Wednesday, June 29, 2016

Character Interview w/ Haydee Gomez from A Love That Disturbs @evernightteen @sharifwrites #amazongiveaway




Please welcome Haydee Gomez from A Love That Disturbs

Did you ever think that your life would end up being in a book?
Never. I’ve done my best to keep things to myself. 

What are your favorite scenes in your book: the action, the dialog or the romance?
The romance. Meeting Maysa and getting to know her has been the best part of my life. 

What do you like to do when you are not being actively read somewhere?
Getting my life straight with work and school. Things were real bad for me before the book and in the beginning of it, but I’m working as hard as I can to make things right. 

If you could rewrite anything in your book, what would it be?
All the bad parts. There are so many and they were hard to go through, although horrible situations can have a way of turning into something positive. 

Do you like the way the book ended?
Absolutely. After all that happened, something good came out of it all. 

What is your greatest fear?
That I’ll lose Maysa. 

What do you think your greatest weakness is?
I’ve made many bad choices, but I’m changing that about myself. 

What do you think is your strongest attribute?
My strength, both physical and mental. 

What is your most favorite memory?
The first time Maysa and I kissed. 

Thanks again for visiting with us today and please come back soon  !!!!

***
A Love That Disturbs
by Medeia Sharif

Evernight Teen Publishing/60k words
Interracial/Romance/YA/Contemp/LGBT(Lesbian)



Maysa Mazari is alarmed by her mother’s talk about arranged marriage. As a hijab-wearing Pakistani-American, she wants to find love on her own. Her judgmental Muslim clique has protected her from racist taunts, although the leader is turning on her as Maysa strays from the group because of her attraction to Haydee.

Haydee Gomez is a former gang member and juvenile detention student. Now living with a clean-cut aunt, she wants to turn her life around, even though one person will never let her forget her roots—Rafe, her abusive pimp. Haydee attempts to pull away from a life of prostitution when she develops feelings for Maysa, although Rafe isn’t willing to give her up too easily.

Finding themselves in danger from Maysa’s friends and Haydee’s pimp, it’s apparent their love disturbs everyone around them as they fight to stay together. 

Buy Links:  Evernight Teen   Amazon   ARe    BookStrand


EXCERPT

At least Rafe wouldn’t bother her for a few hours. He knew it was her first day in a new school. Haydee blew her nose, wiped her eyes, and left the bathroom. She walked into first period English and handed the teacher the pass. Students stared. A few had tattoos peeking from the edges of sleeves and shorts, but nothing like what she had. She felt like The Tattooed Woman and avoided staring back at them. She wasn’t in alternative school anymore, where most students had a nasty attitude about anything related to academics. The students in front of her had their books open and had been reading and writing before she walked in. They weren’t looking to fight her and she wasn’t going to fight them.
“Let me write your name down,” the teacher said. “I’ll make a folder for your work. How do you say your name? Heidi?”
“No, it’s Hay-dee,” she corrected Ms. Tookes. “Haydee Gomez.”
Ms. Tookes wrote her name on a notepad and nodded toward an empty desk, so Haydee sat down in a seat in the back with a textbook. The assignment was on the board, but Haydee had trouble seeing. She had lost or broken so many of her eyeglasses in the past that she stopped wearing them. She was slightly nearsighted and lived with her blurry vision just fine. Tomorrow she’d come to class on time and get a seat in the front.
She continued to receive some stares, but then students went back to work.
Feeling like she was on display, Haydee twirled the drawstrings of her hoodie, chewed the inside of her mouth, and smoothed down the baby hairs on her forehead. The door opened and she was grateful for another distraction. It was Maysa, her pink-and-green silk scarf glistening under the fluorescent lights. Haydee’s vision sharpened, as if she could see Maysa clearly, while everything around her was fuzzy. Maysa caught Haydee’s gaze and smiled before turning to Ms. Tookes. “May I take a few pictures of the students working?”
The teacher smiled back. “Take all the pictures you want.”
Maysa had a sunny, innocent demeanor. Haydee wondered what it would be like to have her life. She must have two parents taking care of her. She probably had brothers and sisters who were as nice as she was. Her parents were strict, if she had to cover her head like that, but they most likely were loving. Haydee’s curiosity intensified. She needed to know more about Maysa, who was walking to the back of the room where she was.
“Can I take a picture of you reading the textbook?” Maysa asked.
“Sure,” Haydee said. Anything. She wanted to please this girl. Haydee opened to a random page. It was a Shakespearean sonnet, which was like another language to her. Haydee liked to read, but not classic works. She enjoyed romance books and read any that she could get her hands on. They helped her escape from her own reality by taking her someplace else for a few hours.
Flashes sparked as Maysa took a few shots of Haydee. “You’re very photogenic.”
“Really?” Haydee looked up. “Let me see.”
Maysa neared her and held the back of the camera to Haydee’s face. Looking at the screen, Haydee saw she didn’t look too bad. Her bun was messy in a stylish way, and her head was tilted down to her book. Her cheekbones were sharp, and her right side was on display—not the left one with the black eye. “It’s a nice shot.”
Maysa smiled, and Haydee blinked, not knowing what else to say or do. She wanted to keep Maysa talking so that she wouldn’t leave right away. Because of the picture taking, a few other students had started talking and sneaked looks at the two of them. Haydee knew they must seem like an odd pair interacting with each other. Maysa showed her the next few pictures, at different angles. “I have to go now and get to the next classroom,” she said.
“Oh, all right.” Her gaze was riveted to Maysa’s slender form as she walked out the door.
Haydee’s phone vibrated again. When the teacher wasn’t looking, she slid it out of her pocket.
Got a nice dress for you tonight
Come to my place later so you can try it on
Red, your perfect color
And just like that, the moment was ruined. She shoved her phone back into her pocket. Like she needed another reminder of everything that was wrong in her life. She gritted her teeth and made fists, then forced herself to loosen her hands. She didn’t want to think about Rafe anymore, but how could she not? He was like a virus in her system and she couldn’t get rid of him. She admitted that he took care of her: he beat up johns who mistreated her, handed over any money he promised her, and challenged anyone who bothered her on the rough streets of Miami.
If it hadn’t been for Rafe, she might have been dead at one point, because one of the johns locked her in a bathroom, threatening to kill her later, and he took care of the situation. There were the existing issues of earning money and a degree of safety, but surely she could find another line of work. How would she tell Rafe that she wanted out without having his temper explode? She had seen him cut a man’s face with a razor. Would he do the same to her?




