Sunday, November 30, 2008
Well I'm not reviewing a book today but I will be reviewing the movie that was based on a very popular book. As you guessed it by reading the title of this post that I will be reviewing and talking about the now super popular movie Twilight. I finally went to see the Twilight movie last night with my mother. I was going to see it on last Saturday, the day after it premiered, but I knew it would be sold out and packed with so many Twilight fans that I decided waiting a week would calm things down a bit and give me more room. That was not the case because I went to the Manhattan theater AMC Empire 25 on 42nd Street Times Square and I went to the 4:50 PM show and it was so packed that some people had to stand to watch the movie. It was a pretty small theater on the last floor of the movie theater so I guess it wasn't that much of a surprise but I didn't think there would be so many people especially teenagers (noise teenagers).
We were there pretty early since we had some trouble with the trains and we go good enough seats since we were there almost an hour and half before the movie started. Now onto my review and thoughts about the movie itself which isn't that bad I promise. I have to say that I really thought the voice over in the being of Bella talking about dying for someone you love was kinda unnecessary even though it is true to the book. I thought that Kristen Stewart was a great Bella but sometimes during the movie she did get on my nerves just like Bella did in the actual novel because I thought she was kinda selfish at times and totally like a loner teenage girl should be. There were some parts that were good, cheezy, funny and not true to book but that is to be expected from 
a movie adaptation of a book. I thought that Robert Pattinson was a very excellent Edward and at times he did look kind of funny and weird especially when he is around Bella, which we know is because he loves her smell and wants her blood even though he only drinks animal blood.
a movie adaptation of a book. I thought that Robert Pattinson was a very excellent Edward and at times he did look kind of funny and weird especially when he is around Bella, which we know is because he loves her smell and wants her blood even though he only drinks animal blood. Rob as Edward was HOT as you all must know and I also thought that Jackson Rathbone as Jasper Hale was also a HOTTIE! I loved his character along with Ashley Greene as Alice Cullen because they were so what I would have thought Jasper and Alice would be in the book and I'm glad they were cast for the parts. I was okay with the actors and actress who played Rosalie and Emmett and I loved Peter Facinelli as Dr. Carlisle Cullen and Elizabeth Reaser as Esme Cullen because again they fit their parts perfectly to what I would have imaged from the novel. Now as for Taylor Lautner as Jacob Black I thought he was great for the part but I didn't like the long hair because you could totally see that it was fake wig that didn't go with him. If they wanted him with long hair they should have made him grow it out and maybe put on real looking extentions or something to make it look natural. I know that some people didn't like Billy Burke as Charlie Swan especially because of his mustashe but I thought he did an excellent job of portraying Charlie and I don't know how he could have been different or better. I also thought that it could have been done a bit better and I always wish with each movie adaption of a book that they could stick to what's in the book and just maybe play around with some things to make it into a worthy movie adaption. There were parts that I thought totally unnecessary and parts were I wanted from the book to be there but alas this was the movie that they thought best.
I have heard that Stephenie Meyer had a cameo in the movie but it must have been really quick because I didn't see he
r at all or maybe I wasn't paying much attention and missed it. I will be waiting anxiously for it to come out on DVD and I will be playing it over and over again to try to see where in the movie Meyer was a part of. I'm also so happy that they will be going through with the next book New Moon as a movie because that ending was totally a cliffhanger for everyone to expect another movie. I hope that it comes out soon in like at least next November if not earlier because everyone is going to be needing their next Twilight fix soon. If you liked the book maybe you should try out the movie because I sure liked it even though the critics were bad mouthing it everywhere. Also some fans thought it sucked but those are the pretender fans not true fans that would be glad that the movie was made at all especially since it was a movie made for the fans.
r at all or maybe I wasn't paying much attention and missed it. I will be waiting anxiously for it to come out on DVD and I will be playing it over and over again to try to see where in the movie Meyer was a part of. I'm also so happy that they will be going through with the next book New Moon as a movie because that ending was totally a cliffhanger for everyone to expect another movie. I hope that it comes out soon in like at least next November if not earlier because everyone is going to be needing their next Twilight fix soon. If you liked the book maybe you should try out the movie because I sure liked it even though the critics were bad mouthing it everywhere. Also some fans thought it sucked but those are the pretender fans not true fans that would be glad that the movie was made at all especially since it was a movie made for the fans.
Saturday, November 29, 2008
This is my first book by the author Lauren Dane and it is one amazing first book for me to read especially since it is a really large ARC of her first Berkley Heat December release. I was lucky enough to have won this ARC of Undercover and I knew it was going to be very different from any other books I've read because it is Futuristic, Erotic Romance, Menage and BDSM all rapped up in one very excitingly awesome novel. I've read futuristic books since I'm a fan of J.D. Robb's In Death series but I haven't read many erotic romances before especially with Menage and BDSM so this is going out of my realm of reading experience. I was warned by the author just in case because she didn't want me to feel uncomfortable reading and reviewing this novel and I told her not to worry because I love reading new things every chance I can get since I want to become a romance writer one day. First off I have to say I'm super glad that I won the contest because I was only one of a very long, long, long list of readers and authors who wanted to get their own ARC of Undercover. Now onto the very honest review of this book that I promised to deliever to the author Lauren Dane.
Sexy, pulse-pounding, arousingly erotic and another world with restrictive laws and a dangerous truce between the Federation and Imperialist. A world with a social cast like any other but one that can ruin the lives of those who love above or below their station in live. This is a fast past novel that I enjoyed from the start to the end because it had one strong woman and two very sexy and different men working together to save their way of life. The heroine, Sera Ayers isn't your typical woman since she lives in a very harsh society that looks down on her kind for being unranked and a woman. Sera's life isn't one filled with joy and blissful happiness not since her heart was broken by a ranked Family man who had held her heart in his hands but crushed it when he had to marry politically to save his family. To make it worse he even dared to ask her to be his mistress and so she left him as cruelly as he broke her tender heart.
Now 10 years later Ash Walker the man she had loved is back in her life along with Brandt Pela who are there to recruit her into their 3 man team to bring down Federation traitors. I had fun reading about Ash Walker and Sera Ayers past relationship because it gave them the personalities that they have in the present of the novel but also to understand what they were to one another was great to read. I had a bit of trouble with some of the new words that are used in this futuristic world but it didn't stop me from enjoying all the adventures that Ash, Sera and Brandt go through in the novel. There were a lot of very erotic sexual encounters between the three of them that I enjoyed to read especially since they feel such emotions that make their threesome relationship work so well for them all. It was nice to see that the men weren't jealous of one another because of their love for Sera and I liked that they all have an unexpected but much enjoyed Happily Ever After. I recommend this book to all Lauren Dane readers and to anyone who likes trying out different types of romances and isn't afraid of what people will think about your reading material because this is one novel you can't miss out on. I have this book on my wish list even though I have my Advance Readers Copy because I love the cover and the copy I have is a bit too large for me to carry around. Here is the description from the back of the book and picture:
On the battleground or in the bedroom, one woman and two men fight for dominance in a bold, new, and excitingly different direction in erotica…
UNDERCOVER $ 15.00 (Book 1)(328 Pages)
A sexy debut exploring an erotic future universe of passion, danger, and deceit…
On the battleground or in the bedroom, one woman and two men fight for dominance in a bold, new, and excitingly different direction in erotica…
As a lieutenant of the Federation military, Sera Ayers is accustomed to giving orders, not taking them. Now she must obey the one man she can’t stand—and can’t stop thinking about. With the enemy Imperialists gaining ground, a covert team is assembled by Ash Walker. Ten years before, Sera had lovingly submitted to Ash’s dominance in the bedroom. But when he was forced into a political marriage, she refused to play mistress. His marriage now over, Ash wants Sera on his team—and back in his bed. The third team member, Brandt Pela, has an elegance to match Ash’s savage sexuality. And when their undercover plan requires Sera to pose as Brandt’s lover, it ignites a passion among the three of them more dangerous than their mission.
Friday, November 28, 2008
I love Lori Foster's novels and I've heard so much about her novels about the Winston men but never had the chance to read their books. So when Lori came to me about reviewing her December Berkley Anthology release of Double the Pleasure which features an all new Winston novella I knew I had to get the books that started it all. Wildly Winston is a four-in-one novel with the first 4 books about the original 4 Winston brothers and also the book Say No to Joe? which comes after Wild. After reading all four Winston brother's love stories and reading their cousin Joe Winston's love story I have to say I was excited about reading this book. I've never had the pleasure of reading any of Jacquie D'Alessandro, Penny McCall and Deirdre Martin's novels but after reading their novellas in this novel I'm going to be check out some websites and bookstores and seeing what new novels I will be trying out next year.
