Book Review: Tempest Reborn by Nicole Peeler

Tempest Reborn by Nicole Peeler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Jane has followed other people's ways to fight the Red and prevent the White from becoming... and it didn't work. Now it's her turn to do what she thinks should be done.

Jane has come a looooooong way in this series. She's grown and learned so much. She's become a stronger person for all she's witnessed and lived through. All her life experiences will surface and help drive her along in this book. She's learned to stand up and be the leader she's been told she is. She will be that leader now.

This book kept me reading and wanting to see what happens with the White. My heart was going out to Jane with this one. And then what she had to do based on the information they found. Oh Jane. This girl has to do some awful things to hopefully get to a life she can live. She makes some tough choices. It is partly perspective and I love how Jane sees things.

I really enjoyed her crew that's with her. Her friends return and help her in their way, whether human or magical. They are the best to be with her and support her in this time.

The ending of the book... It's totally worth it.

I don't want to give anything away as this is the last book in the series and you should experience all the amazing, sadness, and glory without spoilers. :)

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Book Review: Tempest's Fury by Nicole Peeler

Tempest's Fury by Nicole Peeler
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I always enjoy reading Jane's adventures. Hard to believe our little Jane has come to be a Champion! She's learning so many things as she goes along and she has amazing friends at her side to help her along the way.

This story brings me what I was hoping for for Jane since book 1. The person she's paired with. By this point, you know who she's seeing and loving. The smexy in this book is great. They tease each other so much and it's a building relationship.

There's more to the story than who Jane's with. They are here to save the world from the Red and White. Very interesting how this works out. Trying to see who's on which side is hard! Crazy twists happening through this book as you go.

I love the growth of Jane as we've gone through this book. She's seeing, as are we, how far she's come.

The end of the book.... DEFINITELY leaves you wanting the 6th book. And I'll be reading it (probably after the book I just picked up.) I need to see how it all ends and what happens to Jane.

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Book Review: Eye of the Tempest by Nicole Peeler

Eye of the Tempest by Nicole Peeler
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Oh to spend time with Jane once again. I do enjoy her humor. She's always got a quick come back for everything.

I'm glad Jane has started to come into her own. She's standing up for herself and learning more about her powers and using them. She needs to learn to have faith in herself, and a sleeping entity maybe the one to help her find that faith. With a little help from another who will guide her along the path.

I so so SO want her and Anyan to have that private time together. They've been working and working and deserve a few minutes... But, evil never waits for the good guys to have a little fun. The sexual tension is... tough, but it's so well done! I'm rooting for them the whole time!

I love the humor in the serious moments and so enjoy reading these books. I'm looking forward to finishing the series.

View all my reviews

Looking Forward To...(95)

There are so many amazing books already on the shelves and new ones coming out.

For a list of books yet to be released I'm looking to get, you can also look on my right Sidebar at the ever growing list titled Desired Reads - just scroll down. Of course there are tones of other new books to come out that are amazing as well, but these ones are part of series I have already started or for one reason or another caught my eye (and haven't seen much on other blogs yet). But I will highlight one here each week.

(mentioned in order of Release Date then Alphabetical if there are more than one book coming out on the same date.)

Next Book Is...

Tempest's Fury

Jane True #5

By:  Nicole Peeler

Due Out:  June 1, 2012

Oh do I love reading these books!  They are so much fun, with sexy blended in to the stories.  I'm currently a little behind in my readings.  But I will keep buying these to read.  Just so much fun!  Jane makes me laugh with her quick comments, and things that happen to her.

Goodreads Synopsis:
Jane's not happy. She's been packed off to England to fight in a war when she'd much rather be snogging Anyan. Unfortunately, Jane's enemies have been busy stirring up some major trouble -- the kind that attracts a lot of attention. In other words, they're not making it easy for Jane to get any alone time with the barghest, or to indulge in her penchant for stinky cheese.

Praying she can pull of a Joan of Arc without the whole martyrdom thing, Jane must lead Alfar and halflings alike in a desperate battle to combat an ancient evil. Catapulted into the role of Most Unlikely Hero Ever, Jane also has to fight her own insecurities as well as the doubts of those who don't think she can live up to her new role as Champion.

Along the way, Jane learns that some heroes are born. Some are made. And some are bribed with promises of food and sex.

