Cat Miller

All posts in the Cat Miller category

Unafraid by Cat Miller

Published September 28, 2012 by Ema Volf

I am a huge fan of the Forbidden Bond Series, so I’ve been anxiously awaiting this release! I have to say that I was definitely not disappointed! This novella is the perfect prequel to Unbound and Unforgiven! It tells the story of Dani’s parents, Tessa and Griffin.

What I loved most about this story is the fact that we got to see a side of a few of the characters that we have never seen before in Unbound and Unafraid. It’s refreshing to get to know them a little better and see the other sides to their personalities. For me, it explained more of the other two books and really tied them all together. It helped me understand why they are the way they are and why they act the way they act.

I really loved this book. As usual, Cat created a fascinating world with fascinating characters, and showed me their past in a way that made me fall in love with them all over again.

Unforgiven by Cat Miller

Published July 30, 2012 by Ema Volf

Unforgiven has released a day early! Buy it here!

I was fortunate enough to have been gifted an ARC copy if Unforgiven by Cat Miller for review! Unforgiven is the second book in the Forbidden Bond series. I had read Unbound, the first book in the series, and LOVED it, so needless to say, I was extremely flattered to be given the opportunity!

Unforgiven starts where Unbound left off. Dani (Soleil) and Chase are at their bonding ceremony, when Dani is abducted by Darren, who still believes that Dani is his mate. In Unbound, he had given her his blood so she would live after The Rogue had almost completely drained her, changing her into a full vampire. This event created a blood bond that was, unfortunately for Darren, one-sided. The Rogue, as we also learned in Unbound, has been kidnapping young vampires and draining them to steal their abilities in his quest for power.

In this book, we get to see much more of Brandi than we were able to see in the last one. Just before Dani’s bonding ceremony, she had decided that she wants to stop blending into the shadows and start standing out in her vampire society, so she gave herself a makeover. Much of this book is watching Brandi as she tries to find out who she is and what she wants to be. We also find that Brandi has a surprising new power that she’s trying to learn how to control.

In addition to the characters we saw in Unbound, we also get to meet a few fascinating new ones! This includes two new swoon-worthy men who are competing for Brandi’s attentions. Greyson, the typical warrior hero and Derek. You thought Cayden was your favorite bad boy? Just wait until you meet Derek.

We also get to watch Derek as he tries to decide whether Brandi is enough of a reason to leave his bad boy lifestyle behind him. Can someone who has forever hidden in the shadows survive in the light? Can Brandi forgive Derek’s past transgressions? What will happen to his mother, who Derek believes is being held captive as a guarantee of Derek’s complete subservience? Who are really the traitors to the vampire nation. And who is aiding The Rogue financially and slipping him information? For that matter, who is The Rogue exactly? Are you sure?

I enjoyed the fact that Cat gave us several instances where she went back and gave us a completely different side of the story from a completely different character. When I started to feel comfortable with one character, Cat immediately whisked me away to another before I got bored. When I was comfortable with one situation, Cat shook it up a bit for me. There were enough twists and turns to keep me on edge, but not so many to leave me utterly confused.

I also enjoyed the fact that there was very little “fluff” in the book to distract me. Everything that happened, happened for a reason. There wasn’t any filler in an attempt to make the book longer.

As she did with Unbound, Cat gave us amazing and colorful characters. Our “leading ladies” are women that we can look up to and respect, even though they make some major mistakes. They show us that it’s okay to mess up and it’s just part of life. I thoroughly enjoy stories with lessons. It makes me extremely happy to see that this series has several that can be applied in everyday life.

Also, as Cat did with Unbound, she gave me, the reader, a book with a story that I would like to live in for a while. It was very hard for me to put this book down, and the only reason I did, was because I was in dire need of sleep after this book kept me up until 4am.

Time for the Forbidden Bond Blog Tour!

