Author Interviews, Author Spotlight

#WOTR23 #Attendingauthor – Miranda Lynn

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Miranda Lynn

Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

Miranda Lynn I have always been a voracious reader and created worlds in my head ever since I can remember. Being inspired by two of my English teachers and a high school creative writing teacher put the writing bug into my head and it slowly grew until the advice of a fellow writer hit home. I still use that same advice when talking to other aspiring writers. “Write the story you want to read”

I am a military wife, a proud mother to two amazing, now adult,sons, a fur baby lover and am excited as each new chapter in my life unfolds even with the bumps and bruises that may come with it. I love connecting with fellow authors, readers, and fans.

When you are writing a book, which is harder? The first book in the series or the others after it?

The others after it. I am horrible at keeping series bibles so I always have to go back to verify places, names, descriptions. I still make mistakes, but thanks to my amazing alpha readers usually get all of them fixed before publication.

When writing a series how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?

I like to throw in new and different characters. I also pull from the real world. Trauma’s, experiences, headline news, etc. I try to keep each book as fresh as possible while still doing the series justice.

Writing can be an emotionally draining and stressful pursuit. Any tips for aspiring writers?

Take a break when you need. It’s ok to cry through a scene. It’s ok to blush through them too. But most of all take time to refill that emotional cup even if it’s simply a glass of wine, a bath, and a good book.

On a typical day, how much time do you spend writing?

Not as much as I would like. This past year has been difficult for me to get into any type of routine. A lot of real life stresses have taken over my brain and the characters have been quiet. Ideally I would like to get to an hr each day as I still work a full time job on top of my writing career.

Do you have a favorite character that you have written? If so, who? And what makes them so special.

I hate to admit it but my favorite so far is Diego from Her Chosen Mate (book 2 in the night shift series) Working through his trauma and having to return to an identity he had buried to save his mate. He has my heart right now.

If any of your books were to be made into a movie, who are the celebrities that would star in it? What book and who?

His One True Mate. I see David Boreanaz as Leo and Sandra Bullock or Julia Roberts as Kat for the main characters. I haven’t thought about the rest of the crew but now I think I need to create some pinterest boards.

What is your definition of success?

That definition changes as I grow. Loyal and dedicated fans who love my characters as much as I do is a big part of it, but as I grow my career bettering each book and gaining consistent sales is another.

Do you have anything you want to share that didn’t fit on one of these questions?

Always be open to learning and growing in your career and don’t get upset if you fail. Every failure leads closer to success.

What are your social links?

https://linktr.ee/AuthorMirandaLynn

What are your buy links? (Provide links to your Amazon/iBook’s/Koko/etc Author Home Page if you have quite a few. Also include audible links if applicable.)

https://mirandalynn.com/my-books/

Want tickets to Writers on the River #2023?

They are available starting November 4th at Writersontheriver.com

$45 VIP sell out quickly – 12-1 VIP hour, 1-4 General Admission time. You get a filled VIP bag and admission to the after party is included.

$25 Early Access – 12-1 VIP house, 1-4 General Admission time. You also get a filled VIP bag but NO admission to the after party.

$10 General Admission – 1-4 General Admission time. You can purchase a bag but it is not filled with VIP swag. There is no admission to the after party included.

$35 After party – 7-11 After Party with food and cash bar. Dj with a photobooth is also included in the fun.

Age Gap, Twinsie of the Day

#WOTR23 #TwinsieForTheDayJillian – Not Playing Fair by AJ Renee

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Not Playing Fair

BEWARE: Cabin pressure may affect arousal.

Magdalena “Maggie” Perez Rivera

I don’t chase men… not even sexy papi chulos who pop into my life with their charming smiles. I should certainly avoid older ones who turn out to be my best friend’s beloved Uncle Connor. The last thing I need is another protective man in my life, even if I’m craving him.

Connor Hughes

My trip to Orlando is for an interview and to enjoy a short visit with my niece. That’s it. The tempting Latina is the furthest thing I need in my happily single life. To my surprise, the vixen slips under my skin and becomes a permanent fixture in my daily thoughts.

Deciding whether to test our undeniable chemistry may be the least of our worries, because life doesn’t always play a fair hand.

