Debra L. Martin's Blog, page 14
April 21, 2023
#Review: DEFYING THE EARL by Erica Ridley
5 of 5 starsTitus Noble, the Earl of Gilbourne, despises the ton and only leaves his townhouse for his duties in Parliament. He follows the rules to the letter, and his schedule remains exactly the same every day, just the way he likes it. When his aunt dumps a young woman, Matilda Dodd, off and announces that Titus is now her guardian, at least for the next 3 weeks until she reaches her majority and becomes an heiress. Matilda is fascinated with the stoic earl, and not even his facial scars dampen the respect and admiration she feels for him. At every turn, Titus pushes her away, but Matilda only grows fonder of him. How can he marry off his ward when his heart cries out to keep her for himself?
This was a delightful story of two damaged people who lost loved ones in the most horrific ways. I loved Matilda. She is a breath of fresh air as well as kind to everyone, even to this Season's diamond, who goes out of her way to insult Matilda for her humble background. Titus breaks his rigid schedule to help launch Matilda into Society, and she appreciates it so much, especially because she knows Titus is uncomfortable out in public. Titus's story is tragic, and he's been blaming himself for his family's carriage accident. That Matilda can pierce his armor and get him to smile was such a success. It takes most of the book before Titus realizes he's the one who has been holding himself so rigid and aloof from everyone. Even though he glares at everyone throughout the book, when it comes to Matilda, he does everything in his power to make her smile. That was such a wonderful quality. I loved that these two finally got their HEA! I'm looking forward to reading more stories in this series. They are delightful reads!
I voluntarily read the advanced reader copy, and all opinions are my own.
April 19, 2023
April 17, 2023
Interview with Riu Zhong, PRINCE OF BLUE FLOWERS
What are four things you can’t live without?
My journal and a fountain pen; I might count them as one, as they always come together. Handwriting is something that gives me so much joy and energy that I’d choose it over anything else. They win over everything by a large measure.
Running shoes and a training watch; running is my preferred meditation device next to sitting (for which nothing is needed).
Those were no-brainers. Given the opportunity to choose a couple more, I’d be struggling to choose from many, none of which is really that important. So, there’s that. These four things: a journal, a fountain pen, running shoes, and a training watch.
What is your favorite television show?
‘The Office,’ the American adaptation. It’s a perfect satire of the hierarchy of the office space, and while businesses went paperless, their nature hasn’t changed. If anything, the archetypes presented in the series are more expressed in the new, digital office space of corporations.
If there’s a reason you haven’t seen the show yet (it’s quite old), toss that reason into the bin. Sorry, to the waste basket.
If you could be any character from any literary work, who would you choose to be? Why?
Why, Sun Wukong, of course! He’s one of my favorite tricksters, and the new release, ‘Prince of Blue Flowers,’ is a tribute to his adventures. He’s always full of energy, pathos, and confidence; he gets himself into trouble and has friends to help him get out of it. He has a monkey tail, after all. Imagine having a fifth hand; how would you like that? Even a third hand would come in handy often, I reckon.
What have you got coming soon for us to look out for?
If you like the story of ‘Prince of Blue Flowers,’ I have good news for you: the second installment of the series is on its way. It’ll hit the stores at the end of spring.
If you are more of a science-fiction fan—like myself—you’ll have to wait until autumn, when I expect the first of my science-fiction novels to be adapted into English. It’s a cyber-punk-themed detective comedy story of two partners: a self-consumed teenager and a manipulative ex-policeman. They hunt criminals in the future New York and for demons hiding inside them. It’s no surprise the novel is called ‘The Demons Within.’
What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?
As one might rightfully guess, one of those is Wu Cheng’en, to whom ‘Journey to the West’ or ‘Adventures of the Monkey King’ is attributed. You’ll find a lot of references to this gem in the ‘Prince of Blue Flowers.’
