Rise of the Fallen Anniversary Tour and Celebration

Rise of the Fallen Anniversary Tour and Celebration

ROTF Anniversary Tour banner

Happy Anniversary to RISE OF THE FALLEN !

Last March, I published my first book, Rise of the Fallen, which was the story of a tortured vampire named Micah Black. Micah had just lost his second mate (well, more of a half-mate) and was seeking out his own death when his angel, Samantha Garrett, found and saved him. Not only did she startle off the drecks who had beaten him to within an inch of his life, but in her Micah found his true mate. The one he was meant to be with forever. Sam brought him back and gave him a reason to live, but in doing so, she had put herself in danger. Not only did the drecks now have her on their radar, but her abusive ex-husband was trying to track her down, as well.

I won’t give away the ending for those who have yet to read the book, but in the year since Rise of the Fallen was published as the first book in my All the King’s Men series, I’ve seen an enormous outpouring of love for him and his world, which has grown now to four books in the series, with at least ten more to go, along with a sister series that’s in development.

Rise has earned a few accolades and recognition, as well, including:

    • A USA Today recommended read
    • Runner up for GraveTells’ Readers Choice for favorite story in January
    • GraveTells’ Reviewer’s Choice in January
    • A finalist in Parajunkee’s Best Adult Story 2012, which I’m particularly proud of because I was up against at least one NY Times bestselling author, and the other two finalists were with big publishing houses.

 

ROTF banner

Rise of the Fallen

Amazon / Barnes and Noble / KOBO/ Smashwords

In the streets of Chicago exists an uneasy, centuries-old truce between vampires and their distant cousins, a race of shifters called drecks. Vampire enforcement agency, All the King’s Men (AKM), is charged with maintaining the truce, but when volatile enforcer Micah Black loses his mate and falls into the biological agony that results from the broken bond, he tests the boundaries of the truce by seeking out Apostle, a leader in the dreck community. Micah wants Apostle to kill him, a request Apostle is more than happy to fulfill.

When ex-Army medic Samantha Garrett inadvertently disrupts the plot and saves Micah’s life, a chain reaction sets Micah’s heart on a collision course with Sam’s, but he will have to protect her from Apostle and her obsessive ex-husband, Steve, if they will have a chance at forever. Can Micah hold his emotions together to keep Sam alive?

Click HERE for our INTERVIEW with ANDREI ANDREI-cover model for RISE OF THE FALLEN and MICAH’S CALLING.

Click HERE for our INTERVIEW with SAM BOND-cover model for HEART OF THE WARRIOR

AKM collageREADING ORDER
1. Rise of the Fallen
2. Heart of the Warrior
3. Micah’s Calling
4. Rebel Obsession
About The Author

donya lynne

 

Donya resides in Indiana, with her husband and a small zoo of cats and dogs. In fact, her writing buddy, Lucky, might become more famous than she is, based on the feedback the ever-present feline receives on her Facebookpage.

As a little girl, Donya always had a book in her hand. As she got older, the books became pens and notebooks, which she filled with stories and poetry. For as long as she remembers, she has been writing and dreaming up stories. Seems writing was her destiny.

Donya loves music and often finds inspiration for her stories in the wide range of music she listens to. Nothing like a little Korn to propel the angst in a scene, or Enya to evoke softer and more romantic storylines.

Connect with Donya:

Website / Blog / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads

 Blog Tour Schedule-yellow

3/18 – Pimpin’ Reads
3/19 – I Smell Sheep
3/20 – Close Encounters With The Night Kind
3/21 – Books-n-Kisses
3/22 – Urban Girl Reader
3/23 – Ramblings From This Chick
3/24 – Jeep Diva
3/25 – Book Lovin’ Mamas
3/26 – The Reading Cafe
3/27 – Mad Hatter Reads
3/28 – Cocktails and Books
3/29 – My Secret Romance
3/30 – All The Fun Starts After Dark
3/31 – Riverina Romantics
4/01 – GraveTells
4/02 – Reading Between The Wines
4/03 – Alexx Mom Cat’s Gateway
4/04 – Paranormal Book Club
4/05 – Book Monster Reviews / Literal Addiction
4/06 – Page Flipperz

 

Giveaway Gold and Black

To celebrate my one year anniversary of the little book that could, I’m hosting a huge giveaway. Two prizes will be given away, as follows:

Grand prize

A prize back worth the envy of all your friends to include:

      • Autographed copies of Lover At Last and Lover Awakened by J.R. Ward
      • Autographed copy of Edge of Dawn by Lara Adrian
      • Autographed copy of Last Chance to Run by Diana Love (she co-writes with Sherrilyn Kenyon, as well)
  • If I Were You by Lisa Renee Jones (my favorite book from 2012)
  • Primal Bonds by Jennifer Ashley
  • Covet by J.R. Ward
  • Bookmarks from me, Lara Adrian, Louisa Bacia, and Jeaniene Frost
  • Confessions of a Naughty Nurse by Lily Harlem
  • The Art of Love by Michelle Graham
  • Year of Acheron ceramic travel mug from Sherrilyn Kenyon (I want this! LOL)
  • And from me:
  • An AKM fleece blanket
  • AKM Bookmarks
  • AKM keychain
  • A Rebel Obsession canvas tote bag
  • A Rebel Obsession notebook
  • 2013 AKM desk calendar

There are two ways to enter the Grand Prize drawing: 

The first will guarantee you an entry. Just email a screen shot or link to a review or rating you’ve written for any of my AKM books (Rise of the Fallen, Heart of the Warrior, Micah’s Calling, or Rebel Obsession) on Amazon, Goodreads, Barnes & Noble, or anywhere else to me at donya@donyalynne.com. Details can be found on my fan page on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/DonyaLynne.

