Leo Kane and her new release: Heavensgate: Book 1 'Hope'

Tell us about your newest release Heavensgate.

What is the story about?

It is about a gentle child, Jacob, who accidentally sets fire to his home, killing his family. The trauma fragments his mind and gives birth to his taunting, psychotic, sex mad, alter ego, the very dangerous Jake and other characters who vie for control of Jacob’s fragile sanity.

It is also about finding Hope in the darkness of despair, as Jacob battles with himself and with supernatural entities, not all of which have his best interests in mind.

Who is the main character?

That depends on your POV! Jacob thinks he's the main character, but Jake runs the storyline.

What inspired this tale?

My fascination with the supernatural coupled with the daily bombardment of bad news; the terrible things that people do to each other; the horrors that human beings survive because there is no other choice. And the miracle that, in the depths of grief and despair, most people find comfort in hope.

How did the story come to you?

I dreamt about being trapped, drowning under ice and being rescued by a spirit named Hope.

It may sound crazy,  but as the character Jacob says, ‘dreams can be like that.’

Did you have to research for this novel and if so, why?

Yes. I researched multiple / fragmented personality disorders, but I haven’t in any way attempted to present fictional Jacob/Jake as a true example of the condition.

The supernatural elements in the book simply joined in without any need for research!

If you did research, what do you think surprised you most to learn and why?

How common it is to suffer such deep depression that the psyche can no longer cope and, therefore, splits.

Do you relate to your character?

Only in so far as in my past work as a clinical hypnotherapist I met two people with several personalities they were not aware of and that were ruining their lives.

Is your protagonist anything like you personally?

No! Jacob is too introspective and indecisive. Neither am I like his alter ego, Jake. I hate bad manners and foul language; and I swear that I have never murdered anyone!

What made you write this character; what made them important to you or made you want to tell their story?

Once Jacob, Jake and Hope walked into my dreams, writing down their story was the only way that I could get any sleep.

Is there anything you specifically want readers to know about this piece of work?

The storyline in Heavensgate is dark and it’s spooky but not without humour and some good tunes along the way.

Oh, and don’t let the kids read it!

Okay, time to meet the main character:

Who are you?  What is your name?

That depends on which one of us you're talking to, my name is Jacob Andersen. However, the Doc believes that I have multiple personalities.

Doc got his degree free from a packet of Wheaty Flakes!

Don’t listen to him, that’s Jake and he’s insane.

Are you a fictional or historical character?

I, Jacob, am real of course but Jake is fictional.

You'll discover how f**k**g real I am jerk-off when you wake up screaming.

What should we know about you?

I am twice widowed; a bereaved father; and I am just trying to stay sane; survive and escape the ghosts that haunt me.

Shut the f*ck up Jacob for shit’s sake! No f**k*r cares about you!

Ignore that waste of skin; this book is about me, Jacob’s supposedly psychotic, sex crazed alter ego; the doer of his dirty deeds; his fall guy.

Jacob is an insignificant, yellow streak of chicken shit. He is presently, but not for much f**k**g longer, occupying the front seat of our mind. .

Tell us about your story:

When and where is your tale set?

This part of our story ends in 2015 but I will never give up.

Where am I? I am in Heavensgate; a place you need a f**k**g bad miracle to find and a living hell that you can never leave.

We live in the Lodge, by beautiful Lake Disregard and the Alolejos Mountains, quite close to a pretty town, St Johns, in the USA.

or in the f**k**g Psychiatric Unit when the pussy needs a break from me.

What is your personal goal? I mean, what do you ultimately want?

I want my wife and son to come home and the cops to get off my back: I also very much want the ghosts and Jake to leave me alone and I am desperate for the pink Cadillac to stop its drive-by hauntings.

I want to get out of this f**k**g hell hole!

I want to torture that bitch, Hope, who took our f**k**g heart; who stood by and watched us being f**k**g abused; raped; accused of crimes we did not commit! I want Jacob to remember what he f**k**g did to me, what he did to the kid, Jacky and to anyone else sulking around in this shit hole that Jacob calls his sanity.

Ultimately I want total control of this mind, this body and this soul because they f**k**g belong to me!

