Genuine Jenn

Shadow of the Last Men (Book #1 The Next Man Saga) by J.M. Salyards

Friday, September 12, 2014 Anonymous No comments

Book Synopsis:

In the frozen wastes of the distant future, a killer known as Harrow prepares for his final battle. Technocratic elites have poisoned his world, enslaved his neighbors, and left his entire people destitute and depraved. Now this lone guided missile of a man is willing to shed the last tatters of his humanity to exact his vengeance.

In this first volume of the Next Man Saga, J.M. Salyards presents a novel that sweeps from the apocalyptic Outlands to the palatial luxury of the corridors of power, and finds Harrow about to begin a war of annihilation. Before he can, he discovers allies who might bring him back from the brink. A psycho-spiritualist teenage boy and a disgraced princess of the elites may give Harrow a final tether to life, and as wills and fists collide, the unwilling hero must choose between a future beyond his victory, or death as his only chance for peace.

Purchase a copy on Amazon

About the Author:

J.M. Salyards (born 1982) lives in Maryland with his wife and daughter and dreams of becoming a man of a million words. His breakout trilogy The Next Man Saga begins with Volume 1: Shadow of the Last Men.

Connect: Website | Goodreads | Facebook |

Review:

While I don’t usually go to Sci-Fic books I quite enjoyed reading Shadow of the Last Man. I have seen people compare it to the hunger games, but I think it’s much more than that. The Outlanders and The Last Men seem to be from two different worlds. One filled with spirits and one with weird technology. While the scene and character development of the Outlanders was really easy to follow and picture and made me appreciate their lives and their journey, the scenes of The Order/Last Men was a little harder for me to understand the computers and technology of what exactly they are doing. I think this added to my experience of the book though and made me enjoy it even more. I often would ask myself out loud, “what the heck are they doing now!” I am not sure if it was done intentionally but I quickly came to the conclusion what made the Order superior to the Outlanders was what was making them inferior to defending themselves against them. Sometimes the good ol’ fashion way works best.

I enjoyed most reading about Harrow and Quintain, and enjoyed that in the beginning they were clearly separate from the stories of The Order/The Last Men. It was a smooth transition once the characters were brought together. I quickly grew to love the Outlanders and cheer for them, as quick as I grew to love the Outlander characters and lives I just as quickly grew to hate the corruptness and the Last Men characters.

It took me a while to realize what was happening between Harrow and Alouine but it was because I was more wrapped up in the fight for survival, and it was not easy to trust her character knowing where she came from.

J.M. Salyards, is a talented writer and did an amazing job developing the characters and the scenery, I could close my eyes and feel like I was right there in the moment watching from the side lines.

While Sci-Fic is not something I would usually pick off a shelf on my own, I am really glad I read this novel and would recommend it to anyone wishing to evolve their reading comfort zone. I am excited to read the sequel!

I give this book a 4 out of 5 stars!

~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

New Kellogg's Products this Fall! ~ Giveaway!

Thursday, September 11, 2014 Anonymous 42 comments

My family loves that my blog is part of the Kellogger's Network as they love to try all the new and exciting products that Kellogg's come out with. I am also excited that I get to share these great products with one lucky Genuine Jenn reader! Read on to see what is new and then enter to win a similar prize pack!

Let's start out with some oldies but favorites of ours! I have to admit Special K is one of my favorite cereals and I love the granola ones with some yogurt. Kellogg's has improved their Original Special K with now bigger, crunchier flakes! They have also made a new low fat granola with Vitamin K. Super awesome if you are like me and working towards a healthier you! I am always on a look out for favorite foods that I can eat but not feel bad about because they are low fat and include vitamins and nutrients that our body needs daily.

My kids absolutely love the Krave Chocolate flavored cereal especially my daughter who has a super sweet tooth. Now Krave Chocolate come in a family size box! I love this as a dry snack for the whole family.

Lets now get onto the new lines! Check out Rice Krispies Multi-Grain Shapes Cereal. The kids had to jump right into this box when it arrived. It is a delicious twist on the original Rice Krispies with fun shapes. I love that they contain no artificial flavors or colours, they are fortified with Vitamin D and are made with whole grains. They are also an excellent source of iron!

