Release Blitz: Hold You Against Me by Skye Warren

“Hold You Against Me quite literally grabs a hold and refuses to let go until the end. Truly one of the first Mafia books I’ve read that sucked me in with a completely original and brilliant storyline that had me guessing the entire time!” ~ #1 NYT Bestselling Author Rachel Van Dyken

Once upon a time the daughter of a mafia king fell in love with a foot soldier.

This fairy tale didn’t have a happy ending.

My sister and I barely managed to escape alive, and we’ve lived in relative hiding ever since. I’m safe now, but I can never forget the boy who gave his life to save mine.

Except there’s a chance that he’s still alive. And he’s fighting a war.

Even knowing the risks, I have to find him. I have to find some way to protect him, the way he protected me. But he isn’t the boy I left behind. He’s a violent man. A criminal. And he’s been waiting for me–the final pawn in a dark game of survival and love.

“Suspenseful and sexy, Hold You Against Me will leave you gasping for breath and wanting more. Skye Warren is the queen of dark reads and she comes through once again with Hold You Against Me. An absolute must read.” ~ USA Today best selling author Rebecca Shea

“It’s so beautifully written with lyrical prose that has an edge to remind you that this is so much more than a love story. This book is everything I wanted and more for Clara and Giovanni. It broke my heart and put it back together again…” – Kimberly, The Book Sirens

“This is the story I’ve been dying for, and it’s a story I never expected. Beautifully layered, romantic and sexy, Skye Warren delivers a complex story of fierce loyalty, absolution, and endless love. The writing in this book is as breathtaking as the story is unforgettable. I absolutely loved it. ” – Angie and Jessica’s Dreamy Reads

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QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS BOOK

Is Hold You Against Me really a standalone? Yes! Hold You Against Me has the complete story of Giovanni and Clara, beginning to end. It includes the prequel novella Tough Love.

Can I read Tough Love early? Tough Love is available FREE on all retailers now. It’s also included in Hold You Against Me.

Is there a cliffhanger? Nope.

How dark is this book?Hold You Against Me is possibly the most romantic book I’ve ever written. It’s also a dark romance, so this hero will do anything to have the woman he loves.

Praise for the Stripped series:

“Very Angsty 5 Star Read! This book is so compelling, you won’t be able to put it down, this is one of those books that you’ll want to save to re-read.” – Melissa, Books Can Take You There

“There’s one thing I can say with certainty, Skye Warren never fails to deliver a heartfelt, slightly dark, I can’t stop turning the pages story. This one is no different.” – Di, Twisted Sisters

“It’s dark, mysterious, sexy, and I loved every page of it! There were twists and turns that I never saw coming! I love when an author is able to keep me guessing until the very end of the book.” – Book Fancy Book Blog

“The writing is so incredibly fluid, the characters so intriguing, and the story so captivating. If I could give this book more than five stars, I would. It’s as emotional as it is sexy, and beautiful as it is dark. Absolutely flawless.” – Sammy, Just Let Me Read

“The characters were beautifully written, they jumped from the pages, leaving a lasting impression. Skye Warren eloquently writes the darkness in her characters, her words are profound, descriptive, and utterly addictive. I bow, Skye Warren.” – Twisted Sisters Book Reviews

Grab it on Amazon!

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Interview with Michele Amitrani!

1. I could never grasp how amazing your book was and I still in a book hangover because it was amazing as it is. What is in your mind before you write Omnilogos? And why do you write that kind of story?

First off, thanks for finding the time to read Omnilogos, Rafael. I really appreciate the time you invested in my book and are happy that you really enjoyed it. Omnilogos was inspired by a true event I witnessed when I was 21, that is, the departure of the Space Shuttle Atlantis at Cape Canaveral. It was an awe-inspiring moment, watching the Atlantis lift off for the very last time. That liftoff marked the end of the Space Shuttle program and it was also the end of an era for the American Space Program. When I came back home that very day, something else ignited in my mind. It was an image, more specifically the image of a kid sitting on his father’s shoulders while pointing at the firing rockets of the Atlantis. That image was so vivid I could not stop thinking of it and after a while, I decided to write it down in order to keep it as sharp and as real as possible. At that time, I really had no idea I was actually writing the first chapter of Omnilogos. How did I come up with the rest of the plot is more difficult to answer, but basically it involved lots of reading, researchers and asking myself questions I had no answers for.

