Blog Tour: Loveweaver by Tracy Ann Miller ~ Author Interview

Welcome to the blog tour of Loveweaver by Tracy Ann Miller, hosted by Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours. I read Loveweaver last year and it's still one of my favorite historical romances. Today I have an interview with the author. If you want to read my review of the book click here. 

Interview with Tracy Ann Miller

1. Hi Tracy! I'm so glad I get to interview you for this tour. You know I loved Loveweaver but for those who are not familiar with your book yet, could you tell a little bit about it?

Hi Stephanie! I'm thrilled to have this interview with you! When researching the Viking era for my first book, The Maiden Seer, I discovered that women of the time used to sing blessings and prayers as they wove at their looms. Their weavings would then be imbued with  those messages. This seemed the perfect skill for my heroine, Llyrica, to have, especially since she uses it to influence the hero, Slayde. She weaves a love spell into the decorative braid that adorns his tunic. Fate then seems to conspire to keep them together even as they're at cross-purposes.  

2. What three books would you recommend to any reader?

My writing is highly influenced by Juliana Garnett, so my number one would be The Baron. But, as for non-romance, I've recently read Song of Way: story of Troy, and State of Wonder and loved them both.  In addition - all of the last six Phillipa Gregory books! 

3. Which character from Loveweaver have you enjoyed writing the most?

As female writers our heroine should be our favorite to write. But in Loveweaver I enjoyed writing my hero the most.  Slayde is so conflicted with living up to who he is supposed to be, a macho male (which he totally is!) and the gentler side of himself that he is literally split in two emotionally. Only when he sleeps and awakens as the sleepwalker can he express what he can't by day. The concept of him wooing Llyrica while he's sleepwalking really intrigued me.

4. If you could travel back in time would you travel to the era of the vikings or somewhere different, if so where?

I can't think of a time in the past when I would want to have lived. Even "simpler times" had their problems. 

5. What's next for you? Are you working on a new book? I'm dying to know. ;)

I'm working on a science fiction. My heroine is involved with two men on opposite sides of the law as they all deal with illegal imports from other planets. The fact that my heroine is an illegal import herself, and hiding it, makes things very messy. 

6. If you could jump into any book and live in it. Which book would it be?

I'm currently readying The Unsettlers: In Search of the Good Life in Today's America. There's one couple in this book who live completely off the grid and I'd love to see what that's like. For a month. :)

7. Is there anything else you'd like to add?

This is embarrassing, but I created 4 covers for Loveweaver. The current cover is here to stay!

Loveweaver
by Tracy Ann Miller

Publication Date: June 30, 2017
eBook; ASIN: B01H7M46BC

Genre: Historical Romance

The year is 895. Slayde’s job as an top military leader of Kent is to rid England of the last of the Viking raiders. But Llyrica is no ordinary Viking. She’s a beauty with a mysterious past … and a talent for weaving song spells. Even as Slayde saves her from drowning, he knows Llyrica will be a dangerous distraction.

Llyrica is now a stranger in a strange land on a mission to fulfill a deathbed promise. But she must also find her missing brother. This man, Slayde, known as The StoneHeart in his country, seems determined to block her at every turn. And yet she can’t help but be drawn to the affectionate, loving side of him that awakens when he sleeps – The sleepwalker.

Unknown to both Llyrica and Slayde, each will use the other to accomplish their quests. Both will also fall under the song spell that she wove into the braid of his tunic.

Will her Lovespell ensure a happily ever after for them? Or condemn them to a love that was never meant to be?

“When I started reading Loveweaver I never expected it to end up as one of my favorite historical romances ever. It was such a unexpected but amazing surprise. I loved everything about this book!” – Bookfever Book Blog

“Llyrica is a clever heroine who will have Slayde on her terms. Slayde, determined to resist, has not a prayer. Many secondary characters add to the story, making it a rich tapestry. And some exciting scenes will keep your heart pumping. It’s also intriguing with the spells woven into the cloth by the “songweaver”. Viking lovers will enjoy the match between a Saxon loyal to King Alfred and a Viking maiden from Denmark.” – Regan Walker, author of Regency, Georgian and Medieval romances

AVAILABLE ON AMAZON

About the Author

Although Tracy Ann Miller is primarily a graphic designer, (see her work at tracymillerdesigns.com) she has been writing novels for over 20 years.

She was an active member of the National Romance Writers of America with her local chapter, The Virginia Romance Writers. It was there she honed her craft by attending workshops, conferences, and by coordinating The VRW’s Fool for Love Contest.