From the Western world, I’d highlight Robert Asprin with his majestic ‘Myth Adventures’ series and Larry Niven with his ‘End of Magic.’ The former’s sense of humor can only be compared with Pratchett’s; the latter’s Clarkian view on laws of magic helped my world-building not once, not several, but many times.
AUTHOR Bio and Links:
‘Ryū’ means ‘dragon’ in Japanese, and ‘Zhong’ can be translated from Chinese as ‘flute’. This amalgam of languages represents the fusion of cultures that characterises the writings of Ryū Zhong.
In their books, Ryū Zhong explore challenges that humanity might face as our technology gets more and more complicated to the level where it becomes magic. Such a shift would force people to look towards religion and reinterpret realities that today, we call fairy tales.
Ryū Zhong were lucky to be born and grow in Asia. Now they live in Amsterdam, study Dutch, and adapt their writings to English.
Links
https://anno-ruini.com — website for the book series
https://ryu.anno-ruini.com — Ryu’s personal blog
https://www.instagram.com/anno.ruini/— Instagram
https://twitter.com/anno_ruini— Twitter
Book in the Stores
https://www.amazon.com/Prince-Blue-Flowers-Adventures-Takuan/dp/B0BRC7BGB4/
https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=L4unEAAAQBAJ&pli=1
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/prince-of-blue-flowers-ryu-zhong/1143052777
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April 15, 2023
#SALE .99 N.N. Light Book Heaven Bookish Event: THE SURPRISING WEDDING by Debra Elizabeth
BLURB: Edward Tyndale, brother to the Earl of Barrett, has sworn off marriage. His disastrous first marriage ended in tragedy, and he's determined not to put his heart at risk again.
American artist Jade Stanfield traveled to Barrett Castle to attend her brother's wedding and fell in love with the estate. When the Earl offers her a chance to teach in the art internship program he sponsors, she readily accepts. It's been her dream for as long as she can remember to become an art teacher. Her joy is marred by the caustic remarks by Edward, but she's determined to ignore the tall, dark and handsome brother. Can they peacefully co-exist, or will their growing attraction upset the stoic Edward into taking another chance on love? Amazon buy link:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B091FQGDLD
Giveaway Info –
Enter to win a $20 Amazon gift card:
https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/92db7750214
Open Internationally. You must have a valid Amazon US or Amazon Canada account to win.
Runs April 11 – April 18, 2023.
Winner will be drawn on April 19, 2023.
April 11, 2023
#Review: THE PROBLEM PRINCESS by Anna Harrington
5 of 5 starsThere was a lot happening in this book, and Ms. Harrington does an excellent job of not overwhelming the reader with too much information at the beginning. Throughout the previous books in this series, an ongoing Scepter conspiracy is teased in them. In this book, General Clayton Elliott, Home Office Undersecretary, and new viscount, is charged with protecting Princess Cordelia of Monrovia while she's on English soil for a royal visit and possible marriage to one of the royal dukes. The only problem is Cordelia does not want to marry one of the royal dukes, and she finds herself drawn more and more to the handsome soldier and war hero who has sworn to protect her.
The book has numerous twists and turns incorporating some real events as the princess is attacked. There are evil machinations, all trying to cause as much chaos as possible with the royal visit, along with a healthy dose of intrigue and suspense in trying to uncover Scepter's identity. Along the way, Clayton and Cordelia's relationship grows into something more than either of them could imagine while trying to evade those who want Cordelia dead. Knowing they can only rely on each other, Clayton reluctantly realizes he must keep his heart in check, but how will he ever be able to let go of the woman he loves?
This was an excellent conclusion to a fun and engaging series. I voluntarily read the advanced reader copy, and all opinions are my own.
April 6, 2023
#Excerpt: THE CIRCLE IS SMALL by Maggie Blackbird
This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Maggie Blackbird will be awarding a $10.00 eXtasy Books Gift Certificate to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.
An ex-cop returning to face his horrendous past, the woman who won’t forgive him, and the family who’ll never let him forget that he killed their son.
