Interview and giveaway: The Heiresses by Allison Rushby

I have New Adult author Allison Rushby on the blog today talking about her brand new historical novel- The Heiresses, plus a chance to win a copy of the book thanks to St Martin's Press (US/ Canada only).

About the book:

Goodreads

In Allison Rushby's Heiresses, three triplets--estranged since birth--are thrust together in glittering 1926 London to fight for their inheritance, only to learn they can’t trust anyone--least of all each other.

When three teenage girls, Thalia, Erato and Clio, are summoned to the excitement of fast-paced London--a frivolous, heady city full of bright young things--by Hestia, an aunt they never knew they had, they are shocked to learn they are triplets and the rightful heiresses to their deceased mother's fortune. All they need to do is find a way to claim the fortune from their greedy half-brother, Charles. But with the odds stacked against them, coming together as sisters may be harder than they think.

The interview:

Q. What's The Heiresses about?

A. The Heiresses revolves around triplets Thalia, Erato and Clio. Estranged since birth, they are thrust together in glittering 1926 London to fight for their inheritance. They quickly learn they can't trust anyone in their new lives – least of all each other.

I had an absolute ball writing The Heiresses with all its dramatic highs and lows. I was even lucky enough to be living in Cambridge at the time, so had the advantage of being able to research in London whenever I needed to. 

Q. What other novels in the New Adult genre would you compare The Heiresses to?

A. I think the obvious comparison is Anna Godbersen's The Luxe series, because of the historical setting and the saga-like plot. I love all her books!

Q. Where did you get the inspiration for The Heiresses?

A. This is extremely embarrassing, but I think it was actually from watching a Dr Phil show, years ago. I can't say too much as it will spoil the plot completely, but I saw a segment that involved a family and their genetic makeup and asked my husband (a medical specialist) about it all that evening. This led me to wondering how this family's scenario might have played out if genetic testing was not available to them, which is the case in The Heiresses, set in 1920s London.

Q. What was the hardest part about writing The Heiresses?

A. The most difficult part was the historical research. Although I love to read historical books and watch documentaries and historical dramas on TV, I hadn't actually written anything historical before. When I started writing, I found myself stopping after every second sentence or so to research this point and that point. After a while, I realised I had to write on and put little 'x' signs where I needed to research and go back later to do all my research in one session, or I'd never get anywhere!

Luckily, I wrote The Heiresses while living in Cambridgeshire in the UK (I usually live in Australia), so could pop on a fast train and be in London in under an hour to research anything I liked. Being so close to London was an enormous bonus – from the London Transport Museum, to simply walking around Belgrave Square, it really brought the story to life for me. I even managed to crash the village set of Downton Abbey, which was a hugely exciting day, despite the fact that it snowed (Australians don't do snow well…)!

Q. How long did it take to you to complete The Heiresses?

A. The Heiresses was a little different for me because it was contracted from only a short writing sample and a series guide. I wrote it very quickly, in under nine months (altogether, it's roughly 120,000 words). Usually I wouldn't be anywhere near this fast!

Q. Who are your favourite authors?

A. My very favourite author is P.G. Wodehouse. So much so that for Christmas I received the five book The Jeeves Omnibus set because I'd worn my old five book set out! Some other favourites are Stella Gibbons and anything at all Mitford.

Author Links:

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter

The giveaway:

This book has been compared to Anna Godbersen's The Luxe series (which I love) and also Downton Abbey. 

High society, plots, and revelations. I love the sound of this book. 

St. Martin's Press are giving away 20 paperback copies of the book so enter below to be in with a chance of winning one of them. This contest is only available to residents of the US and Canada (sorry everyone else).

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck, and thanks for reading!

Interview and giveaway: The Watcher by Lisa Voisin

I'd like to welcome YA author Lisa Voisin to the blog today to talk about her book The Watcher, and she is also kindly giving away copies of the book and a gorgeous winged necklace to lucky winners. (print copies available to US/CANADA/UK readers and ebook copies INTERNATIONAL)

About the Book:

Millennia ago, he fell from heaven for her.

Can he face her without falling again?

Fascinated with ancient civilizations, seventeen-year-old Mia Crawford dreams of becoming an archaeologist. She also dreams of wings—soft and silent like snow—and somebody trying to steal them.

When a horrible creature appears out of thin air and attacks her, she knows Michael Fontaine is involved, though he claims to know nothing about it. Secretive and aloof, Michael evokes feelings in Mia that she doesn’t understand. Images of another time and place haunt her. She recognizes them—but not from any textbook.

