Tara Chevrestt's Blog, page 103

Sway (Book #1) by Jennifer Gibson

I grew up in this world: the world of bullies, classmates that hate you on-sight, people that glance your way and whisper behind their hands, teachers that roll their eyes and grow frustrated instead of doing their job.

It's the world in Sway...and then there's some good stuff. We follow a hearing impaired teenage girl through everyday life. There's no conflict/plot. It's just everyday life and what this girl faces and how she finds love in the middle of it. There's school, tornadoes, karate class, friends that aren't friends...

We never do find out why all those kids are whispering behind their hands and staring in her direction. We never find out why nobody came to her birthday party...just as we'd never know in real life. To this day, I can't tell you why kids who bullied me were giggling behind their hands half the time.

What I liked was how eye-opening this would be for someone who'd never been hearing impaired, never walked in our shoes.

"Well, it gets tiring. I work so hard at trying to follow conversations at school. Don't forget that I rely a lot on lip reading and watching body language. There's is always a lot going on at the same time so it's easy to miss something, especially if someone turns away from me or it's really noisy....By the end of the day, I'm really worn out..."

THANK YOU, MS. GIBSON, FOR POINTING THAT OUT.

Truly, hearing people don't seem to get it.

I didn't like...the excessive details about her day: where she puts her backpack, what she eats after that, what color of clothing she puts on. And as I said above, some things are left unanswered, but that's actually parallel to real life. However, it left the book feeling unconcluded. I wanted to see this chick get her sweater back, wanted to know what became of the pen pal, did the hockey players get justice served? The tornado...why was it there? Etc.

And where was the dad? I knew he was a professor and he was never home. He didn't even come to the hospital  He doesn't appear until the end of the book. I felt like this heroine was always alone--this isn't a complaint, but an observation. Sadly, many children do grow up with parents that are never around. I felt for her. But the ongoing lack of dad should have been an issue at some point in the story.

However, there is a book two. Perhaps the answers will be revealed.

I received this from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Strong is Sexy Heroine of the Week: Rebecca Hope

Book: Demon (Dark Musicals Trilogy, #2)
Author: Laura DeLuca
Heroine: Rebecca Hope

Rebecca Hope is the heroine of the Dark Musicals Trilogy. In Phantom, Rebecca didn’t wait for a man to ride to her rescue. She faced the villain on her own, and used her wits to bring them down. In Demon, the second book in the series, she faces an ordeal that no woman should ever have to deal with. She goes through moments of fear and anger. She pulls away from the people she loves, but in the end, she turns things around. She takes a horrible experience and uses it to make a positive difference in the lives of other women. Like most teenagers, Rebecca is just starting to find herself, and she has moments where she doubts herself. She doesn’t always make the right choices, but when it comes down to it, Rebecca is a strong heroine that I am proud to have created.

When it comes to looks, Rebecca is no supermodel. The story is told through her eyes, and she often considers herself plain, though her love interest certainly doesn’t see her that way. But what makes her sexy has nothing to do with her physical attributes. Lord Justyn fell in love with the artist inside of her, and that beautiful voice is what makes Becca sexy.

Blurb
When Justyn and Rebecca set off for the New York School of Performing Arts, they think their dreams are about to come true. To their dismay, they aren’t in high school anymore, and the competition is steep. Rebecca must compete against accomplished singers for a role in the production of Demon Barber, including a stunning Gothic diva with her sights set on Justyn.

It doesn't help that things keep disappearing from their apartment or that Rebecca's father refuses to accept that Justyn is an essential part of her life. Yet, all this seems minimal in comparison to the serial rapist terrorizing the campus.

Consumed by fear and obsessed with revenge, Rebecca and Justyn start living the story of Sweeney Todd—both on and off the stage.

Excerpt As the circle of girls shared their experiences, there were tears—tears of regret, of pain, and of fear. Yet, there were also tales of victory—of overcoming the fear and taking back their lives. When the meeting was over, more than one of the girls came up to Rebecca to thank her for giving them a safe haven—a place to talk without judgment. As she gathered her things and headed to the car where Justyn was waiting, Rebecca realized she had accomplished something great. The man who had attacked her had tried to take away her power, but she had just taken that power back. Even more importantly, she had given that power back to other women as well. Like Darlene had said, everything happens for a reason. For the first time since the attack, Rebecca no longer felt like a victim.

FREE Book: More Than A Shadow by Toni Rakestraw

I had the pleasure of reading this long ago. It's a great story with a more than one thought-evoking message.
You think all skinny girls want to be that way? You think they all starve themselves? 
Think again.
Are you unhappy with your body? I think we all have been at some time or another. You may want to give this a go.
Blurb: Carrie Mitchell is the perfect size zero. Her life should be perfect, right? Not quite. Carrie has problems accepting her looks like so many others. Will she figure out a way to come out of the shadows and accept herself?