What is standing in your way? What conflict(s) do you face?

Jake, because he is trying to steal my mind and open the Forbidden Book.

Jacob is in my way! He barbequed our family; he gave our f**k**g heart away to that bitch, Hope; he hid our memories in the Locked Room. He set the Judge on us and the bastard tried to kill me!

How do I get a copy of your book?

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1EvMR8n
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00URTECJE
Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/hope-78
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/527970
iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/heavensgate-hope-book-one/id977860736?mt=11
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Leo_Kane_Heavensgate_Hope?id=7jVKBwAAQBAJ

Is it available now or when can we expect to see it released?

The paperback version is already available from Amazon in the UK and the States. The kindle version can be preordered to download on 1 May 2015. Heavensgate, Hope, is book one of a series of three Heavensgate stories but each can be read as a ‘stand alone’ novel. Book 2 Heavensgate - Joy is coming soon. The series will be translated into Spanish with the first book being available before Christmas.

You can connect with Leo Kane at:

HGleokane@hotmail.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/h_gleokane
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Leokaneheavensgate?fref=ts

Jennifer Loiske and her character: Shannon McLean

Meet Jennifer Loiske and her character: Shannon McLean

  

Tell us the title of your WIP: 

Demon Forest, Book 3 of McLean Twins series.

Who are you?  What is your name?

My name is Shannon McLean, I’m thirteen, and I’m a witch.

Are you a fictional or historical character?

I’m purely a product of Jennifer Loiske’s imagination.

What should we know about you?

Well, a while ago I thought I was alone in the world, a plain Jane with no place to go. Now I knew better. Suddenly I was surrounded by relatives: a crazy talented twin brother, Ian, who literally held the keys to magic in his hands; a demonic father, Connor, who had paid a high price for a one-way ticket to hell; and a wannabe big brother, Simon, who was not only half demon but also a hit man of some sort; and me … so not a plain Jane but a witch with ancient spells tingling on my fingertips.

Tell us about your story:

When and where is your tale set?

My story starts from London, moves to England’s countryside, throws me back to London only to take me back to the countryside where the grand finale takes place. My story is an urban paranormal story for teens, so it’s happening right now, right here as we speak… 

What is your personal goal? I mean, what do you ultimately want?

I just want to get my father back, but I’m not sure if he’s in too deep. After all, I know perfectly well that demons cannot be saved.

What is standing in your way? What conflict(s) do you face?

I guess you could say that my worse enemy is my father, but then again he’s also his worse enemy. A part of him wants to be saved but another, way darker part kicks back with all he's got. I’m pretty sure me and my twin brother Ian could handle our dad, but unfortunately for us he’s not alone. He has a lot of demonic help and if that’s not enough, some black witches are helping him too.

How do I get a copy of your book?

What is the title or working title for this piece?

Demon Forest, but it’s only a working title. I’m sure it will change many times before going public J 

Is it available now or when can we except to see it released?

It’s not available yet, but it will be released in autumn 2015. Meanwhile you can start the story from the beginning as Black Diamond (book 1) and Demon’s Touch (book 2), both available on ebooks and paperbacks.

  

You can connect with Jennifer Loiske at:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/jenniferloiske

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

Google Plus: https://plus.google.com/+JenniferLoiske/posts

Blog: https://jenniferloiske.wordpress.com

Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Jennifer-Loiske/e/B0054QIXPY/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1427701917&sr=1-2-ent

Meet Randy Weir and his character from TRACKING A SHAWDOW

Meet Randy Weir and his character from TRACKING A SHAWDOW

Tell us the title of your latest release.  

Tracking A Shadow

Who are you? What is your name?

Jarvis Mann

Are you a fictional or historical character?

Fictional

What should we know about you?

I’m a Private Investigator scraping to get by, taking less than ideal cases, dealing with seedy characters to pay the bills. I’m also not very good in relationships with woman, with a wandering eye which is often getting me in trouble. Since I’m talking to you the reader I often times use humor to get through awkward and tough situations.

Tell us about your story: When and where is your tale set?

Modern times in beautiful Mile High Denver Colorado

What is your personal goal? I mean, what do you ultimately want?

