Nicky Peacock's Blog, page 45
August 30, 2013
Book Review and Interview: The Exemeus by Folami and Abeni Morris
Synopsis:
Her short life was devoted to love and to hate. Love of the man who stole her heart, hate for the man who stole the world. Murdered by the government she swore to destroy, she’s been given another chance to make it right. But to save the planet, she needs the help of the most powerful mystic the world has ever seen—unfortunately he hasn’t been born yet.
In a world where fear is the only currency, Dephon has committed the ultimate crime: inspiring hope.
His only goal is to make it safely through ninth grade, but on a post-apocalyptic Earth run by the Treptonian government, it isn’t that simple. Heir to a legendary power, Dephon Johnson is the only threat to the government’s rule. And on Trepton, all threats must be eliminated. When hundreds of assassins are dispatched to neutralize him, Dephon is forced to fight back. His only chance of survival is to enlist the aid of the greatest warrior the world has ever known. The only problem is, she’s been dead for 13 years.
About the Authors:
Folami and Abeni Morris are a sister-sister writing team. Together they wrote (and rewrote) The Exemeus, somehow managing to accomplish it without murdering one another. Despite their facial similarities, tendency to finish each other’s thoughts and stick up for each other constantly, no, they’re not twins and thus deserve their own individual bio.
Folami Morris
Folami grew up in the tiny city of San Mateo Ca, where nothing ever happens and no one ever leaves. She went to Xavier University for undergraduate, getting her B.A in physics and her B.S in Biology. After graduation she returned to California, to live in an even smaller city, where even less happens, Antioch Ca. During this time she escaped the monotony by hanging out with her imaginary friends Hyalee and Dephon, and by writing the Exemeus. She finally escaped to Queens NY and now realizes that quiet and tiny aren’t so bad.
Abeni Morris
As luck (and logic) would have it, Abeni grew up in the same tiny little town as her sister, then she too escaped to the tinier town of Antioch. She has yet to leave. She received her bachelor’s degree in early childhood development from Cal State East Bay. She is the mom of two amazing kids, who swear that they deserve a percentage of the book proceeds and a ton of the credit. At least she raised dreamers.
Interview:
Tell us about yourselves.
To keep it simple we are both educators who love to read and write when ever we can scrounge up spare time.
Tell us about your publishing journey:
Folami: It really was filled with rejection after rejection until I attended the backspace writer’s conference where agents actually said they liked what they saw. However, at that same conference I met Darcie Chan who talked about her self-publishing journey and I thought “I can do that”. I had an uncle who had been pushing us to self-publish anyway, so it all clicked together. I never contacted the agents and I started researching self-publishing.
When did you discover you wanted to be writers?
Abeni: When I was nine. I would read a book that I just loved and I had to write my own version. At the time I didn’t know that was plagiarism, but it was the start of my writing career. I was only nine, sue me. As I grew up other interests took its place and I didn’t know I was going to be a writer until Folami told me we were going to write a book together. And here we are.
Folami: It was pretty similar for me. At 7 I would read books that just didn’t end the way I wanted them to end. So I would write my own endings. Eventually, I started to write my own beginnings too.
If you could be any supernatural creature, what would you be and why?
Abeni: I can’t say I’m dying to be a supernatural creature, but I would have to say a fairy.
Folami: Definitely not a vampire, sparkly or not, I love the sun way too much. I would have to pick a fairy as well.
What are you reading at the moment?
Folami: I am still reading Jennifer L Armentrout’s Apollyon. I love all of her series, especially The Covenant series.
Abeni: The Azemeon. I have a hard enough time keeping up with our book, let alone reading other books. When we finish I will finally get around to reading Hush, Hush. That is next on my TBR list.
Who are the authors that inspire you?
Folami: I am inspired by J.K. Rowling for her ability to impact millions of people’s lives and create amazing tales year after year. I’m also inspired by all self-published authors who are able to create memorable works.
What’s your least favourite part of being an author?
Abeni: The time it takes to make sure that every detail matches up. It is so time-consuming.
What’s your favourite part?
Folami: I love getting to hold the book in my hand at the end and to know that we wrote it. I also love talking to fans.
What’s it like working with another author?
Abeni: It’s great when its your best friend, but sometimes its tough to fuse ideas together when you’re both seeing the scene so differently.
What are you working on at the moment?
The Sequel! The Azemeon. We’re running late with its production, but hopefully the extra time will make it that much stronger of a novel.
My Review:
The Exemeus tells two stories, one of a mother and the other of her son and is written by two authors (sisters). I was a bit worried about this book for that reason. I myself have attempted to write with other authors and found the results both frustrating and pointless – however – this works. I’d presume that they each take part of the story to write separately rather than writing ‘together’, and if they did, it was weaved together seamlessly. If I hadn’t been told it was two authors, I’d have been none the wiser.
As YA superhero novels go, this has to rank a good one for me. An intricate world, that although is fantastical, remains believable. It was also very evident that there is more to come, as it ends on a big question mark.
The different words for things (such as Trepton for The Earth) were a bit confusing at first, and I must admit that I don’t like having to mentally learn a new language to understand what’s going on in a book.
