BooksChatter

☀ The Warlock's Curse - C.B. Oresky

2023-02-07T09:36:00.006+00:00

Thank you for joining us on the Virtual Book Tour for The Warlock's Curse, a Young Adult Fantasy by C.B. Oresky (26 October 2022, The Wild Rose Press, Inc, 371 pages).

PREVIEW: Check out the book's synopsis and the Kindle Cloud Reader Preview below.

Author C.B. Oresky will be awarding a $50Amazon/BN gift card to a randomly drawn winner via Rafflecopter during the tour. Please do take part: comment on our post and follow the tour where you will be able to read other excerpts (☀), interviews (ℚ), reviews (✍) and guest blog posts (✉).

|| Synopsis || Teaser: KCR Preview || About the Author || Giveaway & Tour Stops ||

Synopsis

Clara and Angelica Grace have never met ghosts. They’ve never sailed on a tall ship, ridden wild unicorns, or fought with magical weapons. Instead, the teenage twins have a wretched existence, ignored by their troubled parents in a rundown home and tormented by the town’s snobs.

Everything turns topsy-turvy all of a sudden when discovery of an ancestor’s hidden journal with an odd key to an unknown door leads them into an entirely different realm.

The girls go on a thrilling oceanic voyage to search for mysterious whales, train with a seasoned warrior, and are befriended by a wise Master. But all is not a bouquet of lovely lilies…they are hunted by a cunning warlock and must rid themselves of The Warlock’s Curse.

Teaser: KCR Preview

The Warlock's Curse
Available NOW!

About the Author

Fascinated by the works of Tolkien and C.S. Lewis, C.B. Oresky began writing her own fantasy novel, The Warlock’s Curse, after dreaming of being whisked off to an alien realm.

Besides her debut novel, she has seen four of her short stories published in a small, national literary press: Conceit Magazine.

When she’s not writing, she can be found wandering through the woods, dancing flamenco, or planting flowers in her garden. She currently lives in a small town in Connecticut with her bodybuilder husband, their exceptionally naughty Scottish terrier and Siamese cat, ten chickens, Mr. Tiggy the hedgehog, and a yard filled with majestic flowers.

Follow C.B. Oresky:

Giveaway and Tour Stops

Enter to win a $50Amazon/BN GC – a Rafflecopter giveaway
Remember to comment to win!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Follow The Warlock's Curse's tour at:

Nov 1: Momma Says: To Read or Not to Read
Nov 3: Sandra's Book ClubNovember 8: Books in the Hall
Nov 10: Literary Gold
Nov 15: Two Ends of the Pen
Nov 17: Fabulous and Brunette
Nov 22: Lisa Haselton's Reviews and Interviews
Nov 29: All the Ups and Downs
Dec 1: Hope. Dreams. Life... Love
Dec 6: Westveil Publishing
Dec 8: Deborah-Zenha Adams
Dec 13: Gina Rae Mitchell
Dec 15: Stormy Nights Reviewing & Bloggin'
Dec 27: Readers Roost
Dec 29: Kit 'N Kabookle
Jan 3: Read Your Writes Book Reviews
Jan 5: The Avid Reader - review only
Jan 10: Eye-Rolling Demigod's Book Blog
Jan 12: Bibliomanaic Aza
Jan 17: fundinmental
Jan 19: The Faerie Review
Jan 24: The Pen and Muse Book Reviews
Jan 26: It's Raining Books
Jan 31: Jazzy Book Reviews
Feb 2: Sybrina's Book Blog
Feb 7: BooksChatter
Feb 9: Enchanting Reviews ✍
Feb 14: Welcome to My World of Dreams
Feb 16: Novels Alive
Feb 21: Long and Short Reviews

ℚ♫ Leather & Lace: The Fool's Adventure [2] - Lauren Sevier, Abbie Lynn Smith

2023-01-23T12:24:00.005+00:00

Today we have the pleasure of meeting up with authors Lauren Sevier and Abbie Lynn Smith to talk about Leather & Lace (1 December 2022, Lauren Sevier, 650 pages), a Dystopian Western Romance, book 2 in the The Fool's Adventure series.

|| Synopsis || Trailer || Teaser: KCR Preview || The Series || Authors Q&A || About the Authors || Giveaway & Tour Stops ||

A very warm welcome to Lauren Sevier and Abbie Lynn Smith, thank you for joining us on BooksChatter!