Published July 24, 2012 by Ema Volf

The Forbidden Bond Blog Tour is here! I’m going to tell you a little bit about what we’re celebrating, and then I have managed to score an interview with my beloved Cat Miller! I have to say, I have thoroughly enjoyed being her “Adminion” so far! She is a lot of fun and exactly the kind of author I hope to be! ♥ You know … As long as I get to keep some of my minor techy-nerd skillz …

On July 31st, Cat Miller, author of Unbound, will introduce the second book of her Forbidden Bond Series! Unforgiven will be available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Smashwords!

About Unforgiven:

Happily ever after is interrupted and the vampire nation is turned on its ear. Brandi Vaughn struggles to find herself in the shadow of her powerful vampire family and her socialite twin sister. The search for her abducted half-sister, Danielle, lands Brandi in an emotional tug of war between the light and the dark, good and evil, a warrior and a rogue. Good people do bad things. Sometimes the bad guys have a good reason. Could you forgive the unforgiven?

For the first time ever, Unbound is now available in print!

About Unbound:

Betrayal, passion, family secrets, murder, and vampires … What else would one expect during their freshman year of college? Danielle Vaughn is secreted away after her birth and hidden until she leaves her small town in search of high education. She quickly finds herself maneuvering through a maze of enemies and lovers who are all out to capture her at any cost. Danielle’s life is turned upside down by the return if her father and the society of vampires that shattered her human mother’s life. She must find a way to survive in the new world she is thrust into by a power hungry rogue on the hunt for gifted vampire youth. The hierarchy of the vampire nation is rocked by the existence of a demi-vamp who challenges their narrow-minded views of the human race.

Now for the interview!

Where did you find your inspiration for Unbound?

It came to me one day in the shower. Wait. You didn’t mean the physical ‘where’ did you? Silly me. Well, I wanted to create a different type of vampire who would be more relatable to us humans. I tried to explain a lot of the standard vampire traits and blend them with enough humanity to make them feel like they could be neighbors or friends. I was really just going for a new twist.

Who is your favorite character? Why?

I love all of my characters but I believe Cayden Paris may be my favorite. His transformation from a playboy and a wild child to a defender of his people and a romantic brought him close to my heart. I think all of us girls love the bad boys and dream of being the girl they love enough to change their wicked ways. I am always drawn to those characters. Maybe I live a little vicariously through Dani’s relationship with Cayden.

 If you could make a soundtrack for Unbound, what songs would be on it? Why?

That is tough but I can name a few.

Apocalyptica – Not Strong Enough

This song is a perfect for background for the struggles of Dani and Chase. “I know it’s wrong and I know it’s right.” Wow.

Nickelback – Savin’ Me

This song brings to mind the need in all of us to be accepted by that one person we believe will make our lives complete. Many of the characters in Unbound are looking for someone to want them, love them, save them. “Heaven’s gates won’t open up for me. With these broken wings I’m falling and all I see is you.” That says it all.

Seether – Careless Whisper

Chase makes mistakes he regrets in a hurry. “I should have known better than to cheat a friend and wait the chance that I’ve been given.”

The Veer Union – Darker side of Me

Dani struggles to deal with her duality in a world that expects her be just like everyone else. To humans the vampire in her is darker side. The vampire would see her humanity as a stain.  “I don’t think that you want to be a part of me. I don’t think that you want to see the deeper darker side of me. I don’t think that you’re ready for reality.”

The Pretty Little Liars – Make Me Wanna Die

This Dani’s song. “You make me wanna die. I’ll never be good enough.” She doesn’t believe she will be loved or accepted by either race of beings.

 What is the most important thing that writing has done for you?

I think my writing has given me confidence I didn’t have in the past. I am indie writer without a college degree. In the beginning I had to convince myself that I had something to say that people wanted to hear. I had to convince myself that I was capable of doing the job. It took many readers and a lot reviews to help me believe in me.

Would you say you have any writing quirks?

