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Thursday, January 26, 2012

Character Interview: Dade Blue-Therror from Dragon Wings by DC Grace


Happy Thursday, Kristina's Books & More fans! Today I have a special treat for you! I got a chance to interview Dade Blue-Therror from my favorite book of 2012 so far, Dragon Wings by DC Grace!! Enjoy! 




Welcome to Kristina's Books &More, Dade! *offers my hand* Thank you for agreeing to answer my questions! Before we start, may I just  say that I'm a big fan. :)
*kisses the back of Kristina's hand and smiles* Well thank you, Kristina. I'm a big fan of yours, as well!

Who are you, Dade? For those who don't know.
I am Dade Blue-Therror, Crown Prince of the Seelie Court, and also known as the Amethyst Dragon. I am a rare Dragon Fae, born of a Faery mother and a Dragon father.

Why should people read your story?
My, you certainly start with the hard questions, don't you? I think people should read my story because we Dragon Fae to this point have not appeared in literature, yet ours is an important tale to tell. And Dragon Wings speaks to the heart. I mean, we read for enjoyment, but our favorite books tend to be the ones that touch us on a personal level, don't you agree? There is something in Dragon Wings for everyone: adventure, romance, humor, intrigue, romance... I know I said romance already, but I rather fancy that part the most. *winks*

How has your mission to Earth been?
It has been especially interesting and challenging. Everything I learned about the mortal realm while in Avalon came from the works of Plato, Aristotle and Shakespeare. And other sentinels, who, unfortunately, had not been among humans since the 1970's. Needless to say, much has changed here since then!

Was it love at first sight with Shelby?
Ah, whoever loved that loved not at first sight? I was a victim of Cupid's arrow from the start, it's true, though I daresay I did not want to admit it.

At the end of Dragon Wings things are falling apart. What can you tell us about the second part of your story?
Shakespeare wrote, “Oh, God, that one might read the book of fate.” I cannot tell you much, but I can tell you this: I will not give up, I will not rest until all wrongs have been righted.

How many parts will there be to your story?
There were to be three, but rumor has it there could possibly be a fourth. *leans closer* What do you think? Am I worthy of a fourth?

How did it feel when Shelby gave up her position in the click for you?
Sadly, it wasn't a position she should have been put in. I love my Shelby with all my heart, but it saddens my heart that ultimately, she had to chose. It is something about humans I may never understand. Does the color of one's lipstick really speak so loudly of the person within?

Being a Dragon Fey you have some amazing magical capabilities. What are they?
Ah yes, well, being a Dragon Fae does have its perks! We can read emotions through auras, we are telepathic, so we can not only read minds but communicate with each other without speaking a word. We can also conjure at will, and, of course, we can transform our physical form into that of a dragon, right down to breathing fire. Being born of the Spring clan, I also have the power to heal, as well as control the growth of plants and communicate with animals.

Describe Avalon.
Where do I begin? Avalon is made up of five territories, Emain Ablach, Mag Mell, Tir na nog, Orbis Alia and Glamorgan. Each is ruled by a clan of a different season, with the exception of Glamorgan, which is ruled by Morgan le Fay. The most beautiful, of course, is Tir na nog, the land of the Spring Faeries. This is my home. It lies against the shores of the River Cadbury, the gateway to the Fae realm, and is dotted with meadows and woodlands as far as the eye can see.

What was your childhood like?
Despite growing up without ever knowing my father, I had a happy childhood. I played in the castle gardens with my best friend Leo, the Sunrise Dragon, son of my mother's lady in waiting. We played games of Sentinels and Rogues, and when we grew a little older, we would take to our dragon forms and chase each other across the skies of Tir Na Nog.

What is your most treasured possession?
One would think I might say my lady fair, Shelby, but they would be wrong. She is not a possession, though she is most treasured. No, I would have to say my most prized possession would be the enchanted sword bestowed upon me by none other than Morgan le Fay. But you must read the book to know which sword I speak of! *winks conspiratorially*

How would you like to die?
How any man hopes to die - with honor. I would much prefer to die in battle, defending my family and my homeland. Unless, of course, I were to die an old man, having fought well, warm in my bed, in the arms of my beloved.

For those who don't know, describe your physical appearance.
*looks down at his clothes* I am wearing my favorite faded black jeans, motorcycle boots, white t-shirt and black denim jacket covered with a variety of patches. *eyes widen in understanding* Oh, you mean what do I look like! I still have trouble understanding your mortal ways of speaking! *grins* I am tall, almost 6'5", and, as I've been told by many of the girls at Shelby High, I am "ripped." I have shoulder-length black hair that has a bluish cast in the sunshine, and amethyst eyes.