Here at BooksChatter we love music, so Lauren and Lynn have shared with us their awesome music playlist for Leather & Lace - enjoy!

What was the inspiration for Leather & Lace?

Abbie: "Leather & Lace was inspired mainly by the old south. The Fool's Adventure series takes place over twenty years after a nuclear holocaust destroyed the world. When the power grids went down and civilization collapsed, the old west rose again.

While Guns & Smoke took place in many locations across the southwest, Leather & Lace is set in a New Orleans that is very reminiscent of southern belles, debutantes, and tea parties. We really wanted to capture how resilient the city of New Orleans is and how it always comes back from times of trouble or hardship. "

How much of yourselves is reflected in this book, and how?

"Abbie: In Leather & Lace, we added two perspective characters in addition to Bonnie & Jesse who were featured in Guns & Smoke.

Savannah Beauregard is very much a reflection of myself. She is caring and fierce. She protects the people she cares about while battling her own inner demons. Being able to see Savannah grow was a lot of fun, and I can't wait to explore that further in the next book.

In addition, we are both from southern Louisiana. We grew up visiting New Orleans. It's a city full of rich character and history, and we wanted to capture that in the world we've built in The Fool's Adventure series.

Lauren: I write the characters of Bonnie and Will Ellis, and an advanced reader literally reached out to ask if I was mentally okay… I hope there’s not much of me that I’ve written into them. LOL! No, seriously, I write some pretty damaged and broken characters with an incredible amount of fortitude and compassion.

There are big parts of them that are nothing like me, but a few things that are very similar. With Bonnie, in this book especially, her character is struggling with a traumatic event (no spoilers) that she blames herself for. I’ve been through the exact same experience, several times over unfortunately, and it was incredibly difficult to write about and at the same time quite cathartic.

Will is a character that I think everyone wants to root for, and part of the hope for his redemption comes into play with the fact that at one point he wanted to become a doctor or a medic and help people. With my background in healthcare that’s definitely something that bled into developing his character."

The first thing that draws me to a book is its cover. Can you tell us about your cover for Leather & Lace - why you chose that concept and who the artist is.

"Abbie: Our cover artist is Stefanie Saw of SeventhStar Art. When she showed us her work on Guns & Smoke, I immediately knew what I wanted for Leather & Lace.

This series of books takes place in a gritty, hard world. Given that Leather & Lace is set in New Orleans, we wanted to use the fleur-de-lis (a historical symbol of French royalty, but also adopted all over southern Louisiana due to French influence) as the centerpiece. We added some hints of lace to the cover to add in some of the softness of the romance genre."

Why should we read Leather & Lace and what sets it apart from the rest? What makes your series unique?

"Abbie: My most and least favorite thing about this series is the genre. Favorite because it is such a fun mashup of dystopian, western, and romance. It's my least favorite from a marketing standpoint because it is such a niche genre, but I really feel like we've done a really great job of mashing up the genres where we have a little bit of everything that a reader enjoys: action filled adventures, exploration of deep themes, and sizzling romance!

Lauren: Abbie said it best! This book and series is super unique because of the blend of genres. Think Rip Wheeler/Beth Dutton from Yellowstone meets The Hunger Games. It’s crazy how well the genres complement each other.

But I think the thing that most readers would agree make this book series worthwhile are the characters. We focus a lot on things when developing them that really seem to speak with readers. Specifically when it comes to mental health awareness.

We consider their attachment styles growing up, what traumas they’ve experienced, how they’re handling those things (whether in a healthy or unhealthy way), how they navigate the world we built that is made to constantly reinforce those traumas and work towards overcoming those shortcomings and do the work of healing. It’s the characters I think that really make this series shine and Abbie is AMAZING at really making sure we’re sensitive and consistent with several hard issues we tackle throughout the series.

