Interview with romance author Holly J. Gill

I am honored to have the lovely romance author Holly J. Gill on my blog today talking about her latest release. I wish you all the best and hope you sell millions, sweetie!

Innocence of Love

Release Day!

This book comes as part of a series!

                                   Genre: Contemporary Romance with sexual tension
                                                                Published by: Holly J. Gill
                                                                 Word count: 110.256

  Tagline

Two directions, one past

Lives tipped upside down.

Forgiveness and pain.

Love and respect.

Can two hearts heal?

                                            Quote: ‘I never make promises I don’t keep!’

Blurb

Calvin Edward’s life has been tipped upside down, never had he imagined encounter his first one true love. Only she held a massive secret from him for nine years— his son. His flesh and blood. How could have Sophie denied ever telling him about his child, now adopted to another family? Struggling with his emotions for Sophie, he has to deal with how to handle his son. Could he find it in his heart to forgive Sophie or is all lost?

Sophie Richards couldn’t believe the turn of events— how could the man who saved her turn out to be her first partner? Now the truth is out, her secrets discovered and finally she shared all her pain, never to have imagined the one man who showed her true care and affection is the father to her first child. She loves him, only Calvin resents her. How could she ever say sorry?

                                          Excerpt

“I don’t hate you…I would never hate you. I just wish you had come to me, I would’ve helped you. I would certainly not have seen you out on the street or allowed you to have him adopted.”
“Calvin, please don’t.” Her eyes filled with tears. Her heart ached to his kindness that she really didn’t deserve.
“I want to be here to support you and Kacey.”
Sophie snapped her head to glare at him. “She isn’t yours.” He stared back at her horrified. His lips pressed firmly together, eyes peering harshly at her. She swallowed heavily and could feel her heart being ripped out of her chest. “Sorry,” she managed to say feeling larger knots in her tummy.
“I just want to help you.”
“You don’t need to.”
“I want to. Regardless!”
With that, Calvin stood.
She watched him walk away, heading toward the main building indecisive if to chase after him to explain. So fed-up of allowing her mouth to run away with her, but the truth was Kacey wasn’t his to worry about.
Sophie allowed him to go. She hitched her breath, aching in every limb.

 Amazon US
  Amazon UK
 Amazon Canada
  Smashwords

Kobo 

Barnes and Noble 

Book 1 Innocence

Author Bio

Holly is a wife, mum of three grown up and not starting to flee their nests she's also a proud nana to twins. Holly lives in England a town called Grimsby. The J in her name stands for Jody. She enjoys spending quality time surrounded with her family. Her and hubby have a secret hideaway for peace and quiet in a sweet idyllic campsite where they like to pitch a tent close to York one of her favourite cities. Holly also likes touring around the UK, sight-seeing, visiting stately homes and castles. Her hobbies are reading, writing, socializing and listening to music.

Writing is where Holly’s heart is… 

Where to find Holly

 Facebook

 Romance Blog

 Erotic Blog

Twitter

Google+

 Goodreads

 Pinterest

 Website

Books available from Holly J. Gill

Erotic Romance series

Desires

New Year and goals for 2016!

I cannot help but feel excited for 2016. I have many ideas for future stories that I want to write, and they may not all be of a romantic nature. You see one of the ways I gain inspiration is to read and when you read a book that is a page turner, that you cannot put down, and you find yourself analyzing how the story was put together, and how the characters were developed. It makes you wonder if you are capable of writing something in that genre. The reason being because you loved the book so much!

I love great plots, believable characters and beautiful writing. I like a story that moves, that shows us what is going on more than tells us.Anyway, I think as a writer we have to explore and challenge ourselves, and that is a goal of mine for 2016. To write in a way that scares me, to keep stretching myself with the aim of getting better.

I have to share this piece of news my debut adult paranormal romance Capturing the Last Welsh Witch was released at the end of 2015, and I’m delighted with the sales to date. I’m also ecstatic about my review from the Paranormal Romance Guild who provided an honest and unbiased review.