From a writer’s perspective, I really have to commend the Morris sisters for the book. It flowed nicely, had exciting action scenes and was very well-written. Again even more impressive as it was two authors working together toward the same goal. Most of the time authors are like chefs in a kitchen!
The front cover does let it down for me. It really doesn’t do the insides justice. Although it has an attractive colour scheme, it’s kind of bland and I think that they should have gone for something a little less cartoonish.
Overall I’d give The Exemeus 3 out of 5 stars. Suitable for YA and upwards and definitely should be on your reading list.
Find the book: Amazon | GoodReads
Find the authors: Website
Link below for the whole tour:
Make sure to check out The Exemeus Scavenger Hunt, where you can win a Kindle Fire or $150! The first stop is at My Guilty Obsession, where you can get the first clues on this incredible journey for an amazing prize! The Scavenger Hunt starts on Monday, August 26th and runs through Friday, August 30th. Chances to win are through midnight on September 1st. Buy your copy of The Exemeus today, if you haven’t already!
Filed under: Book Review, Interviews with other authors Tagged: Abeni Morris, book review, CBB Book promotions, Exemus, Folami Morris, superhero, Ya Reads
August 29, 2013
Book Review: Affairs of the Dead by A.J. Locke
Synopsis:
Help ghosts, stop a thief, and try not to die…
Necromancer Selene Vanream helps ghosts settle their affairs so they can move on. But when breaking the rules gets her in trouble, she’s bumped down to tracking ghosts trying to avoid the afterlife. Ghosts like Ethan Lance, who claims he was kicked out of his body when someone else jumped in. Which might be plausible—if such a thing were possible. And if Micah, Selene’s partner, didn’t pull her into an investigation of brutal murders that lead directly back to Ethan.
But when the whole mess puts Selene’s life in danger, she suddenly has very personal reasons to get Ethan’s body back. Between her uncomfortable relationship with Micah, and problems with her boss, Selene learns just how much trouble it can be when you don’t follow the rules.
About the Author:
A.J. Locke is an author and artist, originally from Trinidad, now residing in New York City. Affairs of the Dead is her debut novel, and other than writing she enjoys reading, drawing, painting, graphic design, and watching too much television.
Blog: http://iqurae.blogspot.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/AJ-Locke/522250584507699
Twitter: @maqueripe
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17226279-affairs-of-the-dead
My Review:
Affairs of the Dead is set in a world where the paranormal is accepted, and well, normal. This makes a big difference to the story telling as it stops the author having to constantly hide her characters’ actions.
The protagonist Selene is head strong and sassy and I loved the way she handled herself in some very bizarre and sometimes dangerous situations. There’s a depth to her that will really resonate with urban fantasy enthusiasts. I must admit though that some of her choices and actions were questionable and I think she might prove to be a bit of a ‘Marmite’ type of character (for those outside the UK this means you’ll either love her, or hate her, with no ground in between) But then again, this is the case with most characters you care about. It didn’t end as well as I’d hoped – I can’t say much more for fear of ruining the ending – but I think that was where it let itself down.
From a writers’ perspective, again nothing really new here. The Laurell K Hamilton Anita Blake series has a similar concept of necromancers for sale and I’d just read The Necromancer’s Seduction too, so the premise didn’t amaze me – but what it does, it does very well. It’s got a good pace and a few naughty scenes here and there that spice it up. There’s a generous amount of humour and a solid story at the centre too. The writing was faultless, although some points were repeated a few times.
The front cover was great and again I admit it was the reason I choose to be part of the tour – I know, I should hang my head in shame, but deep down we all do it to some degree. I like pretty, shiny things (maybe I’m a book magpie?)
Overall I’d give Affairs of the Dead 4 out of 5 stars. A promising start to an urban fantasy series that I’d recommend to anyone looking for a good read to take them out of this boring world, and into a more interesting one.
Buy Affairs of the Dead
Amazon Barnes & Noble All Romance E-books Kobo
Filed under: Book Review Tagged: A J Locke, Affairs of the dead, Bewitching book tours, book review, necromancers, spicy scenes, Summer reads, Urban Fantasy
August 26, 2013
Book Review: Little Red by Trista Jaszczak
Synopsis:
Follow Sam Wentworth through the winding back roads of Louisiana, on a desperate escape from her past, where she falls into the arms of the unlikely and sometimes unwilling hero, Ethan Parker.
When circumstances and fate seal the two together, entangling them with his six older brothers, Sam finds her life changing in ways that she never imagined. Filled with feuding families and a little old bayou magic, can Ethan put aside everything he has ever known to keep Sam safe from the dangers that their lives and their love possess.