Before being published, she entered and won numerous writing contests, including The Fool for Love Contest for Loveweaver, and the Between the Sheets best love scene contest for The Maiden Seer.

She writes to keep the hero and heroine interacting in story as much as possible (no long separations) and of course they get a spectacular happily ever after.

For more information, please visit Tracy Ann Miller’s blog. You can also find her on Facebook, Twitter, and Amazon.

Blog Tour Schedule

Monday, June 12
Interview at Bookfever <--- Me ^_^

Tuesday, June 13
Excerpt at Books, Dreams, Life

Wednesday, June 14
Review at Queen of All She Reads

Thursday, June 15
Excerpt at Romantic Historical Reviews

Friday, June 16
Spotlight at The Sassy Book Lover
Excerpt at What Is That Book About

Monday, June 19
Interview at The Book Junkie Reads

Wednesday, June 21
Spotlight at A Literary Vacation

Friday, June 23
Review at Broken Teepee

Friday, July 7
Spotlight at Passages to the Past

Release Day Blast: Finish Him by Deanna Dee ~ Author Interview

Release Day Blast Media kit for Finish Him by Deanna Dee

Title: Finish Him (The Games of Love, #3)

Author: Deanna Dee

Genre: new adult romance

Release Date: November 17, 2015

Round One, FLIRT

Sonya Black never expected a petty sibling quarrel could lead to her sister being drugged. Overcome with guilt, Sonya vows to bring the jerk to justice. When she dives into her own investigation, she lands belly up in the company of Jaxon Nyles, the security guard who may have all the answers.

But being a detective isn’t as easy as Sonya thinks. On top of that, Jaxon always seems to be in the right place at the right time. Is he a suspect, or is he falling for her? More important, is she falling for him?

The round has begun. Who will flirt? Who will win? Will hearts break in the process?

Purchase:

Amazon

Author Interview:

Hi Deanna! Thanks for joining me on Bookfever for an interview. :)

1. Can you tell us a little something about your new book Finish Him?

First of all, thanks so much for hosting me, Stephanie! I really appreciate it.

So Finish Him. It’s the third book in my Games of Love series, romance novels about gamer geeks. The main characters are friends who play a Dungeons and Dragons-style role playing game, and this book focuses on Sonya (the group’s resident dwarf). It also features video games and some pretty real issues.

2. How would you describe yourself in three words?

Odd, determined, grand

3. What three books would you recommend people to read?

Okay. First, The Scepter of the Ancients: Skullduggery Pleasant, #1 by Derek Landy. Seriously, that series is the best I’ve ever read. There’s a talking skeleton and a preteen girl who solve mysteries. Sounds juvenile? Read, you won’t be disappointed. (And it goes without saying that I recommend the next eight books as well, but I digress.)

The Final Empire: Mistborn, #1 by Brandon Sanderson. Sanderson writes some amazing speculative fiction. Mistborn is epic fantasy about a world where metal translates into power for those born with the gift to use it. (And, of course, read the rest of the trilogy.)

Oh man. Only three is tough. But for my last, I’ll go with Cinder: Lunar Chronicles, #1 by Marissa Meyer. This one’s the first of four fairytale retellings set in a futuristic sci-fi world where Cinder (Cinderella) is a cyborg. Enough said. (Well, not quite enough. Read them soon. Then get the last book when it comes out next month, and read it, too.)

4. Which character (in any of your books) would you say was the most interesting to create?

Most interesting? Probably Parker. He’s “that” kid in the group, the one even the geeks get a little embarrassed of. His book is next, so I haven’t completely explored him yet. However, he threw me a few curve balls while writing Finish Him, and I’m super excited to spill his proverbial guts all over the page.

5. If you could jump into any book and live in that world, which book would it be?

Cliché, but it’s still and will probably always be Harry Potter. I mean, come on. Rowling’s a genius. For something a little less well-known, I wouldn’t mind building a summer home in Shelby Bach’s Everafters world. It’s a middle grade series about kids who go to an after school program where they train to go on quests that are retellings of fairytales. It’s kind of like Percy Jackson with fairytales, and it’s totally awesome.

6. Can you share a quote from Finish Him?

Certainly. Here’s a Parker line from chapter 1 that should give much insight into his character.

“Rah!” Parker screams. He’s sitting across the room on my bed, and somehow, he still almost makes me go deaf. “Excellent! Continue! Piff the Eviscerator desires more bloodshed!”

7. Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Confession time. Finish Him has been the toughest book to write thus far. I’m not sure why, but it drove me crazy. So here’s hoping that the project requiring the most effort is the one most deliciously served.

About the Author:

Deanna Dee is strictly human and does not, to her knowledge, own a hyena. She lives by the sea, which she takes full advantage of in the summer time. People, reading, and pop culture make up the shameless downtime of her life. The rest of it is writing, and she’s okay with that.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Author Interview with Chris Everheart

Today I have an interview for you all that I did with Chris Everheart!

Thanks again, Chris!

1. What or who inspires you to write?

I’m not sure. The way I think of it, I have consumed stories my whole life – TV, movies, books, magazines, in-person – that eventually I had just crammed so much in that something had to come out. When I look at the world and what’s going on around me, I tend to think in stories and add or embellish on what I see and hear. So writing – in order to tell stories – is sort of a compulsion. A healthy one, I hope!

2. Which character (in any of your books) would you say was the most interesting to create? 

The character Larry in The Delphi Trilogy has been most interesting. His evolution from a sort of bit player in my concept of the Book I: The League of Delphi to such a major influence – and someone completely different than we originally saw him – in Book III: The Delphi Revelation has been fascinating to witness. I almost feel like he created himself through the writing of the series and I just wrote down what happened with him. 

3. Where do you prefer to do your writing?

A great feature of the magical technology we have these days is that I can take almost my entire office anywhere – in the form of my laptop computer. I have a short attention span, little tolerance for routine, and a basic discomfort with being “too alone”. So it helps me a lot that I can work at home alone in my office then pick up and go to a coffee shop then sit in a hotel room when I’m traveling or go to the library. I feel like I can work just about anywhere and don’t have a general preference.

4. What three books would you recommend people to read?

Ancient: "The Tao Te Ching" – a short book that when sincerely and quietly contemplated can change the way one looks at the world.

Classic: “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens has become my favorite book – and I’d say read it slowly and repeatedly and pay attention to all the themes that are touched on in the book. It’s not just a Christmas story. It’s an exploration of a wide range of supernatural and deeply human themes.

Modern: “Loving What Is” by Byron Katie. An gentle exploration of how we think and a simple way to challenge every thought in a way that can transform one’s life.

5. If you could have any superpower at all, what would it be?

In his memoir “Born Standing Up”, Steve Martin relates a rhetorical question asked by one of his comedy-writer friends regarding the classic crime fighter character "The Shadow": 

“If you had the power of invisibility, what would you do … fight crime?”

INVISIBILITY!

6. How would you describe yourself in three words?

Try anything – once.

7. Anything else you'd like to share?

I write books for young readers because I connect so well with the challenges and pains of growing up. So basically I’m writing stories to my younger self. As a childhood underachiever, I want kids at least to learn how to read and comprehend and be excited about learning – if not about getting good grades. My ability to read and understand and explore through books (as well as through personal experience) is responsible for most of my personal development. No matter how bad things seem, we have the power to remake our lives – and the wisdom and information to do that can be found in books. 

About the Author:

Chris Everheart is an award-winning author of more than twenty books and short stories for middle-graders, young adults, and adults and an award-winning filmmaker. A lifelong reluctant reader, TV junkie, and movie lover, Chris infuses the pacing and thrills of visual storytelling into all his stories. When not writing he can be found hiking in the mountains near home, watching television, or learning about history, science, and archeology. He's a Minnesota native living in East Tennessee with his family. 

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Check out my review of his book Seti's Charm here!

Author Interview with Lesa Howard, Author of Phantom's Dance

Author Interview:

I interview Lesa Howard, author of Phantom's Dance. 

Check it out!

Hi Lesa! Thank you for joining me on Bookfever for an author interview! Here are my questions:

1. This might be a cliché question, but what made you want to become an author?

As far back as I can remember, my imagination was my constant companion. Entering a library would send me into a stupor, just imagining all those stories. But I wasn't exactly a stellar student and the same imagination that now fuels my writing kept me from focussing on schoolwork, and I struggled as a reader for many years. I enjoyed the stories I made up in my own head more than I liked sitting still and reading or writing. My self-control had to develop and catch up with my imagination before I could figure out how to put my fancies on paper, though. Still, I suppose it was in me from the beginning.