First Nations Constable Jordan Chartrand’s guilt can’t handle the accusing stares from the family left to mourn their son after that horrible night…so he flees from his Ojibway community and the woman he loves. Two years later, his mother’s cancer diagnosis forces him to return to help her.
Devoted schoolteacher Ellie Quill wants nothing to do with Jordan after he bolted to the city and left her behind. Her life goals are set. As for her secret, she’ll keep that to herself, even if Jordan’s begging to know the truth about her child.
When the two are compelled to work on a community project to address the rampant drug problem, their forced proximity slowly melts Ellie’s icy walls. But no matter how much her heart desires to give Jordan the second chance he’s begging for, she refuses to because providing a life for her son in the tradition of the Ojibway culture is her top priority now, not moving to the city where Jordan continues to hide.
Excerpt:
The bell tinkled above the door. Ellie, still hedging her way instead of outright walking, inched her way to the table. She set her purse on the back of the chair.
“I ordered a pot of tea. You wanna share?”
“Sounds good. What kind? The last time we met, the caffeine kept me up too late.”
“Good ol’ spruce. Your fave.” His face grew hot. Maybe he shouldn’t bring up reminders of the past.
The way her skin shone said she was flattered he’d remembered.
He gave himself a fictitious pat on the back for earning a point. “And fresh honey.”
Her smile was on the coy side. “Really? You’re going all out, aren’t you?”
Hmm, she was getting comfy and grinning. Her elbow rested on the table, and she’d cupped her chin in her palm. He also leaned in and caught a whiff of her fresh scent.
The waitress sauntered over with their pot of tea and honey. She set down the items and sashayed away, smirking.
Ellie’s brows bunched.
Jordan was about ready to arrest the waitress and cart her off to the holding cell for inciting irritation. Now he had to calm Ellie down before she found an excuse and bolted. “Never mind her. You know how people are around the rez. You can’t do anything without them squawking about it.”
He poured their teas.
Ellie continued to frown in the waitress’ direction.
“You gonna give her the power to dictate your feelings?”
“What?” Ellie squinted and faced him.
“You were having a good time. You gonna let her ruin it for you?”
“You’re right.” Ellie fixed her tea. “It’s been too long since I last went out.”
“That’s the spirit.” Jordan lifted his mug and sipped. The spruce mixed with honey was sweet pleasure on his tongue.
“Tell me something…” Ellie peeked at him over the rim of her mug.
“What’d you wanna know? I’m an open book.” He couldn’t help setting his forearm on the table.
“Winnipeg.”
His spine stiffened. “Winnipeg?”
Ellie nodded. “How’s your life going there?”
The sincerity in her gaze said she wasn’t attempting to goad him but sincerely wanted to know. It’d be a helluva lot better if you and your child were with me. Instead, he said, “It took some getting used to, but I don’t mind it. The pay could be better.”
“Where are you living?”
“North end. I got a bachelor suite. It came furnished.”
“You’re working at Portage Place. Right?”
“Yep. When I got the job, I wanted to be close by. Not stuck in some crazy commute. The north end also has a lot of ’Nish, so I feel right at home,” he told her, using the familiar shortened slang for Anishinaabe.
“Are you making lots of friends there?” She blew on her tea.
“Yeah. I made a few at work and met lots through the patrol group.”
Her lips parted, and then she clamped her mouth shut.
He’d best let her know he wasn’t dating anyone or hadn’t dated anyone. “I go home to a cold beer and TV dinner once I’m done my shift. That’s been my life for the last two years.”
“Oh?” Her gaze searched his face.
He didn’t look away. The offer was on the table. They’d come to the point where they had to shit or get off the pot. And he wasn’t getting off the toilet quite yet. “I told you why I had to leave.” He lowered his voice and leaned in even closer. “I couldn’t stay here after what happened. Leaving you behind… D’you really think I’d start dating again? After a girl like you?”
The lush bronze color on her face slowly turned white.
