Blog Archives - 2 Girls & A Book

Playing with Fire by Mila Young & Harper A Brooks

3/30/2022

Title: Playing with Hellfire
Author: Harper A. Brooks & Mila Young
Genre: Dark Paranormal Romance, Reverse Harem
Hosted by: Lady Amber's PR

Demons are real.

They say never enter into a deal with them, but what if I had no choice?

What if they are three of the most gorgeous men Iâ€™ve seen my entire life?

And what if my lesson to learn here is that no matter how attracted I am to them, how much I yearn to kiss them, Iâ€™m in danger.

But my lifeâ€™s never been the easiest. Iâ€™ve bounced from house to house, living in foster care, with no true place to call home. And thereâ€™s an ancient darkness that follows me around where I go.

They may be demons, but Iâ€™m no angel, and this darkness craves the Hell they give.

Or maybe Iâ€™ve just been damned from the start.

Bestselling authors Mila Young and Harper A. Brooks have brought the heat with this fiery and sinful paranormal romance. It'll leave you burning up for more! Scroll up and 1-click to give into your darkest temptations today!

Playing with Hellfire is book one in the Sin Demons Series. This is a reverse harem/why choose series.

FREE FOR A LIMITED TIME!

Harper A. Brooks lives in a small town on the New Jersey shore. Even though classic authors have always filled her bookshelves, she finds her writing muse drawn to the dark, magical, and romantic. But when she isn't creating entire worlds with sexy shifters or legendary love stories, you can find her either with a good cup of coffee in hand or at home snuggling with her furry, four-legged son, Sammy.

She writes urban fantasy and paranormal romance.

RONE Award Winner

USA TODAY Bestselling Author

International Bestselling Author

Author Links:

Amazon | Twitter | Goodreads | Website

Instagram | Facebook | Bookbub | Reader Group

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Bestselling Author, Mila Young tackles everything with the zeal and bravado of the fairytale heroes she grew up reading about. She slays monsters, real and imaginary, like there's no tomorrow. By day she rocks a keyboard as a marketing extraordinaire. At night she battles with her mighty pen-sword, creating fairytale retellings, and sexy ever after tales. In her spare time, she loves pretending she's a mighty warrior, cuddling up with her cats, and devouring every fantasy tale she can get her pinkies on.

Author Links:

Facebook | ReaderGroup | Twitter | Instagram

Website | Goodreads | Bookbub | Amazon

FREE FOR A LIMITED TIME!

Waging War by Loren Beeson

3/30/2022

Title: Waging War
Author: Loren Beeson
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Cover Designer: Emily Wittig
Publication Date: March 30^th, 2022
Hosted by: Lady Amberâ€™s PR

Blurb:

One last dance with the devilâ€¦

Trapped. Silenced. Devastated. Greed has a way of snuffing out even the most noble souls, and in Diabloâ€™s world, you either bend to his will or youâ€™re dead. Benâ€™s been chained to his enforcer role longer than he ever intended and panic is starting to set in. Will he ever be free again, or is he simply a pawn in another manâ€™s sick and twisted game? More importantly, how will he earn forgiveness from the one woman who can save his soul?

With the Wolves disbanded, Hazelâ€™s only hope for revenge lies between two beating heartsâ€”the man whoâ€™s loved her since she was a teen and the man who slips into her subconscious at night, heating her from the inside out. Sheâ€™s torn between family loyalties, enacting revenge, and relinquishing her bruised and beaten heart. Diablo wonâ€™t see another day of power if she can help it, but only one person has the kind of access she needs to infiltrate and destroy this crooked kingdom.

Screw a danceâ€¦ this means war.

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Loren is a dreamer, artist, radiologic technologist, and author who loves animals and people. Always writing short stories as a young child and young adult, she knew she wanted to become an author someday. The Art of Loving Ellie is Lorenâ€™s debut novel.

Loren can be found in her cozy home in Texas with her nose in a book, her corgi and mini aussie on her lap, and her son trailing along with her and her husband through their many adventures.

