Author Interview: Ally Blake

This following post is apart of the blog tour When Honey Got Married .. although I thought I could tie it in with my fiction month too! So check it out below!

When Honey Got Married

by Kimberly Lang, Anna Cleary, Kelly Hunter, and Ally Blake

Entangled Publishing - May 2013

 

Buy Links:

Amazon.com.

Barnes & Noble:

Kobo:

A massive thanks to the author who took the time out of her schedule to answer some questions! Ally Blakes novels are additively romantic and anyone who reads them just want to read more! (That's me anyways)

About the author:

 

Australian writer Ally Blake is a redhead, a footy fan, a devotee of the language of Aaron Sorkin; she is addicted to stationery and M&Ms, weak in the face of Italians and married to a spectacular and ever-patient man, mum to three beings of pure delight, and a firm believer in love, luck, and fairies. She is also a best-selling author with more than twenty-five fun, flirty romance novels under her belt with over three million copies of her books sold worldwide. For Ally's take on life, writing, and other fancy stuff, head to www.allyblake.com. to find out all about WHEN HONEY GOT MARRIED... head to Honey's website.

 

Don't forget to check out Twitter.

 

Interview:

 

~ Can you share with readers your latest book/author news?

My latest release is honest to goodness one of my favourite books ever! WHEN HONEY GOT MARRIED... is an anthology written alongside fabulous bestselling authors Kimberly Lang, Anna Cleary and Kelly Hunter and we had THE best fun writing the thing.

 

 

Imagine a huge society plantation wedding in Louisiana, then throw in a bride on the edge, a lot of honeysuckle and a cast of characters who have no idea what's about to hit them! Love is in the air...will anyone be able to resist?

 

~ What's been the highlight of your writing journey?

Gosh! Too many to name. Selling my first book, seeing my first cover, holding my first book in my hands. Now, twenty-five books later, it's still a total thrill!

 

~ Where do you get most of your inspiration from?

All over the place. A line in a song, an overheard conversation, something funny that's happened to me. Some ideas truly spring from dreams. Many from photos of Joe Manganiello ;)

 

(I do not own image)

~ What is it you like about writing romance?

I've thought about writing other things - murder mysteries, shoot 'em up capers, young adult fantast - I have folders full of ideas! But honestly, put any of that against the chance to write about two people falling in love and there's just no choice!

 

~ Who is your favourite author and why?

For all time would be Dick Francis. I love his style, his cadence, I ADORE his heroes. I've read every book and could read them all again tomorrow. I'm currently loving Kristan Higgins books; joyous, delightful, funny, goofy, wonderful warm stories all.

 

~ What do you have in store for readers in the future? Any future releases?

 

After WHEN HONEY GOT MARRIED... I have a Harlequin KISS coming this August calledFAKING IT TO MAKING IT. It's the story of Nate, the best mate of the hero in my last book THE SECRET WEDDING DRESS. The guy was so smart, so wry, so earnest, so gorgeous, and so amused by his friend's tumble into love, I had no choice but to bowl Nate over just the same.

 

~ What's your advice for aspiring authors?

Write write write! Like anything the more you do it, the better you get. And the more you write, the closer you get to finding your voice, your groove, which is the most precious writing tool you have. Nobody in the world sees the world the way you do. Celebrate that, nourish it, unleash it!

 

~ Is there anything specific you'd like to say to readers?

Keep up the good work!

 

This or that?

Book store or book site?

 

Book sites...though sadly. The hours I've spent running my fingers along spines of books in Borders just imagining what delights awaited inside those covers... Alas it's a whole new world out there!

 

Paperback or eReader?

 

I read both. Though far more on my ereader these days. The convenience is wonderful, the ability to flit from the end of one book and straight into the next a magical portal for all we voracious readers out there!

 

Chocolate or Candy?

 

Chocolate!!! Specifically M&MS. Mmmmm.......

 

(I do not own image)

 

Night or day?

 

Night. Quiet, shadows, secrets, hush, mystery, sleep, dreams... And the kids are finally in bed!

 

Book or Film?

 

Oooooh... Here I honestly can't pick. I simply love a good story, no matter the medium. Tell me over a coffee and I'd be as enchanted by it as I would watching it on TV, or reading it in a magazine. I'll take my delight anywhere I can get it!

 

Check out a few of the authors other novels if your looking for something utterly heart warming!

Click on the book image below for full book description!

Tour-wide Giveaway

　

As part of a tour-wide giveaway the authors are offering a $40 Amazon Gift Card to one lucky winner!

 
a Rafflecopter giveaway

What do you think of the interview? Have you read any of the authors novels?