2. Which character in your book Phantom's Dance would you say was the most challenging to create?

Definitely Erik. First off, Erik from the Andrew Lloyd Webber play and Gaston Leroux's original book was much older than Christine. She was a teenager, sixteenish, and he was a good twenty years her senior. Hello, creeper! So I made him younger. Then in revisions, I made him even younger, settling on nineteen to twenty. Also, as his personality developed on the page, and I think because I was writing first-person from Christine's POV, I had to write him more sinister than he's usually portrayed, not quite the romantic hero. It was risky and I knew it.

 3. Which writers inspire you?

That ones tough because I'm an extremely eclectic reader. Here are a few with their genres.

Humor & chicklit: Janet Evanovich (nobody does it like her) Joshilyn Jackson, Nicholas Sparks (isn't he considered chicklit?)

Action-adventure, sci-fi, fantasy combo: Clive Cussler (especially his earlier Dirk Pitt novels) Douglas Preston & Lincoln Child (both their individual collaborative works) and Michael Crichton, who was one of the best.

Romance: Julie Garwood, I know she does suspense now, but I love her earlier romance novels. Victoria Holt (older than old school!) Gaelen Foley.

YA: Joan Bauer & Laurie Halse Anderson, Alex Flynn, Rick Yancey, Jennifer L. Armentrout, John Flanagan, Simone Elkeles, Kenneth Oppel and new fav Katie McGarry, are a few of the best.

And I'll stop there!

4. How would you describe Phantom's Dance in one or two sentences? 

Phantom's Dance is a surprisingly dark take on the traditional Phantom of the Opera in which a monstrously scarred face isn't hiding a soul that is looking to be redeemed. Rather it reflects the truly hideous monster inside.

 5. Which three books would you recommend to people?

Hmm, another difficult question. However, I like to challenge people to read outside the box, so I'm going to mix this up. My all time favorite book is Count of Monte Cristo by Alexander Dumas. Its plot is complicated with twists and turns and filled with deeply flawed characters. The Watsons Go to Birmingham by Christopher Paul Curtis. It's a junior high novel about a middleclass African American family in 1963 and their trip to Birmingham, Alabama, which coincides with the bombing of a black church there. Despite its serious storyline, there are laugh-outloud-til-you-cry moments. There are tons more, but I recently discovered Mark Lawrence and The Broken Empire series. I love the anti-hero of the books, Jorg, particularly his voice, I couldn't get enough of it.

6. You mentioned to me before that In the early drafts of Phantom's Dance that Erik wore a hoody and aviators to cover the scars on his face. Can you tell us a little more about that? 

In the beginning, I wanted Erik to live in the shadows of the tunnels that run under the city of Houston. In trying to make the phantom's story relevenet for 21st century teens, I changed Christine to a ballet student and wanted Erik to be a hip-hop dancer who wore a hoody and shades to cover his scars. But as I hammered out the setting, the ballet school and theater, it seemed better to have him living in the basement of the parking garage. Then, as his relationship with Christine developed (my version of it anyway) and I decided he, too, would be a dancer, it became clear he would have to come out on stage and dance with her. So the hoody and sunglasses had to go. Then I found a stunningly gorgeous mask combination headpiece that ended up being even more inspiring. In the end, I think the mask was the better choice.

7. If you could jump in a book, any book, and live in that world, which book would it be and why? 

What a yummy question, virtually impossible to answer! I'm a sucker for anything historical and set in Scotland—not to mention Highlanders in kilts—so anything that would give me a burr in my speech and Mc before my name.

 8. Is there anything else you'd like to share with us all?

Speaking from my experience as a writer, I never feel finished with a book. Even now, I try not to look too closely at PHANTOM'S DANCE because I see its flaws and wish I'd written "that" scene differently. Or, worse, a scene I meant to add was left out. So if there's something you didn't like about the book, there's a very good chance I feel the same way. LOL!

I'm not the typical author. I didn't always enjoy reading or writing. While in school, I found it to be a chore I'd just as soon skip. I would rather have been daydreaming, my favorite past time. It wasn’t until I grew up and didn’t have to, that I realized reading was fun. I soon discovered that reading fueled my daydreaming. So, remembering a short story I'd written in high school, I began imagining expanding that story into a book. Before long I found I had loads of ideas for not just the short story but other books and stories as well. Fast forward a few years, a lot of studying about writing, practicing my writing, studying some more, taking classes from people who knew what they were doing, studying and practicing yet more, and ta-dah, author! In the same way I had learned I loved reading, I learned I loved writing, too. It’s just that writing is a lot harder than reading.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Enter the (current) giveaways of Phantom's Dance here and on Booksane!