Trying to help people out of difficult jams, while trying to make a living in a tough line of work I do enjoy and hate at the same time.

Hoping to be a better person, though often I fail at this, especially in my personal life.

What is standing in your way? What conflict(s) do you face?

A sexy female client hires me to find out who is stalking her. What stands in my way are two woman, three men who may be stalking my client, and a powerful crime figure who puts his nose smack dab in the middle of my case. Though in reality the biggest obstacle is myself and my failings; the tendency to let other parts of my body do my thinking for me.

How do I get a copy of your book? Is it available now or when can we except to see it released?

It is available now on Amazon. 

You can connect with RWeir at:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/RWeir720
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/randy.weir.524
Google Pus: https://plus.google.com/+RWeirAuthor/about
Blog: http://jarvismann.blogspot.com/
Amazon Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/JarvisMannPI

Anita C Young and her Work in Progress: THE WILL OF TYR

Anita C Young and her Work in Progress: THE WILL OF TYR

 

Tell us about your Work in Progress:

My WIP is called The Will of Tyr. It’s a sequel to my first novel, Eyes of Osiris, which was published in December 2013. It is getting ready to go into its last round of editing and will be published June 1st. I am also working on setting up pre-ordering for this book.

What is the story about?

The main character is a scientist, Kayara Ingham, and she sees the future through dreams and visions. In the previous novel she was coerced into leaving her home and moving to Iceland. She also happens to have been turned into a paranormal creature in the previous book, and is now coming to terms with her new world. These supernatural beings call themselves the Architects of Lore because they are responsible for all the legends, from vampires to werewolves to mermaids, and sow misinformation into mortal lore to suit their purposes. For instance, it’s easy to prove you’re not a vampire if you have a reflection after all.

The Will of Tyr is about her adjusting to the strange archaic rules, in a strange land. While this would have been difficult enough, her tyrannical Clan Leader, insists on using her psychic abilities to track down the source of terrorists who have been harrowing Moon Clan, her clan now, for years.

Who is the main character?

The main character is a young doctor of immunology called Kayara Ingham. She has a troubled past that haunts her, and despite her best efforts, still influences her actions. Now she has to learn to cope in this new world with a leader whose paranoia is rotting the core of her new Clan, and her only allies are a man she barely trusts, a woman who can manipulate emotions, and a good natured, though jaded, man that everyone refers to as the wolf.

What inspired this tale?  How did the story come to you?

In an interview I saw Laurell K. Hamilton, one of my favourite authors at the time, claimed that the only way to explain vampires was through paranormal or mystical means. I took this as a challenge and created a world about vampires, werewolves, demons, etc., that could be explained through science. Given my scientific background, I leapt into this with both feet.

Others have tried to explain vampires with viruses before, but I took it a step further. What if viruses explained everything? In every culture around the world there are myths about blood drinking creatures, so I made that the core of them. They all reproduce through blood by spreading these viruses. In my universe I have a pair of viruses that work together, one type in the salivary glands, and one in the general blood. They can only turn a human when both are present.

The Kayara Ingham trilogy is simply a story about a woman who is trying to overcome her past, which many people can understand. The fact that her obstacles are a little more supernatural than ours makes for interesting reading in my opinion.

Did you have to research for this novel and if so, why?

I research for all my novels. They are based on science so I need to know the science. For this one, most of the scientific rules had already been set in book one, Eyes of Osiris, so I just had to research the locations. I did a lot of research on Iceland, which I have always thought was amazingly beautiful, and Egypt, which has captivated my imagination since I was a child.

If you did research, what do you think surprised you most to learn and why?

I am constantly surprised about what I find when I research. Sometimes it’s something as basic as “Did hot chocolate even exist then?” to as complex as what was going on in Egypt during a certain time frame.

I actually have so many facts that I find surprising and interesting, that I share one every other day on my Facebook author page. For The Will of Tyr, I found it fascinating that one of the Pharaoh’s in Egypt completely broke with tradition and founded an entirely new religion based on worshiping the sun. This was actually, coincidentally, where Sun Clan, North Africa’s Architect of Lore clan, happens to live. I am constantly surprised at how many happy coincidences occur in the history of my world with the real world.