2. What was the difficult part of writing Omnilogos? The process? The publishing?

Omnilogos is the prologue of a four-part Series. When I wrote it, I really wanted to give the reader the impression that it was a prologue, and to try to give that impression was one of the most difficult things to do. That is why the book’s structure is so similar to an anthology and why the story ark covers a quarter of a century, which, if you think about it, is a really long time for an 80,000 words novel. By contrast Pelargonium, the second book of the series is 270,000 words long. One could argue that in fact Pelargonium is the first real book of the Series and that Omnilogos is just a glimpse of the overall story. Think of what The Hobbit is for the Lord of The Rings Trilogy, and you’ll understand the role of Omnilogos in the broader Series. Another thing I really struggled with was the translation from Italian into English (I’m Italian. English is my second language). I could not afford to pay somebody else to translate the book, so I did it by myself. The entire story. Word by word. I think it was one of the craziest things I did in 2014. It took me around one year to complete that task. To even consider that I’ll probably have to do the same thing with Pelargonium, which is three times bigger…Gosh. I prefer not to think about it 🙂

3. What specific part of Omnilogos or specific chapter of Omnilogos is your favorite among them? I love the debate and the game with 10 dollars to thousands. Actually, I love everything about your book!

I enjoyed writing each and every part of the book and I can’t say I have a favorite chapter. However, to answer your question, I can surely say that writing the relationship between Evangeline and Wei was very fun and somehow amusing. It felt natural and compelling at the same time. It felt like I was with them, listening to their conversation rather than creating it. I also enjoyed creating the Spine VS Gladia debate, and so many other things that it would probably take a whole book to name them all.

4. What or who pushes you to write Omnilogos? Has it been your dream to be a writer? What made you write the book?

At the cost of sounding a bit cheesy, writing is something that completes me. Creating worlds I can populate with believable characters moved by different goals is what really keeps me writing. It is an exercise my mind always liked to do. I don’t think it is nothing special, really. Everyone is a storyteller in her own way, but the reason why I became a writer is because I wanted to show my creations to other people, and see their reactions to them. If my stories were interesting, if they elicited questions, if they were judged compelling or thought-provoking, than I was satisfied. Even when they are not, I try to understand what went wrong in order to improve my skills. I am a writer because I love telling stories that will survive me when I’ll not be around anymore. It is a sort of legacy I leave behind.

5. Can you tell us a significant story in your life that inspires you to write the book?

As I said before, I was lucky enough to see the Space Shuttle Atlantis departing from Cape Canaveral in 2011. It was a really inspiring moment for me, in a way I can hardly describe with words. I have always been interested in space exploration and in everything NASA-related, so to actually be there and see the Atlantis’ rockets ignite while hundreds of people around me were cheering and smiling, was quite an experience for me. That was the starting of the Omnilogos Series, and of everything that followed.

6. A writer wouldn’t be a writer in the first place if he isn’t a reader at the beginning, right? Can you recommend five science-fiction books that you really like? Enough of Star Wars, okay?

Sure. I’ll just consider Asimov’s foundation trilogy as one book if it’s fine with you ;). So I’d say those three books, Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card, The Fountains of Paradise by Arthur C. Clarke, Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes and Wool by Hugh Howey. I know it is kind of cheating on your question, but I’d also like to ‘insert’ some honorable mentions: Rendezvous with Rama, I, Robot and The Hunger Games.

7. You write a possibility in the future that can happen. If we fast forward the year we have now to a couple hundred of years. Can you say that your book can happen in the future and it has a higher possibility that it could be realistic? Why do you say?

I believe we don’t need to wait for that much to see Wei’s idea happening, Rafael. Really the only major problem is our little understanding of carbon nanotubes and hyper filaments density and structure, which are what really makes the whole ‘Polaris idea’ standing. If we master that knowledge, and improve our technology (and of course invest a considerable amount of resources) we could build Wei’s mega structure in thirty years or even less. I know it sounds crazy, but the concept is really quite simple. We have most of the knowledge necessary to make it happen in the foreseeable future.

8. What made you write a talented, genius and sad character? You killed his parents at young age and you made him indestructible.

I think Wei’s personality is the result of both planning and a ‘write as you go’ kind of approach. I always liked very smart, knowledgeable and ambitious people, who at the same time need to struggle with their own fears to achieve their goals. I think this combination makes people more real and vivid in our mind. I have to admit that the Omnilogos’ ambitions (his desire to ‘elevate’ humankind and to achieve the ‘status of spacefaring civilization’) are in part my own. I strongly believe that space exploration is something we need to do as a species in order to survive and to evolve.

