Tara Chevrestt's Blog, page 105

Scandalous by Tilly Bagshawe

I was drawn to this book by the promise of a woman scorned and getting revenge on a man.


I am actually on the line between a two and three... The book is entertaining and I did manage to read the entire thing and I was dying to know what happened next, but it has left a bad taste in my mouth, so to speak.

I can say with all honesty, I don't like it.

Quick recap: young girl Sasha is naive and susceptible to a handsome professor's charms. He whoos her and steals her great scientific breakthrough, using it to launch himself to stardom and Hollywood, where he proceeds to dump his wife and marry a Hollywood starlet. Meanwhile, Sasha gets into business and becomes ultra rich, falling for another total douche of a man.

It was entertaining. Don't get me wrong. I was dying to know what happened next, but all the characters with the exception of Theresa, the spurned wife, are vile and disgusting. Everyone is a sex addict. I'm surprised they didn't all die of AIDS by the end of the tale. It is really quite ridiculous. They literally bang different partners mere 20 minutes apart. Not a single man in the book was likable.

Even Sasha's father runs around his neighborhood stark naked when happy. Weird much?

I was expecting Sasha to be a strong heroine. After all, she does fight Theo and she does vows revenge. But in the end, in my eye, she is nothing but a home-wrecker and a dumb woman who loves the worst kind of men--men who use women and treat them like sex objects. I lost my admiration for her.

I don't need a happy-ever-after. I don't feel they really happen in real life, but neither do I feel everyone on the planet is a sex addict as they are in this novel. I would have preferred a different ending on this one, an ending in which perhaps the love interest changed. Sasha, until the end, did not seem like the kind of woman who would fall for a man as vile as him. Considering the circumstances in the end, he did not change at all.

My last quibble: LOTS of telling, little showing. It really hurt the flow of the book. Just lots of data/history/character background was just told to us constantly.

Two stars. I got this via Amazon Vine.

Under the Hood by Juanita Kees

I have to take a moment to talk about this new romance. It's a woman mechanic!!! How cool is that? She works on cars, not airplanes, but still... I had to get my hands on this.


The heroine is something else. She gets fired the first day with a new boss because of her high heels and safety regulations...but they work things out...and then some...

There's a sideline story about helping getting drug addicted teenage boys off the streets. She's trying to help them by caring for them, training them on the job, and building a refuge of sorts for them. The hero gets sucked into this as well and because of this, they grow close together. 

Then trouble shows up in the form of an ex.

I liked how very Aussie this is. I had to look up a few words, but I was def transported. I loved the heroine. She has a big heart.

I didn't like some of the coincidences, such as his parents just happen to live next door to her? But overall, it was a really enjoyable read.

I received this from netgalley.

Cover Art Woes & the Nonexistence of Lady Zorros

So...I have a book. When it was first released with a publisher, the cover I was given... Let me just say finding a woman Zorro is HARD. Finding a woman Zorro that isn't white and blonde (Really!!! Zorro was Spanish!) was harder. We made do...



My readers hated it. So when the book was republished, a friend redid the art. Readers voted for it on a poll here on Book Babe.

Well....




Had they read the book, they'd known a woman in a dress with a lace mask does not suit the story at all. But they didn't read it--there hadn't really been time as the pub crashed so quickly.

However, the lace mask began to irritate me a few months down the road. The artist did a fantastic job with what she had available--jack squat in lady Zorros, but it wasn't growing on me. So I just did a Spanish senorita thing, as when Catalina is not El Capitan, she's a lovely senorita.



I'm very happy with cover three, but now there are THREE of them. Now, stock images are used over and over. I just saw Avon romance use my dude on Love Request. But there are always little differences. They never look exactly the same. The problem with this is everyone (just like me) just added text to it.





So I ask you, readers and authors, how important is it to have UNIQUE cover art, because I certainly don't.

Thoughts? Opinions? Suggestions? To stand out in this industry, to pimp this book, should I get new art? Go back to lace mask and dress? What?

Laura DeLuca's First Sex Scene In A Celtic Tapestry

I was so excited to be invited to join the other fabulous writers in A Celtic Tapestry, but I was also terrified. If you aren’t familiar with my writing, until this short story, I exclusively wrote young adult fiction. That means, I had never written a sex scene. I almost declined the offer because I was so afraid I wouldn’t be able to write a convincing sex scene. I mean, I’ve been writing on and off for twenty years, but never once did I venture into this category. The funny thing was, just before I got the email about this anthology, I had been walking about Walmart with my kids and I suddenly had this vision of the Goddess Brigid giving this black haired writer some interesting inspiration. I was like, whoa, where did that come from? Then I came home to this email from Moon Rose Publishing, and I knew where it came from. It came from Brigid. She was already inspiring me. So I emailed them back and asked if Imbolc was taken. It wasn’t and this was how Brigid’s Flame was born.