Goodreads

Review by Jillian

Genre: Contemporary/Romantic Comedy

Review: Love me some independent gals and a man who can cook, always a great combo for a great read. I will say, I was super hungry after reading because they were always eating something yummy. Steady romance, a little suspense, and a fun cast of characters. Connor and Maggie only need one more thing to make this romance complete… become members of the Mile High Club!!

AJ Renee

Author Interviews, Author Spotlight

#WOTR23 #attendingauthor – Sharon Hamilton

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Sharon Hamilton

Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

Sharon Hamilton

When you are writing a book, which is harder? The first book in the series or the others after it?

The first one, since I write in series all the time. Figuring the series comes first. I need a full series arch.

When writing a series how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?

I try to put two people who wouldn’t normally expect to fall in love, to get connected by some circumstance, possibly an accident, or dangerous issue. But it can be a holiday, vacation, or chance encounter.

Writing can be an emotionally draining and stressful pursuit. Any tips for aspiring writers?

Take naps Meditate every day and night. Keep notes as you think of them, or think of plot things that would work. Write when you’re inspired, never do it forced or when it’s work.

On a typical day, how much time do you spend writing?

2-3 weeks before launch, 5 hours a day. I take long breaks in between when I don’t write. Do other business things, or answer emails or design NL or contests for readers. Work on getting reviews or things with my PAs.

Do you have a favorite character that you have written? If so, who? And what makes them so special.

Not really. Every hero at the time becomes my favorite. I have to fall in love with them when I’m writing. Otherwise, the book won’t be any good.

If any of your books were to be made into a movie, who are the celebrities that would star in it? What book and who?

I have nearly 100 books. Hard to answer that question. Beside, that will never happen!

What is your definition of success?

To write stories of my heart, bringing enjoyment to others, memorable characters, to make people laugh, and cry, and have them begging for more. I hope to bring the portrayal of military heroes accurately, especially the SEALs, to do them the proper justice they deserve.

Do you have anything you want to share that didn’t fit on one of these questions?

My love of writing SEALs came when my son became one, a medic, serving 10 years, including 2 TDIs with ST6.

What are your social links?

authorsharonhamilton.com

Everything is on my website.

What are your buy links? (Provide links to your Amazon/iBook’s/Koko/etc Author Home Page if you have quite a few. Also include audible links if applicable.)

My website has everything, both digital, print books, and audio books. I have interviews with my narrator, J.D. Hart, with sample audio chapters, I have a company store for swag.

Want tickets to Writers on the River #2023?

They are available starting November 4th at Writersontheriver.com

$45 VIP sell out quickly – 12-1 VIP hour, 1-4 General Admission time. You get a filled VIP bag and admission to the after party is included.

$25 Early Access – 12-1 VIP house, 1-4 General Admission time. You also get a filled VIP bag but NO admission to the after party.

$10 General Admission – 1-4 General Admission time. You can purchase a bag but it is not filled with VIP swag. There is no admission to the after party included.

$35 After party – 7-11 After Party with food and cash bar. Dj with a photobooth is also included in the fun.

Contemp. Romance, Single Mom

#wotr23 #SingleParent #Audio #Bar #Family #Excerpt #review- Kickstart My Heart , The Burgers and Brue Crew Book 1 by Lacey Black

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Title: Kickstart My Heart
Series: Burgers and Brew Crüe #1
Author: Lacey Black
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Walker 
There’s nothing better than a packed house on a Saturday night, and co-owning the hottest restaurant and bar in town with my best friends, isn’t so bad either. We put everything into Burgers and Brew. My job is to keep the alcohol moving and the patrons coming back for more. I won’t let anyone break my focus.
That was until I saw her.
As much as I try, I can’t fight it. Mallory makes me crave a future I never wanted for my own.
Now, I want it all.
Mallory 
When I started my new job at a local specialty burger restaurant, I wasn’t expecting to find a tall, dark, and devastatingly handsome distraction in the form of Walker Meyer. He’s one of the owners, which means hands off. Only problem, it’s a lot easier said than done.
Especially when he’s so good with my daughter.
I try to keep him at a distance, but he’s insistent, slowly breaking down every one of my walls. He’s fighting to convince me I can trust him with not only my heart, but my daughter’s too.
I pray he’s right.
Review by Twinsie Angie

 I purchased this audio book.