Boxers or briefs? *winks*
Umm... neither. *blushes* Undergarments aren't something we necessarily require in Avalon, and it's a practice I haven't exactly adopted in the human realm.

Thank you so much for answering my questions, Dade! I can't wait to find out what happens in Pixie Dust! *hugs Dade* Oh, and if things don't work out with Shelby I'm available! *winks*
I shall keep that in mind. *grins and kisses Kristina's hand* It has been enchanting, my dear. I look forward to next time. If you should decide to visit us in the Fae realm, remember to bring your silver bough for Barinthus the Ferryman!


Winners from the Dragon Wing Contest:

First Place: Shelley Bunnel!
Runner up: Maria M!

Both winners have been emailed! Congrats!

Happy Reading!
Kristina

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Author Interview with Alexia Purdy

Happy Tuesday, Kristina's Books & More fans! I hope your week is starting well. Today on the blog I have author Alexia Purdy!Enjoy the interview!





First off, can you tell everyone a little bit more about yourself?
I’m 33 yrs old and I work as an RN to fund my writing career and not be homeless, been one for almost 12 years.  I have four kids ranging from 11-2yrs old who drive me crazy every day.  I love to read all the time and I have a huge imagination and am very chatty.  I like anything creative and enjoy watching movies, singing, traveling and of course reading and writing.

What age did you start writing? What inspired you to start?
I started writing since I could write, probably around 6?  Not too sure but I would write out these cute little stories, illustrate them and everything.  I wanted to write just like the wonderful books that I was enjoying at the time.

Tell us about your book(s)? 
My debut series starts with Ever Shade (A Dark Faerie Tale) It is about a girl named Shade, a half human half Faery who encounters the Land of Faerie and is sent on a mission to acquire special water magic to aid the Seelie Queen in a battle between the Faerie courts.  Shade discovers that not everyone in Faerie is what they seem and challenges on her life are around every corner.  When she sets out on this journey, magic defies all she has ever known and she learns that she might have a few tricks up her own sleeve.
Are your characters based on people you know?
No they are not based on anyone I know, they really live in my imagination.

Which of your characters is most like yourself?
I’d say Shade is most like me, though I can’t say that we are that similar.  She’s observant, smart, yet vulnerable in her own way, I guess I am too.

Do you listen to music while you write? Do you have playlists for your books?
I can only write with music and change the type of music I am listening to depending on the mood I need for writing a certain scene.  I do have playlists for my books that can be found on Spotify or take a peek at my Facebook page where they listed.

What are you currently working on?
I am launching my debut novel Ever Shade on March 16th 2012 with Crushing Hearts and Black Butterfly Publishing so I’m busy getting things together for that.  I am also working on a post-apocalyptic vampire hunter series called Reign of Blood, first book will release at the end of March 2012.  I also love writing poetry and am putting my collection out as an ebook in February.
Are there any specific things you have to have while you write?
Just my laptop, headphones, music, some coke soda and chocolate, and to be left alone!!!
Do you have a certain place/time you write?
I write mostly at my dining room table, I don’t have a desk.  I write during my little one’s nap times and mostly late at night after they go to bed.

What do you do when you're not writing?  I mostly read, watch movies or hang out with my family.  My brother lives in the same city so we go out to eat and hang out a lot, our kids are around the same age too.  He’s my twin by the way and he rocks!

Do you read all the reviews about your books?
Right now since there are not that many, I do read them all.

Tell us about your journey to get published?
I self-published in July 2011 with my debut novel, then it was named Interim Blue.  I researched about self-publishing and thought it was a good option for me.  It took off since then and then in November, I was asked to submit to Crushing Hearts and Black Butterfly Publishing and was accepted, yaaaay!!!  It definitely has opened doors to put my work out there.

Do you read? Who is your favorite author?
I love to read!  My favorite authors I have to say are Charlaine Harris, Alice Hoffman and Cassandra Clare.  They have amazing writing and have inspired me greatly.