9. How many books do you plan Omnilogos to have? I wanted to have them! It so long that a book really caught my interest and I couldn’t explain what I am feeling. I just love it.

Four books compose the Omnilogos Series. As I said, I like to think to Omnilogos as a prologue of a trilogy. I published Pelargonium (the Italian Edition), the second book of the Omnilogos Series, just a few months ago and I’m now half way throw the third one. I’m planning to start translating Pelargonium from Italian into English after I finish the whole Series in Italian.

10. Can you tell me some favorite songs of yours while writing your books? It doesn’t matter what the language is, what matters is the essence of the music and the melody.

‘Lose Yourself’ and ‘Sing for the Moment’ by Eminem

‘You’ll be in my heart’ and ‘Two Words’ by Phil Collin

11. Random Question: Top 5 favorite foods!

Melanzane Alla Parmigiana

Saffron risotto with mushrooms.

Spaghetti Alla Carbonara

Sushi and sashimi (Any kind)

Pistachio gelato

12. Is Wei Wang’s character and personality is easy to compose? Which character of yours is difficult to write? I like Evangeline’s character and perspective. She makes me think outside the box, it’s lovely and wonderful at the same time.

Interesting question. One of the characters I really struggled most with was Avalon Moon. At first, I simply had no clear idea of who I really wanted to create, but slowly, thanks also to Wei’s interaction with him, Avalon’s personality was forged. Cantara too was not immediately clear to me, and for some time, I debated on Gladia’s feelings about HYPER and Wei. And yes, I feel what you’re saying about Evangeline. Her conversations with Wei remind me that we all have bounds we must understand in order to better ourselves. No one is omnipotent, but understanding our limitations can make us knowledgeable about who we are and thus better in many ways. Regarding Wei, well, I know this might sound a bit weird, but Wei still remains a mystery to me. I know how he would react to certain situations, and why he does what he does, but I guess I like to keep it shrouded by mystery. After all, mystery is part of what he is.

13. What was it like to kill a character?

It feels different every single time, Rafael. It is like you are killing part of what you are. Someone you invested so much time and energy…well is just gone. Finished. But at the same time, I think it helps to make a character stand out; it helps to make it feel more real.

14. Simulation and a lot of scientific words mentioned with your words. It has a lot of information to take and it needs a lot of research and studies to apply into your book. How did you do your research when writing your book?

I try to be as accurate as possible, especially when I’m talking about something I’m not familiar with. For instance, in Omnilogos I describe an object that could be used to make space exploration less expensive and more viable. I knew nothing about this specific object, and I figured I needed to study more to actually sound like I knew what I was talking about. Therefore, I decided to read a few essays, watch documentaries, YouTube videos, check out Reddit trends and several forums in order to familiarize with the idea. I do the same every time I felt that a deeper knowledge is required to make the story flow better. I just think it helps make the story more real.

15. How did you come up with the concept of EVE in Omnilogos? It was amazing. It feels like I’m remembering Orson Scott Card’s Ender’s game but a different entity of literature. EVE is predicting the possibilities and outcomes of the future right? How did you even come up with the idea of it?

In some measure EVE was inspired by my love for Animes and Mangas. I’m not sure if you’re into that kind of stuff, but that kind of technology (artificial intelligence and such) is often showed in some of them. I’m pretty sure that my readings have something to do with that too, although I can’t quite point out one book in particular. And yes, EVE was programmed by Wei to predict possible outcomes and possibilities that could happen in the future, given some premises.

16. What was Michele Amitrani’s childhood was like?

I was born and raised in Rome, Italy. I remember I always liked reading or playing video games, usually real-time strategy video games like Command & Conquer and Warcraft. I didn’t like going out too much, and I always had few but very close friends with which spent tons of time playing board games like Risk. As you can see, nothing really interesting or mind blowing 😉

17. The cover of Omnilogos looks like a book that was inspired by you. Is it true? How did the artist make such stunning cover? Or whom was it Inspired? Wei Wang? What are your thoughts about the cover of your book?

This is another very interesting question. As a matter of fact, I worked relentlessly with the designer that created the book cover. We tried to try as much as possible the core of the book, which is sci-fi and mystery. The designer’s name is Benjamin Roque, from the Philippines, and it was a real joy working with him. He was relentless in providing the best artwork and was very patient in listening and implementing my suggestions. If the cover is so wicked, it is because of the time we both dedicated to it.

