Nicky Peacock's Blog, page 24
June 21, 2014
Book Spotlight: Cimmerian Moon Series by A. M. Griffin
Synopsis:
Seventeen year old Sinta Allen has one objective, to get from Tallahassee, Florida to her mother in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Seems simple enough right? Wrong. Hostile aliens have invaded Earth—and it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to know that we’re losing the fight. While the aliens bring devastation and destruction and take people away to God knows where in their spaceships, Sinta, along with some of her classmates must rely on their survival instincts, a little luck and each other if they want to survive the venture across the country. The last thing she needs is for Wade, her school friend and Jason, her rescuer, to distract her along the way.
B&N ~ Nook:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/against-the-darkness-am-griffin/1118904089?ean=2940045756440
Download the free prequel
About the Author:
A. M. Griffin is a wife who rarely cooks, mother of three, dog owner (and sometimes dog owned), a daughter, sister, aunt and friend. She’s a hard worker whose two favorite outlets are reading and writing. She enjoys reading everything from mystery novels to historical romances and of course fantasy romance. She is a believer in the unbelievable, open to all possibilities from mermaids in our oceans and seas, angels in the skies and intelligent life forms in distant galaxies.
Website: http://www.amgriffinbooks.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amgriffinbooks
Twitter: https://twitter.com/amgriffinbooks
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/amgriffinbooks
Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/TZzXv
Filed under: Book Review Tagged: A M Griffin, Cimmerian Moon Series
June 19, 2014
Interview with Suz DeMello
What do you love about being an author?
I love to go to work in my bathrobe and zebra-striped slippers. And now that I am fairly well-established, I love the lack of conflict and stress in my life–do keep in mind that I used to be a trial attorney. I love to be able to dream happy, sexy, loving dreams and get paid!
And, okay, I love royalties! I call myself the Queen of Passive Income.
If you could have dinner with any literary character, who would it be and what would you eat?
That’s a tough one. I’m not religious–not at all–but I’d choose to have dinner with Jesus, from the King James Bible. I bet he’s fascinating. I imagine we’d eat loaves and fishes :)
If your book was to be made into a movie, who would you cast as the leads?
Which book? My latest from EC Aeon, Queen’s Quest, features a hero modeled on Viggo Mortensen. As for the heroine–not sure who’d play Audryn. She’s pretty special. I think Jennifer Lawrence.
Vampires – do you prefer them as sexy leads or blood hungry monsters?
Sexy leads of course! That’s what I write in my Highland Vampires series.
If you had a time machine, which era would you go back to and why?
I wouldn’t go back but forward. I love history but wouldn’t like to live in a time without readily available, clean hot and cold running water, antibiotics and computers.
What life advice do you wish you’d been given sooner?
Shed fear.
This is mostly based on my belief system about life and death–I believe that we are beings composed of energy (actually, everything is energy–you, me, the computer I’m writing on, your puppy and so on).
Thus, we never really die, so there’s nothing to be afraid of.
If you were a supernatural creature, what would you be and why?
That’s a tough one! Overall I’d say I’d like to be some species of fairy. They seem to be able to do so much, depending upon how they’re written.
Where do you write best?
At my desk. If I get stuck, a walk shakes my thoughts loose.
What was the last book you read, and what were your thoughts on it?
I reread Stephen King’s On Writing and may love it even more than the first time. Part fascinating memoir and part writing primer, there’s something here for everyone. What a great guy and of course a fabulous writer.
If you didn’t write in your genre, which other would you prefer and why?
I’m lucky because romance can encompass so much–I’ve written everything from the dirtiest erotica to sweet, from stories set a thousand years in the past to novels that take place thirty thousand years in the future. I’ve written dark vampire stories and lighthearted, sexy romantic comedy.
If I wrote anything else, though, I’d write non-fiction political discourse and commentary. Or maybe cookbooks.
