Category Archives: Writers on the River Attending Author

#WOTR2020 – #Review – Dead Girls: A New Adult Paranormal Romance by Krystle Able and R.L. Weeks

Dead Girls: A New Adult Paranormal Romance

Fans of Beautiful Creatures and Vampire Diaries will love this book.

Sisters, Pierce and Jackson, leave their luxurious lives in Manhattan behind them after their parents’ suicides, and move to a rainy town in Washington with their bitter Grandmother and her old, creepy mansion.
Level-headed and sensible Pierce is changing, and fiery Jackson must take the place of adult whilst their lives are turned upside down.
A serial killer is hunting red-heads, and with Pierce being the last girl in town to fit the profile, she’s on curfew. However, she keeps disappearing with a mystery man into the woods, coming back at night, covered in dirt with no memories and, holding a key to the only door in the mansion that’s off limits.
Things aren’t as the seem in the small town of Ridgeview. The monsters of stories could well be inside the walls of their home as well as outside.
No one is safe, no can be trusted.
Sometimes, the most beautiful smiles hide the darkest secrets…


Goodreads


Amazon

The most beautiful smiles hide the darkest secrets but sometimes the most disgusting scowls hide those same secrets. This entire book is based on secrets. Great secrets. Secrets that will keep you on the edge of your seat trying to figure out what the secret is and who we can trust. An intense and intriguing read. I could not put this book down until the very end. And the ending! It was an unforgettable ending that I was not anticipating. I finished this book with my heart pounding! Yes! It’s that good!

The first secret, right from jump, is the death of the two sister’s parents. They are uprooted from a lavish life in NYC where they want for nothing and moved to Ridgeview, Washington with a grandmother that clearly doesn’t want them. As they are trying to adjust, there are girls coming up missing and Pierce, the oldest sister, fits the profile of the next victim. Jackie, the younger sister, is incredibly worried and not sure how to handle the situation. And on top of it their grandmother doesn’t want either of them. She is a crazy old bat! 

You don’t experience the paranormal aspect of the story until you are well into it but you just know it’s there. Once you stumble upon it, many questions arise and loyalties are questioned. This is one of those stories that you just can’t quite figure out and keeps you guessing up until the very end. It’s beautifully written and will keep you on the edge of your seat. Bravo!

#WOTR2020 Attending Author Krystle Able

Krystle Able

R.L. Weeks
R. L. Weeks

#WOTR20 #AuthorSpotlight – Alexandria Sure

Alexandria Sure

Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

Alexandria Sure. I’m from Michigan. I have a rescue Jack Russell Terror. I started writing on Sept. 1, 2014. I was a reader that NEVER thought I could write a book.

When you are writing, what are some go to’s that you needs? IE Foods to eat, noise level, place to sit.

Coffee, Swedish Fish, Earphones – always. Comfy chair. Prefer a Starbucks

What are you favorite things about attending signings?

Meeting readers, watching them meet a favorite author, Sharing ideas with fellow authors, a fun meet and greet before the signing.

What author would you love to meet (Who is your unicorn author)?

Alice Clayton

When you are writing, do you have a consistent schedule where you write every day at the same time or are you a sit and go on different days to get it done kinda person?

All of my first drafts have been written during NaNoWriMo … the pressure of the month gets my writing juices flowing

What is your favorite memory so far as an author?

I’ll never my first signing and the first person that bought my book … Bailea Little. I was shocked that she really wanted my book.

Do you have a book that is your most prized possession? What is it and why is it so amazing?

I have a copy of Cocky by Natasha Madison that means the world to me. First, I love everything about her. Second, she surprised me with the book in the mail. It was never released as an actually paperback. Shhhh … no one is supposed to know.

What are your social links?

Author Links:
Amazon: http://amzn.to/2pqQ8DR
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Alexandria-Sure-283345031858469/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AlexandriaSure
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwBP8A7XIMZub-rMph6uFKA
Instagram: https://instagram.com/authoralexandriasure/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/9841965.Alexandria_Sure
Website: https://alexandriasure.com/

What are your buy links? (You can list individual or links to your Amazon/ibooks/Koko/etc Author Home Page.)

All my books are available on KU … https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B072WMDTN4/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i2

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07HHLC84V/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B017E646DY/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i0

#WOTR20 #AuthorSpotlight – Michel Prince

Michel Prince

Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

Michel Prince, USA Today best selling author that is constantly distracted by plot bunnies hopping all around the room.

