I met the lovely and talented, Bella Emy on Instagram and through networking in various groups began reading her work. Bella is a USA Today Bestselling Author and has her own library of amazing books on various platforms. I was lucky enough to read two of them so far and will be reading lots more before the years’ end. 

Bella was able to take a few minutes out of her busy schedule to chat with me about her work, her writing life and what’s coming next for this “heart-breaker”. 

Here’s what she had to say: 


Me:   Hi Bella, tell me a little about yourself? When did you know you were going to be a writer?

• Bella: Hi, Shanna! Thank you so much for having me! This is such an honor for me. To keep it nice and simple, I’m a total bookworm from NJ. I’m always reading or writing something. I knew I wanted to be a writer by the time I was 12/13… a friend of mine and I were in the 8th grade back then, and she and I would write poems. I would spend hours at night and write these poems, which I always kept. Then, a few years back, I decided to publish them into a compilation, along with my first novel that I wrote as a teen. Once I put myself out there, that was it! I didn’t stop writing since, and now I have my own library of books I’ve written ☺️.
  

Me:   It’s my pleasure having you on my blog! That’s so awesome, Bella. What inspired you to write Beneath a Starlit Sky?  

• Bella: Well, Beneath a Starlit Sky actually started out as a piece I submitted for an anthology back in the summer of 2018. It was themed as a summer romance anthology, so I wanted to write something that would truly touch readers. The beach definitely inspired me for this piece, so I started writing a love story that took place on a beach. The reviews came pouring in saying how much readers loved it, and how they couldn’t stop crying, so I decided to expand it into a series, The Kaleidoscope Skies Series. Beneath a Starlit Sky, book 1, released as a solo back in May. Book 2, Beneath an Iridescent Sky, released at the end of May, and it is featured in an anthology called, With Love From New Orleans.
  

Me: I just loved King of Arrogance too, OMG, Derek Mykels, grrr. I can’t wait for Between the Sheets! When will that one be out?

• Bella: OMG, thank you so much! I looooved writing Derek!!! He was so much fun because I was really able to let go and create your typical college jock with the cockiest personality of all. But if I’m being honest, he really wrote himself. The story came so easily, and I can’t tell you how much I laughed when I read it back. Then seeing how much readers loved Derek, too, I knew he needed his own full length novel. Between the Sheets has got to be one of my most favorite stories of mine that I’ve written thus far. Derek gets a lot more attention, which he craves, lol, and the chemistry between him and Ellie is straight fire! I love these two characters! But to answer your question, I’m hoping to get their story out by November of this year… hopefully sooner! Fingers crossed!
  

Me:   Man, it’s gonna be so good. So, which character in your collection is your favorite? Why?

• Bella: Derek Mykels is definitely a favorite for the above stated reasons. But I really love all my characters from my books. They really are like your babies… even the bad guys, LOL. I have to mention Emily from Brokenhearted as well, though. I see a lot of myself in her. Again, this is another tearjerker like Beneath a Starlit Sky, but a little less.
  

 
Me:   Did anyone in real life inspire your characters? 

• Bella: Yes! A ton of my characters are inspired from my everyday life. I won’t mention which ones and who, though LOL. 
  

Me:   Haha, right! I understand completely (wink, wink) So, what are you working on now?

• Bella: Right now, I’m working on another anthology piece for a project that will be released later on this year. I’m not really allowed to say much about it yet, but I will say that if you’re a fan of the traveling series, you’ll want to keep an eye out for something else. 
  

Me:   Perfect! Our little secrets, haha!! Now, tell me about your writing process? 

• Bella: My writing process always starts off with a cup of coffee, LOL. But, I don’t really have any rituals or things like that. I usually just sit at my computer for hours on end and let the words pour out of me. Sometimes, if I’m really inspired or have a scene in my head that I need to get out, I’ll write right on my phone… whether I’m home, out and about, or even in bed. My phone is glued to me for this specific purpose, LOL. 
  