I want to start by saying OMG did I love the audio,  Both voices did a great job with each of the characters they voiced but they both did a great job with Lizzie and her baby speech.

Walker was the single guy loving his life.  He was a ladies man but he lived by a strict code…Don’t shit where you eat IE Don’t date where you work. He is quite happy to pick up a depressed woman at the grocery store in front of the ice cream aisle grabbing rocky road to heal her heart.  Walker is not about to do monogamy and then…….

Mal is starting all over. She and her daughter need a fresh start as far away from their home town.  She needs to prove to herself she can take care of her daughter.  She makes a great friend in the complex to watch her daughter when she lands a much needed Monday through Friday day shift job at a burger restaurant.

The heat between Walker and Mal is pretty intense right away.  Seeing Walker get jealous when he sees Mal talking to his business partners was hysterical.  Hut staking his claim over her with the other workers was also a great read. Mal is pretty oblivious to his eyes because she doesn’t think a guy like walker would be interested but also once he finds out about Lizzie he would be gone.

Walker and the guys, for real I loved them all, step up to the plate for Mallory.  They all understood and respected what she was doing for her daughter.  They all knew where she was coming from and pulled her into their little homemade family.

I think my favorite was when Lizzie was sick and went to see Walker vs mommy over the yuks.  I also loved when Lizzie told walker she loved him…sigh…she is the cutest.

Of course there is drama with jealous snatched who don’t respect Walkers “taken” vibes and of course there is baby daddy drama but I was loving this story.  I am so excited over the series.  Lacey needs to get the other audio books done ASAP!!!

PURCHASE LINKS
AMAZON
EXCERPT
Chapter One
Walker
At exactly eleven o’clock, I slip a quarter into the old jukebox on the back wall. The bar is silent as they await tonight’s selection. My bar, my choice, and tonight, I’m feeling a little rowdy. The opening melody of “Dr. Feelgood” blasts through the speakers, resulting in a loud cheer from tonight’s patrons. As I make my way back behind the bar, I get a few high fives from the guys and even more phone numbers slipped into my palm from the ladies. I wish I could confirm they’re all single, but the truth is they’re not.
Just a typical Saturday night at Burgers and Brew, the place I co-own with my three best friends. We all have our forte within the business, and mine’s behind the bar. Mixing drinks and slinging beers. That’s my life, and damn, what a life it is.
I slap Jasper on the back as I slide under the bar and jump right back in to filling drink orders. Everyone’s singing along, word for word to the ol’ 80’s hair band tune, as part of our weekend ritual. It’s an ode, a salute to our college days and the band we all grew up listening to. We built this business, taking an old brick building in downtown Stewart Grove and turning it into a staple.
Jasper’s the man in the kitchen, the one who comes up with the mouthwatering burger creations we’re known for. Isaac is the numbers guy, the man who keeps us in the black and our taxes completed on time. Jameson’s the muscle because he’s big and tattooed. But he’s more than that. Jameson is talented as fuck with a guitar and serves as our house musician Friday and Saturday nights. Then there’s me. Walker Meyer, bartender extraordinaire, who keeps the beer flowing, the panties melting, and the tips rolling in.
We’re the Brew Crüe, and damn proud of it.
“Dance, dance, dance, dance,” the crowd starts to chant, encouraging me to do what I do every weekend when we play Mötley Crüe.
Dance.
When I glance over at Jasper, he’s already shaking his head, but there’s no missing his wide grin. He knows what’s coming. Placing my hands on the bar top, I jump, hoisting myself up on the aged oak. Patrons erupt into cheers as I grin down at them. Mostly, at the ladies. The single ones and even the not-so-single ones. No, I’m not taking any of them home, but that doesn’t mean I can’t give them one hell of a show.
I twist my ballcap around so it’s on backward and start to swing my hips. Mama blessed me with moves, which helps almost double my tips every night. Women go crazy for a man who can dance. That’s evident by the number of panties that’ll be thrown behind the bar in a matter of moments.
Swaying my hips, I do a little dip and grind, popping my ass out and sending the ladies in the front row into cardiac arrest. They scream and reach for my pant legs, digging their nails into the denim. Instead of shaking them off, I wink and carefully walk a few steps away. Then, when we get to the refrain in the song, I throw my arms out to the side and belt out the words, everyone singing along with me.
It’s like karaoke.
But better.
As the song winds down, I steal the drink in Jasper’s hand and hold it up over my head. Everyone in the bar does the same. We sing. I dance and drink. The panties start flying.
(Excerpt – Kickstart My Heart, Burgers and Brew Crüe book 1 © Lacey Black)
AUTHOR BIO
Lacey Black is a Midwestern girl with a passion for reading and writing. She carries her e-reader with her everywhere she goes so she never misses an opportunity to read a few pages. Always looking for a happily ever after, Lacey is passionate about contemporary romance novels and enjoys it further when you mix in a little suspense. She resides in a small town in Illinois with her husband, two children, and a chocolate lab. Lacey loves shooting guns and should only consume one mixed drink because she’s a lightweight.
AUTHOR LINKS
Author Interviews, Author Spotlight

