Like a Kid in a candy shop!
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Saturday Snapshot
Saturday Snapshot is hosted by Alyce of At Home With Books. It’s easy to participate – just post a picture that was taken by you, a friend, or a familymember and add your link on Alyce’s site.
Interview With Shawna Hill
Shawna Hill
Interview with Shawna Hill
I just finished reading and reviewing Shawna Hill's books, and I loved them! I wanted to find out more about one of my new favorite authors and thought you might too!
For my interview, I gave Shawna Hill a list of 21 questions. She had the choice to answer whichever questions she would like. Here is what she had to say!
For my interview, I gave Shawna Hill a list of 21 questions. She had the choice to answer whichever questions she would like. Here is what she had to say!
Can you tell me more about yourself.
I am a single mother of 2 children, work full time, go to school full time…and write. I would love nothing more than to be a stay at home mom and write full time! I am also a gamer and play just about every night (Xbox 360). I am not very good at it, but I enjoy playing with my significant other…even when he tells me I suck at it.
I am a single mother of 2 children, work full time, go to school full time…and write. I would love nothing more than to be a stay at home mom and write full time! I am also a gamer and play just about every night (Xbox 360). I am not very good at it, but I enjoy playing with my significant other…even when he tells me I suck at it.
How did you get started writing?
I have been writing since about the age of eight. I can remember my very first story book that I made. I punched holes in some paper, wrote some silly story on it and bound it all 4 pages together like it was a real book. I showed it to my great grandmother, who’d introduced me to books and the library, where I soon became a permanent resident of, and she encouraged me to create more. So, I did. If I wasn’t writing, then I had a book stuck in my face whenever you saw me.
I have been writing since about the age of eight. I can remember my very first story book that I made. I punched holes in some paper, wrote some silly story on it and bound it all 4 pages together like it was a real book. I showed it to my great grandmother, who’d introduced me to books and the library, where I soon became a permanent resident of, and she encouraged me to create more. So, I did. If I wasn’t writing, then I had a book stuck in my face whenever you saw me.
What kind of books you like to write?
I write what I like to read, mostly. There isn’t any real specific type of book. I like books that take me away from my real world and allow me to live in the worlds that I create. I love books that have suspense, a lot of sexual tension, and provide escapism. I have been toying with the idea of writing a paranormal romance. I love PNR’s! I do have one that I have been working on called Dark Whispers, but it’s still in draft form right now. Speaking of romance, my books could be considered romance, but they don’t exactly fit that particular formula to be considered romance. The main reason being, my main characters are not monogamous throughout the book. In romance, that seems to be a BIG no no…but hey, its reality!
I write what I like to read, mostly. There isn’t any real specific type of book. I like books that take me away from my real world and allow me to live in the worlds that I create. I love books that have suspense, a lot of sexual tension, and provide escapism. I have been toying with the idea of writing a paranormal romance. I love PNR’s! I do have one that I have been working on called Dark Whispers, but it’s still in draft form right now. Speaking of romance, my books could be considered romance, but they don’t exactly fit that particular formula to be considered romance. The main reason being, my main characters are not monogamous throughout the book. In romance, that seems to be a BIG no no…but hey, its reality!
Do you have any rituals that you use when you are writing?
I don’t have any specific writing habits. I mostly write in spurts. I can only sit for about a half hour and write at any given time. Then I get up and walk around and think about which way I want to take the story. I don’t write from an outline. I just sit down and write and let the characters tell me what they want to do. I give them free rein to a certain extent, unless they veer off from where I want to go and I can’t work in what they are doing. At that point, I put their “meddling and wandering” off for maybe another plot to another story…perhaps their own.
What are you reading now?
I just finished reading Jeaniene Frosts’ Halfway to the Grave and also One Foot in the Grave from her Night Huntress series. I’m in just the beginning of the third one in the series titled At Grave’s End. Awesome books.
What are some of your favorite books and authors?