Where can fans find you online?
http://www.suzdemello.com http://www.facebook.com/sueswift, and visit her group https://www.facebook.com/redhotauthorscafe
@ReadThis4fun
-http://www.fearlessfastpacedfiction.com
Filed under: Interviews with other authors Tagged: author interview, Elloras Cave, Erotic Romance, paranormal romance, Suz DeMello, Viggo Mortensen
June 18, 2014
Book Review: Boneseeker by Brynn Chapman
Synopsis:
Arabella Holmes was born different and raised different. After it became apparent she wouldn’t fit the role of a proper 1900′s lady, her father, Sherlock, called in some lingering favors, and landed her a position at the Mutter Museum. The museum was Arabella’s dream; she was to become a purveyor of abnormal science. What her father called a BoneSeeker.
Henry Watson arrives at the Mutter Museum with a double assignment–to become a finder of abnormal antiquities and to watch over and keep Arabella Holmes. An easy task, if he could only get her to speak to him instead of throwing knives in his general direction.
But this is no time for child’s play. The two teens are assigned to a most secret exploration, when the hand of a Nephilim is unearthed in upstate New York. Soon, Arabella and Henry are caught in a fight for their lives as scientific debate swirls around them. Are the bones from a Neanderthal … or are they living proof of fallen angels, who supposedly mated with humans according to ancient scrolls?
Sent to recover the skeleton, they discover they are the second team to have been deployed and the entire first team is dead. And now they must trust their instincts and rely on one another in order to survive and uncover the truth.
About the Author: 
Born and raised in western Pennsylvania, Brynn Chapman is the daughter of two teachers. Her writing reflects her passions: science, history and love—not necessarily in that order. In real life, the geek gene runs strong in her family, as does the Asperger’s syndrome.
Her writing reflects her experience as a pediatric therapist and her interactions with society’s downtrodden. In fiction, she’s a strong believer in underdogs and happily-ever-afters. She also writes non-fiction and lectures on the subjects of autism and sensory integration and is a medical contributor to online journal The Age of Autism.
Connect with the Author: Website Twitter Goodreads
My Review:
I loved this book. It was such a fab idea to take Holmes and Watson to the next generation and to have them on a kind of steampunk/ science adventure; it kind of reminded me of the Robert Downey Jr movies, and actually would work really well as one at some point as part of that movie franchise….
From a writer’s perspective, the author did a great job of giving us characters that were easy to get behind and root for, an even more amazing job as Sherlock Holmes himself often comes across arrogant, selfish and rather annoying – Arabella was instead, strong and intelligent with the best bits of Holmes and few a feminine qualities that made her easy to identify with. The story is told from two characters’ points of view, Arabella and Henry and although I’d have preferred it all from Arabella (I found Henry a little wet at times) it didn’t slow the pace or the action.
The front cover is nice, but not very colourful, which might go against it on the virtual book shelf.
Overall, I’d give Boneseeker 5 out 5 stars, definitely worth picking up and dedicating the reading time to.
Filed under: Book Review Tagged: Arabella Holmes, Boneseeker, Boneseeker Brynn Chapman, Brynn Chapman, Henry Watson, Holmes and Watson, Sherlock Holmes
June 13, 2014
Book Review: A Shiver of Light by Laurell K Hamilton
Synopsis:
I am Princess Meredith NicEssus. Legal name Meredith Gentry, because “Princess” looks so pretentious on a driver’s license. I was the first faerie princess born on American soil, but I wouldn’t be the only one for much longer…
Merry Gentry, ex–private detective, now full-time princess, knew she was descended from fertility goddesses, but when she learned she was about to have triplets, she began to understand what that might mean. Infertility has plagued the high ranks of faerie for centuries. Now nobles of both courts of faerie are coming to court Merry and her men, at their home in exile in the Western Lands of Los Angeles, because they will do anything to have babies of their own.
Taranis, King of Light and Illusion, is a more dangerous problem. He tried to seduce Merry and, failing that, raped her. He’s using the human courts to sue for visitation rights, claiming that one of the babies is his. And though Merry knows she was already pregnant when he took her, she can’t prove it.