“When you came back after getting your teaching degree, and I saw li’l Ellie all grown up, damned straight I went and talked to your class. After our first date, I knew then you were the only woman for me.” His cards were laid on the table. Now he’d find out if she’d play a game of poker with him or forfeit her hand.
About the Author:
An Ojibway from Northwestern Ontario, Maggie resides in the country with her husband and their fur babies, two beautiful Alaskan Malamutes. When she’s not writing, she can be found pulling weeds in the flower beds, mowing the huge lawn, walking the Mals deep in the bush, teeing up a ball at the golf course, fishing in the boat for walleye, or sitting on the deck at her sister’s house, making more wonderful memories with the people she loves most.Website
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April 5, 2023
#Excerpt: COLD SLEEP by Luke Hindmarsh
This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. The author will award a $20 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.
It’s the perfect score—stealing valuable data from a VIP in cryo-freeze midway through a decades-long interstellar crossing. If it works, Kara will have enough money to buy what she’s always wanted—a Captaincy.
But with the rest of the crew and the cargo of one hundred thousand colonists still frozen, Kara and her accomplice, Zed, realize they’re not the only ones awake. The murdered woman they find is only the first victim of whoever or whatever has woken from Cold Sleep.
Excerpt:
Blood streaks the VIP casket’s pristine white ceramic shell. Crimson handprints mark the controls and edges of the casket’s lid. Bright red spray mars the shining surface of the nearest casket and trickles down across its viewport. The deckplate’s smeared here and there, but the marks aren’t clear enough to make out any footprints.
“No one else in here,” Zed says.
While I’ve been gawping at the corpse, he’s secured the room.
There’s more to him than being a reliable bit of rough. It’s become too easy to dismiss him—the man is capable enough.
“I don’t understand. How could one of the passengers get out of storage?” I ask.
“Look at the casket,” Zed says. “Why’s it still registering an occupant?”
Being careful not to step in any blood, I get closer to her. What strikes me is the way the arcs of blood paint the VIP bay looks like something out of an anti-Ares Cult propaganda piece. The sacrifice of innocent beauty to sate the spirit of Mars. Kind of thing we’d only caught rumors of my first time shipping out. Then the newsfeeds had become more and more clogged with hysteria with every return to Earth. That and the usual.
War. War threatening everywhere.
Makes me think of my brother and hope he isn’t—wait, decades have passed—wasn’t on the frontline.
I drag my mind back from the futureshock and my eyes from the corpse. Getting lost in the past is a sure-fire way to get killed in the here and now.
About the Author:
A Brit now living in the Scandinavian wilds of Denmark with his wife and half-Viking kids, Luke worked as a Criminal Barrister in and around London for over a decade dealing with everything from minor theft cases to a real life axe murder and everything in between. Thanks to parents in the military he grew up being dragged around the world--while living in the Far East he picked up a love for the martial arts which continues to this day, as he passes on what he’s learned to a select dojo of students. Cold Sleep is his third novel. His first was Amazon cyberpunk bestseller Mercury’s Son, his second a UK set supernatural suspense novel 3:33 AM.Amazon
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April 4, 2023
#Review: ROMANCING THE HEIRESS by Darcy Burke
3 of 5 starsPhineas Radford is in dire straits trying to keep his botanical gardens in tip-top shape for the Marrywell Matchmaking Festival. Problem is, his father left the estate deeply in debt, and Phin has been trying to economize so that he could keep up with the garden's maintenance, but he was failing badly. His only option was to marry an heiress. Miss Leah Webster left her unhappy childhood Marrywell 7 years ago to become a companion for a baron's wife. Now she's back in Marrywell as a new companion for a young woman looking to marry. She never forgot her dearest friend Phin and the one she's loved for as long as she could remember. When he begins to show interest in Genevieve, Leah's heart breaks all over again. How can she endure watching the man she loves marry another?