Cover Release: Tempest's Fury

Yes, I'm late in getting this cover shared here.  But I did it to remind you of the book... okay, sounds like a lame but potential excuse.  That's my story and I'm stickin' to it!  lol.  Well, I've got it here for you know.

I love this series.  It's fun and makes me laugh.  I have the last two books here and haven't been able to get back to it with all the review books.  I need to get back to this series as I miss it!

I love these covers!  They are cute and so much going on in them.  Another magnificent addition to the series!

Tempest's Fury 

By:  Nicole Peeler

Book Review: Something Wikkid This Way Comes

Something Wikkid This Way Comes

By:  Nicole Peeler

Publisher:  Orbit Books, Orbit Short Fiction

Publish Date:  January 17, 2011

Format:  eBook

Genre:  Urban Fantasy

Series:  Set in Jane True world, but 1st of Triptych Company

Recommendation:  Yes.  Fun short read with mystery and magic!

Book Synopsis:
Capitola, Moo, and Shar are the halfling ladies of Triptych: a company that specializes in cleaning up supernatural messes.  Normally Cappie doesn't take human cases, but who can resist a priest, missing Catholic school girls, and a creature that may or may not be the Prince of Darkness?  A story set in Nicole Peelers Jane True Series.

First Sentence:
"A priest and a shape-shifter walk into an office" might be a good premise for a joke, but it's alarming when it happens in real life.

My Thoughts and Summary:
Capitola Jones, half shape-shifter, is partnered with Shar, half Succubus, and Moo, an Alfar, to create Triptych.  Triptych helps people, more over supernatural people, "find" things.  But an old friend of Capitola's family suggested her business could help the human priest, along with her father whom is of the highest regard in her opinion.  The case:  The Priest is a Principal at an all girls Catholic private school and every three months girls are leaving, performing strange sexual acts along with sacrifices then disappearing.  And no one can find the "man" behind it.

The three ladies find themselves undercover in the Catholic private all girls school. LOL! Oh yes, a half succubus in an all girls school. hee hee.

Oh this was a nice new setting!  I loved these three ladies.  This is the same world as in the Jane True series, but these are three new ladies to us.  And three I do hope to see again in the future.  So being the Jane True world, there is magic around and part of the case.  They made me chuckle and smile.  They are quite a team.  They may not see eye to eye on some things, but they love each other dearly, like sisters.  These ladies are completely different in personality yet blend so wonderfully.

This book is full of mystery.  I kept wondering who the guilty party was, or if we even had the right suspects.  Mixed with the mystery is Nicole's fun and snarkiness.  I have to say in the end I chuckled, as the joke was made, but it reminded me of an Adult Scooby-Doo episode, with out the dog of course and with three ladies, no men.

I don't want to say to much and give the story away, since it is a short story.  But it is fun.


I purchased this short story for my own enjoyment.

Short Story to Come!

Nicole Peeler, author of the Jane True series (which I have love and need to get back to reading) has a short story to come out in January 2012!  It's set in Jane True's world.

I saw this in an email from FictFact telling me of books to come.  Then I went and found it on Goodreads as well!  Yes!  It's on my list to get.

According to Goodreads this will be available January 17, 2012!

Goodreads Synopsis:
Capitola, Moo, and Shar are the halfling ladies of Triptych: a company that specializes in cleaning up supernatural messes. Normally Cappie doesn't take human cases, but who can resist a priest, missing Catholic school girls, and a creature that may or may not be the Prince of Darkness? A story set in Nicole Peeler's Jane True series.

Sounds interesting!  I'll be getting this one.  What about you?

Book Signing at SHU

Last week while on Twitter I saw a link from one of the staff at Seton Hill University for a Fiction Authors Sign Books at Wine Reception.  So, I checked out the list of authors and about it on their information page.  It sounded wonderful!  And some amazing authors where listed.  So, I tweeted to me friend Nicole Peeler as she was one of the authors mentioned in the alumni listing.  And found out she was going to be there too.  Thanks for Nicole as she talked me into going. (I couldn't find any tag along among my other friends.)  So I went!  And had a wonderful time!!

I showed up shortly after 7 and walked around looking at the books and meeting the authors.  :) Always fun for an addict like me. ;D  I was thrilled to be able to add to the list of authors I meet....