Do you relate to your character?  Is your protagonist anything like you personally?

She is a little like me, yes, but I’ve borrowed many characteristics from other people.

If yes, then how?

We both feel the need to understand and explain the world around us.

What made you write this character; what made them important to you or made you want to tell their story?

She is important to me, partially because she is a little like me, but also because she is working through a past that would have crippled most people, and is becoming a stronger, better person for it. I think that her struggle to overcome is a struggle most people many people, including me, find inspiring.

Is there anything you specific want readers to know about this piece of work?

This is not a typical vampire novel meant for young teens.

When will the novel be available for purchase?

June 1, 2015

Has the book already been published?

Eyes of Osiris (book 1) has been published as well as a novella spin off about one of the characters, Sindri, in Fenrir Reborn.

If yes, do you have a link available for buying it?

Eyes of Osiris: 

Fenrir Reborn: 

You can connect with Anita C. Young at:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KayaraIngham
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Anita-C.-Young/e/B00HI6MD3G/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/KayaraIngham

Zeecé Lugo and her Work in Progress STRONGHEART’S WOMAN

Zeecé Lugo and her Work in Progress STRONGHEART’S WOMAN

Strongheart’s Woman is a prequel to Daniels Fork which I previously reviewed and gave 4 feathers.  You can read my review here.  

Since I really liked the storyline plus the characters in Daniel’s Fork, Zeecé Lugo asked me if I would beta read her current WIP.  Of course I had to say yes.  I really like the main character, Setiyah, and now I understand who she is and can’t wait to see how the story develops with Lord Evers.  I’m sure it’s going to be hot, steamy and full of conflict.  On to my interview:

Tell us about your newest release or WIP: Strongheart’s Woman

What is the story about?
It is a romance set in a post-apocalyptic world set 150 years in the future.

Who is the main character?

The main character is Setiyah, the healer. She is a Native American Woman of strong character and passionate nature.

What inspired this tale?

My imagination and love of both romance and science fiction.

How did the story come to you?

It didn’t just come. It has been unfolding and changing in my mind for years. The whole Daniel’s Fork universe, which this novel is part of, has been developing in my mind for years.

Did you have to research for this novel and if so, why?

Yes, absolutely. I had to research everything from the location, climate, distances, horses, structures, foods, music, wild life, weapons, time lines, etc. But quite a bit has been left to my imagination too.

If you did research, what do you think surprised you most to learn and why?

That horses are not the hardy animals that western movies have taught us they are. Those films lied, a lot. After researching horses and getting the correct information from people who breed and train horses, I had to rewrite almost every passage where I used horses.

Do you relate to your character?

Oh, yes! I found it almost impossible not to infuse her with characteristics that I find in myself.

Is your protagonist anything like you personally?

In some ways, yes. Not physically, but emotionally. I consider myself a strong woman too.

If yes, then how?

She loves nature, is spiritual rather than religious, she loves deeply and is willing to sacrifice for those she loves, and she fights back always. All those traits, I believe I have also.

What made you write this character; what made them important to you or made you want to tell their story?

She is very different from the usual heroine you find in today’s romances. I wanted that.

Is there anything you specific want readers to know about this piece of work?

It predates Daniel’s Fork in its time lime; it's set ten years before that novel. But it's really meant to be read after Daniel’s Fork, although it really makes no difference.

When will the novel be available for purchase? 

First week of May, 2015 and at first, only on Amazon.com, but it will be available both as Kindle and as paperback.

Okay, now we get to meet the main character, Setiyah 

Who are you? What is your name?

Setiyah, the healer

Are you a fictional or historical character?

Fictional

What should we know about you?

Native American (Choctaw), intense, noble, strong woman

Tell us about your story:

When and where is your tale set?

Set in a post-apocalyptic world about 150 years in the future. It's really a beautiful world where technology has been lost, but humanity is thriving again. Man has survived by reverting to old ways and old forms of government. No zombies, no Mad Max warriors.

What is your personal goal? I mean, what do you ultimately want?

I want to see my people continue to live in peace and harmony. I want to protect the Accord that calls for the union of the Lord Strongheart and the Choctaw princess, my beloved and beautiful cousin Annasai.