                                                            

                                                 5*****Stars

                                                Novel: Capturing the Last Welsh Witch

                                                                  Author: J.M. Davies

                                                     Genre: Fantasy/Paranormal Romance

                                                                         Rating: Adult

Ella Masters is a 500 year old soul-shifter. She is from the clan of Ariana, Moon Goddess and this is her fifth life. If Ella doesn't find her soul mate this death will be permanent. For 500 years she has not found him, all she ever found was men that in one way or another led to her early death. Trusting men is something she has difficulty with.

Her newest pretend boyfriend is Professor Aiden O'Connor. Their relationship is anything but sexual and one night at dinner their relationship takes a horrible turn. Ella wakes up beaten and bleeding in the woods trying to remember what happened. The last thing she remembers is her and Aiden arguing. She has no idea that Aiden is dead and she is wanted by the FBI. The agent sent to bring her in is Marcus Drayton. Bringing in Ella would result in the promotion to New York he so desperately wants. Once a Navy SEAL Marcus will stop at nothing to get Ella. He has been undercover working at a coffee shop surveying her and figuring out the best time to make his move. In addition to the FBI the Elusti is also looking for her. The Elusti is an old religous sect who have hunted her kind to extinction. Is she really the only one left?

When Marcus finally gets his woman, so to speak, he finds himself drawn to her. He is convinced that she is innocent. Marcus grew up with a mother who always said she could see things and wound up in a psychiatric center for years leaving Marcus to go from foster home to foster home. He grew to hate his mother and refuses to accept anything she said and now refuses to believe what Ella is tryng to tell him about being a soul-shifter. Marcus' beliefs will shortly be tested and he will find out things about himself and his mother he never saw coming.

Marcus is going against the FBI and his superior who he has begun to distrust. Why would Ella be one of the FBI's ten most wanted? She is tiny and there was no way she could have overcome and beaten Aiden to death. When the name Elusti comes up Marcus realizes he is fighting a very dangerous enemy and he is determined to destroy them. The attraction between Ella and Marcus is getting hotter by the minute, but can she trust him or will he be another man in her life to cause her death and can he believe what she says? The two of them have a lot to learn and everything will be revealed by the end of the book.

I am not going to say any more because I do not want to slip and give anything away. There is betrayal, kidnapping, secrets, surprises and sex. My only problem with reading the book was "my husband" who seemed to think he would starve to death if I didn't stop reading and feed him, well I accomplished both. There is no cliffhanger but for some reason I had the feeling there might be more coming and I hope so.



                                                            Reviewed by: Linda Tonis

                                     Member of the Paranormal Romance Review Team

 

                                 

Windham, New Hampshire, local fiction Author

I am delighted to introduce my lovely writer friend Jennifer Smith, who shares my passion and determination for crafting stories that readers will love. Her debut adult fiction novel Flying Backwards was released in August 2015, and she is currently working on a fantasy trilogy!  


Jennifer W Smith lives in a quaint New Hampshire town with her husband and two children. Her kitty, a beautiful blue-eyed Balinese is always nearby, and she’s recently adopted a four-year-old collie who’s made herself at home.  She debuted her first woman’s fiction novel in late August of 2015 titled FLYING BACKWARDS.

                                             About the book: FLYING BACKWARDS

Would it be exciting to travel to exotic places, meet a man who makes your heart summersault, and become a person you admire?  Eleanor (Nora) Clark realizes the key to an interesting life is eluding her. Never leaving the small Pennsylvania town she grew up in, living in a house her fiancé bought his ex-girlfriend, and spending weekends helping in the family business. She realizes life is passing her by as her twenty-ninth birthday looms on the horizon. Why hasn’t she taken any gutsy chances in life?

On a whim, she applies to become a flight attendant. Suddenly, she is jetting off to London, Rome, and St. Petersburg where she finds herself romantically entangled with three very different suitors. Eleanor’s new life exceeds all her wildest dreams.To find fulfillment, Eleanor must discover success, confidence, friendship, and love. As her daydreams become reality, the choices she makes both build and break her heart. But her last choice decides it all.

                                                                    USA AMAZON

                                                                     UK AMAZON

I thought it might be fun to ask you some questions so the readers out there can get to know you a little better....

