Review: The Master of Whitehall, Author Interview with Rick Veal and GIVEAWAY!!!!

Summary (Amazon)

The Master of Whitehall is a contemporary paranormal romance novel set in historic Charleston, SC, where Katelyn Corbin, a thoroughly modern twenty-one year old college senior, faces the prospect of restarting her life after the brutal murder of her parents. She soon finds love, healing and a brand new life in a most unexpected avenue.

This story follows Katelyn from her hometown just outside Atlanta to her new school in Charleston. There she meets James Dubois and is deeply intrigued by him from their first meeting; feeling as if he has touched her very soul. The more she considers him, the more intense her interest becomes. He is a wealthy patron of the arts at her school. He is tall and handsome with a strong persona; a young widower, living alone in a huge, but beautifully restored old plantation house called 'Whitehall'. Their friendship soon turns serious, becoming a full on relationship as Katelyn falls madly in love with him. James soon makes his love for her just as obvious. Their lives begin to blend, twisting and turning, as they continue to grow closer.

After several strange incidents, Katelyn begins to develop a series of unsettling questions about her new love. However, she knows that after facing the catastrophe of her parent’s deaths, she can face anything life throws at her. She begins looking at the questions, searching her own soul; finally deciding that she must know the answers. When she confronts him, dark secrets surface to make Katelyn question whether or not to continue their relationship. She soon discovers James' true nature; confirming her fears that he was indeed not the man she thought, but the man she feared him to be.

The confirmation of her suspicions are shocking to her, turning her world view on its side. She is forced to acknowledge things about herself and her world that she never thought possible. She discovers that old folklore and fairy-tales are real in a world where vampires live and love side by side with humans. With her new found knowledge, Katelyn realizes she must make a choice to live with or without James. She quickly decides to adapt her life and adjust her beliefs in order to continue to be with James.

Their love for each other develops and continues to grow as he assists her to close the gaping wounds left by the tragedy of her parent’s murders. Katelyn continues to uncover other secrets, discovering another existence, as she begins her new life with James. The story reaches a highly emotional and completely unexpected ending that fully illustrates Katelyn's personality of love and care for those around her.

The Master of Whitehall unfolds over the course of nearly a year, and features flashbacks that more fully develop each of the characters, offering insights into their personal histories. The story is narrated in first person perspective by Katelyn as she offers a window into the world of possibilities of love between mortal and immortal.

The Master of Whitehall will also appeal to the readers of Rachel Caine's 'Morganville Vampires', Charlaine Harris’ ‘True Blood’ series, and Anne Rice's 'Vampire Chronicles'.

Review:

The Master of Whitehall in my honest opinion was a better vampire love story than Twilight!! (Gasp) I liked the characters more and really got engaged with the story. It never became dull or boring while I was reading it, which is important! I loved how Katelyn reacts when she discovers that vampires are in fact real. You want to be right there with her, holding her hand as she listens to James. And speaking of James, he sounds like the hottest Vampire to walk this earth!! He is definitely book boyfriend material. : )

Rick delivers a sweet love story with hints of mystery and suspense to bring us a romance that is sure to stay with the reader for years to come. I loved this book, and I can't wait until book two!!

Rating:

Loved it! Go read it right now!

Interview with Rick Veal:

Tell us a little about yourself!

There’s not really a lot to say … I think maybe my characters are more interesting than I am! I was born sometime during the last century and have lived most of my life in the Upstate of South Carolina. I left to do a tour in the Navy and then came back to take up my life again. I graduated from Presbyterian College in Clinton, SC with a degree in History. I like to tell folks that I have done about two thirds of everything there is to do and been accused of the other one third! I share my home with my cat, “Daddy’s Pretty Girl” but she will actually answer to anything except “Late for Dinner”.

What was the inspiration behind Master of Whitehall?

The idea has been around for a long time, I actually just started to take it seriously in the last couple of years. I think my inspiration actually came from running out of books! I have read for many years and enjoyed most of what I’ve read. I’m a big Anne Rice fan … Go Lestat! … So when I finished all the vampire books I could … Rice, Smith, Harris, Craine … I decided that if they could write a vampire story, then so could I; so I wrote my own.