Deuces Wild by Lori Foster is the first novella of the book and is another wonderful Winston story to capture your heart from the beginning of this awesome novella. This novella is about twin Winston brothers Dexter and Hart Winston who have used their identical appearance to fool their family and even women to thinking they were one or the other twin. Dexter Winston, the hero, is helping out his twin brother Hart who is an artist but wants to become a professional SBC fighter but doesn't want the family to know about it yet until he was official signed on and would make it. So Dex has agreed to pose as Hart and live in his apartment while he's training and battling to make it as an official SBC fighter. That is when Dex meets his soul mate Christy Nash who can tell that this new Hart was very different from the Hart she knew a couple of days ago. Their courtship is short and sweet but very wonderful to read especially since by the end of the novel I got the feeling that Hart Winston would have his story told in another novella because there was some unfinished business going on.
The Luck of the Irish by Deirdre Martin is the second novella in this anthology and is an introduction to this new author for me and it is also the novella that kicks off her new series, The Wild Hart Saga. I don't know if you know this but I love the Irish ever since I read Nora Roberts novel Three Fates and when I read this title I knew this was going to be a good novella no matter what and I was right! The heroine Maggie O'Brien has been through a horrible marriage and then divorce that has her jaded against me especially charming and attractive men like her cheating ex-husband. Then Maggie has taken an instant attraction to the Irishman Brendan Kelly who is working with his uncle to give her family's pub, the Wild Hart a face-lift. Brendan came to New York to work for his uncle Joe when the economy in Ireland was at an all time low and he needed a way to make a living. Brendan is also working towards getting his citizenship in order to stay in New York and take over his uncle Joe's business when he finally retires. I really loved this novella and I'm looking forward to find out more about Deidre Martin's Wild Hart Saga because as long as it's filled with the interesting Irish characters I read in this novella I know it will be a good read.
Your Room or Mine? by Jacquie D'Alessandro is third novella in this lovely anthology and is also another introduction to a new author for me. At first I didn't know what to think of this story because it was kind of slow going for me but that all changed when I got into the plot of the story that came just in time. I loved the hero, Jack Walker, and the heroine, Madeline Price, because they both seemed like such fascinating characters that have personal issues that could be a problem for the relationship. Jack and Madeline clash very badly in their work place because Madeline is the consultant who is helping Jack the Chief Financial Officer of the Java Haven company. But everything changes when they are all made to go on a fun-filled weekend of team building at Casa di Lago and that is where things get interesting because Jack and Madeline are the first to get there before everyone else. I enjoyed this novella after things got interesting in the second and third chapter and I'm glad I didn't skip the novella.
Double the Danger by Penny McCall is the fourth and last novella in this anthology and it is yet another introduction to a new author for me. I enjoyed this novella okay but it wasn't as good as the other novellas and don't get me wrong I did enjoy the characters very much but it didn't captivate me as much as the first novellas. The heroine, Dr. Abigail West, was an interesting character and so was the hero Drake is an FBI agent who she had a previously serious relationship with in college for two years before he left her without a good-bye. He some how ends up dead on her autopsy table or that is what she thinks when she opens up the body bag he came in. Then she notices that he is still alive and he grabs her by the throat and that is when things get dangerous. I had fun reading all the exciting trouble they both get into and it was nice to see that even after years apart they felt something strong for one another. Over all I'm so glad that Lori Foster contacted me about reviewing this AMAZING anthology full of wonderful authors and you all should go out and buy it because I can tell you that you won't regret it. If nothing else buy it for that lovely and sexy cover that I love looking at whenever I was reading the novel. Here is the description of the book from the back cover and picture:
DOUBLE THE PLEASURE $ 15.00 (also including authors Jacquie D’Alessandro, Penny McCall and Deirdre Martin)(Book 3)(362 Pages)
Think of the man you’d give anything to be with. Think of what you’d like to do to him…and what you’d like him to do to you. Think of the fun you could have. Now, double it!
Joining forces
New York Times bestselling sensation Lori Foster, USA Today bestselling authors Deirdre Martin and Jacquie D’Alessandro, and Penny McCall join together for this tantalizing anthology…
Trading places
Includes a brand-new novella featuring the Winston cousins—sexy twins who use their knockout mirror image goods look to switch places and have a little fun with the girls of each other’s dreams…
Thursday, November 27, 2008
I love Lori Foster's novels and I've heard so much about her novels about the Winston men but never had the chance to read their books. So when Lori came to me about reviewing her December Berkley Anthology release of Double the Pleasure which features an all new Winston novella I knew I had to get the books that started it all. Wildly Winston is a four-in-one novel with the first 4 books about the original 4 Winston brothers and now I'm reviewing the book Say No to Joe? which comes after Wild. After reading all four Winston brother's love stories and have a peek into their cousin Joe Winston's life I have to say I was excited about reading this book. Joe Winston is a dangerous man who loves to live dangerously especially since his past and current job consisted of being a bodyguard, private investigator and a bounty hunter.
But in Zane's book Wild he seemed to have found a woman who could match him in Tamera's friend and employee Luna Clark. At the end of Wild I knew that Luna and Joe would have their own story because I read the sexual tension between them and I was excited about this book. When I was finished reading it I knew I was right in picking up with book because it had everything I like in a novel. There were two wonderful kids that made the story fun and exciting to read especially mixed with all the suspense and sexual tension between Luna and Joe. It was great to read about another Winston fall head-over-heels in love with a strong woman who could put up with his macho good looks and his heavy attitude. Here is the description of the book from the back cover and picture:
SAY NO TO JOE? $ 6.99 (Book 2)(416 Pages)
IRRESISTIBLE FORCE—MEET IMMOVABLE OBJECT
Joe Winston has a routine with women: he exists; they swoon; roll credits. With his smoldering looks, macho style, and irrepressible charm, Joe can have any woman—except the one he really wants. Secretly, Luna Clark may lust after Joe, but she’s made it clear that she’s too smart to fall for him. He can just keep holding his breath, thank you very much. But now, Luna’s inherited two kids who need more than she alone can give in a small town that seems hell-bent on driving them away. She needs someone to help out…someone who can’t be intimidated…someone just like Joe. Becoming an instant family wasn’t exactly what Joe had in mind, but hey, it’s a start, and you can’t blame a guy for trying every angle.
After all, where there’s a Joe, there’s a way…straight into a woman’s heart.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
I love Lori Foster's novels and I've heard so much about her novels about the Winston men but never had the chance to read their books. So when Lori came to me about reviewing her December Berkley Anthology release of Double the Pleasure which features an all new Winston novella I knew I had to get the books that started it all. Wildly Winston is a four-in-one novel with the first 4 books about the original 4 Winston brothers which I have to say I'm amazingly pleased that I finally got to find out all about the Winston brothers and next onto the wild Winston cousins. Tangled Sheets—Cole Winston and Sophie Sheridan's love story and the first book in the Winston family series. The Winston brothers are an interesting bunch of very virile and sexy men who I enjoyed getting to know. The oldest Winston brother falls head-over-heels in love in this first short story entitled Tangled Sheets. Cole Winston is oldest brother of four and he is the parental figure in the family since their parents both died when the boys we young and Cole was in college.
They own a bar, previously called The Stud by some macho former owner, but changed to merely the Winston Tavern after Cole bought it to keep his family financially steady. Cole has known boutique owner Sophie Sheridan for 7 months because she has made it a routine to stop in at the Winston's bar for a cup of hoht chocolate with whipped cream. Cole is very attracted to Sophie since he first laid eyes on her and so the same went for Sophie but she was too shy and tongue twisted around Cole to do anything. During those months Cole and Sophie have become friends since he always made it so that he would deliever her regular order of hot chocolate whenever she stopped by. But things change for Sophie when she comes into the bar with a flyer advertising the Winston brother contest where every woman who takes a picture of themselves and pins it up to the wall at th bar.
The Winston brothers will then pick one of the pictures and that lucky lady then gets a picture with all four Winston brothers and a special dinner date with the brother of her choice. When Cole sees her with the flyer he wants her to enter but Sophie is too tongue tied and tells him that she would never have the nerve to enter the contest but that her twin sister would love to enter instead. Cole was intrigued by this news especially when Sophie says that she's coming to visit her for a few days. This is when things get very interesting because Sophie has a secret she's keeping from Cole about her "twin" sister. I was already falling for the Winston brothers by the end of this too short story in my opinion. I wish it could have been a bit longer but I'm happy with this story because there was a beautiful Happily Ever After and another wonderful Winston story to follow.