Pringles Tortillas! I have to say these are likely my favorite snack at the moment. The serving size is 14 or 15 chips (depending on flavor) and are 140 calories a serving. I find that they hit the spot, packed with flavor and crunch. I love the cheddar ones the best but the ranch are also great. If you are not a flavor kinda person they also have the original tortillas kind.

Giveaway time! Our friends at Kellogg's Canada would like to offer up this great prize pack to one of our readers. This giveaway is open to Canadian residents and will be a quick giveaway as it will close on September 18th at 11:59pm EST. Watch your emails over the weekend as a reply will be needed asap! Good Luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. I received the above products as part of the Kelloggers Network. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

A Girl is a Half-Formed Thing by Eimear McBride ~ Book Release

Tuesday, September 09, 2014 Anonymous No comments

Book Synopsis:

Eimear McBride’s debut tells, with astonishing insight and in riveting detail, the story of a young woman’s relationship with her brother, the long shadow cast by his childhood brain tumour, and her harrowing sexual awakening.

Not so much a stream-of-consciousness, as an unconscious railing against a life that makes little sense, and a shocking and intimate insight into the thoughts, feelings and chaotic sexuality of a vulnerable and isolated protagonist, A Girl Is a Half-formed Thing plunges inside its narrator’s head, exposing her world firsthand. This isn’t always comfortable—but it is always a revelation.

Touching on everything from family violence to religion to addiction, and the personal struggle to remain intact in times of intense trauma, McBride writes with singular intensity, acute sensitivity, and mordant wit. A Girl Is a Half-formed Thing is moving, funny, and alarming. It is a book you will never forget.

Released today! Pick up your copy through Simon & Schuster Canada.

About the Author:

Eimear McBride was born in Liverpool in 1976 to Irish parents. The family moved back to Ireland when she was three. She spent her childhood in Sligo and Mayo. Then, at the age of 17, she moved to London. Connect on Goodreads

Eimear McBride grew up in Tubbercurry, Co. Sligo and Castlebar, Co. Mayo, before moving to London age seventeen to study at The Drama Centre. A Girl Is a Half-formed Thing is her first novel. - See more at: http://authors.simonandschuster.ca/Eimear-McBride/467523991#sthash.4eG5wjSb.dpuf

~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

Wounded by Shannon Mayer ~ Book Blast ~ Giveaway ~ Excerpt

Tuesday, September 09, 2014 Anonymous No comments

"My name is Rylee and I am a Tracker." When children go missing, and the Humans have no leads, I'm the one they call. I am their last hope in bringing home the lost ones. I salvage what they cannot. The clock is ticking and I can feel the weight of the final battle with the demon hordes looming over my head. The puzzle pieces are becoming clearer, but the casualty list is growing. And with each name that is added to those we've lost, my confidence cracks a little more. Yet there is hope. A child saved. A life lost. A prophecy fulfilled.

Buy on

Amazon | B&N | Kobo | iTunes | Smashwords

All of the books in The Rylee Adamson Novels series will be on sale from September 9-15th at $0.99 down from $3.99 regular price.

For the first time EVER Shannon's books will be on multiple platforms!!

About the author:

Shannon Mayer lives in the southwestern tip of Canada with her husband, dog, cats, horse, and cows. When not writing she spends her time staring at immense amounts of rain, herding old people (similar to herding cats) and attempting to stay out of trouble. Especially that last is difficult for her. She is the author of the The Rylee Adamson Novels, The Nevermore Trilogy, A Celtic Legacy series and several contemporary romances. Please visit her website at http://www.shannonmayer.com for more information on her novels.

Follow Shannon on:

Facebook | Twitter | Blog | Amazon Author Page

EXCERPT FROM WOUNDED:

“You don’t think that all of the disasters that humanity has faced were all natural, do you? The bubonic plague is a good example. It was blamed on a number of things. Rats, the Jewish people, punishment from God. It all led to a cleansing of anything unusual. Mostly supernaturals, who were trying to blend in, and in that process the humans wiped out many of their best defenders against the demon population, which then went on to spread the plague across the world. But that is just one example.”

“What was the point though, wouldn’t the demons have wanted people to be alive so they could possess them?” Liam asked.