Do you have any advice for aspiring authors like myself?
Just keep at it.  Write every day and read every day.  Always do something for your writing, promote and chat with people about it.  You have to put it out there or no one will know you exist.
Random questions:
Favorite band?
Linkin Park
Movie?
Labyrinth
Color?
Tie between Purple and yellow
Food?
Tie between Italian and Mexican food.
The one question that hasn't been asked yet, but you like to be asked?
Do I think writers are the new rock stars?  For sure!
Where can fans find you?
Blog/website:
Twitter:
Goodreads Author page:
Facebook Profile page:
Ever Shade (A Dark Faerie Tale) Fan page:
Anything else you like to tell everyone?
I love my fans!! You guys are the best ever!  Thank you for all your support, love and encouragement in the dark times and good times.  Love you!
Thanks!














Happy Reading!
Kristina


Saturday, January 21, 2012

Author Interview and giveaway with DC Grace!!!

Happy Saturday, Kristina's Books & More fans! This is the first post since last night's blog renovation! I hope you like the changes as much as I do! Today on the blog I have author DC Grace! You may remember that I just reviewed one of her books,http://kristinasbooksandmore.blogspot.com/2012/01/synopsis-fiction-is-about-to-have-new.html,which was beyond awesome!Enjoy the interview and stay tuned for an awesome giveaway at the end!



 First off, can you tell everyone a little bit more about yourself?

Well, aside from being an author, I'm the mother of three beautiful girls, ages 18, 15 & 10. My oldest is going to college to become an editor, and my youngest aspires to be a YA author, so two of the three are keeping literature in the family, hahaha! My middle daughter wants to become a genetic researcher. I also have a Chihuahua and a couple of cats - I'm hoping not to become a crazy cat lady in my old age...! ;)

What age did you start writing? What inspired you to start?

I actually started writing when I was young - in 2nd grade I wrote poems all the time and gave them to my teacher for fun. She was the one that inspired me to stick with it: at the end of the school year she gave me a bound book with all the stories and poems I'd given her inside. The title page had a note from her that read, "I fully expect to hear from you when you've written your first novel." So Mrs. Gardner, whereever you are, I did it!            

How many books have you written? Which book was the easiest/ most fun to write?

I've got three books in print, the first two in the Guardians series, and book one of the Amethyst Dragon. Two more should be released by year's end. The easiest one to write was Season of Destruction (book 2 of Guardians) - it pretty much wrote itself after the solid foundation of The Sacred Oath. The most fun was Dragon Wings. The characters are so different from the Guardians, and so fantastical, I had a ball!

Tell my fans that have not yet read Dragon Wings a little bit about the book.

Dragon Wings is kind of a modern day faery tale, and it's the story of two worlds coming together. Shelby Mercy, the heroine, is part of the in crowd at Shelby High in modern day Shelbyville, KY. Dade Blue-Therror, our hero, is the Crown Prince of the Seelie Court in Avalon, sent to the earthly realm as a sentinel of Gaia. When they meet and the two worlds collide, the real drama begins. Shelby is forced to choose between her world and Dade's, and the stakes are high no matter what she decides. I've always been in love with all things medieval, and I wanted to marry the beliefs and ideals of the Old World and New World. Its a tale of chivalry and romance.     

Do you do a lot of research for The Amethyst Dragon series?

Oh yes, there was a lot of research involved to make the worlds believable, and to know what I was talking about when I "twisted things" to my own advantage. I had to brush up on my knowledge of Irish Faery myths and legends, Gaelic, King Arthur, Morgan le Fay, etc. etc....   Are your characters based on people you know or yourself? A couple of characters in Dragon Wings are based on people I know, yes. The three best friends, Shelby, Diane and Cotsy are the culmination of several teenage girls that I've observed being the mom of two teenage girls. I won't say who, though, they know who they are, lol! Dade, however, is more my "ideal" - he represents everything I imagine a true romantic hero to be.     

Explain your characters in three words?

Oh my Lord! Okay, how about strong, ageless & timeless. Twenty years from now, these characters will still be relevant. :)

Do you listen to music while you write? Do you have playlists for your books?

Oh, yes! And you don't want to be nearby when I've got my headphones on - I may break into song, and that could be detremental to your hearing! And yes, I feature my Playlists in the back of each and every book.

What are you currently working on?

I'm currently writing book two of Amethyst Dragon, Pixie Dust, and book three of The Guardians, Last Shadow Cast. I started working on a third series that features a favorite character from the Guardians, Jake. It's called Myths, Magick & Mechanics, but I've had to shelf it for a few months.

Are there any specific things you have to have while you write?

Hahaha, I might sound like an overindulgant rock star, but yes! I need an endless supply of coffee until noon, then I switch to Coke! I also have to have Doritos, taquitos with sour cream (for the late night crunches!), and my cherry flavored cigars. Yes, cigars, and I know it's bad, but that's my chocolate! Oh yeah, and my headphones so I can jam!