The second way to enter is to leave a comment here.  This does NOT guarantee you an entry, but gives you a chance, because one person who comments on this blog will gain one entry in the drawing, which will take place on April 15.

Blog Prize

I will be giving away a smaller prize just for those who comment on the blogs I’ll be guesting on during my blog tour from March 18-April 6. This prize package includes:

  • An AKM fleece blanket
  • A set of all my AKM books in ebook format
  • An AKM keychain
  • A set of bookmarks from me, Lara Adrian, Louisa Bacia, and Jeaniene Frost

One person who posts a comment on each blog during my tour will be entered into the drawing, which will take place after I draw for my grand prize.

1.  Register using the login at the top of the page or by using one of the social log-ins.

2.  If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment

3.  You MUST post a comment as part of the Giveaway promotion

4.  Giveaway runs March 26-April 5, 2013

5.  Giveaway open INTERNATIONALLY !

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COVER REVEALS -February 24, 2013

COVER REVEALS-February 24, 2013

Return of the Assassin

 

TITLE: Return of the Assassin

AUTHOR: Donya Lynne

SERIES: All the King’s Men

RELEASE DATE: 2013

 

 

 

A time for Home Sept 2013

 

TITLE: A Time For Home

AUTHOR: Alexis Morgan

SERIES: N/A

RELEASE DATE: September 2013

 

 

 

MacRieve July 2013

 

TITLE: MacRieve

AUTHOR: Kresley Cole

SERIES: Immortals After Dark

RELEASE DATE: July 2013

 

 

 

To WEd A Wicked Highlander Sept 13

 

TITLE: To Wed A Wicked Highlander

AUTHOR: Victoria Roberts

SERIES: Bad Boys of the Highlands

RELEASE DATE: September 2013

 

 

 

Lone :wolf April 16

 

TITLE: Lone Wolf

AUTHOR: Jennifer Ashley

SERIES: Shifters Unbound

RELEASE DATE: April 2013

 

 

 

the Fallen-Rebel march 2013

 

TITLE: Rebel

AUTHOR: Kristina Douglas

SERIES: The Fallen

RELEASE DATE: March 2013

 

 

 

south of Surrender.May 2013jpg

 

TITLE: South of Surrender

AUTHOR: Laura Kaye

SERIES: Hearts of the Anemoi

RELEASE DATE: May 2013

 

 

 

Play-With-Me-Mar2013jpg

 

TITLE: Play With Me

AUTHOR: Kristin Proby

SERIES: With Me in Seattle

RELEASE DATE: March 2013

 

 

 

The Coldest Girl in Coldtown Sept 2013

 

TITLE: The Coldest Girl in Coldtown

AUTHOR: Holly Black

SERIES: N/A

RELEASE DATE: September 2013

 

 

 

Better off Dead marc 2013jpg

 

TITLE: Better Off Dead

AUTHOR: H.P. Mallory

SERIES: The Lily Harper Series

RELEASE DATE: March 2013

 

 

 

 

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Donya Lynne-Rebel Obsession Blog Tour and Giveaway

Donya Lynne-Rebel Obsession Blog Tour and Giveaway

Rebel Obsession Tour Button

 

RISE OF THE FALL (AKM #1)

Rise of the Fallen

BUY NOW:
Amazon

FOR A LIMITED TIME: FREE at Barnes and Noble, KOBO and Smashwords
Barnes and Noble / KOBO / Smashwords /

In the streets of Chicago exists an uneasy, centuries-old truce between vampires and their distant cousins, a race of shifters called drecks.  Vampire enforcement agency, All the King’s Men (AKM), is charged with maintaining the truce, but when volatile enforcer Micah Black loses his mate and falls into the biological agony that results from the broken bond, he tests the boundaries of the truce by seeking out Apostle, a leader in the dreck community.  Micah wants Apostle to kill him, a request Apostle is more than happy to fulfill.

When ex-Army medic Samantha Garrett inadvertently disrupts the plot and saves Micah’s life, a chain reaction sets Micah’s heart on a collision course with Sam’s, but he will have to protect her from Apostle and her obsessive ex-husband, Steve, if they will have a chance at forever.  Can Micah hold his emotions together to keep Sam alive?

*************************************

HEART OF THE WARRIOR (AKM #2)

Heart of the Warrior

BUY NOW
Amazon / Barnes and Noble/ KOBO / Smashwords

 

Severin was born to be a warrior. Conceived as a mixed-blood when his vampire father raped his dreck mother over two centuries ago, Severin retained the power of iron skin inherent to newborn drecks. However, Sev keeps this secret closely guarded. If it’s discovered that inferior dreck blood flows in his vampire veins, it could destroy his life. And to make matters worse, his father suddenly wants to make amends for his transgressions. Sev wants nothing of his father’s apology, especially now, as he contends with both an assassin who has marked Sev for blood vengeance and his obsessive attraction to his teammate, Arion.

