An Interview with Caitlyn O'Leary in aid of the SINsational Siren Showcase Event

An Interview with Caitlyn O'Leary by Roses & Violets Book Reviews

Caitlyn O'Leary was raised in a small town in the Pacific Northwest. She has been an avid reader. Her earliest creative writing endeavors consisted of "ghost writing" exercises in which she pretended to be her younger brothers and sisters when she did their homework assignments before they turned them in as their own.

Years in corporate America honed her ability to manipulate words by day, and at night she read everything she could get her hands on, including many, romances!

Happily married to her long, tall Texan and living in Southern California, Caitlyn has finally found the time to write very steamy happily-every-afters for Siren/Bookstrand.

She has just started writing the Found series. It's a bit Paranormal, a bit Sci-Fi and 100% Action/Adventure. The characters have special abilities, that make them targets. 

She loves to hear from her readers. caitlyn@caitlynoleary.com

I asked on facebook for people to give me some questions I could ask in Interviews and they obliged readily.  Some were a little unusual to say the least.  I asked Caitlyn these questions.........

Me - What inspires/inspired you to write?

Caitlyn - I’ve always loved to read. It was reading some books where I wished for a better ending for the hero and heroine that really got me off my butt to write. Plus I had more spare time.

Me - What’s the hardest part of being a writer?

Caitlyn - Finding balance. Juggling my job , my family and my writing.

Me - If you could write with anyone who would it be and why?

Caitlyn - I wouldn’t want to write with anyone. I’m too stubborn. Maintaining my friendships with my fellow authors is too important.

Me - How do you get the names for your characters?

Caitlyn - Sometimes I meet people and really love their names. Often times I will go on an internet search of popular baby names.

Me - Have you ever met someone in real life that inspired a character in one of your books? If so what was it that inspired you about them?

Caitlyn - A lot of my characters are people I admire. So, they have a lot of traits of my friends and family, who I think are great. For example Butch and Betty of Fate Harbor have the kind of love and kindness that my parents have.

smile emoticonA man came into where I worked and I absolutely melted the minute he looked at me. When he came back a week later to ask me out I made sure he saw my wedding ring and said no, but he serious daydream/writing material.

Me - Have you ever given someone you don’t like a role in your book just to kill them off? Or would you like to?

Caitlyn - Yes, I did this for a friend of mine’s ex-husband, LOL

Me - Do you listen to music while writing? Do you listen to different types depending on the sort of scene you are writing?

Caitlyn - Yes. I listened to “Drink a Beer” over and over again while writing Trusting Chance.

Me - How did you feel getting your first 5 star review?

Caitlyn - I was walking on Air. Thank you Marie Brown.

Me - If you have gotten a 1 star review did you feel like stabbing them in the eye with a fork?

Caitlyn - Nope, I knew it was my fault.

Me - Are you a supporter of no undie Sunday?

Caitlyn - Well I am a supporter of one day a week of commando, so yes I can support no undie Sunday.

Me - Do your family know you write the genre you write?

Caitlyn - Yep, family knows. They think it is hilarious, and are very supportive.

Me - Is there a genre you don’t yet write in that you would like to?

Caitlyn - Not so far no.  

Thankyou very much to Caitlyn O'Leary for answering my unusual strange questions.

If you feel like checking out Caitlyn's books take a nosey at her Amazon page  

Or if you feel like stalking her Facebook page

Caitlyn O'Leary is one of the Erotica authors participating in the SINsational Siren Showcase event on facebook EVENT PAGE

An Interview with Kat Barrett in aid of the SINsational Siren Showcase event

An Interview with Kat Barrett by Roses & Violets Book Reviews

A little bit about Kat - 

Kat Barrett lives in her small Connecticut home with her husband of many years. She spends much of her time in artistic pursuits, writing or doing artwork. 

Kat is involved with Basenji rescue, but loves all animals. She tries to help out whenever she can. Her dogs Taz, Ashle, and Chipper although gone now, will always hold a place in her heart. 
She is grateful for her family, friends, and her fans, and wishes to thank them all for their support. You can find more information about Kat and her books on her website.
Please check out her webpage, http://www.tazariansaga.com

I asked on facebook for people to give me some questions I could ask in Interviews and they obliged readily.  Some were a little unusual to say the least.  I asked Kat these questions.........

Me - What inspires/inspired you to write?

Kat - I always loved writing when I was younger. fourteen years ago I was informed that I had a shattered disk in my neck and I needed immediate surgery. The first night I was home I had a wild and very vivid dream and with 8 weeks ahead in a neck collar, having to watch everything I did, I started to write to pass the time. Now I write simply because I love doing it.

