Wednesday, May 10, 2017

The Waterfall Traveler by SJ Lem

Title: The Waterfall Traveler
Author: SJ Lem
Genre: Young adult Fantasy
Release Date: April 19, 2017

Summary:
All eighteen-year-old Ri wants is to cure her adoptive father Samuel from his hallucination-inducing illness. Everyone in her village tells her it’s impossible. But when she meets two newcomers in the forest—a gruff rogue with a vendetta against the gods and a charming fugitive who saves her life—she’ll be torn away from Samuel and swept across the sea to an oppressive city governed by a ruthless tyrant. Once there, she’ll not only have to confront Samuel’s unlawful past, but a vicious evil that threatens all mankind.

In this tale of bravery, friendship, and unforeseen love, Ri risks it all to save those she cares for. But if she prevails, she’ll find the one thing she yearns for most—a cure for Samuel.


What is the biggest interest that brought you to this genre?
I’ve always enjoyed YA and Fantasy novels that feature fast-paced, adventurous plots. So naturally, when the story idea came to me, that’s the shape it took. I initially started writing The Waterfall Traveler for fun, but after joining a writing group I began to take it more seriously. The authors in that group had the biggest impact on my writing career since they encouraged me to finish the novel even when I experienced moments of self-doubt and uncertainty. Of course, as a full-time working mom, it was a challenge to find the time to write, but I loved storytelling so much that I wrote during my train commute to work each day. The finished book is the result of a team effort, and I’m tremendously grateful for all the help I’ve received.

When writing a book, what is your favorite part of the creative process?
Daydreaming about the story, closely followed by writing dialogue.

When reading a book, what genre do you find most interesting/intriguing?
Though I do love YA and Fantasy, my tastes are pretty varied and I’ll read most genres if the book blurb draws me in. Recently, I’ve been revisiting my childhood favorites with my son, such as The Velveteen Rabbit, The Serendipity Book series, Charlotte's Web, and Where the Wild Things Are.

If you could co-author with any author, past or present, who would you choose?
I’m not sure if I can answer! There are far too many authors I respect and admire to narrow it down to one. However, now that I am a mother, I think it would be wonderful to write a children’s book. I’d be honored to work with any of the authors of the above-mentioned books.

Have you always wanted to write or did it come to you later in life?
I always wanted to write, but I didn’t start writing until my thirties due to demanding school, work, and family commitments. I’m so glad that I’m able to write now, and am excited to share my debut novel with the world.

Thank you so much for your wonderful interview and featuring me on your blog.

Author Bio:
S.J. Lem is a digital art director gone writer in hopes of expanding her creative aspirations. Whether it’s introducing dimensional characters, crafting imaginative worlds, or transporting readers into high-stakes adventures, she strives to deliver an immersive experience.

She lives in Chicago with her husband and son. When not writing, she enjoys pottery, gardening, and volunteering. Connecting with readers and fellow writers is one of her greatest joys.


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A Worthy Man by Jaime Reese

Title: A Worthy Man
Author: Jaime Reese
Series: Men of Halfway House #5
Genre: M/M Romance
Release Date: May 2, 2017
Photographer: Eric McKinney of 6:12 Photography 
Summary:
A story of two men and the boundless love that forever changed them.

Vannguard Shaw has spent the last ten years serving a life sentence and adjusting to the ache of solitude. He accepts his fate, a sacrifice for the only man he ever loved and the one person who saw beyond his rough edges.

Drayton grew up with a trust fund and pre-planned future, but an unexpected encounter one night forces him to abandon everything and start from scratch. He is now a self-made man and developer of one of the most sought after electric exotic automobiles in the world with a fortune greater than that of his birthright. Yet, he’d surrender it all—again—for the only man who’s still ever-present in his heart.

After a decade and entirely too much distance between them, Vann is suddenly released back into a world that has been nothing but cruel. Drayton never lost hope they would once again reunite and pick up where they left off, but Vann’s stubborn nature and repeated encounters with a heartbreaking world prove to be a challenge.

Vann needs to tap into his fighting spirit’s reservoir of strength and hope life doesn’t punish him for taking a chance. Only then will he realize his own value and feel worthy enough to finally have Drayton’s heart. And their chance at forever.

* Although part of a series, this full-length novel can be read as a stand-alone. *


“C’mon,” Drayton said, tugging Vann by the hand. After breakfast and a countertop quickie, they had immediately returned to the bedroom and had been hibernating there since. He had no objection to spending all day in bed, but he had a surprise for Vann and couldn’t stand waiting any longer. “I want to show you the rest of the house.”

“But I like the bedroom.”

Drayton chuckled, pulling him up with more force. “We can come back after.”

“Fine,” Vann grumbled, finally sitting up on the bed with a dramatic pout.

“You’re cute when you don’t get your way.”

“Cute enough to stay in bed?” He waggled his eyebrows and petted the bed. “It’s really soft.”

Drayton leaned in and gave Vann a chaste kiss, jerking back quickly to avoid his grasp.

Vann’s laughter filled the room. “Damn. You’re still super-fast.” He reluctantly stood and stretched his arms over his head.

Drayton’s lips parted, enjoying the flex of muscles.

“Like what you see?” Vann asked, delivering a cocky grin as he seductively licked his lower lip. “Let’s get back in bed—”

Drayton threw his head back and laughed. “You’re still persistent as hell. C’mon. I want to show you something.”

“I want to show you something too.”

“This is important.” Drayton crossed his arms. “We can skim the other rooms but there’s one that’s special. It’s…yours.”

Vann sobered. “You’ve given me enough to cover every event for the rest of my life and then some. I don’t want—”

“It’s also for me. I’ll watch you while you use the room.”

“Hmm.” Vann pursed his lips. “Okay, you’ve got my attention.”

After a little more bargaining, Drayton finally lured Vann out of the bedroom and down the hallway. He opened the door to his office and stepped inside. “This is the room I’m usually in when I’m here.”

“Not anymore.”

He chuckled as they exited the office. They walked down the hall to the room he’d had converted into a gym.

“Damn, this is nice.” Vann checked the different weight options and looked at each of the machines.

“You’ve got everything here for all types of routines. And if you don’t like the view, you’ve got a TV.”

“The view’s beautiful.”

“Whatever we need to change out or add, we’ve still got space. I do a lot of thinking while I’m on the treadmill, so we’re not getting rid of that.”

Vann chuckled. “Okay.” He walked over to Drayton and leaned in for a slow kiss.

“Mmm. What was that for?”

“Is this the room I’ll use while you watch me? I promise I’ll make you sweat too.” 

What Others Are Saying:
“Emotionally, beautiful and inspiring”  - Amanda L Amazon Reviewer

“A great addition to this series. One of the most romantic books I've read this year.”  - Bayou Book Junkie

“Overall...Their story is beautiful, heartbreaking, inspiring, sexy, and moving.” - Two Book Pushers




Author Bio:
Jaime Reese is the alter ego of an artist who loves the creative process of writing, just not about herself. Fiction is far more interesting. She has a weakness for broken, misunderstood heroes and feels everyone deserves a chance at love and life. An avid fan of a happy ending, she believes those endings acquired with a little difficulty are more cherished.


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