To save herself and her babies from Taranis she will use the most dangerous powers in all of faerie: a god of death, a warrior known as the Darkness, the Killing Frost, and a king of nightmares. They are her lovers, and her dearest loves, and they will face down the might of the high courts of faerie—while trying to keep the war from spreading to innocent humans in Los Angeles, who are in danger of becoming collateral damage
My Review:
Laurell K Hamilton has been one of my fav authors for a long time. I’m a big fan of the Anita Blake series and loved the Meredith Gentry books (although some were a bit hit and miss – overall they were a really great paranormal read)I love the fact that her main characters are not tied to one leading man, and it makes a pleasant change to have the ladies in control; so I was really looking forward to reading the next instalment in the lives of my favourite faes. When you read a series of book, such as the Meredith Gentry series, it kind of feels like spending time with old friends – and this book was a good catch-up session!
From a writer’s perspective, I felt a little irritated with the amount of minor character interaction. Part of the author’s success was the reader wanting to follow the stories of the attractive characters that she created, but this one kind of felt a little OTT. When Merry gives birth, the babies and their ‘ease’ with their many fathers could have easily come across in a few paragraphs, but seemed to go forever. With sooo many characters it felt like the story really didn’t get going till all the men in Merry’s life had had a ‘moment’ with each of the babies – which was frustrating when I wanted plot. When it did get going, it eases you back into the normal pace of her previous books, so perhaps less ‘Then Rhys took the baby and fed it, then Galen took the baby off him, then Sholto shifted another baby in his arms’ – ad nauseam…and more movement of the story would have gripped me earlier.
The front cover is very different from the previous ones – although this might be because it’s a different release in the UK and all the others will look the same – As it is different, I almost didn’t recognise it as part of the series and could have easily looked past it – so although pretty, perhaps doesn’t do the marketing many favours.
Overall, I’d give A Sliver of Light 4 out 5 stars – Nice to catch up with the feisty Fae Princess and see what happens after her happily ever after, and the kids start being painfully squeezed out.
Filed under: Book Review Tagged: a shiver of light, anita blake, book review, fae, laurell k hamilton, meradith gentry, paranormal romance
June 12, 2014
Book Review: Carnal Magic by Lila Dubois
Synopsis:
Two hundred years after the Tuatha de Danaan and Vampires formed a fragile alliance, the Wraith Accords are unraveling. Isabel Santiago is a leader in one of the most powerful of the vampire cabals, and she agrees to join the Fae court as a gesture of goodwill—and damage control.
While Aed mac Goll’s loyalty to Fae is absolute, he’s never supported the accords which gave the Vampires sanctuary and restored the Tuatha de’s link to humanity. The very idea he could desire an undead human is unthinkable, yet he’s drawn to Isabel’s dark beauty and fierce intelligence.
Despite their mutual mistrust, they soon find themselves lost in a dangerous game of lust and power. When the treaty shatters amid calls for Isabel’s head, Aed realizes their connection is more than physical. And to save it, they’ll have to unravel a mystery that’s been a thousand years in the making.
About the Author:
Lila Dubois is a tech writer by day and a romance writer by night. She’s living her own version of a romance novel with her Irish Farm Boy, whom she imported to Los Angeles. Having spent extensive time in France, Egypt, Turkey, Ireland and England, Lila speaks five languages, none of them—including English—fluently.
To learn more about Lila, please visitwww.liladubois.net or email her at author@liladubois.net.
My Review:
I’ve always liked the notion of Fae and vampires – I think it started with me reading Charlaine Harris’ Sookie Stackhouse series – but this book takes it beyond the normal paranormal romance – and it was nice to see that it had few different aspects that are sadly missing from many of the PR novels around today.
Isabel is a strong character and actually has a decent job right from the beginning – it was a true pleasure to read about a strong female lead who is powerful in her own right, not just a ‘hanger-on’ to the alpha male she’s staring opposite.
From a writer’s perspective, it flowed really well and really does keep you hooked. I’m not a massive fan of third person omnipotent point of view – I do much prefer first person as a storyteller, but it kind of worked here. I did get confused a few times as to who was feeling what as the POV was not central round one character at a time, but that was probably more due to my epic lack concentration than anything else.
The front cover is pretty, but doesn’t say much of the story itself, and so kind of lets it down. perhaps something with both Isabel and Aed on the front?