I like to write at night when the house is quiet. I can’t sit at my desk to write. I prefer the corner of my sofa. I can’t write in the first person, at all. It was terrible when I tried to write the way.

What is the hardest thing about writing?

The hardest thing to do as a writer is to develop a character that others can relate to. When I write I live the scene and experience the emotions with my character. If you don’t feel it, neither will your reader. You have to find a subject you love and can immerse yourself in to make it believable. The biggest compliment I have ever received is that my readers laugh, rage, and cry along with my characters. They pick sides and cheer for their favorites. That is what you have to strive for in your writing.

 What is the most fun thing about writing?

I think getting to know the readers has been the most fun for me. I am a very social person. So having a reason to chat with people from all over the world is a lot of fun.

 What does your family think of your writing?

My kids think it’s cool. They tell their friends their mom is an author. I know it gets on their nerves at times. They don’t like to hear that I’m not chauffeuring them around because I have to finish my edits or I’m busy writing, but they are supportive.

Do you get jealous of other writers?

Heavens no! I would never begrudge someone else their success. I hope that one day, after I have paid my dues, I will be equally as successful.

What is the most demeaning thing ever said about you as a writer? Did you care?

I recent heard someone same that I’m not a “real writer” because I don’t have a publisher. Apparently, real writers don’t need a day job and I need to stop this silliness before I really embarrass myself. This person hasn’t read my work so I take it with a grain of salt but, it did bother a bit.

How do you react to bad reviews?

Bad reviews are tough for me as a newbie writer but I don’t think it will change over time. When you put your work out there for the public you have to understand that not everyone is going to like it and they have the right to say so in a public forum. I try to look at the few bad reviews I have received as constructive criticism.

Do you have any suggestions for those wanting to be better writers?

My advice for other writers is to write about what you love. The hardest thing to do as a writer is to develop a character that others can relate to. When I write I live the scene and experience the emotions with my character. If you don’t feel it, neither will your reader. You have to find a subject you love and can immerse yourself in to make it believable. The biggest compliment I have ever received is that my readers laugh, rage, and cry along with my characters. They pick sides and cheer for their favorites. That is what you have to strive for in your writing.

If you could stand over the shoulder of your past self while you were writing Unbound, what would you say to her?

I would tell myself to get a professional editor the first time. I would tell the past me to take her time and do it right the first time around. I may have told her not to be so long winded.

How important is it to you to keep in touch with your readers?

Without the readers your writing means nothing. Making yourself available to them is what it’s all about. I love chatting about their favorite characters and their favorite scenes. The scenes I cried or laughed through writing are the scenes that affected them as well. Without my direct interaction with my readers I wouldn’t know that.

Is there anything specific you want to say to your readers?

I would like to thank my readers for spending their valuable time with me and my character. I started writing for me. I continue to write them as well as myself. Thank you for walking the streets and roaming the rooms I have created while you living along with my characters in their world. Without you, they don’t exist.

About Cat Miller:

I was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland, and now I live not far from my birth place in Perry Hall, Maryland. I have two teenage daughters and a man that keep me busy when I’m not working full-time as a Certified Medical Coder. I’m an avid reader and I love all genre of romantic fiction from historical to contemporary to paranormal. Sleeping has always been a problem for me so most nights I can be found in the living room reading or writing instead of in bed like the rest of the world. I don’t watch television. It’s not a conscious decision, it just never occurs to me to turn it on when I have books to read and writing to do. It can actually be a hazard, because I never know what the weather will be until I look outside and I have to rely on my kids and coworkers for local and world news. I love creating the characters you love and love to hate. My characters remind me of people I know and people I wish I had never known.

Blog: http://catmillerbooks.blogspot.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/catmillerbooks

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/CatMillerAuthor

This is going to be fun!