About the Author:
Trista Jaszczak (pronounced Jazz-ick) is a writer, military spouse and a mother. She is originally from Hamilton, Ohio but calls home where ever the military sends her and her family, which is currently Anchorage, Alaska. She has a great love for writing, the outdoors, fitness, guitar and the arts.
www.facebook.com/AuthorTristaJaszczak
www.tristajaszczak.wordpress.com
https://twitter.com/TristaJaszczak
http://authortristajaszczak.tumblr.com/
My Review:
There’s been a recent uptake of fairy tales retold. Lots of books and movies out there that have taken the basic premise of a famous fairy tale and manipulated it into another story. I must admit that Little Red Ridinghood is one of my personal favourites. Plucky red coated leading lady, hunky lumberjack, and possible supernatural wolf – who could ask for more? Little Red takes the basic idea of the fairy tale, but not so much that you feel it’s too familiar. Trista did a great job of writing something that can definitely stand as a story in itself, if you took out the fairy tale aspect.
From a writer’s perspective, it is a little clunky in places and is a bit jumpy. But it doesn’t stop the enjoyment of the overall story. I loved the idea of the wolf curse and the back story of the brothers. I also adored the setting of Louisiana
The front cover really doesn’t do the story justice – it could have done with being something similar to the front covers of the Jessica Haines Forsaken series and perhaps featured Ethan and his brothers too, as they play a major part in Sam’s story.
Overall I’d give Little Red 4 out of 5 stars, it’s an original take on an old tale which turned out to be an addictive read.
Filed under: Book Review Tagged: Bewitching book tours, book review, book review of little red, fairy tales, Little red riding hood, paranormal romance, Summer reads, trista jaszczak
August 21, 2013
Interview with Wendy Lyn Watson
Synopsis:
A Perennial Wallflower…
When Mira Fitzhenry’s guardian arranges her engagement to one of the most scandalous lords to ever grace the peerage, all of society is abuzz. After all, the man has left a trio of dead young women in his wake, including his first fiancée. But Mira doesn’t see a killer in Nicholas’s moonlight eyes, and she resolves to find the real murderer before the wedding.
A Gothic Villain…
Expecting to scare the chit away within five minutes of meeting him, scarred and brooding Nicholas, the Viscount Ashfield, is intrigued by Mira’s tenacious resolve to prove his innocence. She’s not put off by his imposing appearance, but his family’s dark secrets mean he cannot let her get close.
As the wedding approaches, Nicholas and Mira grow ever closer, yet so does the danger.Will the truth bring Nicholas and Mira together or tear their love apart?
About the Author:
Wendy Lyn Watson writes mysteries of all types: contemporary, historical, and cozy. Whatever the time or the tone, her mysteries always feature a dose of humor and a dollop of romance. Her first cozy series, the Mysteries a la Mode, feature the owner of an ice cream parlor in a small Texas town.
Once Upon a Wallflower, due to be released in August of 2013, is a Regency-set romantic mystery. While Wendy does not commit (or solve) mysteries in real life, she can kill a pint of ice cream in nothing flat. She also enjoys 80s music, Asian horror films, quilting, and vegetarian cooking.
While she was born in Ohio and has called half a dozen states home, she currently lives in a college town in North Texas along with her husband and their three cats (Iphy, Squeak-a-Doodle, and Todd Baryshnikov).
She loves to hear from readers, so find her on Facebook at @wendylynwatsonauthor.
http://twitter.com/wendylynwatson
http://pinterest.com/wendylynwatson/
https://www.facebook.com/WendyLynWatsonAuthor
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2928672.Wendy_Lyn_Watson
Interview:
Tell us about your publishing journey…
I found an my agent, Kim Lionetti, through an RWA contest. She is the one who suggested my voice was right for cozy mysteries, and I sold my first cozy proposal for the Mysteries a la Mode. I never gave up my love for historical romance, though, so it made sense for me to try my hand at historical romantic mystery. It combines everything I love in one package. Working with Entangled on this project has been great. They have given me the freedom to cross genre boundaries in a way a traditional publisher could not.
Who is your favorite mystery writer and why?
No fair! I have so many. If I had to pick a favorite, though, I would choose Denise Mina. “Deception” is one of my favorite novels of all time.
If you were casting Once Upon a Wallflower, who would you put in the leads?
Hugh Jackman would make a wonderful Nicholas … his face has character, and he’s got that dazzling crooked smile. For Mira, I’d cast Isla Fisher. I love her ability to play ernest, innocent characters.
If you could have dinner with any gothic villain from either literature, movie or real life, who would it be and why?
I know I’m playing fast and loose with the term “gothic,” and I know I should probably pick a guy, but I would love to have dinner with Eli from “Let the Right One In.” I think she’s a fascinating character, trapped forever in a child’s body, relying on her ability to woo others in order to survive. Perhaps it’s because the movie focuses so much on the practicalities of being a vampire, but she seems more emotionally complex than most. I would love to have dinner with her, but I’d be worried that I might become the dinner.
If you had the chance to solve a famous mystery, which would you choose?
I would love to solve the Zodiac murders. Such a fantastic puzzle, and the letters make it seem like the answer is tantalizingly close.
How do you plot a mystery? Is it different from other novels?
As with other novels, plotting a mystery requires thinking about the narrative arc, the key turning points in the plot and in the journey of the main character. I personally find it easiest to plot backward. Where do I want to end up? How do I get there? Perhaps the biggest difference between plotting a mystery and plotting other novels is the need to plant clues. True mysteries abide by a rule of “fair play”: the author has to give the reader all the information to solve the mystery on her own . . . without coming right out and spilling the beans. That means weaving clues into the narrative, a process that requires a great deal of rewriting and editing.
