Friday, July 28, 2017

Blog Tour: Grond: The Raven High by Yuri Hamaganov #review



Young Adult Sci-Fi
Date Published: February 28, 2017


In the year 2086, Earth is exhausted. The seas have been emptied, the bedrock and soil stripped of their resources, and the superheated atmosphere churns with terrible storms. Those who can afford to do so live in the limbo of virtual reality, and the billions who suffer in poverty have no work, no clean water, and no security from the chaos.

The only hope for those trapped on a dying Earth are the Changed—the seven bioengineered post-humans who work in their separate manufacturing facilities orbiting high above the planet. Raised from birth for their work and fully matured at ten years old, their genius provides the nanomaterials that have begun to cleanse Earth of the pollutants that have wiped out almost the entire ecosphere.

But for Olga Voronov, youngest of the Changed, the isolation and endless toil are not the greatest of her challenges. Down on Earth there are those who resent and fear her talents—and would prefer that humanity not be given the second chance that only she could make possible …


Review

I truly enjoyed this Dystopian world. I'm not going to lie, it took me a bit to get into this one and I was a bit confused about where the author was going with the story in the beginning, but once it started to unfold, I was in. 

Olga was both naive and strong. I think she grew into herself during the course of the novel.

I liked the flow of the novel overall once it got moving. 




About the Author

Yuri Hamaganov lives in Moscow. He created the GROND series as a present for himself when he was twelve years old. This was the story he had always dreamed of exploring, and when he realized that nobody had written it for him, he set out to do it himself.


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Blog Tour: The Toilet Papers by @theWRITEengle #interview #giveaway

Short story collection (horror, humor, & historical)
Date Published: 7/23/2017
Publisher: JME Books

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Have you ever noticed that reading a book on the toilet takes forever? Wouldn’t it be nice to have stories suited to your specific potty needs? This collection of short stories ranges from 50 words to more than 50 pages, separated in categories labeled to fit your bathroom needs: NUMBER ONE, NUMBER TWO, and FARFROMPOOPIN. The idea is to give you, the reader, a great deal of material to read, tailored and categorized to the needs of your intestines and bladder. So go ahead, get comfortable, pull out your Squatty Potty® and enjoy some fantasy, science fiction, horror, adventure, and humor from the comfort of your own throne…the john…the latrine…your office…the bathroom, whatever you want to call it. Just be sure to wash your hands once you’re done. 


Interview


Is There a Message in Your Novel That You Want Readers to Grasp?
Thank you so much for having me on your blog and helping to promote my book release tour. Since The Toilet Papers is a short story collection, I guess there’s no “message” weaved into it except that it’s a sampling of my writing style, tone, and stories or concepts that I find interesting. Basically, if it’s slanted toward the supernatural or has a historical element, I’m probably into it.


Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
I find it challenging to write, as weird as that sounds. Once I get started, I crank out words and never hit writer’s block (I don’t believe it exists). But the act of sitting down and making the time to write is a chore to me. I know I have to write 1,000 words 5 days a week, but I can find so much other stuff to do in my house or with my family before I sit down to do my job.



How many books have you written and which is your favorite?
I’ve published 7 of my own books, 1 for a client, and have 3 manuscripts with my agent. My favorite is always whatever I’m working on now, which would be Exposure, a dark YA horror where a boy is trapped in a town that won’t let him go. My favorite story I’ve written is The Dredge. It’s a novella that was awarded Honorable Mentions in the Writer’s of the Future competition and one that I plan to expand into a novel one day.




If You had the chance to cast your main character from Hollywood today, who would you pick and why?
For Exposure, Ross Lynch a few years ago is the boy I imagine playing Ashton Graymore. I think he’s adorable and I love his smile, which are the attributes I see when Ashton is falling in love with Malin Rose. Ross has a great relaxed way about him and seems like the kind of guy that isn’t afraid to be wrong, question himself, or stick his neck out for a friend. That’s pretty much Ashton.