Me:   Haha yes, understood. Hubby bought me a ton of notebooks for Christmas that I leave around the house to jot down  inspiration on when it strikes! And I feel ya, no day starts without coffee. LOL! What drew you to the romance genre?

• Bella: I love romance - all of it. I started out as a reader of the genre, and then stories just came to me. So, I started writing my own tales. I love creating beautifully,  heartbreaking stories, LOL. I do always try to give my characters a HEA, though. I do feel that stories with a little heartbreak in them - whether it be through the end of a relationship or through the death of a character - always touch people the most. At least they do for me. Or maybe because I just know pain so well, it helps and makes me bring out these heart-wrenching stories that readers love. 
  

 
Me:    Understood-100% and I agree. Romance is the best, but throwing in some tragedy is always a strength builder for the characters and the story ;-)  Who are your favorite authors/books?

• Bella: I have soooo many! My BBBs (these awesomely talented romance authors know exactly who they are, and I love them!) Alyssa Drake, my talented co-writing partner in the Avalisse Ross Mysteries Series, S.J. Hermann, Jeremy Simons, Jade Royal, Niki Livingston… the list goes on and on, and it’s impossible for me to name them all. The indie community is packed with so many wonderful authors that I’ve met along the way. When it comes to authors traditionally published, Nicholas Sparks is my favorite. I’ve read every single one of his books, but The Notebook still remains my favorite of all-time. 
  

 
Me:   Yes, love my BBBs and Nicholas Sparks too. What do you love about writing?

• Bella: To be honest, I love the whole process… from having an idea pop up in my head, to plotting the story, to writing it, to publishing, to making teasers to promote it… everything! I love that I get to create characters and worlds, bringing them to life. This is a dream of mine, and I’m so thankful I get to do what I love.
  

 

Me:  Yes, it’s really the best feeling ever, being a creator! So, what are you looking forward to in 2019?

• Bella: I’m looking forward to meeting even more indie authors in this community. So many are so incredibly supportive, it’s amazing! And of course, I’m looking forward to bringing readers Between the Sheets, along with books 1 & 2 in the Avalisse Ross Mysteries. However, we already have quite a few books in this series planned out, too! 
  

Me: Awesome. I wish you all the best and can’t wait to read more of your work in the future. It’s been a true pleasure. Thank you for joining me tonight!

You  can find all of Bella's books on her website and be sure to follow her for updates, sneak peeks and more. 

5 brilliant stars for Beneath a Starlit Sky- oh my heart...
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“Through you I’ve lived the most fulfilling life I could have ever possibly imagined. Like a ray of sunshine, you are my light… Rae. That’s why that nickname was so perfect, Braelynn, my pretty girl. You are my ray of light, my world… my life.” - Bella Emy, Beneath a Starlit Sky 
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Her tagline is: Breaking hearts one story at a time

Well folks, it’s both literally and figuratively true! This wonderful story is about true love, loss and the importance of remembering the simple things life has to offer. 

Braelynn tells us the story of her summer of firsts. She’s eighteen and on her usual family trip to Waverly beach, but this trip is going to be very different this time and in so many ways. 

She, in usual fashion, unpacks before meeting up with her girl, Misty, and the sweet neighbor she always enjoys visiting, Mrs. Neverly, before finding herself face to face with the man of her literal dreams. Zachery Taylor sounds like a dream come true; dark hair, blue eyes, and of course, perfect in every way possible. 

Rae and Zach enjoy their summer together, learning about each other and life, and discovering an incredible love in all its wonder, all the while, he’s keeping a devastating truth from her that’s going to rip her heart out when it comes to light.

Their relationship was so lovable and beautiful and innocent. Misty and Mrs. Neverly were endearing as well as Brae’s family. 

This book was heartfelt, funny, sweet, sad and inspiring. So, if you love a good story with heart, give this one a go.  