Overall, I’d give Carnal Magic 4 out of 5 stars – a fantastic summer read (if Britain ever gets a summer!) to spend some time in a different world with strong characters and a pinch of spice.
Filed under: Book Review Tagged: Carnal Magic, Isabel Santiago, Lila Dubois, samhain publishing, Tuatha de Danaan
June 11, 2014
Book Review: Midnight Crossroads by Charlaine Harris
Synopsis:
From Charlaine Harris, the bestselling author who created Sookie Stackhouse and her world of Bon Temps, Louisiana, comes a darker locale—populated by more strangers than friends. But then, that’s how the locals prefer it…
Welcome to Midnight, Texas, a town with many boarded-up windows and few full-time inhabitants, located at the crossing of Witch Light Road and Davy Road. It’s a pretty standard dried-up western town.
There’s a pawnshop (someone lives in the basement and is seen only at night). There’s a diner (people who are just passing through tend not to linger). And there’s new resident Manfred Bernardo, who thinks he’s found the perfect place to work in private (and who has secrets of his own).
Stop at the one traffic light in town, and everything looks normal. Stay awhile, and learn the truth…
My Review:
So, I’ve read a lot of Charlaine Harris. Her Sookie Stackhouse series was amazing (apart from the last one – don’t get me started there!) and I simply adored her Harper Connelly (brilliant from start to finish) So I was excited to get a chance to read this new book.
Midnight Crossroads gives us some of the secondary characters from the other series, and I was overjoyed to find Manfred there – a particular fav of mine from the Harper Connelly’s adventures, who I think was an incredible character and continued to be so during his stay in Midnight Crossroads.
From a writer’s perspective, it took a while to get into the story, everyone had to be introduced and the town of Midnight Crossroads is almost a character in itself (a lovely touch) But once it got going it was very engrossing. And what a great idea to move your less-used characters into a town together, it kind of ties all her literary worlds into one – fab idea!
As long as you don’t come to it thinking you’re getting an out and out paranormal mystery, but more along the lines of the Lily Bard and Aurora Teagarden books, then you’ll be thoroughly pleased.
The front cover is perfect for the book, it features the town and has some attractive colours in there – although as it’s a Charlaine Harris, it’ll be found relatively easily regardless.
Overall, I’d give Midnight Crossroads 4 out 5 stars – I still don’t completely forgive her for what she did to the Sookie series, but this does go some way to bend the bridges.
Filed under: Book Review Tagged: aurora teagarden, book review, Charlaine Harris, harper conelly, lily bard, midnight crossroads, Sookie Stackhouse, texa, trueblood
June 10, 2014
Book Review: The Luthier’s Apprentice by Mayra Calvani
Synopsis:
Niccolò Paganini (1782-1840), one of the greatest violinists who ever lived and rumored to have made a pact with the devil, has somehow transferred unique powers to another…
When violinists around the world mysteriously vanish, 16-year-old Emma Braun takes notice. But when her beloved violin teacher disappears… Emma takes charge. With Sherlock Holmes fanatic, not to mention gorgeous Corey Fletcher, Emma discovers a parallel world ruled by an ex-violinist turned evil sorceress who wants to rule the music world on her own terms.
But why are only men violinists captured and not women? What is the connection between Emma’s family, the sorceress, and the infamous Niccolò Paganini?
Emma must unravel the mystery in order to save her teacher from the fatal destiny that awaits him. And undo the curse that torments her family—before evil wins and she becomes the next luthier’s apprentice…
About the Author:
Award-winning author Mayra Calvani has penned over ten books for children and adults in genres ranging from picture books to nonfiction to paranormal fantasy novels. She’s had over 300 articles, short stories, interviews and reviews published in magazines such as The Writer, Writer’s Journal and Bloomsbury Review, among others. A native of San Juan, Puerto Rico, she now resides in Brussels, Belgium.
Connect with the author on the Web:
Facebook Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mayra-Calvanis-Fan-Page/162383023775888
Twitter: https://twitter.com/mcalvani
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/272703.Mayra_Calvani
My Review:
It is really refreshing to read a YA book that exists outside the usually vampires, werewolves and witches. This book gives a completely different lore and a unique perspective for readers to get into. I found the protagonist, Emma a little wet in places, but she is a teen and sometimes you do get a little unsettled and make wrong judgements when you’re at that age (I know I did!)