Arion is the son of King Bain’s liaison, Gregos Savakis, who had Ari’s course plotted before he was even born. But what Ari’s overbearing parents wanted for him wasn’t what Arion wanted for himself, and a lifetime spent fighting through one relationship after another with females from all walks of life has left him weary in his search for a mate. After a startling and erotic encounter with Sev, Ari has begun to realize why. He’s gay. And now he can’t stop thinking about Sev. Arion suddenly realizes he’s been forcing himself to be with females because that’s what his parents expected. But what he wants is a male, and not just any male. Arion wants Severin.

Can the two overcome the secrets, prejudice, plotting, and the threat on Severin’s life to find happily ever after with each other?

*********************************

MICAH’S CALLING (AKM 2.5)

Micah's Calling

BUY NOW
Amazon / Barnes and Nobles / KOBO / Smashwords

Author’s Note: This is a novella supplement to the All the King’s Men series. It is highly advised that you read Rise of the Fallen before reading this novella. Reading book two of the series, Heart of the Warrior, would also be beneficial, but not absolutely necessary before reading Micah’s Calling.

With the threat of Apostle behind him and Samantha’s life finally out of danger, Micah’s mating phase, known as the calling, unfurls to full strength. Unable to resist the demands of his body and the hormonal heat that drive him to propagate the vampire race, Micah loses himself in the pleasure Sam gives him, yearning for her body to receive his seed to create new life. But after what Sam has been through – barely surviving Apostle’s venomous bite, and then Micah’s own venom to counter Apostle’s and make her immortal – Micah knows Sam’s body has suffered too much to accept a child so soon.

But the desire to nest and start a family isn’t the only thing Samantha has awakened in Micah. She has also stirred Micah’s long-dormant love of domination. With Sam, Micah finds himself longing to re-open his dungeon, and Sam wants to know more about this kinky world she has heard so much about but never tried. When Micah takes Sam to a scene party to introduce her to the BDSM lifestyle, their lives are turned upside-down when Micah is asked to assist in dominating a fellow dom’s submissive, only to discover the submissive is his friend, Traceon.

Throughout her journey in this new world Micah has introduced her to, Sam begins to realize several hard truths about herself and what she wants. Will Micah allow her to explore her new interests? And will the new direction in his friendship with Traceon prove to be too much and break the bonds that have begun to tie them to one another?

Micah’s Calling is a story of devotion beyond the level of friendship that will light your imagination on fire.

Strong sexual content, voyeurism, exhibitionism, BDSM, knife play, mild ménage, and much more.

*************************

Rebel Obsession

 BUY NOW
Amazon / Barnes and Noble / Smashwords /

Former cobalt addict and AKM drug counselor, Io is a male vampire known as much for his abrasive personality as for his playboy lifestyle. In other words, he’s not the likeliest to make friends and settle down. Life on the edge suits him, and he lives full throttle, making his own rules, and damn the consequences. What he wants, he takes, and what he wants now is Miriam. If only he can find a way to see her again without getting himself killed, but her father stands in the way.

Miriam is the daughter of the king. Strong-willed and defiant, she feels like a prisoner in her own home and struggles to break free from under her father’s oppressive hold. The king’s law surrounding Miriam is explicitly clear: No one touches her. Period.

In a fit of rebellion, Miriam has turned to cobalt to find relief and freedom, but now she’s a prisoner to addiction as much as to her father’s strict control. What’s more, she can’t get sexy Io, who tended to her so gently as she recovered from her first overdose, off her mind. Will she ever see him again?

When Miriam overdoses a second time, she and Io are thrust back together, and all bets are off. Seeing each other was the one thing both wanted, and not even the king’s laws and threats of punishment will be enough to defuse their rebellious obsession with one another now that they’ve found each other again, even if the consequences are death.

READ OUR REVIEW: HERE

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

donya lynne

 

Donya resides in Indiana, with her husband and a small zoo of cats and dogs. In fact, her writing buddy, Lucky, might become more famous than she is, based on the feedback the ever-present feline receives on her Facebookpage.

As a little girl, Donya always had a book in her hand. As she got older, the books became pens and notebooks, which she filled with stories and poetry. For as long as she remembers, she has been writing and dreaming up stories. Seems writing was her destiny.

Donya loves music and often finds inspiration for her stories in the wide range of music she listens to. Nothing like a little Korn to propel the angst in a scene, or Enya to evoke softer and more romantic storylines.

Connect with Donya:

 

giveaway-goldandblack

Donya Lynne is offering ONE lucky member winner’s choice of an ebook copy of any one book in the AKM series, as well as bookmarks and a keychain.

1. You must be a member at The Reading Cafe. If you are not a member, please register using the log-in at the top of the page or by using one of the social log-ins.

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post you email address with your comment as Twitter and Facebook etc do not account for email addresses.