In search of the truth, Mia discovers a past life of forbidden love, jealousy and revenge that tore an angel from Heaven and sent her to an early grave. Now that her soul has returned, does she have a chance at loving that angel again? Or will an age-old nemesis destroy them both?

Ancient history is only the beginning.

Find it: Goodreads | Amazon |Amazon UK |B&N | Indie Bound | Inkspell
| Kobo |TBD

The interview:

Hello Lisa and welcome to Always Lost in Stories!

1. Can you describe The Watcher in 5 words or less?

Angel sins redeemed by love.

2. How long have you been working on The Watcher, and how did the idea come about?

I started working on The Watcher in April 2009, but the story itself started three years before that, with an idea about a boy who woke up one day to discover he was an angel. However, I couldn't get his voice right, so I felt it was best to pair him with a human girl who was the only one who could see what he really did and tell his story from her point of view.

3. Which of your characters is your favourite and why? Who is the most fun to write? 

Michael is my favourite character, because he's been with me the longest, and I can empathize with him. But I have to admit, Damiel was the most fun to write. It made me think of famous actors who say they have the most fun playing villains.

4. If your book was being made into a movie who would you envision in the leading roles?

Though I didn't write the characters in The Watcher with actors in mind, I'd love to see a young Henry Cavill as Michael (perhaps a shorter haired version of himself in the movie Tristan and Isolde), and Mia I picture as being like Emilia Clarke, but with her original hair colour. 

 

Henry Cavill

Emilia Clarke

(Source: Pictures from imdb.com)

5. Have you always wanted to be a writer? Do you have any special places or routines to write or can you write anywhere?

I've wanted to be a writer since high school, where I spent more time writing stories than focusing on homework. I enjoy writing at home or in a local cafe. 

6. Have there ever been any books that you've read and thought "I wish I'd written that"?

Oh! There have been so many it's hard to count! Most recently, I'd have to say Anna and the French Kiss, because it was absolutely delightful. 

7. Final silly question- if you could have any superpower what would it be and why? 

I'd love to be able to smite demons with a single touch. I'm a big fan of smiting. I even love the word, 'smite'. But I suppose that would mean I'd have to actually be around demons, which might not be so much fun. 

Thankyou so much for answering my questions!

Find Lisa Voisin: Twitter | Facebook | Website | Blog

The Giveaway:

Lisa Voisin and Inkspell Publishing are giving away print (US/Canada/UK) and ebook (INT) copies of The Watcher  as well as this lovely angel wing necklace.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thanks for stopping by! Good luck with the competition!

Review and Giveaway: Surrender by Rhiannon Paille

Surrender by Rhiannon Paille

My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars

Source: Review copy from author via Xpresso Book Tours

Synopsis from Goodreads:

How far would you go to save everything you ever loved? 

Kaliel was warned about her love for the Ferryman. One day he will marry the land and leave Avristar forever. She doesn't listen, and because of what she is-- a Flame-- one of nine apocalyptic weapons, she sparks a war. In a desperate attempt to save her home and her love, Kaliel tries to awaken Avred, not knowing she may have to make the ultimate sacrifice.

Surrender is an epic and sweeping fantasy story- beautifully told and very richly described with a wealth of interesting characters. From the very first page you are thrown straight into this unfamiliar world, that feels both magical and dangerous, and I loved getting lost in this fantasy setting for a time.

It reads very much like the style of an old, old fairy story, drawing on myths and legends that feel like they could have happened in a long-ago past. Kaliel and Krishani each have a specific destiny and they are not supposed to fall in love. This overwhelming sense of duty is harsh because they are both such strong-willed characters.

The changing point of view between Kaliel and Krishani, helps us the reader get inside both of their mindsets, but also shows us all about this world and it's different people from different perspectives. They both seem very innocent to me, and the start of their romance feels a lot like a teenage crush, but as the story moved on I found myself rooting for them and hoping for a happy ending.

Confusing in parts because of the wealth of information about all the different lands, races, and beliefs- it took a bit of time to catch hold of me, but the feeling that in this magical land anything could happen, and also the supporting characters really made  the book for me. I love the sarcasm and jokes of the talking tree- the wise Great Oak, and Kaliel's friend Pux (half wolf, half man). There are evil kings and queens, assorted beasties, and an assortment of races and peoples that add to the richness of the setting.

It is a very emotive and passionate book, with this forbidden love story at it's heart. An imaginative and charming story, and recommended for fans of fairytale or fantasy.