The idea was still just a seed and I found myself faced with a dilemma. This story is about my patron Goddess, so it had to be more than just a raunchy sex scene. Yes, I wanted it to be steamy, but it also had to be tasteful. I was excited when I figured out a way to make this a possibility. Next came actually writing out the story. I find it funny that I was giggling like a teenager more while penning this short tale than I ever did while writing my young adult fiction. Yet, when I read back through it, I realized I had done a pretty good job and kept it respectful to the Goddess. There’s even a twist at the end that I didn’t see coming myself until I was writing out the summary. I am really proud of taking this step into the world of adult writing. I don’t know if I’ll ever write a full length romance, but I know now that I can if I want to, and that is a pretty good feeling.


About the book:

Moon Rose Publishing has just released their newest book, A CELTIC TAPESTRY! An anthology between eight authors, each one has taken their own twist on one of the Celtic festivals of the year. From sunny spring to chilly winter, everyone’s favourite season is given a fresh and enticing take in this wonderful collection. To celebrate, Moon Rose Publishing is also hosting a fabulous giveaway as part of the release!

Blurb
The wheel of the year turns, bringing the joy of spring, the warmth of summer, the richness of autumn, and the merriment of winter. But eight Celtic festivals link these seasons together, bringing with them romance, lust, danger, and even magic. From a city under threat from night-time creatures at Ostara, to a selkie caught by the light of the Lughnasadh moon, to a writer caught in the flames of a fiery goddess at Imbolc.

Eight authors have come together to give their own twist on these festivals, weaving each story with a blend of myth, magic, and contemporary telling…to create A Celtic Tapestry.

Author BioLaura “Luna” DeLuca lives at the beautiful Jersey shore with her husband and four children. She loves writing in the young adult genre because it keeps her young at heart. In addition to writing fiction, Laura is also the sole author of a popular review blog called New Age Mama. She is an active member of her local pagan community, and has been studying Wicca for close to eight years. Her current works include Destiny, Destiny Unveiled, Phantom, Morrigan, Player, and Demon.
Author Links: Blog: http://authorlauradeluca.blogspot.co.uk/FB: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorLauraDeLucaPinterest: http://pinterest.com/authorldeluca/Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4670048.Laura_DeLucaMRP Website Author Page: http://www.moonrosepublishing.com/#!laura-de-luca/c1zc2

Book buy links:MRP Website link: http://www.moonrosepublishing.com/#!a-celtic-tapestry/cayuAmazon link:  Kobo link: Google Play link: 
And now for the giveaway! Well, what IS the free stuff? Moon Rose Publishing, as part of the A CELTIC TAPESTRY tour, is giving away a ton of good stuff. You could win a print copy of A CELTIC TAPESTRY, a sticker pack, bookmarks, a beautiful necklace and jewelled bookmark from Tara S Wood, or an e-book of the anthology!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Link: https://www.facebook.com/ACelticTapes...

Strong is Sexy Heroine of the Week: Kyri

Book: Phoenix Rising
Author: Ryk E. Spoor
Heroine: Kyri

Kyri's proven her strength by surviving the loss of her mother, her father, and her dearly-loved brother Rion, and still having the inner courage and sense of justice to recognize that the god her family has followed for generations now needs *her* help as much as she needs Its assistance -- even though it would seem that the deaths of her family were as nearly unjust as anything could be; she has dedicated herself to righting these wrongs, cleansing and restoring the honor of the Justiciars -- Myrionar's corps of holy warriors -- and shows her physical strength in an unyielding and implacable constitution which allows her to take anything an opponent throws at her and just... keep... coming.

Besides her beauty, Kyri's sexiness comes from that dedication and absolute focus on doing the right thing. This is a woman who knows what she likes, will defend it to the bitter end, and -- for the lucky man or woman to draw her notice -- would dedicate as much devotion and ardor to the personal relationship as she does to her holy mission. In the rare moments she's allowed to show her non-warrior side, we see someone capable of great depth of empathy, support, and tolerance -- characteristics which will prove vital to her greater mission, as well.

Blurb: A breakout new fantasy epic filled with strong world-building, engaging characters, and wondrous adventure.

Kyri: a highborn young woman whose life is shattered by the murder of her kin. But even as Kyri flees her beloved land Evanwyl, she knows that she is her family’s only hope for justice, and Evanwyl's only chance to escape a growing shadow of corruption and destruction.

Now Kyri must venture across Zarathan, a world on the brink of a long foretold Chaos War. It is a struggle that will rend the foundations of existence and may usher in a long age of darkness –that is, if Kyri and her companions do not succeed in holding back the tide of evil that is rising. Those companions include valiant swordsman Tobimar Silverun, Prince of Skysand, exiled on the turn of a card and a prophecy, who is now seeking his people’s lost homeland; and Poplock Duckweed, an unlikely hero whose diminutive size is as much weapon as it is a weakness.

