Monday, November 18, 2013

Virtual Blog Tour,Winter Swan with Danica Winters

ABOUT THE BOOK:

A curse that forbids her to love…A child that he must keep secret…An attack on the culture she holds dear…And a battle that could get them killed… Single dad and professional poker player Chance Landon, hates the world after his ex-wife is found dead in a cheap apartment in rural Idaho On a lone-wolf crusade to find the killer, he instead learns that he is the father of a strange little girl who carries secrets that only a woman like his ex-wife can answer When his ex-wife's killer learns about his daughter's abilities and decides to come after the young girl, Chance enlists the help of the beautifu and deadly swan-shifting nymph, Harper Cygnini nymph, Harper Cygnini who helps to teach him the truth of his daughter's condition Chance soon realizes that he alone can't save his daughter from the sadistic killer and he finds himself in a battle between his head and his heart. Will Chance gamble on a future that involves falling in love— which may wel cost him his life— or is that one bet his is unwilling to take?

MY REVIEW:

Winter Swan is the third book in the Nymph Series. "Where do I begin?" Although, I've only read Winter Swans I have to say I was pleasantly surprised how much I really enjoyed reading this book. I say that because I don't usually read paranormal books; that has changed. Let me say I didn't go into this review process with negative thoughts, but an openess to read in another genre. So, to start this review, I must say for starters I loved Winter Swans book cover. It was just breath taking. There was a peaceful beauty about it.(elegance).
This was a sweet and suspenseful love story about two people; Chance & Harper.
Harper a cursed nymph swan shifter who life has been cursed to live out her days alone, and Chance, a drifting poker player. Meeting Chance opens a whole new world for Harper, with reservations. Chance feels the instant chemistry between them as well, but for his own reasons, remains skeptical. Their were characters named in this book from the two previous books to this series that I couldn't relate to, but it was still an easy read to follow.
What really made the story even more interesting was the mysterious woman that approached Harper asking her to find a man for her and then she just disappears. Once the man is located, Chance goes along with Harper to tell the woman and they find her murdered, and its Chance ex, and he finds out he has a child he never knew about. Wow! Crazy and nail biting. Danica Winters really put her skills to work in this book. The characters were well developed, and you could feel the emotions from each of them. This was a sexy and fun romance. I have been converted. Grab a cup of Hot Chocolate and curl up with this read. Well done Danica Winters. I would gladly recommend this book and give it 4**** chocolate stars, but please read the first two books first.

Please note that I received this novel free from the author in exchange for a honest review!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR;

Danica Winters is a bestselling author who is known for writing award-winning books that grip readers with their ability to drive emotion through suspense and often a touch of magic. She is also the Marketing and Promotions Manager for Books To Go Now publishing. When she's not working she can be found in the wilds of Montana working on her patience while she tries to understand the allure of various crafts (quilting, pottery, and painting are not her thing).  She always believes the cup is neither half full nor half empty, but filled with wine.

 

 

Winter Swans Blog Tour Schedule

November 16th – November 29

November 16th – Kelly at Kelly P's Blog – Character Interview

November 16th – Gloria at Globug and Hootie Need A Book – Review

November 17th – Cremona at Mythical Books – Author/Character Interview

November 17th – Jessica at Jess Resides Here – Character Interview

November 17th – Joana at Alwaysjoart – Review/Playlist

November 18th – Chemistry at Author Chemistry – Review+ CI

November 18th – Jessica Our New Generation for Reading – Review

November 19th – Renee at Reading Renee Reviews – Review

November 19th – Laurie at Laurie's Thoughts and Reviews – Character Interview

November 19th – Pam at Unconventional Librarian – Playlist

November 22nd – Stephanie Stephanie's Bookshelf Review/Promo

November 22nd – Beth at Curling up with a Good Book – Interview

November 27th – Megan at Amethyst Daydreams – Top Ten List

November 29th – Michelle at Devilishly Delicious Book Reviews – Review

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interview Questions

1. How long have you been writing?

Sometimes it feels like I have been writing forever. However, I have been writing professionally for the last five years. I started in children's fiction then moved into magazines before finding a home in the world of romance.

2.What inspired you to become a writer?

I love to read. I love to entertain people. It didn't take long for me to realize that the best way to reach people's hearts was through the written word.

3.What was your first written work?

That's a tough question. It seems like I have been writing forever. However, my first romance novel was a book called, Curse of the Wolf. Before that, I actually won a publishing contract with BTGN for a short story called A Christmas Miracle which subsequently hit the bestsellers list.

4. How do you come up with your characters?

It depends on the book. With Winter Swans, it was a continuation of the series and the question "What if?" It seemed natural to step into the point of view of Jenna's sister. As for Chance, he was the perfect counterbalance for her personality. I suppose at the basic level, I'm always looking to create two characters that balance. I like to use the characters to create situations in which they must step out of their comfort zone, or identity, in order to succeed.

