Archive for the ‘reviews’ Category

A Smorgasbord and We’re the Meal

Posted: July 31, 2012 in Creatures, fiction, horror, reviews
Tags: , , , ,
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[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pyLd4CECWMY]

Looks good doesn’t it?

I really love reading books about Bigfoot(also called Sasquatch or Skunk Ape). Part of it stems from wondering if they could or do exist.

I’ll tell you this much, I wouldn’t want to meet a Sasquatch like the ones you come across when you read Bigfoot Hunters by Rick Gualtieri.

“The creature opened its mouth wide and let loose a roar that sounded as if it had escaped from the gates of Hell itself.”

This book has all the elements of a great horror novel. Crazed Sasquatch’s bring their murderous rage down upon a small isolated town. Not just a few, but a whole tribe of them unleash bloody hell on the unsuspecting townspeople. Most don’t know what is happening until it is too late. The film crew and cast of the television show called Crypto Hunters, stand alongside a mixed bag of survivors and they are not going down without a fight. Once the action hits town, you don’t have time to catch your breath. Buildings are shattered, screams and roars echo through the streets,  and blood paints the walls.

Rick put a unique spin on his book. Throughout the story, parts of it are told from the creatures point of view. You will get a sense of what it is thinking, and it doesn’t look too good for any human they encounter.

“The Alpha was supreme, the Alpha of all alphas. He would kill the two-legged thing slowly… But first he would make the two-legged thing scream. It would scream long and loud, so that all others knew the futility of challenging him.

As for the characters, some I liked, some I wanted to slap silly, and some I felt got their just desserts. Don’t get too attached to them. They can’t all survive this horrific tale.

I loved this book. I had a feeling of deja vu while reading it. If you have ever seen

 or  you will know what I mean. I could just picture Lance Henriksen in 

this book. It just oozes foreboding.

Gratuitous violence scene: Don’t read this if you have a weak stomach!

“The hand grasped the front of Byron’s face, the fingers dug into his scalp. He barely had time for a muffled scream before the fingers cracked through the bone of his skull and pulled. The front of Byron’s head – face, eyes, bone, and muscle – was peeled like a ripe banana.

The creature’s head shot forward towards the raw bleeding cavern that had been Byron Clemon’s face. Its mouth closed around the gaping wound. For the next few minutes, the only sound that penetrated the woods was a thick slurping.”

I warned you. Creatures on a rampage, a well-developed cast of characters, and so much suspense you can’t stand it. Bigfoot Hunters is a horror smorgasbord. Hungry?

5 STARS and a big Thank You to Rick Gualtieri for a scary good story.

Rick has also written a humorous series about Bill the Vampire and has recently released the 3rd book in the series. To purchase these and other books by Rick Gualtieri, just click on the cover images.

For more about the author and his books:

http://www.poptartmanifesto.com

http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5008815Rick_Gualtieri

https://twitter.com/rickgualtieri

Http://www.facebook.com/RickGualtieriAuthor

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After The Dark

Posted: July 25, 2012 in fiction, horror, reviews
Tags: , , ,
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This review is long overdue. It is not a quick read. The story is quite long. I was worried that it would drag on and on. Not so! The author provided all of the necessary elements to creat an entertaining and engaging read without bogging down my reading pleasure. So don’t be intimidated by the length of this book, it reads easily and takes you by the hand to show you the story.

14761550

My review of Revamp by Beck Sherman

Imagine  getting on a plane, and after landing you disembark to a deserted airport. In California! No way. That’s what happened to Emma Spade.

After a mad dash to turn in her psych paper on time and a weird encounter with her professor, Emma gets home in time to pack for her flight. A cab gets her to the airport with seconds to spare. Another night filled with horrible dreams left her exhausted and edgy so she pops a couple of melatonin and drifts off. More bad dreams. Emma awakens to a living nightmare. The plane is empty. Something is seriously wrong here.  And it isn’t just here, weird things are happening all over.

Book Blurb

FOR THREE DAYS,  IT WAS DARK.

News reporters scrambled. This was the biggest story to come along in weeks.

They called it a blackout.

The last one was in New York City in 2003, but this one was different, special, because the grids in six major cities across the country had been fried, kaput, see-you-next-Sunday. Everyone with some jurisdiction blamed each other, and when there was no one left to blame, terrorism rode in on its gallant steed.

It was the media’s fault. They were so busy stuffing fanatical Muslims with a penchant for Allah and decapitations down the American citizen’s throat, that they never saw it coming. I guess I shouldn’t  be too hard on them.

They were partially right. It was terror after all, but a whole new kind. And when the lights came back on, things had changed.

The dark had brought us visitors.

Back to my review

Did it get your attention? Great!.

What happens to Emma at the airport is just the beginning. Beck Sherman has a story to tell you, a story of the vampire resistance. A group of people who will not go quietly into the night, won’t surrender without a fight! Sorry, had to use that.

This creepy tale builds and builds, drawing you into the resistance and introducing new characters along the way. I had a love, hate, and really hate relationship with them. You have to remember that these people have been through some horrific ordeals. Keep that in mind when you meet them. Each one has been changed, and they are not all pleasant to be around.

The author has their own vampire lore. Some of the things you think would kill them, don’t, but Beck gives you new weapons that will. I like how the author puts their own brand on these vampires. Can’t wait for you to meet them.