Maria V. Snyder.  And I purchased the first book in her new Young Adult series, which I've been wanting to get and was soooo Excited to see she had some for sale here,  Inside Out.  I've been hearing great things on this one and if sounds right up my alley!  Maria was so kind and wonderful. :) I did get my new book signed as well.

Then in my pacing around and drooling I found another book I have on my want list and was so surprised to see it and the author here.  Well, I was surprised to see all the authors here actually.  But sometimes my brain doesn't always function completely and I miss associating names and books.

Any way, I got to meet Lucy A. Snyder as well!  Too cool.  And I can't wait to read her book, which I bought the first of the series; Spellbent.  And yes I did get this book signed as well. :)

So then I strolled around fawning over all the amazing books here at the signing.

Then Nicole Peeler showed up and I hung out with her talking life in general.  Sorry, I don't have a picture of Nicole.  I didn't think about it to tell you the truth.  I was happy to sit and chat with a friend that I didn't even go into book blogger mode.  Sorry.  I know that is such a terrible thing, but she is a wonderful person to talk with.

I'm really hoping Seton Hill University does this again in the future and I'm able to hear about it as it was a wonderful event.  I got to chat with many students going to school here and authors too.  Wonderful fun for a few hours one night.

Cover Released

Nicole Peelers latest release Cover and Date!

So, I need to get working on Tempest's Legacy in the worst way.  But I have a month and a half to slip it in before the newest book is released... Eye of the Tempest!

Check it out!

August 1, 2011

Nicole Peeler Cheerleaders

Okay, are you a Nicole Peeler fan?  Or a fan of Nicole's series of Jane True? 

Well Jessica, The Spinecracker, is having a giveaway of Tempest Rising. 

BUT, even if you are NOT going to enter for the book, you have to still stop over and check out the Peeler Cheerleaders.  Yes, Jessica created a picture and pasted faces on it.  And I am one of the faces.  It is hilarious!  And I love it!  I would share it here, but I think it is all the best if you go to Jessica's Blog to check it out.  :)

So, CLICK HERE to go visit the wonderful picture she has created.  Enjoy!

Winner!

We have a winner for the Audiobook of Tempest Rising by Nicole Peeler!

I want to thank you all for stopping by to enjoy the interviews with Anyan and Ryu and commenting showing how much you all would like to have this audio book. :)

I do hope those of you who have not had the opportunity to read (or listen to) Nicole's books, that you do. :)

There was a total of 63 entries.

Now the winner... Drum roll please...

The winning number was 29, who was...

Mel from Mel's Random Reviews!

Congrats Mel!

I will be emailing you in a few minutes.

You will have 48 hours from 9:01 pm EST to return the email, or another winner will be picked.

Audiobook Giveaway! By Nicole Peeler...

****GIVEAWAY CLOSED****

Have you not started Nicole Peelers Jane True series?  Oooo what are you waiting for?  It is a great story in each book and so much fun!

Did you meet two of the characters from the books?  Anyan & Ryu.  If not jump over to read the interviews with them.  They are spoiler-free interviews to try to get to know the great characters, click their name here: Anyan,  Ryu.

Did you know the series is on CD now?  Yep, Nicole now has the book out for you to read or listen.  And the actress reading the part sounds perfect!

Do you want to start the book?  I am thrilled to say, Nicole Peeler is gracious enough to give a copy of the audiobook of Tempest Rising away, in MP3 CD formate or Regular CD form - you pick.

So, how do you enter?

Easy pleasey..

~~ Leave a comment here saying you want to win the audiobook!

Yep, just like that. :)

Now, some people like the extra chances to win.  So if you are one of those people we can do a few.

~~ Leave a comment on the interviews with Anyan or Ryu. 
       +1 for commenting on Anyan's
       +1 for commenting on Ryu's.
~~ +2 Be a follower here by way of Google Friend Connect (on the left side bar).
~~ +3 Tweet, Blog, or Link this post on your side bar or any other way.

***Please remember to leave links in the comments to receive the extra entries.
***Please remember to leave me a way to contact you if you win.

When does the giveaway end? 
   Well, with the celebration of Tempest's Legacy official release day of January 3rd, I'll accept entries through January 4, 2011 to 11:59 pm EST.  Then the winner will be announced shortly afterward.

And the Giveaway is INTERNATIONAL! :)

Good luck to you all!