Me - What’s the hardest part of being a writer?

Kat - The hardest part for me is finding the time to write. I'm really bad with distractions and like quiet.

Me - If you could write with anyone who would it be and why?

Kat - Anne Rice, Steven King and Anne Mccaffrey because I love their books.

Me - How do you get the names for your characters?

Kat - I love unusual names and often they pop into my head and just sound right. I often have the names before the story even starts to write itself. I have also been known to look up baby names on the internet.

Me - Have you ever met someone in real life that inspired a character in one of your books? If so what was it that inspired you about them?

Kat - Yes, although I think this question might get me in trouble. A man came into where I worked and I absolutely melted the minute he looked at me. When he came back a week later to ask me out I made sure he saw my wedding ring and said no, but he was serious daydream/writing material.

Me - Have you ever given someone you don’t like a role in your book just to kill them off? Or would you like to?

Kat - No, but now that you mention it, I have the perfect person in mind to do just that.

Me - Do you listen to music while writing? Do you listen to different types depending on the sort of scene you are writing?

Kat - Occasionally, but mostly it's the television or my husband watching U-tube videos.

Me - How did you feel getting your first 5 star review?

Kat - I was on top of the world. It is such a wonderful feeling to get a well written review and know someone really enjoyed what I wrote.

Me - If you have gotten a 1 star review did you feel like stabbing them in the eye with a fork?

Kat - LOL I think the lowest one ever was a 3. I was angry not because of the low stars but because they gave the entire plot of the book away. I don't know about the fork, but I do have a medieval sword I would like to try out.

Me - Are you a supporter of no undie Sunday?

Kat - I can't say I am. I'm not a big fan of having fabric bunched up in the crack of my well rounded ass.

Me - Do your family know you write the genre you write?

Kat - Yes. I'm a glutton for simple shock value of the "Oh," expression on people's faces when I say erotic romance.

Me - Is there a genre you don’t yet write in that you would like to?

Kat - I'm giving some serious though to writing a real life drama with the names changed to protect the innocent. I'm currently trying to finish the seventh book in my Wild Angels series first.  

Thankyou very much to Kat Barrett for answering my unusual strange questions. This was actually my first ever interview.

If you feel like checking out Kat's books take a nosey at her Amazon page  

Or if you feel like stalking her Facebook page she could actually do with a few new likes!! 

Kat Barrett is one of the Erotica authors participating in the SINsational Siren Showcase event on facebook EVENT PAGE

RELEASE BLITZ - And it all comes down to you by Kyra Lennon

Author Kyra Lennon presents her latest release, a New Adult Contemporary Romance novella,

"And It All Comes Down To You"

 

Title: And It All Comes Down To You

Author: Kyra Lennon

Genre: NA Contemporary Romance

Synopsis

Two Friends. A music festival. What could possibly go wrong?

Oh right, the Great British weather. Marnie Ross swore she wouldn’t get her hopes up when Logan Ryan invited her for a day out, listening to some of the UK’s hottest bands, and soaking up the sun in a field full of drunken revellers. After all, it isn’t a date, right? If only it were that simple. Marnie is in serious danger of setting herself on fire with the torch she carries for Logan. When a freak storm puts a dampener on their festival fun, Marnie and Logan are forced to check into a B&B for the night, and the only music they hear comes from the ancient jukebox in the pub down the street. However, will this change of plans be a blessing in disguise? Rum and cokes lead to reminiscing, and the sparks flying between them make Marnie’s feelings impossible to ignore. Everything has always come down to Logan, since she first scrawled his initials all over her school books. Will she embrace the chance to make her dreams come true, or will the fear of being burned keep her out in the rain?

Links

Amazon US

Amazon UK

Author Info

Kyra Lennon was born on the South coast of England, and to this day, still lives by the sea. Fiction writing has always been her passion, but she also has numerous articles on a variety of topics published on prolific websites.

Follow Kyra on Amazon (and see her other books!)

Like Kyra's Author Page on Facebook

Twitter (@KLennonWrites)

Follow Kyra on Goodreads

COVER REVEAL - Decide by Michelle Irwin

DECIDE

Declan Reede: The Untold Story

Strap in, get ready to start your engines and see where it all began.

From an early age, Declan Reede’s only goal was to race in the ProV8 Championship Series. One thing he couldn’t anticipate was that a blistering kiss shared with his best friend, Alyssa Dawson, might derail his plans.

While he knows things between them will never be the same, it’s impossible to predict just where the road will take them, or how rocky it might get.

Will he decide to fight for love or follow his dreams?