I chose vampires because I have always enjoyed reading and watching movies about vampires … I was actually hooked by Barnabas Collins in “Dark Shadows” way back in 1966. The vampire stories and Charleston, SC, just seemed to fit together. I began thinking about how the two could play into each other, came up with an initial idea and just built on it from there. I wanted a setting in the Low Country of South Carolina with a lot of history surrounding it. Whitehall was a long ago plantation outside of Charleston and is now nothing but ruins. The tour I was on when I found it said that nobody really knows what happened to it … it just went away. That opened all kinds of ideas for some ‘what-if’s’ and so Whitehall was reborn.

What are you working on currently?

I am currently working on book two. The working title is “Lexi’s Legacy”. It picks up about a year after the end of the first book and continues with Lexi telling her story and adventures of a young girl that is also a new-born immortal. Lexi is kind of special to me … she became Katelyn’s best friend in book one and a sounding board for dialogue. She is an academic, had a good family and a great plan for her life. After becoming so involved with Katelyn and James, it was just inevitable to not give her a place to tell her story.

How do you pick your names?

I try to use names that fit the time period of the actual character. For instance, James, who was born in 1725, was a fairly common name during that time period being the name of several British Kings. Katelyn is a more modern name and plausible for a young college aged girl born in the early 1990’s. The best way to name a character is once you identify the current age of the character, subtract that age from the current year to determine when they would have been born. Then do a search for popular baby names around that time and choose one you like.

What do you like to do on your off time?

I like to read of course! But I really enjoy spending time writing … it’s actually very relaxing for me. I also like to travel and shop; especially antique shops. You just never know what kind of treasure you’ll run across that might follow you home.

Any advice for aspiring writers?

I suppose the best advice I can give anyone who wants to write is to repeat Anne Rice’s advice to writers: “If you want to be a writer, write. Write and write and write. If you stop, start again. Save everything that you write. If you feel blocked, write through it until you feel your creative juices flowing again. Write. Writing is what makes a writer, nothing more and nothing less. Ignore critics. Critics are a dime a dozen. Anybody can be a critic. Writers are priceless.”

When you write, try to emulate your favorite authors. You know how they write and what it is that you like about them, so look closely at their style. My favorites are Anne Rice and Clive Cussler. I think that if you have read either of those you will see their influence in my writing. I love Cussler’s storytelling ability and Rice’s attention to detail.

I would also add to not be a hurry to get your book out there – there will be plenty of time to see your name on the cover of a book (probably one of the best feelings in the world) but take your time and make sure that your book is right … because once it’s out there, it’s out there forever, complete with all the bumps and boo-boo’s.

Note from the Author!!!

If any of your readers would like to keep up with James, Katelyn and the rest of the family, I’d like to invite them to drop by Facebook at HERE or my Deviant Art page at HERE to see all the artwork and read detailed backgrounds and bios for each of the characters. “The Master of Whitehall” is available in a signed/inscribed print edition (trade size, 418 pages, $19.99) or a fully illustrated e-book in pdf format for $5.00 directly from me. There is a book trailer posed at HERE and I can be contacted at author@prtcnet.com for further information or ordering. If any of your reader’s mention this interview, they will receive a 10% discount and free shipping on the print edition, approximately a $5.00 value. It is also available in Kindle format at Amazon HERE

GIVEAWAY TIME!!!

Rick has graciously offered 3 readers an e-book and book mark! Go ahead and enter and good luck! a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tournament of Chance Blog Tour, Review & Interview

Summary:

When a beautiful commoner enters the Tournament of Chance archery competition, her thwarted victory sparks a revolution in the oppressive kingdom of Destiny. Although Heather never believed the legends about the restoration of Ormaria, after three shape-shifting Ormarian wizards awaken from a long magical slumber, she joins their perilous quest to regain the throne. Heather battles vicious predators and angry trolls to free the wizards’ magic, but at a horrendous cost. She is unexpectedly torn from the arms of the man she loves and hurled back in time to fulfill a prophecy not yet written. The ensuing maelstrom tests Heather’s survival skills, wits, and endurance. Will she become an unwritten footnote in history, or can she trust the magic to lead her back to her one true love?