3. Giveaway runs from January 7 to January 14, 2013

4. Giveaway is open INTERNATIONALLY.

GIVEAWAY NOTE: There will be one prize awarded at EACH Blog Tour stop. Drop by any of the participating sites and enter for you chance to WIN an ebook copy from Donya Lynne’s AKM series.

 

REBEL OBSESSION BLOG TOUR

01/02 – I Smell Sheep

01/04 – Romancing the Book

01/06 – Bookworm 2 Bookworm

01/07 – The Reading Café

01/08 – United by Books

01/09 – Sizzling Hot Books

1/12 – Pimpin’ Reads

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Rebel Obsession (AKM #3) by Donya Lynne-a review

REBEL OBSESSION (AKM #3) by Donya Lynne-a review

Rebel ObsessionABOUT THE BOOK: Former cobalt addict and AKM drug counselor, Io is a male vampire known as much for his abrasive personality as for his playboy lifestyle. In other words, he’s not the likeliest to make friends and settle down. Life on the edge suits him, and he lives full throttle, making his own rules, and damn the consequences. What he wants, he takes, and what he wants now is Miriam. If only he can find a way to see her again without getting himself killed, but her father stands in the way.

Miriam is the daughter of the king. Strong-willed and defiant, she feels like a prisoner in her own home and struggles to break free from under her father’s oppressive hold. The king’s law surrounding Miriam is explicitly clear: No one touches her. Period.

In a fit of rebellion, Miriam has turned to cobalt to find relief and freedom, but now she’s a prisoner to addiction as much as to her father’s strict control. What’s more, she can’t get sexy Io, who tended to her so gently as she recovered from her first overdose, off her mind. Will she ever see him again?

When Miriam overdoses a second time, she and Io are thrust back together, and all bets are off. Seeing each other was the one thing both wanted, and not even the king’s laws and threats of punishment will be enough to defuse their rebellious obsession with one another now that they’ve found each other again, even if the consequences are death.

********************************

REVIEW: I am a big fan of Donya Lynne’s AKM (All The King’s Men) series and Io’s storyline is both heartbreaking and fascinating. Donya has pulled no punches as Io fights for the mate who is fighting a war of her own. Between her father’s iron rule and her addiction to cobalt, Io must make Miriam face the hard facts as it pertains to her life and their future. But Io’s vampire has mated with the one woman who comes with enough family baggage to tip the scales in no ones favor.

Donya involves all of the AKM vampires and half-breeds in Rebel Obsession-from their fight to keep Io’s mating a secret to their defense of a friend when the vampire King sentences one of their own to death- the AKM team members are willing to sacrifice for the sake of friendship and love.

As the story develops you can see that there is a potential for several more storylines. Trace is in need of some major therapy and he may just have found the very woman who can control the beast who is only too willing to come out and play. And to complicate matters, someone long thought dead will re-enter the vampire’s lives and change the history for both family and friends.

REBEL OBSESSION reveals some major plot twists and developments that can only be answered in future storylines. Donya has grabbed my proverbial paranormal junkie side and keeps my addiction at an all time high (pun intended). I am looking forward to the next instalment in the AKM and I hope I do not have to wait too long.

My only complaint:  the cover.  Zach Tesar’s arm looks all wonky-and yes-that is my professional opinion-‘wonky’-in fact his head looks ‘photoshopped’ onto the body.

AKM collage

 

READING ORDER:
1. Rise of the Fallen
2. Heart of the Warrior
3. Micah’s Calling (novella)
4. Rebel Obsession

LINKS TO ORDER: REBEL OBSESSION

Amazon / Barnes and Noble / Smashwords

 

Copy supplied by the author.

Reviewed by Sandy

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Cover Reveals-November 27, 2012

COVER REVEALS-November 27, 2012

 

 TITLE:  Darkness Avenged

AUTHOR:  Alexandra Ivy

 SERIES:  Guardians of Eternity

 RELEASE DATE:  June 2013






 

TITLE: The Proposition

AUTHOR: Jennifer Lyon

SERIES: The Plus One Chronicles

RELEASE DATE: February 26, 2013

 

 

 

 

 

TITLE: Rebel Obsession

AUTHOR: Donya Lynne

SERIES: AKM

RELEASE DATE: January 15, 2013

 

 

 

 TITLE:  The Perfect Gift

AUTHOR:  Jennifer Ashley

SERIES:  The Mackenzies

RELEASE DATE:  December 11, 2012

 

 

 

 

 

TITLE: Kiss of the Betrayer

AUTHOR: Boone Brux

SERIES: The Bringer and the Bane

RELEASE DATE: December 11, 2012

 

 

 

 

TITLE: Born of Illusion

AUTHOR: Teri Brown

SERIES: N/A

RELEASE DATE: June 2013

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Andrei Andrei-Interview with the Model and Web Designer

Andrei Andrei-Interview with the Model and Web Designer

Andrei Andrei-many of you will recognize Andrei from his numerous modeling campaigns and the use of his image as numerous characters for some of our favorite storylines and novels.  But did you know that Andrei is an accomplished Web Designer and cover model for some of our favorite books?  Today at The Reading Café, we would like to present:  Andrei Andrei

BIO INFORMATION:
Professional Name: Andrei Andrei
Date of Birth: 1983
Birthplace:  Arad, Romania
Education:  West University
Degree:  Math and IT
Modeling Career:  2004 to present

TRC:  Hi Andrei and welcome to The Reading Café.  We would like to start with some background information.