What is standing in your way? What conflict(s) do you face?

My feelings for both Lord Strongheart and Annasai. At first, I hate him, but he soon wins my love, and I win his. But I am not the one destined for him. My beloved cousin, more like a sister to me, is the one he must marry as required by the treaty called the Accord. 

You can connect with Zeecé Lugo at: 

zeecelugo@gmail.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/zeecelugo
Facebook: https://facebook.com/zeece.lugo
Google Plus: http://google.com/+zeeceLugo
Blog / website: https://zeecelugo.com
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/author/zeecelugo

Mary Deal and her latest release The Howling Cliffs: A Sara Mason Mystery

Mary Deal and her latest release The Howling Cliffs: A Sara Mason Mystery

  

This is the 2nd book in the series.  The first one is River Bones: A Mystery Novel

Tell us about your newest release:

My latest is The Howling Cliffs – A Sara Mason Mystery. It’s the 1st sequel to River Bones, which garnered two major awards.

What is the story about?

If I may, since the lives of the characters will follow through each sequel (though each story is a stand-alone story):

Follow Sara Mason as she becomes involved in another cold case in this first sequel to River Bones.

From the River Bones story, Sara is stalked by a psychopathic killer in California’s Sacramento River Delta. She meets Huxley Keane, the love of her life, and then loses him. But Sara and Huxley have built a history together, she having learned that he searches for the remains of his brother and the daughter of their mutual friend, Esmerelda, among other MIAs in Vietnam. Later, Sara agrees to become a decoy for the Sheriff’s Department and falls into the clutches of the elusive madman who leaves no live witnesses as human skeletons keep turning up.

In this story, The Howling Cliffs, Sara and Huxley are deep in the jungle in Vietnam where they find one MIA’s meager remains. As Huxley flies back to the United States to get them identified, Sara becomes involved in a cold case on the island of Kauai in Hawaii. Knowing someone wants to put an end to her investigations to keep a cold case cold, and tries to kill her to do it, leads to a half-crazed homicidal maniac who is just sane enough to keep suspicion off himself.

 Who is the main character?

Sara Mason, approaching mid-life with new-found curiosity, zest for her renewed life and determined to help others have a metamorphosis they deserved.

     What inspired this tale?

Unsolved cold cases of missing persons. The only reason some cases do not get solved is due to shortage of personnel, with officers and others rushing through cases and unable to investigate even the skimpiest of  clues

How did the story come to you?

After River Bones, I wanted to give Sara Mason another cold case to solve. I wanted to set it on Kauai where I lived at the time. Since River Bones dealt with cold cases of adults, I decided to make Sara’s new case that of a missing child. After having written River Bones, I realized that the subplot for Huxley Keane, her love interest, could not have been wrapped up in one book. He searches for his MIA brother in Vietnam. Serendipitously, I met a former Marine who had been stationed at Marble Mountain near Da Nang in Vietnam. He supplied me with so much information it was mind-boggling. Then I knew I could carry Huxley’s subplot forward. 

Did you have to research for this novel and if so, why?  

Oh yes. Most of my research was for the Vietnam portions of the story. Then I ran the information by the former Marine who either agreed or told me what to correct. I didn’t have to research anything about Kauai since I lived there, but I did also research on the condition of the child (without giving away any of the story surprises here).  

If you did research, what do you think surprised you most to learn and why?  

Many of the MIAs may never be found. The soil in Vietnam is extremely acidic, after decades it will have absorbed even the tiniest bone fragment or hardened tooth. All that may be found are the metal dog tags and maybe a wedding ring or other metal.  

Do you relate to your character?  Is your protagonist anything like you personally?  

I’m sure in most of the stories I write, I put some of my personality into my protagonists, except the real loony characters, like in some of my short stories. But then, maybe that’s still part of me coming out.  

If yes, then how?  

Morally, ethically and when right decisions need be made, I believe my own judgment goes into that. However, if I need to conjure characters doing something crazy or anything I’ve never done, then I play out the gestalt in front of my PC, sometimes in front of a mirror, just to hear the dialogue or see the gestures that I need to give that character.  