Erik gave a ruthful smile. “Yes and no. The bubonic plague wasn’t so much about killing people off, as it was infecting them. Making them weak and easier to possess. The plague compromised their immune systems, allowing them to be taken over. Especially the young.”

Something about what Erik said sent a twang through my brain. I struggled to put the pieces together that floated just out of reach. Damn it. Liam touched my arm. “What?”

I closed my eyes and pressed my palms into them, blocking out any light. “Just let me think for a minute.”

The feel of the night air and the sound of the fountain filled my ears as I looked at the pieces one by one.

Demons escaped in London who bred fast.

Minor supernaturals were being possessed by lesser demons and evil spirits.

Packs of Orion’s demons were free to cause chaos.

The only thing we were missing was a plague and then Orion would have access to all the young people he wanted. The urge to vomit swelled up through my stomach and burned the back of my throat.

“Children are normally hard to possess, aren’t they?” That was why it had taken a full pentagram when the black coven was trying to have India possessed so many months ago. At least, that was what I understood.

Bert bobbed his head. “Yes, it can be very difficult to possess a child. There is a natural protection over the young when it comes to demons, something the elementals put into play.” He grimaced as he said ‘elemental’ and again I wondered at these particular supernaturals that I’d only just been hearing about. “But when the small humans are ill, that protection goes into keeping them alive, rather than keeping them from being possessed.”

Feeling like a bully, but not really caring, I leaned in to Bert. “How did the bubonic plague really start?”

An interesting thing happened. Bert paled and shook his head. “I can’t tell you.”

My eyebrows shot up and I glanced at Erik. “You want to make him talk, or do you want me to make him talk?”

Erik shrugged. “Either way is fine. I haven’t interrogated a demon in years. I’ve missed it.”

Bert paled even more and his lower lip trembled. “I can’t tell you. I can’t. Tracker, Slayer both of you have to trust me. Please.”

“Begging will get you nowhere, little demon.” Erik growled. He had a short, serrated knife in his hand that he’d pulled from somewhere within his robes. It was curved, like a skinning knife, and if it hadn’t been for the rough edges that’s what I would have called it.

“Track demons and evil spirits.” Bert blurted out as he fell to his knees. “Proof I am on your side. Track them; you’ll see it isn’t me fooling you.”

Erik paused and looked over at me. “Up to you. Personally, I’d just as soon dice him up.”

“Fuck, why not, Tracking will take me two seconds.” I grumbled.

I send out a thread to Track demons as a whole, paired with a thread for evil spirits, just to satisfy—
Holy. Fucking. Hell.

I swayed on my feet and went to one knee, the overwhelming wash of pings I got back seriously making me re-think getting out of bed the day before.

We were surrounded by Orion’s minions.

Hundreds of them.

The author is giving away $25 Amazon Gift Card (x3)
a Rafflecopter giveaway

~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

Do you eat enough fish?

Monday, September 08, 2014 Anonymous No comments

Jamie Oliver says Pollocks to Canadians who say they’re eating enough fish!

Here are some interesting stats for you: "A recent study conducted by The Canadian Aquacultural Industry Alliance reports that, on average, Canadians consume just 101g of fish or seafood a week. This is almost a full serving short of the Canada Food Guide recommended two 75g portions of fish or seafood a week."

Jamie Oliver is challenging Canadians to eat more fish with the release of his new frozen fish range in Sobeys stores across Canada. Made with Marine Stewardship Council (MSC)-certified Pollock, Jamie’s range includes Crispy Pollock Fishcakes; Brilliant Fish Fillet Fingers and Crispy Pollock & Sweetcorn Fishcakes. Alaska Pollock often swims under the radar but it is a mild, white-fleshed fish that is high in protein, low in fat and contains heart healthy omega-3 fatty acids.

I know our family doesn't eat enough fish. It isn't because we don't like it, actually our whole family loves fish. Our family is working towards more fish in our diet and we were really excited to try out these fish products. Over all we loved all three of them. I especially love the Crispy Pollock & Sweetcorn fishcakes and so did my daughter. Hubby and son found themselves loving the other fishcakes.