Do you have a certain place/time you write?

Pretty much whenever the mood hits me. I do my best writing in the middle of the night when everyone's asleep, there's no distractions and I'm caffienated to the hilt, lol! I tend to pull all-nighters quite a bit, but it works for me. Some of the most amazing scenes I've written were between 3:00am and 5:00am!

What do you do when you're not writing?

I think about writing! Lol, kidding! I like to read, go shopping, and I'm addicted Real Housewives of Beverly HIlls. I'm also driving the kids around a lot so they can maintain their social lives, lol!   Do you read all the reviews about your books?  I try to!       

What's the best and worst thing about being an author?

The best part is having a reader tell me how much they related to one of my characters, or how my work inspired them, or just made them smile. It makes what I do so worthwhile to know someone was touched by my words. The worst thing is the long hours trapped in front of a computer screen when it's crunch time for a deadline.

 Tell us about your journey to get published?

Wow! Well, if I'm honest, I don't like following traditional ways of being seen. I'm a firm believer in standing apart, so I didn't exactly follow the guideline of submit to one publisher at a time, wait, go to the next one. That's too much waiting for me. So I'll admit I went through a lot of backdoors, but in the end, it paid off! I don't know if I'd suggest following my example, however, lol! It's a fine line to walk without getting a bad reputation in the community.

Do you read? Who is your favorite author?

I've always been an avid reader. The works that inspired me to write came from some of the greats: Shakespeare, Edgar Allen Poe, Nathaniel Hawthorne, the Bronte sisters and Steinbeck. But I read a lot of current works as well. My favorite author of the moment is my girl Julie Kagawa.

 Do you have any advice for aspiring authors like myself?

Write often, write what you know, and most important, write what you love. If you're not inspired, no one else will be either. And don't take no for an answer! Today's no is tomorrow's yes.

Favorite band?

Oh, man, what day is it? Lol, I have a few, but Aerosmith and Fleetwood Mac are the top two. I also love Foster the People and Cage the Elephant.

Movie? Steel Magnolias!

Color? Purple

Food? Sushi

What''s the one question that haven't been asked yet, but you'd like to be asked?

Hmmm, I'm not sure! I don't think I've been asked why I write each chapter from a different character's perspective yet, believe it or not. I do that because sometimes when I'm reading, I want to know what other characters are thinking, so I decided I'd make sure no one would ever have to wonder with my work. I think it adds a lot of dimension to a story, and it sure is fun to switch voices!

Where can fans find you?

They can find me on Twitter, @authorDCGrace, and on the Facebook pages for Amethyst Dragon and The Guardians.

Anything else you like to tell everyone?

I hope you enjoy the tales I've woven for your entertainment! Come say hi if you see me at one of the FaerieCon eveents or signings this spring/summer!


 **Giveaway** 

DC has graciously agreed to giveaway some really cool prizes!

Runner up: Ecopy of Dragon Wings

First Place: Ecopy of Dragon Wings and signed paperback copy of Dragon Wings when released 

***Rules*** 

1.) You must be a follower of this blog

2.) You must be a fan of The Amethyst Dragon Series on Facebook. http://m.facebook.com/?_rdr#!/profile.php?id=246503588713777&ref=m_notif&__user=1509079967

3.) Find or draw a dragon picture DC will pick the winners on Monday night! Good luck!!

Happy Reading! 
Kristina

Thursday, January 19, 2012

Interview with Brethren Savior Raphael- Relic blog tour!

Happy Thursday, Kristina's Books & More fans! Today on the blog I have Raphael, the hunky angel from Deena Remiel's Brethren Angels series! :) Enjoy!
 
 
 
*crosses ankles and arranges skirt* Welcome to Kristina's Books & More, Deena and Raphael! Thank you for joining me today! *offers hand to shake* Please make yourself at home!
Hi Kristina! *grasps her hand in both of his and holds them for a moment, putting her at ease.* I appreciate you having me here today.

Raphael, can you tell us a little bit about yourself and what we can expect from your book, Relic?
 I'm a Brethren Savior. That means I heal people and bring others back from the bring of death. Well, I used to anyway. I'm a bit blocked at the moment unfortunately. I'm about to head out to Sedona. I'm hoping the vortexes will do their magic and get me my powers back. While I'm there I have a nasty bit of business to conduct. I have to tell a young woman, Serena Sikes, that her brother's been found dead. Not looking forward to doing that at all. I don't know, there's something about her. I'm drawn to her and I don't know why.