Author Links:

Website | Instagram | Facebook | Goodreads | Twitter | Amazon

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Clarity Castle by Marie-Hélène Lebeault

3/30/2022

Author: Marie-Hélène Lebeault
Narrator: Sophie Snow
Length: 6 hours 1 minutes
Publisher: Marie-Hélène Lebeault⎮2021
Genre: YA Fantasy
Release date: Jun. 11, 2021

Clare Knox discovers a castle where the old quarry should be, while walking in the woods near her home. When she realizes it's actually a realm with an infinite number of alternate versions of herself, she can't believe her luck. But things aren't all sunshine and rainbows. Strange rituals are happening at Clarity Castle. Will Clare rise to meet their expectations of her, or will she crumble under the weight of her own negativity?
Buy Links
Buy on Amazon⎮Audible⎮iTunes

Interview with Marie -Helene Lebeault

1- When did your love of books begin?
I was dyslexic as a child and hated reading. In high school, I chanced upon a copy of The Thorn Birds. I went to school in French and none of the books appealed to me. This one was in English and I tore through it. It seemed I wasn’t dyslexic in English! I read every book they had in there, then moved on to my local library. I was a lifeguard and had a lot of time to read in the summer. I borrowed nine novels every week, as that was the maximum you could take. I later became a teacher and had summers free to read. Later, I discovered ebooks and audiobooks and it’s been bliss ever since.
2- When did you start to have the wish to become an author?
I’ve always told stories. When I was fifteen, my friends suggested I start writing them down and they were a hit. Then life happened. I’d write for the local paper or do guest blog posts here and there, but I never committed to it. When I had kids, I started at least ten different writing projects but would either get bored with them after a few chapters or give up when I had writer’s block. It wasn’t until I signed up for NaNoWriMo that things started moving.
3- How have you found the process for becoming an author?
Once I’d completed my first NaNoWriMo, I was elated. I’d written a novel. It was terrible, but I had done it. The next goal was to publish it. I hired an editor and we got to work. I learned a lot and improved with each book I published. That year, in 2020, I published four novels in a series called The Ever Series. Each was written during a NaNo event. It seems the 30-Day accountability formula is my jam!
4- What would you say to those wanting to become an author?

Find a pocket of time where you won’t be disturbed and write whatever comes.
Join NaNoWriMo, it’s a great event with a lot of support.
Read. A lot.
Don’t worry about plots, outlines, characters at first if those are keeping you from writing. That’s what editors are for!
If you can’t afford an editor, get the premium version of Grammarly, of ProWriting Aid and other similar editing tools.
Don’t compare yourself to anyone. Ever.
When you make money, invest it back into your business.

5- Were there any real life inspirations behind your writing?
There’s always a bit of the writer in their work. However, Clarity Castle is the only book inspired by real life. Claire and her mother are slightly modified versions of my daughter and I. Not every teen is moody and sullen. Not every mom is a pain. Furthermore, as the book was written during lock-down, there had to be a version of Claire that was going through the pandemic.

6- Are you an audiobook listener? What about the audiobook format appeals to you?
OMG! I’m an audiobook SUPERFAN! I have subscriptions to Audible and Scribd, in addition to those I borrow from my local library. I’m also an annual subscriber of SYNC Audiobooks for Teens. You don’t have to be a teen to register. It usually runs for 14 weeks from April to July and you get two free audiobooks per week, a classic and a new release. I’Ve discovered amazing authors using this service and it keeps you supplied in audiobooks all summer!
I listen to audiobooks all the time. I spend a lot of time at the computer writing, so it gives my eyes a break. I do a lot of walking, hiking, and cycling and listen to books instead of music. I also listen while doing houselhod chores, driving, and to relax with a puzzle or mandala coloring.
People often ask how I manage to read over 125 books per year (142 in 2021). Audiobooks!

7- Was a possible audiobook recording something you were conscious of while writing?
Absolutely. This was my fifth novel, and the audiobook version of the last novel in The Evers Series had only just gone live when I started writing Clarity Castle. I believe that the experience of recording the four-novel series was as valuable as working with an editor. Not only did my narrator spot some typos the editor and proofreader had missed, but it also made me more aware of the importance of punctuation!

8- How did you select your narrator?
After we wrapped up The Evers Series, my narrator wasn’t available to produce Clarity Castle. I was a little bummed at first, but I ran auditions on ACX and found Sophie. I knew she was Claire the minute I heard her. Young as she was, she was an absolute pro.