My all time favorite book is A Knight in Shining Armor by Jude Deveraux. I read it in my early teens and that is when I fell in love with PNR’s and romance. I’ve loaned it out many times and never got them back, so I just keep replacing it. I own a copy of it to this day. Now, that there are so many books out there and so much variety to choose from, especially from the self published authors, I don’t really have a favorite author or book anymore. I like to read them all if they can hold my interest.
My all time favorite book is A Knight in Shining Armor by Jude Deveraux. I read it in my early teens and that is when I fell in love with PNR’s and romance. I’ve loaned it out many times and never got them back, so I just keep replacing it. I own a copy of it to this day. Now, that there are so many books out there and so much variety to choose from, especially from the self published authors, I don’t really have a favorite author or book anymore. I like to read them all if they can hold my interest.
Has writing your own book changed the way that you read?
Yes, it actually has changed my taste. I need something to grab me from the beginning. If a book has too much narration or too much backstory at one time, without action or something to keep it moving, I lose interest fast. I like to just get to it, fast paced stories. That is what I look for in what I read. I even look at my own stories that way. If there is nothing going on, then it’s a waste of words. That is just my opinion and my own style of reading and writing.
Yes, it actually has changed my taste. I need something to grab me from the beginning. If a book has too much narration or too much backstory at one time, without action or something to keep it moving, I lose interest fast. I like to just get to it, fast paced stories. That is what I look for in what I read. I even look at my own stories that way. If there is nothing going on, then it’s a waste of words. That is just my opinion and my own style of reading and writing.
Are you able to read when you’re writing and if so what books inspire you when you’re working on a novel?
I can read other stories while I write, but I don’t really like to because some residual plots, storylines, or actions can creep into mine and I want my work to be original as can be. The only books that really inspire me while I write would be to read “how to” books…for example: how to create a plot that is captivating, or how to write memorable characters, etc. Those type of books push me to make mine better, and there is always room for improvement.
I can read other stories while I write, but I don’t really like to because some residual plots, storylines, or actions can creep into mine and I want my work to be original as can be. The only books that really inspire me while I write would be to read “how to” books…for example: how to create a plot that is captivating, or how to write memorable characters, etc. Those type of books push me to make mine better, and there is always room for improvement.
What is a typical day in your life like?
Early morning starts getting my two children together for school, then head off to work (ugh) to get my 8 hours in. I usually try to work out everyday to stay healthy and clear my mind, then head home with the kids, homework, surf the Internet (which I do at work as well LOL!), get on my Xbox with my other half, then call it a night. That is a typical day/night.
Did you know what you wanted the title of the book to be? How involved were in choosing the name of the book?
Choosing the title to me is very important. Choosing a title is just as time and thought consuming as writing the book. I come up with a title and then come up with a story that goes with it, not the other way around.
Choosing the title to me is very important. Choosing a title is just as time and thought consuming as writing the book. I come up with a title and then come up with a story that goes with it, not the other way around.
Who was your favorite character to write, and why did you like that character?
The person you love to hate, then maybe love again because of her dramatic ways, Naomi. I liked her because she did and said things that I wouldn’t do and didn’t care about the outcomes of her actions. I could put her in situations or create situations because of her and watch how people reacted to her.
What’s next?
The third installment of the “Naomi” series. I really had no intention of going any further than the first one, but people fell in love with the drama and her character, I was asked for the next one, and the next one, and the next. LOL! So as long as people enjoy her, I will continue her adventures. I am also developing a few of the secondary characters too because they have stories too…maybe just as interesting as Naomi,Savannah
The third installment of the “Naomi” series. I really had no intention of going any further than the first one, but people fell in love with the drama and her character, I was asked for the next one, and the next one, and the next. LOL! So as long as people enjoy her, I will continue her adventures. I am also developing a few of the secondary characters too because they have stories too…maybe just as interesting as Naomi,
What three artists would I find in your Ipod or CD player?
Sade, Marsha Ambrosius, and Mary J. Blige right now.. and my fav… old school hits like Keith Sweat, Cameo, Atlantic Starr, Slave, Toni, Tony, Tone, etc. I like to mix it up. I also like Neo Soul too.
