Thursday, September 15, 2011

18 & Over Book Blogger Giveaway Hop (September 15 - 18)

Posted by Unknown at 12:01 AM
THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED

WINNER: Phaedra Seabolt   CONGRATULATIONS!

Welcome to the 18 & Over Blogger Giveaway Hop hosted by Bitten By Paranormal Romance and Reading Between the Wines Book Club. In honor of Bona Fide Reflections second blog hop, I am doing my second author interview and book giveaway. Please, welcome Ms. Leia Shaw who has written two wonderful paranormal romances: Destiny Divided, Shadows of Destiny #1 and Destiny United, Shadows of Destiny #2. The winner of this give-away gets to choose the book they would like to read. (My review of Destiny United will be posted tomorrow).

To win the book, please follow the directions at the end of Leia's interview.The winner will be announced on September 19th here on the blog and notified via e-mail.


Destiny Divided's blurb from Goodreads:
"Pure power flooded her body flowing freely through her veins. She had just found an emotion stronger than anger and fear combined. Lust. And there was no containing her now".

After fleeing her native city - and nightmares of a traumatic childhood - Sage Peterson meets the overbearing, pretentious, yet haunted Professor Elias. He's the only one who knows about her mysterious powers, which seem to be spiraling out of control. When he convinces her to train with him, she finds herself thrust into a five hundred year war and on the run from vampires, werewolves, and even worse - her budding feelings for James Elias.

James had been living a dull and empty existence for the past century and a half. When a fiery half-sorceress, half-witch with a stubborn streak and sharp wit enters his life, he sees her only as a potential weapon to use against his greatest enemy. But when he discovers the vulnerable woman beneath the angry mask, instinct screams to keep her safe. To protect and provide. And to claim her as his.

But will it be too late? As passion and lust ignite between them, vengeance is slipping away. And when Sage is confronted with fulfilling an unexpected destiny, will she choose to trust James with her heart?


If you would like to read my review of Destiny Divided by Leia Shaw, click here.

Author Interview with Leia Shaw:

Laurielu: Could you tell us a little about yourself?
Leia: I'm 30 years old. I live in New England with my husband and two kids. I like classic rock and have 5 tattoos. I'm sarcastic and irreverant, but loyal. I've travelled to nine foreign countries and sang Aretha Franklin during a hypnotism comedy show.

Laurielu: When did you start writing and how did you get started?
Leia: Well, I've always written in some aspect of my life, even when I wasn't technically an author. But I started writing romance novels June 2010. I was in the airport waiting to fly to visit my best friend and I was browsing Borders during a layover. I was frustrated that I couldn't find a book with the "it" factor - a perfect combination of everything I want in a book. So I said, "why not write one?" (I blame lack of quality air on the plane for this epiphany. I've since complained to Delta headquarters.) So to the detriment of my BFF (hi, Devan) I spent the next four days plotting my first book. Which, three months later, I promptly trashed. Because...well, damn it, writing is hard! Turns out I didn't know what I was doing. Fast forward one year later and I'm currently writing my third novel. I still can't claim to know what I'm doing but, hey, you liked the books, right? Right?

Laurielu: Do you have any rituals that you use when you are writing?
Leia:  Uhh...I put my thinking cap on? No, there's nothing really. Sorry. I'm kinda lame.

Laurielu:  Is there a place you go for inspiration to write?
Leia:  Anywhere there aren't any children. No, really, that includes the bathroom.

Laurielu: What are some of your favorite books and authors?
Leia: Okay, anyone who's read any interviews of mine already know the answer because I name the same authors each time. Again, I apologize for my lameness (hm, no spell check correction. I'm surprised). So here we go. There are many favorites but these are my favoritest favorites (oh, spell check doesn't like me now). Kresley Cole's Immortals After Dark, Karen Marie Moning's Fever series, Ilona Andrew's Kate Daniels series, and Diana Gabaldon's The Outlander. All have inspired me in some way.

Laurielu: Has writing your own book changed the way that you read?
Leia: Not really. I still read for enjoyment. The only thing might be in the...er...intimate scenes. If there's a certain word or image I like, I might make a mental note.

Laurielu: Are you able to read when you’re writing and if so what books inspire you when you’re working on a novel?
Leia: I'm always reading, even when I'm on a deadline with my own writing. It's so important. It keeps me motivated and happy. And let's face it, if I'm happy, you're happy. You wouldn't want to skip a HEA just because I was in a bad mood would you?

