Featured Author Friday featuring Molly McAdams

Before we start, I would like to say that I am a huge fan of Molly McAdams. Taking Chances is just one of her many books, but this one was just so amazing that I had to share. I was on an emotional roller coaster! I laughed, yelled and did the ugly cry throughout the book. Thank you Molly for giving me the opportunity to interview you, it was a pleasure! I cannot wait to work with you again. 

Molly's Bio from Goodreads.com:

Molly grew up in California but now lives in the oh-so-amazing state of Texas with her husband and furry four-legged daughter. Some of her hobbies include hiking, snowboarding, traveling and long walks on the beach…which roughly translates to being a homebody with her hubby and dishing out movie quotes. When she’s not diving into the world of her characters, she can be found hiding out in her bedroom surrounded by her laptop, cell, Kindle and fighting over the TV remote. She has a weakness for crude-humored movies, fried pickles and loves curling up in a fluffy comforter during a thunderstorm...or under one in a bathtub if there are tornados. That way she can pretend they aren't really happening.

Let's get to know Molly....

Can you describe Taking Chances in 20 words?

TAKING CHANCES is a tale of love, heartbreak, healing, having the courage to take risks in life, and second chances.

  

How did you come up with the idea for Taking Chances? 

It was a dream, actually! Probably the most vivid dream I’ve ever had, and most heartbreaking!

 

Without giving away any spoilers, for those who have not read Taking Chances, what was your favorite scene to write? 

Umm … either the Brandon/Liam/photo album scene. Or the Harper/Chase/shower scene.

Describe a typical day when you are writing. Do you have any pre-writing rituals? 

No pre-writing rituals, but I have to be listening to music while I write. If I’m not, I start thinking about other things. If the TV is on, I just stare at it instead. And I will sit in my chair and not move for HOURS on end while I write. Haha

Do you have any plans for a book signing event? 

I do! You can see all my events on my upcoming events page on my website at www.mollysmcadams.com

For those who have not read Stealing Harper, can you give us an idea of what to expect? 

Um … it’s going to be hard, but it’s worth it. Chase’s story needed to be told. About 95% of people who have read it have told me exactly that. And please read TAKING CHANCES first!

Are you currently working on your next book project? Can you tell us a bit about it? 

I’m always working on my next book project ;) At the moment, I’m writing a novella called, CAPTURING PEACE. It’s loosely based off my friend, Tyler Seielstad’s life. He’s the amazing photographer that gives us all those amazing pictures of Charlie Keller! Check him outwww.facebook.com/maketimestop

Will there be a third installment or will the second book end the story? 

For TAKING CHANCES? STEALING HARPER ends Brandon, Chase, and Harper’s story. But I plan on writing another character’s story sometime next year.

What came first, the characters or the concept for the story? Both, since my stories come from dreams, I have a concept for the story and a feel for the characters all when I wake up.

If Taking Chances became a movie, who would your dream cast be? 

Harper: Emma Roberts. Brandon: Channing Tatum. Chase: Charlie Keller ;)

Do you ever read the reviews about your books? If so, do you pay attention to any negative reviews or let them influence your writing? 

I try not to. If someone actually sends me a link to their review, I will read it, but I tend to stay away from reviews in general. I’m grateful for the good reviews and the reviews with constructive criticism. But there are some reviews that are just straight hateful, and don’t help me as an author at all … and those reviews stay with you forever and make you question if you should keep doing it all. You can read 10 reviews, 9 good and 1 bad … and you’ll remember that 1 bad and it will ruin your entire day. So it’s just not worth it for me.

Do you have a favorite author? 

Nicholas Sparks. LOVE him!

What are your favorite top 3 books that you would recommend? Ahh well I have a bunch of favorites from a bunch of favorite authors, so I’ll pick favorites from each of them. SAFE HAVEN by Nicholas Sparks. COME TO ME QUIETLY by AL Jackson. UNDENIABLE by Madeline Sheehan.

What book, if any, are you reading now? 