Sade, Marsha Ambrosius, and Mary J. Blige right now.. and my fav… old school hits like Keith Sweat, Cameo, Atlantic Starr, Slave, Toni, Tony, Tone, etc. I like to mix it up. I also like Neo Soul too.
If I came to your home and looked in your refrigerator what would I find?
A fridge full of health foods. No junk in this household. We all try to eat healthy.
A fridge full of health foods. No junk in this household. We all try to eat healthy.
What famous person do other people tell you that you most look like?
I have been told that I look like Michelle Obama but I seriously don’t see it.
I have been told that I look like Michelle Obama but I seriously don’t see it.
Choose a book title for the story of your life.
Full Circle and Still Here … because I have been through a lot in my life that would drive a normal person to the edge, and over it….but I’m still here by the grace of God, and still kicking, finally happy, able to embrace who I am, faithful in my abilities and strengths, have a strong partner that supports me no matter what, beautiful kids… and thrilled that I have been given a talent that I can share and others enjoy.
Full Circle and Still Here … because I have been through a lot in my life that would drive a normal person to the edge, and over it….but I’m still here by the grace of God, and still kicking, finally happy, able to embrace who I am, faithful in my abilities and strengths, have a strong partner that supports me no matter what, beautiful kids… and thrilled that I have been given a talent that I can share and others enjoy.
Thank you so much Shawna Hill for taking the time to answer my interview questions! I am also a mother of 2, and I know it's tough trying to juggle that and work! When I saw what age you started writing, it makes me think of my 9 year old! She loves to write and is very good at it. She also loves to read a lot. You just never know where your hobbies can lead! Oh, and I love paranormal romance books. I want to know when you are finished writing Dark Whispers Shawna because I want to read that one! You know what, I thought you looked familiar. Yes...I really do see that you look like Michelle Obama! As far as characters, Naomi truly is one character that I won't soon forget! I am looking forward to see what she is going to do next!
Want to know more about her books?
My Review of Intimate Illusions
My Review of In Between Lies
© 2011, Cheryl of Black Diamond's Book Reviews. All Rights Reserved. If you reading this on a site other than, Black Diamond's Book Reviews, Urban Image Magazine, or Cheryl's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.
Friday, April 29, 2011
Book Review - Intimate Illusions by Shawna Hill
Book Details
Title: Intimate Illusions
Publisher: Self-Published
Release Date: March 14, 2010
Source: Sent to me by the author for review
About the Book
Naomi is back!
What a woman will do in the name of love...or revenge!
After a bitter, destructive, and explosive parting with her former ex-lover, Kevin Styles, Naomi Saunders has no choice but to move on with her life. Kevin, equally happy and finally free of Naomi, is ready to move on as well. But before he does, he passes Naomi's taped confession to his confidant, Attorney Winston Lane, with instructions to hold it just in case she shows up to wrech havoc in his life again.
Naomi, torn with feelings of revenge and twisted love, decides to stay on the outskirts of Chicago...close to Kevin and the woman that came between them. In order for her to stay, she must take on a new persona and lifestyle that will enable her to sustain her lavish lifestyle she'd grown accustomed to living. Not wanting to go back to the struggling life she once endured before her short lived acting career, she makes a lifestyle changing move that hones her acting skills to perfection, proving she is the ultimate diva...or is she?
What a woman will do in the name of love...or revenge!
After a bitter, destructive, and explosive parting with her former ex-lover, Kevin Styles, Naomi Saunders has no choice but to move on with her life. Kevin, equally happy and finally free of Naomi, is ready to move on as well. But before he does, he passes Naomi's taped confession to his confidant, Attorney Winston Lane, with instructions to hold it just in case she shows up to wrech havoc in his life again.