Author Bio:
Medeia Sharif was born in New York City and presently calls Miami her home. She received her master's degree in psychology from Florida Atlantic University. Published through various presses, she writes middle grade and young adult short stories and novels. In addition to being a writer, she's a public school teacher.


Giveaway:
$25 Amazon Gift Card


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Tuesday, June 21, 2016

Nathaniel West ~ Hero of OF BLOOD & Snow #interview #giveaway @evernightteen @dbelwater




 Today we have the pleasure of welcome the HERO of  'OF BLOOD & Snow'

Hi! I’m Nathaniel West, but everyone calls me Nate. Thanks for having me!


Did you ever think that your life would end up being in a book?
We’ve had some pretty weird stuff go on in the last year, so it was only a matter of time before someone got wind of it. 


What are your favorite scenes in your book: the action, the dialog or the romance?
When Cora kicks Javin Erlanis’s ass into next week and I have to admit, the scene where Cora’s in the bath… I’d be lying if I didn’t think that was pretty awesome.


Did you have a hard time convincing your author to write any particular scenes for you?
Not really, she was pretty happy to tell the story as I wanted it told. Well, my bits anyway. Cora was stoked with how it all came together. Danielle stayed true to the story and worked closely with all of us to make sure it was almost as if I was right back there again.


What do you like to do when you are not being actively read somewhere?
What most 18 year old guys do with their down time, eat fries and burgers, hang out with their girlfriend. I’m deciding whether after everything I still want to go to college. Dad’s pretty dirty with me for even doubting whether I want to anymore. I’m just hanging around waiting for the next sh*t storm to happen.


Are you happy with the genre your writer has placed you in?
Where else would it be? It’s paranormal, its romance and we’re all young adults, so seems the perfect fit to me. 


Do you like the way the book ended?
Absolutely. Although I had NO idea about the last chapter! Everyone kept it a secret from me! Daggers to all of you that knew and kept me in the dark! But it was amazing to read.  Loved it!


What is your least favorite characteristic your writer has attributed to you?
She was pretty full on with my apparent aggression issues. I’m thinking perhaps a bit of artistic license was used?  I don’t recall running around like a crazy man wanting to punch everything… maybe only once or twice.


Do have any secret aspirations that your author doesn’t know about?
I’ve always wanted to be a circus clown. Ha! No, just kidding. Lion Tamer.


What is your greatest fear?
Losing Cora. I don’t even want to entertain the thought. Next question.


What do you wear when you go to sleep?
Wouldn’t you like to know! 


What is your most prized possession?
Josh’s jeep, I love that car. It’s been through a lot with us so she’s family.


What do you think your greatest weakness is?
I’m maybe a little bit act first think later. Which has a tendency to get me into trouble from time to time.


What are you proudest of?
Cora. I know I go on and on about Cora. But she’s incredible. What she’s dealt with and what she continues to deal with, with such grace and humility on a daily basis is truly humbling. 


What is something no one knows about you?  Why do you keep it a secret?
I’ve got no little toe on my left foot. Why do I keep it a secret? It’s not something that comes in to conversation a lot… “Hey guess what guys, I’ve got no toe. Weird huh!” 


What do you like most about where you live?
Cora lives here. 