Giveaway:

I have one ebook of Rhiannon Paille's Surrender (The Ferryman and the Flame, book 1) to give away to one reader. Interested in reading it? Enter below!

• This giveaway is for one ebook copy of Surrender
• Open internationally
• You must be over 16 years old to enter
• You may only enter once
• Closing date for entries is Monday 18th March
• Winner will be chosen at random and notified by email.
• The form will only be used to collect the winners info, and will be deleted after the contest ends. 

This giveaway is now closed

Rest of the series:

Book 2, Justice- out now
Book 3, Vulture- due 2014
Book 4, Forgiveness- due 2014

About the author:
Rhiannon Paille
Rhi was never a normal girl. Her life was an urban fantasy wrapped in a paranormal romance and served with a side of horror. To escape her everyday weirdness she began writing fantasy. She studied at U of Sedona and MIMT, obtaining a PhD in Metaphysical Science and Parapsychology. She's married to a chef/comic book shop owner and has a fondness for architecture. She frequents twitter and facebook, but if you really want to get to know her you should visit her site: www.yafantasyauthor.com


Author Links:Website
Goodreads
Facebook
Twitter

For further reviews and giveaway opportunities, check out the rest of the stops on the Ferryman and the Flame blog tour-

Extract and Giveaway from Michelle Davidson Argyle

Thanks to Michelle Davidson Argyle and Xpresso Book Tours I have an ebook copy of The Breakaway by Michelle Davidson Argyle to give away to one lucky reader. I love this series, as you can see from my reviews here-

My Review of The Breakaway here

THE BREAKAWAY - Rhemalda Publishing / May 1st, 2012
When Naomi Jensen is kidnapped, it takes her parents two days to realize she’s missing. Escape isn’t high on her list of priorities when all she has to return to is an abusive boyfriend and parents who never paid much attention to her. For the first time in her life she’s part of a family—even if it is a family of criminals. But she’s still a captive. In a desperate attempt to regain some control in her life, Naomi embarks on a dangerous plan to make one of her kidnappers think she’s falling in love with him. The plan works too well, and when faced with the chance to escape, Naomi isn’t sure she wants to take it.

Goodreads

 My Review of Pieces (still to post)

PIECES - Rhemalda Publishing / February 14th, 2013
Two years after watching her kidnappers go to prison, Naomi Jensen is still in love with one of them. Jesse will be released in a few years, and Naomi knows college is the perfect distraction while she waits. But when her new friend Finn makes her question what is right and what is wrong, she begins to wonder if Jesse is the one for her … until she discovers he's out on parole. Naomi must sort through her confusion to figure out where love and freedom truly lie—in Finn, who has no connections to her past, or Jesse, who has just asked her to run away with him.

Pieces is a companion to The Breakaway and can be read independently, if desired.

Goodreads

I really enjoyed this series which I found to be clever, emotionally wrenching, confusing, and heartbreaking. If you like contemporary stories I highly recommend you give this series a read. 

To help you get to read this series, I have an ebook copy of The Breakaway (the first book in the series) to give away to one lucky reader. 

Simply enter your details on the form below and one winner will be selected at random on Monday 25th February. 

Still need a little convincing? Here is an extract from Pieces- book 2, which is the extract I read that prompted me to want to read this series last year. Enjoy!

Pieces Excerpt
From Chapter 6
She almost didn’t recognize him behind the wheel of his father’s green pickup truck. His hair was longer than she remembered. For a moment, her mind spun. She dropped the box in her hands and it fell to the floor, spilling the pink and white candies everywhere. He was parking almost directly across the street from her now. As stupid as it was, she hadn’t planned this far. Now he was getting out of the truck.
She had long since rolled up her window and turned on the air conditioning, so it wasn’t as if she could yell to him. Instead, she opened her door as fast as she could and tripped over her feet as she stumbled out onto the road. She shut the door and the sound made Jesse stop and look up before he could shut the truck’s door. His mouth dropped open.
“Naomi?”
“I heard you were on parole.” She brushed a sweaty hand across her forehead. “I … I—”
“I’m not allowed to see you,” he interrupted, taking a step back. But he had nowhere to go except the truck. His hand lingered on the open door. “I’ll be sent back to prison if I attempt to contact or see you. I’m not even sure I can see you after my parole is over. It might be long time.” He looked at his hands. “I have a hearing next week. I’ll find out more then.”
Even from across the street, Naomi could see the muscles in his jaw tightening with anger. She knew it wasn’t aimed at her. “But you aren’t attempting,” she said. “I’ve taken that initiative, so it’s not your fault.”
“Yes, but if my parole officer finds out about this, he won’t be happy. I was lucky enough to be released to my father. If you’re found here, I’ll be in more trouble than you can imagine.” His face was stiff, his body tense. Naomi realized what a mistake she had made, but there he was, right in front of her. It was too much. She took a step forward, relieved the road was quiet with no traffic at the moment. Jesse glanced down the street, then back to her. His expression softened as she walked toward him. Each of her steps were heavy, as if she didn’t believe she would ever reach him.

