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New Release+ Giveaway ‘Mermaida’ Anthology! (Fantasy, Paranormal)

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Mermaidia
A
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Genre:
Fantasy, Paranormal 
 
Love
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With
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Catherine
Banks

 

Kai
Ellory Viola



Mia
Ellas

 

 

Anthea
Sharp

 

 

Kristi
Lea

 

 

LA
Fox

 

 

Nicole
Zoltack

 

 

Mara
Amberly

 

 

Raine
English

 

 

Margo
Bond Collins

 

 

Sara
Elizabeth

 

 

Mikayla
Symonett

 

 

Tricia
Schneider

 

 

Merrie
Destefano

 

 

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Brumley

 

 

Rachel
A. Marks

 

 

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Queen
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Fated
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would keep them apart.

Seize
the Storm by Kristi Lea

An
Isyre hides from the hunters who killed her family, as far from any
ocean as she can be. The fire mage who discovers her secrets has a
few of his own. Can they trust each other to face their pasts

Touched
by a Mermaid by Raine English
A
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Paranormal
Maritime War by Nicole Zoltack 
A
stolen selkie skin just might start a war between the merfolk, the
selkies, and the sirens.
Racing
the Clock by Catherine Banks
“You
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fail, you will give me your soul for eternity.”
The
Church of Moon and Sea by Sara Elizabeth
She
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Fury
by Merrie Destefano
To
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Soul’s
Reef – Kai Ellory Viola
A
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reefs.

The
Sea of Time and Stars by Mara Amberly
“A
woman watched from just above the water line, her sleek blue hair
drifting in the water around her. One moment she was there and the
next she was gone; so quickly I could’ve put it down to my
imagination or a hallucination from my injuries.”

 

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**scroll
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Follow
the tour HERE
for exclusive content and a giveaway!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Hot New Short Story Anthology! Just .99 Cents + $10.00 Giveaway! (All Stories)

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A Compendium of Characters
by Mason Bushell
Genre: Short Stories, Fantasy, Paranormal, Mystery, Adventure
The world of imagination is a magical place filled with fantastical stories. Inside A Compendium of Characters you’ll be drawn into myth, legend, and mystery on every page, and across various genres. You’ll meet aliens, vampires, angels, and maybe a ghost or two; discover stranded people, farmers with shotguns and people to save. There’ll be romantic liaisons, fairytale frolics, and mysteries to solve!
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$10 Amazon
Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

 

101: Narrating Audio Books, And Having Your Books Narrated, What’s The Deal?

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coming soonThe last few weeks have been a very unexpected experience for me! I got two jobs narrating two audio books, and uploaded my books to be narrated. That was the main intention, to have my books placed into audio and open it up to auditions. After speaking with a fellow author on Facebook, who happens to be an audio book narrator, I decided to see if there was any demand for British narrators following her encouragement. She was sure British accents would be some kind of ‘hot commodity’ that’s needed. LOL Turns out there is a massive demand!!

I did two auditions, of just two minutes reading a script for two books that interested me, and got both books offered to me to narrate. One from a publisher and one from an author. I thought I’d share both sides of the coin, how to place your books in audio, and why you might also wish to consider becoming a narrator yourself!

Where Do Authors Find Narrators?…

Easy peasy, lemon squeezy…head to ACX’s site this is Audible and Amazon’s website HERE.  

Simply log in using your own Amazon account, or set up one under your author/narrator pen name. Then, head to the section which states ‘add projects’. Here upload the details and Amazon will automatically pull your book in, confirm it and that’s it! Then, you need to add a script for narrators to audition with. I recommend not placing your whole MS up there, just copy and paste a sample. It does not have to be the first pages either, you can use a really tense scene, steamy scene etc, to see how  potential narrators would handle these aspects of your book. Or just opt for a sample from the first chapter. Either  way paste it into the box, or save a Word.doc  and upload it. Bosh! Done you’re book is out there for narrators to find.

What Cost Are Involved For Authors?…

None, if you don’t want there to be. Authors and publishers are able to place their book(s) up, and offer what’s called a ‘life long royalty share option’ to the narrator. This means, if you are willing to give exclusive rights to Amazon and Audible you just split all royalties earned from audio sales with the narrator. You’ll receive 20% and so will they, each month for life. The rest goes to Amazon and Audible of course.

Or, you can pay narrators a fee per audio hour they produce. This option will involve costs to you. So if a narrator’s fee is £50.00 per hour produced for example, and your book is eight hours long = 8 x 50.00=  £400.00 must be paid to the narrator.

Or, lastly you can offer the royalty share option + an amount for each audio hour, say £20.00. So if your book is eight hours again 8 x 20.00= £160.00 PLUS a 20 % royalty share per month.

There are three options, the first one you have to give Amazon and Audible exclusive rights, with the other two you are free to have  your book sold in audio elsewhere. But there’s costs to you. So if you don’t want upfront costs, then don’t go with them.

How Do Authors Find Narrators?…

Once you’ve added your book(s) as projects, fill out the options to decide what kind of narrator you’d like. eg accent, age, type of reader eg versatile, feminine, husky etc Basically narrow down the options to the best voice you feel would be suited, or that you’d like to hear bring your work alive. Press submit and that’s it.

Narrators looking for projects will come across your book(s), and if they are interested audition. You will get an alert of an audition and can hear their voice.

What Happens Next?….

Your book(s) will be up for ‘audition’ and narrators can find you.You should hopefully start receiving auditions and hearing different voices. You can respond to anyone who takes your fancy. You can also search the data base of narrators based on the criteria you selected, then invite them to audition or reach out in some way. Once your book(s) are up, it’s time to either reach out, or kick back and wait for people to find you.

Once you offer a project the narrator has two days to accept, if they do you upload the full MS. Then, they will start working and submit to you a fifteen minute sample of their work, before the deadline agreed. You will then approve it or not, and if you do they continue and you kick back, and wait for your book to be transformed into audio by the agreed due date! Then it goes up on sale once complete and ACX has approved it for quality.

Are Narrators Willing To Do The Work With No Upfront Fee?

In short, yes I was and would do it again. Depending on 1. if they feel your book will sell 2. they have a genuine interest in your book 3. you include in your book’s details what you plan to do about marketing. To inform potential narrators who may have an interest what you’ll do to spread the word. So they can see potential.

Of course there are professional voice actors who are not! And wish to be paid a fee, rather than  risk the time and effort, your book sells little or nothing or not what they would have imagined.

My Experience So Far, As An Author…

Well as an author my books have only been up just over a week, I have not had auditions yet, but one narrator did make contact and say she would like to audition once she’s finished up a few books she’s working on this month. I honestly think patience will be needed. That said, I would advise any author wanting to place their work into audio, to be just that patient. Don’t run with the first voice you hear unless it grabs you! Remember you are looking for someone who will bring your story alive, be it fiction or non-fiction. I’m more than happy to wait and hear the right voice and emotions for my work. If you do this, I suggest you do too.  This will increase the chances of you being happy,  once the audio book is produced. I found that it was a very easy process to place my books up on ACX too.

