It's been awhile... okay, maybe too long. You'll be happy to know that I'm writing again-- with a vengeance that refuses to be denied. I don't want to go into detail about the project because I don't want to jinx anything. Call me superstitious because... I am! *Deja Vu* I said all of this previously, that should tell you how paranoid I've become.
This week is a mish mash of things to do and other news.
1- Winner of my contest! I only had once commenter. That's kinda sad but no biggie. I can only conclude that everyone's read all the books I was giving away. No worries there, so my 1 commenter gets not just 1 book but all of them. Trudy Edgeworth! Come. On. Down. That's right Trudy send me a message so I can get you your books.
2- It's a Country Showdown! A fellow day time slummer is currently competing a country showdown competition hosted by Chevron. This is one of those long running contests but I really want to help. There's no pesky emails or anything just a register an email address, validate it and vote one a day.
Who should you vote for: Paul Alvin. Writer and Singer of the song 'Chunky Dunkin'. The song is hilarious so click the link and vote please!
3- My next Barbara Walter's moment! Yes, that's right I'm going to slip into my Barbara Walter's facade (without making celebs cry) and complete a live interview Wednesday night on the paranormal show The Beyond Natural. Who is this lucky celeb? None other than Barry Fitzgerald from Ghost Hunters International. Most people wouldn't think this is big news, but for me it is. Reality and author celebs are about as close as I get to the big time. So if you want to see me in action check out The Beyond Natural Wednesday night at 7pmPST/9pmCST/10pmEST on Paranormal TV Network. *Smiles* I sound like such an ad... blah!
4-The auction! So you like reading, like authors... especially romance. Or just in general are looking for fun gifts and want to support a good cause. Well it's another year and the Brenda Novak's On-Line Auction for Diabetes Research. This is a marvelous auction with tons of opportunities (mentorships, agent critiques, lunches with authors, gift bags, books) and all the money raised goes to support a worthy cause. A couple of interesting tidbits there are multiple mentorships available with editors and authors. For the author seeking a little more in depth feedback you need to check this auction out.
5- Do you give feedback?? To often times we read these blogs and don't comment. We don't. Say. Anything. You read and you move on. I've recently discovered Google Reader on my Kindle sucks! I can't comment, just read. I like commenting. It let's the author know they are appreciated. Now stop! Before you take this as a rant, just know that even the Oh Ranty Me can't comment on everything. But I try to be diligent and comment when I can. So, for the sake of the bloggers out there pay it forward... make a comment at least once a day. In all the reading there's go to be at least one thing catching more than just an eye.
Sunday, May 13, 2012
Review: Once Upon a Wicked Night by Jennifer Haymore
Review: Once Upon a Wicked Night by Jennifer Haymore
Rating: 3.0 out of 5 stars
Release Date: February 1st, 2012
For backcover blurb and more info on Jennifer Haymore visit her website here.
Not a novella, and left a little bit of wanting.
For those looking for the reasons behind Haymore's Donovan sisters seeking to erase scandal and prevent scandal then this little novella is definitely worth a peek. I've never read a single novel by Haymore and this novella was my first jump into her writing. For those who've read the first book in the Donovan series reading this piece will not affect anything. For those who haven't read a thing... stop here.
Let me first say that this really wasn't a novella, it felt more like an epilogue and a prologue/ segway between books 1 and 2 of this series. I enjoyed the writing style, and will admit to finding a fondness with Haymore's ways of depicting villians. What I did not enjoy was being teased relentlessly and then unable to buy the next book in the series. Improper advertising is what this is.
Now, Haymore does provide plenty of set up, and if you've already read the 2nd book in the Donovan series Once Upon a Wicked Night may be worth the read if you want stage center for what went down between Olivia and the horrendous Marquis of Fenwicke prior to book 2. Die hards for this series may be interested as well.
I'll admit this is also a great sampler of Haymore's storytelling abilities, and she does a good job of creating tension and emotional attachment. For those reasons I give this 3 stars and plan on reading another novel to learn more.
Rating: 3.0 out of 5 stars
Release Date: February 1st, 2012
Not a novella, and left a little bit of wanting.
For those looking for the reasons behind Haymore's Donovan sisters seeking to erase scandal and prevent scandal then this little novella is definitely worth a peek. I've never read a single novel by Haymore and this novella was my first jump into her writing. For those who've read the first book in the Donovan series reading this piece will not affect anything. For those who haven't read a thing... stop here.