When you read Revamp, ask yourself some questions. What would you do in this situation? Would you hide and hope it all goes away, or would you fight? Fight with everything you have, because this is your world, not theirs?! I like to think I would fight. I just hope I never have to find out.

I read this book slowly, taking in all of the nuances. It could happen. Maybe.

A great book. I’ll be keeping my eye out for more from Beck Sherman and will happily read anything this author writes.

5 STARS

A treat for ya!

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CA6GEtgc0yY]

About Beck Sherman

Beck Sherman was born and raised in Massachusetts,  attended Syracuse University undergrad, has a master’s degree in photojournalism from the University of Westminster, London, and when not writing, enjoys exploring abandoned insane asylums and photo-documenting the things that go bump in the night, when they’re kind enough to pose.

You can find out more about the author and the book here:

http://www.becksherman.com/

http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5807332.Beck_Sherman

https://www.facebook.com/revampnovel

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Come Join “The Circle”

Posted: July 24, 2012 in fiction, Interview, Mytery/Thriller, reviews
Tags: , , ,
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I have a really good book to tell you about and an interview with the author.

The Circle by RG Lawrence

I really like the title. It is important to me that the title be an integral part of the story inside.

So come meet The Circle

Cicely Manley is a Protestant teacher in an all Catholic school. Growing up on the streets of South Chicago toughened her skin and she’s not afraid to stand up for herself or to confront any obstacles in her path. Like a boulder, she crashes right through.

Recognizing all the classic signs of drug abuse and futility, Cicely sets her sights on Lisa Dennis. A rude awakening is called for and Cicely gives it to her in spades.

Now, Lisa has been given a soccer scholarship at Pittsburg State University, in Pittsburg, Kansas, far from her father’s heavy-handed control, and the world is her oyster. With her dream of freedom finally coming true, how did it all go so wrong? On the very day she gets her scholarship and a new lease on life, Lisa now lies on a cold metal table in the morgue. The police say it was an accidental heroin overdose. Maybe Lisa’s father and the police believe this, or find it easier to do so, but Cicely isn’t buying it. Not at all.

With her friend and landlord Margaret O’Connor at her side, they set out to find out what really happened that night and things quickly get complicated. When some teen-aged skateboarding assassins try to take Cicely out in her own driveway, the ladies agree.  Time to get help.

Margaret O’Connor used to be somewhat the socialite in her day and has a “Circle” of lifelong friends she can call count on. Tommy O’Malley, rumored to have ties to the IRA and hopelessly in love with Margaret, heads up the Irish Circle, a group of gentlemen mobsters.  She has only to ask and he comes calling.

The Circle, which now includes Cicely, dig deeper, checking all angles and infiltrating a murderous child pornography ring, with dangerous consequences.

Roger has given his characters life. They are genuine, with all the flaws and baggage of real people. The story is fast-paced and addictive. There is a lot of darkness here, but also a lot of special moments. Ones that make you smile, hope, shout, and sit up and pay attention. The story demands that you think.

The Circle is a juicy mystery/thriller with a believable story, characters so real they can walk off the pages, and a darker, seamier side we usually don’t like to think exists.

Not recommended for young readers.

I would like to see this book become a series. I see potential for some stand alone stories here. Many people will want to read more about the fiery, stubborn Cicely and her friend and cohort Margaret- a vibrant, intelligent, loyal companion with a lot of moxie. I would also like to know more about the early years of Margret and Tommy. Now that would be interesting.

5 STARS

I first met Roger some time ago when I first joined Twitter. We tweet to each other and RT each others stuff, but have never really talked.

With this interview, I feel I know a little more about Roger the person vs. RG Lawrence on Twitter. Please come meet Roger and get to know him.

L. Why don’t you start by telling us a little about yourself, Roger.

R. I live in Kansas on a small acreage with my wife. We have several dogs, a lot of cats, and a few goats. I have been writing for many years, starting with short stories that I sold to biker magazines. I also wrote fairy tales for my kids when they were small, putting them in book form. I wrote my first book, Summer With Fidel, a decade ago, and pit it in a closet, not thinking anyone would be interested. Several other completed books soon joined the stack in my closet. I only let my mother and my wife read my work. Last year my mother told me that one of her wishes before she died was to see me published. Although the idea didn’t appeal to me, Amazon made it too easy to refuse. I put three of my books on Kindle, and have truly enjoyed the process. I like the fact that there are people out there who enjoy my thoughts and stories, and I have made many new friends from the experience. I have two books started, one a pirate yarn I am writing that will entertain my two grandchildren when they are older, and another thriller in the vein of The Circle.

L. When did you know you wanted to be a writer?

R. I always enjoyed writing, and knew in high school I had a certain talent. I could write a paper for class at the last minute and get good marks, even without much effort. I find writing fiction a certain form of escape. I have sat down at a keyboard and started something, and looked up at the clock and realized I have been working for 12 hours. That is the ultimate high, knowing that I can transport myself into the middle of a story and never even know I’m gone.

L. What is your solution to writers block, if you get it?

R. I’ve never experienced writer’s block. I have a head full of stories that I need to get out, and the problem I have is remembering all of them. My characters dictate my stories, and I just follow along. If I ever sat down with nothing to say, I would grab my golf clubs and go do what I truly love.