5 stars for Last Round- It’s a real knock-out
 
This book marks the last one in the Double Play Series, so loving this sports romance series like I have, reading the final one was bittersweet but also heart-warming as always, as I got to go back to Louisiana once again and catch up with the Gavinwood/Turner/Johnson/Jameson clan once more.
 
We met Alessandra Thompson in Walk Off, book 5 of the series. She’s the stripper Nico had compromising pictures taken with in Florida and we learned that she was as much a victim in the ordeal as he was. Aless goes to live with Miguel Jameson, Normani’s sexy green-eyed brother, after Nico takes her out of the hellhole life she’s been having to live. Miguel is a cop and can protect Alessandra and her two-year old son, Peter, from the monsters of her past.
 
Neither are prepared though for what such close quarters are gonna do to these love-starved cohabitants and the sparks start to fly immediately upon meeting. Miguel hits it off with Peter too and if you don’t swoon over that big dose of adorableness then prepare your ovaries (or former ovaries in my case) for the hit they are gonna take when he’s described in the boxing ring. Swoon and swoon. Rocky eat your heart out!
 
Since I’ve called Nicole Rodrigues the queen of swoony male MC’s, she certainly doesn’t disappoint in this book either. Miguel and Aless have an immediate steamy, sexy chemistry. He’s protective and a southern gentleman with a dirty mouth. (Oh, and I’ll never be able to look at a peach emoji the same way again, LOL!) Alessandra is fighter herself who’s been through her own private Hell and faced some pretty terrifying demons there. Now she’ll do anything to keep her child safe. She’s a fierce mama bear and I just loved her tenacity. Aless goes to work with Charlotte at Double Play and of course the clan takes her in as one of their own right away. Just love that girl power!
 
Miguel and Alessandra try to fight their attraction for one another only long enough to give this book a nice sizzling slow burn and then the heat is on.
 
I loved getting to catch up with all our former couples and see what they’ve been up to and enjoyed the way it was all tied together to highlight big events (wink wink). I enjoyed how Aless shined and how Miguel reveled in her “light” as he emerged from his own dark place. I loved the twist at the end--girl is a bad-a$$--and the extended epilogue too. This book was sweet, funny, sad, sexy, tragic and endearing.
 
As sad as I am to see this series end, I truly fell in love with these characters. If you haven’t started the Double Play series, start it right now and meet a family that knows the true meaning of the word. If they don’t warm your heart, nothing will. 

Oh, Ryan Marley. As we say in the south- Bless him.

He’s a shadow of the man he once was after what happened in Always & Only, and my heart truly bled for him as he shut everyone out of his life and has disappeared for the last two years without a trace, binging on booze and women- nothing short of an addict.

So it’s up to Virginia Porter to attempt to track him down for Ian and Julie’s wedding, and from one glance, Ryan knows he’s got yet another addiction.

We got to meet Virginia, Ian’s sister, in book 1 and she was still the same tough as nails former addict as she was in book 2, but one glance at Ryan and suddenly, inhibition is out the window and she’s facing yet another addiction herself.
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Two addicts. One sizzling attraction. What’s a couple to do? But can they handle reality when it comes crashing down on them? And will the drive to be together be their downfall or can they both overcome their compulsions? I got so frustrated with these two at multiple points in the story, but my heart went out to them as they worked hard to overcome their dependence on substance abuse and embrace their flaws, both of one another and each other. I loved Virginia’s strength and Ryan’s persistence. They complemented each other so well and their struggles were endearing and their love story raw.

I commend Gabrielle for her bravery in writing something so personal to her. It’s good to see a story break the mold and make you uncomfortable but also leave you warm inside. I enjoyed catching up with Dex, Ian and Julie and seeing Asher grow in his relationship with his mother.