#WOTR23 #attendingauthor – Jamie A. Waters

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Jamie A. Waters

Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

Jamie A. Waters is an award-winning fantasy romance author and dragon enthusiast. Weaving together magic, intrigue, and some delicious romance, she creates memorable and immersive worlds that provide the perfect escape. Her books features strong, capable heroines and their swoon-worthy heroes who will stop at nothing to save the day.

Jamie currently resides in Florida with two neurotic dogs who enjoy stealing socks. When she’s not writing, she’s usually trying to learn new and interesting random things (like how to pick locks or use the self-cleaning feature of the oven without setting off the fire alarm). In her downtime, she enjoys reading, playing computer games, painting, or acting as a referee between the dragons and fairies currently at war inside her closet.

When you are writing a book, which is harder? The first book in the series or the others after it?

I probably have a harder time with the later books in the series. I write a lot of fast-paced fantasy, so worldbuilding and intricate plots that unfold throughout the series is key. In the first book of a new series, I’m still learning about the world and the characters. The longer the series progresses, the more hurdles the characters have to overcome. Things can get pretty dicey before they reach their Happily Ever After.

When writing a series how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?

I’m the queen of plot twists! I’m mostly a pantser (writing by the seat of my pants). A lot of times I don’t know what’s going to happen until I write it. There have been countless times that I’ve just stared at my screen and thought, “Where the heck did THAT come from?”

When I’m not writing and need to refill my creative well, I’m either reading or playing video games. I love to learn and experience new things. Inspiration finds me in the strangest of places. I’ll be playing a game, and a thought will come to me almost out of the blue. I’ll run out of the room to go type up a new chapter really quick. I like to think that each of our brains are supercomputers. There’s a lot happening behind the scenes, and I’m just along for the ride.

Writing can be an emotionally draining and stressful pursuit. Any tips for aspiring writers?

Self-care and make sure to recharge the well! I think we all started writing because we have a passion and love for amazing stories. It’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of publishing dreams. But it’s important to remember to take time for yourself and focus on why you want to take this journey. Find out what types of things inspire YOU, and when you become discouraged, hold onto that inspiration tightly. It’ll let you continue to soar.

On a typical day, how much time do you spend writing?

Sometimes, several hours. Other days, I’ll write only a sentence. I try to open my current manuscript every day, but I don’t force the words. Sometimes “writing” is simply sitting outside and drinking a cup of tea while I think about my characters, or wonder if dragons ever suffer from motion sickness.

Do you have a favorite character that you have written? If so, who? And what makes them so special.

Blossom, the mischievous and adorable pixie from The Dragon Portal series. (Ahem, who let the goat loose in the dwarven embassy this time?) She wasn’t a planned character, but I can’t imagine the series without her. Her antics keep me laughing, and I love writing scenes with her in them.

If any of your books were to be made into a movie, who are the celebrities that would star in it? What book and who?

Um… I’m terrible at naming actors and actresses. For leading ladies, I always thought Mila Kunis looked a bit like Kayla from Beneath the Fallen City. She also happens to be from the Ukraine, and that series draws a lot of inspiration from Slavic folklore.

And I’d have to say Scarlett Johansson as Sabine for The Dragon Portal series. There’s just something about her mannerisms and a little of her appearance (minus the pointy ears and glowing skin markings, of course).