Over the last few weeks I have been really cracking down on my calories we decided to not do the classic fish & chips even though I know they would go great together. We did the cakes on the side with a nice big mixed green salad and some fancy rice.

The fish sticks we made into fisher burgers/wraps with salad and onion rings/fries.

After trying Jamie's new line we look forward to adding it to our menu on a regular basis, as it is tasty and easy to cook. It goes well with pretty much anything and is really filling.

~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. I received product to review. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

Mani Monday ~ Navy Flowers

Monday, September 08, 2014 Anonymous No comments

This weeks Mani Monday is a retired wrap but also a Hostess Exclusive for March. I just love it! If you are interested in earning some fun Hostess exclusives and so much more, I do host online parties! Fill in the form on my site and I will be in touch!

Pop on over to The Knit Wit by Shair to see what is new on her Mani Monday!

~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

Author Spotlight Saturday ~ Meet R.M. Ridley

Saturday, September 06, 2014 Anonymous No comments

Please Welcome R.M. Ridley to Genuine Jenn for this weeks Author Spotlight! A Canadian Author R.M Ridley has recently published Tomorrow Wendell that Cheryl featured a review.

Tell us a little bit about your book(s) and yourself.

I’ll be forty-two this October, and have been lucky enough to have spent more than half of those years married to one wonderful woman. I lived the majority of my life in mid-sized cities and then found myself living in farm county in Southwestern Ontario Canada. Now I’m a country boy through and through.

I’m bipolar, on disability because of it. I have tried to be open about my mental health issues because I believe myths should be for campfires and novels.

Tomorrow Wendell is of the paranormal P.I. genre and the first novel in the White Dragon Black series, where magic and myth are real, although most people don’t know it. It features a reluctant hero named Jonathan Alvey, who is an addict – to magic. He is a man who would rather sit in his office reading, than anything else, but Fate always plays him a different hand. In this novel, Jonathan gets a client named Wendell who is getting predictions of his death – with a very set date. Jonathan has only three days to help his client. Three days to track down whoever is threatening Wendell. Three days in which to keep his client safe from the creatures that come to carry off his soul.

When was your first book published?

Although I’ve had a few short stories published before, Tomorrow Wendell is my first full-length novel. It was released just this past June. I have written, and even edited, other novels but this was the first one that I said to myself, ‘I need to get this in other people’s hands’.

Are you currently working on anything?

I just finished working on ‘Charon’s Obol’, a ‘White Dragon Black’ short story which will be released this fall, in Xchyler Publishing’s annual paranormal anthology. I have a new short story I’m working through, as I write the, still untitled, fifth novel. While doing this, I am also trying to stay on top of editing the second novel in the series ‘Bindings & Spines’, so it can be ready for release.

I think it is fair to say I’m staying busy.

Why did you decide to become an Author?

It is less that I decided to become a writer, and more that the stories in my head became stronger, deeper, and more belligerent to be let out. So the occasional scribble of an idea on a napkin grew into pages of text, and eventually, I was writing whole books. There is a peace and clarity of mind that I can find only while writing, so I doubt I’ll ever stop now.

Who and what inspired you to write?

It may sound cliché but I do believe it was due to how prominent reading was in my house growing up. I was read to from before my eyes opened, and as soon as I had learned the words for myself, I was encouraged to consume whatever I wanted. My love of stories, combined with my own imagination, lead to my being a part of the process of making more stories and, hopefully, more authors.

When you are writing to you like to listen to music? What is on your playlist?

Most often, yes, I have my ear plugs in and music playing while the words are flowing. I don’t need it to write, but it does add an almost transcendent quality to writing. My personal tastes are wildly varied but as I’m writing a certain world, certain songs get ‘set’ as being part of that world. For the White Dragon Black world the playlist contains songs like; ‘Howl’ by Florence and the Machine, ‘Downtrodden’ by Abney Park, ‘The Future’ by Leonard Cohen and ‘Paint it Black’ by The Rolling Stones.

Who is your favorite character in your books?

It has to be my protagonist, Alvey. The way he relates to the world just makes me keep coming back. He just wants to be left alone in his dimly lit office drinking his bourbon, smoking too many cigarettes, and reading – so, of course, it’s fun to throw complications into his life just to watch him sigh and grumble.