If you want to check out Ben’s works, you can do so by following this link.

https://99designs.ca/profiles/brobenyamin

18. Any message to those inspiring writers out there? Any advice?

Read, Write, Publish, Repeat. Don’t stop or even slow down to promote your books until you have at least ten out there, possibly in two languages. As for the advice, just one. If you haven’t yet, go read the article by Indie author Hugh Howey called ‘So you want to be a writer…’. It changed my perspective of what writing really should mean for an aspiring author. If you’re serious about writing, stop what you’re doing right now, follow this link and read the article. I promise you will consume it:

So You Want to be a Writer…

19. If there’s one thing you want to make a difference on Earth, what would it be?

To create LAND, and then hope that somebody comes up with HYPER soon afterward. If the Cold War taught us something, is that extreme competition is one of the strongest force that can fast-forward space exploration.

20. What is your favorite quote with your book, Omnilogos? And why is that?

The dedication. It summarizes in three lines what Omnilogos means to me.

This book is dedicated to those who dream in the day and build in the night.

To the adventurers who have lost their path, but always find a new home.

And to those who believe that the impossible is only a possibility that has not yet been discovered.

Rafael: Hi, Michele! I love your book, totally! It’s been a long time since I read something that will capture my interest and will intrigue my mind. Thank you for giving me that kind of opportunity. You deserve an audience with this book – keen readers I know that will love your book. I hope you write more and tell the story in your mind to the world! It was an amazing journey and I want more! When will be the English edition of Pelargonium out? Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Wishing you all the best!!!

Thanks to you again Rafael. As always you’re very kind. I’m delighted that you enjoyed Omnilogos so much and thank you for your support. It really means a lot to me. I think I’ve answered above about Pelargonium publication. I really hope I’ll be able to publish it in English as soon as possible.

Best,

Michele

Interview with Kate Evangelista!

1. No Love Allowed is a Young Adult Romance Contemporary. What were the biggest changes that have you done when writing this book? Any changes on your writing technique or plotting the story outline?

In this book, I learned to focus on the character arcs, making sure that they have a beginning, middle, and end.

2. I knew you for your love of writing a romance. Have you tried writing any genres except romance? How about Fantasy? Any thoughts on trying different genres?

I love trying different genres, but there will always be a sense of romance in my books. If someone is not falling in love I’m not happy.

3. I love how you crafted Didi’s personality. It was a balanced of everything and it is something I want for my partner. How did you come up with her personality? Does her personality have some resemblance to your personality?

Didi is one of the best characters that have graced the apartment complexes in my head so far. I love her. Is she in any way like me? I could only hope to be like her. Fearless. Quirky. And accepting of who she is.

4. Caleb has blue eyes. And I hate him for having blue eyes. What’s with blue eyes, anyway?

I don’t know. There’s something eerily about staring into light eyes.

5. Could you share us a love story that you have experienced in the past? A love story of yours. It can be a crush or an event that made you blush. Anything. It could be funny.

I can’t call it a love story, but it was definitely a scary coincidence. In college and in high school I pretty much had the same boyfriend. Their initials were the same. They looked alike. They even had the same birth month and birthdays separated by four days. It was scary. The instant I made that connection I quickly broke up with my college boyfriend.

6. What is your favorite when it comes to love? The courtship? The denial? The process of falling in love? The feelings? The future? What is it?

The process of falling in love. It’s such a magical time and everyone goes through the same emotions. It’s a total rollercoaster and completely universal. The situations may be different but the feelings are the same. Especially when you realize that person is the one.

7. No Love Allowed is a HAPPY ENDING. And I am a big fan of TRAGEDY. Will you write a tragedy sometime in the future? Or there’s no way that it will be happening?

That’s definitely something I’m willing to explore. If a story calls for it I will definitely write a tragic ending. The only thing is my editor might have to reel me in because I can get pretty brutal.

8. Among your characters, who is the most difficult to write? I like Nathan and I want to know more of Preston and Natasha. Caleb is an easy going and a heart breaker. Didi looks like the most difficult to write. Is she?

Actually, Didi was easy. What I’m having a hard time right now is with Natasha and Jackson. Talk about a tragedy, right there. Spoiler alert.

9. Favorite food! Name 5 of them.

Spaghetti.

Sinigang.