Release Blitz: A French Affair by Lucy Felthouse

All the following information was provided via Writer Marketing Services.

 

 About the book:  

Sydney Tyler is renting a barn conversion in Northern France, planning to spend the fortnight getting some words down on her novel. Unfortunately, construction work in the other half of the building puts an end to her peace and quiet. Genuinely upset that the builders are going to disturb her, the property’s handsome English owner, Harry Bay, offers to make it up to her. He’s a little flirtatious, and after spotting his wedding ring, Sydney keeps him at arm’s length. Sexy as he is, she has no intention of getting involved with a married man. But when Sydney learns the truth about Harry, will their mutual attraction spur them on to work through their emotional baggage and make this more than just a French affair?

You can purchase the novel here: http://lucyfelthouse.co.uk/published-works/a-french-affair/

Book Excerpt:
Sydney Tyler jumped so hard that her fingers slammed down onto the laptop’s keyboard and she typed a bunch of gobbledegook.

Kashfkjsdhlfknsdlfvn sdlkch awoeduioh ahdwklc

Gasping, she clutched at her chest as her heart thumped rapidly and painfully. “What the fucking hell was that?” she said to the empty room.

Pushing her chair back from the desk, she stepped over to the window. Peering out into the brilliant sunshine, she saw something on the lawn that she had absolutely not been expecting. Workmen.

She groaned. So much for her peaceful writer’s retreat. She’d planned to get a good chunk of her novel down in the fortnight she was away, and now it looked as though her peace was going to be monumentally shattered by banging, drilling and God knows what else.

Sighing, she gave the windowsill a pathetic thump in her frustration. She might have been pissed off, but she was no vandal. And besides, she didn’t want those noisy buggers in her part of the building fixing things—having them next door was bad enough.

Sydney really could not believe her shitty luck. When she’d booked the cottage in the French village of Monthiers over the phone a couple of months ago, she’d dealt with a fellow Brit called Harry Bay, who she’d suspected was the owner. On arrival, though, a timid French woman had met her and let her into the luxurious barn conversion before handing over the keys and explaining a little bit about the local area. Apparently, in the mornings, someone came along the village streets, selling fresh bread and pastries.

There wasn’t much else to tell, it seemed, as the village had nothing except a church—almost opposite her accommodation—and a tavern. It was also lacking—she’d quickly discovered—a mobile signal. Not even a single bar illuminated her screen. Her phone was now no more than a watch, alarm clock and calendar. If there was an emergency, she was screwed. But on a much lighter note, it was one less distraction. She could just get on with what she was here to do, blissfully undisturbed.

The arrival of workmen was incredibly irritating. Her temporary landlord hadn’t mentioned there’d be anyone working next door. If he had, she wouldn’t have booked the place—the quiet and idyllic location were the whole reason for choosing this property, this area. Even though there was no way he could have known she was there to work, common courtesy would dictate that he told her. Perhaps he was just interested in taking her money and didn’t give a damn about whether she had a satisfactory stay or not. There was nothing to be done about it now, unfortunately. She’d paid for the fortnight, and she was buggered if she was going to cut and run, pissing that money down the drain. She’d just have to find a way around the disturbance, and console herself that she could leave a snarky write up on a review site when she got home.

Finding out the builders’ working hours would be a good start—she could attempt to write around them then. Or perhaps she could make use of the headphones she’d stuffed into her case, without ever thinking they’d get used. Some loud rock music would drown out the din from next door and hopefully allow her to work. It was worth a try. She hoped they were only doing a small job that would only take a couple of days, but deep down she knew they weren’t. They were renovating the whole place so it was as beautiful as the half she was in.

She was just about to go in search of the aforementioned headphones when one of the men pottering around on the lush back garden stepped away from the others. Standing in a shaft of sunlight, he pulled his arms high above his head and stretched, dragging up his t-shirt to reveal a lean stomach with a fine line of dark hair leading enticingly into the waistband of his jeans.

Oh yum, she thought, perhaps having builders next door wouldn’t be so bad after all. Especially if they all looked like him. She continued to watch as the man dropped his arms to his sides and watched the others. His dark hair was overlong and stuck out at crazy angles, as though he’d been running his fingers through it. She couldn’t see the colour of his eyes from this distance, but she could make out enough detail of his features to see that he was handsome. Gorgeous, actually. Close up he could be much less attractive, but from her upstairs window, the view was pretty fine.