What is your favorite part about being an angel?
I enjoy healing people and bringing souls back from the brink of death, extending their lives and giving them a new chance to live their lives better.I also love beating the crap out of Evil!

Which time period has been your favorite since you came to Earth?
I love this modern era, with all its technology and advances in medicine, but for some reason, I also have a fascination with ancient Gaul. Maybe because that's when I first manifested. 

Boxers or briefs? *winks*
What are those? Ha ha ha Actually, if you MUST know... I go commando... sometimes. But mostly, I like boxer briefs.

Do you have any interesting facts about your brothers that you could share?
Hmmm. What can I tell you about them that won't get me pummeled when I leave here? Okay, Gabriel has a thing for Armani suits. He organizes them by color - light to dark in his closet. Cassiel is a master practical joker. He's gotten us all a time or two.  We all have a thing for pizza. Don't know why, but we love mushroom pepperoni. *Shrugs and laughs*

I have a thing for Subway chocolate chip cookies. Read RELIC and you will too. *winks*
 
What's next for the Brethren?
The Brethren are going to be helping out one of our own in the next book. Can you say addiction? Yeah, one of us has a problem that's gone on for far too long and we're gonna do something about it.
 
*** Anyone that comments and leaves an email address will recieve a sensual poem, In Dreams You Come To Me, and a picture based on Raphael and Serena!***
 
Happy Reading!
Kristina
Dessert of choice?

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Author Interview With Joselyn Vaughn!

Happy Hump day, Kristina's Books & More fans! I hope everyone is having a great week! The weekend is not that far away! Today on the blog I have author Joselyn Vaughn! Enjoy!

First off, can you tell everyone a little bit more about yourself?
I’m a stay at home mom who writes so that my entire life doesn’t revolve around my children’s bowel movements. (ugh.) I have three great kids, but we are in the throes of potty training and it has its own circle in the Inferno. Dante just forgot to write about it.  When I’m not doing that immensely fun project, I love to thrift store shop and sew. I recently discovered Pinterest.com and have found all kinds of ideas that I would like to make. Unfortunately, my sewing machine was recently haunted and no longer works, so I can’t do many of them until I purchase a new one.  I also enjoy running and, of course, reading.  I got a Kindle Fire for Christmas and am reading so much more now.


What age did you start writing? What inspired you to start?
I’ve always written on and off and always carried a notebook in my purse, possibly from fear that I might get stuck somewhere and not have anything to do. I started my first novel at thirty. A friend and I were discussing programs for the library where we worked and out of that came the parts of CEOs Don’t Cry. I went home at lunch that day and started writing.


Tell us about your book(s)?
They are sweet, small town romances with quirky characters that hopefully make you laugh. I have 4 books. CEOs Don’t Cry, Sucker for a Hot Rod and Hauntings of the Heart all follow related characters. Courting Sparks is more of a stand alone.

Are your characters based on people you know?
No. I’ve met people after I’ve written a story and thought that person is one of my characters. There was one character that I needed to channel one of my friends every now and then. So when writing those scenes, I would think ‘what would this person say here?’ But the rest of the character was not based on him at all.  


Are any of your characters a lot like you?
I think they all carry elements or characteristics of me, but none of them are actually me. They are a lot braver and adventurous than I am in most cases.


Do you listen to music while you write? Do you have playlists for your books?
Does the Bob the Builder theme  song count? I try to write during my kids’ downtime, I don’t get much done then. I guess children’s tv shows are conducive to productivity for me.  I do make playlists for each book, but I don’t necessarily listen to them while I’m writing. I use them to get inside the head of a character, so I might listen to a song a couple of times in a row, then work on a scene.


What are you currently working on?
I am close to finishing a short story about Barbara and Elmer, the paranormal investigators from Hauntings of the Heart. It has been a lot of fun to work in the streamlined setting of a short story.
Are there any specific things you have to have while you write?
My laptop or a notebook. I switch back and force between typing and working with printouts and writing in a notebook. It depends what I’m in the mood for. I feel a bit more creative when I’m writing in a cute notebook.

Do you have a certain place/time you write?
I get the most done after the kids go to bed. If I can summon the energy.

What do you do when you're not writing?
Mostly it’s hanging out with my kids, feeding them, and cleaning up after them. I’ve heard it gets easier. I’m still waiting.

