Kelley, Can you please share with us a little about yourself? 

I was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio and the surrounding suburbs and continue to live in the area with my husband and our two cats, Maverick and Jasmine.  As a kid, I wrote a lot of poetry and always enjoyed creative writing assignments.  In middle school, I attempted my first novel but didn’t make it past chapter one.  I pushed my creative writing aside when my parents sent me to Catholic high school. I figured I needed to focus on my schoolwork to ensure my parents got their money’s worth! I attended a small private college where I majored in accounting. I went on to get my CPA and worked in public accounting before joining the bank I currently work for as a project manager.  In 2009, it was a combination of my career midlife crisis and having read a book whose premise was so simple that I couldn’t believe I hadn’t thought of it myself, that reignited my passion for creative writing and I’ve been writing every since.

Have you always wanted to be an author?

No, I never grew up dreaming that I’d one day be an author.  What I didn’t know then but now realize, is that writing is my creative outlet and although I may not make a living off of my writing, it is my writing that adds so much meaning to my life.

Are you a plotter or a punster or combo of both? And you explain the difference?

Insert sheepish grin, I never heard the term ‘punster’ before so I had to look that up! I suppose with this question you are asking if I tell stories more through the plot or through techniques such as puns? If I’m on target with that, I’ll admit that I’m a plotter. And I plot through planning.  I start each novel by outlining the nine major plot elements, then I start outlining and review that several times to ensure my plot is in order, and then I write.  I’ll apologize in advance if I didn’t understand this question and completely got this wrong J

What is your most interesting writing quirk?  I don’t know how interesting it is, but I need complete silence in order to write. Unfortunately for my husband, our den (my writing room) is on the other side of the wall from our living room. So as I’m writing, I’m shouting every few minutes for him to turn down the TV volume. I don’t know how he can hear any shows that he tries to watch while I’m writing!

Can you please tell us about your latest book(s)?

The Descendant is book 1 in The Descendant Vampire Series and is dubbed a vampire tale of biblical proportions.  The book reveals the biblical origin of the vampire told through the experiences of a woman who discovers that she’s a descendant of the first vampire.  I explain the vampire’s origin by elaborating on popular biblical stores such as The Garden of Eden, Cain and Abel, The Flood, The Plagues, and others.

The Search, book 2 in the series, is due out later this year and will have more biblical tie-ins (Saint Michael and the archangels).

How did you come with the idea for this story?

When I first decided to write a book, I knew that I had to write about something that I was passionate about, and lucky for me, that was easy to figure out – vampires! I’d been a vampire fan ever since I was a kid and my mother hooked me on Dark Shadows reruns.  However, I also realized that the literary and cinematic worlds were crowded, maybe even overcrowded, on the vampire front. I knew I needed a different angle than any other story out there. Thankfully that angle was easy for me to come up. In all of the vampire books I’d read and movies I’d seen, there was one thing I noticed – the vampire was always just there; I never really read about how the first vampire was created. So I decided to write a story about the vampire’s origin and decided to explain their origin by tying it to popular biblical stories. I joke with my parents that I’m finally putting that Catholic schooling to good use!

Can you share with us your current work(s) in progress?

The Search, Book 2 in The Descendant Vampire Series, is my current work in process.  I don’t want to give too much away for those that haven’t read The Descendant, but The Search picks up where Allison’s adventure left off in book one.  You’ll see a very different Allison who struggles with her new existence.  The title isn’t as obvious as you might think; there are several different searches going on in this book.

Who is the one author that you would love to meet someday and why?

I’d like to meet Boyd Morrison.  He’s the author of several thrillers including The Ark, The Catalyst, Rogue Wave and others.  His books are exciting and fast paced and hard to put down.  What first drew me to his book The Ark was that it was a thriller about the search for Noah’s Ark and I’m a fan of books that can weave history or biblical stories throughout a fictional tale.  I’d like to meet him to learn how he was able to parlay his writing into his full time career (he was first an engineer).

What is the best piece of advice you would give to someone that wants to get into writing?

Learn the craft, use test readers, hire an editor and have fun!

When I first started writing, I had no idea what I was doing and just put finger to keyboard and started typing. Several rejection letters later, I realized something was wrong. That was when I attended a writing clinic and learned that I needed to polish my writing skills.  Believe it or not, there is a method to the madness of writing and I learned a lot about the craft in the classes I took.

Test readers are huge. When you’re writing a book, the book is in your head and it’s your job to get that story onto paper. The problem is, you as the author can’t always see what is or isn’t on paper.  Test readers can point out if something doesn’t make sense in a story, if there’s something missing, if you’ve contradicted yourself, etc. Enlist test readers!