When you are writing, what are some go to’s that you needs? IE Foods to eat, noise level, place to sit.

Although I can write when there is a TV on, it being off triples or quadruples my words. I do like music, to lock out family members, and have something to drink. What exactly depends on the time of day.

What are you favorite things about attending signings?

I love meeting people who’ve actually read my books. So much of writing is solitary and sending it out to the world never knowing what if anyone actually reads them. And if the signing has a dance afterward I will be making as ass of myself.

What author would you love to meet (Who is your unicorn author)?

Judy Blume. I love that she writes on so many levels she’s been there for me all my life I guess.

When you are writing, do you have a consistent schedule where you write every day at the same time or are you a sit and go on different days to get it done kinda person?

I wish. Sadly I have a day job that can sometimes exhaust me and family members that want to see me… not sure what’s that about. And then there is my football addiction that knocks out 90% of the fall. When on deadline though I draw a line in the sand and kick people out of the house.

What is your favorite memory so far as an author?

A reader (who may or may not be a volunteer here) was in Nashville she walked up to me and placed a piece of paper in front of me and said “these are the ones I got, I want all the rest.” I’ve had that done to me one other time where someone tried a book or two of mine at a different signing then came back to me and wanted them all. It’s so very validating as an author.

Do you have a book that is your most prized possession? What is it and why is it so amazing?

I have three I guess. One was signed by JR Ward, enough said. The second was signed by Darynda Jones siting me as a good stalker. And the third is a book called The Changeling that I read as a kid. It’s one I could never give away or put in a garage sale. The book stuck with me probably thirty five years after I read it.

What are your social links?

www.facebook.com/michelprince

www.twitter.com/michelprince1

www.instagram.com/michelprincebooks

What are your buy links? (You can list individual or links to your Amazon/ibooks/Koko/etc Author Home Page.)

https://smile.amazon.com/Michel-Prince/e/B007XWI6OA?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1575423888&sr=8-1

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/%22Michel%20Prince%22?Ntk=P_key_Contributor_List&Ns=P_Sales_Rank&Ntx=mode+matchall

#WOTR20 #CoverReveal #WOTR #WritersOnTheRiver #PeoriaIL #ThistleFarms #SecondChance #Romance #Anthology #Authors #AuthorsRock #Giveaway – Writers on the River Anthology called Take Two: A Collection of Second Chance Stories

Healing With Words, host of Writers on the River, is a 501(c)(3) not for profit established for healing survivors of abuse, addiction, trafficking and prostitution. We feel the best way to spread love is to share the love of reading.

Through the written word, persons can find an escape and a form of entertainment.

Our mission is to bring together readers, authors, and survivors in a positive manner that affects change and relief from negative influences.

Event tickets available at WritersontheRiver.com

A huge thank you to Eric McKinney, Jon Salvador, and JM Walker!

The image was donated by Eric McKinney of 6:12 Photography .

Cover Model is Jon Salvador.

Cover created by JM Walker with Just write. Creation and Services.

Take Two: A Collection of Second Chance Stories

Take Two: A Collection of Second Chance Stories is an anthology of from the authors of Writers on the River. Love and life get another chance in these tales that will warm your heart and make you fall in love again.

The proceeds of this anthology will go to Thistle Farms, a non-profit organization located in Nashville, Tennessee that helps women survivors of violence, sex trafficking, prostitution and addiction.

Some stories guaranteed are by the following authors with many more authors joining mission:

JM Walker

Dania Voss

Miranda Shanklin

Tricia Andersen

Goodreads

Amazon Link

Watch the Writers On the River Facebook Group for more details.

Watch the Take Two Anthology Facebook Page for more details.

Rafflecopter 

**Attending Author List Subject to Change**

#WOTR20 #AuthorSpotlight – Claudia Shelton

Claudia  Shelton

Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

CLAUDIA SHELTON – A word-filled-story-filled person who tries to fill the world with fast-paced romantic suspense/thrillers and contemporary/women’s fiction romance. I’m also in the process of branching out into a small-town cozy mystery series or an action-adventure thriller suspense series. On a personal note, Claudia considers herself a traveler, music lover and water person. Her main priority is spending time with family, friends and her two sweet, conniving rescue dogs.

When you are writing, what are some go to’s that you needs? IE Foods to eat, noise level, place to sit.

There’s nothing in particular as far as food. In fact when I’m into physically writing on deadline, I get so into the story that people have to remind me to eat.