Laurielu: Who was your favorite character to write, and why did you like that character?
Leia: Easy. Sage, my heroine from Destiny Divided. Which is funny because she is my most...um...complained about character. Lol! Poor Sage. She had a rough childhood and lashes out at the world. She's sarcastic, snarky, and has some anger issues. Snark, sarcasm, anger...it's very easy to write. Subtle characters are harder. Both h/h in my third book are subtle. Funny and likeable but in a different way. Marcelo, the hero from Destiny United, was fun to write because he got to say all sorts of romantic, sexy things in a Spanish accent. He's yummy!

Laurielu: Did you have to do much research when working on the books you write? If so, do you tend to write first or research first?
Leia: Well, since I got to make up my world world (*squeals and claps*) the only research I did was when I used different languages and a few history references. I do have to keep track of my world rules though. That can be tricky.

Laurielu: When you write do you know right away how the story will  go, or does the story unfold as you write?
Leia:  A little of both. The first thing that forms is the characters. For me they're the most important part of a story. They solidify in my head, almost becoming real people, then they just kind of take over. The story might change subtly as I go but the basic outline sticks to what I'd fleshed out ahead of time. But the characters surprise me sometimes too. Like the hero I'm writing now (for book 3) suddenly has a naughty streak (*wink*). I'm like, where did that come from? It caught me off guard but it fits at the same time. Okay, now I sound crazy, don't I? I swear my characters don't talk to me. Much.

Laurielu:  What advice would you give to those aspiring writers out there?
Leia:  Join a critique group. Or at least find a really good critique partner. Someone not afraid to tell you the truth. Also, don't be afraid to take risks.

Laurielu: What is next for you in 2011?
Leia:  I hate to break it to you but 2011 is almost over. But I do have plans! I'm writing a novella that I'll offer for free in October to get readers interested in the next book in the Shadows of Destiny series. Stay tuned to my social media sites and website (listed below) for the details. I'm shooting for an early December release of Destiny Unchained, my 3rd full-length novel - before the mad rush of the holidays. Destiny Unchained is my first book involving werewolves. Cristian is the Northwest pack alpha and a warm, well-loved, passionate man. Natalia is an ice-cold vampire assassin who's sole purpose is killing rogue werewolves. The two of them team up to catch a really messed up werewolf serial killer. And Natalia finds Cristian is a man worth melting for.

Laurielu: How can your readers contact you?
Leia: Oooh....I love to hear from readers!
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/leiashaw
Twitter: @LeiaShaw
Blog: http://www.leiashaw.blogspot.com
Website: http://www.leiashaw.com
Email: leia@leiashaw.com

Destiny United is the second book in Leia Shaw's original paranormal world. She has a wonderful voice and two great stories to share. My review of the second installment will be posted tomorrow.




Here's a list of the other wonderful blogs participating in the 18 & Over Book Blogger Giveaway Hop:







32 comments:

Arianne on September 15, 2011 at 12:26 AM said...

I cant wait to read your book!!! :) I like finding new authors :)
email: cruz042@csusm.edu

Western Lovin!! on September 15, 2011 at 12:41 AM said...

I can't wait for this book!! thanks for the post. Please enter me in the give away. thanks,
artsyoil@yahoo.com

Eva's Flowers on September 15, 2011 at 2:37 AM said...

Great interview! Can't wait to read your stories...

nayjf on September 15, 2011 at 3:29 AM said...

I am looking forward to the novella!

Nayjf@yahoo.com

Carol L. on September 15, 2011 at 5:35 AM said...

I enjoyed the interview. I look forward to reading your book. My GFC name cut off in the form above before I entered it. GFC name is Lucky47
Carol L
Lucky4750 (at) aol (dot) com

Tracy Smith on September 15, 2011 at 6:54 AM said...

Looking forward to reading your books. I am new to all this paranormal romance and need to branch out.

countrysunset40 (at) aol dot com

Elena on September 15, 2011 at 8:42 AM said...

Love the interview and questions. My favorite question was; Laurielu:Is there a place you go for inspiration to write?

Leia: Anywhere there aren't any children. No, really, that includes the bathroom.

ahahahaha...Love it!

