Storm Goddess Book Reviews & More: VBT Red Dirt Road

The Saving Angels Series continues… A new cast is introduced, while journeys already taken start to merge with the present, leading you down the old Red Dirt Road. Death has always seemed just one step behind Layla Hill, taking almost everyone she’s ever loved. After she loses the love of her life, Layla vows to never love again—how could she, when she’s a death magnet? Trying to outrun fate traveling with her uncle Willie and his band, Layla meets Michael Roberts, a beautiful Irish boxer as gentle on the piano as he is brutal in the ring. He proves as relentless in life, fighting for a place in her world even as she pushes him away, trying to protect him from her killer tendencies. But neither foresees the sinister presence waiting for Layla at the end of the Red Dirt Road.

Born and raised in New Orleans, Annie has a habit of shortening her words and telling long stories. She speaks with a southern flair and cooks with it too. At the tender age of twenty- one, she hitched up her wagons (took her first plane ride) and moved out west to the big shake (California). Her writing career began one sleepless night when she imagined a gorgeous woman and a man with maniacal hair floating above her like lightening bugs falling from the sky. Curious about them, their story, and why they were floating around in her head, she sat down and penned (typed) her first novel, Marigny Street. A dream come true for her, she hasn’t stopped writing since. She loves a damn good love story, always has, no matter what the genre. She is particularly moved by imperfect love that in its own unique way is perfect, the notion of love at first sight, soul mates, and things that are generally out of the norm. When she’s not writing she enjoys dabbling in photography and finding new, inspirational music to add to her collection. She currently (still) resides in the big shake (although her southern roots are calling her home) with her husband, daughter, and their two peculiar dogs, Boudreaux and Tabasco (who, call her crazy, bark with an accent).

Storm Goddess Interviews the author!

Tell me about yourself. I was born and raised in New Orleans. I live in California now with my husband and daughter and our two peculiar dogs.

How long have you been writing? How many published books do you have, and what genres? I’ve been writing for about five years, but I just published my first novel, Marigny Street, this past July. And my second novel, Red Dirt Road, was published this past September. They’re a part of a series: Saving Angels. Paranormal Romance is what they are listed under, but I’ve always considered them just “Love Stories.”

Do you write in multiple genres or just one? If just one, do you ever consider straying outside your genre? I write in multiple. I just finished my sixth book—a stand-alone—and I’m still having a hard time classifying it. I always resort to my own, made up “Love Story” genre, but it’s much more than just a love story. I believe it crosses genre lines, just like the Saving Angels Series.

Are you a plotter or do you write from the seat of your pants? I write from the seat of my pants! I never know what is going to happen next or how the story will end. And I love it, because I feel like I am really taking the journey. Nothing is ever predetermined in my books.

What is a typical writing day like for you? Lately I’ve been doing more editing than writing, but usually, my writing begins at night. I have a little one and I try to do most of my writing after the house is asleep and I have total quiet.

Who do you love to read? Favorite authors, favorite books? I love southern fried classics... like Fried Green Tomatoes and such. I have a large appetite for books. If it sounds appealing, no matter what the genre, I’m game to escape wherever the story carries me.

What is something you'd like to accomplish in your writing career next year? To have a few fans, to have a few people tell me that my stories made a difference in their lives.

If you could have one paranormal ability, what would it be? To communicate with people without having to say a word.

If you could keep a mythical/ paranormal creature as a pet, what would you have? Big Foot.

Tell us a little about your latest release. My current release, Red Dirt Road, is about a lost woman, Layla Hill. She feels she is a magnet for death. She’s lost almost everyone she’s ever loved, and after she loses her husband, she takes a vow never to love again. Until, an extremely beautiful and powerful Irish boxer comes storming into her life. Layla’s entire world is turned upside down. She finds herself fighting for everything she had once given up. But will her fight and faith be enough to save their love?

What is something that you absolutely can't live without? (Other than family members) Chocolate.

If you could spend a day with anyone from history, dead or alive, who would it be, and what would you do? What would you ask them? Bonnie & Clyde. I’d invite them to dinner and ask them tons of questions about every robbery they ever committed.

What are some of your other hobbies outside of writing? Photography. Cooking. Listening to music (can that be a hobby?)…

What is something you've always wanted to do, but haven't done yet. Why not? I’ve always wanted to travel abroad. I’m afraid to fly… so, I’m working on it! One day.

If you were on the staff to have a book adapted to movie, what would you pick? My books!

What is a talent you wish you had, but don't? I’ve always wished I could plant things AND have them grow.

Favorite color? Red

Weather: Hot or cold? Hot

Favorite place to read? In my bed.

Favorite meal: Meatballs and Spaghetti.

Favorite non-alcoholic drink. Water with lemon

If you could travel anywhere and do anything, no limits or money holding you back, where would you go? There are so many places I’d love to go… these are my top picks: Italy, Ireland, Scotland, and England!

My review will post soon. Headaches have been keeping me from my normal reading schedule :(