What are you favorite things about attending signings?

I love meeting everyone–readers, other authors, and the fabulous organizers! It’s one day of the year when everything books is perfectly aligned!

When you are writing, do you have a consistent schedule where you write every day at the same time or are you a sit and go on different days to get it done kinda person?

I’m always writing in my head, but when I’m on deadline I try to physically write at least 7,000 words a week.

What is your favorite memory so far as an author?

When a reader comes up to me and tells me how much they like my books! Always makes me feel warm and fuzzy on the insides. Sometimes I need to be reminded that what I write, does make a difference.

Do you have a book that is your most prized possession? What is it and why is it so amazing?

“THE SAILOR DOG” by Margaret Wise Brown, pictures by Garth Williams (A Simon & Schuster–Little Golden Book, 1953)– This was my favorite childhood book that took me away to a world of make-believe! I loved how Scuppers The Sailor Dog traveled around the world in search of adventure and never gave up. Nowadays I have a copy of this book, that I found at a bookseller’s booth at an antique fair, sitting beside a cover copy of my very first published book “Risk of a Lifetime”.

What are your social links?

http://claudiasheltonauthor.com/

https://www.bookbub.com/profile/claudia-shelton

https://www.facebook.com/ClaudiaSheltonWriter

https://twitter.com/ClaudiaShelton1

https://www.instagram.com/claudiasheltonauthor/

What are your buy links? (You can list individual or links to your Amazon/ibooks/Koko/etc Author Home Page.)

AMAZON Author Page – https://www.amazon.com/Claudia-Shelton/e/B00JNZ83DO/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0

BARNES & NOBLE Author Page – https://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/%22Claudia%20Shelton%22?Ntk=P_key_Contributor_List&Ns=P_Sales_Rank&Ntx=mode+matchall

KOBO Author Page – https://www.kobo.com/us/en/search?query=claudia+shelton

iBOOKS Author Page – https://books.apple.com/us/author/claudia-shelton/id468699979

#WOTR20 #AuthorSpotlight – Dakota Trace

Dakota Trace

Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

Hi all! I’m Dakota Trace, and I’m a multi-genre erotic romance author. I write spicy to sizzling tales of love. I usually write BDSM, Menage and dabble in Paranormal tales, but have recently branched out to include ageplay and M/M/F as well to my repertoire. When I’m not writing, I putt around the yard, garden, chase after my grandson, cook and lets not forget read. (God, do I love to read!). Oh yeah, I’m also the mom of three uniquely crazy kids. Ranging from 16-24, they have taught me nothing in life is ever black or white.

When you are writing, what are some go to’s that you needs? IE Foods to eat, noise level, place to sit.

I have to have music, coffee/soda and WRITE or DIE (a writing tool that I use for sprinting). Location isn’t all that important. I’ve written at the local library, my living room, my kitchen, bedroom, a nearby McDonalds, even the breakroom at the EDJ.

What are you favorite things about attending signings?

Talking shop with the other authors, and meeting the readers. I get to switch from Nana mode to author/reader mode. I just love books – both reading and writing them.

What author would you love to meet (Who is your unicorn author)?

Well that’s hard to say. Depending upon the genre I have several but at the top of my list is Evangeline Anderson and Lorann Dohner. Ooooo, can’t forget Lora Leigh and Shelly Laurenston either. 😀

When you are writing, do you have a consistent schedule where you write every day at the same time or are you a sit and go on different days to get it done kinda person?

I usually write in the evenings during the week, since I work daytime hours. On the weekends/days off it’s an all day thing. (Basically anytime I can squeeze in around Nana duties and housework)

What is your favorite memory so far as an author?

Favorite Memory? Probably my first time at a true signing. (That would’ve been WOTR15) It gave me the signing bug and I had such a fun time. I got to meet Pauline Allen, and all the great ladies of WOTR.

Do you have a book that is your most prized possession? What is it and why is it so amazing?

My copy of Lora Leigh’s Tempting the Breed. It was my first erotic romance I ever purchased. I bought it when it was brand new from Barnes and Noble. I’ve probably read it over three dozen times in the past sixteen years. Even after my divorce and subsequent moves, I still have my now battered copy sitting on my bedside table.

What are your social links?

