"House on Hundred Hill" review and Giveaway

Hi Guys!

I have author Jemima Valentino here with us today, promoting her newest novella "House on Hundred Hill." When Jemima sent me the ARC for “The House on Hundred Hill" to read she warned me about its contents, especially as it is intended for adult audiences and contains BDSM. If you know me, I don’t care what it is, as long as there are words in it, I will read it. That doesn't mean I will like it and enjoy it, however, I am damned glad I read “The House on Hundred Hill.”

Here is a little bit about the Author:

Jemima Valentino is an English 30-something; married to an excessively patient man with two beautiful daughters and an excitable cross-bred mutt called Eddie. She is also a writer of dark paranormal romance, BDSM erotica and modern fiction.

Jemima fell in love with reading and writing as a child but it was only in 2009 that writing became an obsession. After months of procrastination and plucking up the courage, she published

'His Elle' in January 2011 and now has a full blown desire to continue writing.

The House on Hundred Hill: The Nephilim Book One

Jessica Rylan has spent her entire life trying to fit in, despite feeling deep down that she doesn't quite belong. A slave to passions that she doesn't quite understand, she does her best to simply ignore her burgeoning sensuality. Little does Jessica realize that a seemingly chance encounter with the handsome Nate Black will turn her world upside down.

All it takes is one garden party invitation to pull her into an ancient struggle, one where she must place her trust in Nate and his mysterious brother Draven to survive. As Jessica becomes seduced by the ancient and mystical world of the Nephilim, she finally begins to understand her own dark desires. Because Draven Black is searching for something... Something only Jessica can provide.

My review:

“The House on Hundred Hill” is a novella of approximately 35k words/ 120 pages. I sat on the couch today and finished it within hours. I dove right in into Jessica’s life and her struggles with her own inner demons, those she fought so hard to hide. Throughout the story you can’t help but develop feelings for both Nate and Draven, even when the later can sometimes sound too much like a grandpa, that is when he is not spanking naughty Jessica. I obviously won’t give the end away, but it saddened me the tiniest… Oh, and don’t call her Jess or Jessie, she hates that! I truly enjoyed the story and Jemima’s writing. Looking forward to Book Two!!!

INTERVIEW:

1- When did you first consider yourself a writer?

When I received the first five start review for my first novella 'His Elle'. I remember telling my mother about it, and she asked if I'd ever write anything that she and her friends could read. The answer is probably not. After that, I was included in some #WW (Writer Wednesday) twitter tags with some awesome indie writers, and I was so proud to be thought of by others as a real writer.

2- What inspired you to write your first book?

I am asked this question quite a lot and if I told you the whole truth I'd probably be sued! The reason being, is that my first novella is based around the last night of a relationship between a submissive and her Master. It's a story of healing through BDSM and the idea came to me when I hooked up with an old friend and was fascinated by her alternative lifestyle choices. I must point out though that only the idea for the story is based on my friend's lifestyle, not the actual story itself.

3- What book are you reading now?

The Sookie Stackhouse series - yes, the whole series, one book at a time. I am a HUGE True Blood fan and can't wait for the new series (we get it so much later than the US!), so I'm reading my way through the books just to see what happens next. It's funny though, as the books are so different from the series on the television, and I think it's the only time I will ever say that watching it is better than reading it (mainly because of Eric and Alcide... need I say more?)

4- I'm sorry, What? I heard Alcide and kinda spaced out *wipes drool* Ok, moving on.. What was the hardest part of writing your book/s?

Probably the characters. I have difficulty sometimes in giving them depth so often I will rewrite an entire character, or even write them out of the story completely when I'm half way through a new book. My editor (the incredibly awesome Philip Ellis, author of Sweet Tooth), is fantastic at telling when a character doesn't work. In 'The House on Hundred Hill', Nate Black was originally named Marvin, and Philip told me it was the least sexiest name in the history of names. Hence, the name was changed to Nate. Thank the universe for the sound advice of a good editor and friend!

5- I do know Philip, just last week I reviewed "Sweet Tooth" and I am so glad he adviced you into changing the name. Marvin would not have been sexy at all. Please scratch that off your name list, if you have one. Haha, well do you have any advice for writers?