What part of the writing process do you enjoy the most?
I love a first chapter. It’s a little terrifying, but coming up with that perfect first line, setting the scene for the rest of the story, and simply having that whole universe of possibility in front of you is also exhilarating.
What are you reading at the moment?
I’m really late to the party, but I’m reading Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
What is the best advice you have ever been given?
Don’t compare yourself to others. I find this advice difficult to follow, but I know that a lot of the tension and frustration in my life comes from trying to measure myself and my success against the accomplishments of other people. Success comes in many forms, and you have to find the form that fits you, not someone else.
Buy Once Upon a Wallflower
Filed under: Interviews with other authors Tagged: Bewitching book tours, Historical Romance, interviews with authors, once upon a wall flower, romance books, Summer reads, wendy lyn watson
August 19, 2013
Book Review: Trial by Fire by Margarita Gakis
Synopsis:
Jade leads a structured life: Routine job. Caffeine addiction. No serious relationships. And now, she can spontaneously set things on fire with her mind. Well… perhaps “normal” was never in the cards for her. As she questions her own sanity and spirals out of control, a man appears on her doorstep and tells her that, like him, she’s a witch.
Pulled in all directions, her unbridled magic draws dangerous attention and Jade wonders if she’s made the worst mistake of her life by joining a coven, or if she’ll even live long enough to regret it.
About the Author:
Margarita loves the art, creativity and romanticism of storytelling. Sometimes, however, the act of putting pen to paper proves challenging, elusive. She develops genuine, relatable characters which grow in the hearts of her readers. From that foundation, the stories flourish into a warm friend.
She enjoys pursuits which blur the lines between the analytical and creative sides of her brain. This includes her day job in electronic data management, where she uses her creativity to solve logical problems, and also her lessons learning to play the cello, where she finds beauty in the structure of music and the instrument. She believes there is a place for both logic and imagination to work together. When they do, the results are magical.
Margarita has a special spot in her heart for dogs and lives with three of them. It can be a little overwhelming but the quality snuggle time makes up for it.
Margarita lives in Calgary, Alberta with her family.
http://margaritagakis.wordpress.com
Twitter: @margaritagakis
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CovencraftSeries
My Review:
I really enjoyed this book. I love a good witchy story and the main character Jade was easy to read and very likeable – which makes a big difference in the story. It had a solid plot with twists and the dialogue was especially good; I always think realistic aspects must be included in fantasy stories to keep them at least slightly believable.
I also liked Paris as a character. He was written well and wasn’t stereotypical or corny in any way – which can be a trap for this genre.
I especially liked Jade with her ‘days without incident’ countdown. It reminded me of one of my favourite TV shows ‘The Simpsons’ where, in the opening credits, Lenny falls off a ladder as he’s trying to hang their ‘days without incident’ sign.
From a writer’s perspective it was fast paced and flowed nicely. I finished the book within two days and it didn’t feel like a task or something that I was forced to do – it was a welcome distraction to spend some time with Margarita’s characters.
The front cover is very evocative and strangely beautiful – and it was what made me chose to review this book in the first place – I know, that’s really shallow of me – but I think it’s time to admit that most people do judge books by their covers.
It had a kind of Golden Compass meets True Blood feel to it and I’d give it 4 out of 5 stars. A promising start to a new urban fantasy series, as it definitely left it open for another book.
Filed under: Book Review Tagged: Bewitching book tours, book review, faes, Golden Compass, Margarita Gakis, paranormal, Summer reads, Trial by Fire, True Blood, Urban Fantasy, vampires, witches
August 18, 2013
Interview with Katalina Leon
Nicky, thank you for inviting me back and interviewing me. I love this kind of thing!
Always a pleasure Katalina!
Tell us about your publishing journey?
It moved fast. Until 2009 I was an artist, avid reader and the most casual writer. I’m extremely dyslectic with very poor writing skills and crazy spelling. I sketched my thoughts in journals and I didn’t even know how to type until several years ago. In 2007 I started writing short stories to read to my husband in bed. He loved them and encouraged me to take it further. I did and the first novella I submitted to Ellora’s Cave was contracted. After that I had to hit the ground running, adapt and learn as fast as I could.
Out of all your characters, which one would you like to take to dinner, and what would you eat?
Food and the sensuality associated with it is something I love to write about. I have a few immortal/supernatural heroes who haven’t eaten real food in centuries. I guess my favourite would be Tyr the immortal gladiator from 89 BC turned vampire “Slayer”. I have a scene in “The Strix” where Tyr orders and enjoys eating breakfast in a Salem Massachusett diner for the first time in nearly 2000 years. He becomes a Tabasco sauce addict on the spot.
If you had a time machine, where would you go and why?
Ancient Rome. Even with all its faults I’m deeply drawn to Roman culture. I would also love to visit France of the early 1900’s and drink up the art. What a time…
What are you reading at the moment?