TRC:  Would you please tell us about yourself?

Andrei:  Hello, thank you for having me on your blog. This is one of those questions that causes me stare at the screen with a bit of a blank look on my face. There is so much to tell. I’ve been a model for several years and have done quite a bit of traveling. Currently I’m in Romania but I will return to New York in the fall to continue pursuing modeling and freelance web design. I’m hoping to make NYC more of a permanent residence in the near future.

TRC: What were your goals and aspirations growing up?

Andrei:  Growing up I was the fat kid that got teased in school. Early on one of my goals was to change that and get in shape–something I accomplished pretty easily. By 18 I had changed my physique to reflect the inner me. I never thought I would become a model, but once it was a reality, I gave it 500%. I don’t like doing things half way. I was successful at modeling but always in the back of my mind I was that nerdy kid interested in computer science and code and geeky things.

TRC:  Your modeling career began in 2004.  Will you please tell us about how you got started in the modeling business?

Andrei:  I went with a friend of mine to a local modeling agency who took an interest in me. They referred some of the pictures to an agency in Bucharest where I got the chance to participate in fashion week. From there I traveled to Asia to shoot my first catalog. The rest is history.

TRC:  What have been some of the challenges you have faced in your modeling career?

Andrei:  The fashion industry can be very shallow and at times brutal, but you can say that about almost any industry. It is extremely competitive which works to my advantage, but lacks stability. It’s difficult to determine where you’ll be next or what you’ll be doing. Maintaining friendships and relationships when you are constantly on the go is very difficult. The plus side is that I’m always meeting new people, but every so often I do desire to slow down in a place I can call my own.

 

TRC:  Have you ever has a photo shoot that went completely wrong?

Andrei:  We all have good days and bad days, the key is to give it your all and do the best job you can. I am not a whiner nor do I like to make a fuss. Frustration is part of every job. When I am on a job I am extremely professional and maintain a positive attitude. I am pro! 😉

TRC  As a model, you have travelled extensively and to many exotic locations.  Where is your favorite destination and why?

Andrei:  I really love London and New York, both cities fit my sense of style. I love that in both these places I can sort of disappear or go crazy, they both allow for extremes I enjoy.

TRC:  Nudity in modeling or acting can be controversial.  Some pictures can cross the line between sexuality and pornography.  You have posed nude for several photographers.  What would you tell young models just entering the business about nude modeling?

Andrei:  This is easy to answer. I don’t mind nudity so long as it’s artistic. Nudity is a personal choice models have to make. For the right campaign and the right photographer it can boost your career. Make sure you are working with someone reputable, then…take it ALL off.

TRC:  The modeling industry exposes you to many people and sometimes it can be very stressful.  At times do you feel alone, surround by so many people?  What do you do when the stress becomes overwhelming?

Andrei:  I am a very quiet person. I’m my best and most comfortable with close friends and family everyone else only gets a glimpse of the real me. I don’t do well with very superficial people and situations. I’ve learned to adapt.

TRC:  You are an accomplished web designer as well as a model.  What sparked your interest in web design?

Andrei:   I didn’t get up one day and realize I was a creative person. That person is slowly emerging as I learn more and more about design. My interest in web design began out of necessity. I desperately needed a web site and didn’t really have the money to hire a designer so I began designing it myself. I knew I could probably do a better job than someone else. The thing about design, of course, is that when you are starting out the visual ideas in your head don’t jive with what you can craft say in Photoshop. That takes time. Luckily when I found myself in New York I met a very knowledgeable web designer who pushed me. Through her I got an internship at a design agency and was able to learn a lot and gain the confidence I needed to do more design. Strangely enough, my mentor was moonlighting as a writer on the side. She goes by the pen name of Narcisse Navarre.

TRC  Will you please tell us about your web design business?

Andrei:  In the next year I want to launch a website focusing on freelance web design and hopefully pick up some good clients. Look for iEatWeb.com (coming soon).

TRC:  Does you modeling career interfere with your web design business or has it helped with your business promotion?

Andrei:  So far I’ve been lucky. Most of the clients I’ve worked with have been extremely flexible with my schedule. Up to this point I’ve been able to do both pretty much seamlessly. Modeling doesn’t help much when it comes to promoting design. Yes, I know a lot of people, but ultimately my design needs to speak for itself. Modeling and design are apples and oranges.

TRC:  You recently appeared on the cover of Donya Lynne’s RISE OF THE FALLEN-the first book in her new All The King’s Men series of novels and MICAH’S CALLING. Many readers of romance novels use the cover model as their depiction (or in their imagination) of the storyline hero.  What do you think about your image as the hero for a vampire-romance novel?

LINK TO: Donya Lynne’s Blogspot

Andrei:  When Donya contacted me about the cover of her book I was working with author Narcisse Navarre on the trailer and book cover of An Endless Hunger (another vampire novel). I guess I am destined to be a vampire in some form. I finally surrendered to the idea and possibly…the dark side. Perhaps the role of Dmitry Bekilov is next (after some serious acting lessons lol) ;P

You can see the trailer here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nQ7FSsfsdwA

TRC:  Do you know the number of novel covers that your image has appeared?