Read and write as much as you can. You can never read enough as a writer, and you can also never edit enough. Get someone else to read your work (preferably several people) before you even think of publishing and make sure that no matter what happens in your life, you make time to write something new. There is nothing worse than stagnating with a story idea that is going nowhere.

6- What can we expect next?

Well, now here's a leading question! Only because I should be working on the next instalment of The House on Hundred Hill series, however, as normal I have become distracted and am currently
working on a new book about post-apocalyptic Eastern Europe following a war between humans and supernatural's, where the supernatural community are held as prisoners of war. That's all I want to say just now as I'm only 3 chapters in. It will be something totally different (yet again) from my other work so I want to see how this one turns out before I start to promote it as a work in progress.

Thanks so much for having me on your blog Lucy, it's awesome to be here and I really appreciate you helping me to promote my new book The House on Hundred Hill.

Jemima x

Thank You!!

Hello my lovelies!

I just wanted to come by and say a big Thank You! To all the wonderful people that comes to visit my blog.

Shout out to everyone in:

United States, Nethelands, United Kingdom, Canada, Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, Romania, Sweden, Germany, Australia, Japan and Ireland for all the views. You all ROCK!

Leave a comment below, I would love to hear from you and where you are visiting from.

XOXO

**BIG NEWS**

Hola mis amigos!

I’ve got some great news that I have been keeping under wraps for a week or so, but, I am now at liberty to share with you all!

I have been asked to participate in the upcoming “Death by Chocolate” Y.A. Paranormal/ Romance Anthology. I am one of six writers. The Anthology will be published in February 2012 and it will be FREE. Nothing better than free, right? Scratch that, THIS book will be better than that.  I am also happy to reveal the cover! (See below)

Are you all as excited as I am? You should be.

My story, at least for the moment being, is called “Bloody Valentine.” I will be posting the blurb for it, along with the other five blurbs.

XOXO,

Love you all!

Sweet Tooth- short stories by Philip Ellis

Hello All!

How are you doing? I am so ready for Monday to roll around and I can have some free time to write. Having the kids home from school is great and a lot of fun, just not when you have a million things to do and they keep interrupting.

This is a review that has been WAY over due and I apologize for that Philip!

"Everybody wants to be loved; it is the nature of the beast."

Sweet Tooth dives under the skin of the twenty-first century animal to bring you stories of love, loss, desire and revenge. An unearthed diary yields terrible secrets; a lonely young man tells a lie that spirals out of control; a trip to Italy goes horribly wrong for two lovers, and a little girl hears screams from the house next door...
At times funny and poignant, at others chilling and provocative, 'Sweet Tooth' is Philip Ellis's page-turning debut collection of fictional tales that will leave you wanting more.




TITLES:

Black Rabbit
Strange Candy
Changeling
Something Blue
Mouthwash
Anthony's Breakfast
Nine Lives
The Girlfriend
Can't Go Back
Local Haunts
Toffee
Night Light
Brown Eyed Boy
Sable
Nobody's Cub
Vlad

"Changeling" *My favorite!

I was clinging on every word. I needed to know who this girl is, why is the child forbidden and what the heck is going on. I would absolutely love to see this story made into a book or a novella, at least. When I had finished reading it I just stared at the computer wishing there was more. So intriguing. Does what it is supposed to do, keep you wanting more. And that is what it did to me, It definitely kept me wanting more, much more

"Something Blue"

We all know about 'cold feet 'before your wedding, but did you ever imagine for it to come with a ghost too? That is what Fiona goes through the night before her wedding to Carl, but what does this ghost want?

This story had a nice way in showing how people sometimes settle without even knowing it, but will you be strong enough to do what is needed to do?

"Strange Candy"

I loved this story until I got to the end. Not because it wasn’t good, but because I had simply expected a different ending. I felt as if the story kept growing into this darkness that was this girl and the things she did and then, ended a little too fast and with no “WOW” factor. This is another story that I would love to read more about, with a slightly different ending.

*******

"Sweet Tooth" consists of sixteen short fiction anthology stories. I have read them all in one sitting. It is hard to finish a story and not be intrigues on what the next one will bring, to see what kind of trouble his characters will come across.