Naomi, torn with feelings of revenge and twisted love, decides to stay on the outskirts of Chicago...close to Kevin and the woman that came between them. In order for her to stay, she must take on a new persona and lifestyle that will enable her to sustain her lavish lifestyle she'd grown accustomed to living. Not wanting to go back to the struggling life she once endured before her short lived acting career, she makes a lifestyle changing move that hones her acting skills to perfection, proving she is the ultimate diva...or is she?
Book Trailer
My Review:
WOW! Another amazing book by author Shawna Hill! This is the sequel to In Between Lies (which I loved!) Luckily she provided this review copy to me as well, so I was able to read this one right away! I love the cover too! When you see that, you know there are going to be some scenes in this book that make your body heat up! A man with a body like that undoing his pants....oh yeah!
So in this book, Naomi thought she would just play it safe for a while and stay out of Kevin's way. She wasn't sure if he thought she was dead or in jail. Plus, he had a taped confession from her, so she thought it best just to get on with her life without him...for now anyway. Kevin gave the confession tape to his lawyer Winston Lane, but Kevin isn't the only one that has ties to attorney Lane! I could not believe what happened at the Masquerade Affair! Who is that woman all dressed in black and what is up her sleeve? What about Savannah and Kevin. Read this sequel to find out!
This series is sure to be a winner with the readers who like romantic books with sex, drama, and suspense! Shawna Hill is definitely an author to follow! Ms. Hill has created an unforgettable character in Naomi. I could not stop reading this book once I started! I never knew what was going to happen next! I highly recommend this book!
Also I found out that there is a third book coming out in this series, so I will definitely be reading that one!
So in this book, Naomi thought she would just play it safe for a while and stay out of Kevin's way. She wasn't sure if he thought she was dead or in jail. Plus, he had a taped confession from her, so she thought it best just to get on with her life without him...for now anyway. Kevin gave the confession tape to his lawyer Winston Lane, but Kevin isn't the only one that has ties to attorney Lane! I could not believe what happened at the Masquerade Affair! Who is that woman all dressed in black and what is up her sleeve? What about Savannah and Kevin. Read this sequel to find out!
This series is sure to be a winner with the readers who like romantic books with sex, drama, and suspense! Shawna Hill is definitely an author to follow! Ms. Hill has created an unforgettable character in Naomi. I could not stop reading this book once I started! I never knew what was going to happen next! I highly recommend this book!
Also I found out that there is a third book coming out in this series, so I will definitely be reading that one!
My Rating: 5/5 diamonds
Couldn't Put It Down - Highly Recommend!
I will also be interviewing Shawna Hill, so check back for that!
Check out Shawna Hill's Website: shawnarhill.com
Disclaimer: I was not compensated for my review. My thoughts on this book were in no way influenced by the author or publicist. They are my personal reflections based solely on MY experience while reading this novel.
© 2011, Cheryl of Black Diamond's Book Reviews. All Rights Reserved. If you reading this on a site other than, Black Diamond's Book Reviews, Urban Image Magazine, or Cheryl's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Week With An Author Series
Week With An Author Series
I eventually plan on doing some kind of "Week With An Author Series". I will do the book review, advertise the book for 30 days with a link to the author's website on my blog, author interview, guest post and whatever the author would like posted on each day of that week. I will share the daily post on my Facebook page and Twitter. The whole week (Monday through Friday) will be dedicated to that author on my blog.
I am working right now on the details and will be showing an example very soon on my blog.
Contact me at blackdiamondsbookreviews@gmail.com if you would be interested.
Book Review - In Between Lies by Shawna Hill
Book Details
Title: In Between Lies
Publisher: Self-Published
Release Date: June 24, 2009
Source: Sent to me by the author for review
About the Book (from Amazon):
After a devestating break up with her cheating fiance, Savannah Summers delves into her work as the Assistant to the VP of Production in a marketing/production company. Finding refuge in work and her best friends, Savannah finally decides to try her hand at love one more time. Wanting more than ever to close the wounds of lost love and against her better judgment, she falls for Kevin Styles. This time around she vows to not give her whole self as before and keep her heart closer and guarded more than ever before.
