Nicky Peacock's Blog, page 37
December 5, 2013
Book Review: Come Little Children by D. Melhoff
Synopsis:
The Nolan morgue is more than just an ordinary funeral home.
When their newest employee uncovers a supernatural conspiracy connected to a string of child murders, she must use every shred of her intelligence to stop a new breed of serial killer and escape the morgue alive.
About the Author:
D. Melhoff was born in a prairie ghost town located an inch above the Canadian-American border. He credits King, Poe, Hitchcock, Harris, Raimi, and his second grade school teacher, Mrs. Lake, for turning him to horror.
www.dmelhoff.com www.facebook.com/dmelhoff @dmelhoff
My Review:
Well, what a surprisingly great book! I don’t tend to pick books like this, I prefer straight forward urban fantasy and paranormal romance as a rule, but this one really caught hold of my attention and did not let it go. In fact, I almost read it all in one sitting (but dastardly real life got in the way!)
I instantly loved the protagonist. In the opening scene she devises a plan to strap together corpses to survive a plane crash – which of course doesn’t happen. But the fact she went through this in her head reminded me so much of myself that I was instantly drawn to her.
From a writer’s perspective, it was beautifully written, entertaining and very gross in places. I loved it! From what I can tell, this is the author’s first book and what a debut! I really hope D. Melhoff writes many more. The prose is sometimes disturbing – but always hauntingly beautiful. The plot is sneaky and sticky and grips hold of you before you even realise you’re reading when you should be sleeping! I won’t go into the story too much here, for fear of ruining it, but needless to say, you need to read this book.
The front cover is a great representation of the book itself and does a great job of drawing the reader to it – I must admit I choose to read it on the basis of the cover – I know, how shallow am I!
I also loved the little touches of books and movies; the whole Disney’s Hocus Pocus song is at the start is very reminisced of disturbingly gothic nursery rhymes of old.
Overall, I’d give Come Little Children 5 out of 5 stars – an incredibly well written and engaging read that has to go on your ‘to read’ list.
Filed under: Book Review Tagged: Bewitching book tours, Come Little Children, Come Little Children by D. Melhoff, D. Melhoff, fireside reads, gothic reads, hocus pocus, horror
December 4, 2013
Book Review: Christmas Past by Susanna Fraser
Synopsis:
Time-traveling PhD student Sydney Dahlquist’s first mission sounded simple enough—spend two weeks in December 1810 collecting blood samples from the sick and wounded of Wellington’s army, then go home to modern-day Seattle and Christmas with her family. But when her time machine breaks, stranding her in the past, she must decide whether to sacrifice herself to protect the timeline or to build a new life—and embrace a new love—two centuries before her time.
Rifle captain Miles Griffin has been fascinated by the tall, beautiful “Mrs. Sydney” from the day he met her caring for wounded soldiers. When he stumbles upon her time travel secret on Christmas Eve, he vows to do whatever it takes to seduce her into making her home in his present—by his side.
About the Author:
Susanna Fraser wrote her first novel in fourth grade. It starred a family of talking horses who ruled a magical land. In high school she started, but never finished, a succession of tales of girls who were just like her, only with long, naturally curly and often unusually colored hair, who, perhaps because of the hair, had much greater success with boys than she ever did.
Along the way she read her hometown library’s entire collection of Regency romance, fell in love with the works of Jane Austen, and discovered in Patrick O’Brian’s and Bernard Cornwell’s novels another side of the opening decades of the 19th century. When she started to write again as an adult, she knew exactly where she wanted to set her books. Her writing has come a long way from her youthful efforts, but she still gives her heroines great hair.
Susanna grew up in rural Alabama. After high school she left home for the University of Pennsylvania and has been a city girl ever since. She worked in England for a year after college, using her days off to explore history from ancient stone circles to Jane Austen’s Bath.
Susanna lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and daughter. When not writing or reading, she goes to baseball games, sings alto in a local choir and watches cooking competition shows.
http://authorsusannafraser.blogspot.com/
https://www.facebook.com/susanna.fraser
https://twitter.com/susannafraser
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4133822.Susanna_Fraser
http://www.pinterest.com/susannafraser/boards/
My Review:
I’m not sure why, but it’s lovely to get your hands (or eyes) on a book that ties into what’s going on in real life. I love reading seasonal books and there certainly isn’t any shortage of good Christmas romances that come out around this time.
Christmas Past adds in a more attractive facet to me – time travel. Although it doesn’t lean on it too much to the detriment to the romance.