What is your definition of success?

I write because I love getting lost in stories. I publish because I want to share them with others. To me, success means that I have the ability to pursue my dreams while also uplifting and providing joy to others. Every time I receive an email or message from a reader telling me they love my books and the escape they provide, I know I’ve succeeded.

What are your social links?

https://linktr.ee/booksbyjamiewaters

What are your buy links? (Provide links to your Amazon/iBook’s/Koko/etc Author Home Page if you have quite a few. Also include audible links if applicable.)

Website: https://www.jamieawaters.com

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Jamie-A.-Waters/e/B00JXT4VTK/
iBooks: https://books.apple.com/us/author/jamie-a-waters/id831846900
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/author?id=Jamie+A.+Waters
Books2Read: books2read.com/booksbyjamiewaters

Want tickets to Writers on the River #2023?

They are available starting November 4th at Writersontheriver.com

$45 VIP sell out quickly – 12-1 VIP hour, 1-4 General Admission time. You get a filled VIP bag and admission to the after party is included.

$25 Early Access – 12-1 VIP house, 1-4 General Admission time. You also get a filled VIP bag but NO admission to the after party.

$10 General Admission – 1-4 General Admission time. You can purchase a bag but it is not filled with VIP swag. There is no admission to the after party included.

$35 After party – 7-11 After Party with food and cash bar. Dj with a photobooth is also included in the fun.

Author Interviews, Author Spotlight

#WOTR23 #attendingauthor – Robyn Peterman

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Robyn Peterman

Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

NYT and USA Today best selling author, Robyn Peterman writes because the people inside her head won’t leave her alone until she gives them life on paper. She writes snarky, sexy, funny paranormal and snarky, sexy, funny contemporaries.
Her addictions include laughing really hard with friends, shoes (the expensive kind), Target, Coke (the drink, not the drug LOL) with extra ice in a Yeti cup, bejeweled reading glasses, her kids, her super-hot hubby and collecting stray animals.
A former professional actress, with Broadway, film and T.V. credits, she now lives in the south with her family and too many animals to count. Writing gives her peace and makes her whole, plus having a job where she can work in her sweatpants works really well for her.

When you are writing a book, which is harder? The first book in the series or the others after it?

All books are hard. All books are easy. LOL I pants so I have to feel it. To me, they’re each like a child—beautiful in their own ways. So, to answer the question, none are harder or easier than others. They’re all their own special, wonderful, hilarious nightmares. 

 When writing a series how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?

I have no idea. If a story speaks to me and makes me happy, I can only hope a reader will enjoy it. My characters live in my head and when one is talking really loudly, I write that book. 

Writing can be an emotionally draining and stressful pursuit. Any tips for aspiring writers?

I don’t find the writing emotionally draining, it’s the rest of the stuff I have to do that wears me out. Writing stories is my passion. However, I do walk and exercise to keep my head clear and to make sure my ass doesn’t become one with my office chair. If you’re stressed find an outlet to destress— yoga, meditation, walking, a writing group.

On a typical day, how much time do you spend writing?

Umm… a shitload. LOL I pretty much work all the time. I’m going for better work/life balance this year. Wish me luck. 

Do you have a favorite character that you have written? If so, who? And what makes them so special.

Don’t tell the others, but I have great fondness for Satan aka Blade Inferno aka Uncle Fucker. He’s just so hilariously wrong, he’s all kinds of right.

If any of your books were to be made into a movie, who are the celebrities that would star in it? What book and who?

The Good to the Last Death Series has been optioned. I refuse to say who I would like in the roles. It’s bad luck. LOL 

What is your definition of success?

A happy family, great friends… and lots of pets. 

What are your social links?

Website
 
Robyn Peterman Facebook Page
 
Twitter 
 
Instagram 

What are your buy links? (Provide links to your Amazon/iBook’s/Koko/etc Author Home Page if you have quite a few. Also include audible links if applicable.)

Amazon Author Page
 
Goodreads
 
Book Bub

Want tickets to Writers on the River #2023?

They are available starting November 4th at Writersontheriver.com

$45 VIP sell out quickly – 12-1 VIP hour, 1-4 General Admission time. You get a filled VIP bag and admission to the after party is included.