I’m not reading anything! I so wish I was … I have a TON of books waiting on my Kindle!

Do you prefer to read traditional books or e-books? 

I love e-books because they can’t be ruined, and they’re all in one tiny space, but I do collect traditional books of my favorites!

Out of the books that you have read, which character couple would you like to invite over for dinner and why? 

Hawk Delgado and Gwen from MYSTERY MAN by Kristen Ashley … because Hawk Delgado is my book husband. That’s why. He’s mine. ‘Nuff said. Haha

If you could work with any author, who would it be?

That’s a really tough question. I feel like authors usually have such different writing styles that I don’t know how I would be able to work with one. Not saying I CAN’T. Just that I’d be afraid we’d have different views on things too often.

What inspired you to start writing? 

My dreams. Hahah, I wanted them out of my head, started writing them out, elaborating on them … next thing you know, I’m writing a book!

How old were you when you start writing? 

Technically, it was right before I turned 22. I didn’t realize I was writing a book until right before I turned 23.

Did you always want to be a writer? 

No way. I hated reading until I was 20-21ish. Failed out of creative writing in college … definitely not lol!

Do you have any advice for aspiring authors? 

Always write for yourself, don’t write about something just because it’s the “hot genre”. Write a book because you would want to read it.

What are your top 5 most important things in your life?Relationship with God. Relationship with my hubby. My family. My friends. To have fun and take chances in life.

Do you have any tattoos or piercings? 

I have 13 piercings, but only actually put anything in two of them. Annnnd I have 10 tattoos.

Do you have any fears?? 

SPIDERS! SPIDERS SPIDERSSPIDERS SPIDER SPIDERS. And bees. And sharks. And bugs. On a serious note, I have fears of disappointing my hubby and family, failing … I have a lot.

What do you do for fun, besides writing?

I hang out with my husband and fur-baby! We watch movies, have movie-quoting wars … we’re homebodies. I love us.

Do you have any vices? 

DIET DR PEPPER!

What was the last thing you googled?

Ha. Umm … I’m not sure, but I have no doubt it was for one of my books … and that probably put me on a list somewhere.

If you could describe yourself in 5 words what would they be? Crazy. Awkward. Happy. Dimples. Loud.

What is your biggest pet peeve? When my husband changes RIGHT next to the hamper, and leaves his dirty clothes on the floor next to the hamper instead of in it. It makes me want to scream!

Where was the last place someone spotted you and asked for an autograph?

In Vegas at the Naughty Mafia signing LOL! People have no clue who I am, what are you talking about ;)

Thank you so much for the interview! Is there anything else you would like your readers to know? 

I absolutely LOVE my readers and am so thankful for all their support!

 

Where can your fans find you? (Social Media Links)

www.facebook.com/MollyMcAdams

www.twitter.com/MollySMcAdams

@MollySMcAdams - Instagram

To check out my review of Taking Chances click here http://renesgetaway.blogspot.com/2013/08/book-review-taking-chances.html

To see other interviews with more amazing authors click here......

Featured Author Friday featuring Marene Webb

I had the opportunity to Beta Read this book. I was instantly intrigued, and I could not put it down! This story was so raw and gritty and heart-wrenching. My emotions were all over the board. There were times that I was actually yelling at the book, and a few pages later I was in tears. I was so pleased that Marene agreed to let me interview her. I cannot wait to work with her again. 

Author Bio from Goodreads.com:

Marene Chandler Webb was born in Georgia, raised in South Carolina,Tennessee, and Alabama. Marene has spent the majority of her life in the deep South. She is the youngest of two daughters to parents unafraid to travel and explore.

Marene was first published in high school, but shied away from the attention she received opting instead to put away her passion for writing to raise a family in Tennessee.

After suffering a life altering event, Marene began writing once more, calling the experience “healing.” After much interest and encouragement, Marene began her publications under the pen name M. C. Webb.

Let's get to know Marene....