When did you begin writing?
I started writing really bad Shel Silverstein copycat poetry when I was seven. In fourth grade, I won an award for a poem, taking first place in my whole elementary school. That poem placed first in the state and became my very first fiction writing credit as an adult, published by a magazine. In sixth grade, I wrote a story from the perspective of Christopher Columbus’s first mate, and my teacher noted on the top that I should save the story for publication. I still have that story and her note because it was the first moment in my life when I realized that anyone could publish a book. Up until then, I thought you had to be born into it, like a princess or Hollywood starlet. That pretty much put the bug in me.


How long did it take to complete your first book?
From start to finish, Clifton Chase and the Arrow of Light took a year, but I’d say the writing part was about 4 months.


Did you have an author who inspired you to become a writer?
 As a little girl, I read Alice in Wonderland and for the briefest moment, I left my bedroom and was walking in the story. I remember gasping when I realized this had happened, kind of like when you’re in a dream and you suddenly realize it’s a dream, and then I was back in my bedroom. I thought that was the coolest thing I’d ever experienced and decided at seven I wanted to create that same experience for others.


What is your favorite part of the writing process?
My absolute favorite part of the writing process is connecting story threads. As my book’s first reader, I get to discover things about the story world, characters, and plot that no one else ever will. For example, in Dreadlands: Wolf Moon, the boy and this girl are fighting a werewolf, who runs off. The girl mentions the boy’s sister, and he rushes back to camp where he’d left her. As he pulls back the curtain of hanging vines to reveal her hiding place, she is gone. I remember setting down my pencil, putting my hands on my head, and saying, “Oh, my God! Where is she? Who took her?” I had no idea and it was one of the coolest moments in my writing process to date.


Describe your latest book in 4 words.
Horror, humor, historical shorts.


Can you share a little bit about your current work or what is in the future for your writing?
Absolutely! My latest series is Exposure, a story of a boy who is trapped in a town that won’t let him go till he solves a string of clues on a mystery roll of film. It’s kind of like what Alice in Wonderland might be like if Stephen King wrote it for a young adult audience. I am in love with this book! I’ve written the second in the series, something I’ve never done before so it was quite challenging, and will begin working on book three once I’ve edited book two. My agent, Sartiza Hernandez, is shopping it with publisher right now, so FINGERS CROSSED! All of my books have pinterest pages with pictures of settings from each story and the actors I imagine portraying my main characters pinterest.com/thewriteengle.
The other awesome project I’m working on is called Wick Bookstm. These are handmade candles that capture a specific scent of a drink from each of my books. The idea is to burn the candle while reading the book and experience the entire story. They are so cool and have been well-received.

Thank you so much for having me on your blog and allowing me to share my books and what I do with your followers. I really appreciate the opportunity.




About the Author


Jaimie Engle was once sucked into a storybook, where she decided she would become an author. She has modeled, managed a hip-hop band, and run a body shop. She loves coffee, trivia, cosplay, and podcasting on ORIGINS, where myth and science meet (podcastORIGINS.com). Basically, if it's slanted toward the supernatural or nerdy, she's into it! She lives in Florida with her awesome husband, hilarious children, and the world's best dog. She also happens to have the world’s best literary agent, Saritza Hernandez. Become a fan at theWRITEengle.com. Follow on social media @theWRITEengle and pick up books at jmebooks.com.

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Rafflecopter: July 6 – Aug 6 ($30 Starbucks GC; Toilet Papers ebook) 

Goodreads Giveaway: July 1 – July 22 (3 paperbacks)

Reading Addiction Blog Tours

Thursday, July 27, 2017

Blog Tour: Surviving the Fatherland by @aoppenlander #interview #giveaway

Historical Fiction
Date Published: March 15, 2017

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***An IWIC Hall of Fame Novel*** 

***Winner 2017 National Indie Excellence Award***

"This book needs to join the ranks of the classic survivor stories of WWII such as "Diary of Anne Frank" and "Man's Search for Meaning". It is truly that amazing!" InD'taleMagazine

"This family saga is wonderfully written and, aside from the emotional ramifications, very easy to read. I stayed up too late a couple of nights reading it...I highly recommend this book!" Long and Short Reviews

Spanning thirteen years from 1940 to 1953 and set against the epic panorama of WWII, author Annette Oppenlander's SURVIVING THE FATHERLAND is a sweeping saga of family, love, and betrayal that illuminates an intimate part of history seldom seen: the children's war.