The start of the book was a little shaky for me though. Most of the story is told in flashbacks which I felt robbed the reader of the very first meeting of the two main characters. However, it’s a short read, so I do understand why the author had to set up the story so quickly. Griffin is a fab hero, but it kind of let it down for me that he believed Sydney’s time travel exploits without much of a struggle – also that she told him so quickly as she was bound to keep that secret enough to kill herself.
From a writer’s perspective, it flowed nicely and I read it within one sitting, so really felt satisfied that I had had the whole story in one go – kind of like the feeling you get when you’ve had that massive Xmas dinner you’ve spent hours cooking – fortunately I had that sated feeling without the mounds of washing up! It was beautifully written and I’ve always been drawn to the concept of a modern lass getting her hands on an old fashion gent – as there really aren’t any around anymore (too cynical?)
The front cover is lovely and portrays both characters – although there’s not much in the way of hints about the time travel angle – which to me was what made it so special.
Overall I’d give Christmas Past 4 out 5 stars – A perfect read for Xmas eve while you’re waiting for the Fat Man to bring you your stockings filled with goodies!
Filed under: Book Review, Get your Christmas on! Christmas 2013 posts Tagged: Bewitching book tours, Christmas Past Susanna Fraser, christmas romance, Entangled Publishing, fireside reads, romantic reads
December 3, 2013
Book Review: Night Chills by Jeff Gunhas
Synopsis:
Jack Tremont moves his family to the quiet mountains of Western Maryland hoping to leave behind a troubled past and restart his life. Instead, he finds himself caught up in a nightmare when his daughter Sarah is targeted by Nate Huckley, a mysterious and horrifying stranger driven by a dark power that will stop at nothing to possess Sarah. When Sarah goes missing, suspicion falls on Jack and he must uncover the secrets of the small mountain town of Prescott City and face the evil secret hidden there. As he digs further, he learns the conspiracy reaches more deeply than he could have imagined. Finally, he will have to face the question, What is a father willing to do to save his child? The answer? Anything. Anything at all.
About the Author: 
In addition to writing supernatural thrillers for adults, Jeff Gunhus is also the author of the Middle Grade/YA series The Templar Chronicles. (www.jacktemplar.com) The first book, Jack Templar Monster Hunter, was written in an effort to get his reluctant reader eleven-year old son excited about reading. It worked and a new series was born and recognized as a 2012 Forward Reviews Book of the Year Finalist. Jeff has been a Stephen King and Dean Koontz fan since he was a kid reading their novels under the covers at night. Seeing Night Chill next to King and Koontz on the Amazon Bestseller lists has been a surreal experience. He leads an active lifestyle in Maryland with his wife Nicole and five incredible kids. In rare moments of quiet, he can be found in the back of the City Dock Cafe in Annapolis working on his next novel.
Website Goodreads Facebook Twitter
My Review:
I’ve read so many romance novels recently that I’ve forgotten what reading a good horror novel can be like! Night Chill is, well chilling! It’s very suspenseful and puts forward an incredibly scary scenario. Very well written and really draws you in from the very first chapter.
The characters were interesting and well fleshed out. The plot was consistent and gripping. Both the antagonist and protagonist were carefully constructed and served the main themes of the book well.
From a writer’s perspective, there were a few info dumps in the beginning, however they were entwined nicely with a number of hints about secrets and mysterious to come, so I instantly forgave their presence. It was written third person and jumped from character to character which really added to the overall suspense. I must admit that it’s not my preferred POV, but really served to build tension and keep me hooked.
The front cover is also very creepy and relevant to the story – which, although sounds a no-brainer, some covers can be almost completely unrelated to the story within. Obviously the cover designer either read the book, or had a good conversation with the Jeff.
Overall, I’d give Night Chills 5 out of 5 stars – Reminded me why I started a love affair with horror literature in the first place!
Filed under: Book Review Tagged: horror, Jeff Gunhas, Night Chills, Stephen King, xpresso book tours
December 1, 2013
Book Spotlight: Bitter Fruits Sarah Daltry
Synopsis:
Attending a vampire-themed masquerade party seems like a strange way to spend a night, but Nora is sick of frat parties and bars. Meeting Alec was just a bonus. Despite their immediate attraction, however, Alec is wary of involving himself with Nora, and when she pushes it, she discovers that Alec has secrets that could destroy them both. Is she willing to risk everything for a man she hardly knows? How far into darkness will he take her?
When Nora attempts to follow, however, things grow more complicated. Someone is hunting her – someone tied to a secret that goes back to the beginning of man. Soon, Nora finds herself drawn to two men, each with his own agenda. Can she save them both when one is destined to die?
