Tuesday, June 23, 2015

Deception by D.B. Reynolds - Book Review - Author Interview - Book Giveaway

Deception by D.B. Reynolds
Kauai, Hawaii—tropical paradise, vibrant jungle, turquoise sea... and sensuous nights that hide vampires so powerful they can change the world.

Raphael—powerful, extraordinary, arrogant. He’s been eliminating rivals and gathering allies, determined not just to survive, but to demolish the Europeans who think they can steal what he’s worked for centuries to create. In a final bid to avert a war that seems inevitable, Raphael agrees to meet an enemy he knows of old. She is formidable, wily, and not to be trusted. But in his arrogance, Raphael believes he can foil whatever treachery she has brewing.

Cynthia Leighton—Raphael’s human mate, beautiful, smart, and deadly when threatened. She doesn’t trust anyone, much less a powerful vampire claiming to want peace. So while Raphael prepares to negotiate a treaty, Cyn is preparing for the inevitable double-cross that she knows is coming. Raphael worries about saving thousands of vampire lives. She only cares about one, and she will do anything to keep him alive and in her arms.

When Cyn is proven right, when it all falls apart and Raphael’s enemies draw on ancient magic to trap him, taking him away from Cyn and out of the war, it all falls to her—to find Raphael, to save the thousands of vampires who will die if she doesn’t succeed... and to kill every single being, human or vampire, who gets in her way.
Paperback, 274 pages
Published March 31st 2015 by ImaJinn Books
ISBN 1611945895 (ISBN13: 9781611945898)
Series:Vampires in America #9

Review

Characters are just as you love them in the previous books. Cynthia Leighton is ever the bad-ass heroine. By far one of my favorites. She is not what I would consider a weak or dependent personality. She really doesn't depend on anyone to help her. She is stunningly smart, and in every way capable. It is truly refreshing to read a heroine who is complete on her own. Vampire lord Raphael, Cyn's Love, is ever the same arrogant male we come to love. Plot & Pace is good. The overly confident Raphael & old vampire lords meeting sets a feud between the American and European vampires. Oh don't worry I'm not giving it away, there is SO much to this story.
Writing style and Originality is astoundingly flawless as always. Book cover is as bad-ass as the heroine. Over all a recommended read.


Author Interview 
With  D. B. Reynolds

Do you recall how your interest in writing originated? What inspired you to write your first book?

I’ve been an avid reader since I was a child, and always thought it would be great to write stories like the ones I loved. But it wasn’t until high school that any of my teachers really encouraged my writing. I was chosen for an experimental writing program, and loved it. Of course, real life intervened and I had to earn a living, so it was several years before I had the time and opportunity to sit down and write again.

What surprised you the most about the writing/publishing process?

The revisions! I expected copy edits, but the amount of time that goes into the editing/revision process was a surprise. First revisions, then copy edits, then proofreader corrections, then galley proofing. It takes a huge amount of time.

How do you develop your plots and characters? Do you use any set formula?

I don’t use a formula at all. I try very hard to make each of my characters unique through their personal histories, their special talents, the way they relate to the people around them, and the traits that attract them to their mates. I write a fairly extensive backstory for each of my characters, most of which never makes it to the book, but it informs everything they do.

What, in your opinion, are the most important elements of good writing?

Dialogue is critical, dialogue that sounds like something people would actually say. So many times I’ll be reading a book and the dialogue simply jars me out of the story, because real people don’t talk like that. And, of course, good grammar, spelling, and syntax. You have to know the rules of the language in order to be able to write it well.

Are there any new authors that have grabbed your interest?

I read so many books, and I’m constantly discovering new authors, or at least new to me authors. I recently found Kit Rocha’s fabulous Beyond series of dystopian, erotic romance. They just released Beyond Innocence, which is Book 6, and there are three novellas interspersed. I was in heaven with 9 fresh titles to read, and I inhaled the entire series. I also think Colleen Hoover is one of the best writers out there, although her books always drag me through an emotional ringer before the end!

Can you share a little of your current work/projects with us?

I’m currently working on ALLIANCE, which is Book 10 of my Vampires in America series and the second book of The Vampire Wars story arc. This book takes us back to the South, which has been getting by under Anthony’s rule for a few years, with Raphael’s help. Anthony has decided (though we’re not sure if he decided, or if Raphael nudged him) to give up the territory and return to his home city of New Orleans. This sets off a territorial challenge, even as the continuing threat of a European invasion looms. Christian Duvall, a French vampire whom we met at the end of DECEPTION, is determined to be the new Lord of the South, but he has plenty of enemies who would rather see him dead, including the European lords he refused to help with their invasion. Vincent is also going to play a big role in this book.

How did you come up with a story that was such a whirlwind of events?

Although I love romance, I always try to make my books something more. I like romance set in the context of bigger events—a mystery to solve, a crime to avenge, a life to save.

How long does it take you to write your books, and do you ever have writer’s block along the way?

It typically takes me 6-7 months to write one of my books, and that’s writing nearly every day (or night, since I write in the middle of the night.) I’m fortunate never to have had to deal with writer’s block, although there are times when the ideas won’t come. When that happens, I skip ahead to a scene I know I can write, or I force myself to put something on the page, even if I end up throwing it away the next day.

What were your feelings when you first saw the cover of your first finished book?

I love all of my covers, but if we’re talking about my very first book . . . That was RAPHAEL, and there’s nothing like seeing your name on the cover of a book for the very first time. I wanted to hug it to my chest and trap that wonderful feeling.

Do you have any strange writing habits?

I don’t know if they’re strange, but I definitely have routine habits that I follow when I’m writing. I work very late at night, when I’m the only person awake in my house. So I put Buffy on the TV, with no sound, just to keep me company. I’ve seen it so many times that when I occasionally glance up, I know exactly where we are and what’s happening. And then I have a snack before starting—a bag of Smart Puffs (which are like organic Cheetos, with white cheddar), and a can of Diet Cherry Coke (for the caffeine, since I don’t drink coffee or tea.) Other than that, it’s just sit there and write.

Fun Facts Questions:

If you had a superpower, what would it be? ---I’d like to be super-strong like Captain America, and cool under pressure like Iron Man.

What secret talents do you have? ---I have a creepy good memory. I remember things without even consciously trying. Whenever someone in my house is trying to find something, they ask me. This also means I know if someone moves even the smallest thing in my office. Or maybe I’m just a control freak.

Where is one place you would like to visit that you haven't been before? ---Antarctica or Scotland

What is something you hope to accomplish before you die? ---Visit all the places in the world that I haven’t been.

If you could have any accent for anywhere in the world, what would you choose? French, such a beautiful language.


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5 comments:

miki said...

i think each cover is getting more beautiful than teh last so it's hard to pick a favourite and it's teh same with book blurb i'm behind in my reading but each time i get even more motivated

thank you!

Mary Preston said...

A great interview thank you.

donnas said...

Great interview. I have enjoyed each book I have read.

Dani said...

Great interview. I just finished book 6 and Lucas is amazing! Looking forward to reading the rest!

Sherry E said...

I love this series. Would recommend it to anyone looking for a great read with interesting, well developed characters and a action packed plot.

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