Kyri’s quest is as simple as it is profound: find a legendary, ancient weapon smith, take up the sword and armor of a new order of warrior-defenders, and bring the power of justice and vengeance to the evil and corruption that has darkened her native land.

Buy on Amazon.

A Secret Life (Lord Hawkesbury's Players #1) by C.J. Archer

This was a very fun read with a spunky heroine and a unique story line.


It's the time of Shakespeare. Matter of fact, he's even a young actor/playwriter in this. A young woman, Minerva, writes poetry and plays in the flickering of her candlelight, but upon presenting it to a troupe manager, is told women are too dumb basically to write plays.

It's just not acceptable.

Enter Blake. The handsome privateer needs  way into Hawkesburry's Players and happens to be in the right place at the right time. Minerva claims HE wrote her play and the two are connected by a little fib.

It leads to so much more.

We have a young woman eager to experience life, a man more than willing to offer it, hearts set on fire, moments of revenge, secrets--not all of it is even revealed in the end, prejudice against women, a scientist losing his mind, and witty repartee and jests.

The story has lots of humor and interesting characters. I have a few quibbles: The situation with Lily is not resolved in the end, forcing me to read book two--don't get me wrong, I WANT to read it, but it won't be right now and that irritates me. I have review requests I must get to.

Also, this is a time/setting I would have appreciated more historical detail about.

But it was a very enjoyable read and I will be seeking more by this author. I liked her writing style. Blathering turd... really. LOL. It cracked me up and made me smile. :)

Four stars. I bought this on Amazon Kindle. *Book has received a cover art and title change since my purchase.*

Spotlight & Giveaway! Passionate Pasts, Historical Romance

Got a special treat for you today. Kellan Publishing is offering followers of Book Babe a chance to win an ebook.


Passionate Pasts is an anthology featuring the following historical romance stories:

The Widow’s Portion
by JC Barker

Isabel is a young widow from the Bristol/Gloucestershire area, during the Wars of the Roses (1464). Denied her widow’s portion, she travels across the snow to Berkeley Castle, seeking help from her former playmates, William and Maurice Berkeley. Many years ago, she had a secret passion for Maurice, a passion which might be returned. With national and local tensions high, William is determined to maintain his family pride, and that does not include allowing his brother to marry for love, particularly to a woman without noble blood. Could love make Maurice defy his powerful brother, or will their passion destroy Isabel completely?

Dared to Propose
by Tess Lynne

Lady Regina Banks – Reggie to her friends, is content with her life. She lives with her father on their estate and helps run it and the horse trading business. She never plans to marry; not for lack of offers, but because she doesn’t want a man controlling her life. She does, however, have one serious flaw; she cannot refuse a dare. So, when her friends dare her to shockingly propose (during a ball) to none other than Alex Worthington, the Earl of Rothworth; a man known for his many conquests of ladies, who is she to turn down the dare? Who would have thought that such a dare would cause her so many problems as the vexing earl becomes determined to bedevil and torment her?

Alex Worthington was bored. He was tired of the endless stream of women seeking him out because of his title and wealth. When the innocent Lady Banks approaches him with the most outlandish proposal of his life, he is at first shocked, then angry and finally intrigued. The chit was beautiful, bold and so much fun to rile. He couldn’t resist the temptation to play along with the little game she had started, getting a little revenge in the meantime. Soon, however, play time is over and Alex is finding himself fighting an altogether different type of temptation.

La Cuentista (The Storyteller)
by Bethany Van Sterling

Set in 18th century Spain, a young British woman, Lucilla, travels with her merchant father to Madrid where he arranges for her to study Spanish under a private tutor. Little does she know that her new teacher, Marcelo, would be a handsome, bohemian traveler that would introduce her to the secret corners of his city—and what she perceives as his womanizing ways. A storyteller at heart, Lucilla’s imaginative, sensuous tale gradually entices the adventurous Marcelo—until Lucilla returns to England, before he is able to hear the ending of her unfinished tale. How far will he go to hear her story and prove his love?

A War of Hearts
by Jasmine Bowen

1813, York, Canada. Ciel Aucoin, a young Metis girl struggles to survive in the town of York as the Port Authority, a position her father left her when he died. She mostly keeps to herself, running the docks as her father taught her. As Metis, she is a permanent outcast, with neither European nor Native towns accepting her. She keeps to herself; drowning in her solitude. However ,when John Macdonell arrives in town, a fur trader with a calm attitude, life experience, and eyes like the sky, she cannot help but take notice. A friendship blossoms into love as they find comfort in their shared feelings of loneliness, of the need to lie low and stay out of the way; two lost souls wandering in the dark. When the Americans invade and occupy York, Ciel finds herself faced with a choice. John has a secret that threatens their lives; and she can choose to go with her new love away from York forever, or to stay with the legacy her father left her. Where will her loyalties lie?