These characters’ nuisances and battles are what keeps me coming back for more. ​

4 Stars for The Savior's Champion

I had been wanting to read Jenna Moreci’s The Savior’s Champion practically since becoming a fellow indie author myself back in September of last year. I would watch Jenna on YouTube and her helpful videos on self-publishing, and when I saw the cover of her book, it was an eye-grabber for sure. I’m a big fan of fantasy after all, and after reading the blurb, it sounded like something I would thoroughly enjoy.
 
The Savior’s Champion was an entertaining read. It had action, romance, and suspense for sure. It was more of a romance than I anticipated actually, which is totally fine by me as almost every story has essence of romance in it. I’ve been reading more romance than ever before now that I’m reading fellow indie author books…and well, I do write romance after all, LOL!  
 
The Savior’s Champion begins from the POV of a woman who is murdered. Yeah, you heard that right, and no, it’s not a spoiler! You can read that in the free sample on Amazon; it’s the first 5 pages of the book after all. Which might be a deal breaker for some, but for me it was rather intriguing…yeah, I’m weird that way. Anyway, from there the POV is taken by Tobias Kaya, the main character in the rest of this book.
 
Tobias lives in a harsh reality, not unlike you and me. He works hard to provide for his family- his mother and twin sister, Naomi. And you guessed it, they struggle to make ends meet. Sound familiar? The problem is that Tobias’s sister suffers greatly after an accident that has paralyzed her and taken their father. So, it’s all on Tobias and his measly earnings for back-breaking work just don’t cut it.
 
Enter the Sovereign’s Tournament. In the beginning, Tobias doesn’t have any desire to compete for the hand of a woman he even doesn’t know, despite that she’s the most magical and majestic human among them, but it’s the most logical way to get his family the money they need (it’s a large chunk of change that’s given in exchange for entering) and his family is the most important thing to him after all. What is the Sovereign’s Tournament, you ask? So- a little backstory on that- the Sovereign’s Tournament is a competition held to win the hand of The Savior, the ruler of the realm, the woman with literal healing power and glowing skin that can make the impossible possible. Once she’s reached her twentieth birthday, she’s of age to marry. The Tournament groups twenty different men of various caliber in a gladiator-type competition to fight for the death to be her champion and “win” her. Each competitor must face challenges of the mind, spirit and body before a winner emerges. Thus, you can see why Tobias wants no part in it, but with his sister’s dwindling health, he doesn’t have much choice.
 
The odds do not seem to be in Tobias’s favor as he’s not the most athletic, nor the smartest, nor the wealthiest among all the men chosen to compete. But as impossible and deadly as the tournament is from day one, Tobias finds himself surviving and even seeing hope amid all the carnage and chaos, in the form of a beautiful girl who continues to help him over and over again for some reason unbeknownst to him.
 
Can Tobias live to see the tournament’s end? Will it all be worth it in the end? Can he love The Savior he’s grown to hate with each blood-filled day that passes? Or will he fall in love with the woman who starts to become the only hope he can hold onto in his time of danger?
 
This book was exciting, unique, and new. It had action and suspense and conspiracy. I enjoyed Jenna’s description of the characters, they were each dynamic in their own right. I just loved Tobias and rooted for the underdog to conquer the insurmountable odds against him. I adored Leila and the sweetness of their young love. Tobias was compassionate, endearing, and elementally human-showcasing the inherent goodness that dwells in us all even when his courage waned and his prospective future seemed lost. Leila was simply charming and genuine and I loved her immediately. I wasn't surprised by the twist that came but enjoyed it all the same when it did. The only thing I didn’t enjoy was how many times the word “cock” was used in this book. Now, I don’t dislike that word, not at all really. I’m a romance author after all (wink wink) but it’s usage literally became annoying as it was far more frequently than needed. Granted, it was mostly used in name-calling, but it detracted from the natural dialogue of the book and should have been toned down.
 
Overall, this was a great fantasy novel, and I will be reading the next book. I’m eager to see where Jenna’s characters are headed. 

