Blog Tour: The Hand He Dealt by Tanith Davenport

Welcome to The Wormhole and my day on

The Hand He Dealt Virtual Book Tour!

The Virtual book tour is being hosted by Roxanne at Bewitching Book Tours.

Click HERE to get to the entire tour schedule.

You can read my review HERE - you can buy your own copy of the book HERE.

Please welcome Tanith Davenport!!!

Author Bio:

Tanith Davenport began writing at the age of sixteen as a way of utilizing her ability to drift into daydreams at any hour of the day or night. Her interests range between rock music and modern cinema to medieval literature and classical singing. She loves to travel and dreams of one day taking a driving tour of the United States, preferably in a classic 1950s pink Cadillac Eldorado.

“The Hand He Dealt” is Tanith’s debut novel and was released by Total-e-Bound Publishing on 13 June 2011. 

www.tanithdavenport.blogspot.com

? When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

It's something I've wanted my whole life - I can't remember ever wanting to be anything else, apart from a brief period when I considered acting.

? How many jobs did you have before you became a writer?

Four, although I still have the last one. I would love to be able to write full-time, but as yet it isn't an option.

? How long does it take you to write a book?

"The Hand He Dealt" took me three years to write, but I don't intend my next ones to take more than a year.

? What would you say is your most interesting writing quirk?

Probably that I get a lot of my plots and settings from dreams! It's a cliché, but I tend to dream very vividly, which gives me a chance to "live" through the stories I later write down.

? Do you have a routine that you use to get into the right frame of mind to write?

I have to multitask or I won't get anything done, so I usually surf a few websites before I start and keep pages open that I can flick to between paragraphs. It keeps me feeling fresh - if I force myself to stay with the book I'll end up staring at the screen for hours.

? Where do you get your ideas or inspiration for your characters?

Anywhere and everywhere. I keep a notebook with me when I can so that I don't lose any ideas, but I've been known to email or text myself if I can't get them down on paper. In the case of Astra in "The Hand He Dealt", I had just finished watching a Canadian film called "The Last Casino", which gave me the idea of a casino intern studying gaming management; the rest built easily from there.

? How do you decide what you want to write about?

Because I'm always noting down ideas, I usually have several settings and plots ready to go at any one time. It's just a matter of deciding which one inspires me the most. Right now I have two I'm working on - I couldn't choose between them!

? What books have most influenced your life?

"Rebecca" and "My Name Is Memory" are two of the best examples of emotional development that I've ever read.  They inspired me to put pen to paper after years of thinking but not daring to do it.

? What do you like to do when you are not writing?

I love live music, particularly rock - just a few weeks ago I went to a Whitesnake concert with my husband. There's something very inspirational about the emotions in rock music.

? What is your favorite comfort food?

Pizza, preferably covered in every form of meat imaginable.

? What do you think makes a good story?

Strong characters that drive the plot. It's always obvious when the story has been forced in the wrong direction against the will of the characters.

? Who would you consider your favorite author and why?

At the moment, probably Philippa Gregory, as I have a penchant for historical novels. However, that can vary from month to month - I've been reading a lot of Ann Brashares and Lisabet Sarai lately too.

? What book, if any, do you read over and over again?

"The Other Boleyn Girl". I've always been fascinated by the Tudor period and love the way her dialogue brings the characters to life.

Fun random questions: 

·        dogs or cats? Cats.

·        Coffee or tea? Neither - I don't like them.

·        Dark or milk chocolate? Milk.

·        Rocks or flowers? Flowers.

·        Night or day? Day. I'm a morning person.

·        Favorite color? Purple.

·        Crayons or markers? Markers.

·        Pens or pencils? Pens.

Thanks for stopping by The Wormhole!
The next stop on the tour is: August 2 Guest Blog and Review

Summer Giveaway Hop!!! (USA & International)

Yet another fantastic giveaway hop presented by I Am A Reader Not A Writer

This one is Co-Hosted by Mary from BookHounds and Forever Young (adult).