Interview, with Anyan! From Jane True series

The treat we have today is a wonderful one, he just might have you salivating over his food abilities. Please, sit pretty and listen up for Anyan...

M:  Hello Anyan. How are you today?

A:  Um, fine? Although I really don't know why you want to talk with me...

M:  Oh Anyan, you may not realize it but you have quietly attracted attention.  And you are such a mystery!

M:  It seems you have been in Rockabill for a while. How long have you been here? It seems as being in Rockabill might be a little on the quite side from the Alfar and company. Is that so? Did you come here to get away from the hum drum of the business or maybe for safety, from your past?

A:  I just like the quiet. And Rockabill is quiet. Yeah, I've lived there a long time.

M:  Work seems very secretive for you. May I ask where you go when you scurry off for lengths of time?

A:  Depends. Sometimes I just go off to get creative. Sometimes I have art-world stuff to deal with. I sometimes visit friends. Sometimes . . . I check into things. Things that need checked into.

M:  Have you ever been to the Borderlands? Or have you been around long enough to have known the people that have taken up residence in the Borderlands?

A:  I've been lots of places, and I know lots of people. Not all of them I can talk about in public.

M:  *nodding head* Oh yes, I understand... best kept on the hush hush.

M:  One last work related question then we'll move on. There seems to be some, um... static between you and Ryu. Did Ryu work under you when you worked with the Alfar? Was there a disagreement between the two of you? In the field, or maybe a lady?

A:  Ryu's a good soldier. That's all I'll say.

M:  Okay, moving on now...

You have a few hidden talents someone may not realize you have. Cooking and artwork. These are a lovely combination. I'm sure the women are trying to snag you as it would be great to have a man to cook for us.

A:  Some women dig it, some don't. I haven't had anyone around for a while, so I can't really say.

M:  *pause* ooo. Anyan, we will have to fix that.  It's always nice to have someone around.

M:  Do you spend much time in the kitchen fiddling around?

A:  I do. I like that you take raw ingredients and then you make something new out of them. And I like feeding people.

M:  Sounds very creative!

M:  What is your favorite dish to eat? What makes it so tasty for you?

A:  Too many to name . . . I do love to eat.

M:  Food is an amazing invention, I have to say. *smiling*  I do love food that makes the taste buds want to burst.

M:  What is your favorite to make? What makes it special for you?

A:  I always really enjoy cooking breakfast. Especially for a lover. There's something very... I dunno, caring about it. Like I'm seeing them off on their day, helping make sure it's a good one. *blushes*

M:  Awww... Okay, enough about food.  I'm starting to get hungry.

M:  Can you share some about your artwork? The style? Is there anything or anyone who inspires your art? love or war...

A:  I've been experimenting for a very long time. There are things that have always interested me, as subjects, but other than that I try to challenge myself with new mediums, new ways of expressing myself.

M:  By chance do you have a scar on you buttocks? After that bite you received a while ago from our little friend Jane. I bet that hurt.

A:  *chuckles* That it did. She's a fierce one, that Jane. She's small, but she's feisty.

M:  So, Anyan, now that we are on the subject of Jane. What about Jane perks up the ears? You seem to have taken to Jane over the years as she has grown into a young woman.

A:  I dunno, really. She's just always so strong, in her own way. And the way she keeps picking herself back up... Also her smarts. Her little brain is always whirling away. I never know what she's going to say, or do... And she takes so much pleasure in things. I just love to watch her enjoy herself... Um. I think that's it.

M:  *smile* That's great Anyan.  You seem to know Jane very well.  She sounds like a great person.

M:  Well, I have a few quick questions for you and we will wrap it up and you can run off to that place you go.

Favorite Color? Blue

Picnic on the Beach or Formal Dinner in the city? Beach

Bath or Shower? Ummmm.... Shower? I guess?

Favorite Holiday? Don't have one.
Really?! Wow.

Rain or Shine? I like both.
I like both too.  Brings out different feelings... sorry. On we go.

Just one hobby? Cooking.

Coffee or Tea? Cardamom tea.

Favorite Book? Umm....There's a lot. Can't pick one.
Ooo, quite the reader, nice. *smile*

Two legs or all fours? I can do both.

Thank you Anyan.  It has been a pleasure talking with you. I do hope you stop by again some time in the future.