About The Author:
Sarah Daltry writes erotica and romance that ranges from sweet to steamy. She moves around a lot and has trouble committing to things. Bitter Fruits is her first full length novel. Her other two novels have already been released. Forget Me Not and Lily of the Valley are simultaneous perspectives in the New Adult contemporary romance series, Flowering. Sarah also has three novellas (including Star of Bethlehem, part of the Flowering series) and several short stories available. She is currently working on Immortal Star and Daughter of Heaven in this series, and Orange Blossom, another novel in Flowering . When Sarah isn’t writing, she tends to waste a lot of time checking Facebook for pictures of cats, shooting virtual zombies, and simply staring out the window.
Author Social Media Links:
Website: http://sarahdaltry.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SarahDaltryErotica
http://www.facebook.com/BitterFruits
http://www.facebook.com/FloweringbySarahDaltry
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SarahDaltry
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/sarahdaltry/boards/
Tumblr: http://www.tumblr.com/blog/sarahdaltry
Filed under: Book Review Tagged: Bitter Fruits, NA fiction, paranormal reads, paranormal romance, Sarah Daltry
November 30, 2013
Book Review: Death is but a Dream by Erin Hayes
Synopsis:
Caught between life and death, all Callie wants is to live again.
Homicide detective Callie Saunders knows that death isn’t all pearly gates and angels. After being hit by a bus, she finds that it’s the ancient gods and goddesses of Greek mythology who are in charge of everything.
So when Hades offers her a deal, she accepts. If she wants to be brought back to life, she’ll have to figure out who is trying to kill his son. But if she fails, both her soul and the world will be destroyed.
With the odds mounting against her, it’ll take everything she has within her to wake up from death. But the rules are constantly changing. And someone wants her to stay dead.
About the Author:
Sci-fi junkie, video game nerd, and wannabe manga artist Erin Hayes writes a lot of things. Sometimes she writes books, like the fantasy mystery Death is but a Dream and the sci-fi middle grade book Jacob Smith is Incredibly Average. You can reach her at tiptoegirl87@gmail.com and she’ll be happy to chat. Especially if you want to debate Star Wars.
Website: http://erinsalterego.blogspot.ca/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/erinhayes5399
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5335865.Erin_Hayes
My Review:
I’ve always been fascinated with ancient mythology, and for writers, it instantly gifts us with an almost pre-built world and character list. I’ve read the Goddess Test series by Aimee Carter which deals with Greek mythology and loved it, and its why I wanted to review Death is But a Dream, as this also includes aspects of Greek mythology cleverly weaved into an urban fantasy style story line.
I must admit that I found the start a little dry, but it does soon open out into an intriguing story that keeps you reading. It had more bite than the Goddess Test books, perhaps because this falls more into NA/ adult than YA. So, I found myself understanding the protagonist more – there were less hissy fits and more action with a stronger female lead.
From a writer’s perspective, this book posed the age old problem of the first line hook. I myself have fallen foul of it in the past, and I think that it really proves a point of how important it truly is. The very first line is: “I was walking down Market Street, when I saw a small family taking a stroll, a young couple pushing a stroller with small toddler in it.” Not very hookish, and (to make it punchy) should have really been two sentences rather than one. It doesn’t represent the rest of the book very well, which is full of intrigue and action. Perhaps starting it off as she literally saves the child and feels herself die, rather than scene setting?
The front cover is lovely, although doesn’t give the feel of Greek mythology, which is one of its strongest selling points.
Overall, I’d give Death is but a Dream 4 out of 5 stars – a really well thought out supernatural book with a twist of Greek myth.
Filed under: Book Review Tagged: Aimee Carter, death is but a dream, erin hayes, goddess test, greek mythology, xpresso book tours
November 29, 2013
Interview with Susanne Winnacker
Tell us about your publishing journey…
It came as a surprise to me when I realized in my twenties that I enjoyed creating imaginary worlds. I started writing in 2010 as a sort of distraction from my law studies, which I hated. I queried agents with my first book, got an offer and shortly after that we sold my debut The Other Life, which came out in 2012. Then I wrote Impostor, left my agent, queried again, found a new agent and we sold Impostor. I guess it’s all quite straight forward, but publishing is always full of surprises, that’s for sure.
If you were to cast ‘Impostor’ who would play your leads?
I don’t have certain actors in mind when I think about my characters. For Tessa I’d want an actress who can be vulnerable and strong at the same time. For Alec I wouldn’t want just a pretty boy. Alec (just like Tessa) has been through a lot and I think that should show. The actor should have some edges.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?