Kevin Styles, a smooth, handsome Meteorologist at a local news station is somewhat a local celebrity in his own right. When it comes to women and playing the field, he holds all the cards. Being suave, having the right timing and patience is his forte and he is just the man to wine and dine her. However, a known player to his heart and in his not so distant past, he's looking for the right woman to tame his wild player ways.
Just when things are going perfect, Naomi Sanders, a blast from Kevin's past hits the scene. Naomi, now a revamped diva and budding actress, creates an entry into Kevin’s life and bed, reigniting a first unwanted and secret rendezvous that threatens his budding relationship with Savannah. For a short while, Kevin delights in having his cake and eating it too until Naomi decides that she wants more. Spurned, Naomi stops at nothing to stake her claim on what was once hers, bringing lies, destruction, and deceit, even if it means death. Naomi is bent on a sweet revenge targeted at anyone that lies within her path. Shattered trust and betrayal is inevitable. Can Kevin and Savannahs’ relationship withstand Naomi's tactics?
Book Trailer
My Review:
Shawna Hill asked me if I would review her books, and I am so glad she did! Have you ever read her books before? If you haven't, you really should! If she hadn't contacted me, I would have really missed out on reading her awesome work!
Savannah and Kevin seemed so right for each other. There was just a feeling that Savannah had though that kept coming up. She just felt like something wasn't quite right. She wasn't the only one that saw it either, but she wanted to make things work. Yeah...about Kevin....he had someone from his past try to get back with him--Naomi. He just couldn't decide between Savannah (the good girl) or Naomi (the freak). He wanted both of them, but finally he made his decision. The woman he let go wasn't going to let go so easy though.
Kevin made me so mad sometimes. I just wanted to tell him to stop with all of the women. Just settle down with one and be happy. When you are reading a book like this you just want to tell the characters, come on, don't you see what is going on. Naomi...I don't even want to talk about her. You have to read the book to see for yourself who she is!
I highly recommend this book! I was just so impressed by this first book from Shawna Hill! I can definitely say that it was a page turner and kept my interest thoughout the whole book. You will not be bored at all when you read this! At the end though I was like what, that's the end! It definitely left me on the edge of my seat and ready to get started on the next book Intimate Illusions, which I will be reviewing tomorrow!
My Rating: 5/5 diamonds
Loved it and recommend!
I will also be interviewing Shawna Hill, so check back for that!
You can get the book here:
Amazon In Between Lies
Barnes & Noble In Between Lies
Smashwords: In Between Lies
You can get the book here:
Amazon In Between Lies
Barnes & Noble In Between Lies
Smashwords: In Between Lies
Disclaimer: I was not compensated for my review. My thoughts on this book were in no way influenced by the author or publicist. They are my personal reflections based solely on MY experience while reading this novel.
© 2011, Cheryl of Black Diamond's Book Reviews. All Rights Reserved. If you reading this on a site other than, Black Diamond's Book Reviews, Urban Image Magazine, or Cheryl's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
A Novel Life.... Shawna Hill's Blog: Free Reads/Giveaway
A Novel Life.... Shawna Hill's Blog: Free Reads/Giveaway: "Hi All, You all have a chance to win a free ebook of your choice, (currently, you only have 2 choices, LOL!!) in your preferred format ..."
21 Question Interview with Hannah Spivey, Author of Ebony The Beloved
Author Hannah Spivey!
I met author Hannah Spivey on Facebook, and I am excited to present her interview to you here today. Her novel is called Ebony The Beloved, and it is still in pre-release status with a ship date of April 30! I am looking forward to getting the copy that I pre-ordered!
21 Questions
I gave Hannah Spivey a list of 21 questions and let her pick and choose which questions you would she would like to answer. She answered all 21 questions!
Can you tell me more about yourself.
I’m urban lit authoress, with an Associate’s Degree in Business Administration. I love to surf the net, run wild with my creative writing imagination, and help other authors success.
How did you get started writing?