This book had it all, romance, excitment, fantasy and adventure. I really didn't know what I was getting myself into with this book from reading the summary. But I was not disappointed at the end of it.

I really love how unique all the ideas in this book are. It's not your basic fantasy and magic novel. It has a unique foundation in which S.G. Rogers enthralls you from the very beginning and doesn't let you go. You experience emotions all over the spectrum and S.G. makes you really believe these are living, breathing characters. She paints a beautiful story that I just did not want to end.

Rating:

REALLY AWESOME BOOK!!!

You can buy Tournament here: AMAZON, SMASHWORDS, B&N

Now time for the interview!!

Welcome to Book Worm Brandy, S.G. Rogers!!

1. Who is your favorite character in Tournament of Chance?

I believe I might be half in love with Dane Ormvalder. He’s tortured by the loss of his father and his kingdom, and because he wasn’t able to prevent the tragedy that befell Ormaria, he somehow feels responsible. As a result, he comes off as arrogant and rude to Heather at first. Over time, however, his kindness, chivalry, and bravery emerge. Plus, he’s quite the best-looking man I’ve ever written.

2. What was your very first story you ever wrote about?

That might have been in grade school, when I composed a melodramatic serial about the evil scientist, Dr. Doom. Dr. Doom was obsessed with my best friend. He was constantly kidnapping her and trying to get her to fall in love with him. It was all very dramatic.

3. If you weren’t a writer, what would you be?

I think I would be completely awesome as a reality TV star on “The Real Housewives of Savannah.” People could follow along as I try to pull myself together daily.

4. What is your least favorite thing about writing?

Promotion and marketing. It’s an uncomfortable necessity, but difficult for a shrinking violet such as myself.

5. What does the future hold for you in regards to other works?

The second volume of my Yden trilogy (“Children of Yden”) has just been released, and I will be whipping the final Yden novel into shape for later in the year. However, I’ll also be developing more titles in the young adult romance genre. I’m kicking that off with a Victorian romance, and we’ll see where I go from there.

You can find S.G. Rogers here: WEBSITE, FACEBOOK, TWITTER, GOODREADS

Author Interview: Nickie Anderson

Nickie Anderson has her Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, which she's put to good use by writing, reading, and tutoring. She loves cooking (because the cook gets dibs on the food!) as well as jogging and biking (because she has to make up for all of the eating!)

She lives in North Carolina with her husband, where they perpetually renovate their home.

Hi Nickie and welcome to Book Worm Brandy!

Q&A

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself!

I was raised a military brat. My dad was in the Marines, so we moved all over the country. I mostly grew up in Central Florida, which is more orange groves and cow pastures than Mickey Mouse.

When I hit college, I had no idea what I wanted to study. I ended up getting my degrees in Marketing and Computer Science (because they're so related, obviously!).

I now live in North Carolina with my husband. When I'm not writing, I'm either tutoring, reading, or working in the garden.

2. What inspired you to write Bright Star?

I think everyone occasionally has those dreams that are so vivid and so real you can't shake them from your head.

This past March, I had one of those dreams. There was a young girl and boy watching a helicopter take off from a military base, and the helicopter crashed. The kids wanted to help the men on board the helicopter, but everyone else on the base forbid them to leave. I kept wondering why the adults wouldn't help, and what would those kids have to go through to find the victims of the crash.

The idea for 'Bright Star' sprouted from that dream. The helicopter became a spaceship (because spaceships are way cooler!), the protagonist became a bit older, but that same kernel is still there.

3. What is the perfect setting for you to do your writing?

Honestly, I'm happy to write anywhere I have a solid internet connection and a mug of coffee. I usually work at home, but sometimes I'll change it up and write at the local library.

4. What does the future hold for you in regards to other works?

I'm planning a few more stories in the 'Bright Star' series. Sadira's adventures aren't quite over yet :) The next book, 'Dark Skies', should be coming out in April 2013.