---------------------------------
Giveaway for The Breakaway-

• Open internationally
• Entrants must be over 16 years old
• You may only enter once
• Contest ends Monday 25th February
• One winner will be selected at random, and the prize sent out via email

Giveaway now closed

Winner- Raimy!
-----------------------------------
Further giveaway opportunities, author interviews and guest posts can be found at other stops on the Pieces tour here-

-------------------------------------------------
Author Bio:

Michelle lives and writes in Utah, surrounded by the Rocky Mountains. She loves the seasons, but late summer and early fall are her favorites. She adores chocolate, sushi, and lots of ethnic food, and loves to read and write books in whatever time she can grab between her sword-wielding husband and energetic daughter. She believes a simple life is the best life.

Author Links:

   -Website

   -Goodreads

   -Twitter

   -Facebook

2nd Blogoversary giveaway!!

I started messing around on Google Blogger on the 4th January 2011, and since then this blog has been through makeovers, dramas, highs and lows, and has got bigger and bigger. I can't believe that I have been blogging for 2 years now- and I never thought back then that this would become a hobby which has taken over my life!

Thank you so much to everyone who has visited this website, and especially thank you to all the wonderful people who have left such lovely comments on my book reviews and posts. You make my day and make all the hard work worthwhile.

To celebrate 2 years of blogging, and as a special thank you to my most loyal followers I am going to host a book giveaway.
One winner will receive any YA book (of winner's choice) up the value of £10. This giveaway is open internationally (provided The Book Depository ship to your country). The winner will be picked at random on Saturday 19th January, and notified by email on Sunday 20th January after the entries have been checked.


a Rafflecopter giveaway


Thanks for stopping by my blog!

Best of 2012 Giveaway

It's almost the end of the year *throws confetti* and to celebrate I am giving away one of my favourite reads of this year to one lucky winner. 

If you don't already know- every month on the last day of the month I host a monthly blog hop called Best of the Bunch. It's essentially a monthly wrap-up post where I showcase all the book reviews I posted that month, and then decide which one was the best for that month. I also invite you to share which book was your "Best of the Bunch" for that month, by adding your post to the linky (always feel free to join in- I love getting new book recs!)

Anyway- in my Best of 2012 Giveaway, I am giving you the chance to win any of the featured books from my Best of the Bunch posts throughout the year. They were...

January

February

March

April

May

June

Joint July

Joint July

August

September

October

November

The Rules

• Open internationally (provided the Book Depository ships to your country)
• Must be over 16 years old to enter
• There is a free entry just for stopping by- but you can also get optional extra entries for supporting the blog
• The winner will be contacted by email on the 1st January

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Good luck, and thank you for stopping by today. I hope you'll come back on the 31st to see which book has won the award for December.

Giveaway- End of the World!

The end of the world is coming! (Maybe)

The Mayan calendar stops on the 21st December 2012 foretelling death and disaster. To mark this occasion I have put together a list of books that deal with the subject of the apocalypse or a world altering event.

If the world is still spinning on December 22nd one lucky winner will find themselves in possession of a shiny new book!

This winner will win their choice of one of the books listed below.

• Ashes by Ilsa J. Bick
• Dark Inside by Jeyn Roberts
• The Other Life by Susanne Winnacker
• The First Days by Rhiannon Frater
• Ashfall by Mike Mullin
• Gone by Michael Grant

The rules:

• This giveaway is international- providing The Book Depository ships to you.
• You get one free entry just for stopping by- extra entries are optional depending on if you follow the blog, or follow me on twitter etc. (yes- I will check!)
• You must be over 16 years old to enter- (Sorry!)
• The winner will be contacted by email on Saturday 22nd December

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This is a blog hop hosted by I Am A Reader, Not A Writer and My Life With Books. Many more blogs are hosting similarly themed giveaways- so keep hopping for the chance to win more prizes!

Excerpt and giveaway- Spellbound by Nikki Jefford

Yesterday on the blog I reviewed Entangled by Nikki Jefford, the first book in the Spellbound series, and as you can see from My Review I really enjoyed it! Today I'm sharing with you the cool video from Youtube, and a funny extract from the book, plus a chance to win a copy for yourself.