$25 Early Access – 12-1 VIP house, 1-4 General Admission time. You also get a filled VIP bag but NO admission to the after party.

$10 General Admission – 1-4 General Admission time. You can purchase a bag but it is not filled with VIP swag. There is no admission to the after party included.

$35 After party – 7-11 After Party with food and cash bar. Dj with a photobooth is also included in the fun.

Author Interviews, Author Spotlight

#WOTR23 #attendingauthor – Measha Stone

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Measha Stone

Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

Measha Stone. I write dirty stories. Shocking!! 😆 More specifically I write Alpha heroes and their feisty leading ladies. I write a variety of flavors of romance: BDSM Romance, Daddy Dom romance, Mafia Romance, Dark Romance, OMG TOO dark don’t read that romance, and am still adding to my palette.

When you are writing a book, which is harder? The first book in the series or the others after it?

The others after it. Mostly because I’m a disorganized pantser, and trying to keep all the characters in the world straight as more books enter the series can get hard because I have to go back into books to find information.

When writing a series how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?

I try to use new tropes with each book so that they don’t end up being more of the same. It helps keep the stories fun for me to write as well.

Writing can be an emotionally draining and stressful pursuit. Any tips for aspiring writers?

Just do it. Don’t think so much about it, just sit down and write. And when you’re not writing, read!

On a typical day, how much time do you spend writing?

1-2 hours.

Do you have a favorite character that you have written? If so, who? And what makes them so special.

Yes! Ashland Titon in Beast. He’s the first dark alpha male character I wrote. He’s unbearably hot, insanely protective, and has no mercy for both his lady and his enemies. I just love him.

What is your definition of success?

Being able to write books while supporting my family and raising my kids.

What are your social links?

https://www.facebook.com/authormeashastone

https://www.tiktok.com/@meashastoneauthor

https://www.instagram.com/meashastone/

What are your buy links? (Provide links to your Amazon/iBook’s/Koko/etc Author Home Page if you have quite a few. Also include audible links if applicable.)

Want tickets to Writers on the River #2023?

They are available starting November 4th at Writersontheriver.com

$45 VIP sell out quickly – 12-1 VIP hour, 1-4 General Admission time. You get a filled VIP bag and admission to the after party is included.

$25 Early Access – 12-1 VIP house, 1-4 General Admission time. You also get a filled VIP bag but NO admission to the after party.

$10 General Admission – 1-4 General Admission time. You can purchase a bag but it is not filled with VIP swag. There is no admission to the after party included.

$35 After party – 7-11 After Party with food and cash bar. Dj with a photobooth is also included in the fun.

M/M, Military, Review, Romantic Suspense, Suspense, Writers on the River Attending Author

#WOTR23 – #Review – Echoes of a Dream (Echoes #1) by BT Urruela

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Echoes of a Dream (Echoes Trilogy Book 1) by [BT Urruela, Kim BookJunkie]

Dylan Correia has always had a special gift. At first he thought he was having a bad trip, hallucinations. By eighteen, he realized it was something different. Something powerful. It began as a wave of prickly heat sweeping over his body, causing the hairs on the back of his neck to stand on end and his eyes to slam shut. He’d see things—terrible things—in his head, and like the echoes of a lucid dream, the thoughts would stay with him for days, torturing him.

He continued ignoring the power, lying to himself, until the day he saw it on the news—a Chevy Malibu flipped upside down and burning. The same one he’d seen in his visions the night before.

After a few years away at college, unburdened by these visions through frequent alcohol abuse, Dylan reaches graduation having already started a successful vinyl and comic book store with his best friend. Everything runs smoothly until a mysterious run-in with a stranger from a top-secret government agency threatens to flip his world on its end.

There’s a new program and Dylan’s a perfect fit.

Will Dylan take the stranger up on his generous, but vaguely described, offer? Does he have what it takes to pass the rigorous training if he does choose to join the program? And at what cost to him?