(NOTE TO POTENTIAL READERS: Please check trigger warnings. Your mental health matters.)"

Can you tell us something quirky about Leather & Lace, its story and characters?

"Abbie: There are several Western influences throughout this series. Because it is a dystopian world with heavy western influences, we really leaned into using names reminiscent of the old west: Jesse James, Bonnie, The Kid, Will Ellis. But since it is a dystopian novel and not purely a western, we get to make fun of those historical references.

One of the more dystopian elements are the crater beasts--creatures that formed in the bomb sites left behind after the Culling. In Leather & Lace, we introduce one in particular that I think readers may want to see more of: Ponchartrain Patty."

Who would you recommend Leather & Lace to and what should readers be aware of (any warnings or disclaimers)?

"Abbie: We would recommend this book to readers who enjoy action packed stories with heavy romantic elements.

It's hard to wrap this up into one or two sentences because there are so many things we feel appeal to different readers: antiheroes, bromances, snarky sidekicks, and bare knuckle brawls, all while characters are falling in love! BUT, If you’re a fan of the following you may want to check it out!
Yellowstone (Rip Wheeler/Beth Dutton Dynamic)
John Wayne
Clint Eastwood
The Hunger Games
Divergent
Maze Runner
Westerns, Dystopians, or Romances in general
We have included a list of trigger warnings within the novel which include graphic violence, language, sexual violence, infant/pregnancy loss, depictions of human trafficking, and substance use disorder."

If you could / wished to turn Leather & Lace and the The Fool's Adventure series into a movie, who would be your dream team?

"Abbie: I write for Jesse and Savannah. It took me a really long time to find an actor I thought was just right for Jesse, but I think Taylor John Smith (Where the Crawdads Sing) would be perfect. For Savannah, I've always imagined Jessica Lucas (The Resident, The Covenant).

Lauren: My answer isn’t as fun. I love that in this Darwinistic society that we’ve built, certain social constructs have crumbled since the main imperative of everyone at large is survival of the fittest. So things like, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity… People aren’t judged or really worried about those things at all.

There are no negatives about who’s in your bed or what you look like or want to be called. It’s all pretty fluid and quite frankly all anyone is worried about is surviving to the next day. So, therefore, almost all of our characters are bi-racial and diverse. Bonnie is half-Korean and I’d love to see a Korean actress play the part. Will is half-Latinx and again… I want to see someone get the part that would be culturally appropriate, super authentic, and give opportunities to diverse actors.

A boring answer probably, but a truthful one."

What do you like to write and read about? Do you stick to a particular genre or do you like to explore different ones?

"Abbie: I like to write about love. I like to write about love in historical periods, modern day, fantasy worlds, and dystopian wastelands. I like to explore how love changes and evolves when placed in different circumstances.

I'll read just about anything, but for me to truly enjoy it, it has to have romance.

Lauren: I like to push genre limits and blend genres. I’ve found I’m a bit rebellious that way. Anything straight forward seems a little too easy, I guess? Lol. Or maybe I just like to torture myself.

It’s not the easiest thing in the world to find readers when you blend genres, but I’m hoping that as readers discover our books and series, they’ll come to love the unique twists our books offer on genres they already love.

Also, romance. I LOVE to have a love story included. Even if it’s just a sub-plot. "

What is your writing process?

"Abbie: Sit. Write. Repeat. No, but really, it can be hard at times, as I'm not one of those who "writes every day." I have mental health concerns and tend to put a lot of weight on myself. If I set an unrealistic goal like that, I'll only set myself up for failure.

I have two modes: writing on deadline (when you have to get it done) and writing when inspired (if a particular scene pops into my head, I'll take that and run with it).

Lauren: Sit at my computer and complain until Abbie kicks me in the butt and forces me to wrangle my chaotic musings into words… I’m literally a chaos gremlin and without Abbie I don’t know that I would have any other process than just… vomit incoherent thoughts onto the page. She really helps to keep me motivated and on task. All praise goes to her! "

What is in store next?