9- What's your favorite:

Food: Fresh baked bread with butter
Song: Ain’t Nothing Gonna Break My Stride by Matthew Wilder
Book: The Alchemist. I listen to it evey year because Jeremy Irons is amazing!
Television show: Charmed (original and reboot)
Movie: National Treasure
Band: The Barenaked Ladies
City: Any Coastal City in Maine

10- Tell us about your other books:
All of my books are available on Amazon and are included in the Kindle Unlimited membership. You’ll find the audiobook versions on Audible and iTunes as well as Amazon.
The Evers Series is a four-book YA Fantasy series about Travelers: a magical bloodline that lets them use a special key to open a door to anywhere in the world. It will appeal to Harry Potter, Golden Compass, and Stardust fans.
What Happens Next? Readers Decide Which Story Becomes a Book is a YA short story anthology. Like in the Hunger Games, twelve stories compete for the coveted spot of becoming a novel. Each of the fantasy, steampunk, paranormal, and sci-fi story is open-ended.
The Blood Mage is a spinoff of The Evers Series but new readers do not need to have read the series to enjoy the book. On his sixteenth birthday, Tom triggered strange new magical abilities. When his sister is kidnapped, he discovers he was the intended target. A community of magical villains is after him because he may be the Last Blood Mage. Will Tom embrace his new destiny?
The Fairy Grandmother Series is a fantasy picture book series for ages 3 to 7. Every Saturday, Millie spends the day at her grandmother's house. There are no toys and no TV, but it's still the best part of her week. You see, grandma is a fairy! With a twirl of her magic spoon, she sends Millie to wherever she wants to go! The series is currently translated into French. Germen, Italian, and Spanish editions are on the way.

About the Author: Marie-Hélène Lebeault
Marie-Hélène Lebeault lives in Cowansville, Qc, Canada, and is the mother of two young adults. Formerly a teacher, she now spends her days writing, translating academic manuals, and lending her voice to corporate training videos. She enjoys reading, hiking, and going to the beach. An avid traveler, she loves exploring the world on Solo adventures. Since the pandemic hit, she’s been riding her electric bike all over the province of Quebec and appreciating the local splendor.
Website

About the Narrator: Sophie Snow
Sophie Snow is a motivated student who has always held a deep love for reading, as well as an interest in audio and sound production. Now, her passion truly takes shape as an audiobook narrator. She works diligently to ensure that every aspect of your audiobook, from the performance itself to editing the audio, is excellent and done in a timely manner. She hopes to turn your manuscript into an immersive world that brings your story to life.

Stolen Relics by Karina Espinosa

3/29/2022

Title: Stolen Relics
Author: Karina Espinosa
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Narrator: Nicole Poole
Publisher: Tantor Audio
Hosted by: Lady Amberâ€™s PR

Blurb:
Are all the fairy tales real?

Mackenzie Grey is back at the Supernatural Investigative Unit and her first big case is not what she expects. Tasked to find stolen relics that are attached to a legend even Kenz herself is having a hard time believing. This leads to a target getting put on her back, and she finds help from an unexpected enemy.

Unfortunately, the SIU isnâ€™t all Kenz has to worry about. When Alexander finds out about Ollie, he takes the first flight to New York City to spend time with his daughter, but he comes with news of his own that will change Mackenzieâ€™s world completely.

Will Mackenzie find the thief in time before the bounty on her head is collected? And will her life be altered after Alexanderâ€™s proclamation? Find out in Stolen Relics.

Karina Espinosa is the Urban Fantasy Author of the Mackenzie Grey novels and The Last Valkyrie series. An avid reader throughout her life, the world of Urban Fantasy easily became an obsession that turned into a passion for writing strong leading characters with authentic story arcs. When she isn't writing badass heroines, you can find this self-proclaimed nomad in her South Florida home binge watching the latest series on Netflix or traveling far and wide for the latest inspiration for her books. Follow her on social media!