SURVIVING THE FATHERLAND tells the true and heart-wrenching stories of Lilly and Günter struggling with the terror-filled reality of life in the Third Reich, each embarking on their own dangerous path toward survival, freedom, and ultimately each other. Based on the author's own family and anchored in historical facts, this story celebrates the resilience of the human spirit and the strength of war children. 

When her father goes off to war, seven-year-old Lilly is left with an unkind mother who favors her brother and chooses to ignore the lecherous pedophile next door. A few blocks away, twelve-year-old Günter also looses his father to the draft and quickly takes charge of supplementing his family's ever-dwindling rations by any means necessary.

As the war escalates and bombs begin to rain, Lilly and Günter's lives spiral out of control. Every day is a fight for survival. On a quest for firewood, Lilly encounters a dying soldier and steals her father's last suit to help the man escape. Barely sixteen, Günter ignores his draft call and embarks as a fugitive on a harrowing 47-day ordeal--always just one step away from execution.

When at last the war ends, Günter grapples with his brother's severe PTSD and the fact that none of his classmates survived. Welcoming denazification, Lilly takes a desperate step to rid herself once and for all of her disgusting neighbor's grip. When Lilly and Günter meet in 1949, their love affair is like any other. Or so it seems. But old wounds and secrets have a way of rising to the surface once more.


Interview


Is There a Message in Your Novel That You Want Readers to Grasp?
I want people to understand what life was like for ordinary people and especially children during that time. That generation of war children just took the abuse and after the war ended, everyone was in a hurry to move on. Nobody gave those kids a second thought. And so they sucked it in, grew up and created lives as best they could. In later years they were still accused of being Nazis because they happened to live at that time. In addition to the war theme, Lilly’s personal struggle with the betrayal of her father and boyfriend show us how complicated love and family relationships can be. Nothing is cut and dry, black or white.

I hope I can shed additional light on this horrific time in human history. I want to make it clear that not all Germans living during the Third Reich were Nazis. Not every person was evil. I also want readers to see some parallels to today’s history in the U.S. This is not a political statement, but humans should be able and willing to learn from mistakes made in the past. Right now I’m not so sure this is happening. I also want people to know more about the way life was lived in civilian Germany during and after the war. You can read on Wikipedia that after the war ended, the Allied Forces provided rations amounting to 1,200-1,500 daily calories per person per day. And that was supposedly a low amount to prevent an uprising. That is completely false. Germany’s infrastructure was so broken, there was hardly anything. Sure, they received ration cards with words like flour, sugar, meat and bread printed on them. But the stores remained empty another three years until the currency reform in June 1948.

Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?



How many books have you written and which is your favorite?
Surviving the Fatherland is my fifth published novel. It was also my first full-length manuscript, but it took 15 years to complete. The ‘Escape from the Past’ trilogy is a time-travel action/adventure set in medieval Germany and the Wild West. All three books are based on actual characters and events. The fourth novel, A Different Truth, is a historical mystery set during the height of the Vietnam War. It examines the theme of war versus peace movement in the world of a boys’ military boarding school.
Surviving the Fatherland is probably my favorite because it took so much energy and emotion and it’s based on my family. I think it’s an important book with a timeless message.



If You had the chance to cast your main character from Hollywood today, who would you pick and why?
I’m having a hard time with this question mainly because I don’t know who many of the upcoming young actors/actresses are. For ‘Surviving the Fatherland’ you’d have to use child actors, then maybe teens and a twenty-something couple. A lot would depend on the screenplay and what is left out of the story. Screenplays are typically a 100 pages, one page per minute. My novel is 360 pages, so there’d be a lot of cutting.
There, I circumvented your question and made it into something else.


