Dark Obsession: 2012

Monday, December 31, 2012

2012 GoodBye, Think Out Loud, and Blog Year Anniversary Approaching!

Think Out Loud is a weekly meme started by Thinks Books to
get bloggers to post something out of the ordinary.
A pic, video, recipe, rant....
you get the picture.
Do whatever YOU want!

So, did you know it's nearly been a year since Dark Obsession Chronicles was created?

Wow.

A Whole Year.

OK. So I am thinking, it's time for another giveaway.
I'll need time to gather together all my goodies, and see what I can come up with.

2012 was quite a year...

I found some excellent reads,

especially some "diamonds in the rough."

I know many blogs are doing top 10's...
but I just cannot bring myself to narrow down my favorites to just 10.

I'm kind of flying by the seat of my pants here, so we'll see where I head with this.

Friday, December 28, 2012

Blue Moon by J.A. Belfield Blog Tour

We have a special treat here today on Dark Obsession, the Blue Moon Blog Tour!

A Holloway Pack Story (#2)

It's a series I am in progress reading, and thoroughly enjoying it so far!

She was such fun to interview, and took my stranger questions totally in stride!

Blue Moon is actually the second book in the Holloway Pack series. Can the book be read as a stand-alone or is the first book required reading to follow and understand everything?

This is actually a very good question. Blue Moon was written with the intention of it being strong enough to hold its own, and I believe I’ve achieved that with it. However, readers will have a better understanding of the relationship dynamics if they read Darkness & Light first. Also, with there being 7 pack members—all male—besides Jem, cataloguing all of those as the reader goes along may take a little more work for those not already introduced to them. That being said, I have had reviews from folk who’ve dived right into Blue Moon without ‘knowing’ the Holloway Pack, and they’ve enjoyed it just fine. J

What inspiration did you draw on for your mythology behind werewolves?

Every bit of how I wrote my werewolves came from my head. Seriously. I didn’t research. I didn’t go hunting for traits, and characteristics. I simply wrote them exactly how they appeared to me. Boring answer, eh?

Do you use multimedia (pictures of characters, music during writing, etc.) for the Holloway Pack series?

Nope. When I write my characters, they tend to be more of a ‘presence’ to me than a physical being, and they’re more easily identified in my head by their quirks and mannerisms and personality, than by physical appearance. Which is why, when I’m asked if I have anyone/any actors in mind to ‘play’ the Holloway Pack, I’m always kinda stumped. J

Do you have a specific number of books planned for this series?

Ah, an easy question. ;) Yes! At the moment, I plan for there to definitely be 6 full length novels. Any shorter works/prequels aren’t included in that.

What are you reading right now or recently (other than this question?)

Right now, I’m 82% through an ARC of Geek Girl by Holly Smale. Not sure what I’m heading into next, but it’s possibly a toss-up between Hounded (Iron Druid Chronicles 1), This is Not a Test, Breathe by Sarah Crossen, or my ARC of Finn Finnegan. J

Are you a full-time author? Do you attend any conventions or other public events?

I am a full-time author. But that doesn’t mean I just write. It involves all that social networking, and following schedules, and meeting deadlines, and organising blog tours, maintaining my own blog & website, and on top of all that I do editing gigs on the side.

As for the conventions, etc, alas not yet. It’s a little difficult as my publisher is based in the States, and I’m in the UK, and the UK isn’t as widely known for its author conventions as the States. Maybe one day, though. J

Now for the fun questions!

Oooh, goodie. J

Redemption Apocalypse Blog Tour + Giveaway!

Redemption Apocalypse Blog Tour

Dec 17^th 2012 – Jan 1^st 2013

I have a special treat... a few hours later than I would have wanted but hey, fashionably late, right? Well, if you've read some of my reviews, you should have noticed a name that seems to keep popping up... H.D. Gordon. She is a SUPER talented writer that I've become a fan-girl of... and I got to interview her! Muahahaha!

Why are you drawn to write YA verses adult novels?