I'm going to have to try out that recipe you left me. Maybe you can come by to help me out, as I'm really not that great of a cook. *looking down* But the dish sounds amazing.

Interview, with Ryu! From Jane True series

We have an attraction for you today. He is the type to get your blood pumping. Please welcome today, Ryu the loving vampire with us today.

M:  Hello Ryu. How are you doing today?

R:  I am well, Melissa. And enchanted to meet you. *winks*

M:  Can you tell us a drop about you? Like where your from?

R:  Is that all you want? A drop? *winks again* I am from many places. Most recently from Boston.

M:  What do you like to sink your fangs into?

R:  Besides lovely ladies named Melissa? Oh, lots of things. I like to consider myself a Renaissance man.

M:  *gulp* *eyes wide* thinking: nah, not me...

M:  What brought you to working for the Alfar?

R:  They have their downside, obviously. But they're where the action is. And the money. Plus, I think I can make more of a difference working within the power structure than outside of it.

M:  *nodding head thoughtfully*  That does make very good sense, helping from the inside.
M:  It seems you have a very serious job there. How is work going lately? Are there many cases out there in the world of this stature? Seems like there are a few things to clear up with the elders and such, always a touchy issue there it seems.

R:  It is a serious job, and I take it seriously. But it's always an adventure, and you know I love an adventure, Melissa. *winks* As for the political aspect of my job, it's the biggest adventure of them all.

M: um...
M:  Your team seems like a wonderful and fun crew to have. Were they assigned to you or did you pick them? Seems like you all spend a great deal of time together. Do you?

R:  I handpicked my team. They're people I know, and trust. And yes, we spend a lot of time together. They're good people.

M:  It seems in this line of work you do get to see many different... beings? Would that be the proper term to use? Many of us may not even realize these beings are around. Have you always lived with all these people?

R:  Of course. I was raised entirely amongst my people. Obviously, my parents being purebred baobhan sith, we had to have a lot of contact with humans. But that contact was always . . . for specific reasons. Other than that, I spend all my time with others like me.

M:  Has there ever been that crazy case in which you just couldn't believe what you where seeing?

R:  I am very rarely shocked, at this stage of my life. Would you like to try?

M: *eyebrows go up* thinking: Ha, I'm not crazy!
M:  You seem to be very popular with the ladies. Do you mind if we get a little personal?

R:  *smirks* I would like nothing better...

M:  Do you ever have any troubles among the ladies, oh say with getting jealous or such?

R:  Let's just say there's an art to juggling. I can keep a lot of balls in the air.

M:  Do you think you will ever find the one, or keeper?

R:  *frowns* That's a hard question. There was someone...but it's complicated. *forces a smile* Why, would you like to try?

M:  mmm...
M:  Do you have a particular taste in women? Like personality, hair color, anything?

R:  I find confidence and sensuality more attractive than anything else. The rest falls into place.

M:  So, Ryu, you have been with Jane for a little while now. And it seems you really have a thing for her. What about Jane elongates the fangs?

R:  Well, I wouldn't say we're together. But she's a lovely woman. I think what I like most about her is she doesn't see her own potential... She could do great things, with the right guidance.

M:  What would you plan for a romantic date? Would you cook, go out?

R:  Cook? Really? I'd take you out. How about Friday? *winks*

M:  Just a few quick questions for you Ryu then you can get back to the office.

Favorite Color? Red

Picnic on the Beach or Formal Dinner in the city? Either, as long as the former is catered

Bath or Shower? Either, if it's with you *winks*

Favorite Holiday? Valentine's day, obviously

Rain or Shine? Moonshine
0ooh... moonshine, I like that answer. *smiling*

Just one hobby? I'm not sure you want me to specify, on your blog. *winks*
oh..oh, OH, yes. Thank you. *blushing*

Coffee or Tea? Coffee

Favorite Book? Machiavelli's The Prince


Two legs or all fours? Me on two, you on all fours. *winks*

Thank you Ryu. *fanning self* We really do appreciate you stopping by to chat with us today. I hope you get an opportunity to stop by again some time.

Oh Ryu, what time Friday are you stopping by to pick me up?

Calling all Nicole Peeler fans!

I have a nice surprise for all Nicole Peeler fans, or Jane True fans. 