My Experience So Far, As Narrator…

Wonderful!! Like I said, pick books and subjects that genuinely interest you. One book is non-fiction and is in the esoteric,  spirituality, and metaphysics genre so of course I’m loving it! And it’s a short book, just 15,000 words or so. The second is a autobiography, this lady’s story really interests me too. The third, which the publisher emailed me about this week to potentially narrate, is a fiction book in the women’s fiction genre. This should be interesting as it will be a different type of narration voice for me, proper voice acting for different characters! I will review it and see if I am drawn to it and the characters.

The thing is, it’s not as easy as reading out a book, you do need to make it interesting and ‘act’,  even if it’s not a fictional book. Think of the listeners, so adjusting your tone, speed and how you wish to present the author’s work for listeners in an engaging way, is key. Secondly, it can take time! To learn the software, to edit, and re-record the words and sentences you stumble on LOL. But it really has been a great experience for me, and  would do more for this publisher and other authors for sure.

I am now more than fifty percent through my first book, and hope to get it all l completed this week or next. That’s the other thing, you will agree with the author or publisher a reasonable due date. I recommend, no matter how short the book ask for six-eight weeks on the project. Unless you really feel you could or want to do it in less time.

My advice is take your time, aim for perfection and quality ( after all you want good reviews, and more work from the publisher or author). And you want to do it right, right? You need time to get each chapter correct.  I would advise you take more time, and if possible do it in less or at a pace that works for you.

When you start out I would not take on too  many projects either, if you don’t have much time on your hands. I only took on two as the first book is so short, and the second is a novel. I would not have taken on two novels in my first attempt at this, trust!

Hence why, the first project that I searched for I wanted only under three hours production time, in the genres I was interested in, So I didn’t bite off more than I can chew. But from the experience, I do feel I could do a full novel with a good timescale, and one that deeply interests me, hence I took on the second book.

What Do I Need To Narrate Books? Could I Do My Own?

Yes, you can narrate your own. In fact the thought crossed my mind to do mine if I did not find a narrator I really liked. In order to narrate books, be it your own or someone else’s all you need is…

  • a decent microphone and pop filter. ( Don’t even think about using your computer’s one it’s too crappy). A Pop filter will help to remove mouth noises, and sounds of breathing or inhaling and you DO NEED IT don’t skip it! I would not say you need to buy the most expensive either. Mine cost me under £30.00 with the pop filter. I think about £20.00 and it is ahmaaaaaaaaaaaayzin! Great quality.
  • a laptop or PC.
  • recording and editing software. Which you can grab free!! One called Audacity. ACX recommend a paid expensive software, you don’t need it all all.  I recommend you grab a free software download of Audacity HERE. It’s so simple to use too.
  • And I recommend this great ebook on Audio book production  by Krystal Wascher . Recommended to me by the author who encouraged me to audition, and I too recommend it. It’s like a Bible and a must have. There are many resources on ACX’s website to help, I say get the book too. Free on Kindle Unlimited to read also. Grab it here.
  • A VERY VERY quiet environment, table and chair.  This is key, please don’t think that any old place will do. I record in my bedroom ( at the back of the house away from the main road). Choose a quiet room, the smaller the better too.
  • Water to drink!

Overall, I think that audio books are great I have listened to them in the past. I also think that as authors it’s great to reach as many readers , via as many channels as you can! So while I am now redoing all paperbacks for my self-published works, I’m also doing audio books. My publisher who I signed with for my historical romance,  really, really also recommends that audio is the way to go…. so go for it authors!

On the other hand, if you’re someone who thinks yeah, I have the time and skill or even desire to narrate books I say go for it too. Pick the books and genres carefully, stick to what interests you. Also, think of what your voice may suit also! Keep in mind that fiction work will have characters, so you will need to adjust for this. Male and female voices, non-fiction the author will want a different approach to how their book is narrated.

There is a demand for all accents. So I’ll give this a crack, add to my monthly royalties coming in and have some fun too!

Also, there are things to help you decide on books, such as the reviews it has on Amazon, sales rank, and how established the author is, their marketing plan etc. But at the end of the day, it’s down to you to decide. You may feel a book will sell well, but  it may not sell as many copies and vice versa.

Decide if you want to be paid a fee or via royalty share or both! Remember royalty share is for life. Also remember that as the narrator you should invest in the book’s potential for sales too. Promote it once produced, you are a shareholder in it after all!!

Give it a go if you feel you’d enjoy it. Any questions get in touch or drop them in the comments.

101: Writing Realistic Romance, Seven Tips #amwriting

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writing Everyone has their own style of storytelling, believe me I know! I’m a big rebel when it comes to writing in this genre!  I don’t believe in following the crowd, I hate it. I use the present tense and first person often. While a majority of this genre is third person and past tense. That said, I have been pulled to write this short 101 to helpfully help other aspiring romance writers, and anyone for that matter, as this simple advice can be applied across the board in all genres really. Also, I’ve not written a writing 101 for ages!!

I’ve been compelled to write this as, one I read a hella-lot of romance, two I’ve read a hella-lot of romance that’s sadly unrealistic in some ways. This genre has this ‘reputation’ and I feel us romance writers should do what we can, to fight that battle. Now, I don’t claim to be an expert. But I do claim to be a kick-ass romance author that I will blow my own trumpet! And I will admit, that I won’t be everyone’s cup of tea you either feel me, or you don’t as a reader. But I’ll always be feelin’ myself LOLZ.  That’s because I have mastered ‘Kim’s style’ like all writers, I’ve got to a place where I feel happy with what my pen does, and at ease if others don’t like it.  Not everyone will like what you write, but if you write for yourself first, and use your own style whatever comes after is just a bonus, praise of critique. Because, you write for you first.

I’m now on novel number eleven, so from this experience here’s my simple advice and take from a humble POV, that I’d give to craft engaging and believable romance. So we can fight the whining  readers who find it ‘unrealistic’.

Characters

As a big reader I love it when characters are so believable, realistic and engaging to read. When they’re not, it can be a turn off. Not everyone is going to like your characters, and so what if they don’t they’re may be the wrong reader. The point is, when it comes to characters who are they? This is my starting point before I think about my plot. This is because, if you’re  going to write a realistic romance ( or any genre story), the characters will be what drives the plot. Not and never the other way around.  Remember this, think of your characters like this as the plot drivers.

Many may start with the plot and fill out characters, cool okay if that’s what’s best for you. But you may find that you”re  so busy spinning your plot, your characters do unrealistic things, and fall flat. I recently read two books one romance and one other, and this was my experience as a reader. If you know your characters well,  you can portray them better. They will react, think, move, talk, walk more vividly in your plot if you can focus on them first. This helps massively with character development also.

Ever read a book and the characters are boring, or they are from a certain part  of the world yet they speak perfect English in their conversations? Hmmm, chances are the  writer has skipped this part. Hence they speak perfect English, or just flat and not real. For example, when they are from the depths of south London for example and may have a different accent.

When I wrote a particular story for The Suspenseful Collection #2- Blurred Lines, I placed myself and Didi in the story lol. So when I portrayed myself in speech, I did not say, ‘oh I’m so sorry about that, here let me help you.’ I said, ‘oh no, I’m sorry, ‘er lemmie help ya’. That’s because I’m from London, and a certain part and I would not in casual speaking speak like the Queen herself!   Didi and I also had a Russian female in The Suspenseful Collection Volume #1 and of course  she said, ‘ello, yass ‘ow can help you.’ rather than ‘Hello, yes how I can I help you.’ The point is, little things like this matter, as well as who they are as people.  You may think, yeah Kim this is basic stuff. Trust, you’d be surprised  how many can easily forget, during character development.