Just then, he glanced across at her side of the long barn, which was divided into two holiday cottages. He caught sight of her standing there, and his face dropped. He looked back at the builders, then returned his gaze to her again. Pointing at the group of noisy men, he slapped his forehead with his other hand. Finally, he pointed at his chest, then up at her. He was indicating he wanted to come in. She paused, then nodded. Common sense told her she shouldn’t be letting a strange man into her temporary home, but then, there were several large, bulky men milling around, so if they were a dodgy sort, she and the locked door would have no chance against them, especially with no means of calling for assistance. She could scream, of course, but she doubted anyone would come. The walls of the building were extremely thick—though sadly, no match for banging and drilling—the nearest house was a little way down the road, and by day, the village was all but deserted. There was only one business that she knew of—the tavern—so the other inhabitants would have to go elsewhere to work. To nearby Chateau-Thierry, perhaps, or even further afield.

She’d just have to hope that the handsome man—probably the head honcho of their group—was also a decent one. Presumably they were a reputable company, as they’d been hired by the British owners, who were usually more wary of cowboy builders, and given the horror stories and dedicated TV programmes back home, it was understandable.

Before she got even halfway down the stairs, a knock came at the door. Okay, so he was polite enough to knock, that was good. She moved a little faster, careful not to trip in her flip flops and go hurtling downwards. Once she was safely on the ground floor, she twisted the key in the door and opened it.

*****
Lucy Felthouse is a very busy woman! She writes erotica and erotic romance in a variety of subgenres and pairings, and has over seventy publications to her name, with many more in the pipeline. These include Best Bondage Erotica 2012 and 2013, and Best Women's Erotica 2013. Another string to her bow is editing, and she has edited and co-edited a number of anthologies. She owns Erotica For All, and is book editor for Cliterati. Find out more at http://www.lucyfelthouse.co.uk. Join her on Facebook and Twitter, and subscribe to her newsletter at: http://eepurl.com/gMQb9

 

What do you think of A French Affair? Think it sounds good?

Author Interview/Review & Giveaway: Leesa Harker - 50 Shades of Red, White & Blue!

I've been waiting for the perfect moment to publish this which I believe is now! Today is extra special though as not only have I interviewed this author - I've also met her! :) (Super amazing or WHAT??)

 

Leesa Harker (pictured above) is the author of 50 Shades of Red, White & Blue. A Belfast piss-up version to 50 Shades of Grey. Her first novel was quickly followed by Dirty Dancin' in le Shebeen , and new book called Maggies Feg Run.

 

You can stay up to date with Leesa and her book news via her:

 

Website: http://www.leesaharker.com/

Twitter: @Leesaharker

Facebook: 50ShadesOfRedWhiteAndBlue
 

(Click image to go to
 Amazon.co.uk)

About the book:

Well. Lis is a wee story about me and Mr Red White and Blue. Sure didden I meet him down le Bru on a back-til-work interview. He was tall, dark and bucksome and he was gorgiz in lem chinos. So nie if ye want a wee giggle and yer nat too squeamish, let me tell ye all what happened sure ye ll nat believe it. We re talking baps, blindfolds and a Belfast Bus Tour ye ll never forget. Oh Mammy, don t start me!

Maggie Muff xx

 

Book Signing:

 

You can read ALL about it here: http://blogofanorthernirishgirl.blogspot.co.uk/2012/12/leesa-harker-book-signing.html

 

Below are a few pictures from the day:

 

THAT'S ME AND THE AUTHOR *SQUEAL*

 

 

Book Review:

 

Fifty Shades of Red, White & Blue is laugh out loud snortingly funny, it will have you pulling at the pages to read more! Leesa Harker has wrote an amazing novel which you won't be able to put down.

 

With mentionings from the twelfth, 'le bru', baps and blindfolds I think it's simple to say this will definitely keep a smile plastered on your face.

 

Fifty Shades of Red, White & Blue is one of my favourite novels from this year and I know Dirty Dancin' in le Shebeen is going to be even better! (If that's possible)

 

Author Interview: (At the time when these questions were asked, it was latest news.)

 

~ Can you tell readers abit about yourself?
 

Well, I’m very normal really! I am a mum of two midget banshees called Lola (4) and Lexi (2). I have always wanted to write a novel – but thought it would be a chick-lit style one – definitely nothing like Maggie Muff – but I’m over the moon that it’s been such a success. I have had loads of different jobs over the years – Bank Manager, Car Sales, Car Mechanic (yes, true), Perfume Spritzer… I think you’re getting the picture – I find it hard to settle!