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/DakotaTrace75/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/dakota75/
Livvy’s Vixens (Reader Group): https://www.facebook.com/groups/dakotatracereaders/
Website: http://www.dakotatraceauthor.com/

What are your buy links? (You can list individual or links to your Amazon/ibooks/Koko/etc Author Home Page.)

https://www.amazon.com/Dakota-Trace/e/B003NGH448

#WOTR #AttendingAuthor #PartofaSeries Death Do Us Part (Gods of DC 4) by Tricia Andersen


Hades and Persephone share a love that is known by millions over thousands of years. But even the greatest of love affairs can hit rocky ground. Zeus forces them apart, banishing Hades into the deepest, darkest parts of Tartarus and into the hands of Hades’s father, Cronus. If that isn’t enough, the king of the Greek gods tears Persephone away from her mother, Demeter, promising to find her a more suitable husband.

The rest of the family races to find a way to bring Hades home and reunite the lovers before a deity ends up dead. But when the mysterious tears in reality show their true purpose, will any of them survive?

Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/46761699-death-do-us-part

Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Death-Do-Part-Gods-Book-ebook/dp/B07TT41ZGQ/ref=pd_sim_351_2/137-1506939-3596048?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B07TT41ZGQ&pd_rd_r=89f2c529-6f9a-4f57-a192-d8a52cf1ab14&pd_rd_w=umKUv&pd_rd_wg=8oq8a&pf_rd_p=5abf8658-0b5f-405c-b880-a6d1b558d4ea&pf_rd_r=ARWS34EAXMNWAQR2BGST&psc=1&refRID=ARWS34EAXMNWAQR2BGST

Hades and Persephone has an never ending romance. But after their last stunt with the family her good old dad Zeus wasn’t happy with either of them so what does he do, condemned her marriage and banished Hades into Tartarus and makes Persephone come to DC with him basically holding her prisoner in his house. So the rest of the family has to band together to save Persephone and get Hades back before things get wore then they already are. Will they save everyone in time and get the love birds back into each other’s arms. This is overall a really great book can’t wait to read more. The quick wit and bantering that comes from these God and goddesses is hilarious.

Review by Twinsie Dee

Tricia Andersen lives in Cedar Rapids, Iowa with her husband, Brian and her three children – her sons, Jake and Jon, and her daughter, Alex. She graduated from the University of Iowa with a Bachelor of Arts in English and from Kirkwood Community College with an Associate of Arts degree in Communications Media/Public Relations. Along with writing, Tricia enjoys coaching and competing in track and field and traveling to cheer on her children in their various activities.

#WOTR20 #Review #SeriesStarter #5YearFamily – Soul Journey, Soul Series Book 1 by Miranda Shanklin

Soul Journey (Soul Series Book 1)

It has been many lifetimes since the cycle began.

The cycle that still haunts Annisa Lawson.

A spell cast in desperation to help, which only caused heartache.

Now, Annisa has found her way out of the varying repeats of her past; only to bring more danger to herself, and those around her. Now she must learn to survive with the help of her friends: Chase, Penelope, and Landon have all gone through each life cycle with Annisa. Sometimes helping, sometimes hindering. Now that Annisa has broken the cycle of their collective punishment, she finds that she needs her friends more than ever to keep their enemies, known, and unknown, at bay. As the group of friends learn of their souls’ journeys through their many life cycles, they must also learn to control the magick they have discovered within themselves and each other, in order to defeat the most feared assassin in their world.

Goodreads

This is a fun, quick read with a blast of supernatural! The book is categorized as YA (I believe because of the age of the characters) but is more on the NA side (as there are some adult situations that at times make it a little more adult-y). First, this cover is gorgeous and super eye catching and second, the synopsis sounds like a great read. I am a sucker for just about anything paranormal. I dive into this story head first and before I knew it was the end! The author was very clear with the world and character building. This is a story of witches that basically are reincarnated and go through life cycles over and over again. The reason they stand out is that the four main characters are cursed and have to not repeat past mistakes…but not in this life time. Annisa finally makes a decision that breaks this punishment but now the punishment is over they are faced with a lot of situations that no one can really help them with as they have never made it this far in past lives. One of the things that I didn’t care too much for was the fact that the four teens break the punishment with almost no struggle (well, some teen angst) and as they come together they don’t really have any struggles on a teen level anymore. So I feel like there could have been a little more of a story with some other types of struggles but that didn’t make me stop reading. The bond the teens form is unbreakable and just works. The villains in this story are some of my favorite! And once they are introduced into the story you will totally understand why. As for the story as a whole, I am definitely going to continue as I would like to see what other types of struggles and issues the teens come up against. I am looking forward to how the story progresses and how the author continues to grow. Super intrigued here!!!!