From a writer’s perspective, I think this reads more like a lower aged YA book. The content was easy to follow and the prose was very basic (I don’t mean that in a bad way, it was just very easy to read) I actually read this book when I was curled in bed with flu, so I really appreciated something easy to follow that quickly took me on an adventure without much work from myself. Also with the age of Emma being 16, I think it’ll appeal more to 11 + readers, as we all know that most YA readers like to read about characters above their own age. That said, it’s still quite accessible to adult readers too.
The front cover is pretty, but kid of cartoon-like and probably won’t compete will with other more dynamic covers. If I were the author I’d be changing that as soon as I could – YA fiction is such a competitive genre, you need every weapon in your arsenal to compete, and a front cover that appeals to everyone is top of that list – perhaps something more like The Mortal Instrument Books?
Overall I’d give The Luthier’s Apprentice 3 out of 5 stars for an adult read and 5 out of 5 stars for a YA read. I’ll be buying it for my nieces for Xmas.
Filed under: Book Review Tagged: Corey Fletcher, Emma Braun, Mayra Calvani, Niccolò Paganini, The Luthier's Apprentice by Mayra Calvani
June 9, 2014
Tales of the Undead – Includes my story: Unlucky, Geoff
New anthology out now, includes one of my original stories. Short stories inspired by the artwork of Stephen Cooney and published Horrified Press. My picture was very gruesome indeed – a zombie holding a severed head. Now, you know I love zombies so coming up with a scenario that includes that visual was not exactly difficult. ‘Unlucky, Geoff’ was born from my sadistic musings and inspired by a truly great piece of artwork.
You can download your copy here:
Filed under: Nicky's Posts - My ramblings... Tagged: anthologies, anthology, bizarro, creatures, Dark Fantasy, dead, fables, gore, Hell whore, horror, macabre, monsters, Nicky Peacock, scary, Stephen Cooney, suspense, tales, terror, undead
June 6, 2014
Interview with Jennifer Leeland
Tell us about your publishing journey…
I always loved to write stories, but I didn’t take any of it very seriously. When my Dad died in 2002, I came across a manuscript he’d written and discovered that he’d never submitted it. He never thought he was good enough. I decided that I was going to try and get my stories published, no matter what. For him.
I love romance, especially romantic suspense and even today, my stories usually have dead bodies cropping up. In 2005, I finally submitted my very first manuscript. Six months later, I received my first rejection. Luckily for me, I had met other authors on the same journey and started to really grow as a writer. At the time, epublishing was relatively new and exciting so I jumped in with both feet. In 2006, I signed my first contracts with two different publishers and I never looked back.
I did find that my favorite books to write were erotic romance, especially with BDSM elements, and I’ve loved writing my smut ever since. I think the best part about my journey had been the other people-authors, editors and readers-I’ve met along the way.
What do you love about being an author?
I love creating the characters and stories so a reader can escape for a while. Books have always been my refuge and to be able to provide that for others is the best thing in the world. However, I don’t create in a vacuum. Hanging out with other authors is one of the perks of the job. For example; After reading Joey W Hill books for years, I got to get to know her when I was involved in putting an online workshop together at the writer’s forum Romance Divas. It was such a privilege to talk to her and she is one of the most generous authors in the business. I don’t think I would have had the nerve to contact her except as an author. All the great interactions I’ve had with authors like Kate Pearce, Eden Bradley, Crystal Jordan and Melissa Blue has been the best thing about being an author.
If you could have dinner with any literary character, who would it be and what would you eat?
Oh, definitely Minerva Dobbs from Jennifer Crusie’s “Bet Me”. First of all, that chick is hilarious and she’d be a blast to hang out with. And second, she’d understand my love of Krispy Kreme doughnuts and wouldn’t judge me. Being Minerva, I think we’d have to go out for Italian food and load up on carbs.
If your book was to be made into a movie, who would you cast as the leads?