This may sound strange, but actually, I'm not. I don't think of my books as YA, and I never have. That was just sort of a label that was slapped on the Alexa series because of the age of my characters, but I don't think the content of any of my books is really YA. That would mean there were rules I would have to play by, and I hate to play by rules. Also, Joe, which is the other book I've written, is anything but YA. I think they're calling that one New Adult, or some shit...Can I say shit? See? No rules. I just tell the story that I want to tell, and then other people decide what catagory they want to label it as. That's okay with me.

What inspiration did you draw on for your mythology behind all the supernatural creatures?

Oh, I've been inspired by supernatural creatures for as long as I can remember. My whole family has always loved vampires (though my brothers wouldn't admit it if you asked them now), werewolves and every other thing that could go bump in the night for as long as I could remember. I'm not choosy when it comes to fantasy. If it's a good story, I want to read it or watch it or whatever. If it's good story and there are supernatural creatures in it, I really want to read it. It's just part of my makeup, I guess. So I draw inspiration from everywhere, but mostly it comes from real life.

Did you intent for Alexa's "Monster" to be cognizant from the first book, or did it develop while writing the series into it's own personality?

I never intend for anything to happen in my stories. Things just happen as I sit down to write. I find it takes the fun out of it if I try to control everything, so I don't. I start with an idea, another idea comes along and slams into the first, and so on and so on. But I always knew that Alexa had a Monster inside of her. It was one of the reasons I liked her so much. Having it talk to her was just a cool thing that happened along the way, and soon Its voice was speaking through my fingers almost as much as her's was, and yeah, I guess it did develop its own personality. After a while, I thought of the two of them as separate entities as much as Alexa does.

Do you read reviews for your books?

Yes. Sometimes, and not all of them. I think as a writer you can drive yourself mad reading reviews. I know that I will never be able to please everyone, and I'm okay with that, as long as I am pleased with myself. Which, I always am, because in the beginning the writing was just for me, and in the ways that really matter, it still is.

Do you use multimedia (pictures of characters, music during writing, etc.) for the Alexa Montgomery Saga?

No, no pictures or music. I like dark and quiet. Unless you count the pictures and crazy things in my head.

Will the series be concluded soon, or are there several books left?

Redemption is the last book in The Alexa Montgomery Series, but there is a spin-off in the makes. It won't be what you expect. No rules, remember?

Which project/book is next on your list?

I will start working on the spin-off very soon, right after I have my wonderful do-nothing-but-sit-on-my-lazy-ass and read stage. I don't want to say too much about it, and since no one has read Redemption yet, this name won't mean anything, but I'll throw it out there anyway: Surah.

What are you reading right now or recently (other than this question?)

Lots and lots of Stephen King. I've got an obsession. I'm not even sure it's healthy.

Now for the fun questions!

What would you do for a Klondike bar?

Umm, hmm...I don't think I've ever had a Klondike bar (gasp) but I suppose I would karate-chop Chuck Norris to try one...or just to karate-chop Chuck Norris.

Is there always room for Jello?

Don't really like Jell-O. I never trust anything that can come in the form of a blob. You shouldn't either.

Nipples on the Bat Suit... hot or not?

Not. I don't want my super heros running around with little plastic nubs...how are they supposed to get anything done?

Glass half empty or half full?

Depends on how I'm feeling. I'm a person who tends to go through lots of highs and lows...usually based on how my writing is going.

Why did the chicken cross the road?

To get away from the starving wolf on the other side?

If you could have any 'super power' (any kind of power or ability), what would you choose and why?

I think teleportation, as long as I could take people with me by holding their hand or something. Or super strength, or speed, or anything. I've pondered this question for a long time, since, um, like forever, and I can't really decide, but I love to travel, only I hate actually having to go places, so yeah, teleportation.

Zombie Apocalypse just started, what fictional character (from anywhere) do you want by your side to fight the undead hordes?