L. Is there anything specific you do to stay motivated when writing?

R.  Motivation is not something that concerns me. My only motivation for writing is to do it well enough so that people will enjoy it. I know I’m not going to get rich writing. That thought never passed through my brain. My motivation is that people will like my stuff. If I didn’t think there were folks out there who would enjoy my stories, I would leave them in the closet. Writing is not life or death to me, it is something I do. But I also play golf, and I’m much more passionate about that then writing. I like goats, I love spending time with my wife, I love my kids and adore my grandchildren. So I’m not motivated to write, I just do it.

L. Do you have a favorite genre?

R. I wish I had a genre I could stick to, but that’s not how my brain works. There is no relationship whatsoever between the three books I have on Amazon. I love to read action/adventure like Lee Child, Harlen Coben and John Sanford. I’m addicted to John Locke’s books. And I’m totally hooked on vamp books, and someday will write a vampire story. I try to read all of the Indie stuff I can, and really enjoy many of the authors who I have come to know through Twitter. Many of them are first-rate, and I appreciate their work. Rachel Caine, Zoe Saadia, Wendy Potocki. Lisa Vaughn, Alana Siegel, Elise Stokes, Teri Heyer, Vicky Limbert, and C.L.R. Dougherty are just a few of the Indies who I have enjoyed. Lots and lots of talent out there.

L. Where did you get your ideas for The Circle?

R. The idea for The Circle just evolved from the character I created. I started with a high school teacher in a Catholic school, and then she kept finding herself in trouble. The Irishmen in the Circle just showed up one day on the pages to save the day. I never know what the story is, I just create characters. I know that is not conventional, but it is the way it is.

L. Would you care to add anything else?

R. The one thing that I think needs to be said to Indies is that they need to have their work edited by an outside person or agency before submitting to Kindle. There are so many books filled with grammatical errors and misspelled words, and it turns readers off to the idea that we are a legitimate force. And we do ourselves a great disservice when we give each other 5 Star reviews, knowing that the book needs massive editing. I am as guilty as the next person of this, and have decided that I will not post a review for a book that is poorly edited. I have sent e-mails to several writers, advising them that I think their work is worthy, but needs attention in the editing department. My e-mails have not been well received, but that’s their problem. I care about Indies, and we must put our best product out there to be taken seriously.

I want to thank Roger for sharing this with us. I hope you enjoyed the interview.

Contact info for Roger: http://www.independentauthornetwork.com/rg-lawrence.html

If you would like to purchase The Circle, The Golden Boy or Summer with Fidel, all written by RG Lawrence,just click on the cover images in this post.

GIVEAWAY/Review/Interview/ Wormwood/I didn’t have a clue! Contest is Over

Posted: July 20, 2012 in fiction, giveaways, Interview, Paranormal or fantasy, reviews
Tags: , ,
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I am so excited. It’s time for another giveaway! Today you have a chance to win one paperback copy of Wormwood or one of five e-book copies that D.H. Nevins has graciously supplied. There will also be my review and an interview with the author. After I am finished telling you about this book, you are going to really want it bad.

Details for entering the giveaway are posted after the review and interview, but make sure you read my review and the interview first. You don’t want to miss anything.

I am trying something new lately. When I start a new novel, I do not read the book blurb on the back flap. Many of the books I review are sent by the authors and they also send the book blurb and links to the reviews. By the time I start reading the book, the blurb is only vaguely in my memory. As for reviews, I do not read a books reviews until AFTER I have written mine.

I did a post on my blog asking for help choosing which two books I should read and review next. I had several other reviews and some giveaways to do first. You can go here http://wp.me/p27ipo-cL to see which books were selected.

I am now ready to review the first book that was selected.

As I stated, I did not read the back flap before I started reading Wormwood. I had also received another book in the mail that day and mistakenly thought this was the book about aliens. Boy,  was I surprised.

The first chapter introduces you to Kali. She is a trail guide at Pinecrest National Park. A quiet hike up to her favorite spot, Lookout Peak, starts out normally enough, but a light breeze quickly becomes a tree snapping gale. The once clear skies have turned a heavy grey-black, the clouds tumbling over each other as they race towards her.

This would not be so bad if the woods had not suddenly gone silent. Not a sound could be heard. The winds had stopped and all was still. Not even a bird song was heard. Into this silence came a rumbling that turned into a roar. The ground began to vibrate under her feet and she could see something was coming. The trees started to shake and then to fall, the ground began to roll. Kali ran.

The earth twists and buckles as she tries to reach the safety of Lookout Peak.  Trees and shrubs reach out as if to grab her. She sees her goal and rushes forward. Stillness. All around her the earth is raging. Great rents appear, lava flows up from below, the skies open up and rain and hail lash down, but from her vantage point all she feels is a mild tremor under her feet. How can this be?

Kali wants to move out from under the overhanging rocks and edges around them to a clear space. The rocks could fall at any moment.  There is a campfire burning. She is not alone up here. A quick look around reveals a figure standing on the cliffs edge, his arms stretched out towards the devastation that is still raging below.

Tiamat.

I tell ya, I was not prepared for this.  I was exhausted from the tension I experienced following Kali’s mad dash to safety. My description is just a wee bit of what she goes through.

I am so excited just thinking about what I want to tell you. This happened and that happened! And what? I have never read a story quite like this. There is so much going on. The story raced to its conclusion, leaving me stunned.