Ooooh! This is a tough one! “Dark Past” is my erotic science fiction book and I think Chris O’Donnell would play Bradley “Bud” Masterson perfectly. He’s an actor that can play the cold, bitter guy that Bud is outwardly and yet reveal the vulnerability beneath. I love Chris O’Donell in NCIS Los Angeles. For the female role, I think I’d love Cote de Pablo. It’s hard not to picture her as Agent Ziva David from NCIS, but I think Cote could play Julianna easily.
Vampires – do you prefer them as sexy leads or blood hungry monsters?
Oh, definitely sexy leads. Of course, I’ve been spoiled by Joey W. Hill’s vampires, and hers are HOT.
If you had a time machine, which era would you go back to and why?
I can’t go to the future? LOL! I think I’d love to go back to Ancient Rome. There aren’t too many eras where women were able to speak and be free. The Roman Era is the best AND I would immediately travel to the Alexandria library. That is one of the things from history that I would love to see. So I’d have to go back to Rome before it was destroyed.
What life advice do you wish you’d been given sooner?
What other people think of me is none of my business. (I was WAY too worried about what other people thought of me for way too long.)
If you were a supernatural creature, what would you be and why?
I’d be an empath. Preferably a psychic empath.
Where do you write best?
In my chair at home at 4am Those are my best writing times.
What was the last book you read, and what were your thoughts on it?
The last book I read was “Her Insatiable Scot” by Melissa Blue (which comes out February 20th). I got to read the book in advance (one the best parts of being an author) and it’s as good as the first one (“Under His Kilt). Melissa writes some of my favorite contemporary romance and “Her Insatiable Scot” is SMOKIN’ HOT! It’s an awesome story and I love Tristan, the hero.
If you didn’t write in your genre, which other would you prefer and why?
I’d love to write an action thriller with the Knights Templar or something like that. One of my favorite authors Matthew Reilly, who writes some fantastic action stuff. Of course, I don’t know that I’d be able to keep the romance out of it. LOL!
Where can fans find you online?
https://twitter.com/JenniferLeeland
https://www.facebook.com/jennifer.leeland.3
http://jenniferleeland.tumblr.com/
http://jenniferleeland.wordpress.com/
Filed under: Interviews with other authors Tagged: author interview, Elloras Cave, Erotic Romance, Jennifer Leeland, paranormal romance
June 5, 2014
Book Spotlight: The Pirate Princess by Kary Rader
Synopsis:
For a pirate, nothing is forbidden…except love. To gain her freedom, Charlee must seduce the prince. To save the pirate, Prince Petra must win her heart.
BY HONOR ALONE
A handsome war hero, Prince Petra can have his pick of any lady in the kingdom. A man of virtue, he’s saved himself for just the right one. But when the corrupt emperor of Isa Vis kidnaps a duke’s daughter to force her into an alliance, Petra sacrifices himself—and his dreams of love—to save her. Betrothing himself to the distant captive, he leads a daring rescue across the stormy South Sea.
But The Light has other plans. On the voyage, Petra runs afoul of Charlee. Once a prisoner, now a pirate captain, the sultry siren holds him captive with more than just her sword. And when she offers a seductive wager—if he takes her body before they reach the City of Light, she wins absolution for her crimes—it is all he can do to hold firm. While he has every reason to bring Charlee to justice, he’s also finally found a woman he wants more than honor. And he can no more trust her than he can trust himself.
About the Author:
Kary Rader is a part-time Twitter sage, stay-at-home mother of three, and slave to the characters and worlds inside her head. Always creative, she’s drawn to stories with fantastical worlds and creatures.
With a little bit of magic and divine guidance, there isn’t anything that can’t be accomplished with words. It’s the power of words that creates and destroys.
Vanquishing evil and injustice while finding eternal love in the process is all in a day’s work. With the help of her critique partners and master cartographer imaginary places come to life.
www.facebook.com/KaryRaderauthor
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6998567.Kary_Rader
Filed under: Book Review Tagged: Genre: Fantasy – Supernatural – Paranormal - Romance, Kary Radar, Now on Tour The Pirate Princess by Kary Rader, Reign of Light Book One Kary Rader, The Pirate Princess, The Pirate Princess by Kary Rader