Hire an editor!  I always considered myself a grammar queen…that is until I wrote my novel and attended that above mentioned writing clinic. It became clear to me that I couldn’t edit a book on my own.  Hiring my editor was the best money I’ve spent.

Have fun, because let’s face it, if you’re not having fun, why bother?

Can you share with us something off your bucket list?

I’d love to own a canary yellow Corvette (just like the one Allison acquires in The Descendant).  Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve wanted a yellow vette!  I think it has something to do with the Camaro IROC Z 28 my brother’s friend had.  He gave me a ride in that and ever since I’ve wanted a sports car & have been obsessed with vettes for as long as I can remember.

What is in your To Read Pile that you are dying to start or upcoming release you can’t wait for?

I have too much in my to-read pile!  The Vault by Boyd Morrison is next up on my list.  I’m anxiously awaiting book 2 in The Darcy Walker Series by AJ Lape and book 2 in the Night Aberrations series by JD Nelson.

What is one book everyone should read before they die?

If you’re a vampire fan and love historical fiction, then you must read The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova.

What is your favorite time of year & why?

Fall is my favorite time of year. I love the changing colors, the cooler weather, wearing jeans, a sweatshirt & flip-flops, and football, of course!

Who is your Celebrity crush?  And what would you do if you ever meet them?

Johnny Depp has been my celebrity crush for some time.  A more current crush would be Charlie Hunnam who plays Jax on Sons of Anarchy. What’s not to like about long blond hair, tattoos, motorcycles & a bad boy attitude???  I’d probably be a blubbering fool if I met Johnny or Charlie.

GIVEAWAY DETAILS:

Kelley is giving away the following prizes on her tour:

 Grand Prize:

$25 Amazon gift card & signed paperback of THE DESCENDANT

Runners-up:

TWO (2) runners-up will receive an eBook of THE DESCENDANT plus a Descendant can koozie & bookmarks

a Rafflecopter giveaway

THE DESCENDANT

by Kelley Grealis

Amazon US | Amazon UK | Smashwords | B&N  

The Descendant reveals the Biblical origin of the vampire through the experiences of a modern day woman who discovers that she is a descendant of the first vampire.

Allison Carmichael wakes from an accident with no memory of the past three years. She doesn’t recall her husband’s death or how she alienated her friends, and she definitely doesn’t remember her new boyfriend Vincent Drake – a charismatic man with a penchant for rare and unique possessions. The only things familiar to Allison are her seemingly common ailments – insomnia, lack of appetite, erratic body temperature – which have gone undiagnosed and are vtly who, and what, Allison is – a mortal descendant of the first vampire. He is a vampire who has watched over Allison and her ancestors since the Biblical times of Cain and Abel ensuring their secret is kept. Once he realizes Allison’s symptoms are accelerating and transforming her, he’ll stop at nothing to have her.

Allison discovers that she is a descendant with a lineage dating back to the Biblical times of Cain and Abel and is the first of her kind to exhibit signs of vampirism. She must decide between risking her mortal death if she cannot control her symptoms or fully transforming into a vampire and damning her soul for eternity. A decision made even more difficult once Allison discovers Vincent has manipulated her life, and everyone in it, so he could have the first descendant-turned-vampire all to himself.

A little more about Kelly: 

Kelley Grealis was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio. She has a B.A. in Accounting from Baldwin-Wallace College and a Masters of Businss Administration from Cleveland State University.

She has loved all things vampire since she was a little girl, and it was that passion combined with thirteen years of Catholic schooling, that inspired her to write THE DESCENDANT.

Kelley lives in a Cleveland suburb with her husband.

Connect with Kelley:

Website:  http://www.kelleygrealis.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KelleyGrealis

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/KelleyGrealis

Goodreads:  http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6436838.Kelley_Grealis

Blog:  http://www.myarttoinspire.com/kelleygrealisblogs

Independent Author Network:  http://www.independentauthornetwork.com/kelley-grealis.html