At times I was scared. Other times I was so mad. And at one part, I realized I was crying, and it hurt.

D. H. Nevins has written a fantastic story of the end of the world and the last survivors. Perhaps this description is too simple, but I hesitate to tell much of the story. I want you to read it like I did. Unprepared and wide-eyed.  I want you to get to know each character and discover just what is really causing all the destruction.

I hope when you read Wormwood, you’ll tell me how it made you feel. Did you experience it like I did?

A huge Thank You to the author for an extremely well written story in which to immerse myself.

Beyond 5 STARS

And now lets welcome D. H. Nevins

Hello Danielle. Thank you for taking the time to answer a few questions.

D. It’s my pleasure. I’m thrilled to be here, Laura! Thanks so much for having me.

L. From the first idea to the day it was published, how long did it take to write Wormwood?

D. I pretty much shelved Wormwood for a year before publishing it, so that made the whole process take a lot longer. Wormwood is something I wrote for myself, and at the time, I honestly didn’t have the nerve to publish it. But I’m so happy that I finally did! So in total, it took three years: almost two years of planning, research and writing, one year of letting it chill, and the final few months to publish.

L. Is there a favorite place you like to write and are there any must haves for your writing process?

D. Oh yes. We are lucky enough to live in the woods on a lake, and I enjoy taking my laptop down to the dock to write. The only problem is that I seem to do really cruddy writing down there! It’s true! I write best when I’m in this dismal little office we have, and there aren’t any distractions. As for must haves, I always set the mood by listening to music first. I’ve made a gigantic Wormwood playlist just for that purpose, and it always does the trick!

L. Do you have a favorite genre you read?

D. I’m all over the place. I had a historical fiction craze for the longest time, but now I lean towards paranormal, urban fantasy, fantasy, dystopian and some YA.

L. You mentioned a sequel to Wormwood. Is there anything you can tell us about it, maybe when we might expect it?

D. I’d love to tell you about it!  Here are some certainties:

1) The sequel takes place exactly where Wormwood left off.

2) There will be three books in the series. So if you liked Wormwood, especially the end of it, I think the next two will be even better! Kali and Tiamat were just getting started in the first book.

3) Wormwood originally had a prologue that told of Tiamat’s unusual birth. I loved the scene, but pulled it from the book because I wanted to use it as a basis for a prequel instead. So once I’ve done the three books for the Wormwood series, I’ll write the prequel about Tiamat’s very strange childhood. I’m planning to call it Monster.

As for when book 2 will be finished, a lot of that depends on how busy I am with work. I estimate about a year. If I’m lucky it’ll be sooner.

L. How did you select your cover art for Wormwood?

D. My husband was a big help with that. He’s a fan of Gustave Dore, an illustrator from the mid 1800’s, and he suggested we use something from one of Dore’s angel etchings, and while he also illustrated Dante’s Inferno,  we chose this etching by Milton. The mood of his illustrations is quite dark, and I felt that would be perfect for Wormwood. The one I used was taken from an illustration titled Nine Days they Fell,

which appeared in Milton’s Paradise Lost. Unfortunately, I’m finding out that the look of an illustrated cover seems to turn some readers off, so I’m considering an alternate. Perhaps you wouldn’t mind if I asked you and your readers for your opinions?

L. Please, ask away!

D. Awesome. Thanks, Laura! I’m thinking of replacing the cover with an image like this.

It’s something I’ve been playing with, so the image isn’t refined, and the titles been plunked on simply to get an idea of the overall look. But those things aside, what do you think? Which cover do you like more?

L. I, myself like them both, but I think I like the Dore etching better. Maybe it’s because I love the book and don’t want you to change a thing!

L. Would you like to share anything else with us today?

D. I’m presently working on a video trailer for Wormwood. It’s pretty intense! It should be ready in the next few weeks!

L. I can’t wait to see it! I love book trailers and this one should be very interesting.

Now, lets do a few fun shorts!

1. Riding a horse or a motorcycle?  Well, I own a motorcycle(I’ve named it Grendel), so motorcycle it is!

2. Margarita or martini?  Margarita.

3. Snow skiing or water skiing?  Snow skiing(or preferably, snowboarding.)

4. Potato chips or pretzels?  Miss Vicki’s Salt & Vinegar chips hands down.

Thanks so much for sharing with us today Danielle. I can’t wait for the sequel to Wormwood.

You’re most welcome, Laura! And thanks to you too. I really appreciate this opportunity to talk about my book. Hopefully, I’ll have the sequel ready soon!

Now for the Giveaway!  Danielle is offering 5 ebooks and 1 paperback of Wormwood. This is open to U.S. and Internationally so no one is left out!  The giveaway ends at midnight on August 4th.

While it is not required, it would be appreciated if you followed me on twitter and my blog. Also show some love and follow Danielle at the link/links provided below.

If you like this post, don’t forget to hit that tweet button. That always makes me smile!

Please leave your email address along with a comment for Danielle about which cover art you like the most! Easy peasy!

About D. H. Nevins: D. H. Nevins was born in Toronto and currently lives in a relatively remote area of Ontario, surrounded by forests and lakes. By day she is a personable, friendly school teacher. By night, she silently chuckles as she writes about angels destroying the world. When she isn’t writing, she enjoys hiking, camping, flying around on her motorcycle or dabbling in live theatre.