This brings me to character development and thinking about it a  little deeper, if you start by really thinking about who your characters are, outside of things like age, race etc. But who they are as people, where they have been, how they react to things and most importantly their flaws as people. You will have more rounded, believable and developed characters that drive your plot. Rather than a plot with flat characters, doing very unrealistic things.

Flaws and Growth…

Okay so we all love a romance ( or any genre book really) where the characters are not only real, but we as readers experience and see their growth. Don’t forget this, once you know who your characters are as people, what flaws do they have? And these flaws should help drive the plot and show how they grow from it…. why? As it shows growth of each character, develops story and adds to reality! People have life experiences and we all grow from them, love and romance are no exception to the rule. If anything love and romance really do allow us all to grow in some shape or form. So, give your characters a flaw or two, then make sure in the plot you show somehow that they have overcome it, or made steps to over come it, changed or grown from it.  This could be so subtle in your writing, it does not have to be over the top, but if you can show it well it should make good believable reading. It makes the characters real, the situations real, and the best bit allows readers to experience the plot better.

Plot, Story-line and Storytelling…

Okay y’all like I said, I’ve read a hella-lot of books, especially romance and I feel a plot needs to be very realistic in as many books, if not all as possible. End of story, period and full fucking stop!! This genre has such a reputation for delivering ‘unrealistic stories’ and I hate it, and I will defend my genre I love to read and write until the cows come home! But, as a reader, I gotta say… yeah there’s some truth. Don’t get caught up in trying to spin the perfect ‘fairy tale’ that things seem unreal.  Ask yourself…

1.Would this really happen?

2.Could this even be possible?

3. And would my CHARACTER react like this, or how would they react and why?? What would my characters do in the situations I have placed them?

Where’s the challenges?…

Now if you, one know your characters, two they have realistic flaws, they should not be doing unrealistic stuff…right? Good glad we agree.

But, how do we keep it realistic, in my personal and humble opinion as a romance author, it’s down to the challenges we give them. By this I mean, if there’s no challenge and everything just fits into place we all know love and life does not roll like that! So it can come across as unrealistic, there needs to be some kind of ‘challenge’ and I use the word loosely to mean some kinda ‘debate’, ‘back and forth’ ‘questions’ or even just a good ‘ol dose of drama to keep the plot realistic. Don’t go too mad ( unless it’s like romantic suspense), but for good, clean, sweet romance a little challenge or dilemma where a decision or choices need to be made are key. And for romantic suspense, ha! Well, bring the heat with challenges!! 🙂 But keep them realistic to the characters, their environment and where they are at in life no matter what kind of romance you’re writing.

My best advice is, place your plot outline in the real world, in the time frame your story is set. So if it’s the present day would what you’ve outlined…

1. Have a chance of happening? Is this a realistic challenge to the character, time-frame and who they are?

3. Could it be believable? What is a realistic challenge for this couple to either be together, come together, or hold them back for some reason. Where is the push and pull before they can be happy?

4. Does it go inline with the challenges, flaws, and issues you’ve given the characters and the overall plot? Does it work?

5. Is there an actual challenge here worth telling? Is there more than sex in your plot? Does it develop into an actual story involving the characters? 

Pace…

All right y’all now, I believe when or if there’s  an issue with pace, it might be because of one of two things.

  1. There’s no fucking story at all to tell or is being told! And really pages are just being filled with words- the story does not move!
  2. The story does not have ‘peaks’ to keep the reader engaged. So, the pace seems like this ———————————————- all on one level and not really moving.

If you’ve really looked at your story line,  plot  or the outline whatever you call it, you should be able to see if there is a story really, and eliminate point one. If so, now where are the areas of ‘peak’ ‘heat’ tension’ whatever you want to call it. Make them clear, for you and the reader. Then decide how you will build up to these peaks. By this I mean what’s your approach to bringing the readers to these peaks, is it a sub-plot, surprise, mystery, a twist, or are you just ensuring that the story is told at a good pace and not dragged out.

You don’t have to spin mystery, surprise, or suspense into a romance, it could just be a nice sweet story ( something I’m not great at writing lol), or a contemporary romance. The point is, as you write your actual story keep up that damn pace! End as many chapters as you can with something interesting for the reader, and for the love of God keep moving! Without skimming or rushing, just make sure your pace is even.

  1. Start
  2. Middle/climax etc.
  3. level off/ OMG what will they do??/tension.
  4.  Bang…ending!

This is the most simple way I can  put it with pace. I would avoid leaving all the juicy stuff until the later part of your story, readers may fall off, lose interest or just feel that ‘the pace is slow’. Keep them interested. As a side note, I mentioned reality as a big thing. So if you leave all the juicy stuff to the end, is this realistic to how life would go, in the situations you’ve placed your characters?

Think about it. Do life and love just fit into place? Nope, think not. Especially if you have a plot with some drama, if your characters just roll with it is that really believable??? Adjust reaction if you can to fit the pace.

Insta- Love?

Ya know lots of readers may dislike this, I kinda do  as a reader as long as it’s believable. That’s the deal breaker. If you like to write insta-romance- do your thang! I like to read it and  have written it where characters connect fast. Remember what I said about pace…. That said, if you serve up some insta-love have you shown a reason ‘why they can’t get enough of each other?’  Give them some kind of connection. There is no use allowing your characters to say, ‘I love you’  ( a lot), when you can’t even see why they would love each other. It sucks, it’s unrealistic and well, where’s the connection more to the point? How or why have they fallen for each other, even if it was pretty soon.

Now connection could be simple things, common interests, both want the same things in life, at the same point in life, etc. People connect when there is a connection no matter how small, we all know and have experienced this. Establish the connection….and keep it real! Show the reader why there is a believable chance these people would fall in love, even if it’s soon.

I read a book recently and I could not see why the author’s characters had a connection, and that placed doubt in my mind about the story, reality, and why these two people were in love. But they said ‘ I love you’ a hella-lot though *rolls eyes*.

In my humble view again, if they fall fast or not, show them falling, show the change of heart! Don’t forget this, don’t write a car crash of love and  not show the change of heart, or the development of feelings in your story. Even in a very subtle way as word count can be limited at times. If you do show this, It will…help it to seem realistic! That’s the name of the game.

How Much Sex, is Too Much Sex?…

Well, this is a hard balance to strike, but in my honest view as a reader yes, there is such thing as too much sex WHEN and only WHEN the rest of the plot is not developed enough. Simple.

You decide on how much or little sex you want,  it’s not for anyone to say…but just remember this can not be the be all, and end all of how you bring your story alive. Consider carefully where you place it, why and what it adds to your overall development of the actual story. Don’t just scatter it around to fill pages, and hope that a steamy story will hold your reader, it won’t and probably can’t when there is nothing else going on. *Shrugs shoulders* I’m just being honest as a reader, and that’s my view as a writer too.