What’s your favorite thing to do on a rainy Sunday?
Hang out with Cora in front of the television and watch Walking Dead re-runs.


What is your vivid memory of your mother and father?
Seeing Dad when he found out about Mom. That look will haunt me till the end of time. And Mom, that day when she appeared under the oak tree in Cora’s yard. Having a chance to say goodbye took some of the edge of my anger at her for leaving me and Dad.


What sound or noise do you love?
Cora snorts when she laughs too hard. Jeez it’s funny. 


Do you believe in ghosts/evil spirits/mysticism? Would you spend the night in a remote haunted house?
Damn straight. Seen that stuff first hand, man. Haunted house? For sure, after what Cora and I have dealt with, it would probably end up a bit of a disappointment anyway. Everyone else should come hang out around here for a while. Stick around in Bainbridge and Pike Lake long enough, you’re bound to see something weird. Although that could just be me doing something silly.


Are you a morning person or a night owl?
Bit of both. But if I was to choose, I’d probably say night owl.


Would you ever use a voodoo doll to hurt anyone?
Oh hell to the no. You don’t be disrespecting the otherworld.


What is your most favorite memory?
Seeing my Mom again when she helped us out a while back. I missed her so much after she died I couldn’t see straight. So to have her back, even for a short space of time, was a gift.


If you knew a zombie apocalypse was coming in one week, what would you do?
Now we’re talking. That’s my kind of question. I figured, we’re in a pretty remote location so apart from the nearby town, we’ve got a bit of time before city zombies hit our area. I’d clear some trees, and put up an electric fence around the perimeter with big ass stakes sticking out of it. I’d stock pile a stack of food and plant a garden inside the fence. I’d make sure everyone I cared about was inside. I’d collect as much artilery and ammo as I could get my hands on. Oh, and fuel too. I could go on for pages about how I would prepare. Maybe I should go on ‘Doomsday Preppers’. I’ve given this way too much thought. 


What do you admire about your parents?
Even though Mom died a few years back, she still inspires me and keeps me grounded. I have no doubt she’s keeping an eye out for us. Dad, even though he lost his way a bit, he’s been a huge force in my life lately. I don’t know what I’d do without him.

Thanks again for visiting with us today  Nate !!!!

 ***


OF BLOOD & Snow
(Erlanis Chronicles, 2)
by Danielle Belwater

Paranormal/Suspense/Romance/Teen
Evernight Teen Publishing/63K


Blood is thicker than water, or so the story goes…


 As fast as Cora can run, there is no escaping the blood that ties her to an ancient, evil past.


Amongst the bitter cold and driving snow, Nate must find a way to protect the love of his life, before the darkness falls and Cora is lost to him forever.



Buy Links:   ARe  Evernight Teen   Amazon   




14+ due to adult situations
 Excerpt:
Why? Why did I need to go home? Other than for shelter, no one needed me there. Nate was all I had left. He was my reason for breathing and now the sole reason I got up every morning. The thought of harm coming to Nate made my heart hammer in my chest even harder. I jammed my hands deep into my coat pockets and focused on letting oxygen flow into my lungs.
In a single moment of clarity, I knew. I mean, I knew I loved Nate; that was without question. But if I didn’t have him in my life, it would be nothing but vacuous space.
I brushed snow off the fallen tree trunk and sat down. My thinking tree. Nate and I came here often to sit and talk, read, or watch the day simply pass us by. I piled up handful after handful of snow, heaping them on top of each other until a small avalanche rolled off the log and into a heap on the ground.
You are the key.
I leapt off the log landing two feet together, crushing the peak of snow beneath my shoes.
“Who’s there?” I shoved my fists into my hips and squared my shoulders. If there was someone there, they didn’t know who they were messing with.
The rustling of leaves came from above and a sprinkling of disturbed snow flittered down in front of my face. The flapping of beating wings and the call of a solitary bird echoed overhead. I caught sight of white feathers tipped with black before they disappeared above the trees and out of sight.
“Is anyone there?” I called out again, but I had a feeling I wouldn’t get a response.
The softness of the voice rolled around my head as I lingered amongst the tall trees on my way back home.
I am the key. The answer is within my blood. What did that mean?


About the Author:
Danielle Belwater adores the concept of true love and that everyone has their Prince Charming or Snow White out there somewhere, even if they have to fight demons, ghosts, and wizards to find it.
Danielle has been having a love affair with words since she was young and in primary school, writing some rather imaginative tales. This love has followed her into adulthood. 
She lives in rural South Australia with her husband, young daughters and way too many animals to mention. She spends most of her time dreaming up characters, stories, ghostly tales, and watching Firefly re-runs.  She also cooks the odd meal for her family to avoid them looking like skeletons at official author functions!  
Danielle is passionate about reading and her interests include pretty much anything with words from rolling four volume epics to the daily newspaper.



Giveaway:
$20 Amazon Gift Card



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