Can you describe Fade to Black in 20 words?

brutal, honest, raw, emotional, enlightening, heartwarming, gripping, guttural, grievous, provocative, affections, unappalled, gallant, sincere, openhearted, honest,pragmatic, authentic, revealing, esthetic.

How did you come up with the idea of Fade to Black?

There are pieces of the concept that have lived with me for years. I just decided not long ago to give them voices and a journey. Black is an emotion, a loss, being lost, burden, carried into darkness not always by choice and it doesn’t always have to remain black if only we could fight our way out.

Without giving away any spoilers, for those who have not read Fade to Black, what was your favorite scene to write?

Anything to do with Nana. All of her is based on my own mother.

Describe a typical day when you are writing. Do you have any pre-writing rituals?

Hot tea and ear plugs. I can’t write without both.

Do you have any plans for a book signing event?

A private signing was held in my honor recently. I enjoyed more than I can say. I plan to do more and hopefully often!

For those who have not yet read Black As Night, can you give us an idea of what to expect?

The old and new relationships are pushed to a point of rupture. Both human strengths and weaknesses live in the second book.

Will there be a third installment or will the second book end the story?

There is a third book in the works, but I can’t promise all will see a happy ending.

Are you currently working on your next book project? Can you tell us a bit about it?

An idea has surfaced but has not yet taken root. Stay tuned...

What came first, the characters or the concept for the story?

Ryan came first. Without giving anything away I can say that chapter thirty-six was the first words I wrote in this story. I knew where he was and how he got there I just had to go back and write it.

If Fade To Black became a movie, who would your dream cast be?

Oh my that’s a tough one!

Naomi Watts or Cate Blanchett as Piper. Maybe Matt Bomer or Luke Grimes as Ryan. I always pictured Josh as a Chris Hemsworth.

Do you ever read the reviews about your books? If so, do you pay attention to any negative reviews or let them influence your writing?

I have to. I want to grow as an author so it’s all about learning from everything.

Do you have a favorite author?

J.K. Rowling is my favorite, but I am currently obsessed with the series “A song of Fire and Ice” by George RR Martin. I’ve never been a huge fan of fantasy but this series is incredible and beautifully written.

What are your favorite top 3 books that you would recommend?

The Di Vinci Code by Dan Brown. Even if it is touchy in areas it is the most thought provoking book I’ve ever read.

The Outsiders by S.E Hinton

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

Do you prefer to read traditional books or e-books?

I am happy with either. I still dog ear my physical books and I love that, but I enjoy throwing my kindle in my purse and having it available anytime. I get the urge to read.

Out of the books that you have read, which character couple would you like to invite over for dinner and why?

Dr. Kay Scarpetta and her Crime solving partner Pete Marino.

If you could work with any author, who would it be?

Patricia Cornwell

What inspired you to start writing?

I suffered a eye opening event a few years ago and the writer that has lived in me privately all of my life finally decided to share.

How old were you when you start writing?

I was young, maybe as soon as I learned how to string a sentence together.

Did you always want to be a writer?

Always.

Do you have any advice for aspiring authors?

Even if you’re scared, do it anyway.

What are you top 5 most important things in your life?

God, family, football. I never think past those three but writing and music are in the mix.

Do you have any tattoos or piercings?

Tattoo in the making. My ears are pieced thrice on both lobs.

Do you have any fears??

I once feared success. One of the reasons it took me so long to pursue publishing. Now spiders are my only fear.

What do you do for fun, besides writing?

I run a fantasy football league, enjoy the Smoky Mountains, and I watch a lot of home shopping.

Do you have any vices?

Expensive makeup, and The Walking Dead

What was the last thing you googled?

Gondolier coupons.

If you could describe yourself in 5 words what would they be?

Kind, passionate, giving, strong, silly

What is your biggest pet peeve?

Game requests on Facebook.

Where was the last place someone spotted you and asked for an autograph?

A private dinner at a friend’s home.

Thank you so much for the interview! Is there anything else you would like your readers to know?

Thank you, it was my pleasure. I appreciate your kind words.