So off the top of my head these are a few tips! I will come back and keep adding to this post, if and when I feel the need. I wish every romance writer the best of luck! Let’s fight that damn reputation we have for the genre, and pen some page-turning and realistic stories! *High five*

 

 

 

 

 

Book Review- ‘Tomorrow and Yesterday’ by Kris Francoeur (Women’s Fiction) 3 stars.@KFAnnaBelleRose @RRBookTours1 @btwnthelinespub #BlogTour #WomensFiction #Romance #Giveaway #RRBookTours

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Thank you to R and R book tours for my free copy, in exchange for an honest review. Three stars from me I wish I could give more. I found the pace for me a bit too slow,  and it became a little ‘hard to believe it all.’ But there were some enjoyable parts. Let’s get into the review…

Blurb

Tomorrow and Yesterday

Publication Date: January 28th, 2020

Genre: Women’s Fiction

Publisher: Willow River Press
The air was so cold, it was hard for her to breathe. Who was she kidding? It could have been
a balmy, sunny day, and she still would have felt the clogging tightness of her throat, air
barely able to get through to her lungs…

Delaney Adams isn’t hiding from her past. She doesn’t have a past, at least as far as anyone
currently in her life knows. She has a great job, a small but supportive group of friends, and
absolutely no romantic life at all. Her life is just the way she wants it. When she meets artist
James McDaniels, she is caught between her attraction to him, her distrust of men, and the
fear that he will reject her if he ever learns who she really is. But her past secretly stalks
Delaney, and eventually it catches up to her. When it all explodes into her current life, will
she have the strength to fight for what she has.

Kim’s Review 3 Stars

What made me sign up to read this novel was the blurb, it seemed interesting to me and drew me in. It doesn’t give away much! But I sensed a good read and maybe some mystery or suspense to the plot, given the main female character. I really wish that I could have loved this book! I was so sure I would, it was an okay read. A few things sadly made me disconnect a little. That said, I’m just one reader and there may be many who would disagree, and find this a fast-paced page turner! But here’s my honest review.

Characters- I found them interesting when the book first started, and I loved the way that James and Delaney really fell for each other. It’s kinda like a ‘insta love’ but these two people have met before in the past. I liked that it seemed like a genuine connection.  And I liked the second chance at love and meeting aspect a lot! Love love that!!

Delaney herself was portrayed well, shy, nervous and a very hardworking woman. Mainly due to her past, this adds to her need to never miss work. The male character  James came across as the perfect gentleman as I read, which he was.

Story line and plot–  this is where my reading experience was held back a tiny bit. This is an over 250 page book, the first say fifty to seventy five pages I enjoyed a lot, as this part was about the two characters meeting, then meeting again, and falling in love. But as I read deeper at about eighty percent through I felt in all honestly as a reader, that this novel could have been at least 100 pages shorter if this is the full plot, and all there is to it.  Or it  could benefit from having  more in the story/plot happening in the first eighty percent,  to keep me focused, gripped and guessing. I probably would have really loved it and had that ‘page turner’ experience  if the latter! More plot please!!

I have  no problem with ‘slow burn books’, I  do like them,  but as a reader of this one I feel the ‘slow burn’ and not much happening in the plot, hindered the reality of the whole story generally, as I read.  I say this as at fifty, seventy five and say even eighty percent in, I was still waiting for something to happen, and I still never understood what Delaney had spent her life running from.

Other than the characters telling each other that they love each other, having sex, and going to work there was for me, nothing else.  As I was so in the dark for so long with the pace, and there was no real challenge from James over how he handled this situation, I didn’t feel that gripped.

The romance was there, but it all seemed to just fit together so easy,  and no challenges. Which was hard to believe, given one person is not telling the other anything but yet they are in love. And the person ( James) in the dark ( like readers), seems to be like ‘okay that’s fine, and yes I will propose to you too, yep I’m  cool with that’.  That seemed to be his attitude.

Reality- With the slow pace, and lack of challenge from James as I read I started to doubt the reality of the plot overall. I asked myself 1. could two people meet, fall in love, move in together, and the man propose marriage BUT he has no idea about the woman’s past, but knows she’s hiding something, and I mean he knows NOTHING!! Not even if she has siblings. ( Neither do we readers).  2. In this day and age? And at the age these characters are, could this be realistic? Is this a real romantic element, and is it a likely situation? I doubted it  and both  characters.  Delaney also held back from her previous husband also. But if there was more challenge, suspense, and twists around Delaney’s deception, which would give James a chance to become more believable early on, this could have been a brilliant read.

When James proposes marriage ( knowing nothing about this woman’s background and character), within the last say fifty pages, that’s when he starts digging and Delaney is kinda forced to open up. But I asked myself again, really? Would a man ( or woman)  or even me myself? Even get to this point of marriage or keep dating with such a closed and strange person? And then start digging after a proposal. I felt as a reader, while reading,  it was all too late for the action and drama at the eight-ninety percent mark, or the last fifty pages when marriage is on the table and drama kicks in.

Overall for me, three stars for enjoyable characters to start off with, and how the romance developed to start. But if the plot was a bit more gripping with other aspects, developed quicker, and not leave me with doubts over the reality and likely hood of this couple’s journey from dating, living together and marriage proposal maybe it could have been a four or five star read for me.   It was okay, but slow..  2.5 ish- 3 stars from me.

I hope there are others who fall in love with this novel! And  I wish the author a lot of luck, and a great readership for this book.

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TomorrowandYesterday

Welcome to the blog tour for Tomorrow and Yesterday, by Kris Francoeur! Read on for a sneak peek from the book and a chance to win a signed copy, plus a $20 Amazon gift card!

Tomorrow and Yesterday

Publication Date: January 28th, 2020

Genre: Women’s Fiction

Publisher: Willow River Press

The air was so cold, it was hard for her to breathe. Who was she kidding? It could have been a balmy, sunny day, and she still would have felt the clogging tightness of her throat, air barely able to get through to her lungs…

Delaney Adams isn’t hiding from her past. She doesn’t have a past, at least as far as anyone currently in her life knows. She has a great job, a small but supportive group of friends, and absolutely no romantic life at all. Her life is just the way she wants it. When she meets artist James McDaniels, she is caught between her attraction to him, her distrust of men, and the fear that he will reject her if he ever learns who she really is. But her past secretly stalks Delaney, and eventually it catches up to her. When it all explodes into her current life, will she have the strength to fight for what she has.

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Excerpt

Later, Delaney awoke covered in cold sweat, her heart pounding. Would the nightmares never stop? Lately, they had been less frequent but still happened fairly often. How long would she have to relive that night? Were dreams of that hell the only way she could see Jake and her mother in her mind? In the light of day, she could barely remember what they looked like, but at night, the images were so vivid…

Available on Amazon!

For your chance to win a signed copy of Tomorrow and Yesterday PLUS a $20 Amazon Gift Card, click the link below!

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About the Author

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My name is Kris Francoeur, and I am an author, educator, speaker, wife, mom, grandmother, and farmer living in Vermont. I love to spend time with my family, travel, hike, kayak, knit, spin (fiber), garden, cook, and love time with my bees, alpacas and chickens.

Currently, I have published three romance novels with Solstice Publishing, and have one that will be released by Willow River Press in January 2020. My first three romances are written under the pen name of Anna Belle Rose, and they can be purchased in paperback format through my Book Store page on this website, or in e-book or paperback on Amazon.

