Blake Pride Series
Book 2
JoAnna Grace
Genre: Urban Fantasy/ Paranormal romance
Publisher: Winged J Press
Date of Publication: Jan 20th 2015
ISBN: 978-1-94-460-15-4
ASIN:B00RKOSPXS
Number of pages: 300+
Word Count: 91K
Cover Artist: Jleeann.com
Book Description:
As beta female of the Blake Pride, Amilynn does whatever it takes to get the job done and guard her family—even if it might not be morally sound. Now that the Pride has moved in with the Blackburn Pack, she faces a threat she never saw coming…a mate. The sexy and persistent wolf wants to claim the leopardess, but she’s not going down without a fight.
Ezekiel is used to getting what he wants and his eyes are set on his seductive target. Yet predicting Amilynn’s next move is fruitless. He’s caught between admiring her strength and resenting it. Does he dominate or submit? Can he prove to Amilynn she really is worth the fight?
When a ghost from Amilynn’s past stalks their family, Ezekiel will learn her true strength. Amilynn isn’t a docile house cat and, by the time she’s done, everyone will know it.
Available at Amazon
AMILYNN SNUGGLED INTO the warm arms that were around her. God, Ezekiel smelled like heaven. The sweet honey of his mating scent filled her mind and made her inner leopard purr with desire. It was so easy to sleep when his strong arms held her close and kept her safe. He was there for her in her time of distress, waiting to see if her best friend would pull through the night. He’d given his own blood to save Vivian’s life. Amilynn never thought she could find peace in the middle of a hospital, in the midst of a catastrophe like this, and yet Ezekiel gave it to her.
Her cat had never been more satisfied, even if he was a wolf.
While Ezekiel kept her safe, Ami could focus on the crisis at hand. Vivian had to live. She had to make it. If there was no hope for Vivian to live a full life of love and happiness, then what chance did Amilynn have? Vivian was wilder, more feral in her independence than Ami and, somehow, she’d found a mate in Kasey Blackburn who was worthy of her devotion. The wolf alpha had shown his love for Vivian time and time again, gaining the trust of the rest of her Pride. But look where it got them. The songs were bullshit. Love is not all you need.
Vivian fought for her life in that hospital because members of Kasey’s Pack didn’t want the Pride coming in. The feline shifters didn’t belong there, so they said. The Pack might be a mixture of wolves and bear, but adding felines to the mix was more than some of them could handle. The rebellious group had done a fine job of letting Amilynn and her family know they weren’t welcome.
Amilynn, in particular, had been warned off the males of the Pack. Here she sat in Ezekiel’s arms, the arms of a future alpha. Wouldn’t that cause another rebellion? The hookers and hounds, what a mess.
Her cat came to attention when a rumbling in Ezekiel’s chest woke her up. The low growl was aggressive and full of warning. Her eyes popped open, ready to defend her family at any cost.
“Easy, fool,” Tyrone, her brother, warned Ezekiel in gravelly bass.
Ezekiel, who had also been awakened with a start, gripped Ty’s hand. It took a couple of seconds for all of them to realize there was no threat.
“V’s awake.” Ty yanked from Ezekiel’s grasp.
Amilynn didn’t hesitate to uncurl from Ezekiel’s lap and follow Ty. She didn’t look back, couldn’t. Once she was in her right mind, she would explain to Ezekiel that there was no way they were going to be together. They were too different.
Ami took her first easy breath when she saw Vivian’s eyes open. They were half crossed, but they were open. Relief and love bubbled over her, creating a wave of deep emotion she didn’t know how to process. She could cry, but who had time for hormonal drama? When Vivian smiled at her, she had to blink back the tears. Damn. This was not cool.
“Well,” Ami said, needing to escape with her dignity. “Since Kasey is stuck up your ass, and you’re in good hands, I’m going to jet.” She sniffed and made sure not to look Vivian in the eyes again. “Glad you’re awake.” Without another word, she left the hospital room. Her chest constricted so tightly, she could’ve passed out.
“Here.” Ty tossed her a set of keys. Of course her brother would know she didn’t want anyone to see her lose her shit. She gave him a nod and bolted from the hospital. Go figure; they were to Ezekiel’s motorcycle. At least if she cried while she was on the bike, she could blame it on the wind in her eyes. Sometimes being a girl sucked.
Did you always wanted to be a writer? If not what did you want to be?
I’ve always been a writer at heart, but I was taught to get a “sensible” job, so I had brief but educational experiences in real estate and at my local Chamber of Commerce. I’ve also worked with/for my husband for the last 13 years. We’ve been married for 11 ½- so do the math! wink wink
When did you first consider yourself a “writer”?
Always! But the validation came with my first email from a reader who wasn’t related. Knowing someone who didn’t share my DNA actually loved the book was pretty cool.
How long did it take to get your first book published?
A while. I believe there is a time and season for everything and back in 2011, when I tried to submit to publishers, it definitely was not my time or season…mainly because of a surprise pregnancy late that year. I took that time to learn and revise. In early 2013 I attended the NOLA Stars conference and listened to authors speak about self-publishing. That changed everything. My first book was out with a small, umbrella press late that year.