Where can your fans find you?

www.facebook.com/marenewebb

www.marenewebb.com

www.twitter.com/marenewebb

http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6831081.M_C_Webb

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/252288

Check out my review on Fade To Black

Purchase Fade To Black

Book Review: Collide by Gail Mc Hugh

Collide By Gail Mc Hugh

395 pages

Published January 18th 2013

To purchase this book click HERE

My review:
I LOVED this book!!! It's extremely difficult not to fall in love with the characters in this novel. It's a modern tale of a star crossed lovers triangle. It's a wild ride filled with butterflies, tears and angst. You'll laugh, you'll be insanely frustrated but most importantly you'll fall deeply in love. Move over Mr. Grey, Gavin Blake is the new man in town.The delightful New York City backdrop is the perfect setting to lose yourself in a steaming HOT love story.

Goodreads.com description:
A missed first encounter…

Colliding with a second chance…

On the heels of graduating college and trying to cope with her mother’s death, Emily Cooper moves to New York City for a fresh start.

While harboring secrets of his own, Dillon Parker takes care of Emily through her grief. Knowing he can’t live without her by his side, he’s sweet, thoughtful, and everything Emily has ever wanted in a man.

Until she meets Gavin Blake—a rich and notorious playboy who is dangerously sexy and charming as hell. Emily tries to deny the instant connection she feels, but Mr. Tall, Dark, and Handsome is not inclined to let go so easily. Recovering from his own painful past, Gavin will stop at nothing to win Emily over.

This unexpected encounter compels Emily to question her decisions, forcing her to make a choice that will destroy friendships, shatter hearts, and forever change her life.

My Favorite quotes:

“Every part of you was made for me. Your lips were made to kiss mine, your eyes were made to wake up to me looking at you in my bed every morning, and your f***ing tongue was made to roll my name off of it. I am more certain of us than I'm certain that I require oxygen to breathe.”

“Here's to bottle caps,the Yankees, and 'birds', and most of all"...he paused and lowered his voice to a whisper.." and,most of all to a beautiful girl named Molly who refuses to believe the man-the man who loves her more than she'll ever know”

“I’ve never felt so heartbroken and so in love at the same time. If you would’ve told me the day we met that you were going to break my heart— and that days, months, or even years would pass, that I would still be hurting like this—it wouldn’t have stopped me from falling in love with you.”

“I want the late-night drives, the sunset watching, the screaming, the yelling, and the crying. I know I'll definitely want the make-up sex that comes after all of the screaming and crying. I want the good, the bad, and the in-between. All of it is what's going to make us amazing together.”   

Pulse by Gail McHugh

370 pages

Published July 9th 2013

To purchase this book click HEREMy review coming soon...

Goodreads.com description:
How do you keep existing when your heart is so splintered, so completely torn to shreds, your pulse is fading?

You’re…broken. How do you move forward when every breath is nothing more than a constant ache? Living becomes an insidious reminder that you threw away the single largest part of yourself. Your…soul. No amount of distraction can pull you from the torture of losing your…life.

Now that Emily Cooper has walked away from her first love, she finds herself running toward her only love. Unraveling fast, but clinging to hope, Emily risks all she has left on the man that has consumed her every thought and dream since the day they met. Will Gavin take her back? And if so, will their reunion be a collision of two hearts destined to complete one another and rekindle a love that knew no boundaries? Or will scars from their past rip open, tearing slowly at what each of them was meant to be? Can fate, the ultimate game changer, mend the shattered road it laid out from the start?

Only time will tell…

Tick-Tock… 

Have you read the Collide series?

What did you think? Do you have any favorite quotes?

Send to over and I will post them on my Friends Review Blog coming soon!! 

   

Mural Monday: Abstract Art

I just love it when people have such a great imagination.

They can turn the simplest items into amazing art!!!

 

Mural Mondays: The Eye Of The Beholder

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. They always said the the human body is a wok of art. These artists knew the deal and created some beautiful works of art!