I’m a slow reader, but I remember what I read clearly. I’m currently reading Stephen Greenblatt’s “The Swerve—How The World Became Modern”. It’s about the journey of an ancient Roman manuscript by Lucretius- ‘The Natural of Things’ as it was rescued, recopied and circulated for centuries in European monasteries despite its obvious Pagan roots. It’s full of sensuality and odes to Venus and lots of beautiful writing that would have caused shock and awe in the Vatican. In its day it was a forbidden and a cherished book that only a privileged few were allowed to read. Now it’s ours!
If you could choose to be a supernatural entity – what would you choose and why?
This is easy to answer. I’d be a griffin. I love griffins they represent the best qualities of heaven and earth. They possess the strength and courage of a lion and the soaring spirit of an eagle. Flying would definitely be the best part.
Which social media site do you find most useful as an author?
I enjoy Facebook but I love Pinterest. I’m a visual person and making and sharing book boards is a joy for me. I hoard exotic places, beautiful things and stunning men on Pinterest. Thanks to Pinterest I’ve developed a fetish for Brazilian men.
There’s only 10 minutes before the world explodes…what do you do?
I would tell my family and friends how much I love them and how grateful I am that we got to have a life together. Then I’d sit on my couch with my husband, son and dog and hug them with maybe a little chocolate, and red wine to soften the blow?
What advice would you give to other authors?
My best advice would to be careful about whom you accept advice from. A lot of advice is pure nonsense. Find out what works for you.
What are you working on at the moment?
I have another paranormal/ time-travel romance “Fairy In The Flesh” coming August 23rd from Ellora’s Cave. This story is my personal fantasy of going back in time and meeting a favorite French Bohemian artist. Here’s the blurb.
Fairy In The Flesh
by, Katalina Leon
Maya Rousseau’s fantasy vacation in Avignon France heats up when an eccentric enchantress tricks her into drinking mojo-laced absinthe.
An unexpected encounter with the green fairy causes Maya’s reality to have a serious melt down. She travels back in time and wakes up naked in the bed of her favorite bad boy Bohemian artist, the tall, dark and mysterious André Bosco. There’s nothing wrong with that except it’s 1903.
For André it’s love at first sight. He begs Maya to become his cherished model, muse and lover. The chemistry and shared passion between them is overwhelming. André’s a generous-hearted dream man but there’s a catch. Every hour they spend together bonds them tighter and time is running out. The same powers that flung Maya back to 1903 are preparing to snatch her back.
With a hundred and ten years separating these soul-bound lovers it’s uncertain if they can find a happy ending without the help of a little magic and La Fée Verte.
Note: Story contains super hot sex with an unattainable man, enchanted hallucinatory beverages, mischievous time-twisters and green fairies.
Where can fans find you online?
Katalina Leon: I’m all over the place and easy to find. The first stop should be my new website designed by my best friend. Read the “Bend Over Madame” if you want a good laugh at my expense!
Website: http://katalinaleon.com
https://www.ellorascave.com/index.php/authors/index/author/slug/katalina-leon/
Loose Id: http://www.loose-id.com/authors/a-f/amber-skyze-katalina-leon.html
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00BIXI8BQ
All Romance eBooks: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/storeSearch.html
Night Owl Reviews Author Page: http://erotica.nightowlreviews.com/V5/Authors/Katalina-Leon
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/katalinaleon/
Filed under: Interviews with other authors Tagged: Author advice, Bring back romance, Elloras Cave, Fairy in the Flesh, fantasy, great books, Katalina Leon, Loose ID, Lord Griffin's Prize, romance, sexy reads
August 16, 2013
Book Review: A Pirate’s Curse by M.L. Guida
Synopsis:
Like a dark angel, Captain Kane O’Brien rescues Hannah Knight and her father from drowning after vampire pirates murder their crew and sink their ship. Struggling to control and hide her telekinetic powers, Hannah discovers the honorable and bold captain possesses his own secrets.
Every full moon, Kane turns into a vampire. Finding out Hannah not to be the cabin boy she resembles, but a beautiful, luscious woman, tempts all his appetites. Desperate to be free of his curse, Kane considers handing Hannah over to a demon. But after Hannah uses her power to save his ship from his immortal enemy, Kane can no longer deny his attraction and vows to protect Hannah with his life.
To find true love, they must combine their powers to defeat evil vampires, thwart Hannah’s misogynist fiancé and escape a crafty demon.
About the Author:
M.L. Guida lives in Colorado near the Rocky Mountains. She loves to take her cocker spaniel, Sadie, for walks on the trails behind her house. The preternatural has always interested M.L. and even as young girl, she’d read Alfred Hitchcock’s The Three Young Investigators. Her favorite book in his series was the Mystery of the Green Ghost. It was a big hit in the third grade.
Today, she continues to love the paranormal and one of her favorite shows is Supernatural. Yes, she’s a Sam and Dean Winchester fan. Her favorite monster is a vampire. Bram Stoker and Ann Rice got her hooked. Who wouldn’t love a sexy man biting you on the neck?
M.L. Guida just finished obtaining her Master of Arts in Creative Writing and now currently, has two masters. The other is a Master of Social Work.