I usually alternate my novel writing with short stories. If I get frustrated with editing or trying to figure out a plot point, it's nice to take a break and work on something else. I think my next short story will be a 'Hansel and Gretel' retelling (and, of course, my short stories are always free).

I've also been kicking around an idea for a New Adult paranormal series, which you might see out early 2014.

5. Three things you would take for a trip into the desert?

Water, water, and more water! More seriously, I would bring water, a tarp, and a knife. I do a lot of camping and hiking, and I always bring a knife along with me. They're indispensable.

You can find Nickie Anderson here: WEBSITE

Thanks so much Nickie for the interview! I wish you nothing but success!! You are a very gifted writer!!

Come back tomorrow for my review on Bright Star!

Author Interview: Abigail Boyd

Abigail Boyd began writing stories as a kid on dark and stormy nights. She was born and still lives in Michigan with her husband and the haunting cries of three rambunctious children. Her influences include Stephen King, Veronica Mars, and lots of processed sugar. She wishes that time had a pause button.

Hi Abigail and welcome to Book Worm Brandy!

Q&A

1. Who is your favorite character in the Gravity series?

Theo is my favorite, with Alex as a very close second. They are both very fun to write, especially their dialogue. A lot about Ariel is based on me, many of the situations she goes through and quirks she has are from my own life, although she's much braver than I am. I love horror movies and ghost stories like she does. I was the one with the gum on my pants, too, unfortunately.

2. What are your five favorite books of all time?

The Shining by Stephen King, A Great and Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray, Such a Pretty Girl by Laura Wiess, It (also) by Stephen King, and Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater. I like really long books with thick paragraphs, although I write in a different style.

3. If you weren't a writer, what would you be?

I have no idea! I never had a reliable back up plan. I've wanted to be a writer since I was little, and I didn't realize that I already was one because I was writing all the time. I would like to do something in health care someday, though. For a little while, I wanted to be an entomologist because I think insects are fascinating. Weird, I know.

4. What was your very first story you ever wrote about?

The first story I ever wrote was about detective cats. I was in the second grade, and I already loved mysteries. I worked on it for months and I remember actually finishing it, but I have no idea what happened to it.

5. What does the future hold for you in regards to other works?

I have another book lined up, an urban fantasy romance, that's going to be coming out next year. I also have ideas for a couple of series that I'm playing around with; I like having two projects going at the same time so I don't get stuck on one.

6. Do you believe in ghosts and the paranormal?? : )

I used to, when I was younger. My mom and I lived at my grandparents' house. They had these really spooky paintings, portraits of women from the 1800s, in bonnets and black dresses, in their living room. Their eyes followed me wherever I went. There was a little boy who used to live in the house, before my grandparents bought it, and sometimes I thought I heard his voice or thought I felt someone there. I still spook myself out sometimes, when I'm home alone and hear a noise. My brain instantly screams ghost.

You can find Abigail here: WEBSITE

A BIG thank you to Abigail for your time!! Such an amazing and down to earth gal!

Please come back tomorrow to read my review on Uncertainty, (Gravity Series #2)!!

Author Interview: M.A. George

M. A. George is part proud mother of two adorable children, part super top secret agent…Oops, probably just lost that job.

Writing is what keeps her up into the wee hours of the night. Fortunately, she has a lot of energy (Read: caffeine is her friend). She has a bit of an obsession with music (It does a fantastic job of tuning out rambunctious children while she attempts to focus).

She sincerely hopes people out there enjoy reading her work as much as she enjoys writing it. And if anyone hears of work for a super top secret agent, she’s now available (Discretion guaranteed…).

Hi M.A. and welcome to Book Worm Brandy!

Q&A

1. Where did the idea for Proximity come from?

It’s amazing what a good night’s sleep and an overactive imagination can do. On one of those rare occasions as a mom when I was able to sleep just a wee bit past the crack of dawn, I awoke with a story idea in my head. (It helped that the topic of conversation at work the day before had been my secret yearning to someday be an author.)

The story idea was somewhat vague at first—a woman trying to blend in with humankind, but who was somehow different. Ideas kept popping into my mind as the day went on. When my kids went down for a nap that afternoon, I sat down with the laptop and feverishly typed everything I could recall. Later that evening, I started officially writing. I haven’t stopped since!