When did you begin writing?
I started writing children’s stories in the 90s. We lived in the woods and I came up with a hedgehog going on adventures in the forest. Of course, I didn’t know anything about writing or publishing and so these first projects went nowhere. In 2002, I interviewed my parents about their experience in WWII as German war children and from it sprouted the first short stories. I began writing a lot, attended conferences, classes and critique groups. I read and read. Still, it took until 2015 to have quality publishable work.


How long did it take to complete your first book?
‘Surviving the Fatherland’ is my first full-length book and took 15 years to complete. In the meantime I wrote four other novels, but I always returned to Fatherland because it wouldn’t leave me alone. It kept nagging and demanding to be finished. Even as late as last year, I didn’t think I’d get it done. I must have gone through dozens of rewrites, restructures, changes of timelines, POV and tense changes. I also changed the title many times.


Did you have an author who inspired you to become a writer?
 Not really. I was always an avid reader, even as a child. And I remember thinking when I was younger that I’d never be able to write a book with all these characters, plots, arcs etc. Well, at the time I wasn’t able to. But when I started with a children’s book in the 1990s, I noticed how much I loved the creative process, developing characters and making them come alive on the page. It took a lot longer, studying craft, workshops and seminars, writers groups and lots of “butt in chair” time to get good at it.


What is your favorite part of the writing process?
After a first draft I go back to see what I created. Reading that first draft and seeing how my characters have become ‘real’ people is extremely satisfying. Of course, that’s also when the serious work of revision begins. But it’s a great feeling to see a completed manuscript. The second time this happens is when the manuscript is ready for publication and a beautiful new story is born.


Describe your latest book in 4 words.
How children survived WWII


Can you share a little bit about your current work or what is in the future for your writing?
I’m currently researching WWII from the German soldiers’ perspective because I want to write a story about my grandfather, Wilhelm. I’m getting in touch with the German military government to see if any records exist of my grandfather. This way I could place him exactly in the right unit. If I find what I’m looking for, I’ll write a novel about Wilhelm in the war and his nine years as a POW in Russia.
I recently finished ‘Broken Journey, a story set during the American Civil War. It is about a boy’s choice to protect his best friend, a slave, from a brutal attack which forces both on separate journeys: one escapes into war, the other is sold into slavery. Told from alternating viewpoints, one black and one white, the story examines the power of hope and friendship, and the endurance of the human spirit to find a way home. I’m hoping to get ‘Broken Journey’ published later this year.




About the Author


Annette Oppenlander is an award-winning writer, literary coach and educator. As a bestselling historical novelist, Oppenlander is known for her authentic characters and stories based on true events, coming alive in well-researched settings. Having lived in Germany the first half of her life and the second half in various parts in the U.S., Oppenlander inspires readers by illuminating story questions as relevant today as they were in the past. Oppenlander’s bestselling true WWII story, Surviving the Fatherland, was elected to IWIC’s Hall of Fame and won the 2017 National Indie Excellence Award. Her historical time-travel trilogy, Escape from the Past, takes readers to the German Middle Ages and the Wild West. Uniquely, Oppenlander weaves actual historical figures and events into her plots, giving readers a flavor of true history while enjoying a good story. Oppenlander shares her knowledge through writing workshops at colleges, libraries and schools. She also offers vivid presentations and author visits. The mother of fraternal twins and a son, she lives with her husband and old mutt, Mocha, in Bloomington, Ind.

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Reading Addiction Blog Tours

Tuesday, July 25, 2017

Blog Tour: Nowhere is Home Since You Left from Madeleine Zeldin with my #interview


Death, Grief, Bereavement
Date Published: 1-6-2017
Publisher: Cygnet Publications, Cygnet Media Group Inc.

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When her beloved soul friend husband, Gerald, passed away a few years ago, and her friends and sons moved to distant cities, she found herself alone for the first time in her life.

