Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend. Inside of a dog it's too dark to read.” —Groucho Marx

Friday, March 29, 2013

A Beautiful Struggle by Lilliana Anderson/ CBLS TOUR Review, Author Interview and Give Away



A Beautiful Struggle
by Lilliana Anderson
Genre(s): Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Self/Indie
Release Date: January 1, 2013
Heat Level: Steamy
Word Count: 64,000

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Blurb
Katrina Mahoney has a very full life attending university to study a law degree, training for triathlons and now she is working part time as well. She couldn’t possibly find time for a relationship, especially after her last one ended so catastrophically.

Right now she is content focusing on work, study and training while hanging out with her best friend David Taylor, a womaniser with a heart of gold that would do anything for Katrina – except watch her get hurt again.

That is, until the dashing Elliot Roberts, a junior solicitor from her work, shows an interest in her despite their office’s ‘No Dating’ policy.

Katrina struggles with following her heart or following her mind and has trouble seeing where her heart truly lies.

Warning: This title is intended for readers over the age of 18 as it contains adult sexual situations and/or adult language which may be considered offensive to some readers.

Reviews

Book Trailer
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Author Interview:


When did you know you were born to write?

I don’t know that I was ‘born’ to write, but I do know that I am ‘addicted’. I’ve always written in some sort of capacity, even if it was simply writing in my journal to keep my head clear – but once I decided that I was going to write a book, I became obsessed with getting my stories out of  my head.

Who influenced you in becoming the author you are today?

My family, I announced that I would like to try my hand at writing and they have all been there, supporting me, every step of the way.

What was your favorite book and author as a child?

As a child I loved Roald Dahl, my very favourite of his being ‘The Twits’ – it was the first book I ever read on my own, and I loved it so much that I devoured everything of his that I could get my hands on.

Who do you read now?

Now, I read all of the popular Contemporary Romance titles. My favourite two being Gabriel’s Inferno by Sylvain Reynard and Vain by Amelie Fisher


Do you read as much as you write?
I try to strike a good balance, but I tend to write more than I read these days. I’m lucky to get a book read a week at the moment and I used to read one every two days.

If you could meet any author of past or present, who would it be?
Barbara Kingsolver, The Poisonwood Bible was the most amazingly breathtaking book that I have ever read and the only one I ever cried in.

What would you ask them?
How she writes such beautiful prose. Does she go and live it? Does she simply research it?


What made you select your genre ( which is?)
Contemporary Romance. – Every book idea I’ve ever had has always been of the romantic persuasion. I’m a big fan of couples being drawn to each other and overcoming obstacles to find their happily ever after. So it seemed a natural fit. 


How did you conceive the idea for A Beautiful Struggle ?
Originally I was thinking about writing an erotic short story based around a couple hiding their relationship within the office environment, but slowly the characters started to come alive in my mind and they had a very different story to tell.

What advice would you share with a would be writer?
Just write! Open a document and get your words out – it doesn’t matter if it’s working, just get them out of your head and tweak it later. Then, when you’re finished, decide whether you want to be represented or self published and research the best way for you to achieve your goals.

Do you write with background noise or silence?
I have four children, so always noise! Lol

Describe your writing area, please.

It’s my lounge room. I have a lapdesk, my laptop and a bottle of water. The tv is almost always on, and I tend to have a toddler doing headstands on the couch next to me.

Who is the first person you share the written word with?
My beta readers all get it at once.


Can you tell us a little about your current WIP?

I’ve just started working on a new romance titled ‘Alter’ it’s about a girl who’s life is suddenly turned upside down when she starts blacking out, while her alter ego takes over her life. The romance angle comes from the men in her life who are trying to help her through everything.

Now for fun:

Salty or sweet? Both at the same time (jelly beans and potato chips! Love it!)

Favorite drink? Sparkling mineral water

Cookies, pie or cake? Cookies

Coffee or pop? Coffee

Happy endings, surprise endings, or cliffhangers? Happy

What is your ultimate goal with your writing(s)? To never run out of ideas.


Thank you for your time in answering these questions Lilliana.   It has definitely been a pleasure to have you with us!   



 

 

 Author Bio:


Australian born and bred, Lilliana Anderson has always loved to read and write considering it the best form of escapism that the world has to offer. Besides writing Angelien's biographical trilogy, she also writes contemporary romance and drama all set within Australia.

When she isn't writing she is a wife, and a mother to four children. She has worked in a variety of industries and studied humanities before transferring to commerce/law at university.

She currently lives a fairly quiet life in suburban Melbourne.

Connect with Lilliana Anderson


My Review:

I enjoyed the story of Katrina and where love led her.    However, it is very sexually explicit and should be considered an adult read in nature.   Katrina experienced a bad relationship---brutally physically abusive,  an immature relationship and in the end what we hope is a lasting love.   The twists and turns leading to the right man were amazing and had me guessing what would happen next.   I was surprised and satisfied with the romantic ending of the story.

The story is fast paced and easily read in a day or two, easily understood and enjoyable.   I like to rely on my own imagination for the sexually explicit bits, but if you like it explicit, you won't be disappointed.
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Disclaimer:  I read for my pleasure.   I may receive ARC copies for review purposes, but I am not compensated for my reviews .  I like to read and I like to share my reviews.   I post my thoughts without prejudice or bias.  The words are mine and I write reviews based on my humble opinion.  I will admit, I seldom meet a book I don't like.  I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

1 comment:

Unknown said...

Thank you so much for hosting me!