2. How long have you been a writer?

Since somewhere in the course of that day I mentioned before… I wish I could say I’m one of those authors who has been writing since I was in pre-K, but sadly I was way late getting in the game. I was at least in kindergarten. Kidding. Writing has been a dream for a very long time, but apparently I was waiting for the inspiration to strike. When I realized what a thrill it can be, the floodgates were opened. I can safely say I will always want to write.

3.What's your favorite thing about being a writer?

The creativity. I love imagining new people, places, and events—then stringing together the right words to pull others into that reality with me—all while listening to my favorite tunes! A good book has me eagerly turning pages to find out what happens next, and writing is even more exciting. It keeps me on pins and needles, wondering where I can take the story next!

4. What can we look forward to in the future from you?

The continuation of the Proximity story is currently in the works. I have several other unrelated ideas that are probably going to remain pretty vague until I complete the Proximity series. There is definitely more to Palta’s story!

5. Any advice for newbie authors?

I’m certainly learning this whole process as I go along, but I would encourage any new authors out there to embrace every aspect of it. I love everything about writing, so it never really seems like “work”. That’s not to say it’s easy, but there are numerous amazing resources for new authors online, and a community of fellow authors and readers who are so willing to help. Have fun with it!

Thanks so much M.A. for taking part in the interview! I look forward to reading the rest of Palta's story!!

Please come back tomorrow to read my review on Proximity!!

You can find the talented M.A. George here: WEBSITE

Author Interview: Marisa Adams

Marisa Adams is an avid reader with an immense passion for great love stories. She is an educator, wife, and mother but always finds the time to squeeze in a little time to get lost in the worlds of her characters. She hates doing laundry, loves to cook meals for her family, and would rather be curled up with a great book (or typing away on her laptop) than almost anything else. She has been writing for years and has finally decided to branch into the world of novels.

Marisa believes in love at first sight and happy endings. Each of her books will remind you that romance and true love still exist even in today's fast paced world.

Hi Marisa and welcome to Book Worm Brandy!

Q&A

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself

There’s really not too much to tell because in many ways, I’ve lived a fairly ordinary life. I have lived in a sum total of three different places. I grew up in Katy, TX a suburban small town West of Houston with a fabulous school district that I returned to work in after earning a Bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from Texas A&M University. My four years in College Station, TX left me with a great respect for tradition and the love of my best friend. We married while still in college and moved to Katy after graduation.

In 2011, my husband’s company transferred him to the Fort Worth, Texas area, so we moved which has been an extremely interesting transition for me. Not only did I leave my family and hometown behind, but my career as well; my husband and I made the decision to live off one income so I could be a full time Mom to our daughter.

I started freelance article writing as a way to keep my mind going and earn a little extra income. Overtime, I realized I should break out my manuscript from a few years ago, rework some of it, and publish the story.

2. Do you have other stories in the works?

I am working to complete a holiday novella featuring some of the secondary cast from Is Love Enough. I’ve had several requests to know more about Danny and Nikki so I will explore them in this shorter format. I also have several new novels in the works that I will continue developing for release in 2013.

3. What is your favorite thing about being a writer?

I absolutely love the hours! I can take care of my family, be there for my daughter when she needs something, and still have the time to write. I also love the fact that I get to spend time with the characters that dance in my imagination! They have some fantastic stories and I can’t wait to explore them.

4. What is your least favorite?

The hours!! While I absolutely love the fact that I get to set my own schedule, I have a bad habit of getting lost in my characters and their stories. I can write for hours and often my husband will roll over and say, “okay – go to bed now!”

5. If you weren't writing, what would be your other dream career?

I am one of those individuals who have already had a dream career. Although it is extremely stressful, I had the privilege of working in the public school system for 11 years, first as a teacher and then later as an administrator. Not only did I teach some of the neatest kids, but I worked with some of the most fantastic people! I miss most of them every day, particularly since we moved and I no longer have the ability to see them regularly.