~ Have you any latest news you can share?
 

Well, I’m currently working on the third novel, ‘Maggie’s Feg Run’ and I’m also talking with a TV production company regarding bringing Maggie Muff to the screen! The play is also on again in Aug in the Opera House…I’m very busy but it’s all great fun!
 

~ For those that don't know, Can you tell us about Fifty Shades of Red, White & Blue and your inspiration behind it?
 

It started off as a parody of ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ really – as a joke for my friends on Facebook. I really had no intention of carrying it on into a full scale book! I had read a few chapters of the original and thought that Christian Grey was a complete eejit! Telling Anastasia what she could eat/wear and keeping her away from her friends? Disturbia! So, I suppose in a way it was a wee feminist rant about it – but in a funny way.
 

~ How much of your novel would you say is realistic?

 

I think there are elements in there that people can identify with. Like loads of people have came up to me and said they know someone like Maggie or Sally-Ann. Some of their antics are based (loosely) on real events that I’ve heard about or been a part of but obviously, I’ve taken it to extremes to add comedy etc!
 

~ Are any of your characters based on anyone you know?
 

No, they are all totally made up. I guess when creating characters, you do end up putting a bit of yourself in there – they all come from you after all…but no Maggie etc are one-offs!

I loved your novel! Flat out loved it! It feels like the book I've been waiting for! Why do you think people are so quick to fall in love with it?

I think it’s because it just hasn’t been done before. This is the first time really that a story and characters have been created in Belfast – without mentioning the troubles or politics – AND with two women as the lead characters! I think the fact it’s written in our dialect tickles people too and they love reading the slang words that I use.
 

~ Can you tell us anything about Dirty Dancin in Le Shebeen?
 

It follows on from 50 shades. Big Sally-Ann wants to re-create the last dance from the film Dirty Dancin on her birthday night in the Shebeen. So basically, it follows her and Maggie trying to organise it and all the carry on that goes on in their lives! There’s a lot more characters in this book and several plots. But mostly, I think it’s about the relationship between Maggie and Sally-Ann.
 

~ Can you tell us anything about Maggie Muff the play?
 

It’s just sold out a run at the MAC in Belfast and is now on again in August in the Grand Opera House in Belfast! I’m over the moon about it.
 

~ Do you have any advice for aspiring authors?
 

I think stop thinking about it and just do it! Tinker about with ideas you have in our head – write everything down and you might just come across a little bit of magic if you do! I think what’s happened to me has been a lot of ‘luck’ too – I think the timing was right and the fact that I started it really for myself – not really thinking that I would have a readership – made me lose my inhibitions about it and just write what flowed out of my head!
 

~ Is there any question you wish I'd asked but didn't?
 

No :)

 

~ Is there anything specific you'd like to say to readers?
 

Thank you for spending a fiver on my wee story – and for all the support on Facebook! I can’t tell you in words how much I appreciate it! :)

Favourites/OR

Book? God – too many to list! The most recent favourite has to be ‘How To Be A Woman’ by Caitlin Moran – really funny and interesting read. Also loved ‘Me Before You’ by JoJo Moyes– rarely does a book make me laugh and cry – but this one did.

Author? Defo Marian Keyes – love that lady. Niamh Greene also.

Quote/motto? If there’s a will, there’s a way!

Dominant or Submissive? Dommissive ;)

Book store or book site? Love Waterstones – because of their café – it’s where I wrote most of the 2^nd book – but the new Easons in Belfast is great too.

Sweet or salty? Sweet! Just like Maggie :)

 

Giveaway:

 

I am giving away a *SIGNED* copy of 50 Shades of Red White & Blue. To be in with a chance of winning simply follow the rafflecopter entries below. :)

 

 

Rules & Guidelines-

You must be over the age of 18.

Open Internationally.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

What did you think of the interview & the book? Have you read it?

Author Interview: Carole Matthews

 

The following author is absolutely amazing at doing what she does! Her writing will make you want to climb into her books and I'm super duper excited to have asked a few questions! THANK YOU to Carole Matthews for taking the time out! :)

About the author:

 

Over 4 million copies sold worldwide and 22 books in 16 years! Carole Matthews is definately at the top of the book charts for her comedy romance. Writing novels that will stay with you even after reading... Read more about her here: http://www.carolematthews.com/meet-carole/

 

Don't forget to check out her following sites:

 

Website

Facebook

Twitter

 

Author Interview:

 

~ Can you tell readers about your latest novel A Cottage by the Sea?