Do you ever take characteristics or nuances from close friends or family when working on character development and if so has that friend or family member noticed and what was their response to it?

Not consciously. At least, not so far. There is plenty of time yet to rectify this, however.

What is your favorite book of all time?

You wrote this question just to be mean didn’t you? You like to make authors squirm, and gnash their teeth. I suppose I have to say, after all the books I have read after four decades, the one that never leaves my head, the one that impacted my life the deepest, is Susan Cooper’s ‘The Dark Is Rising’. The whole series is wonderful, but that particular book seared into my young mind and left it’s indelible mark.

Tell us in one sentence why we should read your books.

You should read Tomorrow Wendell to fall in love with a character who will never leave you bored.

List your books that are available

Tomorrow Wendell Shades and Shadows: A Paranormal Anthology – ‘The Cost of Custody’ Mental Wellness: Real Stories from Survivors – ‘Ceaseless Cycles’ Horror Library Volume 3 – ‘Blink Away The Blood’ Hell’s Hangmen: Horror in the Old West – ‘A Son’s Duty’

Where can people connect with you?

Goodreads | Twitter | Website | Facebook | G+ | Blog |

Thanks for taking your time to answer some questions for my readers at Genuine Jenn.

It was my pleasure, except for that ‘just one book’ part. Thank you for letting me take part in it.

~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

Claudine by Barbara Palmer ~ Book Review

Thursday, September 04, 2014 Anonymous 1 comment

Book Snyposis:

Maria Lantos has a secret. She’s a post-grad student researching early erotic literature at Yale who puts her studies to work after hours as a courtesan named Claudine specializing in erotic role play. Her allure and stock of sexual tricks command top dollar from international clients. When Maria receives anonymous text messages filled with chilling threats, she knows her secret is out, and someone is hunting her—someone who knows a lot about her past and who’s intent on playing a starring role in her present.

As Claudine, she loves the brief anonymous liaisons that allow her to explore the darker side of power and desire. But now it’s Maria’s turn. Two men—charismatic Yale professor Reid Whitman and her business manager, Andrei Barinov—will test the limits of her sexuality and safety, forcing her to discover the depth of the dark places within her.
Claudine combines the pace of a thriller, the deep emotional connection of a romance, and the heat of a beautiful woman’s sexual discovery.

Purchase your copy today on Penguin Canada or direct from Barbara Palmer's website.

About the Author:

The author is a bestselling, international award-winning Canadian novelist whose work has been published in many countries. She's writing under the pen name Barbara Palmer, inspired by the famous seventeenth-century English courtesan and royal mistress.

Connect: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads |

Review:

After reading the book synopsis and watching the trailer I was really intrigued by the storyline, I couldn't wait to read it! I can tell you I wasn't let down one bit. This has been a great read, right from the beginning. Aside from being an erotic novel it has very suspenseful and at times an emotional story.

Barbara Palmer writes a novel that stands out from the other erotic novels, it wasn't your typical dominatrix or BDSM. Maria is an entertainer in the sex biz, she uses the name Claudine. Claudine is only for the wealthy and has a one time only rule with her clients. Andrei is her right hand man, he checks into each potential client and takes Claudine to each event. I found myself really liking Maria, there is just something about her that I liked right away. She is a lost sole on a mission to become a career woman and not be taken advantage of. She is independent and strong willed. She lives almost like two separate lives, Maria, a Yale student working on her thesis and Claudine, a sought after entertainer. Maria has a dark past and we learn a little about her past as we go through the story. Right from the beginning I felt the emotions between Andrei and Maria, actually I found Barbara Palmer did a fabulous job of making me feel for the characters throughout the book. The story flowed at a great pace, where it wasn't too quick to make you feel lost but it wasn't too slow either to feel like it was dragging on. I wasn't expecting the ending. I was actually really worried that it wasn't going to be the ending I was hoping for but in the end I was very happy on how things ended.

I give this book a 5 out of 5 stars! I look forward to reading more from Barbara Palmer.

~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. I received the above book for review purpose. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

Back-to-School Wordless Wednesday!