I’m not someone who goes around handing out advice, but I think the best advice I could give is: “Do what makes you happy. Life is too short to be miserable.”
If you could have dinner with any literary character, who would it be and what would you eat?
I’m a huge fan of the Harry Potter books, so it would have to be one of those characters. Dumbledore is out of the question since he doesn’t always give a straight answer and I hate riddles. I’d like to have dinner with the golden trio but that’s three, so…Probably Hermione, because she is the chattiest of the three and I really like her. As for what we’ll have for dinner: a vegetarian Indian menu. Maybe with some naan bread and mango chutney for starters, a dhal soup, then a spicy curry and afterwards my favorite rice pudding with cardamom and pistachios for dessert. And mango lassi to drink.
If you could have any super power, what would it be and would you use it for good or evil?
I’d love to have a healing power. It’s hard to see people you care about being sick or even die, so I’d definitely use that power for good. Though I suppose if messing around with “nature” is good or evil, probably lies in the eyes of the beholder.
Christmas is coming, are you on Santa’s naughty, or nice, list this year?
Hopefully on the nice list, but who knows? What are the requirements? Santa never told me. I didn’t really accomplish all I wanted, but I don’t think that’s something Santa will take into account (I hope). I spent way too much time on the internet, so if Santa is more of the old-fashioned type, it probably doesn’t look good for me…
What will be your 2014 New Year’s Resolution?
I want to try to write three books and I want to be more patient.
The first will probably be easier for me.
Where can fans find you online?
I’m on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SusanneWinnackerAuthor
And twitter: https://twitter.com/SusanneWrites
And blogger: http://susannewritesfiction.blogspot.de/
And I recently started to use Tumblr and I’m still trying to figure it out: http://susannewinnacker.tumblr.com/
Filed under: Get your Christmas on! Christmas 2013 posts, Interviews with other authors
November 26, 2013
New Anthology out soon – O Little Town of Deathlehem
Includes my short story “The most Wonderful Crime of the Year”
Prefer scares over cheer? Check it out!
http://www.grinningskullpress.com/blog/2013/09/01/O-Little-Town-of-Deathlehem.aspx
Filed under: Book Review, Get your Christmas on! Christmas 2013 posts, Nicky's Posts - My ramblings... Tagged: anthology, Christmas books, grinning skull press, horror, Nicky Peacock
November 25, 2013
Book Review: Seductive Powers by Rebecca Royce
Synopsis:
Wendy Warner is a bit of an oddball. Raised in an orphanage, she’s found solace and friendship by watching the television show, Space Advenures, and participating in its fan clubs. Twice a month, Wendy comes to work dressed in a costume from the show that she wears to charity events. She’s been able to ignore the looks of disdain from many of her coworkers, but when the president of the company gazes at her with something more, she knows she’s in deep.
Draco Powers rather likes the way the uniform hugs all her curves in just the right places. He’s also a real-life Guardian who told the word that, yes, some people had superhuman abilities, but, no, they wouldn’t work for free or without health insurance. Some people refer to him with derision as the
“Capitalist Guardian.” While Draco doesn’t care what he’s called, he’s also being hunted by a group called the Organization whose motives are unclear and yet still cause death and destruction wherever they go.
The Organization has decied that Draco’s biggest weakness is the way he cares about his employees and has chosen Wendy as their next target. To save her, Draco will have to come to terms with his real feelings and the reason he’s long resisted complicated relationships…but he’s running out of time.
About the Author:
Rebecca Royce is a wife, mother, and author of over 40 romances that range from steamy to sweet. She can be found running around Austin, TX with her kids or locked away in her room creating new worlds to satisfy her overactive imagination. Rebecca loves to hear from readers, please drop her a line!
My Review:
I do love the idea of Superheroes in fiction. Too long have they been illustrated into comics and confined to the big screen. Superhero fiction, although loosely urban fantasy, should have a genre in its own right, but this definitely falls into romance – or flies into it, whichever you prefer.
This book is part of a greater series, and again I managed to read the book out of sequence (I really do need to check these books out more thoroughly!) however, I’m guessing it’s more of a collection, than an on-going story, which makes doing that much more accessible to readers.
The idea of a secretary looking after a superhero is great (very Ironman/ Pepper Pots) my only problem was I didn’t think it needed her to be an addicted fan of a TV show, sporting the uniform like a crazy Treckie. It kind of muddied the waters for me and took away from the core of the book which was a superhero fantasy. I get why the author put it in, but I personally would have spent more time on action and plot, and left that facet out as it divides the readers in their opinion – either she’s cool, or a total nerd.