Author Links:

Web | Amazon | Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter

Reader Group | Instagram | Bookbub

New Release ~ Obligation by Lexi Lawton

3/29/2022

She's obligated to him -- she's obsessed with another.
When Carissa Jordan met Danny Greene during her freshman year of college, she thought she’d found “the one.” But after suffering a shared loss, their relationship takes a nosedive. Angry and grief-ridden, Danny finds comfort in other women while becoming emotionally abusive toward Carissa. Riddled with guilt for what happened, Carissa feels obligated to Danny—after all, if she’d been more careful, she never would’ve lost their baby.

As their relationship continues to deteriorate, Carissa buries herself in college classes and pledging a sorority, where she meets the sexy and charming Bradley Moore. He’s everything Carissa didn’t know she deserved—and Bradley has his sights set on winning Carissa’s heart. But will her misplaced obligation to Danny prevent her from giving in to her intense feelings for Bradley?
Genre: New Adult Contemporary Romance

Lexi Lawton

Born and raised in Central New York, Lexi Lawton is an only child who found companionship in books. When she was old enough to put pen to paper, she began writing her own stories of love, suspense, and heartbreak. The Collins Brothers Series is her first publication—but it won’t be her last! She also writes young adult novels under the pen name Kara Leigh Miller.

Today, Lexi lives in Michigan with her husband, a herd of kids, and what could probably be considered a zoo of dogs, cats, and fish.

Author Social Media Links:
Newsletter: https://gmail.us7.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=8d80b8a3272c24d8c7ca1e37e&id=ea2f87099c

Website: www.lexilawtonauthor.weebly.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/LexiLawtonAuthor

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14041049.Lexi_Lawton

AllAuthor: https://allauthor.com/author/lexilawton/

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/lexi-lawton

New Release - A Familiar Magic by E.M. Rinaldi

3/29/2022

Kaya Thornton killed her best friend. On the run since the tender age of thirteen, she left the safety of her Community’s magicked walls and tried to disappear in the human world. Four years later, she’s found and dragged back kicking and screaming by Auden, her best friend’s older brother.

The second Prince of the Wardwell line is antagonistic and unforgiving, but surprisingly gentle as he forces her home to face the judgement of his father and the Council. She expected hatred and bitter punishment, not private training with a hot and cold Prince and…demonology courses?

Things are not as she left them. Her people are dying and the demon numbers are only growing. Once Witches and their Familiars are wiped out, who will stand between the Demon King and his bottomless appetite? Kaya has no intention of waiting to find out. And this time, she isn’t running.

Read for Free in KU!

Review

Another 5 Star read and brilliant start to a new series from E.M. Rinaldi! I love the characters and the unique story. I've never read a book that featured a witch's familiar as both a shifter and human.

The MC Kaya is strong, beautiful, and a powerful familiar. Her attraction to Prince Auden is palpable. I thoroughly enjoyed their steamy scenes. But Kaya is much more than just a love interest. Her troubled past and broken soul make her a relatable character. Her strength is amazing.

I'm excited for this new series and to see where Rinaldi let's these characters take her Another 5 Star read and brilliant start to a new series from E.M. Rinaldi! I love the characters and the unique story. I've never read a book that featured a witch's familiar as both a shifter and human.

The MC Kaya is strong, beautiful, and a powerful familiar. Her attraction to Prince Auden is palpable. I thoroughly enjoyed their steamy scenes. But Kaya is much more than just a love interest. Her troubled past and broken soul make her a relatable character. Her strength is amazing.

I'm excited for this new series and to see where Rinaldi let's these characters take her

Ash & Blood by Ann Bakshis

3/27/2022

Title: Ash & Blood
Author: Ann Bakshis
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Cover Designer: Braveart Design Lab
Publication Date: Mar. 27^th, 2022
Hosted by: Lady Amber's PR

Blurb:

A life created from ash and blood by powers unbeknownst to mankind.

A person to rid the world of those destined to destroy it.

The more Magdalene Leech recalls of her former life, the more certain she is that ignorance was indeed bliss.

Memories come flooding back, bringing to light abuses sheâ€™s suffered, lies sheâ€™s been told, and secrets sheâ€™s buried deep. After fleeing her captors, she settles into a life of peace and normalcy, forging a path all her own.

Then, a fateful encounter with an old woman in possession of an odd pendant changes everything.

Thrust into a past sheâ€™s struggling to recognize, Magdalene comes face-to-face with the demon she gave her heart to centuries ago. Now, sheâ€™s in a race against time to restore a power thatâ€™s rightfully hers â€¦ before she becomes a victim to it.