Let me first say that this really wasn't a novella, it felt more like an epilogue and a prologue/ segway between books 1 and 2 of this series. I enjoyed the writing style, and will admit to finding a fondness with Haymore's ways of depicting villians. What I did not enjoy was being teased relentlessly and then unable to buy the next book in the series. Improper advertising is what this is.
Now, Haymore does provide plenty of set up, and if you've already read the 2nd book in the Donovan series Once Upon a Wicked Night may be worth the read if you want stage center for what went down between Olivia and the horrendous Marquis of Fenwicke prior to book 2. Die hards for this series may be interested as well.
I'll admit this is also a great sampler of Haymore's storytelling abilities, and she does a good job of creating tension and emotional attachment. For those reasons I give this 3 stars and plan on reading another novel to learn more.
Saturday, May 12, 2012
Review: Immersed in Pleasure by Tiffany Reisz
Review: Immersed in Pleasure by Tiffany Reisz
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Release Date: March 1st, 2012
For backcover blurb and more information on Tiffany Reisz visit her website here.
A erotica world that strips away your secrets and touches your innermost desires....
Welcome to Fathoms-- the exclusive club run by the infamous Kingsley and home to the mermaids, the most beautiful virgin women available for visual perusal only. Derek Prince is infatuated with mermaid, Xenia, from the moment he spots her. So infatuated he's willing to trade just about anything to be with her, except the choice isn't his... it's Xenia's.
For a Spice Brief this story is certainly hot! A continuance into the realm of Kingsley, The Priest and a slew of other unforgettable characters, whom lucky readers may have met in some of the Reisz other tales. If you haven't felt the need to submerge yourself in this erotic world I encourage you to commence the drowning. From the inner bowels of clubs that pride themselves on submission, domination, and any fetish in between to the realistic catalysts that drive the characters paths, Reisz is brutal and unrelenting.
Dialogue and plot are delicious drivers, along with a delicious way through intimate scenes which will leave a few marks. In Reisz's word the marks are a necessary sign of pleasure and successful navigation. Immersed in Pleasure is told from main character Derek's POV only, and surprisingly this made the story even better. Xenia through Derek's eyes is perfect visually and flawed internally, which doesn't stop his desire or growing need to be hero. This is Reisz's singular talent to make a knight in shining armor out of original lust.
This quick story ended right on time, another talent of the author's, and is perfect precursor to the recently released The Siren. If you want nab a look at the other realm's within Reisz mind then Immersed in Pleasure is a way to start.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Release Date: March 1st, 2012
A erotica world that strips away your secrets and touches your innermost desires....
Welcome to Fathoms-- the exclusive club run by the infamous Kingsley and home to the mermaids, the most beautiful virgin women available for visual perusal only. Derek Prince is infatuated with mermaid, Xenia, from the moment he spots her. So infatuated he's willing to trade just about anything to be with her, except the choice isn't his... it's Xenia's.
For a Spice Brief this story is certainly hot! A continuance into the realm of Kingsley, The Priest and a slew of other unforgettable characters, whom lucky readers may have met in some of the Reisz other tales. If you haven't felt the need to submerge yourself in this erotic world I encourage you to commence the drowning. From the inner bowels of clubs that pride themselves on submission, domination, and any fetish in between to the realistic catalysts that drive the characters paths, Reisz is brutal and unrelenting.
Dialogue and plot are delicious drivers, along with a delicious way through intimate scenes which will leave a few marks. In Reisz's word the marks are a necessary sign of pleasure and successful navigation. Immersed in Pleasure is told from main character Derek's POV only, and surprisingly this made the story even better. Xenia through Derek's eyes is perfect visually and flawed internally, which doesn't stop his desire or growing need to be hero. This is Reisz's singular talent to make a knight in shining armor out of original lust.
This quick story ended right on time, another talent of the author's, and is perfect precursor to the recently released The Siren. If you want nab a look at the other realm's within Reisz mind then Immersed in Pleasure is a way to start.
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Reading List: April 2012 & Giveaway!
It's April, my reading hasn't really picked up. Surprisingly... I honestly thought I read more then I did this past month. My last post says it all really-- I've been writing. No shame in that. I'm finished plotting, but there's more to do before the writing begins. But I wanted to let everyone about what I'm devouring.