She loves to connect with others and can be contacted or followed a number of ways:

Website: http://www.dhnevins.com

Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/dhnevins

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/133020440053518/

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5158514D_H_Nevins

To buy Wormwood just click on the image at top of post.

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Back in Time

Posted: July 17, 2012 in fiction, historical romance, reviews
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I am once again drawn to another Historical Romance.

Willow Vale reads like a true story, but Alethea assures us it is not. In her words:

“There is a legend growing around my novel, Willow Vale. While I am flattered that readers think Willow Vale is a true story, the fact is that my fictional account of Francesca Sittoni’s adventures of coming to America is truly just that: fiction…”

Alethea takes you back in time. Back to the 1920’s.

Willow Vale follows the life of Francesca Sittoni. Trapped in a loveless marriage, she and her young daughter are forced to immigrate to America with her husband. They settle into a life of hardship in a coal mining town in Wyoming.

Frances, pregnant, is left to fend for herself and her young daughter when she loses her husband to a mining accident. Fear and desperation drive her to answer an ad from Kent Reed, a twice burned Wyoming rancher.

 Amidst crowded quarters, these two grow to understand and respect each other, and maybe more.

Alethea has done her research. You can feel it in the richness of her detailed scenes, the familiarity they bring.

Here are some scenes that reached out to me:

“How she missed that sense of belonging to the land. Even though in the end Val di Non has failed to sustain her, she still loved the lush valley of her birth and wished she could find that love of place once again. That sense of belonging which she had yet to find in America.”

“If he had been a praying man, he never would have imagined that the answers to his prayers would be a pregnant Italian war survivor with a small child. It was all too strange, too unbelievable that after all they had endured, in France, Italy and then the raw new land of Wyoming in the United States, he and Francesca should both end up on his small ranch in Willow Vale. Strange…and wonderful…and terrifying.”

A superbly written tale of survival, of loss and of hope, Willow Vale is an easy, smooth read all the way to a most satisfying ending.

If you like reading about days gone by and romance with all its raw emotions, you really must read Willow Vale. My descriptions pale in comparison to Alethea’s writing. I really enjoyed the adventure.

4 STARS

From Alethea:

Western history has been the great interest of my adult life. I’ve lived in Wyoming, Colorado, and now Oregon. Although an amateur historian, I am happiest researching different times and places in the historical West. And while staying true to history, I try not to let the facts overwhelm my stories. Story always comes first in my novels, and plot arises from the relationships between my characters.  I’m always open to your response to my writing. You can comment on Willow Vale or ask questions about me or my work at:

http://www.actuallyalethea.blogspot.com

http://www.facebook.com/AletheaWilliams.author

I look forward to hearing from you.

Other books by Alethea Williams

First published as a monthly series of columns in the Green River Star, Green River, Wyoming, 1999 and 2000.

To purchase either of these books, just click on the cover images.

A “Tapestry” of Words

Posted: July 16, 2012 in Contests, reviews, Short stories and collections
Tags: , ,
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There is just as much beauty and wonder inside this book as there is on the cover.

I don’t profess to know a lot about poetry. I just know I like to read it.

It moves me the way a wonderful painting or other piece of art does.

I don’t have to understand it, I just have to feel it.

Tapestry moved me in many ways. It still does.

I keep it on my ottoman and when I am not busy, I sit quietly and open the book to a random page and read.

Solitaire Parke filled these pages with some wonderful poetry. I just have to show you a couple of my favorites.

It Won’t Be Today

Sometimes loneliness beckons to us all.

Without realizing it, we answer to its call

With a moment of solitude that stretches into days,

Of quiet and pensive recollection

That leads us down this tangled maze.

There are times when I have wanted more,

But it slips away like it has before.

In a moment of hesitation the time will pass,

Into the darkness that is found in me,

And falls ever downward becoming my past.

I keep the world at the length of my arm.

Always standing alert, ever sounding alarm

At the very feelings that could show me the way,

But blinded, my search always end with me,

Proving again that it won’t be today.

Higher Ground

I have discovered when all else fails;

When my eyes are tired and weak.

I have but to pull on the inner strength

For the truth inside me to speak.

Knowing the truth but living with lies

Causes your conviction to break.

You have but to lean on a greater need

For your heart to no longer ache.

The room for wisdom – A place of rest

Where equality’s finally found.

We have but to ask for the master’s help

To stand alone on higher ground.

 

These are just a couple of the many poems that grabbed my heart and soul.

I look forward to many more quiet moments with Tapestry. Before long this book will be soft and worn from many readings.

I gave this book the 5 STARS it so richly deserves.

Thank you Solitaire for your lovely poems.

Also by Solitaire Parke

 

I am reading this right now. The first of The Dorian Trilogy.

It is free for your kindle today. Click on the image to get yours.

To buy Tapestry you can click on the image also.

Solitaire is also calling all Dragon Riders. He is having a contest on his blog. To check it out and enter go here:

http://solitaireparke.wordpress.com/2012/06/30/the-emerald-dragon-character-contest/

The Emerald Dragon Character Contest

Posted by

THE CALL FOR ALL POTENTIAL DRAGON RIDERS HAS BEGUN!!

The Emerald Dragon by Solitaire Parke

This Contest is open Internationally – All are welcome to participate. 