Chaporado.

BBQ.

Creamy corn soup.

10. What is your favorite quote on No Love Allowed? And Why is that?

“Loving me will never be easy.”

It’s from Didi toward the end of the book. It embodies not only her but Caleb as well.

Book Review: No Love Allowed by Kate Evangelista

 

“No.”

Two letters that made up the saddest word in the world. It sounded so much like go. It hit him straight where it would hurt most. His heart Eyes stinging, he backed away from her room.

Everything on this book is so cliche. EVERYTHING. And it wouldn’t be a romance if it isn’t a cliche, right? AND I F*CKING LOVE IT. The book balanced every negativity of my life. It was one of that book that you would want to read if you feel so sad, depressed or even lonely. It will give you all the positive lightness in your heart. The characters are addicting, fruitful and it feels like you are also falling in love with them.

I love how Kate Evangelista writes this book. It drowns me with her words and it captivates my heart. I felt as if I was with the characters, I was with them all along. It feels light in my heart and I wanted to scream for more. I wanted more of Didi and Caleb. I wanted to know more about what will happen to them in the future. I demand a future artist and a future lawyer.

I finished the book in one sitting. I have to emphasize that it was so light. I am feeling down but this book really lifted me up at some point. And I have to emphasize that I failed as a pre-medical student! I didn’t see that coming. Whatever that was. I didn’t see it on Didi. I fall in love with her as Caleb fall in love with Didi. I think I love the character of Didi.

Kate Evangelista brought a personality that has come to live with Didi: the balanced mixture of weirdness and real, a combination of jolly and alone, a collision of truth and kindred, an amazing girl. I would say that… that kind of personality is the kind of personality that I wanted in a girl. Somewhere between the line. Yes, it is a fictional but Kate really put the light elements and the negative elements just right.

I loved it. I am in love with her book. I have the feeling of easiness when I was reading her book. I could imagine every single word that she offered. I don’t know.  Maybe, Caleb and I share the same principles in love but not the same circumstances. Maybe, that’s why or isn’t but I exactly fall in love with Didi as he falls in love with her. It was so magnificent and real. I can feel the magical feeling when I was reading the book.

I want more.

I demand more.

Please?

No Love Allowed by Kate Evangelista is surely a five-star book. You will like it. You will love it. You will fall in love with it. You will even fall in love on the second time around. It brought happiness to your heart. A light that will lift you up and will bring smiles and giggles and of course, love. Thank you, Kate, for writing such an amazing book! Thank you.

P.S.: I couldn’t forgive the author for writing a male lead with BLUE EYES. Whenever I read them when they are describing the male lead with blue eyes, I always tend to get envious and jealous. Why can’t you write a male protagonist with brown eyes and black hair? Please? Anyway, No Love Allowed is great! Grab it and consumed it! You’ll never regret it.

“That was when I realized all love does is hurt people. It lulls you into a false sense of security, and then bam! You slam into a brick wall of pain. A shit ton of pain. Love destroys people to the point where they don’t even care who else they hurt in the process.”

 

Book Review: Omnilogos by Michele Amitrani

“I am a collector of hopes and peregrine truths, a shepherd of thoughts, ideas, projects and dreams too important not to be realized. I’m an abstract concept that has no body, no smell, no boundaries, no shape and no color.
I am the Omnilogos.”

This book is a legen-fucking-dary genius. It’s fucking amazing. It’s so good that it envelops my mind, changes my perspective on things and it stimulates my brain. It is an intelligent book and for the second time, its fucking good.

It seems that I made an excellent decision on supporting the author and reading the book. IT IS THE BEST BOOK OF MY 2016 AS OF THE MOMENT! I couldn’t grasp how brilliant and magnificent and wonderful and remarkable and surreal this book is. I don’t even know if I am reviewing this book right. All I know is that I loved it — I fucking loved it.

“To write history is a wonderful experience,” Wei began, smiling at his audience. “It gives you a very special perspective on the world around you and helps you understand one very important thing: impossible is only a possibility that has not yet been discovered.”

I am not expecting when I came across this book on Goodreads. Like any readers, you’ll read the book’s plot and some reviews but I am one of those readers who wouldn’t base solely their preferences on ratings and reviews. I am one of those who would want to read the book first hand before acknowledging and giving its rightful judgment and deserve ratings.