Kris Francoeur | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn

TomorrowandYesterday

Blog Tour Schedule

March 9th

Reads & Reels (Spotlight) http://readsandreels.com

Shalini’s Books & Reviews (Spotlight) https://bookreviewsbyshalini.com/

Viviana MacKade (Spotlight) https://viviana-mackade.blog/

B is for Book Review (Spotlight) https://bforbookreview.wordpress.com

March 10th

I’m into Books (Spotlight) https://imintobooks.com

Rambling Mads (Spotlight) http://ramblingmads.com

The Reading Chemist (Spotlight) https://thereadingchemist.com/

March 11th

Breakeven Books (Spotlight) https://breakevenbooks.com

Tsarina Press (Spotlight) https://www.tsarinapress.com

Books, Teacup, & Reviews (Spotlight) https://booksteacupnreviews.wordpress.com/

March 12th

Didi Oviatt (Spotlight) https://didioviatt.wordpress.com

Just 4 My Books (Spotlight) http://www.just4mybooks.wordpress.com

My Bookish Bliss (Review) http://www.mybookishbliss.com

Book Dragons Not Worms (Review) https://bookdragonsnotworms.blogspot.com/?m=1

March 13th

I Smell Sheep (Spotlight) http://www.ismellsheep.com/

Jessica Belmont (Review) https://jessicabelmont.wordpress.com/

Kim Knight (Review) https://kimknightauthor.wordpress.com

Tales of a Natural Spoonie (Review) https://talesofanaturalspoonie.com/

Blog Tour Organized By:

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International Women’s Day 2020: Equality In The Work Place, My Story #IWD2020 #EachforEqual

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womens-day

So it’s International Women’s Day 2020 today! #IWD2020 Yeah! While I believe in celebrating women and the contributions we make to the world and society at large daily, I’m always pleased when the day rolls around. This year’s theme is equality,  or #EachforEqual. I actually have an experience of being a woman in the world, battling for equality personally that I thought I’d share.

So let’s step back many years ago I was a pregnant woman in my late twenties, working extremely hard in the work place.  One as my department was being restructured and my co-workers and I was at risk of redundancy, two the department was in a shit load of mess anyway! And me being typical me, I wanted to do what I could to help clean it up. We all had to in away reapply for our jobs, to  ‘prove’ our worth to not be selected for redundancy and have our jobs merged so some went jobless. It was very stressful I tell you! Especially while pregnant I feared for my growing family’s stability.

While all this was going on, just before I started my maternity leave I started to take on ‘extra responsibilities’ in the work place, I was doing my job and another. And, yes you guessed it I wasn’t being paid for taking on the roles of a job above me.  I was not even formally asked to take on the extra work, it was just dumped on my desk by management. We had a change of management also. A man stepped in, one who had a reputation of being very harsh, unfriendly, awkward, not a people person or in any way emotionally intelligent and a ‘hard task master’.  The whole organisation was in such a mess, and going down hill I think they brought him in to try and ‘shake things up’. He never bothered me as I thought well I’m on leave soon, and anyway it’s not like I don’t do my job and then some, so whatever! Is all I thought. So anyway I did what I could, stressed, worried and about to give birth any time soon, I was in the final weeks of pregnancy.

While on maternity leave the department was restructured, I did keep my job, but during the restructure  of the organisation and department the job that I was doing ( the extra part with no pay) ,was made into an actual new role.  With higher pay and more clout… so they notified everyone internally and I heard via  post ( as they legally had to tell everyone who remained an employee of that department).  Naturally,  I put in an application for the job. Why not right? I was doing the job for nothing, no pay or anything! Before I went on maternity leave, I did it well even though I was very stressed and glad to get out of the place. I also was highly qualified for the role, in terms of experience and academic achievement etc.

This happened a few weeks before I was due to return from maternity leave. When I did  return from leave, I found out I was not even shortlisted for an interview. *face palm* Hold on a minute…. who was doing that job before leave? Unpaid? And helped to clear up a lot of the mess left, by employees that really didn’t give a hoot, left, and just were down right lazy? Muggins here, me that’s who!

Yeah, I put my male boss on the spot about it  one day when I returned and asked, “why was I not shortlisted for an interview at least?” Do you know what that ass-hole told me, “you’ve been on maternity leave that’s why, you can’t do the job?” I raised an eyebrow and left him to run his mouth as I knew then and there, I was filing a claim for discrimination on the grounds of gender, and maternity leave.  Totally illegal in employment legislation. Lucky, one of my master’s degrees covered law too… ya girl was clued up! I dread to think what would  have happened, if I were a female who never understood the laws of discrimination in the work place.

So once my sexist, abrupt, white, discriminatory,  male manager ran his mouth, I smiled sweetly and said, “okay, just to confirm because I’ve been away exercising a right that I was entitled to legally, as a woman, you’re telling me you decided not to shortlist me for an interview, and dismiss me for a job that I was already doing and can prove I was, before I went on maternity leave?” His face went pale, and he said, ” yes, you’ve been away.” I stopped there, went home then drafted up my complaint for inequality, sex and gender discrimination in the work place against my boss.

I won’t bore you with all the details, but did it turn into a legal battle? You bet your bottom dollar it did? Did I win my case against my boss and this organisation? You bet I did! And I was proud to present my case and win! I felt a sense of justice not just for myself, but for all the woman around the world over looked for jobs, by employers using measurements that impact on only them as a demographic of society, and therefore they miss out. By being marginalised and excluded from promotion, pay, and career progression. It was inequality and discrimination at its worst! So many laws are out there against this, it’s not just race the common one we hear about.

I ended up during my battle being head hunted for a better job than the one I had applied for, with better pay! I had an interview and got it. I left that piss-poor organisation a happy woman, who fought for justice, and never looked back.

Moral of the story is, in this day and age there is still a lot of work to be done for women when it comes to equality. Any statistic will tell you that, pay, promotion, etc. It makes ugly reading when you go through all the write ups, articles, and research into discrimination around women and equality. Quite frankly, I’m disgusted to read it, and to have experienced this a young woman myself, working hard, trying to balance work and life. And not miss out on the wonderful chance to be a mother, in fear of missing out on career progression.

So many woman are faced with this decision I was in, do I start a family and risk taking leave that I am entitled to? Or put it off and stay at work?  At the time as a woman in my late twenties I was proud of my achievements I was being paid well for my age, but did not let that stop me from the decision to take a long period of maternity leave I was legally entitled to and have a wonderful new chapter of my life open up.

From this experience I’ve learned first hand how we can be overlooked in the work place, at times I asked myself if I had not taken maternity leave, would my male manager have shortlisted me anyway? Based on his track record, and reputation he had would he  have wanted to even have placed a woman in that job that was created? Would he have felt “I could not do the job because of who I am?” Anyway, fuck him, and any employer or manager like him. All I know is, my name is one he’ll never forget. And I hope he has learned from the professional discipline he experienced, from bringing the organisation into a legal dispute, based on his discriminatory views against woman in the work place… the shit bag! Fuck him!

Have a wonderful International Women’s Day 2020 #IWD2020 and let’s continue to fight for #EachforEqual in whatever way you feel is needed, at work, in life and just generally.