6. What do you like to do during your free time?

I spend my free time with my family; it is my favorite thing to do. Most evenings will find my husband, daughter, and I at the dinner table sharing about our days. Our favorite thing is to share the best, saddest, and silliest moment of the day (an excellent technique to get your kids to talk about their day that I learned from a friend). We love taking small day trips together and just sending time together. When it is not just the three of us, we are usually with extended family. I am very close to my parents and we see them often.

7. Who was the first person you told that you wanted to publish Is Love Enough?

My husband is the first one I told that I wanted to pursue this. He, of course, encouraged me to explore the possibility. But, it is my mother who is my consummate cheerleader. I did not tell her first because I wanted to surprise her, but she is the one who pushed and encouraged me for years. She is the one who has read every draft I’ve ever created and has offered suggestions and advice every step of the way.

Thank you so much for the interview Marisa! I wish you nothing but success with your future career! You are very talented and I look forward to your other works!!

You can find Marisa here: WEBSITE

Author Interview: Taylor Dean

Taylor Dean lives in Texas and is the mother of four grown children. Upon finding herself with an empty nest, she began to write the stories that were always wandering around in her head, quickly finding that she had a passion for writing, specifically romance. Whether it’s paranormal, contemporary, or suspense—you’ll find all sub-genres of romance in her line-up.

Q & A

Hi Taylor and welcome to Book Worm Brandy!!

Thanks for having me on your blog today, Brandy!

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

1. I have SIX completed novels that I am slowly releasing over the next year.

2. I call myself an accidental author, mainly because I just never expected this to happen in my life!

3. I lived in Korea for almost two years. (army wife)

4. I am a native San Jose, Californian, (hence, all the stories that take place in CA!) but now I am a Texan, (a Texas novel is coming soon).

5. I have four children and two grandchildren.

6. Sadly, we recently lost one of those grandbabies at eight months gestation to Trisomy 18.

7. I am almost 50!

8. My children seem to think my hobby is vacuuming. They might be right.

9. I have had two jaw surgeries. Yes, TWO.

10. I am the world’s slowest eater. (see # 9)

Where do you get the inspiration behind I Have People?

I constantly live in a fantasy world, forever making up stories in my head. All. The. Time. The thought occurred to me, what if I had an accident wherein I had amnesia? Would I wake up believing one of my stories was actually my life? (My hubby would be horribly hurt if I woke up thinking Alex from Sierra was actually my husband!) The concept intrigued me and sent me on way towards writing I Have People.

Also, I very much dislike angry people. I don’t like the feeling of being around someone who is clearly not in control of themselves or their emotions. Writing I Have People was my way of saying, it’s not okay to lose your temper! It’s NOT okay!

What is your favorite thing about being a writer?

I make my own hours!

I love that—if my children need me—I can drop everything and spend time with them.

I also love the escape from everyday life that writing grants me. It’s so easy to forget everything and absorb myself in my stories. Truly, it takes me away into another place and time!

What is your least favorite thing about being a writer?

I make my own hours!

Seriously, I tend to work very long hours, much longer than I should! It’s not good for me. My hubby has to pull me away from the computer. I love writing so much that it doesn’t seem like work.

I love this saying: Choose a job you love and you will never have to work a day in your life.

What do you do like to do on your off time (if you have any!)?

Spend time with my hubby and children, first and foremost.

I’m also one of those weird people who loves to clean her house. Obsessively.

I’m addicted to reality TV: Survivor, American Idol, SYTYCD, Dancing with the Stars, X-Factor, Bachelor, Bachelorette, Celebrity Apprentice, etc. It’s amazing I have any time at all! Watching these shows forces me to take a break and relax!

What are your plans for the future (book wise)?

I’d like to write a military romance and a futuristic romance next. The futuristic romance has been in my head for quite some time now, and I’m dying to write it!

As for my completed novels, here is my release schedule:

Lancaster House June 2012

Sierra June 2012

I Have People Sept. 2012

The Middle Aisle Dec. 2012

Joshua’s Folly March 2013

For Nick June 2013

Thank you so much Taylor for your time and the opportunity to interview you! I am such a huge fan and cannot wait to read your other works!

Please visit Taylor's website here:TAYLOR DEAN