Do you read all the reviews about your books?
I have been reading them. Mostly because I’m so excited that someone actually read one of my books. I’ve been lucky that most of the reviews have been constructive if they aren’t favorable.

Tell us about your journey to get published?
My first strategy was to find an agent. I sent out several query letters and got nibbles, but no offers. After about forty rejections, I decided to try editors. At that time, there were few publishers that accepted unagented manuscripts and that were looking for clean or sweet romance. I found a handful of publishers and sent queries. Two requested fulls in the same week. Eventually one of those publishers offered a contract for CEOs Don’t Cry. It was published in April 2009.

Do you read? Who is your favorite author?
I have so many favorite authors and so many good friends who are writers. They are keeping my Kindle full. Some favorites are W.S. Gager, Tess Grant, Patricia Kiyono, Tanya Eby and Kay Springsteen. I love romances, especially comedies, as well as classics and historical fiction.  
Do you have any advice for aspiring authors like myself?
Keep writing and find a good critique partner. You need someone you can trust. Someone that will give you honest feedback because they want you to have a better manuscript. I have a great critique group and I don’t think I would have made it as far without them. In fact, I probably would have deleted Hauntings of the Heart without their encouragement.

Random questions:

Favorite band? Zac Brown Band, Brad Paisley, Carbon Leaf
Movie? French Kiss, You’ve got Mail, Love Actually, anything with Hugh Jackman in it.
Color? Pink
Food? Dark chocolate

Where can fans find you?
Contact Links:


Anything else you like to tell everyone?
Thank you so much for having me!


Happy Reading!
Kristina

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Dragon Wings by DC Grace review!


Synopsis:
Fiction is about to have a new breed of characters never before featured! The Amethyst Dragon series will introduce you to a whole new brand of creatures, called Dragon Fae. Making their home in Avalon, Dragon Fae are half dragon and half fairy. They are rare creatures, and are the chosen protectors of the fairy realm, as well as humans in the mortal realm. Dragon Fae can take on the form of a dragon, but when in fairy form they do not have wings.

In Book One, Dragon Wings, we meet Dade Blue-Therror, the Amethyst Dragon. He is dubbed this not just for his amethyst eyes, but because he was born of a Blue clan Spring Fairy and a Red clan Summer Dragon. Dade is also Queen Mab's grandson, and heir to the throne of the Seelie Court. When he comes to the earthly realm with his family for his first assignment as Gaia's sentinel, he isn't prepared for what awaits him.

Shelby Mercy, high school junior and popular member of Shelbyville, Kentucky's "in crowd" has everything she ever wanted in life, including the affections of Marshall Townes, Shelby High's beloved football star. But she doesn't have the kind of adventure she reads about in her romance novels. When she literally runs into Dade at his mother's new shop on the Square, she can't get him out of her mind. But Dade isn't interested in getting involved with human girls. He avoids her at all cost, but something about her is hard to resist. The harder he fights it, the farther he falls.

Dragon Wings is a story of everlasting love, passion, fire and fury. Fairy tale meets modern romance in this exciting, thought-provoking story. As battle lines are drawn, darkness and light fight for control. And only one warrior was born to walk both light and dark - the Amethyst Dragon. But who can Dade really trust? The fairies who cannot lie, yet tell creative truths, or the mortals he has always been so suspicious of? Will he save the girl he loves and protect the two realms from the threat posed by the evil Winter Dragon?

The Amethyst Dragon series will take readers on a walk back in time, while still being firmly rooted in present day. In Dade's world, chivalry is not dead, and Avalon still exists on a plane that holds fast to simple truths. Fairy magic is real, Morgan le Fay is real, and with the help of Dade, the Amethyst Dragon, Camelot could rise again. Enjoy the stories of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table? This series is for you! So join us as the tale unfolds, and enter a world that few have glimpsed. Welcome to Avalon, the world of the elusive Dragon Fae. Slip through the gates, and fall in love with the Amethyst Dragon, his best friend Leo, the Sunrise Dragon, and Dade's aunt Tryamon, Keeper of the Forest. There's plenty of room, so bring your silver bough for the Ferryman. And remember, once you're there, you may never want to leave. But remember, with dragons, you can get burned...

My Review:

I loved, Loved, LOVED Dragon Wings! So much that I added it to my favorites shelf and plan on purchasing a paperback copy when they are avaliable! The story was absolutely magical! Fey and dragon myth is blended with Arthurian legend to create this wonderfully vivid and memorable tale of two young soulmates.