It’s a story of three friends, Grace, Ella and Flick, who get together to reconnect with a week’s holiday in a cottage by the sea - not realising that the week will change their lives for ever.





(Amazon Link - for full description)

 

 

~ What inspired you to write it?　

We went on holiday with a group of friends to Pembrokeshire in our very own cottage by the sea. I love studying group dynamics and, by the end of the week, I’d come up with the story.

~ You've written 22 books in 16 years, What's your secret? Are you superwoman?

This is how I earn my living, so I work from about eight in the morning to six at night every weekday. If I stayed off Facebook and Twitter, I could probably find time to do another one!

~ Out of all your books which one has been your favourite to write?
Definitely The Chocolate Lovers’ Club. I did a year’s research into chocolate. What’s not to love?

~ What's a typical writing day like for you?

I spend the first part of the day answering email, then I write until lunchtime. I have an hour for lunch and then write again in the afternoon. It’s not exciting, but you have to put your botty on the chair long enough to produce 120,000 words.

~ What's one key piece of advice you would give to aspiring authors?

Don’t be in too much of a rush to publish. Keep writing and writing to get better at it. Don’t just dash something off and think, that’ll do.

~ Who is your favourite author and why?

I love historical novels and Philippa Gregory is my favourite author, particularly her Tudor novels.

~ Is there anything in particular you'd like to say to readers? 
I’m just so grateful that I’ve had really loyal readers over the years who have always dashed out to buy my books. Because of that, I have a brilliant job. I never take that for granted.

Check out a few of the authors other novels (Perfect for summer hols):

 

Click the front cover for full description

 

 

What do you think of the interview? Have you read any of the authors novels?

 

 

Book Review: My Fake Fiance - Lisa Scott

(Image Link - Amazon.co.uk)

Title: My Fake Fiance
Author: Lisa Scott
Format:  Kindle
Rating:★★★
My Copy: I downloaded a Free Kindle copy on here.





About the book:

Short story #1 from the Wedding Flirts! collection (13,000 words.)

When Samantha’s invited to a frenemey’s wedding, she can’t show up dateless and pathetic—even though she is dateless and pathetic. So, Sam hires a hottie to pose as her perfect fiancé. But when he needs her to return the favor, Sam starts wishing the fake relationship was real. Can they turn their lies into love?

Review:

My Fake Fiance is a quick, fun, flirty short story! With just 38 pages you will fly through reading it and want to read more by the end.

I loved Samantha and Justin and could have read more! I will definitely be reading more of the authors other writing.

Check out some of the authors other stuff:

Click the front cover for full book description.

 

What do you think of My Fake Fiance? Have you read any other stories by Lisa Scott?

Author Interview: J. Lynn (Jennifer L. Armentrout)

 

A massive thanks to the following author for taking the time out to answer some questions!! I'm super excited right now for show you all.... so read on to read my interview with J Lynn... A.K.A Jennifer L. Armentrout.

About Jennifer:

 

Jennifer writes young adult paranormal, science fiction, fantasy, and contemporary romance. She also writes adult and New Adult romance under the name J. Lynn.

 

Stay updated with all her latest book/author news via her:

 

Website

Twitter

Facebook

 

Interview:

 

~ Can you tell us abit about your writing as J.Lynn? 

 

I use my pen name, J. Lynn, when I’m writing Adult or New Adult novels. The use of J. Lynn symbolizes a more mature book for readers that will be a lot sexier than my YA books that are written under my real name. The one exception is Obsession. This is definitely a book for adults, but I used my real name because it’s a companion novel to the Lux series and it just makes sense to use the same name.

 

~ Can you share with readers your latest book news? 

 

I’m really excited because it’s just been announced that I’m going to write two more books in the Wait for You series with Harper Collins. I also have a new paranormal YA series with Harlequin Teen coming out.

(Image Link -Amazon.co.uk)

 

~ Where do you get most of your inspiration from? 

 

I tend to get ideas for books at the strangest times. When I thought of the idea for Wait for You, I was actually in the shower. Something will just pop into my head, and I start to come up with a story and characters around that idea.

 

~ What advice would you give to aspiring authors? 

 

I always give the same advice. You have to write what you want to write, not what you need to write.

 

~ What do you have in store for readers in the future? 

 

I hope that readers will be excited about my new books coming out, especially the books in my new series. I think there will definitely be some surprises because the books that I’m currently writing are different and new for me.

What did you think of the Q&A? Have you read any of the authors novels? What's your thoughts??