Please click HERE to go to the entire hop list!  

There are more than 290 blogs participating!!! You are at #73 on the list!

#74 is CLEVERLY INKED (US/Can)

On to the giveaway... there will be four (4) winners!
I have a number of books that I have a couple copies of, so....
I am giving away three sets of books:
Set #1: How Do You Spell g*e*e*k?, April Adventure, and The Homework Machine
Set #2: Touching Spirit Bear and Among the Hidden
Set #3 The Dog Who Thought He Was Santa and A Season of Gifts
The sets are US only, but because I don't want to leave anyone out I will have an International drawing as well: ONE book ($10.00 or less) from the Book Depository, as long as they ship free to your location.    
Please fill out the proper form to enter:
Must be at least 13 years old and a follower of The Wormhole!
Good Luck - Happy Reading!

USA Form
International Form

Review: The Hand He Dealt by Tanith Davenport

The Hand He Dealt by Tanith Davenport

**I received this book from the author via Roxanne Rhoads and Bewitching Book Tours in exchange for an honest review and participation in the tour.

Product Description (Total E-Bound Publications):

Nobody can beat Astra Scott in playing the hand she’s dealt.

Astra Scott likes to live life to the full. A sorority girl and Gaming Management student, she spends her days studying and practising guitar, and her nights partying or working at the Fountain Casino, where she has an internship as part of her final semester. The only blot on her landscape is Ash Drake, her best friend Sasha’s boyfriend. Arrogant, physical and blond, Ash has never forgiven Astra for her rejection months earlier and enjoys annoying her at every turn.

But when Astra’s boyfriend Harry reveals a shocking secret, Astra responds in the only way she can think of: by finding a way to take on a more attractive, masculine role in the relationship. 

My thoughts:
I guess I should begin this review with the fact that erotica is not my usual genre so I am greatly out of my element here.  This book is not for the timid reader.  It contains alternate lifestyles and explicit sexual content.  


This is the first book I have ever read where the main character is studying gaming management.  I am a gambler and love to go to the casino so I enjoyed learning about Astra's college choice and seeing the casino from another point of view.  


Tanith Davenport has created interesting characters representing a wide variety of groups.  She has placed those characters in a realistic college setting.  There are a number of fraternities and sororities that the characters are involved with.


The entire storyline is character driven.  The characters seem to grow throughout the book.  In the beginning they are unsure of themselves and don't seem to know what they want.  As the story progresses they appear to figure things out.  


This story gives a whole new meaning to the term love triangle!


There is a bit of mystery throughout the book with Astra being attacked a few different times by unknown attackers.  This is all worked out towards the end. 


The ending finds closure, acceptance and happiness for all the characters.  

Release Day Blitz and Giveaway: Without Mercy by Belinda Boring

Welcome to The Wormhole and the Release Day Blitz and Giveaway for Without Mercy by Belinda Boring!!!

You can read my review HERE!

Author Bio:  

A homesick Aussie living amongst the cactus and mountains of Arizona, Belinda Boring is a self proclaimed addict of romance and all things swoon worthy. When she's not devouring her latest read, you can find her celebrating her passion for books on her blog The Bookish Snob.

With all that excitement, it wasn't long before she began writing, pouring her imagination and creativity into the stories she dreams. Whether urban fantasy, paranormal romance or romance in general, Belinda strives to share great plots with heart and characters that you can't help but connect with. Of course, she wouldn't be Belinda without adding heroes she hopes will curl your toes.
Surrounded by a supportive cast of family, friends and the man she gives her heart and soul to, Belinda is living the good life. Happy Reading!

Book Blurb:

What would you do if a simple errand takes a deadly twist, turning you from cautious prey to dangerous predator?