This is one of the few dragon books I have ever read, and I was not disappointed! I knew after the first few sentences that I would love this book. The writing style Mrs. Grace uses is perfect for the story. A mix of modern and classic that suits both sides of the story. The descriptions of Avalon, of the fights, and of the romance are breathtaking.

Dragon Wings is filled with a cast of well developed characters. I really enjoyed all the different points of view. I felt that it made the story even more interesting, knowing what was going on in everyone's head. Dade, our beloved hero, was definitely my favorite to read. He is so charming and truely loves his Shelby. I found myself falling for Dade as Shelby does and experiencing the emotions she felt. Shelby is a red-headed spit fire. She changes throughout the novel and grows as a person. All of the minor characters, the likable ones- Tryamon, Marshall and Leo- were great to read as well. Mrs. Grace does a fantastic job with the evil characters as well- the winter dragon and Costy- the evil high school biotch most of us are familiar with.

The romance is one of the best things about the story. It is sweet, but unbelievably powerful! 

The segregation in the story- between the different types of fey and dragon fey, and among the high school students adds another layer into the story, that will help people relate to the story in some way.

Another great thing about the story is all of the great quotes and pieces of literature sprinkled within the novel. I felt that they were very enlightening and they went along great with the story. Love the cool cover, too!

The last fifty pages of the book is jam packed with action and rollercoaster emotions that will have you frantically flipping the pages to find out what happens next. The story itself is incredibly unique and hard to put down. I found myself reading until I was exhausted, but still wanting to continue.

I will be eagerly awaiting the release of book two, Pixie Dust!(I'm having withdrawals already!) I am already ready to be back with all my favorite characters and find out what happens next! If it is anything like the first book, it will be beyond amazing!

If you are looking for a tale that is special among others, filled with action, true love, and heart melting romance, pick Dragon Wings up! You can thank me later! ;)

5/5

**Thank you to the author, DC Grace, for providing the  review copy! I am forever in your debt! Thank you for writing such a wonderful story and sharing it with us!**

Happy Reading!
Kristina

Monday, January 16, 2012

Guest Post With Author Jennifer Comeaux

Happy Monday, book fans! Today I have author Jennifer Comeaux on the blog! Enjoy the interview and the peek at her book Life on the Edge!


First off, can you tell everyone a little bit more about yourself?  
I've lived in Louisiana all my life and graduated from Tulane University with a degree in accounting. I'm a Certified Public Accountant and work as the Tax Manager for a large corporation. Writing is my creative escape!

What age did you start writing? What inspired you to start?  
I started writing when I was around seven years old. I still have the stories I wrote on loose leaf paper! I don't remember what exactly got me started, but I loved to read and to make up stories in my head, so those were probably two big factors.

Tell us about your book(s)?  
My debut novel LIFE ON THE EDGE was just released by Astraea Press. The book is a YA/contemporary romance, a story of forbidden love between a figure skater and her coach. It's a feel-good story and one that can be enjoyed by all ages! I think my favorite comment so far from a reader has been - "I all of a sudden want to quit my job, pick up skating, and date a ridiculously attractive Russian coach." :)

Are any of your characters a lot like you?
My protagonist Emily shares many of my values and also my love for Italian food. I only dream of being as talented a skater as Emily, though. I've stepped on the ice once in my life, and I clung to the boards almost the entire time!

Do you listen to music while you write? Do you have playlists for your books?  
I do listen to music sometimes when I write. Classical music is especially helpful when I'm writing skating action scenes. I have a soundtrack for Life on the Edge that I burned onto a CD. Music plays an important role in the book, and I make quite a few song references in the story. On my blog, I have a playlist of part of the soundtrack here=> http://jennifercomeaux.blogspot.com/2011/09/power-of-music_28.html 

 What are you currently working on?  
I'm currently working on ideas for a sequel to LIFE ON THE EDGE, continuing Emily and Sergei's story. There's still much more to explore!
Do you have a certain place/time you write?
No, I can pretty much write anywhere, and I write on both my laptop and freehand in my journal. I've found I'm often more successful when writing in my journal because I'm not distracted by other things on my computer, like that pesky internet :)

What do you do when you're not writing?
I'm an avid Tulane baseball fan, so in the spring you'll find me at the ballpark almost every weekend. I love listening to music and I have certain TV shows I can't miss (Once Upon a Time, Pretty Little Liars, How I Met Your Mother, Big Bang Theory are a few). I also love to travel, especially to figure skating competitions. I've made some incredible friends through my travels!