GIVEAWAY: Wanted to let everyone know that I'm giving away a bunch of books today. The shelf in my room is overflowing. To win the book of your choice all you have to do is comment on what your favorite genre is and/or is there book coming out this year that you can't wait to read. Also let me know which book you want from the bunch! *Contest is for those in the United States only (sorry). I can't keep them all so the following are up for grabs:
16. Werewolf in Seattle by Vicki Lewis Thompson***
17. Temptation and Twlight by Charlotte Featherstone*
18. Blackbirds by Chuck Wendig
GIVEAWAY: Wanted to let everyone know that I'm giving away a bunch of books today. The shelf in my room is overflowing. To win the book of your choice all you have to do is comment on what your favorite genre is and/or is there book coming out this year that you can't wait to read. Also let me know which book you want from the bunch! *Contest is for those in the United States only (sorry). I can't keep them all so the following are up for grabs:
1.Heart of Brass by Kate Cross***
2.Rex Rising by Chrystalla Thoma**
3.Demon's Bride by Zoe Archer***
4.If I Fall by Kate Noble***
5.The Governess Affair by Courtney Milan
6.An Heir of Deception by Beverley Kendall*
7.A Lady Awakened by Cecilia Grant
8.Wicked As They Come by Delilah Dawson
9.The Summer of You by Kate Noble
10.At Your Pleasure by Meredith Duran***
11.My Lady Rival by Ashley March***
12.Too Tempting to Resist by Cara Elliot*
13.Inhale by Kendall Grey**
14. At Your Pleasure by Meredith Duran
15. Glitter Baby by Susan Elizabeth Phillips16. Werewolf in Seattle by Vicki Lewis Thompson***
17. Temptation and Twlight by Charlotte Featherstone*
18. Blackbirds by Chuck Wendig
*Review coming soon right here!
**Review upcoming or available on IndiesBooksRUs
***Review upcoming or available on The Season
Saturday, April 28, 2012
Review: To Bewitch a English Knight by Alena Stuart
Review: To Bewitch An English Knight by Alena Stuart
Rating: 2.5 out of 5 stars
Philandra is on the run! A life of exile wouldn't be bad if she hadn't stabbed the wrong man, an English Earl engaged to her sister. Fleeing through the woods she hopes to evade capture, and strongly believes, regardless of original intentions, she will be hanged if caught. Aa gathering storm and the urge to seek shelter brings her into the hands of Sir Thomas. He's a knight on a mission, but can hardly believe that this small-statured female had ill intentions to his lord. Thomas is drawn to Philandra, and desires to claim her for his own. To do so would go against his sense of honor unless the real villian can be brought to justice.
The Good: The overall story and plot is decent and believeable, and a strong cast of secondary characters leave some wiggle room for future books. The language isn't overbearing with the highland tone, and I found it easy to follow along with the characters banter.
The Bad: I became confused by a few details in the story, especially involving the ultimate defeat of the villian. Philandra and Sir Thomas' tension and conflict is somewhat muted toward the end of the book, and I really wanted a little more then what was provided, I understand this is a short but I don't think the writing was as tight as it could have been. I was also a bit let down by the romance portion, which at times seemed forced and the circumstances behind the main characters coupling seemed manufactured for the stories sake.
Ultimately, I believe the author has a good start, but I would look to future works from Stuart if you're looking for a well-honed gem. To Bewitch An English Knight doesn't quite make the mark.
Philandra is on the run! A life of exile wouldn't be bad if she hadn't stabbed the wrong man, an English Earl engaged to her sister. Fleeing through the woods she hopes to evade capture, and strongly believes, regardless of original intentions, she will be hanged if caught. Aa gathering storm and the urge to seek shelter brings her into the hands of Sir Thomas. He's a knight on a mission, but can hardly believe that this small-statured female had ill intentions to his lord. Thomas is drawn to Philandra, and desires to claim her for his own. To do so would go against his sense of honor unless the real villian can be brought to justice.
The Good: The overall story and plot is decent and believeable, and a strong cast of secondary characters leave some wiggle room for future books. The language isn't overbearing with the highland tone, and I found it easy to follow along with the characters banter.