She currently is writing for Passion in Print with her Angels of Death series and has a contract with Lyrical Press and will be releasing a new paranormal novella in March 2014. She is currently working on her new Legends of the Soaring Phoenix and plans to release the first novel in the summer of 2013.
She is a member of Colorado Romance Writers and Romance Writers of America.
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5177984.M_L_Guida/blog
@ml_mlguida
https://www.facebook.com/ml.guida1
My Review:
I love the idea of paranormal historical romance. This genre really does afford itself a trip to utter fantasy and I adored the idea of vampire pirates, or Vampirates! A Pirate’s Curse had a great premise and some wonderful characters.
It did jump around a little in the beginning, and I must admit that I got a bit confused as to what was happening (whether we were in the past or present during flashbacks) but this does iron itself out quite quickly. The relationship between the two main characters was well crafted, and considering they were both of paranormal in origin, believable and romantic.
From a writer’s perspective, I think that some of the book could have been tightened up. But, that’s just my opinion – as an author it can actually sometimes be hard to read someone else’s work and not think how you would alter the flow of certain paragraphs, sentences and scenes. I’m sure another author would read something of mine and have the same thoughts – that’s what makes the literary world turn, different voices and approaches to the written word.
Fantastic book cover – gorgeous half naked vampire pirate – need I say more?
I’d give A Pirate’s Curse 3 out of 5 stars and would recommend it to a romance book addict looking for a different genre to read.
Buy A Pirate’s Curse Amazon Amazon Print
Filed under: Book Review Tagged: A pirates curse, Bewitching book tours, book review, M L Guida, paranormal historical romance, pirates, Summer reads, supernatural novel, vampire pirates, vampires
August 14, 2013
Book Review: Seal of Destiny by Traci Douglas
Synopsis
Love conquers all… but can it stop the Apocalypse?
Mira Herald is having the worst life ever. Not only is she plagued by horrific nightmares starring the Devil himself, she’s now the target of a power-hungry, rogue minion, freshly sprung from Hell and bent on her destruction. To complicate matters further, she’s acquired a stalker. One who insists he’s a divine warrior sent for her protection because she houses an ancient relic with the power to unleash Armageddon. Last time Mira checked, she wasn’t insane. Still, all this celestial mayhem is enough to drive a girl crazy.
Kagan is a member of the Scion, an elite team of immortal warriors selected by Divinity to aid mankind and save the world. After a century alone, Kagan is summoned for a new mission. He’s eager to begin. Eager until he’s informed his mission consists of protecting a woman with no clue to the power she wields. Plus, his briefing fails to prepare him for his new target’s cosmic-sized attitude problem. As Divinity’s sworn servant, he’s required to fulfill his duty. His oath, however, does not require him to be enthusiastic about his new assignment or warm-and-fuzzy toward his new compatriot. He plans a wham-bam rescue and a quick return to solitude.
The rogue minion attacks—with the backing of a mysterious organization—and all Hades erupts, putting a fast end to any whirlwind escapes. Accustomed to staunch independence, Mira’s survival now requires full cooperation and an unwavering belief in Kagan. The battle-hardened warrior is also forced to chose: between duty and desire. Amidst the turmoil, Kagan and Mira’s undeniable passion draws them closer to each other and down a path neither expected but both yearn for, more than they ever knew.
Will love save the day? The world’s fate depends on the answer. Book Trailer for the series: http://youtu.be/vTn0_15T2iY
About the Author:
Traci is the author of paranormal/urban fantasy and contemporary romances featuring a sly, urban
edge, including her current Seven Seals series. Her stories feature sizzling alpha-male heroes full of dark humor, quick wits and major attitudes; smart, independent heroines who always give as good as they get; and scrumptiously evil villains who are—
more often than not—bent on world destruction. She enjoys weaving ancient curses and mythology, modern science and old religion, and great dialogue together to build red-hot, sizzling chemistry between her main characters.
Traci is an active member of Romance Writers of America (RWA), Indiana Romance Writers of America (IRWA) and Fantasy, Futuristic & Paranormal Writers (FF&P) and is pursing a Masters of Fine Arts degree in Writing Popular Fiction through Seton Hill University. Her stories have made the final rounds in several RWA chapter contests, including the 2012 Duel on the Delta, the 2012 Molly Awards, and the 2012 Catherine Awards. An earlier draft of Seal of Destiny won the paranormal category of the 2012 Marlene Awards sponsored by the Washington Romance Writers.
Other current projects include upcoming books in the Seven Seals series and a new futuristic suspense series with hints of the paranormal and plenty of romance.
She loves hearing from readers! Connect with Traci here:
Website / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads / Amazon / Pinterest
My Review:
I do like a book crammed with action, and Seal of Destiny definitely delivers that. It’s a paranormal romance apocalypse, so also offers something different from the usual stories out there. It’s got some adult sizzle in there, so I’d not recommend it to anyone under 18, but if you’re over then, enjoy!
I liked Mira and Kagan and felt that they served the book well and I’d have preferred to spend more time on them, rather than the many other characters in the book – not to say that they are not welcome or fun also – but I’ve always been attracted to first person books, rather than third and this is primarily why I tend to gravitate toward the main character and can get a bit frustrated when the emphasis falls off them and onto someone else.