 
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Got An Alibi?

Posted: July 10, 2012 in fiction, Mytery/Thriller, reviews
Tags: , , , , , ,
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Bravo to Twist Literary. This is a whole new way to tell a story. Four authors, four 100 page books, one event.

Each author writes about one characters point of view. It is very unique and fun and it works with Alibi.

Everyone has an alibi.

No one is innocent.

The stories all revolve around the murder of a young girl, Abby.

Each author tells the mystery from their character’s point of view, recalling what happened leading up to and after the murder. I really liked how one story sometimes filled in the blanks left in another characters story. You get a feel for each of the suspects and get to see the events  through their eyes.

All of the characters are flawed, as are real people, and it makes them more genuine to me. They all have secrets that will be revealed, including Abby. You may not like all of them, but you will get drawn into their stories.

This is a great who-dun-it with all of the mystery, lies and alibis(had to say it) required to keep you searching for the clues which are doled out slowly. I had a sense of who the killer was about half way through, but as with all mysteries, you never know.

Alibi made me think and ask questions.  Polish up your detective skills and put on your thinking cap. Let’s solve a murder!

4 STARS

Authors for Alibi I-IV: The Complete Series

Volume I: Charles by Annie Miles

Volume II: Palmer by Isabel Eckersley

Volume III: Mason by John Byrne

Volume IV: Rowan by Sorrel Provola

For Twist Literary

Blood Lust Rising/ My Kindle was smoking!

Posted: July 7, 2012 in fiction, Paranormal or fantasy, reviews
Tags: , , , , , ,
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My review on Twitter: One Word! Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!

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Okay. This Review will be longer.

Blood Lust Rising has been nominated for Best 1st Chapter and Best Cover.

This is one of the best first chapters I have read. I am not one to blush easily, but my whole face was rosy before I finished it.

You don’t have to kneel down and peek through the keyhole because Fayth Devlin leaves the bedroom door (or any door) wide open. The intimate, arousing sexual scenes fogged up my Kindle screen, they were that HOT!

About the story

They don’t get along at all. Micah and Ella are partners, working for the Shadow Agency. Their job, hunt vampires and demons.

A late night chase after a succubus through the cemetery does not go as planned. The Demon hits them with a spell that changes everything.

They awaken in a hotel 4 days later with no memory of how they got there. Both are exhausted and dehydrated, weak from a marathon of sex. Separating them is out of the question. The demon’s spell has awakened a yearning that can’t be ignored, an intense sexual need that was already there, just beneath the surface.

As their sexual desire deepens into something more, they join together, battling vamps, weres and numerous types of demons, while delving into Micah’s mysterious origins and fending off the unwanted and lethal attention of Julian, Ella’s sire.

What I felt

I feel a strong physical and emotional connection to Micah and Ella. I want them to be safe and I want a happy ending for them.

Characters

Ella starts out as a self-contained, don’t need anybody, kick-butt slayer. Fayth is able to show me Ella’s transformation, making me see all sides of her character, including her flaws. Ella is still tough as nails, but her fierce loyalty to family and friends, and her deepening love for Micah make her very real to me.

And Micah. I was already attracted to his oozing sexuality and sarcastic personality. As I read more, I was able to see his tender side, his love for family and his passion for and commitment to Ella.

Scenes to share – I want you to feel what I felt.

The green glow emanating from Micah’s eyes lit the night. Micah threw himself at Julian. The two men collided and rolled in the mud, a tangle of blood-smeared fists. They were both wearing black and, the more they coated themselves in mud, the harder it was to tell them apart.

Micah pulled his fist back, drove it into Julian’s face again and again. Crack. Crack. Crack. Julian threw Micah to the side, straddled his body. Blow after blow, they rolled and cursed, jockeyed for position. They pounded the holy living hell out of each other.

A body melting scene – Micah to Ella

“If you go upstairs with me. I’m not going to be able to stop from touching you, from stripping you naked. You’re tired and hurt and I can’t promise to be gentle. The Darkness.” He drew in a breath and corrected himself. “The demon wants you tied to my bed, wants you screaming and so drunk with pleasure you won’t be able to walk away from us. You are ours. The man and the demon. We need to claim you.”

Thoughts

It had to have been really challenging for Fayth to put her characters into very dangerous and compromising situations and make the conclusions believable and satisfying.   She has shown that she can and has what it takes.

Blood Lust Rising took me by surprise. My connection to the characters was deep. The story was flush with sexual tension, grueling fighting scenes and compelling dialogue. I found myself immediately engaged and immersed in the book without even trying.

Quotes I loved. You will understand it’s significance once you read the book.

Slaughter. Defend. Obliterate.

Murder. Guard. Destroy

Something Funny:

I had Vampire ED, on top of everything else!

Something tender:

Micah pulled back, gave Hannah a smile that melted solid objects.

Warning:If your kindle starts smoking while you are reading this book, don’t be alarmed. Mine still works fine!

5 STARS I Want More!

I just read the first chapter of The Vampire Queen Trilogy (Book Two). Another fantastic first chapter.

For more about Fayth Devlin:

http://faythdevlin.blogspot.com

http://www.facebook.com/faythdevlin

https://twitter.com/faythdevlin

http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5827700.Fayth_Devlin

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UPDATE/So Many Books!