NOW LIVE!

Iâ€™ve always loved to write ever since I was young. I would picture myself as the main character so I could go on adventures. They began as daydreams, which I eventually put down onto paper. Throughout the years I would write whenever I got the chance no matter how small the manuscript turned out to be. Iâ€™d tried the traditional method of sending out query letters to agents, but they would respond with a â€œthanks, but no thanksâ€ note. I felt discouraged, but kept writing. I had a lot of encouragement from my mom, my Aunt Jeanne, my daughter, and my husband. Having the support helped keep me chasing my dream. A few years ago, I decided to buckle down and get serious about my writing. After some research and speaking with a friend of my husband, I took the plunge into self-publishing. I found an editor and a cover designer along with other indie authors on Facebook. Iâ€™ve joined groups and asked advice from writers who have already been through the steps it takes to get out there. It took me four years and three versions before I published my first book titled Wasteland. From there, Iâ€™ve completed several series and stand-alones with quite a few more in progress, so watch for their release.

Author Links:

Amazon | Goodreads | Twitter | Website

Facebook | Bookbub | Newsletter

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Cyber Squad Level 1 by A.K. Mockit

3/27/2022

Author: A.K. Mocikat
Narrator: Zachary Johnson
Length: 10 hours 6 minutes
Publisher: Anna Mocikat⎮2021
Genre: Science Fiction; GameLit
Series: Cyber Squad, Level 1
Release date: Oct. 29, 2021

Kai thought he had the best job in the world. Playing VR games for a living. Not if the games are trying to kill you. The Net is the last great frontier, a wilderness of data filled with mysteries beyond imagination. Bugs, a harmless annoyance in earlier decades, have become a deadly menace in times when gamers connect their brains directly to VR.
The Cyber Squad has been created to hunt them down. What used to be game QA in earlier times has become an elite, special force of the future, risking their lives to keep users safe. At first, joining the Cyber Squad seems like a dream job to Kai. He is paid well to be part of the coolest troop the gaming world has ever seen. But soon he discovers that the Net is a way scarier place than anyone would have suspected, and bugs are the smallest problem he and his team will have to face.

Buy Links for Audiobook #1
Buy on Audible

About the Author: A.K. Mocikat
A.K. Mocikat is the pen name of an established Sci-fi/Cyberpunk author with multiple published books. Before becoming a full-time author, A.K. worked as a game writer in the video games industry. Ever since, A.K. wanted to write a story about a game QA hunting bugs in VR - and here it is.
Website

About the Narrator: Zachary Johnson
Lover of mathematics, devourer of science fiction, and connoisseur of the dad joke. When he's not doing math for business or fun, he's devouring science fiction and fantasy, reading up on scientific advancements, going for a jog, or, on all too rare occasions, taking a refreshing swim at the beach. At your service, you shall have an able storyteller and gifted conveyor of information. Experienced in narrating fiction, from the romantic to the post-apocalyptic, and nonfiction, from the historical to the corporate, and armed with the tools to make it all sound great, Zachary promises that, no matter the job, you'll be read-iculously pleased!
Website

Stand For Ukraine The New Romance Cafe Collection

3/25/2022

Title: Stand for Ukraine
Series: The New Romance Cafe Collection (#13)
Genre: Womenâ€™s Fiction, Romance, Flash Fiction, Poetry
Model: Kevin R Davis
Photographer: Golden Czermak
Cover Design: The Cover Fling
Charity: Save the Children Ukraine
Publication Date: March 25^th, 2022
Hosted by: Lady Amberâ€™s PR

Blurb:

Protect the innocent.

Provide for families.

We stand with Ukraine.

Across the globe authors have come together to provide stories filled with hope, heart and understanding, inspired by the events of February 2022.

STAND FOR UKRAINE is a collection of romance, womenâ€™s fiction and poetry. Proceeds go to Save the Childrenâ€™s efforts to provide Ukrainian children with food, warmth, shelter and psychological support.