Gerald, a professional artist, had his studio in their home. Their home was always filled with family life, art, music, joy and playfulness in the garden.
After his passing, the silence was loud. The joy was gone — her paradise — a lost paradise.

She had two choices, either to fall apart or to get on with life.  She chose the latter and traveled to find a home, a community — however - nowhere was home - since he left.
In writing Nowhere Is Home … Since You Left, Madeleine Zeldin shares her insights, emotions, and true life experiences as she journeys solo throughout the years following the sorrowful death of her soul mate, internationally renowned artist, Gerald Zeldin. She presents years of storytelling based on travel journals she wrote while traveling to countries such as Mexico, Philippines, Ecuador, France, Spain, and California, U.S.A.  Zeldin also reveals the intensity of the pain and sorrow experienced in her grief, along with the fulfillment, satisfaction and logistics of international travel. In her travels she volunteered in the medical field and gave help where help was needed. She brings inspiration to those of her generation, the 60’s, who find themselves alone.

Through her evocative tales of adventure, Zeldin reveals this life-changing knowledge to the world!

But ultimately where is Home?


Interview

    Is there a message in your book that you want readers to grasp?

I would like readers, especially of my generation, the baby boomers, 
to realize there is life after big loss ... to bring inspiration to those who
find themselves alone and feeling lost.  Through my evocative tales of 
adventure, I reveal life-changing knowledge to my readers.


     Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?

      Since this story is my journey, I find the memories that creep in
                         sometimes freeze me in my tracks.  


       How many books have you written and which is your favourite?

I have written three books for publication. They are all my favourite 
for their own messages. My first, Our Last Dance ... A Love Story,
was extremely important in the process of making many much needed
changes in our medical system.
 Nowhere Is Home ... Since You Left, is instrumental in 
inspiring those of my generation to realize there is life after loss.
Along with tales of great adventure, it gives practical advice, not only 
for travel, but for life in general.
My children's book ... Fiona, The Fat, Fluffy Feline, hopefully 
will help children through their grief, of whatever kind.


     If you had a chance to cast your main character from Hollywood today,
                             who would you pick and why?

 Since this is my journey, I think I would have to play myself. I don't know 
 of any actor who could be me.  However, I am open to suggestions.
The actor would have to be of my generation.


                          When did you begin writing?

I began my writing for publication in 2010 after my beloved, late husband, my soul friend, Gerry, passed away. However, I feel there was never really a beginning to my real writing. As far back as I can remember, I was telling stories, which often amused people.  I guess I consider myself a 'story-teller' rather than a writer.  As an artist, I often write 'sketches' of my experiences ... in free-form style.
My first published book, Our Last Dance ... A Love Story, written in 2010, 
was inspired by my late husband's desire 'to have his story told ... so that others may be helped'.  It is a portrait of our soul friend relationship ... along with insight into our medical journey of battling cancer for 7 years.


                    How long did it take you to write your first book?

It took me the first year after Gerry's death ... one of the most difficult tasks
I have ever performed.   Reliving his pain and death and our journey
of this big battle ... battling cancer ... was emotional torture.  Some say writing 
is therapeutic ... I did not find that ... however, I knew it had to be done, for Gerry's sake.  I could never have done it without the emotional support of my sons.


           Did you have an author who inspired you to become a writer?

No author inspired me to become a writer ... I was always a story teller ...
but my late husband's wish inspired me to write our story.
However, Isabel Allende is one of my favourite authors ... I love her books that 
are full of historical events and yet personal experiences at the same time ...
containing both myth and realism.


             What is your favourite part of the writing process?

Firstly, the telling of the stories ... is my favourite part of the 'writing' process,
along with just sitting down to my writing pad or computer to see my fingers 
just start writing.  I don't know where it comes from.


                         Describe your latest book in 4 words.


         I consider my latest book, Nowhere Is Home ... Since You Left.
       A salad of emotions  ...  OR  ...  love, hope, courage, adventure ...
                                ...  whichever you like best ...