Genre: New Adult Contemporary Romance
Release Date: 27th August 2015
Cover Artist: Soxsationalcoverart
Principal photography by: NSP Studios 
Cover models: Ashleigh Johnson and Jarah Armstrong.

Pre-order the introduction novella now for the special price of 99c 

Add to your Goodreads want to read list here: 

TEASERS

  

PAPERBACK

AUTHOR BIO

Michelle Irwin has been many things in her life: a hobbit taking a precious item to a fiery mountain; a young child stepping through the back of a wardrobe into another land; the last human stranded not-quite-alone in space three million years in the future; a young girl willing to fight for the love of a vampire; and a time-travelling madman in a box. She achieved all of these feats and many more through her voracious reading habit. Eventually, so much reading had to have an effect and the cast of characters inside her mind took over and spilled out onto the page.

Michelle lives in sunny Queensland in the land down under with her surprisingly patient husband and ever-intriguing daughter, carving out precious moments of writing and reading time around her accounts-based day job. A lover of love and overcoming the odds, she primarily writes paranormal and fantasy romance.

You can find Michelle here: 

REVIEW - Click #One The Decision by C.L.Bentham - REVIEWED BY LOUISE

I really enjoyed reading this book.

The chemistry between Macy and Carter was explosive. She cannot fight the fact her body wants him, even if her head says no!

Macy uses her camera as a way to cope with life, its her escape. I can understand this, books for me are my escape from life.

Carter gives Macy 6 weeks to decide if she wants to be with him, 6 weeks is a long time. I don't think she needs that long!!

And then it happens BOOM, the ending OMG. Jaw dropping ending and you have to wait till book 2 to find out what happens??!!

This book is the dogs doodahs! Loved it all and want/need book 2 NOW!!!

REVIEW - Dangerous Desire by Sebastian Ex - REVIEWED BY LOUISE

Dangerous Desire brings us back to the Onyx Club but this time the focus is on Matthew's club partner and friend Brandon and his sub/girlfriend Penny. Penny is all Brandon has ever wanted, beautiful, sexy, and submissive. But Brandon is not all Penny has every wanted. Penny NEEDS and CRAVES punishment, far beyond anything Brandon can offer her.

So she leaves him. And it breaks his heart. He can't concentrate on anything without his beloved Petal by his side.

But fate intervenes and a tragic accident brings Penny back to Brandon. This time he will not allow her to leave again. Now he will learn to be what she needs in order to keep her.

After reading book 1 I was looking forward to reading this book, the fact that it is by a Male Author is irrelevant to me. It is well written, well thought out and a good storyline. I loved this book and look forward to more.

REVIEW - Thrive by Rebecca Sherwin - REVIEWED BY LOUISE

Well and here we are we have arrived at Thrive which is book 3. For me starting this book was difficult as I was upset about finishing them all. They have become like a drug to me and I needed more and more and more. And now this is it. Or is it?? 

Revival (book 2) ended on a massive revelation and Thrive follows on from that and the consequences and complications that arise because of it. 

Skye and Curtis have been thrown back together and Curtis refuses point blank to allow her to leave his side again. Even though believes he's not worthy of her and not good enough for her. 

*How does she cope with him?? I mean he's like a ping pong ball, I want you, I don't want you.... I don't know about her but he gave me whiplash!!!*

Anyway back to the book. There is so many twists and turns in this book you will feel like you are in a maze and cannot get out. In a good way, not a bad way at all. The finale to the book is amazing!! Like you cannot put the book down amazing!! 

Rebecca did a rock solid job on these books and I am proper devastated that I have finished them. However I do know this isn't the end of the series and I cannot wait for the next book!!! (secretly hoping it's Jesse's book).

REVIEW - Revival by Rebecca Sherwin - REVIEWED BY LOUISE

Revival is book 2 in the Twisted series.

This book is written in Curtis's point of view. It allows you a glimpse into the life of Curtis, Including his childhood.
Curtis is dark, because his life has always been dark.. But Skye is the light, and he can't handle that so he sends her away.

He gets drawn into some shady things and then can't see an escape from it. He is on a one way spiral into destruction, of himself........

But in some twist of fate Skye is thrust back into his life in a spectacular way.

And OMG HOLY HELL the ending!! I must have had a face like I had been slapped round it with a wet fish!! :o

This book like the 1st one left me needing to dive into the next one immediately with no break and no seconds between them.

And left me thinking, I only have one more book left........................ :(

REVIEW - Survival by Rebecca Sherwin - REVIEWED BY LOUISE

This book sucks you in, chews you up and spits you out at the end a snivelling, shaking wreck needing another fix.