I used to write on and off for a couple of years. I officially started writing on October of 2009. That’s when I penned my first novel, “Ebony the Beloved.”
What kind of books you like to write?
I enjoy writing Urban Fiction.
Do you have any rituals that you use when you are writing?
Hmm..none I can think of.
What are you reading now?
I’m working on my second novel, “The Chosen One.” And I’m working on my fourth e-book called, “Perspectives”.
What are some of your favorite books and authors?
My favorite books- All of Mary Monroe’s books, Tracy Brown’s books (Criminal Minded, Black, White Lines, and Snapped) and all of Kimberla Lawson Roby’s books. And few of Carl Weber’s books. All of the aforementioned novelists are my favorite.
Has writing your own book changed the way that you read?
Yes, because I know what to expect content-wise and description-wise.
Are you able to read when you’re writing and if so what books inspire you when you’re working on a novel?
I am able to read someone else’s novels because not only is it for pleasure but it can be for tutorial purposes. Reading
What was the most interesting thing that you found out while researching this book but decided not to include?
There isn’t anything I regret about adding in the book because I like to entertain and challenge the reader at the same time.
What is a typical day in your life like?
Surfing the net at the library, tweeting my fingers off, conducting interviews, and networking.
Did you know what you wanted the title of the book to be? How involved were in choosing the name of the book?
I was solely involved with the title of the novel. The original title was, “She Shall Weep No More” but I didn’t find it as catchy as the current one, “Ebony the Beloved”
Are there other books you love or writers you admire that are from your local area?
I personally don’t know of any local authors.
Who was your favorite character to write, and why did you like that character?
My favorite character was Milton
Did you have to do much research when working on your books, and do you tend to write first or research first?
I normally write and do research at the same time. Whenever I’m itching to write something, I put it on paper. Then, I look it up to make sure the information in my writer shares the same validity.
As a published author, what’s been the biggest surprise about life after the publication of your first book?
There aren’t any surprises yet. But I’m sure whatever the turn out it is, it’s going to be an EPIC one! J
What’s next?
I’d like to become a national best selling author who goes on book signings, network, and help struggling authors along the way.
What three artists would I find in your Ipod?
I don’t own an Ipod.
Sad right? Lol But my favorite artists are, Bobby Womack, Lloyd, and Jackie Wilson.
If I came to your home and looked in your refrigerator what would I find?
I live at home with my parents and sister. Therefore, you’ll find chicken, ground beef, bottles of water, and miscellaneous junk food.
What famous person do other people tell you that you most look like?
None lol
What is the one thing about yourself that others would be shocked to know?
Hmmm…I’d like to learn how to play a harmonica. I’m infatuated with them.
Choose a book title for the story of your life. “Hannah the networkaholic”
Here’s the link to my latest novel, www.hannahspivey.com
and the excerpt http://hannahspivey.com/?p=3
My twitter: Bossladywriter
My email address: Hdspivey@hotmail.com
Thank you so much Hannah Spivey for the interview!
About the Book:
Ebony is a black girl who has been condemned and rejected by her parents and peers. Like many others, she struggles with the adversaries of being impoverished and accepted for who is she is; moreover, she’s having difficulties with accepting herself. That is until she finds love and acceptance from one of the faculty members at her school.From that point on, things began to brighten up for her until she meets one of the most influential public figures who has sadistic and sexually devious desires. Will she be able to break the cycle of abuse, self hatred, and despair? This riveting novel has twists and turns that’ll have your jaw dropping.
Upcoming Events Featuring Hannah Spivey:
Interview on Blog Talk Radio by Ali Haqq- Deep in da Game / Hannah Savannah - Ebony the Beloved on Monday, May 2 from 6-7:30 p.m. at www.blogtalkradio.com/tonynkieshow 646-381-4964.
© 2011, Cheryl of Black Diamond's Book Reviews. All Rights Reserved. If you reading this on a site other than, Black Diamond's Book Reviews, Urban Image Magazine, or Cheryl's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.
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