Honestly? This is going to sound cheesy, but I think I would want Alexa, or better yet, Alexa's Monster, because I think even zombies would turn tale and run away from her. Or I'd take Thor...because he's hott, and if you have to be in a crappy situation, a hot guy is always welcome.

Thanks for putting up with my weird questions, H.D.! I hope I didn't get too goofy for you!

Thank you for having me, Alana! Nothing is ever "too wierd" for me!

...So far I've only done a beta of the first half of the book...

and already I can tell you just based on that first rough half...

Redemption (Book 4) Synopsis:

The final test is here. The war is no longer a worry of tomorrow, but a reality of today. Turning back is no
longer an option. Maybe it never was. It is time for Alexa Montgomery to look fate in the eyes. Death
waits there for certain. The only question is... for who?

Releasing December 21st, 2012

Will be available in eBook format

on Amazon and Barnes and Noble

Check Out ALL the Stops on the Tour!

12/17/2012

shareAread

12/17/2012

My Book Boyfriend

12/18/2012

A. M. Hargrove

12/18/2012

Passionate Book Divas

12/19/2012

Dark Obsession Chronicles

12/20/2012

Delphina Reads Too Much

12/21/2012

Karla Book Addict

12/21/2012

Happy tails and tales

12/24/2012

A Diary of a Book Addict

12/25/2012

12/26/2012

12/27/2012

12/28/2012

12/31/2012

01/01/2012

01/01/2012

The War for Redemption

We are looking for H.D. Gordon’s fans of the Alexa Montgomery Series to join our

street team! What can you win?

• Private google chat with the ever elusive H.D. Gordon

• Exclusive handmade Jewelry inspired by the series

• Series Swag

• Books Galore! eBooks and Paperbacks from Multiple authors!!!

• Amazon or Barnes and Noble gift cards

PLUS if you start or join a team Phase 1 of The War by December 31 st and

send an email to contest@hdgordon.com with your name and a link to your

Goodreads Profile to be entered to win your choice of these Alexa inspired

bookmarks via a random drawing.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Monday, December 17, 2012

Fallen Angel of Mine Review + Special Holiday Giveaway!

Guess what...
I got a special package in the mail from John Corwin,
and as a special Christmas giveaway to all you lovely readers...

4, count them, 4

Signed Copies of Sweet Blood of Mine with the Original cover!

Because they are signed paperbacks,

I am limiting this giveaway to US and Canada residents only.

And be sure to check out the newest installment of
the Overworld Chronicles,

Fallen Angel of Mine

now on sale!

Fallen Angel of Mine by John Corwin

This book rocked my socks off. I'm going to need another feather for my fedora hat when I'm done...

Just as Justin thinks he can finally try to get back to some semblance of a 'normal' life, fate decides it has other plans. Justin wishes nothing more than some free time with Elyssa, the Buttercup to his Wesley.

In his usual style, Justin barrels into trouble, head-first with little regard to planning. Walking away from a bloodbath at his high school is just the beginning of the adventure in this installment of the Otherworld series. There's no time for smelling the supernatural roses when you are on the run from every supernatural creature in the book and maybe even destiny itself. Once again, the book sprints from the starting gate directly into action, intrigue, and more details about Justin, his family, and Foreseeance 4311. As if all this isn't enough, he finds himself separated from Elyssa... and stranded in Columbia.

Fate, it seems, may not be ready for Justin and Elyssa to get their happily ever after just yet. Elyssa's family and especially her father feel nothing but hatred toward his 'kind' and will not allow their love to continue. Death may not stop true love... but a mind wipe probably could. Things were about to get even realer.

Readers that fell in love with Justin's wit can rest easy knowing that this book is just as humorous as the ones before it. His snarky humor in the unlikeliest of situations always brings a smile to my face. It's always a pleasure to see more of Justin as he further leaves his humble role playing, man-boobs origins behind and takes more steps into his power. He adds to his rag-tag family, charming and bumbling his way to find a path that will not lead to destruction of life as we know it, war within the Overworld, and where Elyssa will be by his side.