"Abbie: Book three in The Fool's Adventure series is expected to publish in 2023! Lauren and I have also planned multiple other series, including a dark fantasy romance that is scheduled to come out in the near future!

I also have a couple of paranormal romance series that I'm working on and hoping to have more info on soon.

Lauren: YES! Book #3 in The Fool’s Adventure series is going to be a real nail biter and readers discovering Leather & Lace are already chomping at the bit for it. It’s going to be SO MUCH FUN!

Abbie, as always, is able to put things so succinctly. I’m hoping that I’ll be able to get the sequel to my YA Fantasy series out at some point, titled Songs of Winter. It’s been stuck in limbo between drafts for a while because I just haven’t had the time to complete re-writes, but I’d love to get it out into the world.

I’m also working on a Paranormal/Contemporary Romance standalone novel and have a Sci-Fi/Fairytale Retelling series in the works. But that’s all I can say for now, don’t want to spoil the fun *wink, wink*. "

And as a final quirky thing, to get to know you a little bit better... do you have a pet or something that is special to you that you could share with us?

Abbie: Y'all don't want to get me started on my pets! But, since you asked, I will.

I am very passionate about rescue animals. I have two pups: Klaus and Mama. Klaus is a three year old terrier mix, and Mama is a three year old pitbull mix. They are the sweetest babies, and I adore them!
Lauren: Well, my family has a red Border Collie named Lily… though I’m just a glorified feeder living in her world on most days. She is definitely more my husband’s dog than anyone else’s. She adores him and glares at me anytime he dares to pay attention to me instead of her. LOL!

Seriously, crazy girlfriend eyes and everything, just ask Abbie. We originally got her as a therapy dog after my husband’s first hip replacement when he was 27, which worked wonderfully, and when he had his second hip replaced at 30 she really did wonders in helping him rehab. She’s also been trained by Urban Search and Rescue, and LOVES to chase squirrels, get pets, and is the sweetest most well-mannered dog I’ve ever seen. And Abbie gets to babysit anytime we go out of town.

Wonderful pictures and stories; thank you for sharing them with us! (We have a huge soft-spot for animals over here ;-) )

It's been a pleasure having you here today; you've been brilliant. We hope you're enjoying the tour and look forward to reading Leather & Lace

Three years wandering the desert is enough to drive anyone insane, and the limits of Bonnie and Jesse’s minds and hearts will be put to the ultimate test.

Leather & Lace
Available NOW!

☀ Leather & Lace: The Fool's Adventure [2] - Lauren Sevier, Abbie Lynn Smith

2023-01-23T10:44:00.010+00:00

Thank you for joining us on the Virtual Book Tour for Leather & Lace, a Dystopian Western Romance by Lauren Sevier & Abbie Lynn Smith (1 December 2022, Lauren Sevier, 650 pages).

This is the second book in the The Fool's Adventure series.

Don't miss our interview with authors Lauren Sevier & Abbie Lynn Smith, which includes an awesome playlist.

PREVIEW: Check out the book's synopsis, trailer, and the Kindle Cloud Reader Preview below, as well as full details of the series.

The authors will be awarding a $10 Amazon/BN gift card to a randomly drawn winner via Rafflecopter during the tour. Please do take part: comment on our post and follow the tour where you will be able to read other excerpts (☀), interviews (ℚ), reviews (✍) and guest blog posts (✉).

|| Synopsis || Trailer || Teaser: KCR Preview || The Series || Authors Q&A || About the Authors || Giveaway & Tour Stops ||

Synopsis

A deadly showdown with a murderous outlaw ripped Bonnie away from the relative peace and ragtag family she’d built at the end of Guns & Smoke. In the thrilling next chapter in The Fool’s Adventure series, we finally get the answer to the biggest question: What happened to Bonnie?

After three years of fighting to get her back, literally, Jesse James finds her in the most unlikely of places-- New Orleans high society. With the help of his rival-turned-friend Will Ellis, and a sassy staff member, Jesse’s tasked with infiltrating the house of the man he believes was responsible for killing his parents in order to get her back. Jesse’s biggest challenge yet will be learning to fight for Bonnie in a way he never expected before: by fitting in.