Tangled Dreams—Chase Winston and Allison Barrow's love story and the second book in the Winston family series. The Winston brothers are an interesting bunch of very virile and sexy men who I enjoyed getting to know. The second oldest Winston brother falls head-over-heels in love with his new sister-in-laws friend and employee Allison Barrow in this second short story entitled Tangled Dreams. Chase hasn't really noticed Allison as a woman even though he has known her ever since she's been working for Sophie. But Allison sure has noticed Chase Winston because what red-blooded woman wouldn't notice him then one day all things changed for Chase and Allison. Chase could hear and even see some of the very graphic thoughts Allison had going on in her head when he looked at her but when he asked his youngest brother Mack to look at her and see if he could hear what she was saying but he couldn't and looked at Chase like he was crazy. Chase and Allison have a paranormal beginning that could get them in some serious and dangerous trouble if they aren't careful. It was a pleasure reading how their HEA came about in the end because it was something to remember.
Tangled Images—Mack Winston and Jessica Wells' love story and the third book in the Winston family series. The Winston brothers are an interesting bunch of very virile and sexy men who I enjoyed getting to know. The youngest Winston brother falls head-over-heels in love with Jessica Wells an older woman who use to be in one of his college classes and is now the photographer working for his sister-in-law Sophie in this third short story entitled Tangled Images. Jessica Wells is an older divorced woman who went back to college in hopes of making a better living for her young daughter. Mack Winston was in the same class and was instantly attracted to Jessica even though she wouldn't give him the time of day but what he didn't know is that she secretly wanted him but thought he was an all fun guy like her ex-husband.
But after two years they both can't forget one another until Sophie Winston tricks Mack into modeling some her new male loungewear for a catalogue she wants done for her boutique. When he goes to the photographers place of business he finds out that it is Jessica Wells the woman he has been thinking about for two years and couldn't get out of his mind. They both have some issues to get over especially since Jessica is a few years older than him and he has a teaching career that could be taken away from him if something doesn't happen soon. I enjoyed this too short story very much because I got to read how the two older Winston brothers were doing in their marriage along with how the youngest got his HEA.
Wild—Zane Winston and Tamera Tremayne's love story and the fourth book in the Winston family series. The Winston brothers are an interesting bunch of very virile and sexy men who I enjoyed getting to know. The middle Winston brother falls head-over-heels in love with Tamera Tremayne a gypsy woman who works next door to his own computer business in this fourth book entitled Wild. This book had all the Winston brothers back and some new and interesting characters which was such a joy reading about. Zane Winston is the wildest of all four brothers and the one who is the most resistant to the "Winston Curse" which happens to be that when the Winston men find the love of their lives they fall hard and fast. Zane has been resisting from falling in love like his brothers but that all changes when the gypsy woman from next door comes to his story and whispers "I want you" to him.
That is when things start to get interesting because Zane has turned down any advances from Tamera and even now when she whispered those husky words to him he turns her down. Then he can't stop thinking about her without thinking graphic and intimate thoughts about what he wants to do with her and to her. Tamera has always been attracted to Zane since she first met him from a distance. She has even visited his brother's bar from time to time and saw him and his family interact with one another and know he was the man she needed for what she had in mind. There is a lot of heated moments between them but some are interrupted by Tamera's gypsy family members that consist of a large bear of an uncle and two small and weathered aunts who want Tamera to be a gypsy even though she is the white sheep of the family with her blond hair and green eyes.
Tamera is also having some troubles with her business and that could be something that will but a stop to her budding relationship with Zane which is getting serious even though it was only supposed to be about sex. There are some excitingly dangerous moments and we also be getting to meet another Winston who is a sexy and dangerous cousin that will have his own story to be told soon. Now to finish this very long review I'm so happy to have gotten this book full of wonderful Winston stories and I can't wait to read more about these ridiculously sexy Winston cousins I've also heard much about. Here is the description of the book from the back cover and picture:
WILDLY WINSTON $ 14.00 (Book 1)(422 Pages)
All four Winston brothers are scorchingly handsome, sensually passionate—and stubbornly proud. Left alone in the world after their parents’ deaths, they learned to depend on each other—
and to cherish the bond that held them together. Now, with their disarming charm and sexy smiles, they will inspire your wildest, most sensuous fantasies—and will surely become the men of your dreams…
and to cherish the bond that held them together. Now, with their disarming charm and sexy smiles, they will inspire your wildest, most sensuous fantasies—and will surely become the men of your dreams…
Tangled Sheets
Night after night, bar owner Cole Winston is seduced by prim and proper Sophie Sheridan’s way with hot chocolate…until her sexy and outrageous twin, Shelly, walks into the bar…
Tangled Dreams
To uncover a family heirloom, two ghosts orchestrate a most passionate tryst between a demure lady and the sexy bartender she can’t get out of her mind—Chase Winston.
Tangled Images
When Mack Winston agreed to model for a catalog, he had no idea he’s be working with the only woman who’s ever intrigued him—serious, standoffish Jessica Wells…
Wild
Underneath her gypsy guise, Tamara is a very stubborn, seductive woman—who may be in very serious danger. But even though she refuses Zane Winston’s help, he knows she’s the woman for him. Because she’s sassy. Sexy. And totally wild…
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
As you all know Harlequin Blaze is my favorite line of books so I talk many authors who write for this line and today I will be talking about a new author to me Tori Carrington and her trilogy Indecent Proposals. In this novel we read about Heidi who was a secondary character who worked for Nina in the first novel. Heidi has a boyfriend that she has been in a relationship with since they were in high school but his best friend Kyle Trapper is a tall, blue-eyed, blond hottie who has her sizzling with a passionate attraction she hasn't felt in a very long time. They have an attraction to one another that they don't know what to do with because of Jesse, Heidi's boyfriend and Kyle's best friend. Then something happens between Heidi and Kyle at her job that they end up having wild passionate sex on the kitchen counter and they don't know if they should tell Jesse or leave him clueless.
This novel was so great and the attraction between Heidi and Kyle was amazing to read. I thought they were more meant for each other than Heidi and Jesse were because even though they've been going out since they were in high school Jesse wasn't the man for her. The ending was great because an very wonderful character from the first book has come back and will be having his own novel next. I was in love with all the characters by the end of the novel and was so excited when I found out that third book in the series comes out next month. The next book in the series is Restless and I will be very happy to get my hands on it and read it to find out more about the wonderful characters introduced in this first and second book. Here is the description of the book from the back cover and picture:
RECKLESS $ 4.99 (Book 2)(216 Pages)
It’s all fun and games until you sleep with your boyfriend’s best friend…
Heidi Joblowski has her life perfectly on track. Education: check. Career: check. Marriage: soon-to-be checked. Has she missed anything? Yes, actually: Kyle Trapper. Tall, blue-eyed, blond hottie. Check, check, check! The problem? She’s just about to marry Kyle’s best friend, Jesse. But that doesn’t stop her and Kyle from indulging in some incredibly perfect sex….
Hmm. With her careful life plan off track, Heidi needs a new blueprint, and fast. And it just doesn’t have room for Kyle Trapper in it.
Unless, of course, he has anything to say about it. Which he does—every time he lures her back to his bed!
Indecent Proposals—Getting Shameless was only the beginning…
Centuries after the destruction of earth, several species of altered humans still survive. These shape-shifters are exciting and exotic creatures, and their human forms do little to mask their most primitive and passionate instincts...
IN HEAT
Mahlia is a snow tigress in heat and now that her tiger king has returned to rule the planet Vesperi, she can no longer deny her desperate need to mate. She greets him as a woman, but their desire for sex is uncontrollable as they come together with a primal passion.
IN SMOKE
When Lady Katryn is called back to her home world to join Lord Nadir's harim, she is curious to learn more about her weredragon nature. What she discovers is a scorching eroticism that consumes her all over.
IN MIST
Dr. Sera Gibbons is one of only two human survivors after a five hundred year cryogenic freeze. Save by the merman Bretton Hahn, she savors the way her caresses her and makes her live out her wildest fantasies.
And if you want to get it online rather than going to a brick-and-mortar store, here are the links:
Amazon.com
Barnes & Noble
Chapters.ca
Monday, November 24, 2008
Alison Kent had 19 ARC of her Kensington December release Maximum Exposure that she was giving out to readers who would review them before December so other readers could read the reviews before the book comes out. I was one of those lucky readers who received a copy to read and review before it was released. I was very intrigued with the blurb of the book when I first heard about the ARC giveaway so I was really excited about reading the book. When I started reading the novel it wasn't exactly what I was expecting because the heroine, Olivia Hammond, isn't the kind of character that I was expecting and she is someone I really had trouble understand as I continued to read the novel. I loved the hero, Finn MacLaine, though very much and he seemed like a very understandable charcter that was sexy and very into the heroine Olivia.