Author Interview: Kimber Leigh Wheaton + Giveaway! (INT)

Today I'm featuring an author interview I did with Kimber Leigh Wheaton, author of Shadow Fire. 

There will be also a giveaway so don't forget to enter it below!

--

--Me--

--Kim--

Hi Kimber Leigh and welcome to Bookfever and thank you for letting me interview you!

1. Shadow Fire is your debut novel. How would you describe it in a few sentences?

Shadow Fire is a lighthearted, fun adventure with a touch of whimsy and a sweet romance. My inspiration for the story came from playing a few too many RPG video games—it's quite apparent in the plot.

2. Which famous person, living or dead would you like to meet and why?

There are so many, but if I could only choose one, I'd like to meet Leonardo da Vinci. He's such an enigmatic figure with so many conspiracy theories surrounding him. I'd love to pick his brain and see if any are true.

3. Who was your favorite character to create in Shadow Fire?

Well, I'm quite attached to all of them. But the pirate, Taranis, holds a special place in my heart. His dialogue was always so much fun to write. In fact, I liked him so much I decided to feature him in Light Chronicles Books 1.5 and 3.

4. What three books would you recommend people to read?

High, epic fantasy — The Dragon Prince by Melanie Rawn

Gritty romantic suspense/mystery — Naked in Death by J.D. Robb

Fun YA paranormal — Paranormalcy by Kiersten White

5. If Shadow Fire would have a theme song(s), what would it be?

Alive by Adelitas Way

6. If you could jump into any book and live in that world, what book would it be?

Ooh, a toughie! There are several that come to mind. I guess it comes down to whether I'd be willing to give up indoor plumbing…

Pawn of Prophecy by David Eddings — I think it would be fun to live in a fantasy world filled with magic, majestic creatures, adventure, and epic battles.

7. Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Stolen Moon, Light Chronicles Book 2 is coming this summer. The characters from Shadow Fire have a cameo in Stolen Moon. I'll also be releasing my YA urban fantasy novel, Tortured Souls, this summer. Thanks so much for having me :)

Thanks, Kim! =)

About the Book:

Shadow Fire by Kimber Leigh Wheaton
Light Chronicles #1

YA Fantasy Romance

Ashlyn – a free-spirited teenager whose peaceful life is shattered when the village elders honor her with a perilous quest to recover a stolen relic.

Zane – a jaded mercenary, torn by his undeniable desire for Ashlyn and the dark secret that could make her hate him forever. 

Delistaire – a malevolent sorcerer driven by an insatiable lust for power. 
All three are bound together by an ancient relic supposedly infused with the power of a Goddess. 

Shadow Fire - adventure, passion, secrets, and betrayal 

As Ashlyn and Zane race to stay one step ahead of the evil lurking in the shadows, their passions are ignited and their bond strengthens. But will they find the relic before Delistaire? Or has their entire quest been orchestrated from the very beginning by a madman in pursuit of ultimate power? 

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Smashwords

Praise:

"This book contains monsters, magic, majestic creatures, and a evil guy that wants to destroy the world. If you love hot guys.....Zane is all that plus a few tricks up his sleeve. Just read it!" Venture ~Amazon Reviewer

"Adventure, magical creatures, fun characters, and romance make this book a perfect read for all ages." James ~Amazon Reviewer

"I thought the writing was strong; it had me turning the pages quickly to see what would happen next. The characters were engaging and the dialogue well-written." Lisa Temple ~ Goodreads

"Oh, I truly loved this one! Shadow Fire, by Kimber Leigh Wheaton, is a snappy, sassy, sweet, all-that-kind-of-awesome-and-then-some YA read. I couldn't put it down." ~Sasha Hibbs ~ Amazon Reviewer

About the Author:

Kimber Leigh Wheaton is a YA/NA author with a soft spot for sweet romance and is a member of Romance Writers of America.

She is married to her soul mate, has a teenage son, and shares her home with three dogs and four cats. No, she doesn’t live on a farm, she just loves animals. Her house is filled with dragons, though she does lament that they are the porcelain, non-flying variety.

Kimber Leigh is addicted to romance, videogames, superheroes, villains, and chocolate—not necessarily in that order. (If she has to choose, she’ll take a chocolate covered superhero!)

Her debut novel, Shadow Fire, is the first book in The Light Chronicles series. Watch for book two, Stolen Moon, a standalone sequel, coming soon.

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