Readers: What’s Hot & What’s Not?

Posted in Writing by JustineWinter

Happy New Year!

I know, it feels strange reading that in the middle of January, doesn’t it? This time of year comes with a clean slate and a list of good intentions – honestly, how many of you have deviated already?

I, myself, have big plans for the year ahead. Lots of publishing is on the horizon – I currently have 4 projects on the go. Doesn’t that show how indecisive I’ve been lately? But, I just want to. . .

WRITE ALL THE THINGS!!

For now, I’m interested in hearing your opinions on this big wide world of words. What genre book are you currently addicted to? What or who’s making you 1-click immediately? And what are you absolutely fed up of seeing?

I’ve been on a crime fiction binge for months now, devouring between 1-2 a week – my purse can’t keep up with my voracious hunger for the written text. I’m also slowly getting back into the groove of fantasy/paranormal. Do you have any recommendations for me?

Last year we saw the rise in step-brother romances, pushing the boundaries of taboo subjects. This year I believe we’re going to be seeing more cross-genre fiction – bleeding the lines between categories even more. What do you think is going to be this year’s biggest trend?

11Dec2014

Seven 11 Blog Hop

Posted in 7-11 Blog Hop by JustineWinter

Happy December, everybody, and a very Merry Christmas to you!

As Christmas is two weeks today, (I know, right? Didn’t that come fast!) I have a holiday-themed teaser for you. This time next year I intend to release a book of short stories from different points of view within the Nature’s Destiny world that all focus on one theme; holidays. Today’s teaser is from Sky’s (Nature’s Destiny character) POV, and I will release her FULL CHRISTMAS STORY via my newsletter on Christmas day. So, if you want IN on a FREE read, be sure to sign up here.

*Copyright, Justine Winter, 2014*

The cobbled-stone town was a frantic mess of rushing shoppers dashing into every store for last-minute gifts. Tinsel covered windows and doors, and colourful lights hung like a welcoming invitation, embracing the festive cheer.

I wrapped my arms around my chest, pulling my coat tighter to keep in the warmth. A frosty breeze twirled past my face; my nose was frozen to the touch.

Christmas was only a few days away, and every year it was the same depressing, lonely holiday of my life. I was always the grumpiest person around all this holly jolly spirit; the Grinch had nothing on me.

God knows why I thought a trip into town would help cheer me up.

Okay, so I know that doesn’t sound particularly happy and festive, and it’s not my intention to bum you out on Chrimbo day, so I do promise it gets better. Honestly. Also, while I remember, the Nature’s Destiny paperback giveaway finishes at the end of this month on goodreads, so hop on over here quickly and make sure you’ve entered to win.

Now, be sure to check out this great list of authors, and see what brilliant teasers they have to offer this month. Seriously, these peoples are amazing writers.

Amanda Aksel – Women’s Fiction
Heather Hildenbrand – YA
Bethany Lopez – NA Romance
Kayla Smith – Paranormal
Shawn McGuire – YA – also has a cover reveal today! Check out the beauty here.

2Nov2014

Nature’s Destiny Paperback Giveaway

Posted in Nature's Destiny by JustineWinter

It’s giveaway time!

What better way to celebrate my birthday, Halloween, bonfire night and Christmas than with a giveaway? Or, you know, any other reason you can think of…

I’m a sucker for this time of year; I absolutely love it. The colder, darker, longer nights, the necessary need for hot chocolate, and everything relates to Christmas. The food, films, music, family time, and the inspiration that always comes to mind – watch out for a project I’m working on coming this time next year. Until the end of December 2014, I’m hosting a giveaway via Goodreads for a SIGNED paperback of Nature’s Destiny, the first book in my Werewolf series. Enter here.