Published June 29, 2012 by Ema Volf

Day 1 of being Cat Miller’s Minion/Admin is over! And I have many more days to go! 😀 And I have to say I’m enjoying myself! I love that woman and I’m happy to help wherever I can! ♥ I’m helping her out with her Facebook page and blog. I’m hoping to get her readers more involved. 🙂

I have added a few more books needing review! And I’m so excited to start! It’s time for me to get back on it! My goal is to have these done by the end of next week. Usually it takes a couple days for me to finish one.

  1. Forever by Gillian Joy
  2. Spellbound by Samantha Combs
  3. Everspell by Samantha Combs
  4. Sleep Stalkers by Jackie ODierno

I had a MAJOR problem with The Rapture of Avery Maye, and it will require another really big edit. I don’t want to get into too much detail, but a character is having to be unwritten. I’m sorry it’s taking so long, but sometimes these things happen. I’ll try to keep you updated.

Oh my … I’m going to be busy busy …

Published June 15, 2012 by Ema Volf

So when I said I’m going to start doing longer, better reviews, I meant it. Every last word of it. And now, I have been given the opportunity to do 5 books. O.O I’m going to be a busy, busy girly over the next couple of weeks. And I must say they all look FANTASTIC! I can’t wait to finish them all! These, of course, are reviews in addition to finishing the editing work for The Rapture of Avery Maye (which is almost done).

Coming up (in this order):

  1. Midnight Hunter by Bonnie Bernard
  2. Dawn of the Hunter by Bonnie Bernard
  3. Blood Thirst by LA Freed
  4. Spellbound by Samantha Combs
  5. Everspell by Samantha Combs

Also, on July 13th, I will be sharing an interview with Cat Miller! I can’t wait! I love that woman to pieces! If you have any questions you would like me to ask (in addition to my own), the last day to get them to me is this Saturday!

So much excitement!

Published June 5, 2012 by Ema Volf

The printed copies of The Vampire Hunter’s Daughter by Jennifer Malone Wright and Unbound by Cat Miller are available for preorder! They’re available on their blogs (posted below)! You can even request them to be signed!

Naturally I ordered both! I adore both of these women! They are amazing and their writing is fantastic! Both books are on my list of favorites! I could rave on and on about them forever, but you guys should see for yourselves!

The Vampire Hunter’s Daughter by Jennifer Malone Wright:

http://www.jenniferwrightauthor.com/

Unbound by Cat Miller:

http://catmillerbooks.blogspot.com/

Unbound by Cat Miller

Published April 30, 2012 by Ema Volf

Have you ever read a book that you had such a hard time putting down that you read it way into the night and early morning until you eventually passed out and your book/e-reader fell on your face? Yeah that’s how this book was!

If you love vampire romances this is definitely for you! The wait for the next one is going to be so painful!

Busy day!

Published April 28, 2012 by Ema Volf

So today I finished TWO amazing books! Insight by Jamie Magee and The Vampire Hunter’s Daughter Part 5 by Jennifer Malone Wright! I highly recommend both of these!

Next up, Unbound by Cat Miller and The Spirit Box by JH Glaze!

Also Avery Maye goes in for editing! 🙂

Impromptu Online Music Party with Cat Miller

Published April 27, 2012 by Ema Volf

Yep! You read that right! LOL! That’s what the awesome Cat Miller, author of Unbound, and I (and chunks of our friends’ lists) were doing last night on Facebook! Lots of LOLz were had! Especially when so many of our friends were joining in! I love goofy nights!

PS – We were breaking out some of the good stuff from way back in the day! Well … The stuff that has good memories tied behind it anyways. LOL!

NKOTB, BSB, NSYNC, Robyn, Will Smith, B*Witched, LL Cool J, House of Pain, Silverchair, Collective Soul, The Calling, and only a bazillion others. And it all started with Britney Spears. We might have gotten a little carried away … LOL!

PPS – The whole point of this seemingly pointless entry is that I recommend at least one of these a month. Serious LOLz = sanity saved! 😉

PPPS – Go snag her book. Just saying. LOL!

UPDATE:

Apparently this book is for 99 cents until Monday! Even more reason to snag it!