Mired in high society politics and scheming, Bonnie is at the epicenter of one of the most ruthless gangs in the world. Years trapped in a gilded cage of wealth and lies has irrevocably changed her from a crass outlaw into a southern debutante. Gone is the dangerous glint in her eyes, replaced with suspicion when the devilishly handsome street fighter named Montana suddenly joins her father’s staff.

Can Jesse remind Bonnie of who she really is in time to keep her from giving her heart and hand away or will he discover that the wild, beautiful outlaw he fell in love with is truly gone?

Teaser: KCR Preview

Three years wandering the desert is enough to drive anyone insane, and the limits of Bonnie and Jesse’s minds and hearts will be put to the ultimate test.

Leather & Lace
Available NOW!

The Series: The Fool's Adventure

Click on the book cover to Look Inside the book on Amazon and read an excerpt.

Guns & Smoke [1]

In a world where safety is a luxury and honor is found only among outlaws, two people attempt to outrun dangers lurking around each corner and the tragedies that define them.

Bonnie is an outlaw on the run. Beautiful but dangerous; her dark past stalks her like the crater beasts that roam the desert. As the notoriously cruel outlaw Jones sends his henchmen to track her down and retrieve the gun she stole from him, Bonnie hopes she can stay one step ahead. Because if he catches her, a fate worse than death awaits.

Jesse always dreamed of leaving the farm to explore the ruins of the big cities he'd heard about his whole life. He just never imagined he'd be forced to flee after strange men burned down his rural mountain town and murdered everyone he loved. Responsible for his kid brother and searching for an uncle he's never met before, he isn't sure he can navigate the perils of life among con artists and thieves long enough to find him.

Their two paths collide as they find themselves thrown together on the adventure of a lifetime.

Together, they may just discover that life is about more than just surviving.

[Published 10 July 2021, 366 pages]

back to series | back to top

About the Authors

Lauren Sevier and A. Smith are long-time friends and co-authors from southern Louisiana.

Guns and Smoke, their first joint publication, began as a “short” story after having too much wine on girl’s night. Nine years later it is now the first novel in a Dystopian/Western Romance series.

The duo has plans to publish several series together in the future.

A. Smith spends her time with her two rescue dogs and rescue cat surrounding herself with books and Labyrinth paraphernalia.

Lauren Sevier collects antique tea cups and tries to stay sane, though as the mother of a toddler she fails brilliantly most days. She also has a growing collection of crowns and tiaras and likes to act silly on Tiktok.

Look for more thrilling novels from The Fools Adventure series in the future!

Follow Lauren Sevier:

Follow Abbie Lynn Smith:

Giveaway and Tour Stops

Enter to win a $10 Amazon/BN GC – a Rafflecopter giveaway
Remember to comment to win!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Follow Leather & Lace's tour at:

Nov 14: Sandra's Book Club

Nov 21: Author C.A.Milson
Nov 28: Fabulous and Brunette
Dec 5: Lisa Haselton's Reviews and Interviews
Dec 12: All the Ups and Downs
Dec 26: Straight From the Library
Jan 2: The Pen and Muse Book Reviews
Jan 9: Literary Gold
Jan 16: Kit 'N Kabookle
Jan 23: Enchanting Reviews ✍
Jan 23: BooksChatter
Jan 30: The Key Of Love
Feb 6: Long and Short Reviews

BooksChatter

☀ The Warlock's Curse - C.B. Oresky

The Warlock's CurseAvailable NOW!

Follow The Warlock's Curse's tour at:

ℚ♫ Leather & Lace: The Fool's Adventure [2] - Lauren Sevier, Abbie Lynn Smith

Leather & LaceAvailable NOW!

☀ Leather & Lace: The Fool's Adventure [2] - Lauren Sevier, Abbie Lynn Smith

Leather & LaceAvailable NOW!

Guns & Smoke [1]

Follow Leather & Lace's tour at:

The Warlock's Curse
Available NOW!

Leather & Lace
Available NOW!

Leather & Lace
Available NOW!