Goodreads

Review by Twinsie Kelly

The cover and the blurb drew me in immediately. I was definitely intrigued. You go on this journey with Dylan, present day, talking about his past and the trouble he had with his first run in with drugs and the “hallucinations” and further continues on to how he was approached for a top secret opportunity clear through his training. Imagine that? Top secret opportunity that will leave a lot of conspiracy theories in your brain as you continue on Dylan’s journey. That’s what! Other people in the program would, very literally, just disappear. Others were beat down to become very obedient soldiers. But what more would you expect when you accept a very vague job offer? There were times that I forgot that Dylan was basically narrating the story, but he would pop back in at the perfect times with just enough clarification of how he wished things were different before you dove right back into the story again with another twist and turn. There is an M/M romance happening however, it does not overshadow the story at all. If M/M is not your jam, you will still enjoy the story. This is definitely a conspiracy theorists’ wet dream! Full of suspense and will leave you with more questions than answers. A huge cliffhanger! I am anxiously awaiting the next in the trilogy and hoping to get to some much needed answers. Great start to what is sure to be an excellent series!

Author Logo

BT Urruela is a combat wounded amputee, purple heart recipient, contemporary author who has written both independent and traditionally published books. He is a RARE under 40 award recipient, Rockwood Summit High School and Rockwood School District Hall of Fame inductee, Co-founder and Brand Ambassador for VETSports, Ambassador for Tampa Sports Academy, People Magazine Tribute for Heroes winner, Cover Model, Motivational Speaker and Philanthropist.

At an early age he began writing short stories having been inspired by reading books authored by RL Stein. His maternal grandmother’s bookshelf was filled with literature that inspired his young mind and cultivated his vivid imagination.

Upon graduation from high school his desire to have a 20-year military career was cut drastically short by an improvised explosive device. Taking the life of his commander, and leaving the remaining four team members badly wounded.

After careful consideration and multiple surgeries, he along with the guidance of his doctors made the decision to amputate. It was the only surgery he ever left with a smile on his face, as if a weight had been lifted. He struggled for two more years through 4-5 hours of physical therapy a day, five days a week to get adapted to his new prosthetic. He medically retired from the Army with high hopes. His focus on restoring his physical shape being the most eminent battle caused him to neglect his psychological state.

Meeting people was difficult and there were very few options for veterans to utilize that would stimulate friendship, and ultimately, allow communication barriers to be breached. After moving to Tampa, Florida, he co-founded the veteran community sports nonprofit, VETSports, with two other combat wounded veterans. It was their mission to change the way veterans transitioned back to civilian life through organized team sports, community involvement, and leadership opportunities.

After being invited to attend a photoshoot with acclaimed photographer Michael Stokes, he flew to California in December of 2014, with incredible excitement. His photos were so widely publicized that he soon gained exposure to the literary world like he’d always dreamed of. That opportunity launched him into his present writing career. He co-wrote the novel ‘A Lover’s Lament with author KL Grayson. The following year he released first solo novel, ‘Into the Nothing’ and will be releasing Wicked Little Words with author Stevie J. Cole. He is now writing full-time.

Author Interviews, Author Spotlight

#WOTR23 #attendingauthor – Sage Young

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Sage Young

Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.

Hi I’m Sage Young and I write Dark, Suspense and Contemporary Romance

When you are writing a book, which is harder? The first book in the series or the others after it?

Definitely the ones that come after the first one.

When writing a series how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?

I try to keep it fresh. I recently entered the world of dark romances so it’s new for me and my readers

Writing can be an emotionally draining and stressful pursuit. Any tips for aspiring writers?

When I’m writing and if gets too stressful or emotional I listen to music. It helps to center me

On a typical day, how much time do you spend writing?

approximately two hours

Do you have a favorite character that you have written? If so, who? And what makes them so special.

I love all my characters. They all bring a different perspective in the books

If any of your books were to be made into a movie, who are the celebrities that would star in it? What book and who?

If I had to choose one book it would be Choices We Make, the first book in the Moretti Brothers Series. I loved Victoria and Dominic’s love story. The actors: Celestine Rae would play Victoria Hart and Giulio Berruti as Dominic Moretti

What is your definition of success?

For me success would be readers that will one click my book regardless of the Title. Readers loving my story telling skills. And of course having a bestselling novel.

Do you have anything you want to share that didn’t fit on one of these questions?

I love writing. I have several crazy ides in my head and it’s fun to flush them out and create stories.

What are your social links?