 
         Can you share a little bit about your current work ... or what is in 
                              the future for your writing?

              The future of my work ... is in the hands of the gods!
      And whatever happens, I feel confident that it will be for the best.





About the Author

Professionally, Ms. Zeldin has been engaged in nursing and teaching. She has successfully advocated for changes in the medical field, along with homebirth and Midwifery. In her travels to out of the way places, she has been a keen observer of people and distant cultures, often writing a 'sketch' of her experience.

Madeleine is an advocate of advocacy.

Madeleine believes we can all make a difference.

Throughout her adult life she has successfully advocated for change. When she felt change was needed, she rallied. She lobbied. She started a group or joined a group.

In the late '70's, when her town council was considering tearing down old heritage properties in the name of 'Progress', she helped start a group of interested citizens in order to save these heritage properties. 'Progress' was stopped and many heritage buildings were saved due to the group's diligence.

Again in the early '80's, Madeleine herself changed local hospital policy to allow midwives to accompany couples in the birthing room, after the hospital refused to allow her midwife to enter.

She belonged to a group of informed parents who advocated for changes in the policies for vaccinations.

Madeleine volunteered at the local Health Center and advocated for improved health care for refugees. Improvements were made.

She successfully advocated for her soul-friend, late husband Gerald's medical care throughout their six year battle with cancer. Many important changes were implemented in our medical system due to her persistence.

Madeleine has been ahead of her time in her generation. She had many professions throughout her life including social worker, teacher, registered nurse. She also joined a group of midwives and again successfully advocated for choices in childbirth.

However, she considers her most important achievement as being a mother and grandmother. She has instilled in her family a sense of love and empathy and has taught them to love the earth and its people.

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Reading Addiction Blog Tours

Monday, July 24, 2017

Blog Tour: Coveted Kiss by @KTjebbenAuthor #interview #giveaway


Psychological Romantic/Suspense
Date Published: June 2017

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Bella Chan is a good girl surrounded by alpha-males who aren’t afraid of danger. Unfortunately, that danger comes back to bite her. She can still feel the deadly grip of Hazeem’s hands wrapped around her neck. If Jack hadn’t shown up at Savage Security, she’d be dead. Then, in pure alpha-male fashion, Jack appoints himself her personal bodyguard, but Bella soon realizes that Jack isn’t there to protect her. He’s there to win her heart.

And now, in the aftermath of the attack, the men of Savage Security band together to hunt down the terrorists living on American soil. As they navigate through the intrigue and deception that camouflages their assailants, they also confront the treason that threatens the Nation’s defenses.  


Interview


Hi! Would you tell us a little bit about yourself? 
I live in central North Carolina with my wonderful husband, twin daughters, and two hamsters. When my girls left for kindergarten, I discovered that I needed to fill my days with something, or I’d be stuck dusting the floorboards or innumerable knickknacks that decorate my bookshelves. So, basically, dislike of housework propelled me into my writing career. I love to create worlds filled with unique creatures and interesting characters that will delight and raise goose bumps on my readers. In my free time, I enjoy traveling with my husband and seeing the world through my daughters’ eyes.



Do you have anything you would like to say to your readers?
Thank you! Thank you for choosing to read one of my books. Everyone’s time is precious and fleeting, and I want my readers to know that I appreciate them sharing their time with me.



I know authors get asked this a lot but do you have any advice that you would give to aspiring writers?
Perseverance and dedication are key ingredients to success. You must read daily and write even when you’re not inspired. Find a trusted friend to read your books and give you their honest opinion. Be open to their suggestions, but most importantly, fall in love with your characters. If you don’t love them, your readers won’t either.


When did you realize that you would like to write and publish a book?
I’ve always thought it would be cool to write a book. In college, (while studying elementary education) in my literacy courses, I’d peruse the picture books and nonfiction children’s books and dream about writing my own book. At the time, it seemed impossible, but as the internet expanded and companies like Amazon grew, the dream started to take shape and become a reality. When my twin daughters went to kindergarten, I set aside time each day to dedicate to writing. Surprisingly, the story that unfolded in my head was not for elementary students, but it was better suited for young adults who enjoy supernatural thrillers. When I finished the first series, The Scintillate Series, I transitioned to adult romantic suspense and began The Savage Security Series.