 

Andrei:  That I know of I am in the cover of four books, though people write me all the time saying they have seen me on book covers. It’s possible that there are more, but I have only sanctioned two authors to officially use my image: Narcisse Navarre and Donya Lynne.

TRC:  At times, there has been a ‘stigma’ surrounding the male model and the romance-cover industry.  But the popularity of the paranormal romance storyline has skyrocketed in the last few years with the many vampire, werewolf and fantasy storylines. What is your opinion about the recent popularity and the very busy industry of the ‘romance cover model’?

Andrei:  It’s bad to get pigeon holed into anything. As a model it’s good to keep your avenues open. Before Narcisse introduced met to the world of indie eBooks I had no idea that the male “romance model” was a business. It was not on my radar at all.

TRC:  Would you please tell us what you do to relax?

 

Andrei:  I enjoy hanging out with friends, having a drink, going to comedy clubs. I work out and spend lots of time on the computer learning new things. I find that with design I can never really get bored.

TRC:  On what are you currently working on?

Andrei:  Currently I am building a great big rocket ship and planning a manned expedition to Mars. Hmm…actually I am going to take some time to relax for the summer in Romania with my family and recharge my creative batteries.

TRC:  😉

TRC:  Would you like to add anything else?

Andrei:  Thank you again for featuring me on your blog. You will surely see me on a few more covers. Marzio Ombra and Narcisse are working on a sci-fi thriller and a few more projects I will be featured in, as well as Donya’s new book coming out this month.

~~~~~~

LIGHTNING ROUND (a few quick one word answers for fun)

Favorite Food
Peanuts

Favorite Dessert
Skip it!

Favorite Movie
Lord of the Rings (All of them)

Favorite TV Show
Louie

Last Movie that you Saw
Ted

Dark or Milk Chocolate
Milk.

Last Book that you Read
Last book was An Endless Hunger by Narcisse Navarre which encouraged me to improve my English.

TRC:  Thank you Andrei for taking the time to answer our questions.  You have a fantastic portfolio and an accomplished career in the web design business.  We wish you all the best with ALL of your careers.  It is a pleasure to meet the man behind the image.

Andrei Andrei
model / web designer / front end developer

WWW.ANDREIANDREI.COM
WWW.VERSATILETV.BLOGSPOT.COM

 

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Donya Lynne-Interview and Giveaway with the Author

Donya Lynne-Interview and Giveaway with the Author

Donya Lynne-BIO

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Donya resides in Indianapolis, Indiana, with her husband and a small zoo of cats and dogs. In fact, her writing buddy, Lucky, serves as her writing assistant most days, staying right by her side and distracting Donya with her adorable-ness when needed. Because, hey, every author needs a distraction once in a while.
As a little girl, Donya always had a book in her hand. As she got older, the books became pens and notebooks, which she filled with stories and poetry. For as long as she remembers, she has been writing and studying the writing craft with the goal of being published one day. She is passionate about providing readers with what she calls an experience. She wants readers to be able to sink into her stories and escape reality for just a little while, and every word is written, and every sentence structured, with that goal in mind.

Donya loves music and often finds inspiration for her stories in the wide range of music she listens to. But occasionally it’s a movie, a book, or just a drive around town that inspires her work. She constantly reads new material, new authors, and different styles of writing as a means to improve her own, and believes the writing process is one an author should always strive to perfect, even though perfecting it is an impossible feat. It’s the thrill of the chase and the challenge that keeps her from getting stagnant in her own work.

She has several projects planned and in progress, including eight more novels and two novellas in the All the King’s Men series, as well as several stand-alone novels, another series, and several short stories and novellas. She would love to share her journey with you in this exciting venture.

INTERVIEW with Donya Lynne

TRC: Hi Donya and welcome to The Reading Café. We would like to start with some background information.

Donya: When I was younger, I thought I was going to grow up to be an engineer. In 7th grade, I took one of those aptitude tests and I tested in the 97th percentile in structural thinking. Basically, what that means is that I can see something now, and envision what it will be or look like after it’s gone through a series of changes, which is ideal for engineering. However, my senior year I was failing Calculus, so I figured if I couldn’t do Calculus, I couldn’t be an engineer, so I dropped the class and searched for another career choice. Turns out I aced Calculus in college, so go figure.

Anyhoo, I excelled in English and writing, even at a young age, and I won my first writing contest in fourth grade. My prize was a pack of Hubba Bubba bubble gum. Woo-hoo! I was on my way, and I continued to write stories and poetry all through school. I also enjoyed artistic endeavors and won first place in an art contest for the International Sports Festival my Freshman year in high school. I was also a clarinetist and saxophonist, and participated in every kind of musical endeavor I could fit into my schedule.

If my parents had been paying attention, they would have identified early on that I wasn’t cut out for academic pursuits and would have steered me toward a more artistic career path. As it stands, my dad engrained the idea in my head that writing, music, dance, and art were only hobbies, while my future lay in science and math. At least I figured out how wrong this statement was for me late rather than never.