BookBub: https://bit.ly/3bUr177
Facebook: https://bit.ly/3gYHl8P
IG: https://bit.ly/3QsUiVn
Twitter: https://bit.ly/3PyoVHW
Newsletter: https://bit.ly/378FhTI
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sageyoungauthor
Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3Aq8QzH
Pinterest: http://bit.ly/3BMPJA3
LinkedIn: http://bit.ly/3hOPGg6
Amazon Store: https://amzn.to/3nrkYJF

What are your buy links? (Provide links to your Amazon/iBook’s/Koko/etc Author Home Page if you have quite a few. Also include audible links if applicable.)

Here’s the link to my Amazon Store: https://amzn.to/3nrkYJF

Want tickets to Writers on the River #2023?

They are available starting November 4th at Writersontheriver.com

$45 VIP sell out quickly – 12-1 VIP hour, 1-4 General Admission time. You get a filled VIP bag and admission to the after party is included.

$25 Early Access – 12-1 VIP house, 1-4 General Admission time. You also get a filled VIP bag but NO admission to the after party.

$10 General Admission – 1-4 General Admission time. You can purchase a bag but it is not filled with VIP swag. There is no admission to the after party included.

$35 After party – 7-11 After Party with food and cash bar. Dj with a photobooth is also included in the fun.

Dystopian, Part of a Series, Review, Sci Fi, Suspense, Teen & Young Adult Contemporary

#Review – Isle of Pieces: Episode One (Isle of Pieces YA Episodic Series) by Chrisina L. Rozelle

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Isle of Pieces: Episode One (Isle of Pieces YA Episodic Series Book 1)

Join Flick and Tinsley in their icy quest for truth amidst the raging fury of a post-apocalyptic ice age.

What secrets lie buried in the snow?

Will they make it to Gaia’s Gate, the last environmentally encapsulated place on Earth, or will they freeze to death at the doorstep?

As I sit here writing now, the sounds of distress and fear on repeat, the naivety of our boyish selves is apparent. We were led here by the promise that leads everyone else as close as they can get to the Great Gaia. The promise that someday, if we work hard enough, sacrifice enough, and of course, get lucky enough, we will be granted Asylum. That we’ll see the sunshine from the last environmentally encapsulated space on the planet. That we’ll know what it’s like to lie in green grass, to smell flowers and taste the Earth. We all want to believe that we won’t just die here in the cold.
-Lt. M. Flick

Goodreads

Review by Twinsie Kelly

This is a thrilling first episode in a dystopian world that will keep you turning the pages to see what happens next. There are two teens from completely different areas. One stuck in a frozen landscape just trying to make it to Gaia’s Gate. The place where everything is supposed to be better. The other, leading a completely different life going to pageants and what not. Nothing is what it seems. I have a feeling that when they end up where they are meant to be and meet, things are going to explode! It is a quick read that will suck you right in and keep you wanting more.

Author Logo

Christina L. Rozelle is the author of the bestselling YA Dystopian Scifi series, The Treemakers Trilogy, which includes her groundbreaking debut, “The Treemakers,” and its sequels, “The Soultakers,” and “The Seeker’s Keys.” Hailed for its strong, believable, and relatable characters, original and complex plotting, and phenomenal world-building, The Treemakers Trilogy appeals to lovers of dystopian literature who are looking for something refreshing and new.

Rozelle’s writing roots sprouted with poetry and prose in countless journals in her early years, continuing through her tumultuous teenage years, and well into her turbulent young adult life. Though her younger self dreamed of scribing non-fiction and poetry someday, when she discovered the magic in creating fiction she never looked back. Overcoming countless obstacles of her own, the wisdom gained along her personal path through healing breathes life into her beautifully dark, yet hopeful tales of triumph. Filled with an array of emotional triggers, not many topics are off limits in her works. Rozelle’s exceptional storytelling dives deep into the survival and growth journeys of diverse, broken characters and unlikely heroes. Authentic, gritty, intricate, and wildly imaginative, her stories also offer hope—a light in the dark—as her characters discover their own inner strengths and worth in the midst of debilitating adversity.

If you’ve enjoyed any of her books, you can thank Christina by leaving an honest review of any length on Amazon.

We are THE TWINSIES… We love to read…We love to promote the authors we read… and we love to stir up TROUBLE… It's who we are and what we do