The Spellbound Series:

Spellbound Book 1: Entangled - February 20th 2012

Two months after dying, seventeen-year-old witch Graylee Perez wakes up in her twin sister Charlene’s body.

Until Gray finds a way back inside her own body, she’s stuck being Charlene every twenty-hour hours. Her sister has left precise instructions on how Gray should dress and behave. Looking like a prep isn’t half as bad as hanging out with Charlene’s snotty friends and gropey boyfriend.

The “normals” of McKinley High might be quick to write her behavior off as post-traumatic stress, but warlock Raj McKenna is the only person who suspects Gray has returned from the dead.

Now Gray has to solve the mystery of her death and resurrection and disentangle herself from Charlene’s body before she disappears for good.

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13494086-entangled

Spellbound Book 2: Duplicity - March 20th 2012

If Graylee Perez thought sharing a body with her twin sister was bad, dealing with a duplicate of herself is two times worse. Gray the second doesn’t seem to get that Lee’s boyfriend, Raj McKenna, is off limits. Then there’s the problem of Adrian Montez. He expects one of the Grays to be his.

Nearly a year later, the council is onto them for past misdeeds; Lee, along with the rest of the coven, has lost control of her powers; and Gray is being stalked by what looks like the Grim Reaper.

If they work together, they may stand a chance of setting things right and making it out alive.

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13585884-duplicity

Spellbound Book 3: Enchantment - April 2013

In the third and final installment of the Spellbound series, Graylee Perez (the duplicate), goes to Spain for a summer of escape. There she meets new friends and comes face to face with her old adversary, Adrian Montez.

When Gray tries to setup a spell that will banish Adrian from her life, she inadvertently falls under a love spell instead.

Charlene returns, having hijacked a new body, for one final battle between the twins.

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15115644-enchantment

Purchase: 

-Amazon

-Barnes and Noble

-Smashwords

-The Book Depository

Check out the video!

To whet your appetite- here is an extract from the book-

(Excerpt) Being Charlene (Entangled, Spellbound #1)

IN THIS SCENE: After Graylee Perez is brought back to life she must pretend to be her twin sister Charlene while she’s stuck sharing her body. To “help” her out, Charlene has started a communications notebook instructing Gray on ‘How to be Charlene.’

 

“…for now I’m supposed to pretend to be Charlene?”
Mom brought a notebook over. “Yes, and your sister left some notes to help you out.”
Gray stared at the notebook a moment before taking it. She flipped it open.
 
NO MORE PIZZA, YOU PIG!!! I GAINED 2 POUNDS BECAUSE OF YOU!

 
No wearing your clothes in public. I will choose an outfit for you to wear to school on the days you’re me.

 
Hair must be worn down. No pig tails, pony tails, hair clips or goofy Princess Leia style buns on the side of your head.

 
No leaving the house without makeup. I have taped examples and tips in the following pages on how to create a smoky eye.

 
Gray flipped back to several pages of magazine print and step-by-step illustrated guides for creating a smoldering look. She flipped back to the front page.
 
No speaking to anyone at McKinley who isn't on the approved list (see the following pages). Don’t even think about trying to visit with your old friends unless you want to get us committed to an insane asylum.

 
Absolutely no—UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES—having sex with Blake.

 
Ewwww!
 
Gray looked up, her face still contorted. “Did you read this?”
Mom was putting away the brown sugar. “No, Charlene told me not to.”
“And you listened to her?”
Mom looked directly at Gray. “She said it was private.”
More like psychotic.

Nikki Jefford is very kindly offering 13 copies of the book as prizes (1 will be a signed paperback copy for US/CAN residents only, +12 ebook copies for worldwide entrants). For your chance to win a copy of Entangled (Book 1 in the Spellbound series) or if you prefer, any other book in the Spellbound series, simply enter the rafflecopter below. The giveaway closes on December 27th.


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Good luck, and thanks for stopping by!

About the author:
Bookaholic, nature girl, and animal lover.

Nikki Jefford is a third generation Alaskan who found paradise in the not-so-tropical San Juan Islands where she is, once more, neighbors with Canada.

She married the love of her life, Sebastien, while working as a teaching assistant in France. They reside with their Westie, Cosmo.

Loves fictional bad boys and heroines who kick butt.



Author Links:

Website: http://www.nikkijefford.com/

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5424286.Nikki_Jefford

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authornikkijefford?ref=ts&fref=ts

Twitter: https://twitter.com/NikkiJefford