1.      Who is your favorite author and do you aspire to write like him or her?

I don’t have one favorite author. I think it’s their particular story that touches me and sticks with me. If you read a lot, it’s like treasure hunting, and I know I get excited when I finish that one book in a pile of many, that I could start reading all over again.

2. How do you come up with ideas for your stories?

I like history, traveling, reading…things in my everyday life spark ideas, and then, I hunt down more information to support my budding story.

3. Your first book was an adult fiction story and I hear you're writing an adult fantasy trilogy. Was that switch hard for you and what was the inspiration behind that series?

Switching from mainstream romance to fantasy isn’t hard for me. Both require believable characters and a solid storyline. It’s a little more fun writing fantasy because I get to invent a new realm and all the creatures in it. When I was a teenager I was writing fantasy, so I decided to give it another go.

4. Being a busy mom, with two kids, how do you manage your writing? 

I write around their schedules, mostly when they are at school. I’m the mom on her laptop in the parking lot during dance and soccer practice.

5. You are a self-published author, do you think you will try to submit to a traditional publisher?

During the last nine months, I’ve finished my first novel and set out to publish it on my own. I’ve worked so hard learning how to hire an editor, cover artist, build my own website, market, and so much more. I’m not saying I’ll never submit to a traditional publisher, but I’m doing pretty well on my own.

6. Any advice for aspiring authors?

Becoming an author was a dream come true for me. I worked hard to make it happen, that said, it was my passion. So if having a book published is your passion, it is attainable.

7. Aside from writing and being a mom what hobbies do you enjoy?

I’ve dabbled in many things from scrapbooking to knitting, but I always enjoy traveling to interesting places and learning local traditions. I also love jigsaw puzzles – I think of it as linking a story together.

8. How do you cope with stress or bad days when nothing is going right?

As Scarlett O’Hara  said “Tomorrow is another day.”

9. What is the BEST part about being an author?

Aside from personal fulfillment of achieving a life-long goal, when a stranger tells me they LOVE my story, not only is it validating, but humbling and my heart swells. Also, if I can be an inspiration to others, that too, brings me great joy.

10. What do you see happening for you as an author in 2016?

In 2016, I’ll be working on writing and releasing three books in the Broken Water Series. I’ll be releasing the first book in this adult fantasy series The Lavender Pearl in the spring. The second book in the Broken Water Series is being worked on now, and may be released as early as the fall of 2016. I will also be scheduling book signings and I look forward to meeting fans!

WEB SITE

AUTHOR FACEBOOK PAGE

TWITTER




                                     

Guest author Dilys J Carnie

I'd like to welcome the lovely Welsh romance author Dilys J Carnie, who has been my go-to person for several years. When I had a question about writing and the publication process, Dilys was there! I have read several of her twelve books, and I can tell you she spins a lovely story with ease.

Dilys J Carnie


My home is on the beautiful island of Anglesey on the west coast of North Wales. Anglesey has been my home since the age of eleven after moving here with my mum and dad and three sisters from Scotland.
I'm the proud mother of two grown children. My daughter Emma is a primary school teacher, and my son Christopher is part of the family business.
I'm a health freak and a vegetarian. Pilates class combined with visiting the gym at least four times a week keeps me fit. I love clothes, makeup, and having my nails and hair done. I'm just a girl's girl.
If I'm not in my office pounding the keys I'm sitting in my favourite chair reading books and discovering new authors on my Kindle.
As a young child I loved to write. I always carried a notebook and pen around with me and wrote about everything. I never thought for one moment I would ever be able to pick up a book with my name on it and say "I wrote that". It was a dream come true when I signed with a publisher for my first book in November 2012. So, dare I say at the young age of fifty I think it's time for me to see if those dreams are everything that I hope they will be.
http://www.dilysjcarnie.com/
https://www.facebook.com/dilysj.carnie.3
http://dilys-j-carnie.blogspot.co.uk/
Chester in England, Llanberis in Wales and Kinneff in Scotland.

Three glories places to spend a romantic Christmas, A chance to be naughty and nice with men who we would all like to find in our Christmas stockings. 