When Darcy’s outing takes a turn for the worst and tests her to the point of breaking, she struggles to maintain her humanity. Where loyalty and pack mean everything, she surrenders to the inevitable and only an act of complete trust can touch her. When all is said and done, with memories flooding her mind, Darcy holds tightly to the only thing that makes sense – it was all a dream. Or was it?

And now...what you have all been waiting for:

The Giveaway! 

There will be two winners (on each blog stop on the tour!) - each will receive an ecopy of Without Mercy from Belinda Boring herself.

Must must be 18+  and you must fill out the form below - INTERNATIONAL!

Thanks for stopping by The Wormhole!

***don't forget to check out the rest of the Blitz!

Without Mercy author Interview! Meet Belinda Boring!!!

Without Mercy by Belinda Boring

Amazon Product Description:

What would you do if a simple errand takes a deadly twist, turning you from cautious prey to dangerous predator? 

When Darcy's outing takes a turn for the worst and tests her to the point of breaking, she struggles to maintain her humanity. Where loyalty and pack mean everything, she surrenders to the inevitable and only an act of complete trust can touch her. When all is said and done, with memories flooding her mind, Darcy holds tightly to the only thing that makes sense - it was all a dream. Or was it?

And now...let's get to know the woman behind the wolves: Belinda Boring!!!

? When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

I actually wasn’t the first to realize it. I’ve always loved writing and putting my thoughts down on paper and someone I trusted pulled me aside one day and said “Belinda, have you ever thought about writing?” I’ll be honest; I laughed and shared that I would never write. I can be pretty shy and I was terrified that people would think what I’d shared was stupid. Two years later here I am - loving it and I can almost guarantee the person is grinning and thinking, “I told you so”

? How many jobs did you have before you became a writer?

Since moving to America 11 years ago, I’ve had about *counts on fingers* 5. I was a hotel housekeeper for the grand total of 3 days, an assistant manager at Carl’s Jnr, a college tutor in math, science and other courses, a biology lab assistant and a program coordinator in a mental health and substance abuse program. Right now I’m self-employed and run a blog tour company called The Bookish Snob Promotions.

? How long does it take you to write a book?

TOO LONG! I’m forever telling my husband I wish I could just plug my laptop into my brain and have it type out what I see when I’m plotting out scenes. That way I can avoid all the distractions of life that seem to pop up every time I sit down to write. I’d say it can take me anywhere from a month to a year.

? What would you say is your most interesting writing quirk?

Hmmm, a quirk? I’m quirk free! *as husband scoffs in the background* I have to have total silence when I start writing. When I was writing Without Mercy, I did a large chunk of it in one day and my poor hubby sat the entire time watching his TV programs on mute. Once I’m in the story, I can pretty much tune things out but in the beginning, I swear I can hear someone breathing a mile away LOL

? Do you have a routine that you use to get into the right frame of mind to write?

Yep, and it’s a pretty good one too. When I begin a new project, I find songs that match the feel of the story. I’m an emotional writer and really draw on it when I’m trying to get into the heart of what’s happening. I’m also visual so I’ll look for the perfect muse to inspire me. Right now, I’m writing Cherished which is the next installment in the Mystic Wolves novelettes. Each time I begin writing, I turn on “In My Head” by Jason Derulo and “Just The Way You Are” by Bruno Mars and it’s only a matter of minutes before I can feel tingles and the mood of the story flowing. I’ve picked Francesco Cura to be Mason and found all kinds of HOT pics of him. Pair that with the playlist and it’s instant inspiration!

? Where do you get your ideas or inspiration for your characters?

I honestly don’t know. I have a general idea of who I want them to be and how I want them to interact within the story. But once I start writing, they take over and show me who they are. Sometimes I’ll argue with them and say “Nope, I want you this way” or “You need to act like this” They just shake their heads and say “Poor, sweet author. This is who we are.” LOL I learned real fast to let them lead the way and it’s an exciting process.

? How do you decide what you want to write about?

