Straight Chatting from the Library: Melissa Riddell

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Melissa Riddell will giveaway to randomly drawn winners via Rafflecopter a $10 Amazon/BN GC, a signed copy of The Descendant (book 1), or an ARC of the second book in the series. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

READ AN INTERVIEW

What is the favorite book you remember as a child?

In second grade, Mrs. Yeary, my second-grade teacher, would read The Mouse and the Motorcycle by Beverly Cleary. Although she was a strict teacher, I loved her story times in the afternoon and that lovable mouse named Ralph.

What is your favorite book today?

Oh my. It changes all the time because I read at least one book a week. At the moment, I’m reading Rhapsodic by Laura Thalassa and I’m loving it.

Tell us about your current book in 10 words.

Girl loses everything but gains love—and a dog!

What are you reading right now?

Rhapsodic by Laura Thalassa and I’m re-reading Star Wars Dark Force Rising. I love this Thrawn-era trilogy from the nineties—you know, before all the canon was hijacked.

What books do you have on hold at the library?

Oh, I have to own every book I read, so none.

Do you have any bad book habits?

I’m a bad person—I dog ear my books.

E-Reader or print? and why?

E-Reader when I can’t wait, but I prefer print because it never needs a charge. Plus, they smell good!

One book at a time or multiples?

It depends on how busy I am, but it’s not unusual for me to switch between two-three books at at a time.

Least favorite book you've read this year?

I wouldn’t say it’s my least favorite, but I’m having a hard time finishing Plague of Angels by John Patrick Kennedy. It’s very well-written, but the sex scenes drown out the story, or maybe it’s the fact that sometimes more is less. I’m good with steam—love it, in fact—but I feel like the book is overloaded with it, and they drag the story. That’s just my opinion, of course.

Favorite book you've read this year?

Pestilence by Laura Thalassa

When do you do most of your reading?

During the day, I listen to audiobooks while working my full-time job, and I read print or ebooks in the evening if I need a break from writing.

Favorite place to read?

In my office, where it’s quiet.

Do you loan your books?

Absolutely not! I’ve had several people not return them in the past. I know which books and who they are. Yeah, brother-in-law, I’m looking at YOU! Where’s Revival by Stephen King that I loaned you like ten years ago, huh?!

How do you keep your books organized?

By series and genre.

Re-reader or not?

All the time! I love re-reading favorite books and series. It’s like meeting up with an old friend.

What would make you not finish a book?

Poor grammar and lack of editing.

Keep books or give them away?

I only give away books if I have an extra copy. I’ll admit it—I’m selfish when it comes to my library. When I get old, I’m pretty sure I’m going to be a book hoarder. My daughter’s convinced I’m already at that point. Surprise, kiddo, I’m bequeathing all these glorious words to you when I die. If you give them away, I will haunt you.

READ THE BLURB

She wants her world back; he wants her heart.

Tilly Morgan and her four-legged companion, Kodiak, are just trying to survive the alien arrival. Two years ago, the visitors unleashed devastation—a world-wide EMP followed by a deadly virus that wiped out more than half of humanity.

Traversing the lonely landscape, she runs into an alien on patrol with one order: eradicate all human life. A mysterious, dark-haired stranger named Jareth comes to her aid, and she reluctantly allows him to join her quest to find her sister. He even persuades her to let the damaged alien tag along against her better judgment.

As her group travels the desolate world and inches closer to her goal, she’s forced to examine her unwanted feelings for Jareth and come to terms with her heart, even if the truth threatens to destroy her and everything she’s come to believe.

READ THE EXCERPT

His eyes crinkle. “Hmm.” He lets go of my shoulders and continues cleaning the cut, then blows on it to speed up the drying process.

The way his lips open and the feel of warm air—his exhalation—on my skin causes me to clamp my teeth together. His breath smells like cinnamon, and that full bottom lip looks way too enticing.

I hide a shiver. “Would you stop that?”

“Stop what?”

Unable to bring myself to say blowing on me, I flap a hand near his mouth. “That.”

He frowns for a moment, then tips his head back. “Oh, you mean this?” He leans forward, keeping his eyes locked to mine, and pushes air through his lips, as if daring me to say something.

“Yeah. That.” My voice sounds uneven.

His words are pure silk. “Why? Does it turn you on?”

“What?” I push at his chest, but he’s about as movable as Mount Rushmore. “God, no. Your breath smells like you’ve been eating dog food, and it makes me want to hurl.”

Dropping his hands, he pulls back with a frown, and looks like he wants to exhale into a palm and sniff.

I stifle a giggle. Yeah, I’m a butt, but the comment knocks him off his sexy game and gives me a chance to collect my wits.

MEET THE AUTHOR

Melissa Riddell is from a small, West Texas town in which she still lives with her husband. Her writing career started as a hobby when she was a teenager, writing poems and short stories. Eventually, she branched out and began constructing novels. When not contemplating new story ideas, she can be found traipsing around Texas State Parks, herding her cats, or reading a book.
You can follow her on several different social media platforms below:
Facebook: HTTP://facebook.com/melcriddell
Twitter: http://twitter.com/MelCRiddell
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/averela
Goodreads: http://goodreads.com/melcriddell
Website: https://averela13.wixsite.com/melissariddell

Amazon buy link: https://www.amazon.com/Descendant-Baltin-Trilogy-Book-ebook/dp/B07ZWHVKBP/

The book will be $0.99 during the tour.

ENTER THE GIVEAWAY

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