Well, I guess I should say Ryu and Anyan fans. ;)

I've just gotten through a few fantastic interviews!  Yes sir ree.  I got the opportunity to interview Ryu and Anyan!  I was so excited to be in the same room with these two men, each separately of course.  They are both fantastic!

So, this post is to give you a heads up that the interviews are on the horizon.  All in time for Nicole's new release in January:  Tempest's Legacy.

What I'm going to do is post each interview on its own.  Then I think I saw in the emails about a giveaway... ;D You will have to keep checking back for the interviews and giveaway.  I am hoping to get these finished up and posted on or before Monday December 27th.

Tempest's Legacy...reading sample

Do you all know how cool Nicole Peeler is!?!  Well, in anticipation of Tempest's Legacy release in January she is doing some readings from the book.  Yep, SHE is reading!  Nicole is great at reading her books.  The infliction in her voice as she reads the parts is great.  You really get a feel for the mood in the moment.

Have you stopped by her blog to check them out yet?  No! Well, what are you waiting for?  Okay, I will give you the links to the two readings she has done so far..

First reading, CLICK HERE.
Second reading, CLICK HERE. The second one may be a little spoilerish. ;)

How can you pass up listening to a short reading?  Especially with covers like this!

Looking Forward To... (30)

There are so many amazing books already on the shelves and new ones coming out.

For a list of books yet to be released I'm looking to get, you can also look on my right Sidebar at the ever growing list titled Desired Reads - just scroll down.  Of course there are tones of other new books to come out that are amazing as well, but these ones are part of series I have already started or for one reason or another caught my eye (and haven't seen much on other blogs yet). But I will highlight one here each week.

(mentioned in order of Release Date then Alphabetical if there are more than one book coming out on the same date.)

The Next Book Is...

Tempest's Legacy

By:  Nicole Peeler

Due Out:  January 2011

A great Urban Fantasy series!  I've read the first two books and loved the humor in the fun stories Nicole tells of our little Jane True.  There is love, action, snark, and so much more to keep you coming back.  Just pure fun with the great story lines.  Have you read these books yet?  Well, you can check out my reviews of the first two books by clicking the title listed here:
     Tempest Rising
     Tracking the Tempest

Goodreads Synopsis:
Jane True has become proficient in basic magics, confident in herself and her abilities, and happily rooted in Rockabill. Her life is still divided between her supernatural brethren and her human friends and family, but it’s a division she maintains with very little trouble. 

Everything changes, however, when Anyan brings Jane news that will force her to confront her dichotomized existence – supernatural females are being murdered, or have simply disappeared. 

Jane and Anyan must embark on a desperate search to find out who is abducting these women, and how Jane can be protected from them. Aiding them is Jane’s former flame, Ryu. But can his stated motivations be trusted? And who are the mysterious figures dogging Jane’s and Anyan’s footsteps if not minions of Jarl? 

Eventually, the trio stumble upon a secret so huge that it threatens to disrupt the tenuous traditions keeping humanity safe from the supernatural community that has, up until now, been content to lurk in the shadows. 

Will they uncover the truth in time to save Jane’s friends? And just how far will Jarl go to protect his secrets?

Favorite Fictional Character (30)

Meme Sponsored and hosted by the creative mind of Ryan at Wordsmithonia.

I have to pick one character that really has made me laugh while reading her stories.  Jane True by Nicole Peeler.  Our first introduction was made in Tempest Rising, then again in Tracking the Tempest.

Jane is a selkie, or half selkie.  Her mother was found wandering through the city buck naked.  Her father fell in love with her afterward.  Then came Jane.  Jane is a strong swimmer and bears the burden of guilt for her boyfriend from high school (that's all I'll say on that).

Jane is one the home town stares, points, and gossips about due to her past.  But Jane having the strong will she does, pulls through stays in her home and doesn't want to leave it.  She cares for her ill father, making sure he is loved, feed, and takes his pills.  But even though Jane is a strong character to keep going and get through the tough stuff, she has a great sense of humor.  I think this is part in what has helped Jane stay 'sane' per say with all that has happened to her in her life... her mother up and leaving without a trace and with her boyfriend from high school.  I love the quick one liners she comes up with in any situation.  She puts reality into laughter and great jokes, snarky.    Jane has wonderful secondary characters in which her humor and snark play off of nicely.  They are wonderful characters for Jane and her strengths.