Now for the contest...simply leave a comment on this post. By reading the blurb above, you already know the antho features the following heroines: a widow, a lady in the horse trading business,  a traveling scholar, and a dock worker. If you were a heroine in a romance novel, what would you be?

Be sure to leave your email addy in your comment. One winner will receive an e-book file of their choice. Winner will have 48 hours to reply or I will have to choose another winner.

Thanks for following Book Babe and thanks to Kellan Publishing for this great giveaway! Winner will be chosen by Lola the Pekingese on Friday evening.

Yaqui Delgado Wants to Kick Your Ass by Meg Medina

I devoured this book in a day. It's so realistic. I think all parents should read this and get a better grasp of what their kids face when they go to school. I don't doubt a word of it, because I was placed in similar situations growing up.


This book tackles so many issues at once, all well done and all thought evoking.

Being Latina, but not "brown enough" or not fitting into the stereotype is one issue. People mold themselves into stereotypes to avoid conflict such as this, to fit in. Piddy doesn't mold herself that way. Piddy is Piddy. The result: the Latina gang wants to kick her a**.  She doesn't "fit in" anywhere in her new school.

There's a nun-like mother who is quick to judge as a result of her own experiences. I don't know if I was intended to get this impression or if it's just me, but the sideline story involving a former neighbor boy whose father beats his mother left an impression on me. I couldn't help but notice how Piddy's mom was quick to label the boy. "Like father, like son..." but in the end, it was other girls who beat up on Piddy, not that boy. To me, this story line was a reminder not to automatically label and judge others, because too often we are far from the truth in our assessments.

It's a story of angst, fitting in, and bullying. It also brings to the light, the absolute worthlessness of the school system in fighting it. Bullying is a serious problem and it seems you get no relief from reporting it or ignoring it. No matter what you do, it's there.

I felt Piddy came out strong in the end. She TOLD and that's not easy. What she goes through is beyond humiliating. I felt her fear and shame every step of the way.

Wonderful read that is not only full of morals and education, but also Latina culture and humor. 

5 stars. I received this from Amazon Vine.

Now Booking June & July Strong is Sexy Heroine of the Week

Opportunity for Authors!

Have a strong heroine in your book? This is for you! Now booking the months of June & July.

Book Babe has 301 blogger followers, 78 networked blog followers, and last month alone had over 5k hits. It gets over 100 hits a day from Google, FB, and Goodreads.

Every week, I feature a strong, sexy heroine from a different book. If you would like to feature your book and heroine, email the following to tchevrestt (at) yahoo (dot) com

What you need to send me: A blog post/paragraph or two telling me who the heroine is, what book she is in, and what makes her both strong and sexy. It can be "she's strong because she did this... she survived that..." It can be anything you want, as long as she's strong in some way.

What is sexy about her? Let's make it about more than just nice legs, big breasts, etc. Sexiness is more than physical. It can be her ability to take care of herself, of business, her persistence, something she does for others. Examples from the book of the heroine in her strong moment are welcome.

I also find blurb, cover art, and buy link to post with it. Button and link will be provided for the author to post on his/her own website once the post is live.
Strong is Sexy Heroine of the Week is on a first come, first serve basis. No pre-sheduling. Want a spot? Send a post. Don't have cover art yet? That's ok. Just send the post. We will find the other stuff later.

**Note**
Please do not read this and then email me asking "What do I need to do?" If you are still wondering that at this point, you need to read it again, slowly. Thank you. I'm sorry, but this has grown tiresome.

**Another note**
Please respect that Book Babe is not looking for submissive women in BDSM relationships. If your heroine is getting raped, beaten, hog-tied, or dominated by a man for "enjoyment", please do not email me.

Strong is Sexy Woman of the Past: Anke-Eve Goldmann

http://silodrome.com/anke-eve-goldmann/
Tons of photos can be found on Pinterest
as well. I have no idea about copyrights.First of all, this woman actually inspired a movie character!!! How cool is that?

The movie is a 1968 film, The Girl on a Motorcycle. Anke-Eve was a woman biker who competed in endurance and circuiting racing. Heck, she even rode in winter, warranting a specially manufactured leather suit just for her.

Her accomplishments do not stop there. She was multi-lingual and taught German on an Air Force Base, but she apparently knew more languages than that. She wrote magazine articles for Cycle World.

She owned and rode the fastest BMW bike available in her time, going 100 mph.

She founded the Women's International Motorcycling Association.

Truly a woman of many accomplishments. Sadly, I found more photos than information, but I'm impressed with what I did find and I must admit, she was a looker! LOL

She def fits the strong is sexy theme.

Now, has anyone see the movie she inspired? I was looking at it on Amazon and cannot find the close captioning data. If anyone knows, do tell.