Participating Authors:

Aarti V Raman,Ally Vance, Amanda Cuff, A McCarty, Andie Bale, Pandora Snow, Anna Klein, Anna Volkin, Annee Jones, April A. Luna, April D. Berry, M.A. Lee, A.M. Roark, Sarah Stein, Riana Everly, Lesley Hoover, Bria James, C.A. Rene, Caraway Carter, Cassie Simon, Corinne M Knight, Dakota Willink, Danielle Pays, Dawn McGraw, D A Nelson, Debra Elise, Demelza Carlton, Diane Jones, Sharon A. Mitchell, Emily Rose, EmKay Connor, Eva Moore, Ginger Ring, Dylan Quinn, Gwen Dylan, Caia Daniels, Harlow Layne, Harper Michaels, Heather Dâ€™Agostino,Heather Scarlett, Helena Novak, Carol Van Den Hende,Iuliana Foos, Jakki Frances, Jane Suen, Jeanette Taylor Ford, Jen Stevens, Jennifer M. Miller, Jenny Fenshaw, JCC Downing, Tasha Blythe, J. P. Uvalle, K Leigh, Karigan Hale, Kasey Hill, Ã‰lodie Garroway, Katherine Moore, Katie Rae, Kimberly Halstead, Kristie Leigh, Olivia Rhymer, Kristin T. De La Garza, Dakota Star, Lisa Wells, M.Culler, S.C. Principale, Maida Malby, Mandy Bee, Margaret Madigan, Maria Macdonald, Megan Ryder, M Jameson, Melissa Riddell, Lissa Lynn Thomas, Merrie Destefano, Chele Maccabe, Michelle Iannarelli, Maya Lemaire, Leila Coltyn, Kathleen Ryder, N.J. Ember, A.R. Bell, Remy Reigns, Renee Dahlia, Leann Castellanos, RJ Gray, Robin Andrews, Cass K, Rosie Wylor-Owen, Rubi Jade, Liz Martinson, Candace Sams, Guinevere Jordan, Shannon O'Connor, Miranda Jameson, Simone Leigh, Skye MacKinnon, Skye Turner, Sofia Aves, Jo Seysener, J. T. Silver, Susan Horsnell, Suki McMinn, Tanya Dawson, Tanya Nellestein, Taya Rune, T.R. Weatherly, T Wells Brown, Tina Glasneck, Tracy Broemmer, Tracy Reed, Trinity Wood, Yolanda Olson, Zoey Indiana, Daniel Cade Quinn, Sabrina Silvers, Kari Ganske, Faith Justice, Nina Knight, Michelle L. De La Garza, Sloane Nicole

About The New Romance Cafe

The New Romance CafÃ© is the place to get your daily dose of romance books.

Hang out with like-minded readers and authors at different stages of their writing journey, in a diverse and inclusive group.

Find out about new releases, take part in fun discussions, and recommend your favourite reads in the safe space of the CafÃ©.

The Beast Hunters by Christer Lende

3/25/2022

Author: Christer Lende
Narrator: Jonathan Johns
Length: 5 hours 21 minutes
Series: The Beast Hunter of Ashbourn, Book 1
Publisher: Hashtag Press⎮2022
Genre: Fantasy
Release date: Feb. 7, 2022

When a monster brutally kills her parents, Ara is saved by two beast hunters. Becoming their apprentice, she discovers serums, secret bestiary knowledge, and remarkable abilities - all to save unsuspecting souls from the same fate her parents suffered. But, terrifying creatures lurk everywhere and Ara must master the art of beast hunting quickly if she is to uncover the elusive beast plaguing the village of Cornstead.
Buy Links
Buy on Audible

About the Author: Christer Lende
Christer Lende began writing in a library, which sounds fitting, only he was supposed to be there working on his engineering degree. He is a professional screenwriter, working with the Norwegian movie producer behind “One Love”, “Who Killed Birgitte” and “All about my Father” Bjørn Eivind Aarskog, together they are eveloping the manuscript for a Norwegian thriller. Bjørn hired Christer after reading The Beast Hunters, trusting Christer could bring his vision to life.
Christer lives in what Norwegians call a city, but people from actual cities would call a town. Of proud Viking blood, he honours his ancestors by heroically sitting in front of a computer writing Fantasy and Science Fiction books. He believes in writing a little bit every day, through weekends, Christmas, New Year’s Eve, even his own birthday. When he’s not writing, he takes care of his two dogs and tries to broker peace with his girlfriend. He’s often found at a gym, trying to compensate for his height issues, or lazily playing video games.
Christer did get that master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, despite procrastinating by writing fiction in the library, and works for a large IT firm, but writing and storytelling are his passions.
Website