I’d also like to take a moment to shout out these females who I respect to the max, for their outspoken, feisty, female empowering lyrical content…

P!ink-  what a rock star, love you and your personality from the bottom of my heart. I have been to every London based concert you’ve done, and I love how you fight for what’s right!

Pink

Christina Aguilera- “Can’t Hold us Down” is an anthem of female empowerment that never sounds old! Thank you for those words. “Fall in Line” is such a great song of empowerment, and the way you sing it you can’t help but feel the uplifting energy for us women!

xtina

Beyonce-  You’re just a boss when it comes to females staying on top!! Some of your songs have really resonated over the years.

Beyonce

Sia- “Unstoppable” when I first heard this song, I knew it was you singing it a totally unique voice, singing such an empowering song. Thank you.

Sia

Rhi Rhi – The line up of empowering females would be incomplete without you! You make being a woman of colour a beautiful thing, and do so much for women in general  regardless of race, and fight for what’s right. Your music, make-up line and personality are great. Very inspirational!

RhiRhi

 

Happy International Women’s Day March 2020!

#IWD2020 #EachforEqual

Hot New Romance Series + 10.00$ Gift Card Giveaway! #amreading #romance

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Paint on the Canvas
Love on the Line Book 2
by Lynn Michaels
Genre: M/M Contemporary Romance
A life-changing sacrifice for art and love.
Daltrey Boxbaum is an artist, a lover, an addict, and more. Through the years, he finds and loses love, fights addiction, and defines himself in new ways.
Martin Hannan was the love of Daltrey’s life, the son of a world-famous Silicon Valley developer and tycoon. Left behind to fight his own battles, Martin’s reappearance in Daltrey’s life turns the stable world he’s worked so hard for inside out.
Note: Love on the Line books can be read in any order, but best fits the numbered order.
Lines on the Mirror
Love on the Line Book 1
Martin has always done everything his parents ever asked, never making waves, but never learning how to say no either. Then his new partying neighbors introduce him to a different lifestyle that pushes his limits.
The only thing keeping him grounded is getting back in touch with his first love, Daltrey, who moved across the country when they were still teenagers. Now, he’s a successful artist and plays by his own rules. He wants Martin but won’t compromise his morals.
When Martin lets his new friends drag him down until he hits bottom, can he ever find his way back to Daltrey and take control of his life?
Note: Love on the Line books can be read in any order.
Lynn Michaels lives and writes in Tampa, Florida where the sun is hot and the Sangria is cold. When she’s not writing she’s kayaking, hanging with her husband, or reading by the pool. Lynn writes Male/Male romance because she believes everyone deserves a happy ending and the dynamics of male characters can be intriguing, vulnerable, and exciting. She has both contemporary and paranormal titles and has been writing since 2014. Her stories don’t follow any set guidelines or ideas, but come from her heart and contain love in many forms.
$10 Amazon Gift Card
Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

 

Author Interview, Meet The Author: ‘Street Lit King’ De’Kari!! #amreading

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De'Kari's photo (2)Alright, alright UK and world wide  people let’s welcome De’Kari! We’re kicking off March’s Meet The Author by heading over to the West coast of the USA. Yasssssss we have another author from this part of the world, who I’m happy to have met, and to have read their work. I’ve personally dubbed him one of the ‘Street Lit Kings‘ as  I  found his work very engaging. I read Gorillaz in the Bay last month, and ya’ll know I don’t really read this genre. But, I really enjoyed it you can read the full review here.

From what I understand Author De’Kari has been causing quite a storm in the land of urban fiction, and scooped up nominations, titles/awards. Let’s get to know his style….

Hello nice to meet you! Tell us a bit about you where are you from and other than writing what else do you enjoy?

Hello, my name is Author De’Kari. I am from Menlo Park, the Bay Area of California. I love spending quality time with family, fishing, sports, rapping and writing music.

Kim- Fishing?? *Pulls a funny face* well, I’m surprised! I never would have imagined you sat with a fishing rod, kicking back and waiting for a good catch.

How did you start writing? What was your inspiration to create?

I discovered my passion during my childhood when doing creative writing in school. My inspiration for creating these stories were my experiences and things I saw growing up.

Who is your favourite author, is there anyone out there that inspires you?

K’WAN, Kwame, Ca$h, Terri Woods & Terry McMillan – I enjoy their style of writing and I don’t get bored. They all inspired me as well as my loved ones.

Kim- Love Terry McMillan yes!

What genre do you enjoy reading?

Romance, Suspense Thriller, love Western’s, Murder Mysteries, Urban Fiction.

Kim- Arrrgh really? Mmmkay… that’s interesting I write fifty percent of that genre list there. *Cheesy grin* 

How did publishing your first book change your process of writing?

I now take in consideration what my readers suggest from their reviews and feedback.

So you’ve published a series, what is the series about?

The rise and struggle of a Bay Area drug organization.

What was it like creating back to back stories that link?

After the first story, the ideas for the next one was fresh in my mind. It was easy linking them together.

Kim- Wozers, you know I really take my hat of to you series writers who can link stories. I’ve ever really been good at that. I have created a series…but standalone stories… with the same theme…. sooooo not the same. Well done you!

Where did you draw your inspiration for the plot in Gorillaz In The Bay?

Real life experiences.

Kim- I really think readers should check that out I really enjoyed it, and that’s from a  non-traditional reader of the street lit genre. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at the reality, and clever plot. My full four star review is here.

It’s interesting that you used females ‘the she-wolves’ as female assassins and key players in GITB. What made you decide to have a female line up of this nature?

In many urban novels the men dominate, so I wanted to do something different. I grew up around women that were strong, leaders and knew how to handle themselves on the streets the same as any man.

Kim- was great reading, raw! But great.

How do you ensure when it comes to street lit as a genre, your stories are realistic and believable ? I must say, I found GITB to be very believable. There is a great deal of reality in my stories.

Things I saw growing up.

In your view, what would you say are the strengths of this genre? Why should readers consider it to read?

For so long no one ever told our story, stories of the hood. The authors I am familiar with (including myself), we are writing about true events and turning it into fiction. I think they are good-reads because of the creativity that goes into them.

In your view are there any weaknesses, or things to improve on in this genre?

The way a lot of male authors portray women in unrealistic role an demean them.

Kim- *takes a deep breath* Yeah, I kinda gotta agree. As a female this is the biggest turn off for me as a reader of this genre. And that’s probably the biggest reason I’ve kinda not really dived into it as a reader, which is a massive shame as I’m a big reader. But, what I have found is that the older or more mature the author is, the better I can  read and engage with their work. I found this with you, and with another male author. In all honesty, I do think the genre has some work to do to help improve  how women are portrayed. It’s interesting you used the word ‘unrealistic’, I’m glad someone else thinks so. 

Have you ever thought about writing in a different genre? If you could what genre would you like to dabble in?

Romance, Paranormal Romance, Fantasy, Suspense Thrillers and maybe Black Westerns.

Kim *grins* yeah I’d read all that if you did.

What has been your most proud moment as an author?

The moment I had one of my books in my hand and the first time someone I didn’t know told me they read my book.

Was there ever a time you wanted to pick up your laptop, and then launch it out the window with frustration?

Due to my situation all my writing is done by hand with a pencil. There have been several times out of frustration that I have torn the pages up and started over.