For some reason I had some trouble really getting into this novel from the beginning and I guess some of it has to do with me not really relating the heroine Olivia that much and also I was trying to catch up with all the things going on in the novel. It felt like it was two novels in one where it was about the hero, Finn, and the heroine, Olivia but also with the two important secondary characters Roman/Roland and Jodi. I had to set down this book more than once in order to get my thought in order about what was going on in the novel. I did think of putting it aside and reading something else but I knew that this book was a very good read because I liked the complex characters and all the sexual tension between Olivia and Finn and also between Roman and Jodi.
But all this changed after it got to a very interesting part in the middle of the book which I won't mention because it would totally be a spoiler for anyone who hasn't read it. I will say that it was the part that had me totally captive and now I couldn't put the book down because I wanted to see how the entire story ends. Overall I can honestly say I was glad that I had the opportunity of reading and reviewing Alison Kent's ARC of Maximum Exposure because even though I had a hard time with the beginning by the middle of the novel I couldn't wait to find out the characters Happily Ever After. Here is the description of the book from the back cover and picture:
MAXIMUM EXPOSURE $ 14.00 (288 Pages)
Finn McLain is no stranger to unusual assignments. But the gorgeous stranger who just asked him to photograph her for an erotic art exhibit—that’s definitely a first. Finn came to Miami to dig into
the personal life of boutique manager Roland Green for a lovesick gallery owner, and hadn’t planned on sticking around. But the boutique’s owner, Olivia Hammond, has just made him a proposal that’s as hard to ignore as Olivia herself. She’s got caramel-kissed skin, a body that makes grown men tremble, and a wild sideline as an exhibitionist. Ooookay. Yet despite her willingness to “let people look,” Finn’s convinced there’s a hell of a lot Olivia’s not revealing. And that’s the most intriguing prospect of all…
Olivia has never been shy about using her sexuality to get what she wants. But then, she’s never wanted a man quite the way she wants Finn. What he thinks about her shouldn’t matter, yet it does. Through every candid photograph and every heated encounter, Finn is getting closer, intent on getting beneath her shell—and for once, Olivia is tempted to let him. But first they have to contend with the fact that Finn’s simple investigation into Roland Green is getting dangerously complicated…and Olivia isn’t the only person in town who’s not what she claims to be.
the personal life of boutique manager Roland Green for a lovesick gallery owner, and hadn’t planned on sticking around. But the boutique’s owner, Olivia Hammond, has just made him a proposal that’s as hard to ignore as Olivia herself. She’s got caramel-kissed skin, a body that makes grown men tremble, and a wild sideline as an exhibitionist. Ooookay. Yet despite her willingness to “let people look,” Finn’s convinced there’s a hell of a lot Olivia’s not revealing. And that’s the most intriguing prospect of all…
Olivia has never been shy about using her sexuality to get what she wants. But then, she’s never wanted a man quite the way she wants Finn. What he thinks about her shouldn’t matter, yet it does. Through every candid photograph and every heated encounter, Finn is getting closer, intent on getting beneath her shell—and for once, Olivia is tempted to let him. But first they have to contend with the fact that Finn’s simple investigation into Roland Green is getting dangerously complicated…and Olivia isn’t the only person in town who’s not what she claims to be.
In a city throbbing with sex appeal, two wary lovers are about to play the ultimate game of show and tell, where temptation is raw, wild, and hot enough to make you sizzle…
Sunday, November 23, 2008
I've been a big fan of Harlequin Blaze for a couple of years and romance author Alison Kent has recently come to my attention. I've been anticipating her novel Kiss & Tell since I heard about it from her blog site and I'm glad that I got it when it finally came out. Miranda Kelly, the heroine, has a couple of secrets that she doesn't want people to find out about but she has been relentlessly hounded by the bloodthirty media since her bitter—and very public—divorce so Miranda retreats to the sanctuary of her old hometown in the hopes of getting on with her life. She also returns to an old passion—donning daring costumes at night to transform into Candy Cane, singer extraordinaire at the Club Crimson! So when Caleb MacGregor, the hero, is seduced by the sultry swing of Candy’s hips, Miranda loses herself and her troubles in Caleb’s arms. But Caleb is keeping a big secret of his own and when Miranda discovers the cruel truth, she can’t ever return to his bed or that is what she thinks in the heat of the moment.
Not even for the most earthshaking sex she’s ever experienced but again both Miranda and Caleb have issues that they know they have to resolve in order to give their budding relationship a surviving chance. It was a joy to read about how they both had a secret that could make or break their developing relationship with one another especially since they are both very attracted to one another and could have a wonderful lasting relationship that could lead to something more permanent. I thought that they both are meant for each other from the beginning of the novel because they both have a spark that only being together can make. By the end of the book I had a hard time keeping my emotions in check because I wanted them both to finally realize that they were meant for each other and that they could get past their issues of the past to make a wonderful future together. Here is the description from the back of the book and picture:
KISS & TELL $ 4.99 (216 Pages)
Extra! Extra! Read all about it…Scandalous sex lives, that is!
Miranda Kelly has a secret. Or two. Relentlessly hounded by the bloodthirsty media since her bitter—and very public—divorce, Miranda retreats to the sanctuary of her old hometown.
She also returns to an old passion—donning daring costumes at night to transform into Candy Cane, singer extraordinaire at the Club Crimson! When Caleb McGregor is seduced by the sultry swing of Candy’s hips, Miranda loses herself and her troubles in Caleb’s arms.
She also returns to an old passion—donning daring costumes at night to transform into Candy Cane, singer extraordinaire at the Club Crimson! When Caleb McGregor is seduced by the sultry swing of Candy’s hips, Miranda loses herself and her troubles in Caleb’s arms.
But Caleb is keeping a big secret of his own. And when Miranda discovers the cruel truth, she can’t ever return to his bed. Not even for the most earthshaking sex she’s ever experienced…
Saturday, November 22, 2008
As you all know Harlequin Blaze is my favorite line of books so I talk many authors who write for this line and today I will be talking about a new author to me Tori Carrington and her trilogy Indecent Proposals. This novel was such a joy to read because was very interesting to read about two sexy guys and one beautiful woman running a business together. Then things change because both men saw that their business partner Nina Leonard was in a slumb and in need of a one-night-only anonymous sexual encounter with a stranger. But one of the men has a very large crush on Nina and wants to be that anonymous stranger she has sex with but when they have an amazing night together Nina knows it's one of her business partners but she doesn't know which. That is when things get really serious and problematic because she could lose both her best friends in business partners if she doesn't find out who she really loves. I was in love with all three characters by the end of the novel and was so excited when I found out that this was only one out of three books in the series. The next book in the series is Reckless and I will be very happy to get my hands on it and read it to find out more about the wonderful characters introduced in this first book. Here is the description of the book from the back cover and picture:
SHAMELESS $ 4.99 (Book 1)(251 Pages)
An indecent proposal. A friendship betrayed
One-night-only anonymous sex with a stranger? Seems too wanton even for Nina Leonard. Until it’s insinuated that the mystery man might be one of her business partners—two guys she adores who also happened to be complete hotties.
Out comes the blindfold, and Nina has the steamiest night of her life. Now she’s got to have more—only, no one’s fessing up. One of her two best friends rocked her world that night. But which one was it?
If she guesses wrong, she could lose them both….
Extreme—Going where no Blaze book has gone before…
Friday, November 21, 2008
Laure Marie Altom's is an amazing Harlequin American Romance author and I've read a couple of her books that made me want more. This book is part of Harlequin American Romance's The State of Parenthood miniseries and it one on of the many books in the series that I've read an enjoyed. I have a weak spot for romance novels that have children in the plot because I've always found that they make the novels so fun and exciting to read. The heroine, Jess Cummings, is a widowed mother of two daughters and she owns a large ranch that caters to horses but she has been having trouble maintaining the ranch since her husbands death. When six feet of tall, lean cowboy rides up kicking just, Jess thinks a holiday miracle has arrived. Not only does he help with an injured colt, Gage Moore, the hero, hires on to work her ranch because her parents and the local vet doctor pay for his month salary already. The handsome, trustworthy Texan is everything Jess could want in an employee but is the ex-rodeo star too good to be true? That may be the case because Gage came to Oklahoma haunted by a saddle load of grief but he’ll help Jess get the ranch in shape by Christmas, then be on his way.