Do you read all the reviews about your books?
Since this is my first book, I've been anxiously looking for reviews everywhere :) It's still a little surreal, reading strangers' thoughts about my story!

Tell us about your journey to get published?
About a year ago, another writer told me about Astraea Press and how she thought they might be a good fit for my story. I started reading some of their books and following their authors' blogs and really liked what I saw. I commented on one of the author blogs that I was writing a sweet romance, and the author asked me to tell her more about it. She loved the sample writing I sent her and encouraged me to submit! I was pretty much jumping up and down in my office. I still had some work to do on the manuscript, and once I finished, I submitted it and received a contract less than a month later! It was a day I'll never forget.

Do you read? Who is your favorite author?
I haven't been able to devote as much time to reading lately, and I'm hoping to change that soon. My current favorite author is Rachel Hawthorne. I love her YA romances.

Do you have any advice for aspiring authors like myself?
Definitely work with critique groups, whether it's through an online site like Critique Circle or with a few writer friends. The support and advice I received from my "critters" was invaluable. 
Random questions:
Favorite band? The Fray, U2, Coldplay
Movie? This is a hard one because there are so many! The Notebook, Center Stage, Beauty and the Beast, Phantom of the Opera, to name a few :)
Great movie choices! Some of my favorites as well! :)
Color?   Blue-green
Food?  Italian

Where can fans find you? 
My blog:  http://jennifercomeaux.blogspot.com
Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/jennifercomeauxauthor
Twitter:  http://www.twitter.com/#!/LadyWave4
Goodreads:   http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5368434.Jennifer_Comeaux

Anything else you'd like to tell everyone?
If you read LIFE ON THE EDGE, I'd love to hear your thoughts! I'm always online, and you can find me at any of the sites above. I love talking to readers and getting their feedback!


Life on the Edge
by Jennifer Comeaux
Published by Astraea Press
Nineteen-year-old Emily is new to pairs skating, but she and her partner Chris have a big dream–to be the first American team to win Olympic gold. Their young coach Sergei, who left Russia after a mysterious end to his skating career, believes they can break through and make history.
Emily and Chris are on track to be top contenders at the 2002 Winter Games. But when forbidden feelings spark between Emily and Sergei, broken trust and an unexpected enemy threaten to derail Emily’s dreams of gold.


Excerpt:

The wind picked up, rustling the trees and sending my empty cup skittering over the table. Sergei snatched it and noticed the time on his watch.
“Oh, wow, it’s two thirty. I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to stay this late.”
“No worries. I can sleep till noon tomorrow.”
He rose from his chair, stretching his arms. “Do you think they all killed each other downstairs?”
“My guess is they played so hard they passed out at some point. That’s been known to happen.”
I got up and smoothed my skirt. I’d kicked off my sandals hours ago, and the weathered wood of the patio was cool under my bare feet.
Sergei took a step toward me. “Thanks again for the great meal. And the even better company.”
“You’re very welcome. I’m so glad you came.”
I stood on tippy-toes to give him a quick hug, but Sergei’s strong arms held me against him, enveloping my small frame. His body exuded warmth. I closed my eyes and breathed in the woody scent of his cologne. We’d shared plenty of hugs at competitions, but this felt so different, like we belonged nowhere else but in this embrace.
After what seemed like both an eternity and a split second, Sergei pulled away, his hands brushing down my back. He glanced downward and gestured to the door.
“I can let myself out.”
My head bobbed weakly. “Okay. I’ll see you Monday.”
“See you.” He held my gaze a moment longer than necessary. Then he was gone.
I stood paralyzed, listening to the blood pulse in my ears. My heart beat so fast I thought it might pound out of my chest. I couldn’t have imagined the electricity I’d felt in Sergei’s arms. It was too real. And I had no idea how I could ever forget it.
Amazon link: http://www.amazon.com/Life-on-the-Edge-ebook/dp/B006T89A4Y/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1325724001&sr=1-1
Barnes & Noble link: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/life-on-the-edge-jennifer-comeaux/1108128017?ean=2940013689534&itm=1&usri=jennifer+comeaux
Astraea Press link: http://www.astraeapress.com/#ecwid:category=662245&mode=product&product=8347323
Author Website: http://jennifercomeaux.blogspot.com
Goodreads:  http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5368434.Jennifer_Comeaux
Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/jennifercomeauxauthor.com
Twitter:  http://www.twitter.com/#!/LadyWave4

Happy Reading!
Kristina