Interview and Review with Lia Davis + GIVEAWAY!!!!

Hello lovelies! I took time out of my furious writing to bring you another interview AND a review!

As a special treat, Lia will be giving away a copy of Forgotten Visions and a swag pack to one lucky commenter!!

A few months ago, I had the honor of winning a giveaway by the fantabulous Lia Davis, and I won her book Forgotten Visions. Let me tell you, I'm so so glad I did. But more on that after the interview :)

Interview

Thank you so much for joining me today Lia!! Let's dive right in :) When did you know you wanted to be a writer?

I’m not sure really. When I was in high school I loved to write stories and even wrote a play-like story with a friend of mine. I’m not sure what happen to the scripts, but I’d love to read them today. LOL. I thought about writing screenplays, but had no clue how to do it. I guess at the time I didn’t have a true desire to learn. Than after my divorce I tried to write again, but didn’t have a true direction and put it down again.

Then about 5 years ago I started reading paranormal romance. I fell in love and discovered my true direction in writing.

That's kind of how I fell into it :) Adore paranormal romance! What has been the most difficult part about being a writer?

Discovering my voice and how to plot. I had a hard time finishing a manuscript at first. Forgotten Visions took me about a year to complete (that’s from start to submission). My muse likes to wing it and I like structure and organization. I tried outlining in detail by hand writing the storyline. The muse blew that out of the water by refusing to show up when it was time to write. Finally with my writing partner’s help, I learned to plot by doing chapter outlines. I only put the main points of the story in there and my muse seems happy with that because she’s free just let the story flow.

Finding my voice was so hard for me as well. I can only imagine how hard it must be to reconcile your muse with your innate need to plan lol. Who are your favorite authors?

Oh, there are too many to name. My biggest influences in paranormal romance are JR Ward, Sherrilyn Kenyon and Nalini Singh. And of course my BFF and writing partner, Carrie Ann Ryan.

LOVE all of those authors! What type of books do you like to read?

I love anything with a HEA (happily ever after) and suspense. My major genres I read is historical romances (I love the different time periods) and paranormal romances (love the fantasy worlds mixed with contemporary times)

That's exactly how I am. I think we're more alike than I realized haha. What do you like to do in your free time?

Free time? What’s that? LOL. I work a full-time day job in the finance/accounting department of a vendor management software company, and I write full time. When I do make time, I like to spend it with my hubby, or read. Sometimes both. J

Wow, you work for a software company, I'm a programmer...the similarities are beginning to be a little strange LOL. Where is your favorite place to vacation?

The mountains! It doesn’t matter which ones. I love the scenery and the closeness to nature.

Mountains are so gorgeous. I like the beach and hubby likes the mountains so we try to compromise and visit both. Why did you choose to write a fantasy romance?

I love reading it and the more I read the more ideas of my own I develop. I’m not one for walking the straight line. I like to venture off the path a little. Paranormal and fantasy romance allows me to do that.

I couldn't agree more! What has been the most fun about working on Forgotten Visions and the Divinities series?

The world building and the magic. I loved creating something unique and weaving magic into a real world feel.

Your story was definitely unique :) Tell us, what exactly is a Divinity?

By definition, divinity means a divine being and a godlike character. I bring that definition into my world. The Divinities are demi-gods. They carry a divine gene, passed on from generation to generation, but only a select few are born with a divine gift and bores the Divinity birthmark.

As for the history of the gene and its origin, I can’t reveal that yet *winks*

Aww, now that's just not fair! *pouts* LOL How did you come up with the premise for Divinities series?

It kind of evolved. When I started writing, I wanted to write a vampire series (still do). I had, and still having, a hard time with coming up with a solid mythology that is both unique and my own, so I turned to Greek mythology. For some reason the Goddess Hecate stood out to me. I started developing characters and researching magick and Wicca. I used the nature based spirituality of paganism as the basis for my witches. But I didn’t want to limit my world to just witches, so I added fae, elves, pixies and other magical beings that may or may not show up in future books. And, of course, there had to be something special about the main characters of the series. So I gave them god-like powers and called them the Divinities.  

Don't you just love how an idea can evolve and take you in the complete opposite direction from where you'd intended? Can you tell me more about the world in which this book is set?

The setting in Forgotten Visions is a small town named Maxville, Florida. The time frame is contemporary. I bring in as much real-life aspects as I can to world. That way it is easier for readers to relate to the story and the characters.

I always love when authors blend contemporary settings with their paranormal worlds. It ameks it so much easier to immerse yourself I think. Do you have any favorite characters from Forgotten Visions or any planned Divinities books?

I don’t like to play favorites among my characters, but Khloe and Zach had always come to me easier than the others. I think it’s their carefree nature and sarcasm.  