Kelley Grealis’ THE DESCENDANT

1 Year Anniversary Blog Tour Schedule

5/20- Book Monster Reviews (guest post)

http://www.bookmonsterreviews.com/

5/20- Literal Addiction  (guest post & review)

http://www.literaladdiction.com/

5/21 – Wicked Readings by Tawania (spotlight & review)

http://www.wickedreadingsbytawania.blogspot.com/

5/22- Romance Junkies (interview)

http://www.romancejunkies.com/rjblog/

5/22- The Reading Cafe (spotlight & review)

http://thereadingcafe.com/

5/23- Jocelyn Dex Blog (spotlight & review)

http://www.jocelyndex.com/blog.html

5/23- Musings From An Addicted Reader  (spotlight & review)

http://musingsfromanaddictedreader.blogspot.com/

5/24- Books-n-Kisses  (interview)

http://www.books-n-kisses.com/

5/24- Urban Girl Reader (interview)

http://www.urbangirlreader.com/

5/25- Paranormal Book Club (spotlight)

http://paranormal-bookclub.com/

5/26- Page Flipperz (Spotlight)

http://pageflipperz.blogspot.com/

On the surface, Lynsey Reznor seems to have it all. She is beautiful, brilliant, and a successful true-crime writer who has been living the past decade in Miami. But what Lynsey lacks is what she needs the most—a family.

After the death of her mother, and yet another failed relationship, Lynsey makes an impulsive decision to return to her hometown of Unity. But Unity will present its own bittersweet memories, most notably, her first love, Nick Lincoln.

Twenty years ago, Nick broke teenager Lynsey’s heart when he decided to marry another. He had his own private reasons—reasons he never explained to Lynsey. Now she is back, along with a chance to reclaim her love. But Lynsey wants answers from him that he may never be able to give out of duty and guilt.

Available at Amazon:  Single Title | Collection (Additional Bonus Stories: Remember the Stars and Antique Charming)

About the Author:

Natalie-Nicole Bates is a book reviewer and author.

Her passions in life include books and hockey along with Victorian and Edwardian era photography and antique poison bottles. Natalie contributes her uncharacteristic love of hockey to being born in Russia.

She currently resides in the UK where she is working on her next book and adding to her collection of 19^th century post-mortem photos.

Connect with Natalie:

Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

GIVEAWAY DETAILS:

Natalie is giving away a $20.00 gift card on the tour.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

May 20:

Close Encounters with the Night Kind

http://closeencounterswiththenightkind.blogspot.com/

Scorching Book Reviews

http://scorchingbookreviews.blogspot.com/

Darker Passions

http://darkerpassions.net/

May 21:

Musings From An Addicted Reader

http://musingsfromanaddictedreader.blogspot.com/

Toot’s Book Reviews

http://tootsbookreviews.blogspot.com/

May 22:

Book Lovin’ Mamas

http://booklovinmamas.blogspot.com//

Deal Sharing Aunt

http://www.dealsharingaunt.blogspot.com/

Riverina Romantics

http://riverinaromantics.blogspot.com/

May 23:

United by Books

http://unitedbybooks.blogspot.com/

Offbeat Vagabond

http://offbeatvagabond.blogspot.com/

Sassy Book Lovers

http://sassybooklovers.blogspot.com/

Reading Between The Wines

http://readingbetweenthewinesbookclub.blogspot.com/

May 24:

Book Monster Reviews

http://www.bookmonsterreviews.com/

Books-n-Kisses

http://www.books-n-kisses.com/

May 25:

Page Flipperz

http://pageflipperz.blogspot.com/

Froggarita’s Bookcase

http://www.froggaritasbookcase.com/

May 26:

Reader Girls

http://www.readergirlsblog.com/

Buffy’s Ramblings

http://buffy-kennedy.blogspot.com/

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
He won’t hesitate to put his life on the line…but will he ever risk his heart?

Falling for Justice Garrett was a high point in Patience McGraw’s otherwise awkward adolescence. Even after he disappeared, Patience never forgot the boy who captured her heart. Now, he’s back in Fool’s Gold, California, and her passion for him is as strong as ever. But how can she trust that he won’t abandon her again-and her daughter, too?

When bodyguard Justice Garrett was a young man, witness protection brought him to this idyllic town and he never forgot its warmth, or the sweet beauty of his childhood friend. He’s returned to open a defense academy, and the Patience he once knew is all grown up. He can’t resist her smile, or her curves. But Justice’s past doesn’t make him husband, or father, material.

Patience and Justice think they’ll succumb to just one kiss… Then one more… Okay, just one night together. But they might learn that falling in love is beyond anyone’s control.

KELLY’S REVIEW:
4.5 Stars Justice & Patience are such a great couple. There was so much emotion happening in the this book. Childhood best friends, both loved each other even back then. But in the dead of night Justice just disappears. Now that he is back, will it before good? Or will he disappear again and break Patience’s heart all over again?