Get your copy of this short story FREE on Amazon for a limited time.

Cover Reveal: Soldier in Chains by Megan D. Martin

Megan D. Martin is here revealing the cover for her upcoming erotica release Soldier in Chains. So, whatcha think?

Blurb:

Dorian North, a soldier in the United States Army, is only hours away from being finished with her final tour in Afghanistan. It's only when she’s ambushed by al Qaeda that Dorian is knocked unconscious and awakens to find herself bound and gagged in a stranger's bed. She desperately tries to escape, but quickly finds herself enamored with her captor's alarming handsomeness.

Rob Hutcherson is a former Sergeant of the United States Marine Corps, who stumbled upon an al Qaeda ambush. He rescues the surviving soldier: the most beautiful woman he's ever laid eyes on. Taking her back to his home he finds his attraction to the fierce young woman to be overwhelming. When she wakes for the first time her goal is clear: escape. In fear for her safety he chains the little hell cat to his bed. He can't bear the thought of losing her, so he plans to show the little spit fire all the reasons she should stay…

Release day has been moved up! Look for Soldier in Chains at your favorite book seller after Friday, April 12th!
Available as an ebook.

About the author:

Megan D. Martin is a multi-published author, editor, student, and mother.

She enjoys decorating her home with strange things that do not match, playing her old school Nintendo Entertainment System, and buying fish for her many fish tanks.

To learn more about Megan check her out on these social networking sites.


Blog: http://www.MeganDMartin.blogspot.com
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/Megan_D_Martin
goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6656963.Megan_D_Martin
Google+: https://plus.google.com/115096823539939478098/posts

The Last Gladiatrix by Eva Scott

This was a superb historical romance adventure. Yes, that's quite a combination.


There's a strong heroine--she can fight just as well as any man, takes down 7 out of 10 barbarians that attack her, before she's captured.

She ends up given as a gift to a Roman senator with greed on his mind--only because he can't bed her without possibly getting something bit off. So when he decides to throw her in the arena, her and Titus, a centurion are thrown together for training...but they fall in love.

This leads to a tricky situation with dire consequences they have to fight to see their way out of...literally.

From soldiers' camp to the Colosseum where blood is spilled on the dirt, to a Roman woman's bed chamber, to a traveling caravan, there's no end to the excitement and action. I especially enjoyed the witty repartee between Xanthe and Titus. They made laugh out loud more than once. I also enjoyed the fighting. Some serious research went into this.

My only quibble is that they fell for each other so fast. However...he is the only man nice to her in a troupe of soldiers who could care less, so I guess it makes sense.

Four stars. I got this from netgalley. Anyone who wants to read a story that not only transports you, but has a kick-ass heroine for a change (What a wonderful change!!!) this one's for you.