Kim- You’re the second author in about two weeks that has given me that same response! Salut to you!!

Are you a “plotter” or a fly by the seat of your pants “pantster” as a writer?

Fly by the seat.

Am I the only one who gets hung up on commas? Do they make you go blah! when you’re writing?

Not really, I was kind of a nerd in school, so it doesn’t bother me.

Kim- I hate you!

Every writer has a word(s) that they always slip up on when they write, then slap their forehead when they notice their typo. For me it’s further and farther exit or exists-  but hey I’m over it now.  Do you have a word (s) that make you go blah! Go away not another damn typo.

The words than and then, I correct many times.

What three tips would you give any aspiring writer?

Follow your passion, work hard and do lots of promoting. Write what’s in your heart, never give up or let someone change your story but you must be open to critical and constructive criticism.

Kim- Amen to that.

What are you working on now? What will you release next?

I have a 2-book series, the first one to be released in March 2020 called Tears of a `Gangsta. I am currently working on part 2.

Kim- Hmmm, mmmkay…

So…. where can we get your books?

Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com, Target.com, Walmart.com

Kim- Walmart! And Target amazing! I’m on the other side of the world and even I know how big those stores are in the USA. Well done you!!

What are the most important magazines for writers to subscribe to?

Not sure, I would like some suggestions.

Kim * Whistles*…. let’s get on to the next question, I ain’t gotta clue either that’s why I ask. LOLZ

What does “success” look like to you? When would you say “damn, I’ve made it baby!”

When I am on the “New York Times Best Seller” list.

Kim- Snap!

Does a big ego help or hurt writers?

Hurt, because you need to be humble but always have confidence!

Kim- Good answer.

What kind of research do you do, and how long do you spend researching before beginning a book?

When research is needed “Team De’Kari” does my research since I am not currently unable. They spend limited time on research because I come up with most of the stuff on my own.

What is your writing process like?

I get an idea and then the title comes soon after.

Is there anything you must have while writing? (Music, snacks, etc)

I have my snacks nearby. I usually block out time in the morning and late evening to write. While writing I like things quiet so I can have complete concentration. Leading up to me writing I usually listen to some mellow music, if I have access.

Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with bad or good ones?

Yes, I read all my reviews. I enjoy the feedback. Most of my reviews have been positive. I have received some comments about grammar or something minor but if I do get a negative review, I will learn from it.

What was your hardest scene to write?

Writing scenes with conversations.

Kim- That part comes kinda easy to me… maybe it’s due to the many ‘staff meetings’ I hold with myself during the day. LOLZ

Do you Google yourself?

Yes!

Kim- F*ck I don’t I’m too scared too!

How long on average does it take you to write a book?

Approximately 3 months.

Kim- Just knock them babies out huh? *Totally jealous* writing for me can sometimes be like child birth…. slow and painful in places.

What would you like readers to know?

That I have a passion for helping people especially our Youth. I have spent most of my life helping others. I guess this has a lot to do with the suffering I endured as a child.

What’s your favourite movie?

Braveheart with Mel Gibson.

What’s your favourite book and why?

I have so many but the one that stands out now is the Alchemist by Paulo Coelho.

What music do you like?

I like all kind of music, but R&B is my favourite.

Where would you like to travel to and why?

Africa, the home of my ancestors.

Kim- Ummm, me too.

Tell us about how you develop your characters?

From people I know / have met along my journey.

Which one of your characters is your favourite and why?

It’s hard to say just one because there are several characters that have a piece of me in them. If I had to pick one it would be Voorheeze because no matter what he went through, he survived.

Kim- Awww so I really need to read the next part in Gorillaz in The Bay now, to see what happened to him. You know I thought you’d say T’Rida for some reason.

Do you need a lot of sexual experience to be a good erotica author?

I think it helps. You can also learn from what you see in movies, etc. Also having a great imagination.

Kim- you know I put this question here for an erotica author I interviewed years ago, most authors skip over it. Glad you stepped up to the plate. I think imagination is everything really with erotic stories or sex scenes, regardless of experience.

If you could do it all again would you change anything?

Yes, I would have searched for a publisher years ago when I wrote my first book.

Pick one a one time “Bestselling author” or an author with longevity what would you rather?

I would say an author with longevity as long as people enjoyed my work / purchased my books.

Thank you so much for spending time with me today De’Kari, it’s great to put a face to the great book. And get to know you a little better. I would encourage those who enjoy raw tales, crime fiction, and urban fiction that’s realistic to give this series a try. With thirty nine positive reviews on Amazon on my last check, why not!? It’s also free to read on Kindle Unlimited at the time of this interview.

About The Series

Gorillaz In The Bay is the newest series to take the urban literary world by storm. Author De’Kari brings the pages of his novels to life with his descriptive depiction of California’s Bay Area Street Life. The vivid tale begins with the birth of Neva Die Dragon Gang. Then he takes the readers along as the gang surges its way to the top of the Underworld. The Neva Die Dragon Gang are hell-bent on a quest to Reign Supreme in the jungle called the Bay Area. The characters T’Rida, Tommy Guns and Jason Voorheeze will soon find out they aren’t the only predators in this jungle. Does this trio of Comrades have what it takes for their organization to be the Bay Areas Apex Predators?
Critics are saying that Gorillaz In The Bay is the modern day New Jack City. Follow the series and decide if you agree with the rest of the critics. Is T’Rida the new Nino Brown?

🔥🔥AVAILABLE NOW ON AMAZON🔥🔥
Gorillaz In The Bay Book Series
book 1
book 2
book 3
book 4

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/Dekari.Beckum

Instagram – urban.novels.by.dekari 

Twitter – https://twitter.com/DeKari67503535 

Amazon Author Page –  https://www.amazon.com/DeKari/e/B07MCMJGXJ?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_fkmr0_1&qid=1556320531&sr=8-1-fkmr0

Goodreads Author Page – https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18735895.De_Kari?from_search=true

About The Author

De’Kari, author of the newly released Gorillaz In the Bay, is a promising author whose work is nothing short of amazing. Though it’s his first book, De’Kari’s work provides readers with an authentic glimpse into street life. He currently writes urban fiction but plans to cross over to other genres.
The author was born and raised in Northern California.

The author experienced a challenging childhood. Riddled with abuse, neglect and witnessing violence first-hand, De’Kari’s early years were dark and pained. Due to the dysfunction that surrounded him, he was often uprooted and moved from place to place. After various placements with relatives, he found himself in foster care. He eventually turned to the streets which consequently led to a lot of bad choices. In turn those bad choices led to youth authority, jail & prison.
There is more to this author than the street-life. He always had a love for writing. In school he excelled in creative writing. He would always live-out the story as he was writing. Through his most difficult times, he used writing as a way to escape from his surroundings.

In additional to writing, he creates poetry, writes songs and does artwork. He loves spending time with family, fishing, sports and helping youth.
He is happy that he is finally able to share his writing with others, putting his passion to work! De’Kari, author of the newly released Gorillaz In the Bay, is a promising author whose work is nothing short of amazing. Though it’s his first book, De’Kari’s work provides readers with an authentic glimpse into street life. He currently writes urban fiction but plans to cross over to other genres.

book flyer all 4

Writing Prompt- Places…

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Welcome to March! Today’s writing prompt in book is simply answer… ‘beach, mountain, forest or somewhere else?’   This writing prompt called me so much! For me it’s all about here….