I have to admit this is my first Susan Mallery book. Yes I started with book 11(crazy i know!!!). But I loved this story and loved Susan’s writing. This was a great book. Easily read as a stand alone. I never felt lost at any time in Just One Kiss. But I do plan on going back and reading the first 10 books in the Fool’s Gold series. But until then I am really looking forward to Two of a Kind (#12) and Three Little Words (#13).
If you are a Susan Mallery fan you will love Justice & Patience’s story!! If you are new to Susan. Don’t be afraid to grab this book and start reading and find out why a trip to Fool’s Gold is so very nice.

KIMBERLY’S REVIEW:
4.5 Stars Another great visit to Fool’s Gold. This time the mini vacation was spent with Patience, Justice and Lilly. But it does not matter who you are actually visiting with you are always sure to bump into others that you know and love.

This has to be my favorite series of all my favorite authors books. I feel like I am coming home when I read one of Mallery’s Fool’s Gold series. Each time I read about a character from a previous book I actually feel like waving hello. There is just something about the characters that Mallery writes. They get into your heart and soul. I will admit that Patience and Justice was not one of my all time favorite characters from Mallery but they would still be heads above characters from other authors. And that says a lot.

I would compare Justice to a chocolate covered marshmallow. He looks real good, is hard on the outside but when it comes to his inside he is just soft and sweet. Now Patience is the exact opposite. She looks sweet on the outside but she can hold her own and can stand on her own two feet. I wish there had been more scenes with Justice and Lilly (Patience’s daughter) because those scenes were just too sweet for words.

As with all of Fool’s Gold stories this years mini series (the year of the bodyguards) can be read alone but I would say start with book one and you when you finish this book (#11) you will hold your breath for book #12.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

4 Hearts

Maverick Montana #2

Read an expert HERE

Amazon | B&N  | Kobo | ARe
6 Bestselling Authors, 6 Sexy Reads…

From romantic suspense to paranormal romance; from a full length novel to a bite sized novella, whatever you’re looking for, we’ve got the story for you!
Total collection: 317,000 words

STOLEN FURY by Elisabeth Naughton

To unearth a centuries-old secret, an archaeologist must team up with the rakish thief who’s stolen both an ancient relic and her heart…

Word count: 100,000

BOUND BY BLOOD by Cynthia Eden

Married to the enemy. In order to save her clan, vampire princess Morgan LaBeaux will do anything…even marry werewolf alpha Jace Vaughn. She may have to trust him with her life, but Morgan vows to never give the wolf her heart.

Word Count: 21,000

NO ONE TO TRUST by Katie Reus

When Elizabeth Martinez is shoved into the cross hairs of one of Miami’s death-dealing drug lords she has no choice but to depend on former Marine Porter Caldwell, her ex-boyfriend and the one man she’s tried desperately to forget.

Word count: 45,000

RAPHAEL by Alexandra Ivy

The brilliant and dangerous diplomat of the Pantera shapeshifters, Raphael has devoted his life to discovering the key to the infertility that is threatening the extinction of his puma race. Creating a vast network of spies worldwide, he never expected to discover that the answer might be beneath his very nose. But when Ashe, a beautiful human female, crosses his path, his most primitive instincts are stirred. Unable to resist, he takes her to his bed, and is shocked when she becomes pregnant with his child. It’s a miracle that might prove to be the salvation of his people, but only if he can keep her safe from the mercenaries determined to kill her.

Word count: 21,000

PARISH by Laura Wright

Untamed and undeniably sexy, Parish, leader of the Pantera hunters, rarely leaves the magic of the Wildlands to deal with the humans he despises. But with the prized and risky Pantera birth on the way, puma shifter, Parish must travel to New Orleans to find and bring back a human doctor. The moment he sees the lovely, talented and all too human Dr. Julia Cabot he cannot resist the wild, potent drive to make her his. Betrayed and destroyed by love, Julia will not let her heart choose her path again. But as she and Parish fight to save the life of an unborn child, a fierce and overwhelming bond develops between them, threatening her frozen heart with the secret hope and ultimate temptation of love and family.

Word count: 20,000

INTIMATE ENEMIES by Joan Swan

An emergency physician on leave returns to Baja Mexico in search of answers in the deaths of her mother and stepbrother and uncovers buried secrets that threaten her life and a man who threatens her heart.

Word count: 110,000

And if that was not enough…. Not only is Dark Nights, Dangerous Men on sale for $0.99 (ends Saturday May 25th)!!!!

The ladies are offering up Three $5 Amazon Gift Cards!!!! How do you enter you ask?

Help Spread the word.

Please share this sale on Facebook, Twitter, your blog or any other media outlet.

Let the everyone know that the sale ends Saturday….

Please come back here and leave me the link to where you posted

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Giveaway ends Friday at Midnight PST

I will announce winners Saturday morning and announced here by Noon

Go forth and spread the news…..