Character Interview – Jake from Accidental Romance

Hello Tara and readers! Thank you for having me!
Here’s an interview with Jake from Accidental romance, the day after Leanne’s accident.
Jessica: Hello, Jake! Thank you for taking the time to be with us today. I know you’re super busy.
Jake: Anything to prevent what happened to Leanne from happening to anyone else.
Jessica: What exactly did happen to Leanne?
Jake: She was in a hurry to finish her chores, wanted to meet friends that night. I’d agreed to do the milking for her, but she had to finish plowing the field, and get the grain up in to the bins. A bearing seized in her auger, so she had to borrow one from the farmer the next mile and a quarter over. Big mistake. The thing didn’t have a proper safety guard. Then, I guess it jammed, because Leanne went to unblock it with a stick. She didn’t turn the tractor off. I rushed over to turn if off before something happened. But I was too late. She must have slipped. Her hand slipped into the blades. There was blood everywhere.
Jessica: But you saved her. It could have been a lot worse.
Leanne: Yes, but it should never have happened. If only I’d been closer, I could have prevented the whole thing.
Jessica: It’s not your fault. You can’t blame yourself. Leanne is going to need your support.
Leanne: I know, and I’m going to be there for her every single second, until she can’t stand me. I’m going to have her working beside me in the barns again. I’ve always been there for her. Nothing’s going to change.
Jessica: I’m happy to hear that, Jake. Thanks for joining me today. I hope you are able to get Leanne back out in the barns. Good luck, and give her my best.
Accidental Romance Blurb:At twenty-two, Leanne Declan has graduated from college and hopes to take over the family farm until a tragic accident changes her life forever. Unable to do the simplest everyday chores, she must depend on her family and friends as she learns to face life’s challenges. But when her fears threaten to destroy her future, can an unexpected love be strong enough to help her dreams come true?
Buy Links:Amazon (Canada/US/UK) | Decadent Publishing | All Romance | Barnes&Noble| more
Excerpt:A million needles pierced her wrist. She had to get away from the fire. Leanne flicked open her eyes, screaming, longing for the agony to stop.White walls surrounded her. Machines beeped. Taking in the new scenery, she closed her mouth, the pain forgotten. Bags filled with clear liquids as well as blood hung from a metal pole. She followed the tubes from the bags into her left hand. Was that where the burn came from? She glanced at the other arm, the end of which was wrapped in thick bandages. The image of spinning blades and her mangled flesh flashed before her eyes. She screamed again, tears falling down her cheeks. This can’t be happening.Bodies rushed into the room, many in scrubs. With her vision blurred, she didn’t recognize anyone. All strangers. She was in the foreign place by herself. A nightmare. Has to be.“Shh, calm down, sweetie. You’ll be okay.”A familiar voice. She glanced to her other side to see her mom standing beside her, her eyes glassy. She held her hand, but Leanne couldn’t feel it, only the throbbing which had returned to her other one, the one that was…gone? She groaned, turning on her side, and pulled her knees up to her chest.“Mom, is it really…?”She brushed her fingers over her forehead. “Don’t worry about it right now. You need to rest.”“It hurts so bad.”“I know.” Her mother stroked her face again. “But the nurses will help it go away.”“Leanne,” one of the nurses hovering around her said. “I want you to take deep breaths and count backward from ten.”“Ten.” She sucked in air and cried out in agony.Between clenched teeth, she continued. Anything to stop the pain. “Nine.”Ice traveled through her veins. “Eight.”The throbbing slowly ebbed away. Seven.Darkness swept over her and pulled her down with it.
Bio:Jessica Subject is the author of contemporary and science fiction romance, ranging from sweet to erotica. In her stories, you could meet clones, or a sexy alien or two. You may even be transported to another planet for a romantic rendezvous. When Jessica isn't reading, writing, or doing dreaded housework, she likes to get out and walk. Fast. But she just may slow down if there is a waterfall nearby.Jessica lives in Ontario, Canada with her husband and two energetic children. And she loves to hear from her readers. You can find her at jessicasubject.comand on twitter @jsubject.Website/Blog | Newsletter | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Amazon | Authorgraph
Giveaway!!
On April 12, 2013, Jessica Subject will be giving away a $10 Amazon.com gift certificate to one lucky commenter during the Accidental Romance tour. Please leave your email address in your comment so that she can contact you if you win. Contest is international. Good luck!

Votes for Vixens Free on Kobo and Nook

Yes, it's free for a limited time--basically as long as or as short as I deem it so. LOL

I'd love some reviews. I really would. Word of mouth, everything helps.

Those of you with Kindles, I'm sorry. You could try reporting the free price to Amazon on the book page and they just may match it.

Thanks, everyone. Links are Kobo and Barnes & Noble.

Elizabeth is a small-town Kansas girl who has grown up under her domineering father's shadow. When she finds out that her father has denied her hand in marriage to the town's most eligible bachelor--a man she's long secretly desired--she snaps. Her father punches her for the last time. She realizes she has no future and with stories of suffragettes, women's rights, and voting in her head, vows to be free.
She escapes to New York City where she meets Margaret. Margaret believes in the right to vote for women and engages Elizabeth to join in the National Women's Party activities. Operation: Opera House is underway. In a month's time, President Wilson is due at the Metropolitan Opera House to give a speech. The NWP hopes that a peaceful protest will convince the president to gather congress in order to ratify the 19th Amendment. As they prepare and plan, Margaret shows Elizabeth how to live and love.
Under Margaret's sensual touch, Elizabeth begins to heal from numerous emotional wounds. But on March 4th, 1919, their "peaceful protest" becomes a riot on the streets of New York. A riot ensues in Elizabeth's heart as well when her former flame shows up in the city…

Summons from Abroad by Suzie Grant

Imagine a blackmailing scheme taking straight into the arms of your designated soul mate...only to risk losing him in all the ruckus.


I'm a big fan of Suzie Grant, but I must confess this one wasn't my favorite..I think because it's a novella and thus, everything comes into place a lot faster and some strings were left untied. Normally, I like novellas, but Suzie writes the kind of tales that need more time. The surprise sister-what was that for? I felt like I missed something.

BUT as always, Ms. Grant delivers a tale full of passion--her sex is hot without crossing that line into porno as I'm sad to say, many authors do nowadays--adventure, intrigue, lies, deceit, secrets, and historical flair.

A blackmail scheme leads Jewel into Randall's arms. Randall is a smuggler--that's the next best thing to a pirate. ;) She's supposed to be his enemy, but things go awry and they end up on the run together--on his ship.