​I met Heather during one of my book promos on Book Funnel, so when her book Clover Creek came out, I immediately fell in love with the cover and storyline. I quickly downloaded it, and I’m sure glad that I did because it was such a sweet and funny read. I mean what’s not to love about a small town, second chance romance, right? (It’s actually book one of a four part series- of which, book 2, Hickory Falls, premiered TODAY, so be sure to grab your copy! * Link at the bottom of the interview)

After I read this adorable novel, I knew that I wanted to interview her and ask her what inspired her to write it.

Here’s what she had to say:

Me:   Hi Heather, tell me a little about yourself? When did you know you were going to be a writer?

Heather: I think it was gradual, actually. I have always loved reading. And for as long as I can remember, I’d hear a song or see a person and this story would play out in my head. Weird, I know lol. Then one day, I opened my laptop and started writing them down.

​
Me:   LOL! I hear ya! Those stories in your head won’t be quieted! Now, what inspired you to write The Sweet Southern Nights series?  

Heather: I love small town romance. Like the Hallmark stuff. And I’m from the South. So I thought it would be fun to write a small town series set around places I know.


Me:   I’m southern too, born and raised. Which character in Clover Creek is your favorite? Why?

Heather: Gram! Because she is modeled after my own grandmother. Some of my best memories are of the times I’d spend at my grandparent’s house.


Me:   Awww. I just loved Gram and yes, I can’t totally get that and relate. Just love my Nanny :-D So Gram’s character was inspired by a real life person, what about Claire? Jayce?

Heather: Jayce was actually inspired by- don’t laugh- but my sister in law. She works at a real life diamond supplier much like Sterling’s Silver. She started at the bottom and worked her way all the way up to the top. What she does and how the whole diamond industry works has always fascinated me.


Me:   That’s awesome!! What are you working on now?

Heather: I am working on Sycamore Park, book three in the Sweet Southern Nights series.


Me:   How many books are in The Sweet Southern Night series?

Heather: Four books


Me:   Tell us a little bit about your writing process?

Heather: Oh gosh! Well, I’m definitely a plotter. I outline my outlines lol And I know a lot of authors pace themselves by word count. I don’t. I set a goal like - Okay today I’m going to get to such and such point in the story then, I can stop. I focus more on where the story is going than the actual words.


Me: Got ya! Tell me a bit about the next book of the series, Hickory Falls.

Heather: Hickory Falls is Bennett’s story and I LOVE it. It’s probably my favorite. Korie Lawson is a coffee shop owner who reads and reviews books as a hobby. Bennett is an author. She reviews his book. He doesn’t agree with her review so he emails her and…sparks fly. It’s super cute. I love bringing the book world into my books. And it released today, June 4.


Me: OMG!! I love it already! Can’t wait to read it!!! Now, what drew you to the romance genre?

Heather: Two words: Mr. Darcy


Me:    Ha, ha! Got ya LOL!! Who are your favorite authors/books?

Heather: Jane Austen, obviously lol. I love the classics. Emily Bronte, F. Scott Fitzgerald, those guys. More modernly, I like Nancy Naigle, Brenda Novak, and tons of Indie authors. I love your book, Abundance!


Me:   Awww, thank you! (blush) What do you, personally, love about writing?

Heather: Writing is therapeutic for me. I love the escape. I love creating this whole new world with these people I’d love to meet.



Me:  Yes, agreed one hundred percent! It’s totally therapeutic and yes, me too! Final question,  Heather: What are you looking forward to in 2019?

Heather: Sooooo many things! Meeting new people. Learning more about the business side of writing. Growing. Seeing where all my hard work takes me. I’m super excited about 2019.


Me: Awesome, well thank you so much for being my guest tonight, Heather. I wish you all the best and look forward to reading book 2, Hickory Falls.

You can find Heather's novels, Clover Creek and Hickory Falls on Amazon.