Even the crazy experiences she has are fun to read.  There where many times what happened to her or around her made me laugh just as much as her comments.  Then, Jane does get herself into some sticky situations... that end in a joke.

Do you want to learn more about Jane True?  Check out her series by Nicole Peeler.  Nicole's site is HERE.  Two books about Jane's adventures are out and the third will be out January 2011.

Interview & Giveaway: With Nicole Peeler

***Giveaway CLOSED***

But PLEASE read the interview.

Welcome everyone!  We are officially into July now. Wow! Half the year is over... Where did it go? 

Oh well, Today I have an interview for you with a great and fun author... Nicole Peeler.  Nicole's second book, Tracking the Tempest, official release date is today!  Although, it has been spotted in the wild before today.  Keep reading to learn a little more of Nicole and her books.

Hi Nicole!  I am so glad to have you by!

Me:  Well, in case there are any readers here who have not read Tempest Rising, would you like to share a few words on Jane, and what we may expect in Tracking the Tempest.  (*wishing with fingers, toes, arms, and legs crossed* Please, tell me we are going it hear more of Anyan.)

NP:  You are definitely getting a lot more Anyan, no worries! As for Jane, she’s not your typical UF heroine, especially in the first book. She’s part seal, and they’re not exactly known for clubbing back. But in Tracking, her powers are growing and she’s had some time to get used the idea of her new world . . . or so she thinks.

Me:  Well, I have heard some great news from you on twitter and at your blog… Orbit has picked up 3 more Jane True books.  That is amazing!  So that makes Jane True a series of 6 books now, right.  Do you have adventures already mapped out for our little Jane?

NP:  I’ve always had a six-book story arc mapped for Jane. I wanted a really classical “hero’s journey” quest, but for a young woman who wasn’t kick ass to start out with. So Jane’s got a lot more story coming up, and after that I’ve got some spin-offs simmering in the brain pan. ;-)

Me:  You have Tracking the Tempest released today, and Tempest’s Legacy due out January 2011.  Are the new books going to be published as quickly as these first three are?  I just want to note here that I would love to thank you for having Janes books published so quickly, as now I don’t have to worry about forgetting too much.

NP:  You know what, I totally can’t remember when they’re coming out. I know, that’s terrible, but I can’t. I don’t think they’re too far apart though . . . that said, I gotta write ‘em, first. ;-)

Me:  Will our little Jane ever bump into her mother?  Or at least learn a little more of her?

NP:  That is top secret, unfortunately. If I told you, I’d have to kill you. But I can say you’re going to find out some pretty drastic news in Book 3. 

Me:  Is there a small town that influenced the creation of Jane’s home town?  It sounds like a nice little town, if you’re on the right side of everyone’s thoughts.  I really enjoy all the sow related names are great.

NP:  Thanks! And the Old Sow is real. Once I discovered the whirlpool, Rockabill really fell into place for me. But I think small towns are the same the world over: They have huge benefits if, like you said, you’re on the inside. For outsiders, they can be a little hairy.

Me:  Just a little bit on you…

When did you start writing?  As you where growing up, did you always want to write?

NP:  I only really sat down to write fiction when I wrote Tempest Rising. But I’ve always loved writing, although I’d written very little creative stuff. That said, I did always have vague aspirations, although I’d gotten to the point, at the end of my PhD., when I really thought I’d never write fiction, ever. And then out came Jane, like magic! 

Me:  Jane’s first book, Tempest Rising was your first published book, correct?  Do you have any other half started books laying around you may pull out in the future or go back to?

NP:  Jane’s not just my first published book, she’s my first book, period. So nothing sitting on shelves. Except my graduate dissertation, which will never see the light of day. 

Me:  Are there any authors you felt inspired you, by reading their books or even in meeting them?

NP:  I’ve been really lucky in that I got the chance to live with Saul Bellow and his wife, Janis. Living with them I met really great writers, such as Philip Roth and Oliver Sacks. I learned from them that, even for the great literary authors, writing is ninety-five per cent work and five percent art. I think I first realized there’s no such thing as a muse, then, but I had to wait a few years to process what that really means, in terms of being a writer. Finally, I figured out that it means one needs three things to be a writer: 1) butt in chair, 2) a thick skin, and 3) never stop writing.

Me:  Any advice you may have for any aspiring authors?