After all, the job was always meant to be temporary but how can he leave now that the hardworking single mom has given him a reason to stay? And if he does, can he be the husband and father Jess and her daughters need? That is what both Jess and Gage need to decide because it is something they both need to decide especially since the girls are coming to really love Gage even though her oldest daughter Lexie has been giving Gage trouble. Jess's youngest Angela loves Gage from almost the begining but Lexie being the oldest and loving her father more doesn't want Gage in her or her mother's life and replacing her father. I really enjoyed the intraction between Jess and Gage because they have a chemistry very powerful from the very beginning but also the intraction between Gage and Lexie is also very fun and wonderful to read because they like one another deep down even though in the beginning they fight like cats and dogs. The ending was the best part because it left me content that they have a wonderful family that is now happy even though they had a few very rough patches on long the way. Here is the description of the book from the back cover and picture:
A DADDY FOR CHRISTMAS $ 4.99 (216 Pages)
A Family Wasn’t In His Plans…But Is It In His Future?
When six feet of tall, lean cowboy rides up kicking just, Jess Cummings thinks a holiday miracle has arrived. Not only does he help with an injured colt, Gage Moore hires on to work her ranch. The handsome, trustworthy Texan is everything Jess could want in an employee. But is the ex-rodeo star too good to be true?
Gage came to Oklahoma haunted by a saddle load of grief. He’ll help Jess get the ranch in shape by Christmas, then be on his way. After all, the job was always meant to be temporary. But how can he leave now that the hardworking single mom has given him a reason to stay? And if he does, can he be the husband and father Jess and her daughters need?
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Well today I have a special treat for everyone of my faithful readers out there. I have recently been contact with an author that I've recently met online through the wonderfully free Romance Writers United organization. You can get their badge on the right sidebar for you blog if you want to support the organization get new members. Well back on topic M. Jean Pike saw that I did author interviews and book reviews which I'm guessing got her interested so she contacted me, which I'm honored. I will be reviewing her novel In the Shadow of the Dragonfly, which is NOT considered romance but it has a beautiful love story. Keep on visiting the blog or sign up for the newsletter on the left or even visit the new official website to find out when the review will be posted. Below is my interview with new romance author M. Jean Pike:
M. Jean Pike: I’ve always had a keen fascination for anything supernatural and I love nothing more than a great love story, so when I decided to try my hand at writing a novel, paranormal romance seemed like the perfect fit. But that’s not to say that I’m not open to trying other genres. My first three novels were all paranormal romances, and my latest novel, In the Shadow of the Dragonfly, is a literary love story.
Phoebe: What was the first fiction you ever wrote? And do you still have it with you?
Jean: The first piece of fiction I ever wrote was a story called Mac: The Mysterious Mutt, the tale of a giant Labrador retriever with magical powers. I was in the third grade at the time, and yes, I still have that story! My first published short story came about twenty-five years later-- a literary piece called The Gift, about a man’s struggle to love his mentally ill wife. It appeared in About Such Things Literary Magazine in the spring of 1999. I have the magazine framed and hanging in my office.
Phoebe: How much research do you have to do for your novels and did it take you a long time to gather that research?
Jean: I guess it really depends on the novel. For Heatherfield, (Black Lyon Publishing, 2008) a time travel romance set in the late 1940s, the research was endless. I spent months reading books about the WW2 generation. I looked at old magazines and watched old movies to get a feel for the lingo and clothing of the era. I visited antique stores and had a ball looking at the furniture and appliances from that decade. I loved every minute of it and filled enough notebooks with research for three books. In Waiting for the Rain, (Champagne Books, 2007) a romance about an enchanted cottage, I had to research everything from brain cancer to becoming a tattoo artist. For The Winds of Autumn, (Publish America, 2005) a ghost story romance, I did a tremendous amount of research on ghost sightings and ghostly behaviors. I write about themes that interest me, so the research never seems like a chore.
Phoebe: How did you come up with the concept for Dragonfly?
Jean: In The Shadow of the Dragonfly (Black Lyon Publishing, 2008) is my first general fiction title. It is the story of a man and a woman and how Fate works to bring their lives together. The story stems from a lifetime of observing human nature and pondering the whims of Fate. It is dedicated to everyone who has ever been beaten down by life and found the courage to get up again, to go on.
Phoebe: Do you have a process of how you start to write one of your novels? And is it the same or different with each novel you write?
Jean: I usually start daydreaming my novels months before I actually write them. Once I have a story idea firmly in mind, I start getting to know my characters. I don’t write a word until I know exactly who they are and what makes them tick. When I have a feel for them, I write a basic outline of how I want their story to flow. It is always subject to change, and usually does!
Phoebe: How did you feel when you finally saw your first published book came out in print and how do you feel about your other novels being published?
Jean: There is absolutely nothing in the world like seeing your vision morph from a fragile germ of an idea into a published work. A lot of writers say this and it’s true, the only thing that comes close is giving birth to a child. I experience the same euphoria every time it happens.
Phoebe: What do you do to relax after having spent a long while writing?
Jean: I am a teacher of autistic children, a mother, a wife and homemaker, and all that goes along with that. Writing IS what I do to relax – LOL!
Phoebe: Do you have any hobbies?
Jean: I’m an avid gardener and in the summer months can usually be found in my greenhouse. I also enjoy motorcycling with my husband and attending my son’s high school sporting events. And I love to read.
Phoebe: Is there any advice that you would give to an aspiring romance writer that you wish someone had given you?
Jean: Learn all you can about writing and never stop working to improve your craft. There will be times when you will want to quit. When you feel like you can not write another page…write another page.
* * * * *
Phoebe Jordan: Did you know what type of romance you wanted to write about or did you experiment with different genres before you chose the one that you felt was for you?
M. Jean Pike: I’ve always had a keen fascination for anything supernatural and I love nothing more than a great love story, so when I decided to try my hand at writing a novel, paranormal romance seemed like the perfect fit. But that’s not to say that I’m not open to trying other genres. My first three novels were all paranormal romances, and my latest novel, In the Shadow of the Dragonfly, is a literary love story.Phoebe: What was the first fiction you ever wrote? And do you still have it with you?
Jean: The first piece of fiction I ever wrote was a story called Mac: The Mysterious Mutt, the tale of a giant Labrador retriever with magical powers. I was in the third grade at the time, and yes, I still have that story! My first published short story came about twenty-five years later-- a literary piece called The Gift, about a man’s struggle to love his mentally ill wife. It appeared in About Such Things Literary Magazine in the spring of 1999. I have the magazine framed and hanging in my office.
Phoebe: How much research do you have to do for your novels and did it take you a long time to gather that research?
Jean: I guess it really depends on the novel. For Heatherfield, (Black Lyon Publishing, 2008) a time travel romance set in the late 1940s, the research was endless. I spent months reading books about the WW2 generation. I looked at old magazines and watched old movies to get a feel for the lingo and clothing of the era. I visited antique stores and had a ball looking at the furniture and appliances from that decade. I loved every minute of it and filled enough notebooks with research for three books. In Waiting for the Rain, (Champagne Books, 2007) a romance about an enchanted cottage, I had to research everything from brain cancer to becoming a tattoo artist. For The Winds of Autumn, (Publish America, 2005) a ghost story romance, I did a tremendous amount of research on ghost sightings and ghostly behaviors. I write about themes that interest me, so the research never seems like a chore.
Phoebe: How did you come up with the concept for Dragonfly?
Jean: In The Shadow of the Dragonfly (Black Lyon Publishing, 2008) is my first general fiction title. It is the story of a man and a woman and how Fate works to bring their lives together. The story stems from a lifetime of observing human nature and pondering the whims of Fate. It is dedicated to everyone who has ever been beaten down by life and found the courage to get up again, to go on.
Phoebe: Do you have a process of how you start to write one of your novels? And is it the same or different with each novel you write?
Jean: I usually start daydreaming my novels months before I actually write them. Once I have a story idea firmly in mind, I start getting to know my characters. I don’t write a word until I know exactly who they are and what makes them tick. When I have a feel for them, I write a basic outline of how I want their story to flow. It is always subject to change, and usually does!
Phoebe: How did you feel when you finally saw your first published book came out in print and how do you feel about your other novels being published?
Jean: There is absolutely nothing in the world like seeing your vision morph from a fragile germ of an idea into a published work. A lot of writers say this and it’s true, the only thing that comes close is giving birth to a child. I experience the same euphoria every time it happens.
Phoebe: What do you do to relax after having spent a long while writing?
Jean: I am a teacher of autistic children, a mother, a wife and homemaker, and all that goes along with that. Writing IS what I do to relax – LOL!
Phoebe: Do you have any hobbies?