This was a sweet story with a slow-burn romance. I didn't find Phin to be very *swoon-worthy*, but more just accepting of his fate. Once he realizes he loves Leah, he does step up, but it is near the end of the book and almost too late. Of course, I knew that Mrs. Selkirk was the villain in the story and pretty much had figured out what she had done. Leah was much more likable, and I'm glad she blossomed even more once she and Phin talked about everything and she shared her ideas for making the gardens profitable. I love this series and am looking forward to reading the next book.
I voluntarily read the advanced reader copy, and all opinions are my own.
March 31, 2023
#Review: WHAT HAPPENS IN THE BALLROOM by Sabrina Jeffries
3 of 5 starsNathaniel Stanton, the Earl of Foxstead, needs help finding a husband for his ward and war widow as soon as possible. He knows who can help him best and turns to his best friend's widow Eliza Pierce who co-owns Elegant Occasions, but Nathaniel is keeping secrets from her. The first is he cannot tell Eliza that he is attracted to her and that her late husband was a scoundrel. That would serve no purpose and possibly even have Eliza refusing to help him and secondly, he leaves out some pertinent details regarding his ward and her young son. Eliza knew she shouldn't trust Nathaniel. His reputation as a rake confirms for her the kind of man he is, but what if the rumors aren't true? Could she trust her heart to another when she was so hurt by her first husband?
This was a cute story with all the usual misunderstandings that make up most romances. When Nathaniel's lies are exposed, Eliza wants nothing to do with him, and it's only through his groveling that these two get their HEA. The characters aren't really deep though it was lovely to see Eliza's sisters make an appearance in the book as well. While this wasn't my favorite story, it was a pleasant way to spend the afternoon. I'm really looking forward to Verity's story, but sadly that won't be available until 2024.
I voluntarily read the advanced reader copy, and all opinions are my own.
March 29, 2023
#Excerpt: I DREAM OF DEMIGODS by Alexa Sullivan
This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Alexa Sullivan will be awarding a $50 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.
Ro Baird can't cast a spell without setting her own pants on fire—until she kisses her hot new boss, Alex. Suddenly, she's able to access her magic…sort of…and she now has a familiar, who may be more trouble than she is helpful.
Alex Kouris happens to be a soul-stealing demigod of the Underworld. He claims he's trying to leave the life, but can she really trust a man whose magical talents are manipulation and charm? When Alex enlists a shady ex to help him, Ro must risk her heart and her life to save him and humanity from Hades’s evil scheme.
Can she harness her true power to set Alex and herself free?
Excerpt:
“You’re not for real, right?” I shook my head. “You’re just...so nice. No one’s this nice.”
Alex held my gaze. His eyes were mesmerizing pools of warm brown. “Listening and caring is just being decent. It shouldn’t be shocking.” He lifted a hand and smoothed my hair back from my face.
This wasn’t normal boss behavior, but at some point, I’d forgotten Alex was my supervisor. The air felt warm and damp, and it smelled like the ocean again, the scent wild and comforting at the same time.
Alex’s hand stilled against my temple.
Hardly breathing, I lifted my left hand and brushed my fingers against his.
He squeezed my hand.
I reached for his other hand, and either I stepped close, or he pulled me in. Or maybe it happened at the same time. We were toe-to-toe now, inches away from full-body contact. My brain hazed over as I tilted my head up.
He angled his head down.
Our noses touched. Our mouths were an inch away from each other.
“This is probably about to be a bad idea.”
His voice, low and husky, sent a pleasant tingle down my neck. “Terrible,” I whispered.
I dove into his arms, and he pressed his mouth to mine.
About the Author:
Alexa Sullivan writes humorous, contemporary paranormal romance. She imagines a world where the mundane meets magic -- and where vampires, werewolves and witches have normal jobs. Oh, and there are cats, too. She sets all her books in the beautiful state of Oregon. When not writing, she can be found walking her cat on a leash, hanging out with her husband, and watching far too much Bravo reality TV.
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