TRC: Would you please tell us something about yourself?

Donya: I grew up in Indiana, and after living briefly in Wisconsin and Florida, I’m back home. I love Indiana, because we get 3 months of each season here. It’s great! LOL. In Wisconsin, it was cold all the time, and in Florida we never got snow. Indiana is like the baby bear’s porridge: Just right. Other than that, I love music and going to movies by myself. In fact, I enjoy doing almost everything by myself. I’m very independent and have a short fuse with nagging, hovering, needy types.

TRC: Have you always had an interest in writing?

Donya: Yes. Always. I can remember being four years old and making my older brother bring home extra reading and writing homework worksheets for me. I started writing poetry by the age of five, and my first poem was:

Together we can conquer the unconquerable.

Tall buildings, skyscrapers, and mountains will fall to our mercy.

But why destroy such beauty?

As long as we have each other, that is all that matters.

TRC: Who or what inspired you to write your first book?

Donya: Duran Duran inspired me to write my early stories, but I can’t really count those as books. However, after seeing The Lord of the Rings, The Two Towers, I was compelled to write a story about immortals. Legolas fascinated me, and a story began to percolate in my mind until I was completely obsessed with writing it. I have put this project on hold for the time being, because I am not ready to write it, yet. It is a complicated story, using writing conventions I need to master more thoroughly before attempting to put it out to the public, but when that book is written, it will be the first of another series. I don’t want to say anything more about it, because the idea is unique and unlike anything out there right now. I don’t want anyone stealing my idea. My hope is to pull that story out again sometime next year and have it published by 2014, just as the AKM series is beginning to wind down.

TRC: Duran Duran!! Hungry Like the Wolf-brings back a few memories 😉

TRC: What were the challenges you faced getting your first book to publication?

Donya: Learning all the intricacies of the self-publishing world, as well as making the decision between using a publisher and self-publishing. There’s a lot to learn and it can be daunting for a new author, but now I’m getting more comfortable with it.

TRC: RISE OF THE FALLEN is the first book in your All the King’s Men paranormal series. Would you please tell us about the premise of this book? Click HERE for our review

Donya: Rise of the Fallen is the story of Micah Black as he deals with the loss of his second mate and struggles to find his way back from the belly of Hell, thanks to the assistance of a feisty blonde named Samantha Garrett. But her saving him comes with a price, and Micah’s enemies are soon after both him and Samantha. If Micah can’t keep her safe, it will be his end, because he won’t be able to survive if he loses her after all else he’s been through.

TRC: You have introduced a cast of characters each with a story to tell. How many books do you have planned for the series?

Donya:  Right now, I have at least ten full novels planned for this series, as well as two novellas and a prequel. Micah’s story is a huge part of ALL the books, by the way. The entire series shows an undercurrent of his evolution, and when the prequel comes out (hopefully next year), his story will make even more sense.

TRC: HEART OF THE WARRIOR is your second novel in the AKM series. Would you please tell us something about the premise? Click HERE for our review

Donya: Heart of the Warrior took a turn from the dark nature of Rise of the Fallen. In HOTW, we’re dealing with two male vampires who are struggling with their attraction to one another. One, Severin, is openly gay. He doesn’t advertise it, but he doesn’t hide it, either. Still, Severin has other secrets he is terrified of being discovered. Arion, on the other hand, has lived his life of lies so well, he doesn’t even understand that he’s gay until he and Severin have an “encounter” one night in Arion’s kitchen. After that, Arion begins to question just how heterosexual he really is – or isn’t, as the case may be, and quickly realizes he’s lived the life his homophobic parents had plotted for him instead of what he wanted for himself. As Arion wrestles with his feelings for Sev and the fear of how his parents and best friend, Io, will react to his newfound homosexuality, Severin struggles to cope with being Arion’s “little secret” while keeping secrets of his own. These two are powerfully charismatic and full of emotional upheaval, and I’ve had a few readers already tell me they cried while reading Heart of the Warrior.

TRC: Your novels have a mix of heterosexual, bisexual and homosexual relationships, as well as some BDSM. Do you find anything particularly challenging about writing these storylines?

Donya: Not really, but when it comes to the BDSM portions, I want to ensure I’m representing the BDSM lifestyle as accurately as possible within the context of my novel. Consequently, I have done a TON of research and own several books on the subject.

TRC: With the popularity of novels like the Fifty Shades of Grey series and the media focus on the BDSM aspect of the storyline, have you considered how far you will take that particular outline in your novels?

Donya: I want to take it further than it was taken in Fifty Shades. Since I’ve always planned for BDSM to play a significant role in this series, I was glad to see that the public was ready to accept and embrace this lifestyle in the books they read. That much became obvious when Fifty came out and shot to the top. Even so, I’m still concerned readers won’t be ready for what my novels will show them. I think Fifty was pretty tame compared to some of the things I’ve got planned. But when I’ve got a character who is known in the community as a master dom, I can’t just show him spanking people. He has to know what he’s doing with it all. And Micah has a couple of specialties Fifty won’t touch. One of which is fire play and the other talent is one we see in Micah’s Calling, the first novella of the series. Since I’m not sure of the age rating of this blog, I won’t give the name of this talent since it’s profane. Let’s just say he’s excellent with screwing around with his subs’ minds. Micah also enjoys knife play and cutting, but only with willing subs.