Jean: I’m an avid gardener and in the summer months can usually be found in my greenhouse. I also enjoy motorcycling with my husband and attending my son’s high school sporting events. And I love to read.
Phoebe: Is there any advice that you would give to an aspiring romance writer that you wish someone had given you?
Jean: Learn all you can about writing and never stop working to improve your craft. There will be times when you will want to quit. When you feel like you can not write another page…write another page.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Well I have finally thought that I should have an official website for Talk About My Favorite Authors blog so that my readers can check to see what is going on and what will be going on in the future for this blog. I created it by using google pages and linking up all the pages onto the main page, which I'm still working on because I've only been doing this for the past 4 to 5 days. I've posted the link on the top corner of the blog in the right sidebar so you can go to the site without having to read this post all the time. I've been getting a lot of ARC of books by authors that I love to review on this website and I've been getting a bit of books to review by new authors that I've only recently heard of. I've even had a couple of interviews with authors that I've recently met online this week. On the official website for TAMFA there you will get updated information on author interviews I conducted on the blog with links. You will get information on ARC books that I've reviewd and about ARC books that I will be reviewing in the coming months. I have also set up a forum for TAMFA blog that I thought would bring my readers together and discuss the blog and give me insight on what my loyal readers might be looking for when they come to the blog so I can mix things up. It's not completely set up yet but I'm working on it and I'm open for all suggestions. I hope you stop by and maybe use the contact page on the site to tell me what you think about the website, if I should keep it or not or if you have any suggestions on what I could do to make it better or anything else you have to say because all opinions are much appreciated.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Well today I have a special treat for everyone of my faithful readers out there. I have recently been contacted by an author that I've recently met online through the wonderfully free Romance Writers United organization. You can get their badge on the right sidebar for you blog if you want to support the organization get new members. Well back on topic Robin Shope saw that I did author interviews and was very interesting so she contacted me, which I'm honored. Below is my interview with new romance author Robin Shope:
Robin Shope: I knew romance writing was what I wanted to do with my life about eleven months ago. However, I always wanted to write…anything! I began with essays in middle school and then graduated to writing brochures when I was in college. It was there I took a creative writing class and wowed my professor but I didn’t think seriously about writing until many years later when my ten-year-old daughter won a national writing contest and had a book deal with Standard Publishing. Of course I was proud of Kimberly but also a bit envious. The dream still lived and I had let it founder for years. It was time to get cracking! I began by writing articles and was shocked when they sold and kept right on selling! I still write articles. I also write short stories, mainly they are about every day musings. Some of them have ended up in a collection on the New York Times Best Seller list. For years I have been a contributor to the popular chicken soup series. Just this month I found I had two stories in their 101 Best Chicken Soup stories ever! What an honor. I wrote some mystery books and then decided the world was naturally glum and I didn’t need to add to that genre. A year ago I found myself reaching for romance books at the library. At the video store I went for the romantic comedies. It was then I decided to try my hand at romance writing and a series was born, The Turtle Creek Edition Series, the first book is The Christmas Edition.
Phoebe: What was the first fiction you ever wrote? And do you still have it with you?
Robin: The first fiction I wrote was when I was in college. I still have the first three chapters…its unfinished. Perhaps I'll finish it. Someday.
Phoebe: How did you come up with the concept for The Christmas Edition?
Robin: This will sound trite but the idea just came to me. It was my first attempt at romance writing and it slid together quickly. I must admit it has a touch of mystery in it which adds another dimension. I wanted to capture a feeling of new love filled with hope during the holidays. I grew up in Wisconsin and remember the feeling of finding love over the holidays. I wanted my book to have that special seasonal feel to it.
Phoebe: Do you have a process of how you start to write one of your novels? And is it the same or different with each novel you write?
Robin: Each of my novels has been a different approach. Some ideas come so quickly that I hardly have time to get them all down. Those times are known as seat of my pants writing. At other times, I struggle a bit more and therefore plot them out. Right now I am working on an idea for a new romance series and this time I’m using a notebook. This is my 7th book but the first time I am approaching my writing like this. I needed to know the characters I was writing about so I thumbed through magazines to find pictures of my main characters. When I found them, I taped them into my notebook and did a character sketch. Then I write a rough outline of the book. For my 8th book, I may do something entirely different.
Phoebe: What process did you have to go through to get your first book published and did it take you long?
Robin: It took me years to write my first mystery and to get it published. However, my first foray into the romance world was very quick. I had the book written in 6 weeks and a contract a week after I submitted it. Nine months later, it's in print! That is amazingly fast!
Phoebe: How did you feel when you finally saw your first published book came out in print and how do you feel about your other novels being published?
Robin: I must admit I was a bit frightened when my first book came out…and guardedly optimistic. The feeling this time is so different. The joy I have in my spirit wakes me up at night. When I touched The Christmas Edition book with my name on the cover the first time, it filled my heart with unspeakable fulfillment and completion. But it's just the beginning.
Phoebe: Is there any advice that you would give to an aspiring romance writer that you wish someone had given you?
Robin: Lately on a writer's loop, there is an ongoing discussion about being 'called to write'. Some aspiring writers who have yet to have their name on a book cover are lamenting about if they have been 'called to write'. More seasoned writers are giving advice. Here is my advice to an aspiring romance writer; relax and enjoy the journey. Get in touch with those feelings of first love and write about that. You see, like you I thought I was called to be a writer. Even with proof to the contrary of enough rejection notices to wallpaper a house, I still felt the call. I kept plugging away. More rejection. Tears. Maybe I was confused. More tears. I began to read all these blogs about how others felt called to be a writer. Hummm...if SO MANY are called to write, maybe I was called to read all these writers, I figured. Someone had to do the reading, right? So I began to read and then I sold a book. Sold another and another and now a series. I look at it this way; if you love it, write. I am compelled to breath, to love, to eat pralines and cream ice cream at night, and to write. It's all part of my DNA. I write on my blog, I write for magazines, short stories, I write brochures, when one of my student's bonked me with a metal door my police report was 40 pages long (just kidding), I just write. Not sure if I was called anymore but I went anyway! And that has made all the difference. So if it brings you joy then write.
Phoebe: Is there any writing tips, research tips, promotion and marketing tips that you would give to an aspiring romance writer that you wish someone had given you?
Robin: No matter the genre, there are facts you must check when writing, especially if it's a historical piece. I just read a review for on another book this week and one of the reviewers said the book was well written but the facts were way off and went on to document it. Ouch! (Glad it wasn’t me) Nothing can be a substitute for doing your research. You will loose credibility if the facts are wrong and someone out there will only be too happy to let you and the world know you missed the mark.
* * * * *
Phoebe Jordan: When did you know that writing romance was going to be the thing that you would do with your life?
Robin Shope: I knew romance writing was what I wanted to do with my life about eleven months ago. However, I always wanted to write…anything! I began with essays in middle school and then graduated to writing brochures when I was in college. It was there I took a creative writing class and wowed my professor but I didn’t think seriously about writing until many years later when my ten-year-old daughter won a national writing contest and had a book deal with Standard Publishing. Of course I was proud of Kimberly but also a bit envious. The dream still lived and I had let it founder for years. It was time to get cracking! I began by writing articles and was shocked when they sold and kept right on selling! I still write articles. I also write short stories, mainly they are about every day musings. Some of them have ended up in a collection on the New York Times Best Seller list. For years I have been a contributor to the popular chicken soup series. Just this month I found I had two stories in their 101 Best Chicken Soup stories ever! What an honor. I wrote some mystery books and then decided the world was naturally glum and I didn’t need to add to that genre. A year ago I found myself reaching for romance books at the library. At the video store I went for the romantic comedies. It was then I decided to try my hand at romance writing and a series was born, The Turtle Creek Edition Series, the first book is The Christmas Edition.Phoebe: What was the first fiction you ever wrote? And do you still have it with you?
Robin: The first fiction I wrote was when I was in college. I still have the first three chapters…its unfinished. Perhaps I'll finish it. Someday.
Phoebe: How did you come up with the concept for The Christmas Edition?
Robin: This will sound trite but the idea just came to me. It was my first attempt at romance writing and it slid together quickly. I must admit it has a touch of mystery in it which adds another dimension. I wanted to capture a feeling of new love filled with hope during the holidays. I grew up in Wisconsin and remember the feeling of finding love over the holidays. I wanted my book to have that special seasonal feel to it.
Phoebe: Do you have a process of how you start to write one of your novels? And is it the same or different with each novel you write?