I felt everything that this book has to give. The mysteriousness of a boy, the development of knowledge and scientific research, the humongous amount of information, terrifying goosebumps on my reading journey, ‘what-the-fuck’ moments, applauding brain cells and nerves just because it was one of a hell unique books out there, amazing political insights, commanding intellectual debate, amazing mixture of fiction and reality while plotting a soon to be history of all mankind.

“How did you find it?” she asked, looking at him with admiration. “I would never spotted it among so many lights.” Wei shrugged. “It’s easy. You just need to rely on the constellations.”

“Really?”

“Yes.”

“So even you need to rely on something, sometimes.”

I could describe this book as much as I want and I know that I wouldn’t get satisfied unless I list a thousand of reasons of my mixed emotions and feelings and how incredible this book is. This book is indescribable. The amazingness and unexpected chain of events made my jaw drop at some astonishing circumstances in the story. Michele Amitrani with his debut novel, Omnilogos deserves to be read by any readers!

I tell you, guys. This is one of those books that will make you feel both terrified and scared both at the same time. It will give you the vibe of a genius kid who is far way beyond on everyone that could plot everything on his own will with his talent and communicational skills that have been crafted on his mind.

It was both devastation and destruction. And I love it! Omnilogos needs to be heard. This is not a simple Science-Fiction. It could destroy its readers mind how every word feels right with your consciousness and before you know it, you are one with the book.

It will drown you and dive you into a new level of perspective — the world that is way beyond Einstein and Pascal — the world that has yet to known. You’ll love the scientific arguments and nerve-cracking persuasion. You could feel the intensity and the mind-blowing in your head with this book.

The book is a mixture of pain and hope, it balances the elements and wonders of the story. It was sad but it was one of the outstanding novels I’ve ever read in my entire life. I expected a lot of foreshadowing, and yes, there was, and before I know it, I was consumed by the story that I forgot what was in my mind. Michele Amitrani’s principles in life are unbelievable — they are there because they have a purpose to its readers. And his examples to make everything simple when explaining in a course of interaction? I am speechless. I love his logic and his way of thinking.

It was new and refreshing. You’ll like the book, You’ll love it they way I love reading it.

Omnilogos by Michele Amitrani is not your ordinary novel. It will lead you to many possibilities in the future. There are heartaches in the process and aspiring dream with the glimpse of powerful and talented mind. You will think what will happen. At some point, you’ll agree with the opposition but you’ll be amazed that you ended up siding with the other side. I don’t know how Michele Amitrani did it. I was in awe. He knows what he writes and he knows what he wants to deliver — he’s writing style is so so so good, too!

It is indeed, one of my best books of 2016 because I’ve never read anything like this before. And at the moment? I wish I have signed copies of this book and the second book! I can’t wait to read it!

My ratings: If could give this book a hundred or probably a thousand stars or more than that, I will.

“Sometimes the final victory cannot be obtained without a calculated number of losses. A strategic retreat can sometimes be the best alternative to avoid total defeat.”

You can buy this book on The Book Depository

Book Tour Form: The Darkest Lie by Pintip Dunn

Hi, guys! I’ll be hosting a blog tour for the book THE DARKEST LIE by PINTIP DUNN and I would like you to join me! The tour will take place between June 26th to July 2nd of 2016! I would love if you join me on this tour! The tour will be composed of book reviews, interviews, and favorite excerpts!

Media Kit will be provided 2 or 3 weeks before the tour will take place. Digital Format will be given along with the Kit.

If you are interested, Sign up HERE.

You can find the book on GOODREADS.

You can read an excerpt HERE.

And read the summary here:

“The mother I knew would never do those things.
But maybe I never knew her after all.”

Clothes, jokes, coded messages…Cecilia Brooks and her mom shared everything. At least, CeCe thought they did. Six months ago, her mom killed herself after accusations of having sex with a student, and CeCe’s been the subject of whispers and taunts ever since. Now, at the start of her high school senior year, between dealing with her grieving, distracted father, and the social nightmare that has become her life, CeCe just wants to fly under the radar. Instead, she’s volunteering at the school’s crisis hotline—the same place her mother worked.

As she counsels troubled strangers, CeCe’s lingering suspicions about her mom’s death surface. With the help of Sam, a new student and newspaper intern, she starts to piece together fragmented clues that point to a twisted secret at the heart of her community. Soon, finding the truth isn’t just a matter of restoring her mother’s reputation, it’s about saving lives—including CeCe’s own…

Thank you and I am hoping for your participation!