They reach England just in time for Christmas, but will Randall's grandfather, whom Randall is estranged from--come to their aid? They're about to be framed or killed in or over a weapons smuggling issue by an enraged commander who couldn't catch them and will stop at nothing. Randall must make amends with the grandfather while at the same time, protecting his new lady from the bad men.

Not sure why he took her to the cemetery...one of those little things that bugged me.

I found myself thoroughly engrossed, however, and I felt transported to the ship, to cemetery, to the island as they ran away, to the cover where they made love in darkness. Perfect blend of historical detail and description. This story is a great escape from every day life.

Four stars. I received this from the author in exchange for an honest review, which I delivered.

Throwing Target Marketing Out the Window

Lemme tell you a story...actually, lemme tell you a few stories. 

Once upon a time, I had an online marketing coach. I wasn't willing to change a few things just to sell books, so the business partnership came to a standstill, but I've never forgotten what this person said to me one day. We had a conversation that went something like this:
Coach: "What is your target audience?"
Me: "Well, that's obvious. I write for women, about women. I'm targeting WOMEN."
Coach: "That's too broad an audience. You must narrow it down. White, black, Christian, young, old..."
Me: "Hell, no. I don't discriminate."
And there you have it, folks. I DON'T DISCRIMINATE. Is the coach right? Probably. But I'm not changing my goals, I'm not selling myself short, just to top the charts. I have a message I am trying to get out there...for  WOMEN, be they young, old, white, black, purple, Christian, Pagan, or Atheist.
My message is "be strong, be united, be yourself, be women, and be proud".
I've refused to narrow down my target audience. I have white heroines, Hispanic heroines, African-American heroines. I have heroines with blond hair, black hair. I have orphan heroines, young heroines, old heroines. I have heroines in the military. I have heroines that like men and heroines that prefer their own sex. I have white women attracted to African-American men, and vice versa.
I have two more IR romances coming out soon, one in April and one in June. April will see Fine Like Wine, just a sexy tale about a Latina woman and an African-American woman finding love and hope (and some bedtime fun) with each other. Plotting to Win is an African-American woman and a Latino male.
Some fellow authors will glare at me say, "She's intruding on my domain. She just wants my sales." I ask them...please read above.
Story number two:
A fellow author friend of mine wrote an IR romance that released a few months ago. It earned a scathing review, which I read... Now, I'm not against bad reviews. We don't all like the same books and that's not the issue here, but what shocked me was a comment like this: "Why do we have a Hawaiian man and an African-American woman? What is the point?"
Hello? Would you approach an IR couple in the grocery store and ask them something like that?
Does there need to be a point? Two people love each other. They happen to be different on the outside, but they are the same on the inside. 'Nuff said.
Thanks for stopping by today, my readers.

Seducing the Princess by Mary Hart Perry

This novel really surprised me. I confess, I had a few moments I wanted to chuck it. Now, I like to read about strong heroines, and Beatrice aka Baby is not one...I found it ridiculous an almost thirty-year-old woman letting her mama pick her clothes and control her live down to the minute, queen of England be damned.

It was a big eye-rolling at times...but the more I read, the more engrossed I became. I'm glad I stuck with it. The story line...I suppose it isn't really unique: man wants to seduce the princess to obtain a life of luxury without lifting a hand to earn it. BUT many a man in real life has had the same agenda...so it comes as no surprise a young man infiltrates the royal stables to get close to the last unwed princess, though there's more to it then just his own motivation...someone in the queen's only family is urging this move.

What I found unique was watching Beatrice grow a backbone, watching her finally face down her mother, ask for what she wants, take it...and when your mother is the queen of a nation, I guess this isn't easy. I also found Queen Victoria's selfishness oddly fascinating. Don't we always find the insane fascinating? How could a woman profess to love her child but treat her like dirt and deny her every happiness?

Once I got to the 3/4 mark, I could not put it down. While I realized what was going on, all the fine details hadn't worked out in my mind yet, so I was still surprised a few times. It all became a more intricate plot than I thought it was.

I also honestly doubted there would be a HEA and was literally salivating to see what was going to happen. Is poor Beatrice going to find joy or be stuck an old maid for life, her mother's servant?

Henry and Beatrice...I rarely say this..but it was so romantic!!! And this is what I like in a romance: love that blooms without and with no need of SEX. Readers just see a relationship progress: the little fretting, doubts, spurts of doubt, bursts of passion...

But will they fight for what they want? Each other? After all, the queen vows her Beatrice should never know the horrors of childbirth and all that...

LOVED that we got to see Louise and her fella again too. Great touch!

I was pleasantly surprised to discover in the author's notes that this author also writes as Kathryn Johnson. I read and enjoyed The Gentlemen Poet many years ago. This is truly just an author whose voice and stories I just plain enjoy. Wonderful coincidence.

I'm giving this a five for keeping me on the edge of my seat. I received this via netgalley.