You have heard of the expression Book Hangover? Well this was me after this book. I was lucky I had book 2 to dive in immediately after. But it left me wondering "what will I do when I finish book 3"?

Skye has had to cope with so much in her young life, she is lucky she has her twin brother Oliver. He's her rock and she's his. They are stronger together and are trying to earn enough money to afford to move out of their mother's crappy home.

But fate strikes and leaves Skye alone and with no-one to turn to and no-one to trust. Or did it? She has Curtis, Curtis feels responsible for her predicament and he takes it upon himself to look after her. There is no-one else to, it falls on him. But he has his own demons to fight and he believes he is not good enough for her. So he gives her an out.

Skye moves on and makes a new life for herself, she meets Thomas and falls in love with him and her life is set and planned for the rest of it. Or is it? Because fate deals another devastating blow to Skye and again she is left alone............

This book is amazeballs, I mean it is soul destroying, it tore me up inside. Just as you think all is fine in the world and BAM, it changes. It pretty much sums up what terrifies me the most in life. Life is fragile, love can be torn from you in a second. That is why you should live life to the full. This is the message I believe this book gives you.

I loved it and I dove straight into book 2 immediately.....

RELEASE DAY BLITZ - Cruel Boundaries by Michelle Horst

Title: Cruel Boundaries

Author: Michelle Horst

Genre: Dark Romance

Release Date: July 30th, 2015

He’s my cousin and I love to hate him. He bullies me. He tries to break me every chance he gets I remind him constantly that he’s adopted. It’s the only weapon I have against him.

Authors Note and WARNING: Cruel Boundaries is a work of fiction intended for adult readers above 18. It contains dark and sensitive subject matter that may make readers uncomfortable. Contains explicit language and descriptions of sexual situations. *** Standalone *** *** No Cliffhanger *** *** HEA *** This book is not for everyone. Please only read it if you can handle the subject matter and are able to keep an open mind whilst reading. If you want a perfect love story, this is not it.

Michelle Horst is thirty seven years old and is from the land of milk and honey. She's been in love with reading from an early age. She has a passion for other cultures, but she has an ultimate soft spot for nature and animals. She first tried her hand at writing in early 2009 and as the first words started to form into a book, she knew she was hooked. Dreams spilled onto pages, and that was the beginning of a wonderful journey. One filled with joy. One filled with passion and heart stopping moments. But most of all, it's filled with such pride and peace as a story comes to life, and characters fill your life, living in the very walls of your mind, living in the minds of your readers. There is nothing as satisfying as that. Thank you for each and every story you share with me. Sunshine Smiles from around the world and back,Michelle ;).

FACEBOOK | TWITTER | WEBSITE | GOODREADS | AMAZON

Sign up for Michelle's Newsletter

A sappy post and announcement (GIVEAWAY INCLUDED)

Well this rather unusual, I've never written an actual post that's not about books!  HA HA HA HA.

There is a reason for this I assure you.  We reached 1000 likes rather fast, within a few months actually.  We are actually now at 1250!!!!

Blogging for me is actually my way of giving back to the authors that give me books.  Books are my way of escaping real life and reality for just a few hours at a time.  When I read a book I disappear, I go to the place the book is in my head and it all plays out like a film in my mind.

I have always been a big reader, you ask my mum.  She will tell you that by the time I started school at 5 I could read nicely thanks to her teaching me.  And by the age of 8 I had the reading ability of a 15 year old.  So when I said I was starting a blog she wasn't exactly shocked.

So I love reading, and this has led me to blogging.  And blogging has led me to so many wonderful people.  Whether they be other bloggers that have helped me or authors that have supported me and I have supported them in return.  The book world truely is amazing and I plan on never leaving it.

So yeah this is turning into a little soppy blog post!! 

On Monday 3rd August I am holding my first ever blog party on facebook and I would love for you to come and party with us.  I have an amazing lineup of fantastic authors that have all agreed to participate to support me!! How amazing is that??  The response made me cry I tell you.

Link is below.

1000 LIKES PARTY LINK

On top of that I also had a lot of amazing authors also donate items towards a massive giveaway!!  Yes before you ask I did cry over that too. (I'm an emotional sap)

So a special message to all the wonderful Authors that have helped and supported me (you all know who you are).  I love you all and I will continue to support and love you all for as long as our blog shall live. xxxxxxxxxxxx

Heres the rafflecopter :)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

RELEASE BLITZ & REVIEW - Trusting Nicole by Muriel Garcia - REVIEWED BY LOUISE

RELEASE DAY BLITZ

Title: Trusting Nicole

Series: Last Hangman MC #4

Author: Muriel Garcia

Release Date: July 28, 2015

SYNOPSIS: 

Jason Sanders hasn’t had the easiest of lives. Growing up he had all he could ever want, except for two very important people: his parents. The day he lost them was the day his life became a chaotic mess. A mess that still haunts him today. 