One touch…one moment in time.

Belle Jones never did anything that wasn't planned…that was until she met Ethan Thompson on one steamy afternoon.

Now he’s come looking for her and he discovers more than he bargained for.

Belle is trying to come to terms with her first Christmas on her own. Until Ethan throws all her plans out the window and leaves her with a decision to make.

Will the secret she is hiding from this man bring them together or push them apart?

Amazon USA
Amazon UK




Blurb
Holly Berry is grateful to be alive... so she has a new bucket list. No more nice girl for the new Holly... this year her wish for Santa is on the naughty list.
Noah Miller plays Santa Claus at Snowdrop House, where he is surprised to find a very grownup...and willing...Holly Berry on his knee. He’d never guessed that a Santa costume and twenty-four hours would make such a difference to his Christmas.
Will this little sexy little bundle of fun who rocks his world change his future too?

Amazon UK
Amazon USA

Blurb
Come to the Scottish Highlands for a delightful romance. Skye heads off to a remote village for peace and quiet over Christmas but doesn't factor in Callum McIntyre, the man broke her heart ten years ago. When she is snowed in and has to stay at his cottage...will she be able to resist his charms this time...or does she really want to?

Amazon UK
Amazon USA

NEW BOOK RELEASE!

The last two months have been busy with personal issues, which are now resolved and getting my YA trilogy back out there for readers as my publisher closed its doors suddenly in September. As you can imagine it's been a tough time. Eighteen months ago, I signed a contract and was delighted to have some validation of my work, but in all honesty, it's been a bumpy ride.

Through the summer, I had decided to self-publish my first adult paranormal, but I hadn't anticipated having to use every penny that I had earned to re-publish my books and pay for the editing and art work for the third book.

Anyway, this is life, and you have to roll with it. I am very fortunate that I could  start over, and I'm happy to say the books are all available on Amazon worldwide. I'm also delighted that I managed to complete the books I set out as my goals for 2015.

Releasing Capturing the Last Welsh Witch is really the icing on the cake.

I have a new editor and cover artist, and I am very happy working with both ladies!  My goals for 2016 are to keep writing, I have 2 projects that are started, possibly a sequel, and another series all good fun....

If you pop over and like my author page, make sure you leave a comment and you'll be entered in a competition to win an ARC copy of Capturing the Last Welsh Witch.

                                                        Capturing the Last Welsh Witch

Ella Masters’s soul is five hundred years old and in each life, she has been fatally betrayed by men. This is her fifth and final life, and legend says she must meet her true love or this time death is eternal. Wanted for the murder of her latest boyfriend and on the run from the FBI, as well as the ruthless group the Elusti, it doesn’t bode well for any would-be suitors.

Marcus Drayton has a sixth sense when it comes to knowing people, which has helped in his career as a special agent for the FBI, as well as his previous stint as a Navy SEAL. His latest assignment is to deliver Ella Masters, the Witch, which will give him the prized promotion in New York. After he meets the mysterious Ella, and realizes the Elusti are involved, the ghosts of his past force him to seek the truth, making every one he loves a target.

As she runs for her life and freedom, Ella needs to discover whether Marcus is the warrior she needs. And can she trust him with her heart and soul before it’s too late?



                                                        A little snippet from the beginning!


Her fingers touched the torn edges of the material and she stared into the distance, blinking as an old memory shook her.
“Come here, before I come and get you.” Aidan’s voice was deep and hoarse. His piercing eyes glared into hers, and she looked back as she contemplated her options. She glanced toward the door; if she moved, he would grab her. She could try to seduce him. However, that would be hopeless with Aidan. No, the only way was to trick him.
Aidan inched closer. So close, she could smell his musky aftershave. Ella let him get closer still. Let him think he had won. Her heart pounded violently against her ribs, but still she waited, barely breathing. Aidan inched closer, his eyes never leaving her face.
“Are you ready to admit defeat?” He raised one eyebrow, and his mouth spread into a lazy smile.
“Never, Professor.” She flicked her leg outward and kicked as hard as possible, just like he had taught her.
“What the…” He fell to the ground, doubled over and clutched his stomach.
Sucking on her lower lip, she hesitated before she turned away. That split second of doubt was her undoing. Arms came from nowhere and grabbed her legs. Whoosh. The view of the room shifted, and the floor went from under her feet. She ended up flat on her back, with Aidan’s body impaling her to the floor.
“Never trust the enemy,” he said.
She spluttered and coughed as the memory swirled away. Professor Aidan O’Connor was an enigma: a historian, friend, pretend-lover, and expert at martial arts. He’d taught her how to use her body as a weapon.
“But last night wasn’t practice, was it? Aidan, what have you done?”

