Offline or Online Shopping for Books?

My name is Lexi Post and I despise shopping. I admit it. I know, strange but it’s true. I can’t stand going into stores to try on clothes, or look for just the right gift, or find a new author to read. Oh, but don’t get me wrong, I love to do all those things. I just prefer to do them online :-)

Honestly, with offline shopping, my feet get tired, I develop a terrible thirst, and I have to avoid rush hour traffic so my time is limited. In fact, I dislike it so much that it wasn’t until this Monday that I finally made myself go into a clothing store and shop after a decade of not shopping for clothes in stores. Granted, I hadn’t shopped for new clothes online either in over six years, so I didn’t even know what size I wore anymore or what styles might look good. It took me three hours! I bought 3 pairs of jeans, 2 skirts, 4 tops, and a wrap for a total of $116. Now that’s my kind of shopping, if it had been online. 

So what about book shopping? Okay, granted, there is nothing like going into an independent bookstore or Barnes & Noble and buying a hot chai as one peruses the colorful array of romance novels in every sub-genre possible. There is just something about being around books that fills the soul. They’re like old friends. And about once a year, I enjoy that little experience.

However, it is online shopping for me, in general, and for books in particular. The first reason is I live on a Caribbean island and though our one bookstore does have a romance section, (highly influenced by me), it is small. So to really get the breadth of authors I like, I need to go online anyway.  Plus, when books are shipped, they get here faster than me traveling across the island to where the bookstore is! Mainly because to save gas, I don’t go over to that side of the island unless I have multiple things to do there.

Another plus for online shopping is the option to buy electronic books which I read while on the treadmill. They are the only incentive that gets me on the @#$% thing :-} Since my debut book Masque is only in ebook right now, I’m am very pleased that people can buy my book online ;-) I don’t know about you, but I buy lots of books online. Just trying to keep up with all my friends’ books is a challenge, but with easy access online, it makes it fun to shop for their books.

Which do you prefer?  Do you like to go into a store and surround yourself with physical books before buying, or do you prefer to sit at your computer and click away?

Always,

Lexi

Glocks in Romance

Guns have a violent position in today’s media and the lives of those affected by them.  The great thing about romance novels is that they are fiction, and many rely on the suspense brought about when guns are involved.

All genres of romance can be caught up in a gun battle, but those involving the Glock can only be after 1982 as that’s when they were invented.  Imagine, a curtain rod maker creating the gun that police stations most often use.  Before 1982, the Smith and Wesson was the most popular.  Just ask Clint Eastwood, he carried that monster of a gun.

The Glock was created with a list of wants and needs by the professionals, which included light weight, ease of use, and the ability to chamber more than five or six rounds individually.  Yes, clips can equal ten or more rounds.  Now our romantic heroes and heroines may have a fantastic weapon to aide them or their enemies may have the advantage.

And remember, don’t try any of this at home.  Leave it up to the outstanding characters of your next romance novel.

Happy reading,

Dawn

Guest Author Interview with Giveaway: Danica Winters

Our guest today is paranormal romance author Danica Winters and she is giving away a copy of the first in the Nymph Series, The Nymph’s Labyrinth. Check out this lovely interview with her and leave a comment along with contact information for your chance to win!

Alexis: Tell us a little about your latest release Montana Mustangs? 

Danica:  Well, I could give you the tried and true blurb, but you want something not on Google so—As you can except, I love this book.  I have the pleasure of being from Montana and my love the outdoors shaped my writing of Montana Mustangs.  I tried to integrate the majestic blues and golden yellows of the mountains and the valleys and the icy fingers of a cold fall wind in our little Northwest corner where we could almost kick a ball and have it land in Canada.

Also, I have a fun relationship with my fans on Facebook—my fans actually named the two main characters Aura Montgarten and Dane Burke based on pictures and descriptions I provided.  I love doing this with my fans!  So if you are a fan you should expect to take part in at least one round of voting for: “What’s my name?” :-)

Alexis: What is your favorite part of the book?

Danica: There is a scene in which they horseback up a mountainside in search of evidence.  I had the unique pleasure of going horse backing into the high mountain lakes of Montana to ‘research’ the scene.  It was so much fun—and I caught my limit of fish!

 
Alexis: If you could only pick 3 words for your main characters,what would they be?

Danica: Aura- Headstrong, mysterious, and lonely

Dane- Jaded, determined, and work-centered

Alexis: Which was the easiest character to write and why?

Danica:  The easiest character had to be Aura—I think I could deeply relate with her need to find her sister and keep her safe.  It may be my familial instinct, but I would do the same for someone I love.

Alexis: What are you currently working on?

Danica: I’m currently working on wrapping up the next book to follow Montana Mustangs. It should be released this Fall.

Alexis: What do you enjoy about writing?

Danica: I love writing.  Recently I have been mentoring new authors and teaching classes for new authors.  It has been so much fun to share my passion for the written word with others.  About the actual act of writing, I like starting with a blank canvas and painting a picture with words.  Quite often I may have a plan ahead of time for the direction I want to move the story, but as my characters evolve I find the story changes to fit them and their personalities—which is also something which can drive me crazy!

Alexis:  What has been your best birthday present ever?

Danica: My husband bought me a Kindle Fire last year.  He has since regretted buying it as I’m always reading.  We lovingly call it ‘my boyfriend.’

Alexis: Thank you for visiting Happily Ever After Thoughts. It was great chatting with you!

Danica: Thank you so much for having me on your blog today. This was a fun interview!

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

Website: www.DanicaWinters.net

Facebook:  www.Facebook.com/DanicaWinters

Blog: www.DanicaWinters.net/blog

Paranormal Romance Fans for Life Blog: http://paranormalromancefanforlife.blogspot.com/

Twitter: www.Twitter.com/DanicaWinters

Montana Mustangs blurb:

A Nymph.  A woman with the ability to seduce at will, shift to protect, but cursed with the fate to have the man she falls in love with die a tragic death.  As one of the ill-fated nymphs, Aura Montgarten has spent her lifetime drifting from one place to another hiding from love.  Until she meets Dane.

When a body washes up on the shore of a rural Montana lake, police officer Dane Burke is faced with the task of finding the killer—even if it means he will be forced to put his life and heart at risk by working with a drifter.  As the truth of Aura’s Mustang-shifting Nymph ways are revealed, Dane learns exactly the amount of danger he and Aura are in, but can’t force himself to leave a case unsolved when the truth is right outside of his grasp. 

 

When the killer decides he needs to take another victim—Dane—Aura must choose between their forbidden love and her immortal life…  Can there be life without love, or is death her only choice? 

Alexis: Be sure to leave a comment for a chance to win The Nymph’s Labyrinth.