From a writer’s perspective it flowed well with only a few minor jumpy bits here and there. It’s a superhero romance with a dash of spice – so it really does do what it says on the tin. I would have liked to see a slightly more inventive plot – but to be fair, it’s a romance and so the relationship needed to take lead.
The front cover is cool and attractive and gives us ladies what we want – a hunky hero to drool over.
Overall I’d give Seductive Powers 3 out of 5 stars – If you’ve been salivating over the recent barrage of Marvel movies and want a bit more, pick up Rebecca Royce’s series today (tights and cape are optional!)
Filed under: Book Review Tagged: Marvel, Paranormal Cravings Book Tours, Rebecca Royce, romance, Seductive Powers, Superhero fiction, Urban Fantasy
November 24, 2013
Xmas interview with Kira Snyder
What has been the best Xmas present you’ve ever received?
Christmas is extra special when you’re a kid, I think… most of my favorite gift memories are from my childhood. I prized anything Star Wars-related — I had an awesome Princess Leia doll with styleable hair. I also remember going in halfsies with my mom and dad on a cool but expensive Barbie Dream House. I felt very grown up, saving my allowance from chores to help pay for a Christmas gift. (I do realize that this was also their money, technically…)
Reindeer Stew, would you eat it?
I’m a vegetarian, so no thank you. :)
Do you prefer giving or receiving presents?
Giving presents is more fun for me, although it stresses me out: Celia’s gift-giving anxiety in Season’s Greetings comes directly from me. Of course, I love receiving gifts — who doesn’t? — but I think it’s so much fun to see people react to what you get them.
What’s the best part of Xmas for you?
Spending time with family and friends. And the food.
Are you on Santa’s nice or naughty list this year?
I always *try* to be nice… I think I did a reasonably good job this year.
Tell us about Parish Mail Season’s Greetings?
Season’s Greetings is the latest paranormal mystery in the Parish Mail series of ebooks. Celia, the teenage heroine, is spending her first Christmas in New Orleans and finds that the city is just as full of mystery, magic, and romance as any other time of year. As with the other Parish Mail books, Season’s Greetings is interactive: you get to choose which clues Celia follows, and which guy she spends time with. The book is a novella, shorter than books 1 and 2, the perfect length for curling up with in front of a fire.
Are there plans for another novel in the series?
Yes! I’m starting to work out the story for another mystery set during Mardi Gras.
Do you have a New Year’s Resolution in mind for 2014?
I hope to spend more time volunteering in my community.
If your characters could give your readers a Xmas message, what would it be?
As they say down in New Orleans, Joyeux Noel and laissez le bon temps rouler — Merry Christmas and let the good times roll!
Filed under: Interviews with other authors Tagged: author interview, kira snyder, Parish Mail Series, xmas interview, YA fiction
November 23, 2013
Book Spotlight: Eramane by Frankie Ash
Synopsis:
In the village of Eludwid, seventeen-year-old Eramane Fahnestock goes about her life, cheerfully disregarding a prophecy made to her parents that she would have a great gift. Not yet wed and beset with boredom, Eramane cannot shake the feeling that something exciting awaits her beyond Eludwid. But when she is invited to picnic with a handsome young suitor, Eramane has no idea that her life will soon change forever.
As Eramane prepares for her date, she is suddenly hypnotized by a strange voice that tells her he will be coming for her that night. Unsettled but determined to press forward, Eramane and her suitor, Lebis, head to the woods to enjoy their picnic. As darkness falls on the forest, however, a beast emerges, transforming their beautiful outing into a terrifying scene. Taken captive and carried away to a mountain hideaway, Eramane finds her memories are soon clouded, even as her family frantically searches for her back home.
In this gripping fantasy tale, evil is summoned to the mountaintop, forcing a young woman to discover her magical gifts and exact revenge against a beast determined to destroy everything she has ever loved.
AMAZON | B&N | INDIEBOUND | BOOKSAMILLION
About the Author:
Frankie Ash grew up on the eastern shores of the US, and her Southern accent would rock as a cartoon character voice. Most of her time is spent with her laptop, spinning tales, fabricating worlds, and writing new creatures into existence. But when she’s not playing Dr. Frankenstein with words, she is either reading, absorbing anything sci-fi/fantasy related, or chasing after, and sometimes capturing, things that go bump in the night.
Her debut novel, Eramane (Archway Publishing) is available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books A Million, IndieBound, and Kobo.
Filed under: Book Review Tagged: Book Nerd Book Tours, Eramane, fireside reads, Frankie Ash, historical fiction, Ya Reads