                                                    BUY LINKS FOR THE BOOK

                                                                AMAZON USA

                                                                  AMAZON UK

                                                              AUTHOR PAGE FB

The end of the Children of Annwn series!

It’s incredible to me that after six years of writing, I’ve finally finished the Children of Annwn series. What started out as a cathartic outpouring of my own journey wrapped up in a tender romantic fantasy evolved into something so much more, but one that continued to mirror my own challenges in life and writing.  I know as a writer that I’m not alone is using life experiences as a basis for the characters we create, but I didn't realize or plan it that way.  

The series is a voyage of self-discovery for Mia Leronde who transforms from this insecure high-school student into a determined and powerful caster that is driven by her love of her family, friends, and Ryder. The series is about the power of love, the meaning of family, overcoming the challenges in life, and learning to accept who we are despite our insecurities and fears.

In six years, a lot has changed as I have gone from being signed with a small publishing company to being self-published like over-night. It wasn't a complete shock but a HUGE learning curve. I'm taking each experience in my stride, not losing sight of what I want which is to write. I will weigh up all the pro's and con's to help me decide where my future lies.

However, the writing is my focus all the rest is icing on the cake and I still approach publishers and agents with caution as I like not feeling as if  I'm having a heart attack as I approach the finish rushing to get to the deadline even though I impose my own. I like having control over the price and as for promoting well I have to do it anyway!

After six years, I still LOVE writing and ideas are always bouncing around for further stories, even if bit by bit I'm becoming more of a recluse. Does anyone else feel like this?

I am my biggest cheerleader even when the tides of negativity threaten to drown me.I believe I can write stories that are entertaining and that readers will enjoy and therefore, I keep marching along to my own band!

I get highly anxious when I’m not writing almost as if I will forget how to write. Like guilt driven panic attacks, anyone else?? 

The promoting and marketing side is another issue, and I have to embrace this and push harder to get the stories out. I think this will definitely be a goal for 2016 because I NEED help!!!! 

Anyway for now, I’m delighted to wallow in the glory of the fact that I have finished the trilogy as often I felt an incredible impatience to get it down on paper before I lost my focus.

Writing is not easy, don't let anyone tell you that. It's very personal. The reader gets to see how your brain ticks, and what is in our heart and soul. It makes us very vulnerable. However, just like cooking a fantastic dinner, there is nothing better than sharing that meal with friends and having a good laugh. I want to share my stories with you, and make you laugh and cry. I hope I manage that. 

                        Snippet from the Power of the Gilgamesh release date Friday 16th October 2015.

“There was a soft voice singing ever so quietly, more like a whisper, I guess, but I could hear every word. It was as if the girl or woman—I don’t know how old she is—was guiding me somewhere. This place is special, don’t you feel it?” Mia studied each one in turn before resting her stare on Malachi.

“Why do we always end up in damp bloody forests freezing our nuts off,” Tristan said. Ryder and Malachi laughed.

“This isn’t funny. None of this is funny. Brianna has disappeared, and you let her go, Tristan. I guess, I’m to blame as well because after Tyler left I have been pre-occupied with everything, which left Brianna grieving alone.”

“That’s not true. She wasn’t alone. I just couldn’t reach her,” Tristan spoke into the light breeze that was rustling through the trees and leaves.

“Back to the voice, because it doesn’t matter how or why we’re here, but here we are. What was the song about?” Malachi raised his eyebrow, staring at Mia with his hands joined together as if praying with his thumbs resting on his chin. Mia breathed out, trying to focus and recall the words of the song. She closed her eyes.