What made you write this character; what made them important to you or made you want to tell their story?  

The original River Bones story was a combination of two plots that never went anywhere. When I went back to my childhood hometown area for a class reunion, a friend suggested I set a story there and... BOOM! The two plots came together. The story included a woman who returns to her childhood hometown area to fulfill a dream of buying and restoring an old Victorian along the river – something I wished I could do. I had great fun living that plot with my protagonist carrying out my dream. However, the story had to be more than just remodeling a spooky old Victorian that was said to be haunted. The other plot was a mystery so I turned the combined plots into a thriller. From there, I loved Sara Mason so much I decided to give her further life in sequels. That brought me to The HowlingCliffs.  

Is there anything you specifically want readers to know about this piece of work?

These Sara Mason mysteries carry dual plots, that of Sara Mason solving cold cases (which makes each book a stand-alone story) and that of her love interest, Huxley Keane, searching for his MIA brother. And yes, in The Howling Cliffs, the story opens with Sara and Esmerelda, another prominent character, deep in the Vietnam jungle along with Huxley and the Veteran search team.  

When will the novel be available for purchase?  Has the book already been published?  

The Howling Cliffs was first published in 2012 though I did not promote it. I was in a hurry because I was preparing to move from one island to another and then suffered an illness. By the time I got back to work, I realized The Howling Cliffs could have been a better story, so I set about rewriting it. The Howling Cliffs was just re-released in eBook and will go to paperback soon.  

If yes, do you have a link available for buying it?  

http://amzn.to/19rPTwg

You can connect with Mary Deal at:

Twitter: http://twitter.com/Mary_Deal

Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/mdeal

Google Plus: https://plus.google.com/105175192934570097998/posts

Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Mary-Deal/e/B0035B02X6/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1427394683&sr=1-2-ent 

My interview with author DM WOLFENDEN

My interview with author DM WOLFENDEN 

I recently did a review of Ms. Wolfenden’s book BEHIND BLUE EYES and gave it 5 feathers.  You can read my review here.  If you love a really dark, gory horror story, you’ll love it. Below is my interview with this talented writer.

Author, DM Wolfenden, loves all things that go bump in the night, she describes herself as a tattooed horror addict, you would never know when talking with her, she comes across as a little shy and reserved; having said that, she can hold her own working in the mainly male environment offshore.

Because she works away from home on the oil rigs, she treasures her time at home with her family. She would love to be surrounded with pet animals but her job prevents it. DM loves to travel, read and watch the latest block busters, she also loves to cook; to the great disappointment of her friends and family.

1. When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer? – It was never an ambition to be a writer; I love books and always had a vivid imagination. I use to write down little poems, then one night I decided to write a short story which turned out to be over 100000 word novel.

2. In what kind of environment do you work best in? - I don’t have a normal environment to work in, if I have a spare half hour at home, or, at work I try and write.

3. Do you ever base your characters on people you know? – Some of the characters are loosely based on people I know, but mostly I try not to give in to that temptation, I want to keep my friends. Hehe.

4. What do your family and friends think about your book? – Most of my family wouldn’t read my book, it’s far too violent, but those that have, seem to be genuinely amazed I wrote something they actually do like (most thought they would have to pretend).

5. Do you plan out your books or do you just go with the flow? – I just go with the flow, I never have any idea where my story will go until I’m at least half way through it, and then it can still change.

6. If you could ask a character from any book a question, who would it be and what would you ask? – I would ask Cain, if his revenge was worth the sacrifices he made over the years.

7. What was the last thing that made you cry? – Watching the news, when IS beheaded a guy from the town I grew up in. I went to junior school with his sister.

8. Who is your favourite author? – I grew up reading Stephen King and Dean Koontz books; they are still my favourite authors.

9. What’s your favourite genre? – Horror, I rarely read anything else.

10. What’s next for you? – I have started on a Zombie novel and two screenplays.

11. What advice would you give to someone just starting out? – My advice would be, never give up, and always get an editor. You could write the story of the decade, but if you have an abundance of errors then you will never get a good review.
12. What’s your favourite movie? – That’s a hard question, there are so many great movies out there, but if I had to choose it would probably be, Alfred Hitchcock's, Psycho

13. What your guilty pleasure? – Chocolate and Vodka.

14. Do you have a nickname? – Yes a couple, but I’ll keep this clean, Wolfie

15. What would be your ideal holiday? – I would love to go to Nepal and visit the monasteries. I’ve just come back from travelling around Thailand, it was an amazing experience.