This is perfect for anyone that loves reading but may not have the time to invest in a novel or a book. The stories are short enough to read before bed, during lunch, or simply while waiting for the kids to get out of school. Whatever your case may be, I guarantee you will love them. Philip Ellis definitely has a little bit for everyone to enjoy.

INFORMATION ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Philip Ellis is an award-winning British fiction writer. After graduating from Aberystwyth University with an English and French degree, Philip travelled to Canada where he worked as a teacher, before returning home to England. Philip now works as an SEO content writer for a multi-site online retailer but has plans to become a full time author, as this is where his true passion lies.





If you would like to purchase Philip Ellis's Anthology, please click here.

To check out his blog, click here.

His Twitter Acct is @philip_ellis, so go on and stalk him!

Book Review "The Willows: Haven"

“The Willows: Haven… Wow. WOW. Wo-wa-wee-wa WOW.

Yes, that is EXACTLY how I feel right now. I had family over my house this weekend and it was impossible to be on the computer when I was never at home. Lucky for me, I was able to read the entire book on my phone. I could not put it down and I got a dozen dirty looks from my mom which was all very much worth it.

I am the type of person that either gets sucked into a book on the first page and am not able to put it down, or I don’t get into it at all. Sometimes it can be a struggle fighting to try to find a spark, something that will ignite some interest. With Hope Colliers “The Willows: Haven” was instantaneous. The same way a spark creates a fire and spreads steadily over the land, I was all over the story. I craved it and needed it.

“When tragedy strikes, seventeen year-old Ashton Blake sets out on a cross-country road trip, leaving the comforts of Malibu for the mountains of Kentucky. Along the way, she encounters Gabe Willoughby—the mysterious drifter with eyes like the sea and a knowing smile. Getting to know Gabe raises questions about her past. But no secret can be buried forever, and Ashton soon finders herself in a world where water is air and myth becomes reality.
               Just as Ashton comes to accept her newfound heritage, she’s summoned to fulfill a treaty laid down centuries before — a treaty that will divide her love and test her loyalty. In the end, her future isn’t her biggest concern, her humanity is. To run may mean war, but is she strong enough to stay?”

Hope you kicked YA butt!! I can only wish, when I finish my book, it will be as incredible as this one. This is what reading is all about. Immersing yourself in a different dimension, forgetting about your own world, forgetting to even breathe when the main characters find themselves sharing a very private moment.

In the first paragraph alone there is already mystery and action; you will be one hundred percent mesmerized (at least I was.) I was captivated by the amazing flow of her words and how easy it was to connect with each and every single character. Hope Collier has an amazing way of storytelling. I cannot even remember how many times I fell in love throughout the story, well- it was two actually. My husband should really be jealous right about now! All joking aside, I love all these characters so much now, except for one.. ugh! Kevin, you will forever be in my doo-doo list. It feels as if we have all been acquaintances for a really long time.
I am not one to give anything away, therefore I try to speak about what happens in the story as little as possible. But after tragedy hits Ashton she finds herself driving across country and meeting some special people along the way, especially gorgeous Gabe. Their story evolves into a beautifully written romance that keeps you itching for more. But, if you have one heart to give, one chance to give it.. can you live with yourself if you give it to the wrong person? That is what Ashton must find in her quest for the truth. The truth of who she really is and what exactly she is as well.

Hope Collier gave an amazing spin to mythology and, even though I am not very familiar with it all, it was easy to follow and in the end all made sense. The moment I finished the book I really, really, REALLY *desperate voice* needed more. I certainly hope this is book #1 of many. I already told the hubby I want the paperback for my birthday coming up.. yeah, it is THAT good.

This book gets 5 golden stars!

I was fortunate enough that Hope agreed to do a brief interview!! Please find it below as well as the links to “The Willows: Haven.”

Hope Collier was born in Harlan County, Kentucky. Growing up in the Appalachia, she quickly learned that a good imagination — along with the ability to outrun the neighbor’s cantankerous dog — was essential to survival. Hope wrote and illustrated her first book at the age of six and never stopped writing. She now lives in central Kentucky with her husband, two daughters, and a menagerie of pets. When not spending time with her imaginary friends, you’re likely to find her stalking other writers on Twitter or searching out new ways of fitting square pegs into round holes.