All my story ideas so far have come from dreams. I’ll wake up overwhelmed with certain emotions that won’t let go away or I’ll remember a main idea with certain images. I’m also in the process of writing Broken Promises. That was a dream I woke from and remembered that eyes changed color, blood and that there was an invasion. That’s all. Over the course of the day, I outlined 3 books. Without Mercy came from me waking up with this gut wrenching grief. I remembered a gun and terror. All day, I sobbed and it wouldn’t go away until my BFF said “Belinda, write about it.” Pair it with the song “Running Up That Hill” by Placebo and the short story was born.

? What books have most influenced your life?

Okay, I would have to say the Harry Potter books. I was an avid reader growing up but there were years where I didn’t touch a book. A friend took me to see the second Harry Potter movie and was shocked I’d never heard of them. I went home, ordered the first book on Amazon and it lit a flame under me. I’ve been devouring books ever since. From Harry, I moved onto Young Adult paranormal – Twilight, House of Night series, Mortal Instruments. I moved through paranormal, fantasy and loved it! My hubby bought me a Christine Feehan book for Christmas and it was in that moment I fell in love with paranormal romance and I’ve been addicted ever since. It’s why I’m called The Bookish Snob. I know what I like and I very rarely read outside the genre.

? What is the first book you remember reading by yourself?

You know what? I honestly don’t remember.  I know that we had loads of books growing up. There was one book about Louis Pasteur. He was standing on the front with this MASSIVE needle and a monster with funny teeth. Funny the things we remember!

? What are you reading right now?

I’m reading a few books at the moment. Picture Perfect by Deena Remiel (swoony), Deeper Than Midnight by Lara Adrian and Defying Pack Law by Eve Langlais. I’m DESPERATE for the new release from the Dark Hunter series, Retribution. Only a few more weeks!

? What do you like to do when you are not writing?

I LOVE reading and blogging. I also love watching movies and spending time with family and friends.  I seem to be attached to my laptop a lot and you can usually find me chatting on Facebook or Twitter. Online I’m the social butterfly and in real life, I’m super shy. Go figure, right?

? What is your favorite comfort food?

Ice cream and salt and vinegar chips. So not healthy but they always hit the right spot.

? What do you think makes a good story?

Being a lover of romance, I’d definitely say it’s all about the emotion and swoon. If the story can pull me in and give me an experience where I can connect with the characters and imagine myself with them, it’s a story I’ll remember and rave about. I love strong heroines, cocky heroes with swagger and I enjoy seeing into the heart of the story. I want to be moved and excited.

? Who would you consider your favorite author and why?

Hahahahaha! There is no way I could choose just one. I definitely have authors who are auto buys for me: Sherrilyn Kenyon, Lacey Weatherford, Stacey Kennedy, Marcia McClure, Richelle Mead, Cherise Sinclair, Deena Remiel, Amber Scott, Ilona Andrews, Jeaniene Frost, Karen Moning, Hannah Howell … the list could seriously go on forever.

? What book, if any, do you read over and over again?

I don’t have much time to reread books at the moment L My TBR and review pile have seriously taken on a life of their own and I’m like a little girl in a candy store! I know I’m desperate to reread the Dark Hunter series and after reading Karen Moning’s recent post from Barrons’ POV, I’m craving to reread the Fever series. Just need more hours in the day!

Fun random questions: 

• dogs or cats? Dogs but only if they’re Chihuahuas
• Coffee or tea? Blech, neither!
• Dark or milk chocolate? Milk chocolate
• Rocks or flowers? Flowers
• Night or day? Night
• Favorite color? Red
• Crayons or markers? Crayons
• Pens or pencils? Pencils

Thanks for stopping by The Wormhole! 

Happy Reading!

You can buy a copy of this great story at Amazon.com for a mere 99 cents!

The form is fixed!!!!

Sorry to those who wanted to enter for the free copy of Skipping Stones at the Center of the Earth and couldn't because I had linked the form wrong - I have embedded the form now - so click HERE to enter!!!!