“If ever there were fairies surely this is where their tiny feet would tread in a woodland full of bluebells where the air smells so sweet…”

“Stop, does this have a point because I hate to say it, but I agree with Tristan, my feet are cold and damp,” said Lucas.

“Shut up Lucas, Mia’s right, this place is special and the magic around us is very powerful, powerful enough to call out to her, so we must be on our guard. Now go on, but if you can skip anything that isn’t relevant that would be good,” Malachi smirked at Mia and placed his hands around his back. As Mia sucked a deep breath in, she stared at Lucas, Ryder, Tristan, Dr. Mathews and Malachi, who started pacing back and forth. Skip anything that may be irrelevant. How was she supposed to know? Again, she closed her eyes and focused on the song and the words, letting the sweet melody roll over her brain until she could see it clearly written like a poem in her mind, and she read the words picking and choosing what she thought was important.

“If there was a doorway to another world, this is where it would be hidden, among the wild bluebells and sacred leafy trees. I think the portal is here somewhere, but the last line or two is a warning,” she said, staring over at Ryder. “Time passes and yet forever the bluebells return, spreading like wildfire swaying with the breeze, carrying their delicate perfume, captivating all but beware those who dare to enter Fairyland. For once there, you may never want to leave...” she said slowly with a haunting voice that left everyone silent for a moment. Malachi scratched his head, staring at Lucas, and then he rubbed his mouth with his hand.

“Okay, so there is a portal near. I think we should keep walking. How far do these woods go on for?” Malachi asked, staring at Dr. Mathews. Until now, Dr. Mathews had been silent, simply plodding along with the group, but he pushed himself in front with his hands in the pockets of his dark-blue  jeans and stared at Ryder whilst he fumbled with his MET device.

Not everything goes to plan!

 I don’t think anyone goes through life problem free. How you decide to deal with them is another thing! You can either choose to face them and figure something out or ignore them.

For a while, I have ignored one, and unfortunately everything erupted at once.

Several stressors collided like an explosion that rocked my foundation. To be honest, I’m still feeling the after-effects of some.

It’s so true when you meet people you have no clue about the battles they face. For days, I didn’t know how to pull myself out from a very dark place where I simply wanted to cry all the time. I wanted to chuck everything in and my body wasn’t helping me either as I lacked any energy or drive. My hormones were surging making me tearful which didn't help at all in making any kind of plan.

I like to keep busy to take my mind off of the issues but every now and then it all seeps back and some problems, you know, you cannot solve and those are the most heartbreaking.

However, my hubbie of nineteen years, which must be love, right, has been my rock. He’s supported me and allowed me to wallow for a day, and then we talked and talked about the future and how we’re able to help with a family issue. He’s such a good man. He came up with suggestions and ideas to help me when I couldn’t.

On a professional matter, he has helped me after I made the decision to self-publish my Children of Annwn series when my publishing company closed their doors at the beginning of September.  My professional life is crazy busy, but I have control now and I’m happy with this. I feel overwhelmed with all there is to learn about self-publishing, but I have a brilliant band of friends who have heaps of experience of this and it’s due to them, that I decided to take this route.

Children of Annwn Amazon USA      $3.99

Children of Annwn: The Battle Amazon USA     $3.99
Children of Annwn:The Promise Amazon UK       2.50
Children of Annwn:The Battle Amazon UK            2.50

 I planned  to self-publish my first adult paranormal, Capturing the Last Welsh Witch, but I now find myself self-publishing all four of my books, so I’m a little busy right now…

However, come October, I will be taking some time out as the health issue, I had been ignoring will be finally addressed. Therefore, I am not certain about my timeline for the book releases they will get out there when I can honestly say, I’m happy, and they’re ready. As I’m the boss, I definitely have a deadline, and I am a hard taskmaster, but I will not rush and if it has to wait, then so be it.

I know love. I know sorrow. I know pain, and this is life. I will embrace it in all its beautiful forms because in this way, I know I’m still alive. Life is precious and a gift.

No matter what I face, I will always try to keep the writing going because it’s what I love to do.