Wednesday, September 03, 2014 Anonymous No comments

I can't believe we are already back-to-school. Here are the kids yesterday before I drove them to school super early as A wanted to get to school. A is now in grade 2 and P is in grade 3! Both of them are in French Immersion and in split classes with the older grades.

~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

Fruit Of The Loom $75 Walmart Gift Card For #BackToSchool #Giveaway #TGIBTS

Tuesday, September 02, 2014 Anonymous No comments

Fruit of a Loom, Walmart, and Taking Time for Mommy are giving one lucky winner a $75 electronic gift card. Fill out the form below to enter. This giveaway is open only to the US, sorry Canada and International readers. a Rafflecopter giveaway

~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

First to Fall by Carys Jones (Avalon #1) ~ Book Review

Sunday, August 31, 2014 Anonymous No comments

Book Synopsis:

Aiden Connelly’s first case will be one he’ll never forget.

Lawyer Aiden Connelly has traded the frenzy of Chicago for a slower pace in sleepy Avalon – and his first case appears to be as open-and-shut as he could hope for. Hired to defend a local ex-beauty queen accused of murdering her husband, he’s confident that he’ll have the case closed in record time. But below the surface lurks a darker truth…

Suddenly, a quiet backwater has transformed into a dangerous pressure cooker. In a town where everyone knows everyone, gathering evidence should be easy… but the harder Aiden searches, the more he appreciates how tangled this net of loyalties is. And as he digs deeper, Aiden begins to realize that his very first case in Avalon could be the beginning of his undoing…

Purchase a copy on Amazon. It released on August 28th! Next book is due out September 8th,2014.

About the Author:

Carys Jones loves nothing more than to write and create stories which ignite the reader's imagination. Based in Shropshire, England, Carys lives with her husband, two guinea pigs and her adored canine companion Rollo.

When she's not writing, Carys likes to indulge her inner geek by watching science- fiction films or playing video games.

She lists John Green, Jodi Picoult and Virginia Andrews as her favorite authors and draws inspiration for her own work from anything and everything.

To Carys, there is no greater feeling then when you lose yourself in a great story and it is that feeling of ultimate escapism which she tries to bring to her books.

Connect: Website | Twitter | Goodreads | Facebook |

Review:

This is the first book I have read of Carys and I look forward to reading more especially in the Avalon series. I have started to get back into mystery novels and this was a welcomed book to get me back into them. This story flows well and I found the author does a great job with the character development. I truly loved Aiden! Not so much his wife Isla but it does make for an interesting couple for sure. Avalon is one of those small towns where everyone knows everyone and their business. I just knew Aiden would get attached too much to the first case in his new job and I really enjoyed the character Brandy, I do hope she shows up in the next book.

This book was a fast read I read almost half of it in my first sitting, I am sure I would have finished faster if the kids were not on summer vacation. The ending came way to fast but I didn't really see it coming. I was totally surprised with the end twist and look forward to Aiden's new case.

I give this book a 4 out of 5 stars! If you enjoy a light mystery you really should check out this series.

~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. I received the above book for review purpose. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

Author Spotlight Saturday ~ Meet Primula Bond

Saturday, August 30, 2014 Anonymous No comments

Today on Author Spotlight Saturday I am pleased to welcome one of my favorite erotica authors Primula Bond. She is the author of The Unbreakable Trilogy which you can check out my reviews. Please Welcome Primula Bond to Genuine Jenn!

Tell us a little bit about your books and yourself.

I am an English, forty something, Oxford-educated erotica writer masquerading as the respectable wife of a solicitor and mother of three sons and a stepdaughter. As well as writing in every spare minute I have, I work part time for some criminal defence solicitors in my home town as a legal secretary. I have lived in London, Venice and Cairo and love travelling and writing about the various places I have visited and include these experiences in my novels. I also love films, fashion, eating out, cooking, singing and photography.

I write newspaper features and short stories under my real name, but as Primula Bond I write erotic romance short stories and novels, my most recent series being the well reviewed Unbreakable Trilogy, The Silver Chain, The Golden Locket and The Diamond Ring, charting the stormy romance between Gustav Levi and Serena Folkes. I also work for the online writers' service, Writers' Workshop, offering critiques and advice for aspiring erotic and romantic writers, which has led to my running erotica and short story workshops at one or two writing festivals and finally meeting my readers face to face.