It's ok to sometimes play favorites ;) Give us a little insight into your latest book, Death’s Storm. Please? J

Death’s Storm is Khloe’s story. Here’s the blurb.

Technical genius and demi-goddess--aka Divinity--Khloe Bradenton relies on no one for help, and she definitely doesn’t need comfort from anyone other than her twin. After her parents died by the demons’ hands over two years ago, she has graciously stepped up to her place in the war between demons and witches. When a creature far more dangerous than the ones responsible for killing her parents claims he is her guardian, she is torn between her desires for the dark predator and the painful loss she has endured at the hands of her enemies.
One of the last death demons still in existence, Jagger has pledged his life to the Goddess Hecate. Charged with the guardianship over the Divinities, he is never to approach them, but to aid them from a distance. When the firestorm, Khloe, sacrifices herself to save her twin and best friend and becomes the prey, he has no choice but to reveal himself to her. He is taken by surprise when the need to claim her as his own emerges. A desire he has never felt before could be more dangerous than the demons out to destroy them.   

Now Available at Amazon | B&N | ARe | Kobo

Yay blurb! I confess, I've already bought Death's Storm, and lovelies you must go get it! I absolutely love your writing style! How many books are you planning for the series and when can we expect the next one?

Aww. Thanks! I have 5 books planned for The Divinities series. Zach and Lydia is next. Their book is titled The Dark Divine. Right now I’m targeting a June 2013 release, because I’m working on another series.

I can't wait for your next book!! We are almost out of time, but can you tell us what's next for you?

I working on a shifter series named Ashwood Falls. The prequel, Winter Eve, will release next month and book 1, A Tiger’s Claim is targeted for April 2013. I’m so excited about this series. There are 8 (9 including the prequel) books planned for this series, so I’ll be busy for a while. LOL.

Here’s the link for more information on Ashwood Falls: http://www.authorliadavis.com/ashwood-falls/

SQUEEEE!! Love shifters! Anything else you want your readers to know?

Just that I love each and everyone them and Thanks so much for their support!

Thanks, Lindsay, for the wonderful interview and a chance to share The Divinities with your readers.

~~GIVEAWAY~~

I will be giving an eCopy of Forgotten Visions and a swag pack to one randomly chosen commenter. Please be sure to leave your email address in your comments. Thanks!

I'm so glad you could join me today Lia! Alright, lovelies...ready for the review?

Review of Forgotten Visions

About the book:

Publisher: Soulmate Publishing

Price: $4.99

Length: 208 pages

Kalissa Bradenton isn’t your average coffee shop owner. Born to an elite witch bloodline with a rare genetic mutation, she’s a Divinity on a mission. The death of her parents sends her away from her Maxville, Florida, home and into an ancient war between witches and demons. When childhood friend Ayden Daniels comes to her aid after an almost fatal accident, visions of a past she doesn’t remember sparks an old flame and new desires. With the past slowly becoming clearer, she eagerly sets her sights on mending Ayden’s heart and gaining his trust–until a ghost from her past returns to claim her as his demonic mate.

Ayden, the new Sheriff of Maxville and grandson of the oldest living Divinity, is investigating a series of Divinity killings. When he comes face-to-face with the one woman he hopes to have little to no contact with, old pain rises, quickly followed by anger and resentment. Through his rare power of adaptability, he learns actions from the past may not be what they seem. Hope fills his broken heart and determination pushes him to do whatever it takes to win Kalissa’s heart once more before he loses her forever.

Together they must find the strength to mend their tormented souls, while fighting an evil out to destroy the world.

 Buy it: Soul Mate Publishing | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | ARe

What I liked:

This was a fresh, fun paranormal romance. I love Greek mythology so I was naturally drawn to a contemporary paranormal romance centering around it. Who doesn't want the chance to have magic? I adored the characters of Kalissa and Ayden and really felt the connection between them. I'm not kidding when I say I kinda want Ayden for myself :) Lia did a great job of packing a lot of mystery into the pages and it's a great set up for the Divitinies series. This was a unique premise and at the end I was dying for the next book

What I didn't like:

This suffers from the same issue of so many other first novels of a series. There were a bunch of characters introduced all at once, and at times it could get overwhelming. It's hard because you have to walk a fine line between introducing enough characters to set up your future books, but not bogging down the central love story. I wanted more of Kalissa and Ayden.

Overall Verdict: 4/5 Blue Duckies!

I really did love this book, but so many names got confusing and sometimes I had to go back and forth refreshing my memory of the characters. This is a problem I often see with the first novel of a series, so it's understandable. The core story was still wonderful and unique and I can't wait to read more from Lia!