Posted: July 6, 2012 in fiction, Paranormal or fantasy, reviews
Tags: , , ,
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It looks like the most popular book was Lies Beneath. Several others were a close second, so I put the titles in a bowl and drew one out. Wormwood is the other book to read and review. To see the original post and book line-up: http://wp.me/p27ipo-aO

To decide which one to read first, I took Emaginette’s suggestion and drew one out of a bowl.

The first one up is Wormwood and I am tearing through it. It opens with a huge event and never really slows down. Can’t wait to tell you all about it!

 

Synopsis from Goodreads

Against a devastated landscape, a legion of one hundred fierce half-angels is hell-bent on purging Earth of all humans. But one of them, the tormented Tiamat, struggles against his mission, and when he rescues a beautiful woman named Kali, he finds the attraction as troubling as it is miraculous. Can Kali trust the one creature who could be responsible for her ultimate demise?

Beautifully written and excitingly told, Wormwood creates a world that is as strange as it is compelling. Filled with brilliantly executed twists and turns on every page that are guaranteed to keep you guessing, Wormwood is one of the most exciting debuts of the year.

Next up for review is Lies Beneath. I started this one once before, but had to set it aside to catch up on other things that were pressing. It has haunted me ever since.

Synopsis from Goodreads

Calder White lives in the cold, clear waters of Lake Superior, the only brother in a family of murderous mermaids. To survive, Calder and his sisters prey on humans, killing them to absorb their energy. But this summer the underwater clan targets Jason Hancock out of pure revenge. They blame Hancock for their mother’s death and have been waiting a long time for him to return to his family’s homestead on the lake.

Hancock has a fear of water, so to lure him in, Calder sets out to seduce Hancock’s daughter, Lily. Easy enough – especially as Calder has a lot of practice using his irresistible good looks and charm on unsuspecting girls. Only this time Calder screws everything up: he falls for Lily – just as Lily starts to suspect that there’s more to the monsters-in-the-lake legends than she ever imagined. And just as his sisters are losing patience with him.

Both of these books hooked me in the first couple of paragraphs and I can tell you already that the writing is brilliant! I’ll be back with my reviews soon! Stay tuned.

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Vamps, Weres and Warriors!

Posted: June 29, 2012 in fiction, Interview, Paranormal or fantasy, reviews
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I have two things to tell you about today. First is my review of Black Warrior by H.D. Gordon. Second is really exciting. H.D. is here on my blog today for an interview. I love interviews, don’t you? Also a peek at Book 2 and her upcoming new release at the end of this post!

Here is my review of Blood Warrior (Book 1 of The Alexa Montgomery Saga)

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Fighting is all Alexa has ever known. Her mother uses makeup to cover the bruises, the ones she herself caused. She never explains why Alexa has to learn, she only says it is necessary to be prepared.

Her younger sister Nelly couldn’t be more different. Always dressed in the nicest clothes, makeup tastefully done and not a hair out of place. She was slight of build, more delicate, and Alexa was glad Nelly did not have to fight their mother. Alexa adored her sister and would do what ever it took to keep her safe, but from what?

I admired how fiercely Alexa loved Nelly. Her protective instincts towards her sister were more lethal than a momma bear for her cub. I have three older sisters and they were  always standing up for me against others, but liked to tease me as older sisters do.

It was a good thing her mother prepared her physically for what was coming, but Alexa could have used some answers to the mysteries surrounding her.

They came late one evening. The Lamias.  They looked like humans, except they weren’t. Eyes completely black, pale white skin, emitting horrid shrieks. There for one reason only, to kill Alexa and her family.

Alexa and her mother fought well, shielding Nelly, but they were vastly outnumbered and when Alexa’s mother orders her to take Nelly and run, she knows there is no other choice. However much she hates leaving her mother behind,  knowing she can’t survive, Alexa must keep Nelly safe. There is no other choice.

I was a little confused in the beginning. It seemed like Alexa was being abused by her mother, but she was actually preparing her for what was surely coming. The Lamias – part demon/damned souls, their only purpose being to cause pain and to kill. Forced to leave their mother behind, the sisters seek refuge at Two Rivers, a spectacular city surrounded by water. They should be safe there. Lamias can not cross water.

At Two Rivers Alexa discovers who and what she is and some secrets are revealed.

Blood Warrior is a great introduction into this series about vampires and werewolves. There are several love interests for Alexa, but not what I would call a real love triangle, along with some intense fighting scenes-vividly written and a whole lot of mystery.

H. D. Gordon has built a marvelous new world. It is always amazing to me how an author can take something tried and true and make it unique and surprisingly fresh. Her writing is crisp, without a lot of fluff, and she tells the story fluidly, capturing you and putting you at the scene.

A great beginning to this series, Blood Warrior sets up the plot, introduces the characters and their world and fills you with anticipation. I already have Half Black Soul, the second book in this series, and am so glad I don’t have to wait to dive back into this world as this is not a stand alone book. I’ll tell you about it later!

I urge you to get Blood Warrior and enter a new world. You won’t want it to end.

4 STARS

And now for my interview with guest H. D. Gordon

How about we start by having you tell us a little bit about yourself?