16. Sweet or sour? – Definitely a sweet girl.

17. If you could go back in time what one piece of advice would you give yourself? – Put these numbers on the lottery. Hehe.

18. If you could have any super power what would it be and why? – Would it be awful to say I would want the ability to make people shut up? Sometimes you just want a bit of peace and quiet. Also I could win every argument.

You can connect with DM Woldenden at:

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/dmw.diannemarie

Twitter https://twitter.com/dmwbhbe

http://www.amazon.com/Behind-Blue-Eyes-DM-Wolfenden-ebook/dp/B00C2UAK8S

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Behind-Blue-Eyes-DM-Wolfenden-ebook/dp/B00C2UAK8S

DM Wolfenden - Author

SKULLENIA by Tony Lewis

SKULLENIA by Tony Lewis

Skullenia is 3 books condensed into one.  This book contains: 

    

I’ve heard about this book from my fellow Creativia authors and they all raved at how funny these stories were.  So I was very delighted to find out they were right.  There’s a lot of tongue-in-cheek humor and I found myself laughing aloud quite a few times.  I also heard this book is being made into a movie.  And I can see why.  As I was reading, I kept thinking, these antics would be perfect on the big screen. 

I can’t say enough about how well-written and developed the characters are.  There’s Ollie (half vampire), Stitches (zombie), Flug (Frankenstein remake), Ronnie (the invisible man) and Ethan (werewolf).  There were a lot of other secondary characters, like Mrs. Ladle (witch) who was always there to save the boys.  My favorite character was Stitches.  If he wasn’t putting his foot in his mouth, literally, then he was always in some type of predicament where body parts were falling off.  He must have one big spool of thread. 

I really enjoyed the first two stories, Wherewolf and Cup and Sorcery.  They were fun and original and I would give them each 5 feathers.  By the third book however, Wuthering Frights, I was starting to get extremely tired and bored of Tony Lewis’ interjecting narrations between the scenes.  I know they were meant to be funny, but I found them a trifle overbearing and distracting from the plot.  He would go on, sometimes for a whole page, on a different tangent than the story.  He used this type of narration in the first two books, but they were limited to a few sentences sprinkled here and there and actually added humor to the plot.  I would give the third book 4 feathers.

If you’re looking for a fun, original, laugh-out-loud monster story, then you must read this book.  I give it 5 feathers.

VENDETTA by Craig Gaydas

VENDETTA  by Craig Gaydas

While auditing claims and underwriting transactions at Martens Insurance Group, Jody uncovers possible embezzlement of funds by one of the Underwriters.  She goes to her boss / CFO with her suspicions, which results a hit from the Mob on her and her fiance.  Now she’s back for revenge. 

This isn’t a typical who-dunnit story, as we know who the killers are almost from the beginning.  But we do get to follow around with Detective Chuck Ferraro as he tries to piece together the multiple murders of Alex and Jody, her missing body and the other murders that start springing up around his quiet town.  We also follow along with Jody as she begins her vendetta against everyone involved with the embezzlement and the death of Alex and herself. 

I thought the characters were well-developed and even though I knew Jody would end up dead, how else are you going to have a paranormal vendetta?, I still felt sad for her in the way she died.  I really enjoyed the end of the book and I thought it was a perfect ending.  Another character I really enjoyed was Dalton Fitch. He was the counterpoint to her lust for revenge.   

There were some issues with the plot that I disagree with.  One, it’s only a few days after Alex is murdered, but Jody’s sitting on his grave, wondering why she was brought back.  His body wouldn’t even have been released from the morgue yet, let alone buried.  Second, an embezzlement of this magnitude, via claims and underwriting practices, would’ve already been discovered by the State Insurance Department.  I’ve worked in health insurance for most of my life, I know how it works.  Insurance companies get audited constantly by the states they sell insurance in.  Embezzlement happens in insurance companies, it happened in one I worked for, but not through claim payments.  Insurance Departments keep an eagle eye on these types of transactions.