Robin: Each of my novels has been a different approach. Some ideas come so quickly that I hardly have time to get them all down. Those times are known as seat of my pants writing. At other times, I struggle a bit more and therefore plot them out. Right now I am working on an idea for a new romance series and this time I’m using a notebook. This is my 7th book but the first time I am approaching my writing like this. I needed to know the characters I was writing about so I thumbed through magazines to find pictures of my main characters. When I found them, I taped them into my notebook and did a character sketch. Then I write a rough outline of the book. For my 8th book, I may do something entirely different.
Phoebe: What process did you have to go through to get your first book published and did it take you long?
Robin: It took me years to write my first mystery and to get it published. However, my first foray into the romance world was very quick. I had the book written in 6 weeks and a contract a week after I submitted it. Nine months later, it's in print! That is amazingly fast!
Phoebe: How did you feel when you finally saw your first published book came out in print and how do you feel about your other novels being published?
Robin: I must admit I was a bit frightened when my first book came out…and guardedly optimistic. The feeling this time is so different. The joy I have in my spirit wakes me up at night. When I touched The Christmas Edition book with my name on the cover the first time, it filled my heart with unspeakable fulfillment and completion. But it's just the beginning.Phoebe: Is there any advice that you would give to an aspiring romance writer that you wish someone had given you?
Robin: Lately on a writer's loop, there is an ongoing discussion about being 'called to write'. Some aspiring writers who have yet to have their name on a book cover are lamenting about if they have been 'called to write'. More seasoned writers are giving advice. Here is my advice to an aspiring romance writer; relax and enjoy the journey. Get in touch with those feelings of first love and write about that. You see, like you I thought I was called to be a writer. Even with proof to the contrary of enough rejection notices to wallpaper a house, I still felt the call. I kept plugging away. More rejection. Tears. Maybe I was confused. More tears. I began to read all these blogs about how others felt called to be a writer. Hummm...if SO MANY are called to write, maybe I was called to read all these writers, I figured. Someone had to do the reading, right? So I began to read and then I sold a book. Sold another and another and now a series. I look at it this way; if you love it, write. I am compelled to breath, to love, to eat pralines and cream ice cream at night, and to write. It's all part of my DNA. I write on my blog, I write for magazines, short stories, I write brochures, when one of my student's bonked me with a metal door my police report was 40 pages long (just kidding), I just write. Not sure if I was called anymore but I went anyway! And that has made all the difference. So if it brings you joy then write.
Phoebe: Is there any writing tips, research tips, promotion and marketing tips that you would give to an aspiring romance writer that you wish someone had given you?
Robin: No matter the genre, there are facts you must check when writing, especially if it's a historical piece. I just read a review for on another book this week and one of the reviewers said the book was well written but the facts were way off and went on to document it. Ouch! (Glad it wasn’t me) Nothing can be a substitute for doing your research. You will loose credibility if the facts are wrong and someone out there will only be too happy to let you and the world know you missed the mark.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Harelquin Blaze is one of my favorite lines of books and the author Lori Borrill is still a new author to me because this book I've read and will review is only the second that I've got of hers. This novel was a bit hard for me to read because I've just finished reading another blaze book about a cop as a hero so I guess it felt like I've already read it. Purse designer Jessie Beane has some bad habits when it comes to men. So she’s going to boost her sexual karma—by indulging in an extra-naughty, one-night stand with a very sexy man. SFPD Detective Rick Marshall is the perfect candidate—a hot cop with a creative and insatiable libido but unfortunately, Jessie’s poor excuse of an ex uses the opportunity to rob Jessie’s apartment and steal Rick’s car…with key evidence in the trunk!
Jessie and Rick don’t have time to wast because they need to find that car now if Rick wants to but away the criminal that really wants that laptop to disappear. And if spending time together gives them the chance to unleash their voracious appetite for each other, then they’ll be certain to enjoy every salacious minute. After reading the first 4 chapters I really started to get into the story so I guess it was just me that couldn't get into it because I finished reading a cop story. Jessie and Rick have a lot of issues that are very heartachingly sad and have a large affect on their budding relationship which could be more than sex but love. I was glad that I finished this book though I thought of putting it down at the beginning now I know it would have been a mistake. Here is the description of the book from the back cover and picture:
UNLEASHED $ 4.99 (218 Pages)
Unrepentant
Purse designer Jessie Beane has some bad habits when it comes to men. So she’s going to boost her sexual karma—by indulging in an extra-naughty, one-night stand?
Unrepentant
Detective Rick Marshall is the perfect candidate—a hot cop with a creative and insatiable libido. Unfortunately, Jessie’s poor excuse of an ex uses the opportunity to rob Jessie’s apartment and steal Rick’s car…with key evidence in the trunk!
And unleashed!
Jessie and Rick don’t have time to waste…. They need to find that car now. And if spending time together gives them the chance to unleash their voracious appetite for each other, then they’ll be certain to enjoy every salacious minute….
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Silhouette Special Edition is one of my favorite line of books and I've have read several of Stella Bagwell's novels and all have been in her series Men of the West. I've only read 4 out of 14 of her books in this series but it hasn't spoiled anything for me thankfully. This is the recent book in the series and one that I enjoyed reading very much because it involved a cute little girl who didn't know about her father until she was almost five years old. Single mom Angie Malone left Christmas wishes to her daughter,after all, Santa couldn’t fix the broken heart Angie’d had since Jubal Jamison married another woman. She had never seen Jubal again…not even to say she was carrying his child but now a miracle might happen for Angie and her little girl, Melanie. With Jubal hired as the vet for the Sandbur Ranch, there was a chance for father and daughter to find each other and with Christmas just around the corner, perhaps Jubal and Angie could finally forgive the past—and become the family they’d always wanted to be.
Angie and Jubal have 11 years separating them in age and is something that has always been a little problem in their relationship. Also they're families have never approved of their relationship because Jubal's family is rich and her's was not so their social standing were very far apart and their relationship is unexceptable. Angie not telling Jubal she was pregnant was an issue between them that very much almost destroyed their renewed budding relationship because Jubal was hurt but so was she. I got a bit emotional while reading this novel because as the outsider reading this story I could understand both of their views on the issue of Melanie's birth and I had to agree that they both were to blame and both chose their own path. That path was the one that they lived with until their very fortunate reunion at the ranch that they both worked at. This novel was a joy to read and I can't wait for the next book in the series to come out because I know there is more novels too come from the hit the author had at the end of the book. Here is the description of the book from the back cover and picture:
THE CHRISTMAS SHE’S ALWAYS WANTED $ 4.99 (Book 14)(218 Pages)
BETTER BE NICE!Single mom Angie Malone left Christmas wishes to her daughter. After all, Santa couldn’t fix the broken heart Angie’d had since Jubal Jamison married another woman. She had never seen Jubal again…not even to say she was carrying his child.
But now a miracle might happen for Angie and her little girl. With Jubal hired as the vet for the Sandbur Ranch, there was a chance for father and daughter to find each other. And with Christmas just around the corner, perhaps Jubal and Angie could finally forgive the past—and become the family they’d always wanted to be….
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Harelquin Blaze is one of my favorite lines of books and the author Dawn Atkins is still a new author to me because this book I've read and will review is only the second that I've got of hers. All Chloe Baxter wants for her birthday is one kiss from hottie Riley Connelly and she gets that and more. That one kiss leads to the most amazing one-night stand of her life and the sex with Riley is beyond spectacular, but when morning comes, she’s resigned to returning to real life. But when she gets home she finds out that her father is in big trouble and she believes that Riley is a good man and cop so she will find out what he can do to help her father. Except that for Chloe, real life has gotten complicated because her big job promotion has landed her in the middle of Riley’s undercover investigation. Worse, he wants her to spy on her employers but can she betray the people she cares about for a man she can’t keep her hands off? And if survival means choosing between her head and her heart, Chloe’s not sure which one will hurt worse if she loses it.
Chloe and Riley have a very intense physical attraction to one another but they have a big problem between them that is going to be hard to over come. Chloe works for a man that Riley wants to put in prison because he believes that even though Chloe's boss moved from the Mafa crime circle in Chicago as a retired man that his up to his old tricks again. Now Riley wants to use Chloe and her father who work right in the center of it all but she is having such conflicting feelings because her boss's family has always been helpful to her father and her and feels like she's betraying their trust. In the end Chloe and Riley go through a dangerous situation that can either make or break their future relationship with one another. I enjoyed reading this novel very much and I look forward to finding more novels by Dawn Atkins in the future. Here is the description of the book from the back cover and picture:
HER SEXIEST SURPRISE $ 4.99 (216 Pages)
One wild birthday night
All Chloe Baxter wants for her birthday is one kiss from hottie Riley Connelly. She gets that and more. That one kiss leads to the most amazing one-night stand of her life. Sex with Riley is beyond spectacular. But when morning comes, she’s resigned to returning to real life.