When was your first book published?

My first short story was published back in 1994. I had been rejected by the romantic publishers Mills and Boon for my over-explicit sex scenes, and one day when I was bored at work, fantasising as usual about my unavailable, handsome boss Ted, and I decided to turn one of the scenes into a short story. I submitted it to a magazine and they accepted it and paid me £150, which struck me as good money for something that I enjoyed doing and only took an hour or so to write. Ted joked that he should take the cut of the fee as it was in his time and on his computer that the breakthrough story was written.

Are you currently working on anything?

I am taking a few months out to work on a semi-autobiographic novel under my own name, which has been burning in the back of my mind for several years. After that I am sketching out a sequel or spin off from my Unbreakable Trilogy, too. I have also self published a collection of short stories on Amazon.

Why did you decide to become an Author?

I have been writing stories, mostly romantic, since I was a little girl and wrote my first love story in an old exercise book. I have a very vivid imagination and often live in a dream world, always spinning stories about people I've seen, places I've been, and what I want for my own life. My ambition, other than to meet the man of my dreams and have a family, was to see a book written by me displayed in a book shop. So I started submitting to magazines and publishers and trying not to get down from the rejection slips. And once the first story was accepted my confidence increased. More stories were published and editors started to take me more seriously. At long last I could call myself a professional writer. I saw my books on the shelves in Tesco and Smiths. And in the end I married the man of my dreams – my old boss, Ted!

When you are writing to you like to listen to music? What is on your playlist?

I have mostly jazz playing when I'm writing: Stan Getz or Miles Davies, or singers such as Melody Gardot or even the sex god himself, Barry White. Sometimes I have classical, like Bach piano concertos, Mozart, or Mahler. It has to be quiet music. Michael Jackson or Pharrell Williams do the job when I have finished an assignment and want to celebrate by dancing round the kitchen with my sons.

Who is your favorite character in your books?

I am unashamedly in love and lust with Gustav Lev, the hero of my Unbreakable Trilogy. He came from my darkest dreams and has the body, charisma and success to die for!

Do you ever take characteristics or nuances from close friends or family when working on character development and if so has that friend or family member noticed and what was their response to it?

My heroine Serena is what I call my 'Berocca' heroine, in that, like those vitamin supplement adverts, she's like me, but on a really good day. Several people have commented that they can hear my voice through hers, but she does and says things that I wasn't brave enough to do when I was her age.

The character of Margot, the dangerous ex wife, is blatantly based on, and an exagerated version of, the ex wife of my husband and also someone I used to know. Much of what she does and says is based on the actual truth of what these people were actually capable of, and as neither of them are with us any longer they can't sue me, so I can create their characters however I like.

The slightly oafish ex boyfriend of Margot is based, if I'm honest, on one or two disastrous teenage boyfriends, amalgamated into one, so they would never recognise themselves...

What is your favorite book of all time?

The Magus by John Fowles. It is is set on the island of Spetses and I read it whilst on holiday there as a student. I was very much in love with the guy I was on holiday with at the time and the mystery of the book and the heat of the sun added to the magic of the holiday.

Tell us in one sentence why we should read your books.

All my books are well written, emotional, energetic and sexy, but with my Unbreakable Trilogy I have really let rip with language, characaterisation, locations, and of course creating an intense, passionate, hot love story that has already transported my lovely readers to a fantasy world of drama, danger, sexual adventure and ultimate happiness.

List your books that are available

Country Pleasures – Black Lace Club Crème – Black Lace Random Acts of Lust – Xcite Books (solo collection of short stories)
Out of Focus – Xcite Books (novella)
Sisters in Sin – Avon Books (novella)
The Silver Chain – Avon Books
The Golden Locket – Avon Books
The Diamond Ring – Avon Books

Where can Genuine Jenn readers find you?

Dip into my blog, find me on Facebook and follow me for chats, gossip and shameless self promotion on Twitter @primulabond

Thanks for taking your time to answer some questions for my readers at Genuine Jenn.

Giveaway Time! Primula would like to offer a signed paperback of The Golden Locket or The Diamond Ring. This giveaway is open Worldwide!

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~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. All opinions are honest and my own.*~