Do you do another job except for writing and can you tell us more about it?
I manage my husband and brother’s construction company from home and keep my 2 year old. Yes, I work with my little brother and my spouse while taking care of a toddler. What can I say? I drink.
What is the name of your latest book, and if you had to summarize it in less than 20 words what would you say?
Break Her Fall is: sexy and funny. Amilynn is the only person who can kill someone and shag a hottie on the same day. (20 words!)
Who is your publisher? Or do you self-publish?
I worked with Progressive Rising Phoenix Press on Divine Destiny in The Divine Chronicles series and with Dark Red Press for the Blake Pride Series. But I’m primarily self-published. I really like the freedom and business of it.
How long does it usually take you to write a book, from the original idea to finishing writing it?
Usually a few months, depends on the book. Amilynn’s book, with revisions was about three months start to finish.
What can we expect from you in the future? ie More books of the same genre? Books of a different genre?
I want to finish out the Blake Pride Series and get another Divine Chronicles book out. Then I would like to integrate my contemporaries in there. Hopefully in 2016 we can see some of those come out. I have soooo many stories just waiting their turn in line.
What genre would you place your books into?
Romance all the way. Mainly Paranormal. I’m a sucker for a good love story. Throw in some fighting and I’m good to go.
What made you decide to write that genre of book?
One of my books started out as a contemporary and I realized there wasn’t a real man on earth capable of what Ryse was doing. So I made him a god! While writing that story I realized how much I love paranormal and supernatural stuff.
Do you have a favorite character from your books? And why are they your favorite?
That’s hard! That’s like asking which kid is my favorite. I really loved writing Amilynn. She’s a sassy, funny bada$$. She doesn’t have a filter and yet she can be so sweet and kind when she wants to. I want to be as cool as she is when I grow up.
How long have you been writing?, and who or what inspired you to write?
I’ve always sought out writing to unwind after my day jobs. I wrote while I was in high school, I made picture books as a kid. It’s always been a part of me but it wasn’t until a couple years ago that I really decided it was time to pursue it as a career.
Do you have a certain routine you have for writing? ie You listen to music, sit in a certain chair?
I like to move around when I write. I have an office and work in there, but I have nooks around the house. I have playlists for each of my books or certain genres that get me into the mood, even candles help.
Do you read all the reviews of your book/books?
Heck no! I’m thankful for the good ones and throw the bad ones over my shoulder. Opinions are like armpits, ya know?
Do you choose a title first, or write the book then choose the title?
I suck at titles! It’s not easy for me. I usually change the title two or three times through out the writing process.
How do you come up with characters names and place names in your books?
Usually the characters name themselves and then I double check if it works. But if a character arrives without a name, I’ll research something appropriate that they like.
Are character names and place names decided after their creation? Or do you pick a character/place name and then invent them?
Places are kind of like names. Sometimes the characters tell me where they are, sometimes they don’t and I have to research.
Do you decide on character traits (ie shy, quiet, tomboy girl) before writing the whole book or as you go along?
The characters have to grow organically for me. I know a lot of authors plan their people but mine grow within me through the journey.
Are there any hidden messages or morals contained in your books? (Morals as in like Aesops Fables type of "The moral of this story is..")
All over the freaking place. Go find them!
Which format of book do you prefer, eBook, hardback, or paperback?
A book is a book. I love my iPad. I love paper. Just read!
What is your favorite book and Why? Have you read it more than once?
I’ve read all of Nalini Singh’s books about three times each, the Vampire Academy/Bloodlines books, Black Dagger Brotherhood. Sometimes you need comfort food for your soul, right?
Do you think books transfer to movies well? Which is you favorite/worst book to movie transfer?
Some do. Vampire Academy was a letdown. Sorry. Dimitri was the best part of that movie. I hope to get the chance to see my books on screen one day. That would be great!
Your favorite food is?
Chocolate. Coffee. Nuff said.
Your favorite singer/group is?
Ouch. That’s hard, too. I’m really diggin Imagine Dragons right now.
Your favorite color is?
Purple/blue
Your favorite Author is?
Nalini Singh. Hands down.
Thanks so much for hosting me today! It’s great to have the chance to visit with you. Please check out my books and let me know what you think.
JoAnna Grace lives in a world of alpha males and strong females where true love conquers all—at least in her mind!
From the time she started holding a crayon she began to create magical worlds. Her first book was a series of pictures about a puppy princess. The story changed each time she told it, but there was always a happy ending! Her first written story was about girls who changed into tigers.
Now those stories have become a bit more complex!
JoAnna’s tales are spun at her home in East Texas where she lives with her husband, three kids, and a couple dogs. When not hiding behind the computer screen you can find her camping, boating, and shopping.
Sign up for her newsletter to receive information about new releases, events, and giveaways! www.authorjoannagrace.com
JoAnna loves to hear from readers and fans!
You can find her at the following places:
Authorjoannagrace.com
Twitter: @JoAnnaGrace4ya
Thanks for hosting me today! It was a trip!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds so good, I need to win this book, lol.
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