 

1- I know you have been writing for quite some time, you actually wrote your first book at six years of age. What was it that got you to writing and made you keep going?

Making up stories is something I've always done. I lived in southeastern Kentucky until I was six. Living in the mountains was a breeding ground for my imagination. Everything from the stories my uncles would tell around the campfire to making up my own adventures with my cousins … everything had potential to grow into something more. We moved to "the big city" right after I turned six. My 1st grade teacher told us to put pen to paper, and write our stories down. After that, I just never quit.

2- What or who inspires you?

The thing that inspire me most is music. I admire anyone who can take what's essentially an entire story and squeeze into four minutes worth of rhyming words and a melody. I like the deeper meaning in the lyrics. I like how each instrument sets the scene as if it's a character in and of itself. Music moves me like nothing else.

3- Which authors do you admire and why?

First would be Elizabeth Isaacs. She's my mentor and personal Yoda! Her ability to make the reader truly feel is just mind boggling. I've never really *experienced* a story like I did with The Light of Asteria.

Second is Lisa Kleypas. Her characters in the Hathaway series are flawless in a flawed sort of way. I hope to one day write such distinct ones.

Third would be Janet Evanovich. No one writes relatable like Janet. She can take any situation in a story and make you feel like you're not the only one who bumbles through life. 


4- How was "The Willows: Haven" created?

Haven came about, as cliché as it sounds, after I had a dream. Honestly though, 99% of what I write comes from my dreams. Gabe was the first character to really have a voice. He wasn't doing anything in particular in my dream. I just knew he was this inherently good person, and I got to thinking about him more. Who was he really? What purpose did he serve? Who could he affect with his life? Thus, Ashton was born followed by the rest. I'm not a planner, so the story came to me in pieces as the characters began speaking up.

5-  a) I, personally, fell in love with two of the male characters: Gabe and Kyle. Were they written in reference to anyone you know? And if so, where can I find them? (DM me their number haha)

Haha! They weren't written in their entirety from anyone one person. I think bits and pieces have come from people and experiences I've had with others, but mostly they created themselves. Gabe, of course, came to me in the dream. I didn't have much say in his personality. He's actually quite hard to capture. As for Kyle, when I started the story, he wasn't even a main character. It wasn't until later I realized how important he truly was. At that point, he did the writing for me, letting me in on a need-to-know basis ;)  

b) Have you ever or will you ever, use any personal experiences?

For me, just about everything is personal in some way, even if not in the obvious. A little bit of me or my life goes into most characters whether they have a trait or habit or weakness. Names, features, hobbies … most things in my story have purpose. As far as it goes for being non-human, well, that one is just a fantasy!

6- Will there be a second, third, fourth, fifth... installment? I NEED more!!!!

Without a doubt! I'm currently working on the sequel now. Expected publication is Fall 2012. My plans are for a trilogy, but seeing as I fly by the seat of my pants and follow the characters, that may change. 

7- What can we expect next?

In Book 2, we'll get to explore the world Ashton, Gabe and the others live in. It's a more in-depth look at their origins, history, and abilities. Plus, some of those unanswered questions come to light leaving more mysteries to unravel.

Hope Collier’s Information:

Website: http://www.hopecollier.com/

Twitter: @hopecollier

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/author.hope.collier

To buy the paperback go to:  http://soulfirepress.com/the-willows-haven

Amazon Kindle purchase here.

Barnes & Noble Nook purchase here

 Smashwords purchase here.

Proud Mommy

Hi Guys,

Okay, this past Saturday when I was driving home from Miami my kids decided to have a face-off on the Pledge of Allegiance. I had NO idea my son was so avid at it. Last night I decided the whole world should see it and so, when he went to bed, wearing his American Flagged shirt I recorded him.

Here is the video so you all can enjoy it.

Note: Isn't it cute how he cannot, for the life of him, say "Indivisible"? I love it :) Also, I could not make the sound transition any better in the beginning.. not sure why.

Hope you likey

XOXO