5.Why did you choose to write in your genre?

I loved reading romance, but more than that, I love the promise of a happy ending. Life can be hard; books should be there to entertain.

6. As a writer, what have been your three main struggles?

I'm still learning how to handle being bullied. When you become an author you are a public figure. Not everyone loves romance, shape shifters, or being kind. It's tough to be personally attacked for a work of fiction that you have spent thousands of hours pouring your soul into. I look forward to the day when I can truly be immune to the nastiness of strangers. I always tell new authors that you must be thick-skinned to continue on in this industry, but the truth is that regardless of the length of time you've been writing, or the name on your books (from Stephen King to Shel Silverstein) you will encounter someone who enjoys being cruel.  It's a constant battle to stay positive.

My other struggles? Keeping my bum in the chair (especially in the summer). It's too easy to want to go play outside!

Lastly, I am trying to become a plotter (meaning that I know the entire story before I begin writing). This is not as easy as you think!

7. What have been your three inspirations?

Oh, great question. I wrote Charlaine Harris forever ago and she was kind enough to respond. It was the only fan letter I have ever written and I was shocked that she would take the time to write back. From that day, I worked my tail off to get published. Now, I make sure to write my fans back. Every Sunday I hand-write letters to fans. It's a fun ritual.

8. As a writer, how do you deal with negative reviews?

I touched on this, but when I get negative reviews, I try to take what I can from the review. I have learned that there are two kinds of negative reviews, the critique and the slam. From a critique you can learn, from a slam you must stop yourself from reeling. Luckily, I haven't gotten a great deal of slams, but I'm just like every author and do have a few under my belt. When I receive these I walk away and do things that center me. Often that means going hiking. I reside in Montana and it is hard to walk outside and not think you] may be living in heaven.

9. What new projects are you working on? And do you write full time?

I am working on several projects. On the top of my to-do list is the next book in the nymph series, Savannah Sacrifice. This book is slated to be released June 6, 2014. I'm also working on a contemporary romance project. 

10. How did you come up with the concept for your latest work?

Winter Swans was a continuation of the previous book Montana Mustangs, but when I started writing, I wanted to create a different experience than most romances so I included the sporting aspect of poker.  Without giving any spoilers, I wanted each character to be forced to take a deal with their own personal devil.

11. What advice would you give other aspiring writers?

Aside from being thick-skinned, I would tell new authors to write every day. It doesn't have to be perfect, it doesn't have to be a lot, but if you continue each and every day it is amazing how much you can accomplish.

12. What are some things your readers do not know about you.

I'm a Leo a.k.a. Ms. Stubborn-pants. This may be one of the reasons I've been so determined in my writing journey.

I'm addicted to coffee.

My other name is Mom.

My favorite color is red.

My latest release (even after Winter Swans) is an anthology called Christmas Romance. It has been on the Bestsellers List since a week after its release on November 1. My short story, Christmas Wishes, was selected as one of four of the best short romances of the year for BTGN Publishing. I couldn't be happier.

13. Leave our readers with some last words and how to contact you?

I want to say thank you to my readers. Without your kind words and love of my books, I would not being doing what I am today. I love bringing joy to your lives thank you for allowing me the honor of doing so.

As for contacting me, I am very active on Facebook (did I mention I have a Candy Crush addiction?) and Twitter. Please feel free to contact me regarding questions, comments, or just to send me pictures of hot men!

Happy Reading-

Danica Winters

 

 

 

 

 

7 comments:

lady reader said...

WOW! Totally awesome review and interview. Thank you so much for posting. You rock. xx

A

Danica Winters said...

Thank you for having me on your blog and the compliment! I had a good time 'talking'! :)

Danica Winters said...

And thank you for the wonderful review! I'm so glad you enjoyed the book especially because you don't normally read paranormals!! I always like to say that I don't write dark paranormals, rather light paranormals where characters are put in real life situation and they are allowed to deal with the events with their supernatural abilities. I like to think that it makes the story so believable that it's hard to say that nymphs don't exist ;) Thank you again!

Unknown said...

Great review and interview! I have read the first two nymph books, but I haven't had a chance to read Winter Swans, yet. It's on my to-do list!

Unknown said...

I am so glad you that you are pleased with the review, but you earned it with a great book. Look forward to reading the other two books!

Casey Dawes said...

I've read all three of these books. I'm not a paranormal reader either, but I enjoyed these books, too. Full disclosure -- Danica is a fellow member of MT Romance Writers -- a group that truly rocks because she's one of us!

Brenna Chase said...

Lovely interview! Both my daughters are Leos as well. :) And great review! Best wishes for continued success!