Can you tell us, in your own words not the book description, a little about your book?
My Savage Security books are a mixture of romance and suspense infused with a healthy dose of creep factor.
Blood Kiss is about a woman who is threatened by a stalker. Alisha is pro-active. She isn’t waiting around to see what her stalker will do. She decides that she will protect herself. While gun shopping, she meets Mike, a man with the skills and the heart to help her. I love Alisha and Mike. They are both smart, assertive, and have big hearts.
Avenging Kiss is about revenge. Summing up this book is more difficult. There isn’t one main character or hero. Instead, Avenging Kiss explores the reality that one’s actions don’t just affect that one person, but rather the truth that actions have unintended consequences that can negatively affect others. The problem/solution is resolved in Avenging Kiss, but some threads are left dangling.
Coveted Kiss deals with the fallout from Avenging Kiss. It can be read independently of Avenging Kiss, but it would be most enjoyed after reading Avenging Kiss. Jack is in full alpha-male mode as he protects Bella in the aftermath of Hazeem’s murder attempt. Logan discovers the history behind Aditya’s actions and learns how to forgive. Hazeem realizes that he’s not as brave as he thought he was. And the men of Savage Security must hunt down the terrorists living within their community.




Are you working on anything at the moment?
 I am working on the rough draft for the fourth book in the Savage Security Series. Stolen Kiss is about a serial killer who unintentionally crosses the paths of the men from Savage Security.

What is the easiest part of writing in your opinion?
Hitting publish and crossing my fingers that readers will enjoy my stories. Oh, wait… that’s when the real stress begins. J


What is your favorite quote, by whom, and why?
“It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife.” Jane Austin’s wit and wisdom are evident in this quote from Pride and Prejudice. In a time when a woman’s social standing and standard of living depended on a husband, every man was considered eligible, but the wealthy man was the ultimate prize.



Pepsi or coke? Pepsi, but right now I’m going through a Dr. Pepper stage.

Favorite kind of chocolate? See’s truffles. I fell in love with See’s Candy when I lived in California.

Favorite movie? Pride & Prejudice - the one with Colin Firth. If you haven’t seen it, stop whatever you’re doing and settle in for the best 5 ½ hours of your life.

Favorite book to movie? Pride and Prejudice. The British mini-series released in 1995. Colin Firth is Mr. Darcy.

Favorite book or author?
I can’t just say one. I love Stephen King, Anne Rice, and Dean Koontz. I love thrillers with a hint of the supernatural. For the romantic in me, I love Elle Casey, Elise Sax, and Trish McCallen. Their books fall into the romantic comedy or romantic suspense category.


Hardback/Paperback or eReader?
My iPhone. I love the flexibility of reading on my iPhone or iPad. I can take my books with me wherever I go and read a few pages while in waiting in the carpool line or at appointments. Plus, there’s no easier way to read a book in the dark of night under your sheets.


Have you ever been out of the state where you live?

I’m a southern girl with a bit of an identity crisis. I grew up in Virginia and then moved north to New Hampshire to complete high school. I went to college in California and then taught for several years in a school district outside of Los Angeles. Growing weary of perfect year-round weather, the idyllic beauty of nature, and romantic sunsets on the beach, I traded in my California life for life in central North Carolina, where I met my own Mr. Darcy.   

About the Author

Karen Tjebben lives in central North Carolina with her wonderful husband, twin daughters, and two hamsters. When her girls left for kindergarten, Karen discovered that she needed to fill her days with something, and that was the beginning of her writing career. She loves to create worlds filled with unique characters that she hopes will delight and raise goose bumps on her readers. In her free time, she enjoys traveling with her husband and seeing the world through her daughters' eyes.

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