Thanks for the giveaway!

orchidgal@hotmail.com

Unknown on September 15, 2011 at 9:34 AM said...

Hey babe! Leia sounds really nice! thanks for this!

Annie

AmyS. on September 15, 2011 at 9:55 AM said...

Looks like a really good read. And it has Vampires in it. My Favorite supernatural creature.

truebloodfan[at]rock[dot]com

Megan@Riverina Romantics on September 15, 2011 at 2:05 PM said...

I've never heard of this series but I'd like to try it!

Misusedinnocence on September 15, 2011 at 5:39 PM said...

This series sounds amazing! I would love to read it!

misusedinnocence@aol.com

Barbara on September 15, 2011 at 7:17 PM said...

Great giveaway! New author (for me)...awesome sounding series!
GFC follower.

barbbattaglia@yahoo.com

Judy on September 15, 2011 at 9:45 PM said...

Ms. Shaw, I love finding new authors to read, and your book sounds right up my alley. Especially since you listed Ilona Andrews Kate Daniels series as one of your favorites. I would have checked you out on that recommendation right there, but a free read would be extra awesome. *grin*

bookworm.judy@gmail.com

Leia Shaw on September 15, 2011 at 9:50 PM said...

Thank you everyone for taking the time to read my silly but hopefully sort of interesting interview answers. Laurielu will be picking a lucky winner but even if you didn't win, I hope you'll check out one of my books anyway.

Happy reading!

Anne R on September 15, 2011 at 10:33 PM said...

Great interview! I love discovering new authors to follow. Thanks

areeths at new dot rr dot com

Shadow on September 16, 2011 at 2:02 AM said...

wonderful interview! your book sounds great! thanks for sharing and for the chance to win!
shadowluvs2read(at)aol(dot)com

Texas Book Lover on September 16, 2011 at 1:37 PM said...

It's fun finding new authors...or new authors to me!

Thanks for the chance!
mmafsmith at gmail dot com

Unknown on September 16, 2011 at 3:50 PM said...

Great interview ladies!!! Great giveaway, I'd love a chance to win ;)

madamedsboudoir@hotmail.co.uk

Book Savvy Babe on September 16, 2011 at 11:55 PM said...

Love the interview, and I really want to read the book! Thanks for the giveaway! Book Savvy Babe

geschumann on September 17, 2011 at 1:20 PM said...

I like to read different things and would love to read your books. Thanks! Gloria

geschumann at live dot com

TiDubb on September 17, 2011 at 2:49 PM said...

I will definitely be adding your books to my list. Great interview!

kamwh1207(at)att(dot)net

Mary @SweepingMe on September 17, 2011 at 6:26 PM said...

Thanks for the chance to win! I love finding new books to read. Yours will be going on my to buy list!

Thanks so much.
Mary
mary_reiss @ hotmail.com

SM Patel on September 17, 2011 at 11:14 PM said...

Great prizes.

searching4princecharming on September 18, 2011 at 10:42 AM said...

Looks awesome! Can't wait to read it!

latishajean on September 18, 2011 at 2:31 PM said...

What a great giveaway thank you very much always looking for new books to read!
GFC follower/latishajean
tishajean@ charter.net

June M. on September 18, 2011 at 7:12 PM said...

I would love to win the first book. I love paranormals. Thank you so much for the chance.
June M.
manning_j2004 at yahoo dot com

Krysykat on September 18, 2011 at 7:23 PM said...

Awesome interview.

Morganlafey86(at)aol(dot)com

Patti P on September 18, 2011 at 7:41 PM said...

It looks like my to read pile is gonna fall over, but I need to add you to it!

musicalfrog@ comcast.net

Laura H. on September 18, 2011 at 8:31 PM said...

Thanks for the giveaway! Love vampire stories! I'm always looking for new authors so I'm looking forward to reading your book.

BornajhawkATaolDOTcom

JoAnna on September 18, 2011 at 9:06 PM said...

Thanks for the giveaway!
beckerjo at verizon dot net

Alyssa (Hesperia Loves Books) on September 18, 2011 at 9:09 PM said...

Great giveaway & interview!

Unknown on September 18, 2011 at 10:12 PM said...

Can't wait to get my hands on them! I need the first one though so I can start at the beginning.
phaedracamille@gmail.com