TRC: Many authors bounce ideas and information with family, friends, and other authors. With whom do you bounce ideas?

Donya: Never family. They won’t give honest feedback and also don’t read the kinds of books I write, and I need honesty and familiarity with the subject matter. I have a couple of author friends and a few beta readers I have “trained” to be honest with me. I say trained, because people are so scared to give negative feedback for fear of hurting my feelings, but now that these people have been with me long enough and have seen that I don’t get upset or angry with them for negative feedback, they give it more willingly now.

TRC: On what are you currently working?

Donya: I’m working on edits for Micah’s Calling, the first novella in the series. This novella falls in the time between Rise of the Fallen and Heart of the Warrior. The story in MC simply didn’t fit in Rise of the Fallen and would not have made sense in the context of that novel, so it had to be given its own book. This novella will answer a lot of questions and give readers a deeper glimpse of Micah, Sam, and Traceon.

I’m also working on a short story for a winter anthology, as well as on Royal Obsession, book 3 of AKM. Lastly, I’ve got a holiday story called The Christmas Pendant I hope will be ready by the end of November.

And here’s the funny part, book 6 of AKM is talking up a storm to me. The character for book 6, who won’t even be introduced until book 4, is soooo eager for his book that he will not pipe down in my thoughts. LOL.

TRC: Would you like to add anything else?

Donya: Just that I look forward to sharing my journey, as well as the journeys of each of my characters, with your followers.

LIGHTNING ROUND

Favorite Food

Today, my favorite food is bacon. It could be something different tomorrow

Favorite Dessert

Chocolate

Favorite TV Show

The old La Femme Nikita that was on the USA network back in the early 2000s. The one that starred Peta Wilson and Roy Dupuis. Favorite show of all time, hands down.

Favorite Movie

Blade Runner, but as with my favorite food, ask me tomorrow and you might get a different answer. Notable other movies are: Memoirs of a Geisha, Under the Tuscan Sun, Star Wars, Witness, the Bourne movies, and Erin Brockovich.

Last Movie that you Saw

The Vow

Last Vacation Destination

My mind

Do you have any pets?

I have four cats and two dogs. In fact, my cat, Lucky, is my writing buddy, and you can find a slew of pics of her on my Facebook page.

TRC: Thank you Donya for taking the time to answer our questions. We wish you all the best with the AKM series. We are looking forward to Micah’s Calling.

*******GIVEAWAY********

Donya is offering one lucky member of The  Reading Cafe an ecopy of either RISE OF THE FALLEN or HEART OF THE WARRIOR.  To be eligible:

1.  You must be a member of The Reading Cafe.  If you are not a member, please register using the log-in at the top or with one of the social log-ins.

2.  Contest runs from June 14-June 17, 2012

3.  Contest is open-INTERNATIONALLY

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RISE OF THE FALLEN by Donya Lynne-a review

RISE OF THE FALLEN (AKM 1) by Donya Lynne-a review

RISE OF THE FALLEN (All The King’s Men #1) by Donya Lynne

RISE OF THE FALLEN is the first novel (released March 2012) in Donya Lynne’s All The King’s Men paranormal series. All The King’s Men or AKM are a group of elite vampire warriors and mutant vampires brought together to save the humans and rid the world of the Drecks (hybrid vampire shape shifters). The series contains some BDSM, M/M and bisexual relationships as well as a HEA. Adult content.

Samantha (Sam) is hiding in plain sight. On the run from an abusive husband, Sam works nights at a ‘gentlemen’s club’ but keeps her true identity a secret through the use of costumes and masks. But when Sam stumbles upon a man being savagely beaten, she puts her military background and training into practice. And taking home the badly injured stranger, will open doors to a life she never had dreamed.

Micah is a loner. Considered a loose cannon by his fellow warriors, Micah has been MIA for several days. His personal life is in shatters (due to the SUFFERING) and with no hope in sight Micah is determined to commit suicide by dreck. But the actions of a beautiful woman save Micah from his own demons, and force him to consider other options. And finding a new mate was never a consideration.

Donya’s cast of supporting players includes Micah’s fellow warriors –each with their own story of love and lost. Tristan as their leader is both sure of his role yet knows when to aid a friend in trouble. Trace, as Micah’s self-appointed guardian hides a secret that few are aware, and Severin and Arion’s relationship will need to be addressed because their awkward night together ended with neither one knowing in which direction they should go. And Micah is not without some extra special ability of his own.

RISE OF THE FALLEN is a fantastic first instalment for Donya’s ALL THE KING’S MEN paranormal series. Like most introductory storylines, there is plenty of background information, but Donya does not overwhelm the reader with an inordinate amount of data. There is romance, heartbreak and betrayal. RISE OF THE FALLEN introduces a collection of characters and potential plots as well as the possibility for the need of a few prequel storylines. I am looking forward to the second book HEART OF THE WARRIOR.

REMINDER: Donya is offering ONE ecopy of either RISE OF THE FALLEN or HEART OF THE WARRIOR to one of our eligible Reading Cafe members.

Reviewed by Sandy

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