I am 23 years old and the mother of two beautiful girls. My children get the vast majority of my time, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. They both will begin school next year and I’m not sure what I will do with myself when that happens. Well, yes, I do. I will read and write more. Those are the two activities that take up pretty muck all the rest of my time, and I wouldn’t have that any other way, either. A mother and a writer, that just about sums me up. I also play a little guitar, long walks on the beach, etc, etc.

How did you pick this genre and where do you get your ideas?

This genre was always a passion for me. I love all things fantastical. Ever since I was a child and obsessed with Buffy the Vampire Slayer(I used to carve chopsticks into stakes and carry them around with me, in case I had to slay a vamp, of course) and the obsession never waned. Stories, ideas? Well, they come from everywhere and from nowhere. There’s really no other way to describe it. With Blood Warrior, all I had was an opening scene, which I handed to my father to read. He then advised me to take the next semester off of college to write this book. He is huge on school, and this was unheard of from him. I took his advice and am so happy I did. I now write full-time for a living. It’s the best thing that has ever happened to me, other than the birth of my children, of course.

Does your character Alexa resemble you in any way?

Alexa is pretty much me only way, way cooler. Basically, she is everything I wish I could be(except for the homicidal tendencies). More accurately, she is me before children; reckless, hot-headed and young. I think the biggest similarity is our loyalty to those we love. Loyalty is the most valued quality I think a person can have. When I wrote this book I honestly never expected the success it is having. I wrote it for me, and so it indulges my fantasies, and I wrote Alexa to be like me because I sort of wanted to live through her. She is my hero. When I get scared I think to myself “Alexa could handle this.”

What are you reading now?

Lots and lots of Stephen King. Him and Poe are my literary heroes. Poe influenced a lot of my writing as a child, and King embodies everything I aspire to be. I just finished The Stand(awesome btw, so read it) and my fav book of all time is The Shining. I am currently reading The Dark Tower Series and I can’t get enough. King’s attention to the words is just…well, amazing. Someday I hope to be as good as him, and I believe I’m getting there. My new book Joe, due out on June 30th, will hopefully show my growth. Give me a few years and I hope to rival all the males dominating the world of books(Koontz, Patterson, King). I hope to show them what a female writer can do. I guess we will just have to wait and see. But,  I’m getting there.

How do you spend your spare time, if you have any?

Sparetime? Lol, I don’t even know what those words mean. My children come first, but I have gotten used to reading and writing around them, which is to say the least, distracting. But really that’s it right now. I read and write like crazy and make sure my girls get my full attention. There isn’t much time for anything else. But. really, for me, it is like living the dream. I can read and write anywhere, and I do. It’s a dream job. I get to stay with my girls 24/7 and do what I love in between. I couldn’t imagine a better life. (My daughter just came in to tell me about a boy who turns into a turtle and a boy who turns into a “T-wex” as I write this). Gotta love em.

Is there anything else you would like to share with us?

Yes, I am working hard to get books out. My new book, Joe, is my proudest work yet, and I hope to pull in a wider audience with it. After that, two more Alexa books will be released in 2012, the next one at the end of this coming August. I have a lot of stories to tell, and I plan to do just that. So, huge thank you to the fans! You guys have been so supportive, and for this I love you all.

Thank you for the interview!

You are welcome and thank you for being my guest and sharing with us today.

You can read an excerpt for Half Black Soul (Book 2 in the Alexa Montgomery Saga) at the end of the post. Also included is a blurb from her new book “JOE” scheduled to be released on June 30, 2012. That’s right. This week!

For more about H.D. Gordon and her books:

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/HDGordon?sk=wall

twitter: https://twitter.com/hd_gordon

Her blog: http://hdgordon.com/

You can sign up for her newsletter and get all of the latest news at the bottom of her blog.

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5189455.H_D_Gordon

Mild Spoiler Alert

This is a blurb of book 2 in the Alexa Montgomery Series. If you have not read the first book , this contains mild spoilers.

 In the past few weeks Alexa Montgomery has had her entire world flipped upside down. She’s gone from living a semi-normal teenage life to a life full of vampires and werewolves who all expect her to deliver them from the control of an evil dictator.

Alexa is the last of her kind; a Sun Warrior, and now she has left the safety of Two Rivers to search for her mother, but she’s left her sister behind to do so, and Nelly is the one person that she was told that she must always protect. Kayden, a vampire who is Alexa’s other half, has followed her on her journey. But, secrets are about to come out, relationships will break and danger lies just up ahead. Will Alexa be able to get through all of this and make it out alive? And, will she be able to protect Nelly from danger when she is so far away?

Here is a blurb from Goodreads about Joe, H. D. Gordon’s upcoming new novel, scheduled to be released on June 30, 2012.

Joe
From the author of The Alexa Montgomery Saga comes a book that will take you into the mind of a genuine psychopath, the lives of six ordinary people and the world of a very special girl named Joe.
Joe is seemingly an ordinary college student. She works, studies and reads. But in between these activities Joe has a gift that promises to add a dose of color to her life at any given moment. Joe sees things before they happen. Bad things, and the worst thing she has ever faced is just around the corner. Someone is planning a massacre at the college university that Joe attends, and the only person with a hope of stopping the psychopath is her.
Oh, the beauty of foresight. More like a curse. Joe has four days to figure out the mystery, make plans to take down the psycho and save the lives of people. People like you and me. ordinary people.
You can find out more about Joe here: http://hdgordon.com/?p=436
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