The Bad: I became confused by a few details in the story, especially involving the ultimate defeat of the villian. Philandra and Sir Thomas' tension and conflict is somewhat muted toward the end of the book, and I really wanted a little more then what was provided, I understand this is a short but I don't think the writing was as tight as it could have been. I was also a bit let down by the romance portion, which at times seemed forced and the circumstances behind the main characters coupling seemed manufactured for the stories sake.
Ultimately, I believe the author has a good start, but I would look to future works from Stuart if you're looking for a well-honed gem. To Bewitch An English Knight doesn't quite make the mark.
Sunday, April 15, 2012
I'm disappearing... I'm writing
They say: 'Absence makes the heart grow fonder'. In the case of this blog I'm not sure if that's true. I'm due to churn out some reviews I've promised over the last couple months, but I've been bitten-- by the writing bug. I'm plotting like crazy, going insane because I've relinquished my pants.
I've taken up conflict boxes, excel spreadsheets, and turning points. There are days when I think the torture will never end, and others where I know I'm doomed to never put a decent word to the .doc. While I'm pulling my hair out you can still catch reviews over at The Season and at Indie Books R Us, if that's what you're looking for.
As far as what I'm working on... I'll never tell; at least not yet. I don't like jinxing myself. Instead I'll keep the momentum rolling, cross my fingers, and pray that I'll write the actual book sometime in the near future.Until then it's plot until my eyes are seeing spots, and the characters are so ingrained in my brain that I start having conversations with them.
I've taken up conflict boxes, excel spreadsheets, and turning points. There are days when I think the torture will never end, and others where I know I'm doomed to never put a decent word to the .doc. While I'm pulling my hair out you can still catch reviews over at The Season and at Indie Books R Us, if that's what you're looking for.
As far as what I'm working on... I'll never tell; at least not yet. I don't like jinxing myself. Instead I'll keep the momentum rolling, cross my fingers, and pray that I'll write the actual book sometime in the near future.Until then it's plot until my eyes are seeing spots, and the characters are so ingrained in my brain that I start having conversations with them.
Sunday, April 1, 2012
Reading List: March 2012
As you can see I'm running a bit low this month, but in my defense the day job has heated up a bit. I'm working some long hours plus doing a few other things.
1. Immersed in Pleasure by Tiffany Reisz*
2. Here There Be Monsters by Meljean Brooks
3. Somebody to Love by Kristan Higgins**
4. Much Ado About Rogues by Kasey Michaels**
5. The Husband Hunt by Lynsay Sands
6. A Rogue by Any Other Name by Sarah Mclean
7. Beguiling the Beauty by Sherry Thomas**
8. Pleasure for Pleasure by Eloisa James
9. The Art of Duke Hunting by Sophia Nash**
10. Gastien Part 1: The Cost of the Dream by Caddy Rowland***
11. The Lesson Plan by Jackie Barbosa
12. Skies of Fire by Zoe Archer**
13. How to Ravish a Rake by Vicky Dreiling**
14. Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire
15. This Heart of Mine by Susan Elizabeth Phillips
Plans for much more book reading in the month of April. Also expect a sudden burst of reviews in the first couple weeks of the month. After that I'm thinking of going dark.... you know, books don't write themselves.
*Review available or upcoming on this site.
**Review available or upcoming on The Season
***Review available or upcoming on Indie Books R Us
1. Immersed in Pleasure by Tiffany Reisz*
2. Here There Be Monsters by Meljean Brooks
3. Somebody to Love by Kristan Higgins**
4. Much Ado About Rogues by Kasey Michaels**
5. The Husband Hunt by Lynsay Sands
6. A Rogue by Any Other Name by Sarah Mclean
7. Beguiling the Beauty by Sherry Thomas**
8. Pleasure for Pleasure by Eloisa James
9. The Art of Duke Hunting by Sophia Nash**
10. Gastien Part 1: The Cost of the Dream by Caddy Rowland***
11. The Lesson Plan by Jackie Barbosa
12. Skies of Fire by Zoe Archer**
13. How to Ravish a Rake by Vicky Dreiling**
14. Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire
15. This Heart of Mine by Susan Elizabeth Phillips
Plans for much more book reading in the month of April. Also expect a sudden burst of reviews in the first couple weeks of the month. After that I'm thinking of going dark.... you know, books don't write themselves.
*Review available or upcoming on this site.
**Review available or upcoming on The Season
***Review available or upcoming on Indie Books R Us
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