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Miranda Shanklin

Miranda Shanklin lives in Central Illinois with her husband, two children, and the family security system, a 100 pound lab named Fido. Paralegal by day, mom/wife by night, she writes during those rare but precious moments of downtime. An avid reader her entire life, Miranda’s dream was to someday become an author. That dream was realized in 2015 when her handsome and intelligent husband said three beautiful words: go for it.

#WOTR20 #Hockey #Series #Review #SeriesStarter – Just Say Yes, Indianapolis Eagles Book #1 by Samantha Lind

Just Say Yes (Indianapolis Eagles, #1)

What will it take for her to Just Say Yes?

Scott Taylor has the perfect life. He gets to fulfill his dream playing professional hockey, has a loving family, and a tight group of friends. But the one thing missing in his life is a partner to come home to. He knows exactly who he wants to fill that position – the only woman he has ever loved. The one who got away, who constantly consumes his every thought. What it would take to get her to Just Say Yes to a second chance?

Becca Phillips is an independent woman who has made her career as an ER nurse a priority in her life. She has a loving family and a best friend by her side, but she can’t seem to get over her first love, Scott. Insecurities led her to break up with him years ago when he started climbing the ranks in professional hockey and, for eight years, Becca has avoided Scott when he returns home each summer. Can she overcome her fears and allow love back into her life? All she has to do is Just Say Yes to the one and only man she has ever loved.


Goodreads


Amazon

I purchased the audio book of this novel.

I love reading or listening to a “new to me” author.  When I saw this author will be attending my favorite author event and she wrote about sports characters, I had to grab a book.

This is a great 2nd chance love story.  Who doesn’t love a 2nd chance story????  I am a sucker for it for sure.

Becca and Scott were love at first sight kinda kids.  But as life threw curves balls and Becca’s insecurity got the best of he,r she leaves the love of her life.  Now 8 years later Becca realizes she is missing the man of her dreams.  She decides to not avoid seeing Scott when he visits this summer.  She is prayig he too will want to try and rekindle things.

Scott has it all.  He has homes, money, and is important on his hockey team rocking the captain title.  The one thing he doesn’t have is Becca.  She is the one who got away.  He is determined to get her back and make her see she is the right woman for him, and he is the right man for her.

The story is a sweet but sexy story of the two reconnecting and figuring out if they are the one for the other.  I loved seeing Becca and Scott opening their eyes and making room in their heart for the other.   I also love the side story of Becca and Scott’s best friends who too have seem to have found a love connection whether they want to admit it or not.

The story has some insta-love elements but since these two date for high school and college it is easy to see them slip back into their relationship routines.  One of my favorite things about the characters are their abilities to want to best for the other half.  Scott is out to show Becca how important she is and Becca is all about supporting Scott in his time of trial during his hockey season.  They both really do compliment the other and their history is shown really well.

The audio voices in the book were amazing.  I loved listening to the differing voices for Scott and Becca.  I hope when the rest of the books are done, they continue with the two people because they did a great job bringing the characters to life for me.

Samantha Lind is a contemporary romance author. Having spent the first 27 years of her life in Alaska, she now calls Iowa home where she lives with her husband and two sons. She enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, reading, watching hockey (Go Knights Go!), and listening to country music. You can connect with Samantha on her website, www.samanthalind.com.

#WOTRAuthor #REVIEW – A Girlfriend For Christmas by Aly Grady

When a blizzard prevents teacher Caroline Crawley from getting home for the first Christmas after her mother’s death, a stranger makes her an offer she can’t refuse.
Dr. Colin Pepper is traveling home, but without the non-existent girlfriend his family is expecting.
Can a pretend girlfriend be Colin’s true Christmas miracle?

Twinsie Jo’s Review:

This book was simply adorable and sweet. I usually go for the smutty and sexy books but I have to say that this is one of my favourite little reads.

Caroline and Colin end up meeting at an airport while they’re trying to make their way home to their families. Well insert a random guy asking a random girl to be his fake girlfriend to bring home to his parents and the rest is history.

I enjoyed every side character and they’re respective role in the story.

Colin is sweet and caring and Caroline is feisty and fits in perfectly with his family. This story was shorter but perfect.

If you want a swoon-worthy read for the holidays, pick this one up!