Due to his association with three of the most prominent MCs in Louisiana, the entire New Orleans Police Department suspect him to be a corrupt cop, little do they know what’s really going on behind closed doors. 

At the start, he hated every single biker. They had made his existence a living hell for the past four years. Now? Now, they have fast become a permanent fixture in his life and are the closest thing to a family he’s had since that day. 

Thanks to her big brother, Nicole Lyle grew up surrounded by the Last Hangman MC and loved every second of it. They were always there for her, supporting her, protecting her, except for one night. One disastrous night causes Nicole to do the one thing she never thought herself capable of, causing her life to become a devastating mess. A mess she wishes she could have avoided. 

What happens when Jason and Nicole’s pasts catch up to them and threaten to ruin their futures? 

How will Nicole’s older brothers, Gabe and Aleck, cope with the details of their younger sister’s torrid past? 

Will Nicole be able to help Jason heal or is he beyond fixing? 

Will Jason be able to take a leap of faith and trust Nicole?

Goodreads link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25930262-trusting-nicole

PURCHASE LINKS:

Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B011V0Y57G/
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B011V0Y57G/
Amazon AU: http://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B011V0Y57G/
Amazon CA: http://www.amazon.ca/dp/B011V0Y57G/
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id1021196255

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/trusting-nicole-muriel-garcia/1122327162;jsessionid=6C03E130FB75429D07E1C4BD3066B8FB.prodny_store01-6?ean=2940152315141

Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/ebook/trusting-nicole

ALSO AVAILABLE:

Saving Ayden:

Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00SSFWUQ6
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00SSFWUQ6
Amazon CA: http://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00SSFWUQ6
Amazon AU: http://www.amazon.com.au/gp/product/B00SSFWUQ6
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id996145339
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/saving-ayden-muriel-garcia/1121402512?ean=2940152143164&itm=1&usri=2940152143164
Kobo:https://store.kobobooks.com/ebook/saving-ayden

Teaching Aleck:

Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00V2BFRCM

Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00V2BFRCM
Amazon CA: http://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00V2BFRCM
Amazon AU: http://www.amazon.com.au/gp/product/B00V2BFRCM
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id996166562
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/teaching-aleck-muriel-garcia/1121539838?ean=2940151701402&itm=1&usri=2940151701402
Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/ebook/teaching-aleck

Healing Gabe:

Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00WH3RVMI
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00WH3RVMI
Amazon CA: http://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00WH3RVMI
Amazon AU: http://www.amazon.com.au/gp/product/B00WH3RVMI
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id996167886
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/healing-gabe-muriel-garcia/1121954155?ean=2940152144468&itm=1&usri=2940152144468
Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/ebook/healing-gabe

AUTHOR BIO:

Muriel Garcia was born and raised in Belgium. She started writing a little over a year ago and never thought she would ever publish; reading and writing weren’t her favorite things to do in high school.

After one of her friends gave her a challenge – the next time they would attend a book signing, she would be a signing author (it did happen!) – she started to take writing a lot more seriously and never looked back. She’s enjoyed every second of it and the friends she’s made along the way.

She loves music, tattoos—especially on hot men, traveling, and cooking. She has always had an overly imaginative and creative mind but never thought of putting words to paper. Now she couldn’t imagine not writing stories that are near and dear to her heart.

AUTHOR LINKS:

Fb page: http://www.facebook.com/authormurielgarcia
Fb group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/384126741737037/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/muriel__g
Tsu: http://www.tsu.co/authormurielgarcia
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/itsmurielg
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/authormgarcia
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/authormurielgarcia
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/author/murielgarcia

MY REVIEW:

I was pretty much chomping at the bit to get this book on my kindle.  I have absolutely adored all of the Last Hangman books by Muriel Garcia and I just knew I would love this one too!!
  Obviously being part of a series it is imperative you read the other three first before even considering reading this one.  
  This one starts where book 3 left off.  I won't go into all the detail of the book itself, thats written in the synopsis. 
  This book is so full of twists and turns you will get whiplash from it, in a good way!  I found myself sitting like a goldfish with my mouth wide open wondering what the hell I had just read!!  It sucked me into a tornado of words and spat me out in the end!  
  It honestly blew my mind and my socks clear off.  Muriel has grown with her writing with each book she writes, they honestly get better and better.
  You will not believe the twist in this story either!  I do hope there will be more because if there isn't I shall be devastated and hard to console.

  Not one thing I didn't love about this book, not one thing.