Nature’s Destiny Teaser

There wasn’t a need for talk as I watched the sky. It was a dark, navy colour and it shone with the many stars that twinkled above me. Captivating from the get-go, I settled to enjoy the peace and quiet. Who knew what I’d be facing in the future?
Riley’s even breathing held a steady rhythm that lulled and hypnotized me. It was completely tranquil. I decided to rest my eyes for a few minutes, and tightened my hold on his shirt.
I drifted off into a dreamless sleep, and stirred a few minutes later.
“Getting sleepy, sweetheart?” he asked.
I nodded, and attempted to get up.
“Where are you going?”
“We should probably go back, right?” I asked.
“No, we can stay here if you want. Inside or outside, it’s up to you,” he said, as he motioned for me to settle down in his arms again. I did without complaining. I liked it here.
“Won’t we get cold?” I asked. As warm as I was, I was unsure if the drop in temperature was going to affect us.
“Shhh. Stop worrying, there’s a blanket inside if we need it. Close your eyes my beautiful Luna, I will take care of you.”
I did as I was told, sneaking one last look at the stars. My destiny written all over them.
“Riley?”
“Mmm?”
“Do you think the prophecy, my destiny, is exactly what you were told?”
“Destiny is what we make through the choices life gives us. The future isn’t promised, which is why we make each day count. Live for you, not because of what’s expected of you. We don’t judge, we protect. That’s family, and that’s pack. And I will always be here for you, Luna. We’ll get through this together.” He kissed the top of my head and tightened his arms around me.
My choices had been taken away from me the day I was turned. Since then I’d followed orders. I wasn’t me anymore, I was the person I was always supposed to become. Special.
It didn’t matter what everyone thought. I was going to protect my pack, especially Riley. Nothing was going to stop me from giving him the happiness he deserved. Even if that meant war.

11Aug2014

Seven – 11 Blog Hop & Giveaways

Posted in 7-11 Blog Hop, Sapphire's Divinity, Writing by JustineWinter

Whoa! I can’t believe we’re at the 11th August already. Where did the last month go? Fear not though, I have some goodies for you. It’s officially the second post in the Seven-11 blog hop, and there’s plenty of appetisers for your eyes to feast on.

Today’s seven lines come from Sapphire’s Divinity which will release in 16 days! I don’t know about you, but I can’t wait! If you enjoy this little teaser, then be sure to mark it as to-read on Goodreads here. August 27th will soon come around! And if you haven’t read Nature’s Destiny yet (the first in the series) then you’re in luck because it’s currently on sale for 99c/77p at Amazon, Kobo, Smashwords, B&N & iBooks.

Now for the snippet:

The creatures grabbed at my arms, and stretched me as they chanted something I didn’t understand. Minutes ago I’d been contemplating doing the exact same thing to them, yet here they were pulling me apart.

I screamed from the tearing pain, my body searched for every last drop of energy. The bubble inside me had grown from all of the fighting, but I couldn’t concentrate on it long enough with my arms ripping from my torso. I felt like a doll with its stitches falling apart.

“LUNA!” I heard the sound of Riley’s cry, and I blinked back the tears as I watched him running towards me. Everything turned into slow motion as I realised he’d never get to me in time.

I hope you enjoyed that sneak peek! And if your tastebuds are tickling for some more, then you should check out the amazing list of authors below who are also sharing some teasers from their work today, and you should definitely enter these awesome giveaways going on right now:

Author Steph Nuss is giving away (US Only) a SIGNED PAPERBACK copy of her new release, Fantasized by You. Enter to win at Goodreads here.

AND! Author SM Boyce is giving away a Stacey Marie Brown Swag Bag. Enter to win here.

It’s here! Nature’s Destiny Paperback!

Posted in Nature's Destiny by JustineWinter

You guys, let’s take a moment to scream the place down, jump about, throw a party, eat chocolate and crack open a bottle of wine. Oh, yes!

Nature’s Destiny is finally out in paperback and check out the pretty cover above!

When the proof came in the mail, I didn’t sit still for a really long time. My house thoroughly had its foundations shaken, and the speakers, needless to say, got a good workout too. My dancing skills, however, did not improve.

So, who wants to join me in a dance of celebration?

Here’s your chance. In honour of my complete excitement, I’m offering you the chance to win a signed paperback copy from me. All you have to do is sign in to Goodreads and ‘enter to win‘ here.

Also, Nature’s Destiny, is listed in the Kindle Matchbook program. So, if you buy the paperback on Amazon, you can get the kindle version at a discounted price of $0.99!

Exciting, right?

And while I remember, if you want to keep up with all my bookish news and be the first to know about everything, then sign up to my newsletter by emailing me at justinewinter@hotmail.co.uk with the words ‘SIGN UP’ in the subject header.

Good Luck!