As themes go, this one is good vs evil and so has quite an epic feel to it. It’s written well and, although I felt the start was a little confusing, it opens out into an amazing journey with healthy dollops of humor, romance and suspense.
I’d give Seal of Destiny 4 out of 5 stars. Would make a fab TV series, perhaps similar to Supernatural.
Filed under: Book Review Tagged: apocalypse, Bewitching book tours, paranormal romance, Seal of Destiny, Summer reads, supernatural, Traci Douglas, TV Series
August 9, 2013
Book Review and Interview: The Necromancer’s Seduction by Mimi Sebastian
Synopsis:
She has never feared the walking dead. It’s the power required to reanimate the dead that startles her, seduces her. The power that dwells inside her…and is growing.
For Professor Ruby Montagne, being a necromancer has brought her nothing but heartache, and she walked away from that part of her life long ago. However, her quiet existence in San Francisco is shattered when she stumbles upon the body of a slain witch, and the supernatural community insists she transform him into a revenant to track the killer. But his murder was just the beginning, and Ruby soon realizes that the stakes are higher than anyone can imagine—and that revenants have nasty minds of their own.
Now demonic creatures have escaped into the human world, and zombies once again walk the streets. For humanity’s sake, Ruby forms an unlikely alliance with a witch, a zombie, and Ewan March, a demon warrior who sets her senses on fire.
She’s always distrusted demons and Ewan is no exception, but circumstances push them closer together, and Ruby not only finds it harder to resist him, she isn’t sure she even wants to. But she suspects his job of patrolling the portal separating humans and demons conceals a dark and deadly past that may consume them both.
With events spiraling out of control, Ruby unravels a plot that not only threatens the human and demon realms, but puts Ruby’s very soul in jeopardy. Because when the dead walk, no one is safe. Especially Ruby.
About the Author:
Noemi Ghirghi writes as Mimi Sebastian and raised herself on books and the strange and unusual with an unhealthy dose of comics and Scooby Doo. Loving angst-filled romance thrown in the mix, she decided to blend all those elements in a steamy mix in her first Urban Fantasy series, the Necromancer Books. The first book, The Necromancer’s Seduction, debuts July 15, 2013, with ImaJinn Books.
Noemi spent two years in the Ivory Coast with the Peace Corps and loves to introduce tid-bits from her experiences in her writing. She’s a member of Romance Writers of America and the Fantasy, Futuristic and Paranormal chapter of RWA. A transplant from the beaches of Florida, Noemi now wanders the desert in Phoenix, AZ, and attempts to balance writing with a day career, fantastic family, and household diva: her Amazon parrot.
http://mimisebastian.wordpress.com/
https://www.facebook.com/NecromancerSeriesMimiSebastianAuthor
https://twitter.com/SebastianMimi
http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/13508578-mimi-sebastian
Interview with Mimi Sebastian:
Tell us about your publishing journey.
I started taking online classes and met some great authors who provided motivating encouragement to submit my manuscript. I queried some agents first. Got rejections. I joined the local RWA chapter and made some great friends. Focused on writing my second book. Then decided to query directly to some small publishers and was picked up by ImaJinn. I’m very happy with going with a smaller, independent publisher. It’s the right path for this point in my life and writing career. They are very supportive.
Who is your favourite authors and why?
Ray Bradbury, H.P. Lovecraft, Poe, Ambrose Bierce, Stephen King, Clive Barker, Dean Koontz. Ray Bradbury is such a beautiful writer. Horror writers are good with creating mood and atmosphere because that’s an important part of imparting the fear. I try to incorporate that in my Urban Fantasy, I mean, we are talking about zombies and other supernatural beings. I recently read some Lisa Gardner and think she does an amazing job with writing suspense. I also read lots of comics and think Matt Fraction is a great writer. He’s currently writing a wonderful new comic series Hawkeye.
What was the last book you read?
Blood Rites by Jim Butcher.
What advice would you give to inspiring writers?
Writing is a bi-polar endeavor. One day, you can be on the best writing high and the next day, completely in the dumps. It’s okay to take breaks when you need it, but just keep writing, and try to find other writers to connect with. They will understand what you are going through. And when you’ve finished a manuscript and decide to query or whatever path you take, start another book, so you don’t obsess over rejections.
What made you pick the genre you write in?
I think Urban Fantasy chose me J. But I’ve always been fascinated by the strange and unusual and like exploring how supernatural characters deal with living in the “normal” world and how being supernatural gives that person glimpses into the strange and unusual, which I love. I also write pirate historical romance because I love pirates and seafaring adventure.
Which of your characters in Necromancer’s Seduction is most like you?
Probably Ruby, which is kind of scary. Not because she’s a necromancer, LOL. I think lots of things about our psyches slip into our writing and characters without us really knowing. I’m a bit of an introvert and I see some of that in Ruby and how she relates to the other characters.
Which character would you not like to meet in a dark alley?
Any one of my zombies.
What’s the hardest part of the writing process for you?
