel in the New York Times and USA Today bestselling Stage Dive series from Kylie Scott.

One by one, the members of Stage Dive are falling in love. David, Mal, and Jimmy have all taken the plunge, and now it’s Ben’s turn—only he refuses to fall into that trap. The sexy bassist enjoys his no-strings-attached lifestyle. But when Ben is forced to keep the one girl he’s always had a weakness for　out of trouble in Sin City, he quickly learns that what happens in Vegas, doesn’t always stay there.

I can HIGHLY recommend the STAGE DIVE PINTEREST BOARD. Click the image to go to it! Be warned – SPOILERS SWEETIE! It’s full of amazing images and visuals that go along with the books.

**Amazon Purchase Link** – Lick is currently .99c!
*Check your local book seller for paperback copies

About the Author:

Kylie is a New York Times and USA Today best-selling author. She was voted Australian Romance Writer of the year, 2013, by the Australian Romance Writer’s Association and her books have so far been translated into five different languages. She is a long time fan of romance, rock music, and B-grade horror films. Based in Queensland, Australia with her two children and one delightful husband, she reads, writes and never dithers around on the internet.

Website : Goodreads : Twitter : Facebook : Amazon : Pinterest

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Blog Tour – Through The Fire by Michelle Irwin

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Blog Tour – Cutting Out by Meredith Shayne

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Giveaway – 51 Authors & Blogs – 80 prizes to be Won!

New Release & Review – Through The Fire by Michelle Irwin

Stage Dive Series by Kylie Scott