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I’m beach lover for so many reasons, not only is it beautiful to  be right  at the edge of a country or island, it’s just a stunning place visually, mentally, emotionally and spiritually for me. Here’s why I’d choose the beach over the mountains, forest or some other place.

I’m a water baby!

Through and through I just love the water. Be it the beach, pool, bath or shower lolz I can’t get enough  of it. I soak in the bath for ages, and  a five minute shower is unheard of for me. I find water actually really calming. Once, when I worked in the depths of south London the building was right across the road from one of south London’s popular parks. I would spend my lunch break right by the lake or make-shift pound you could call it. Even when it was a little chilly, I’d just wrap up and have my lunch there. It was at that point that I realised that the water calms me, and centres me.  The work environment at the particular place was very stressful. I also worked their while pregnant and I needed to get out and away.

Of course I love to swim too, one of my favourite forms of exercise and really wish I had more time for it. Overall, my ideal home would be right by the water. I am lucky that where I live now, I am by water. That said,  if I had a beach front house, or even lived within walking distance or a short drive from a beach I’d be on cloud nine. It’s just beautiful. I like to sit by the water and just …well…watch it. Listen to music, read, write whatever just being near.

When I’m on holiday I’m the kinda person to spend all day, and I mean all day at the beach, and then explore during the evening or later in the day. It’s pretty hard to tear me away I’ll just chill and people watch.

Ideally, if I could live anywhere in the world, it would also be somewhere with great beaches.

I like exotic and warm places!

Well…. I’m the author of  the ‘Romance Set in Paradise Series’ so that’s hardly surprising I like the exotic! But personally, I’m a warm blooded human, I love the sun and everything about it. Apart from difficulty with keeping my make-up on lolz. I really enjoy the warmer weather as I feel everyone is in a much better mood, and I am too.

Summer  and the beach to me is ‘fun’, ‘carefree’ and time to enjoy yourself and get out and about. Rather than be stuck in doors. I also find that there’s a hella-lot of great books released in the summer time.

Many of the places that I would to visit are parts of south America, the Caribbean, Thailand and I’d love to do a safari…from the safety of a very enclosed car though.

Spiritual, Mental and Emotional Well-Being

This can all be experienced from the beach. You can do Yoga, Pilates ( things I do do), and even peaceful meditations to the sounds of waves. Like I said I find the water and its motion very alluring to me. The water is also a great force of nature, it can be calm and welcoming but at the same time cause chaos! And even sadly, take lives. It must be respected.

Writing Inspiration…

If I ever become fortunate enough to live near a beach, a real beautiful one I think that inspiration to write would flow ‘like water’ LOL. Okay, that was a bit cliche but it’s the truth. And I don’t think I’d write stories set in just exotic or warm places. I genuinely feel being near water could motivate and inspire me.

Overall, I find the mountains too high for me I’m not great with heights,  and probably a bit chilly, I’m not great with that either. Hmm the  forest there could be creepy crawlies I’m not great with them either. I could never camp! So the beach suits me, my personality and how I can find inner peace and calm to a T.

What would you go with beach, mountains, forest or some place else? And why let me know?

Romance Series Release + $30.00 Giftcard Giveaway!! #amreading

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Nestled within the hills of central Texas is a special ranch. A place that defies the laws of physics—that of time, space, and dimensions. It’s a place where normal morphs with the paranormal and supernatural. A place that seems to know what a person’s true desires and needs are, and then allows the right circumstances to occur to fulfill those wishes.
Welcome to the Gateway Ranch.
Your gateway to all things possible…
The sprawling ranch offers something for everyone—wranglers, riding, roping, rustic accommodations all the way to fantastic resort hotel amenities including a salon and spa, exquisite rooms and suites, and five-star dining. The buildings and land also hold special energy and are known for odd phenomena. Each time you stay at the Gateway, you’ll discover something new.
Gateway Ranch series books offered by Three Flames Publishing https://threeflamespublishing.com/
To Be Yours
Gateway Ranch Series
by C.R. Moss
Genre: Paranormal Romantic Suspense
Katrina Foster has survived a life no one dreams about and most don’t want to know about. Escaping to a ranch in Texas she used to visit during the summers of her childhood and rekindling an old relationship with Dakota Remington, she hopes to leave the nightmare of her past behind her. At first, all seems well, but when strange things begin to happen, she wonders if history’s about to repeat itself.
Dakota Remington has devoted his life to working at Gateway Ranch. He’s excited when Kat, his former sweetheart, returns and looks forward to reuniting with her. He finds she’s changed, though, and he’s not sure if it’s for the better. But he’s up for the challenge of the puzzle that is Kat.
Book Trailer
When Spirit Calls
Gateway Ranch Series
by Johanna Riley
Genre: Paranormal Romance
When spirit calls, it’s not just the living who answer.
Psychic medium Elle Gordon has been called to the Gateway Ranch & Resort. A rogue spirit is tormenting the undead, preventing their cross overs. Using her connection to the other side, Elle is determined to stop the attacks. If only the hunky hotel manager, Caspian, would stop disturbing her process and focus. A shared goal of saving spirit convinces the couple to work together. Acknowledging and accepting their mutual attraction, their new bond amplifies their powers. But will that new strength be enough to put an end to the rogue spirit, or will it destroy them all?
Enticing Penelope
Gateway Ranch Series
by Austyn Sherrie
Genre: Paranormal Romance
World-renowned vampire chef, Michael Stake, does not believe in romance that leads to happily-ever-after. He is content with one-night stands and playing the field. Penelope Rothchild is a famous food critic on the hunt for the next best foodie establishment.
When Penelope enters Michael’s restaurant romantic sparks fly. It does not take long for him to clear his date calendar hoping to fill it with one name. Penelope. But when Penelope secretly adds garlic to his dishes, his world goes haywire. Penelope Rothchild could be his queen in shining armor or his 10th ring of Hell. Only time on the Ranch will reveal all.
Can their new love survive his poisoning, her realization of the vampire world, and both their stubbornness to trust? Welcome to the Gateway Ranch where anything is a possibility.
About C.R. Moss
An eccentric and eclectic writer, C.R. Moss pens stories for the mainstream and erotic romance markets, giving readers a choice of sweet, savory or spicy reads, usually within a sub-genre or two — paranormal, sci-fi/fantasy, time travel, or western flare. She also has a passion for penning dark fiction. Writing as Casey Moss, she delves into the darker aspects of life in her work, sometimes basing the stories on reality, sometimes on myth. No matter the path, her stories will take you on a journey from the lighthearted paranormal to dark things unspeakable. What waits around the corner? Come explore… www.caseymscorner.com
About Johanna Riley
Johanna Riley has been writing for twenty years. Her love of reading romance fueled the desire to write and help others fall for happily ever afters. Her books are sweet and sensual with a dash of sass and laughter.
About Austyn Sherrie
Austyn Sherrie is a true romantic at heart. When she is not busy teaching high school or spending time with her husband and son, you can find her working on a story. She loves to hear from her fans. Please, send your correspondence to austynsherrie@gmail.com
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