Interview with Andrea Waltz

1. Onyx Webb is a unique name and there’s a lot of names that will stand out for our protagonist. Why chose Onyx Webb as the protagonist name? As far as I know, Onyx is a name of a stone. Is it somewhat related to it?

Onyx is a name we have always loved. We came up with that right away. Her last name was almost something French-Cajun but we did a lot of brainstorming and knew that we wanted a short, 4 letter last name and stumbled onto Webb after much searching. As soon as we saw it we knew. It became even more meaningful as we literally crafted this “web” of stories.

2. Every reader and aspiring writers always asked this: What are your inspiration on becoming a writer? What inspires you to write Onyx Webb?

Onyx is so incredibly fun to write. We have both always wanted to write fiction.

3. You’ve mentioned that you changed the covers of Onyx Webb and people have taken an interest. Why chose a spider with web and a skull to portray the mysterious sense of your book? Are there any hidden messages?

Anyone who has ever read Onyx Webb knows that it’s a challenge to describe. And we did not want the standard, cliché woman walking through a cemetery! So something stark, creepy, and mysterious was what we needed. Our previous cover was fairly mysterious – it was a giant red moon with a statue of female holding flowers. But it was almost too non-descript. The white cover became important because we wanted the starkness and we wanted people to know right away the book would be a bit scary. There really is no hidden message beyond just trying to create a “feeling” and interest when people see the cover.

4. On the writing process, what is the most difficult part of writing the book? Is it the alternating events or connecting the stories on every episode?

Since the book is a bit complex you can imagine that keeping organized while writing it is too! And it has been a complex writing process.

Writing the alternating stories is actually fairly easy because we write the book in pieces (we call the individual stories “tracks”) and then shuffle them all together at the very end.  Connecting people and events has been tricky. Some of them we knew from the start but others – really important connections – have developed as the stories have been written. Readers seem to love how things start and continue to connect and so book after book we make sure not to disappoint on that.

5. How does it feel to have a co-writer on writing the story of Onyx Webb? And all of the genres out there, why the both of you with Richard Fenton chose Fantasy and Paranormal as the main focus of the book? Is there a time that either of you disagrees on what the plot or what will be the next episode to write?

The co-writing process is interesting. Richard and I plot out the story together and then go scene by scene focusing on three main character “tracks.” Then Richard takes the lead writing the first draft. I then edit that and give him feedback on what I want rewritten, added and removed entirely. We do not disagree on much as we have the same vision of the story. Every now and then he will change something during the writing of a scene and then we hash it out if there is an issue with the change. Collaboration, in general, has been magnificent – we have come up with the best ideas brainstorming the plotting and character’s connections to each other. That’s where the magic happens and then Richard executes it!

6. Tell us the story how did you ended up co-writing Onyx Webb with Richard Fenton.

Richard and I have been writing together for a long time. We are also married! Before Onyx Webb, it has been all motivational business books. This is our first fictional book series. We have also written a few screenplays together. (No script ever sold, though.) We brainstormed this series for well over a year before writing a word.

7. You also a reader. So, tell us, what are your top 5 books that influence you to become a writer?

I can’t say reading any one book influenced my desire to write. Perhaps reading Choose Your Own Adventure books – I loved those as a kid. As an adult, I have been influenced by books like House of Sand and Fog, Olive Kitteridge, Lovely Bones, and Gone Girl. I enjoy female-driven thriller/mysteries. Richard was deeply influenced by Ender’s Game, Stephen King’s works like The Green Mile, as well as all of Lee Child’s Jack Reacher series.

8. Random Question: Favorite place to read?

We seem to be so busy writing we are not reading much these days. When we do, for both of us, it’s at the pool on vacation and then it’s non-stop until we finish. Like most bookworms, once we are hooked into a book we read it non-stop.

9. Name your top 5 favorite books!

Well, this is very hard so here are 5 favorites! House of San and Fog,  Catcher and the Rye, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Gone Girl and Eat, Pray, Love

10. What is your favorite quote on Onyx Webb? And why is it?

There are too many great scenes so I will go with our tag line which is: Think life is precious now? Just wait until you’re dead.  We hope that people will read Onyx Webb and be wildly entertained. And, we hope they will also learn a few lessons too – in particular how wonderful life is, even when it is not exactly going our way, it is better than the alternative.

THANK YOU SO MUCH, MS. ANDREA! I love reading your books and your answers! They are amazing!