Guestpost: Fantasy Matured by Philippa Ballantine

Today we are happy to welcome Philippa Ballantine at Book Lovers Inc! Philippa (or Pip to her friends ;-p) is not only New Zealand’s first podcast novelist she is also an author penning stories in a variety of genres: she released urban fantasy, fantasy and steampunk novels! Today she is here to tell us some behind the scenes secrets about her writing, please give Philippa a warm welcome!

Here’s a dirty little secret. Writers write what they know. Yes, even fantasy ones like myself.

So, by definition many of the writers write about characters that are about the age they are. Our life experiences—good and bad—bleed over into what problems our characters face, and how they handle with them. I know that as I have got older so too has the average age of my characters—especially the main point of view ones.

Even with …

Review: Quarter Square by David Bridger

Format Read: eBookRelease Date: 27 June 2011Formats available: eBookSeries: Book #1 in the Wild Times seriesPublisher: Carina PressSource: review copy provided by publisher via NetGalleyPurchasing Info: Goodreads, Author’s Website, Amazon, Carina Press

Blurb:

English carpenter Joe Walker thinks his life is over when he discovers his wife and best friend having an affair. Restoring an abandoned theatre offers little hope for a fresh start…until he follows a group of strangers through a hidden door into a world he never could have imagined.

In the haven known as Quarter Square, Joe encounters a community of supernatural street performers who straddle the mortal world and the magic realm known as the Wild. Here, Joe finds a sense of belonging he’s never known before—and a chance to uncover the truth behind the frightening visions that have haunted him since childhood. …

Guestpost: Lessons Learned by Jocelynn Drake

Hello out there! I hope you’re enjoying your Thursday so far. Today we are very excited to have Jocelynn Drake author of the Dark Days series here to tell us about some of the lessons she has learned since becoming a published author. 

Ms. Drake the stage is yours…

I’ve been a “professional writer” (defined here as having a paid contract with a publishing house) for approximately four years, and by many accounts I am still a newbie, a little wet behind my ears as I stumbled over various learning blocks in my path. I have had six books and one novella published, while being contracted for three more short stories and two books in a new series. At first glance, I struggle to believe that the “newbie” title still fits, but I’m still learning many things about the publishing industry …

Review: "Savor The Danger", by Lori Foster

Format Read: eARC provided by NetGalley courtesy of HQN Books
Publisher: HQN Books
Length: 416 Pages
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Series: Men Who Walk the Edge of Honor Book III
Release Date: June 28, 2011
Formats Available: Paperback, Kindle, Nook
Purchasing Info: Author’s Website, Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, Powell’s, Books-A-Million, Borders, Chapters, Goodreads, Kindle, Nook

Book Blurb:

The one woman he couldn’t have was the only woman he desired…

She may be aloof, and more pretty than gorgeous, but Alani Rivers is the kind of woman a hot-blooded mercenary can’t forget, no matter how hard he tries. So when Jackson Savor wakes up next to the naked, sleeping beauty—with no memory of what happened—he knows he’s been drugged… even if Alani doesn’t.

After she was kidnapped, Alani swore she’d never trust another man again. Still, something about this strong, sexy hero …

Review: Collide by Megan Hart

Format Read: eARC from publisher through netgalleyLength: 352 PagesGenre: Contemporary Erotic RomanceRelease Date: June 21, 2011Publisher: SpiceFormats Available: eBook, PaperbackPurchasing Info: Amazon, Author’s Website, Goodreads, Book Depository (US), Book Depository (UK)

Book Blurb:

A childhood accident left Emmaline vulnerable to disturbing fugue states that last only minutes, but feel like an eternity. The blackouts are unsettling but manageable…until she meets Johnny Dellasandro.The reclusive painter gained notoriety in the ’70s for his debauched lifestyle and raunchy art films. His naked body has achieved cult status, especially in Emm’s mind– she’s obsessed with the man, who’s grown even sexier with age. Today Johnny shuns the spotlight and Emm in particular…until she falls into a fugue on his doorstep.In that moment she’s transported back thirty years, crashing a party at Johnny’s place in his wild-man heyday — the night is …

Interview Author Megan Hart + Giveaway

(c) Scott Church

I’m very happy to welcome one of my all time favorite authors, Megan Hart here at Book Lovers Inc today. I have a shelf dedicated to her books and I treasure every single one of them. Megan’s newest novel, Collide is out in stores today and she is here today to tell us a bit about her work. My review of Collide can be found here.Please give Megan a warm welcome and check out the giveaway at the end. 

BLI: Megan can you please tell us a bit about yourself?

Megan: Sure! I was born in Pennsylvania and have lived here almost my entire life. I live in the woods but spend a lot of time at the Delaware shore. I love the beach! I’ve always wanted to be a writer, and I’m so glad I’m …

Review: Settling by Shelley Workinger

Format read: paperback – First EditionNumber of pages: 242 pagesPublisher: CreateSpaceFormats available: paperbackExpected Release Date: July 4th 2011(Amazon only)Info: Authors Website, Goodreads

Book Blurb:

At the beginning of the summer, Clio Kaid was one of a hundred teens brought to a secret Army installation.

But it was no ordinary camp and they weren’t ordinary kids…

Soon after learning they were the products of a secret genetic experiment, the teens began developing super-abilities ranging from bounding lightness to blocking heaviness; blinding brilliance and the ability to vanish. These same gifts made them targets of a psychopath in officer’s clothing, and they found themselves fighting for their lives.

Picking up where “Solid” left off, Clio and her friends realize that they aren’t ready to go home; they’re determined to stay on campus and continue their journey of self- discovery. But someone …