About the Narrator: Jonathan Johns
Jonathan is a Cornish audio book narrator based in sunny Cornwall. He has a talent for character work and descriptive narration which draws in the listener and envelopes them into the story. He is an avid gamer and family man. He is never too far from something sweet!
Website

Interview with Christer Lende

Tell us about the process of turning your book into an audiobook.
I feel like it’s shameful to admit this, but I’ve been an audiobook listener far more than a reader. I friend introduced me to the idea of listening to books and suddenly I didn’t have to sit down, locked to one activity, to experience fantastic stories. I could drive to uni, walk the dogs, clean, cook—anything that was mindless work, and be told magnificent stories. From then, I knew I was more excited for the audiobook than anything else. When I found Jonathan Johns (the narrator), I never thought he would actually do the book, but he’s a cool dude and seemed to find the concept interesting.
Do you believe certain types of writing translate better into audiobook format?
Yes, I do, but not drastically. If an author wrote a book only for the purpose of becoming an audiobook, in dialogs with only two people (which happens a lot), the author could cut away many name tags, like “he/she said”. If the book relies heavily on accents and it’s an integral part of the story, then having a great narrator can really elevate it to the next level too, I believe at least.

Was a possible audiobook recording something you were conscious of while writing?
Yes, it was the ultimate dream - as I listen to audiobooks way more than I sit down to read. I’ve written with the image of seeing my own audiobook in audiobook apps in the future, and now finally, I can.
How did you select your narrator?
I tried using ACX for the audiobook promotion, being from Norway, my entry was barred. I turned to Fiverr, and found Jonathan. I contacted him with an overly enthusiastic message, and he responded positively. Together, we moved the production over to FindawayVoices, which has been fantastic up until now.
How closely did you work with your narrator before and during the recording process?
Pretty closely beforehand. I wanted us to call each other and be able to talk, but he wasn’t a too big fan of that, which is fine. We sent countless messages back and forth about different voices, pronunciation, the story and characters, and he was excellent. I got the feeling he really wanted to bring the story to life.
Did you give them any pronunciation tips or special insight into the characters?
A little, but not a whole lot. I told him “you get to officially decide how all these new monsters will be pronounced,” and he took to the task with excitement.
Were there any real life inspirations behind your writing?
Not really, the most real ones being The Witcher and Supernatural.
How do you manage to avoid burn-out? What do you do to maintain your enthusiasm for writing?
I don’t write a lot, but I write often. Everday, I have to write something, but rarely more than 30-40 minutes. I live by a strict ruleset, so writing every day is something I have to do, and so far I’ve written five books and one manuscript.
Are you an audiobook listener? What about the audiobook format appeals to you?
So hard! I love audiobooks! As far as formats go, I like whichever audible uses.
Is there a particular part of this story that you feel is more resonating in the audiobook performance than in the book format?
Yes, a particular meeting with many peculiar characters. It’s later in the book, so I’ll try to keep it spoiler-free, but our heroes face up against a group of . . . fanatic individuals, and Jonathan played around with so many voices it made it so much fun.
If you had the power to time travel, would you use it? If yes, when and where would you go?
Hmm…. not backwards in time. We’re by far the most privileged people on earth historically. I might go back in time with all the knowledge I have now, and the thought is tempting until I remember tests and homework. I don’t want to go forward in fear of what I might find or learn - so I guess the answer is: no, I wouldn’t.
If this title were being made into a TV series or movie, who would you cast to play the primary roles?
Hmm, I think for Ara I would love to see a younger Alison Brie from Community. And I pictured a younger Idris Elba as Khendric. This book was written six years ago, but that’s when I pictured them, so that’s why I say “younger” on both. I’d love to see Topper played by Timothée Chalamet and Jamie Foxx (this will make sense if you listen to the book).
How did you celebrate after finishing this novel?
By starting the second book, and it did feel like a celebration. However, when I finished the whole trilogy, then I celebrated by not writing for a whole week, which felt weird.