NP:  I’d say to listen. I had to learn doing my all my academic work that criticism, while it can be painful, is necessary. One has to learn to take it on the chin and really learn to step back from one’s writing. If something isn’t working on the page, and someone points out that fact, it’s not a criticism about you as a person or your potential as a writer. It’s just a problem that, if it’s identified, can then be fixed. So learning to take critiques, however harsh, is the first step to real writing.

Me:  Who is on your bookshelves?  Maybe just a few of your favorites.

NP:  Iris Murdoch, Robertson Davies, Philip Roth, and Jean Rhys are some of my favorite writers. 

Me:  What are you currently reading now?

NP:  At the moment I’m reading Kevin Hearne’s new UF that’s coming out, so I can blurb it. Exciting!

Me:  What helps bring the muse to life for you, or does she never really go to sleep?

NP:  I don’t believe in a muse, really, as that implies that I’m not in control of my writing. I find that the more I’m thinking about Jane’s world the more creative I become. Immersing myself in Jane and her friends really makes me feel creative.

Me:  What was your favorite scene to write so far?

NP:  Hmmm . . . I think one of my favorite scenes to write is in Tracking the Tempest, which is a scene between Grizzie, her hairdresser, and Jane. I had an absolute ball writing the hairdresser.

Me:  What was the most difficult scene to write so far?

NP:  I’m always nervous writing fight scenes or action scenes. I feel confident with dialogue and stuff, but I’m always nervous writing action scenes. I’m more of a lover than a fighter, myself, and I’m always nervous that’s going to show through in my writing.

Me:  It seems you have done a fair amount of traveling, but just curious… If you could go any where in the world where would you go?

NP:  I love traveling, I really do. But right now I just want to go back to my own bed and curl up in a ball, to be honest. I think I’m overdoing it a bit, this summer. ;-) Travel is lovely, but so is going home.

Thank you for stopping by Nicole.  I would like to wish you the best of luck... in words and pages.

Now, time to keep an eye out for Tempest's Legacy - January 1, 2011!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

If you would like to read more on Tempest Rising, Nicoles First book of the series, here are a few links:
     A reading by Nicole Peeler of chapter one.
     Chapter 1 posted on Nicole's site for you to read.

Nicole has some vlog readings for Tracking the Tempest.  She was doing a count down three months before release date.  Nicole really has a lot of fun with these vlogs, I hope you enjoy them too.  Here are the links if you would like to get a sneak peek into the book coming out today:
     First Reading
     Second Reading
     Third Reading

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
If you would like to read my review of Tracking the Tempest, click here.
If you would like to read my review of Tempest Rising, click here.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Time for the Giveaway!!!

Nicole is gracious enough to give away a copy of her new release Tracking the Tempest!

Would you like a copy?  Just a few rules:

Here are the rules:

~~> I am sorry to mention this is a giveaway only for US and Canada.  Sorry!

~~> Must be a follower here at My World...in words and pages by Google Friend Connect.
(just click that little Follow button on the left.)

~~> I am going to pull the calculator out for this one.  I am going to give extra chances to win this book.

+1 For Commenting on this post
+1 For a meaningful Comment on my review of Tracking the Tempest, click here to go to it.

+2 Old Followers (before June 20, 2010)

+1 New Followers

+2 Tweet about the contest - 

GIVEAWAY: Tracking the Tempest book 2 of Jane True by NicolePeeler @mellhay blog: http://melissa-melsworld.blogspot.com/

(Can tweet several times, BUT only get extra entry one time.)

+2 for Visible Sidebar Link

+4 Blog post

+2 For following Nicole Peeler on Twitter at @NicolePeeler (please leave your @name to verify)

+2 For Following Nicole Peelers Blog - Click here. 

~~> Please leave links to be eligible for the extra chances, so I can verify (tweets, sidebar, blog posts, @twitter names, etc.). If I'm not able to verify the links of extra chances, they will be eliminated.

~~> Please leave an email address, so when the winner is pulled I will be able to contact you.  If you don't want to leave your email address in the comments, please email it to me with your screen name you commented under.

~~> The Contest will end:  July 10, 2010 at 11:59 pm EST.  Winner to be pulled July 11, 2010 using Random.org.

~~> Winner will have 48 hours to contact me back with an address to ship to.