Except that for Chloe, real life has gotten complicated. Her big job promotion has landed her in the middle of Riley’s undercover investigation. Worse, he wants her to spy on her employers. Can she betray the people she cares about for a man she can’t keep her hands off? And if survival means choosing between her head and her heart, Chloe’s not sure which one will hurt worse if she loses it….
Friday, November 14, 2008
Title: ART OF SENSUALITY
Author: Jax Cassidy
Publisher: Parker Publishing
ISBN: 978-1-6004-3044-2
Page Count: 250 pgs / print
Release Date: November 17, 2008
Art was not only a passion of Machiko Barrett, but also a destiny…a way of life she has known since her talent was discovered at three years old. Caught in a turbulent storm of celebrity, scandal and corruption, she disappeared from the art world only to re-emerge fifteen years later as an au pair to the two young children of renowned Parisian gallery owners. Her sheltered existence is disrupted when she is lured back to her one true passion: painting.
While Machiko struggles to find her own identity through her art, she encounters Caleb Holden, a sexy, unpredictable and irresistible neighbor with a penchant for collecting art, and women. As he discovers the girl within the woman, the secrets of Machiko's past return to haunt her, revealing scars she never knew existed. She must learn to conquer her fears and allow him into her heart or risk slipping back into a cold, lonely world that once held her spirit captive. Through Caleb's determination to educate Machiko about trusting herself and her abilities, he opens her eyes to the art of sensuality, and awakens the woman buried deep inside the broken girl.
Author Bio:
Jax Cassidy is a multi-published author and has written under the pen name Cassidy Kent. She is Co-Founder of Romance Divas, an award winning romance writer's website and discussion forum. In between skydiving for charity and campaigning against human trafficking, she enjoys the company of close friends and indulges her caffeine fix at the nearest cafe. An avid traveler and an adventurous spirit, Jax has drawn inspiration from her experiences and often blends the exotic mix of Eastern and Western lifestyles into her writing. When she isn't locked up in her office penning her latest manuscript, Jax can be found creating abstract paintings for future art shows, or dividing her time between California, Texas, and Florida.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Well I've been really busy keeping up with all the books I've got on my TBR pile to keep up-to-date with my reviews so today I have a special guest blogger Tara Nichols. She has guest blogged about her own books before and you can find the links to those on the right sidebar under Guest Blog. Tara has purchased an eBook by a new author to her Anastasia Rabiyah. She is going to be reviewing Rabiyah's book Demon in the Basement below so enjoy! I wasn’t sure what I was in for when I purchased a romance featuring a demon, but Anastasia Rabiyah convinced me demons could be sexy with her intriguing blurb. Emme, the heroine of the story, is a strong, compassionate and mysterious woman. Having inherited her dead father’s house, she takes it upon herself to cleanse the house of its dark memories, along with the dirt her father left behind. But, it is more than just memories that reside in that house, Nazan, the demon Emme’s father imprisoned, lay suffering inside a ring of salt. Emme frees the demon and proceeds to show him the kindness her father never did, drawing closer to a creature she knew she should not desire.
Nazan struggles with his own desire, with his painful memories, and now, with an old enemy who has resurfaced and rekindled his interest in the residents of the house. This is a meticulously plotted and well executed story. Each word fit together like a piece in a jig saw puzzle. It was smooth, it was sexy, and it was thoroughly entertaining. The story was tight, it flowed well, and it kept me entertained, turning pages with a hunger to read more. I loved her characters, believing every act, every thought to be possible. Overall, it was the most satisfying read I’ve had in a while.
Demon in the Basement by Anastasia Rabiyah $ 3.99
Genre: Paranormal/Romance Heat Index: Erotic/Carnal Book Length: Category Cover Artist: Anastasia Rabiyah Editor: Dawn Thomas Jerlo
Enter the basement’s forgotten darkness and reach for the light of redemption. Find love and passion in an unlikely mate. Dare to look beyond what you see. Emme has inherited her estranged father’s estate and vows to clean out all the evil he left behind. In the corner of the basement, she discovers one of the greatest of his forbidden treasures: Nazan, a demon that’s been trapped there since she fled the house as a teen. The broken demon is circled by salt, emaciated and bears scars left by years of cruelty and torture. A caring woman who believes all creatures have their place in the world, Emme undertakes the arduous task to mend the wounds done to his soul, mind and body—to return him to his rightful state and place. Despite her unsettling attraction to him, a fiery heat occurring every time he touches her, she is determined to set the demon free. But he has other plans.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
I've been hearing so much of this author Stephenie Meyer's Twilight Series. I heard that it was so good that there is even a movie coming out about the book. Well I said to myself the other day that I should give this series a try and find out what all the talk is about. Well I am so glad that I bought the series because I'm hooked. The series is considered Young Adult but I think that it is also good for adults too because even though its about 17 year olds in high school everyone was that age at one point in their lives and could relate some how even though we probably weren't surround with vampires and werewolfs and such. That would be exciting and scary at the same time if it had ever happened to me in high school because it would have made my high school experience so much more better. So it's almost a two weeks before the world wide release of the movie version of this amazing and much acclaimed book Twilight. I can't wait for it to be released already!
I've heard so many gossips about this last book in the Twilight series that had me a bit concerned about what was going to happen in this novel. I heard about Bella becoming pregnant with a baby that is dangerously going to eat her from the inside and that she was going to get an abortion. I heard that people were telling others to boycott the novel and not buy it because Meyer was condoning abortion, which sounded ridiculous to me. I payed no attention to this nonsense because all that does is spoil your enjoyment of the novel before you even begin and I know that some people are spoiler happy and never even read the book because they think they know everything that happens already. I'm telling you that read it anyway because you are not getting everything just by reading spoilers about the book especially since everyone has their own point of view on what they read in the novel. Like for me Breaking Dawn was my favorite of all the Twilight novels because it had everything that I like in a novel such as, more than one point of view in the story, it had action and suspense that kept me thinking and kept me turning the pages to find out what happens next and it answered so many questions that I was having from reading the first three novels.
I loved reading the novel so much that I was really sad that it had to end with a The End page all by itself. I had so many questions about what Bella and Edward's life would be like with their daughter Nessie and Jacob. I totally think that Meyer should take some time and consider writing up another novel but about Jacob and Nessie because they are one interesting couple and I think that their could be more to Bella and Edward's love story now that they are both vampires. I also know that it may never happen especially since Meyer is writing Edward's point of view of Bella's Twilight in a novel called Midnight Sun, which as many of you know was spoiled for everyone when someone posted an illegal draft of the novel. I don't know if I will be reading this novel not because of the spoiler because I haven't read a single word of it but because it would be like reading Twilight again even thought we will be reading it in Edward's point of view. This was one interesting novel that I had a good time reading and can now understand all the Twilight addiction going on that kind of reminds me of how everyone was so in the Harry Potter series a couple of years ago. I'm definitely excited about the movie and I hope that it won't be the last because I think that the other three books in the series, New Moon, Eclipse and Breaking Dawn, could be turned into some amazing movies just like I know the movie Twilight will be amazing but not as good as the novel. Here are the descriptions of the books from the back cover and cover flaps and pictures:
BREAKING DAWN $ 22.99 (Book 4)(754 Pages)
“Don’t be afraid,” I murmured. “We belong together.”
I was overwhelmed by the truth of my own words. This moment was so perfect, so right, there was no way to doubt it. His arms wrapped around me, holding me against him….
If felt like every nerve ending in my body was a live wire. “Forever,” he agreed.
WHEN YOU LOVED THE ONE WHO WAS KILLING YOU, IT LEFT YOU NO OPTIONS. How could you run, how could you fight, when doing so would hurt that beloved one? If your life was all you had to give, how could you not give it? If it was someone you truly loved?
TO BE IRREVOCABLY IN LOVE WITH A VAMPIRE is both fantasy and nightmare woven into a dangerously heightened reality for Bella Swan. Pulled in one direction by her intense passion for Edward Cullen, and in another by her profound connection to a werewolf Jacob Black, she has endured a tumultuous year of temptation, loss, and strife to reach the ultimate turning point. Her imminent choice to either join the dark but seductive world of immortals or pursue a fully human life has become the thread from which the fate of two tribes hangs.
NOW THAT BELLA HAS MADE HER DECISION, a startling chain of unprecedented events is about to unfold with potentially devastating and unfathomable consequences. Just when the frayed strands of Bella’s life—first discovered in Twilight, then scattered and torn in New Moon and Eclipse—seem ready to heal and knit together, could they be destroyed…forever?
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