Overall, I enjoyed the book.  If you like a dark mystery with a twist of paranormal, you should read this book.  I give it 4 feathers. 

EVERY FIVE YEARS by Christine Ardigo

EVERY FIVE YEARS by Christine Ardigo

I was introduced to Heather in Christine Ardigo’s book Cheating To Survive.  This story goes into more detail about Heather’s on-again off-again relationship with Nicolo.

Heather’s family came from the poorer side of town, so she was surprised when Lance, from an affluent family, took a shine to her and wanted to start dating.  Feeling pressure from her High School friends, especially her best friend Brooke, and her family, she agreed to date him.  Even against all her misgivings, she found herself married to the selfish, overbearing Lance.  The problem was, she’s really in love with Nicolo.  So this is a tale of love lost and the missed chances in life.

When I read Heather’s character in Cheating To Survive, I felt empathy for her plight.  But after reading how she let herself end up in such a loveless, hate filled marriage, I can’t.  Everything that happened to her, was her own choice.  Heather is supposed to be a free-thinking, out-of-the-box person, so I just can’t see her marrying someone that wanted to change her.  I guess it’s because I faced a similar situation in High School.  The boy who wanted to marry me was just as controlling as Lance.  But I choose me over him. 

Who I really felt sorry for, was Nicolo.  He was stood-up, twice, by Heather, without any explanations.  He tried to go on with his life, but everywhere he turned, Heather was in his memories.  Eventually, he settled for second-best, not realizing the trap he’d made for himself.

This book goes into plenty of detail from High School to the hospital that Heather’s working at in the first book.  After that, it kind of skips and feels rushed.  If I hadn’t read the first book, I think I might have gotten lost in the whys and wherefores of her actions. 

Even though I don’t like the younger Heather, I did sympathize with the older Heather, after she had to live with her consequences.  The whole point of a story is to make you feel, whether good or bad, and Christine accomplished that purpose.  I fell in love with Heather’s children and I was happy with her victory over Lance and Blanca, the mother-in-law from hell.  There are a lot of emotional ups and downs in this well-written tale, so keep a box of tissues handy. 

I enjoyed this book and recommend it for all romance lovers.  I give it 4 feathers. 

WALKS THROUGH MIST by Kim Murphy

WALKS THROUGH MIST by Kim Murphy  

I’ve always been a strong believer In the Native American culture and how they interacted with nature and each other.  As Phoebe jumped back and forth from the 1600’s to present time, it saddened me to recognize the changes and destruction we greedy white people have done with our planet. 

This wasn’t a fast paced story as it took it’s time building the characters and surroundings.  There’s a lot of history and storyline to go through as Phoebe is regressed back in her memories, trying to remember who she really is.  But as I neared the halfway mark in the book, I found myself reading faster and faster, getting more drawn into the story.  I wanted to see if Phoebe and Lee actually connected and who Lee really was.  I thought I had it figured out, but I was afraid that Phoebe was going to vanish just like she appeared, into the mist. 

I loved the way Phoebe talked and Murphy kept her true to her time period whenever the POV switched back to her, which couldn’t have been easy.  I also want to point out, I was never once confused who was talking or the POV.  The characters were well developed, even down to the girls living in the half-way house with Phoebe. 

The story takes us back through all the peril’s the colonists and Indians had to face back in the 1600’s.  Kim Murphy did a lot of research and it’s reflected in the story.  As a dabbler in herbology, I can attest to her proper use of the herbs that were used back then and even today.  Herbs are so much stronger and better than the white man’s medicine. 

I really liked this story, but there was one point that stuck out at me.  If Phoebe really was from the 1600’s, she wouldn’t be able to drink our contaminated water, let alone all the chemically processed foods we ingest on a daily basis.  Her body would have rebelled and she should have gotten sick.  I just don’t think she would have readily taken to eating processed foods and munching on French fries.

 

If you’re looking for a good, paranormal romance, I highly recommend this book.  I give it 4 feathers.