Sometimes it’s just getting those creative juices flowing. I have to fit writing in between work, taking care of family and household, so I sometimes only have an hour or two at a time and it can be hard to jump start the muse.
Do you find it difficult writing love scenes?
Yes and no. Sometimes it’s challenging coming up with creative words beyond thrust, etc., but each of my sex scenes has an emotion driving it, depending on where the characters are coming from or what state their relationship is in. It can be angry sex, or sex for the sake of asserting dominance, or fulfilling some need. I like finding that emotional state to frame the sex scene.
If you could raise the dead – which deceased famous faces would you rise and why?
I’d love to see Bob Marley play live so I’d bring him back. Mark Twain, because we need a brilliant satirist in our world right now.
My Review:
I really enjoyed this book. It reminded me of Laurell K Hamilton’s Anita Blake series – before her books descended into random wanton sex for the sake of it. Mimi creates a wonderful character in Ruby who takes on supernatural journey that is definitely open for another book. The sex scenes are classy and carefully placed and some of the zombie descriptions are not only gross buy amusing; for example ‘Damn these zombies and their Lego body parts!’
From a writer’s perspective there wasn’t any new plot points in there, no real surprises – but hey, that’s okay. There’s not much more than can be done with paranormal romance, as it’s such a popular genre and there are so many books out there right now. It jumped in a few places, but I was reading a Galley, so I put that down to it being an un-corrected proof. The Necromancer’s Seduction may not be revolutionary in concept, but what it does do, it does extremely well.
The front cover is romantic and sensual and really does capture the essence of the book. Although not enough that you’d be embarrassed reading it on a train!
I’ve always thought necromancers are one of the more forgotten about paranormal characters, so I do relish the fact that there is now another series out there to read.
4 out of 5 stars – if you’re a paranormal romance fan – pick up this book. It’s a solid read that keeps your eyes on the page. But beware! If you try to put it down, it will rise back up and devour your reading time!
Buy The Necromancer’s Seduction
Filed under: Book Review, Interviews with other authors Tagged: Bewitching book tours, mimi sebastian, necromancers seduction, paranormal romance, Summer reads, superntural novels, Urban Fantasy
5 TV and Movie Gems
I recently joined Netflix and have been spending hot English nights watching random movies and TV shows. We don’t get many hot nights here – so I’m making the most of them in my own way! So, I had to put a brief post together to let you know about some of the little gems I’ve found on there and encourage you all to watch them at your leisure. Please note you don’t have to watch them specifically on Netflix – but if you are a member, they are all on there.
We are the Night
A shockingly good German vampire movie that gives you everything a blood sucking movie should, and more. Normally I’d stay away from subtitled movies – after all, if I wanted to read, I’d pick up a book! But I saw it had a good rating and thought, why not. I’m so happy I did. It’s a fantastically epic story that really takes a good ol’ bite out of the vampire mythos. Well scripted, directed and acted, even the soundtrack was good.
Lost in Austen.
An ITV series that throws a sassy 21st century girl, Amanda Price,
head first into Jane Austen’s book Pride & Prejudice. In 4 parts (so is about 4 hours long) it is funny and poignant. If you like Downton Abbey and any of the period dramas currently beingunceremoniously spewed forth by British TV, then settle in to see what would happen if Mr Darcy hadn’t meet Elizabeth Bennett. My favourite line in this is when Amanda talks about how ‘bum crushingly correct’ she will be from now on when she starts destroying Austen’s plot lines. Of course, she can’t help interfering, she does have an inside track about the people she’s with – or does she?
Legion.
Angels and demons at their best. Creepy ice cream men and scary old ladies. The apocalypse has come and God has turned his back on us mortals, only one baby can save us and Gabriel has been sent to murder him. Fortunately Paul Bettany steps up in the guise of arch-angel Michael and equips a random groupof survivors with a police car full of guns and the knowledge that demons are now possessing the weak willed – Crap, With my Ben & Jerry’s will power, I’d be the first to get possessed! A fab action movie with lots of gore and twists.
Kate & Leopold.
Not only does this feature my favourite hunky actor, Hugh Jackman, but it also weaves an amazing time travel romance which is so easy to watch, you’ll forget the time! Okay, Meg Ryan looks like she’s done something unfortunate to her lips, but she’s still the bumbling romantic lead we (all of us of a certain age) have come to identify with. Grab a bucket of ice cream and enjoy… there goes that will power again!
Day of the Triffids.
I remember the very old British series of this, where the killer plants would only catch you while you were laughing too much at them to move out of their way! This updated version though does do an excellent job of making these alien carnivorous plants scary. It has a kind of Dr Who feel to it and features one of my all-time favourite actors Eddie Izzard (who, in my opinion, should have been the new Dr Who!) It has a lot of social commentary going on too and a few politically correct plot lines – overall definitely worth a watch!
Black Mirror – Season 1 – Episode 2 – 15 Million Merits.
The Black Mirror series was Charlie Brooker’s Twilight Zone style story compilation. And by far, after seeing them all, I felt that this was the best episode. Based around a strange factory style place that has young adults cycling on static machines (one would presume for capturing energy) to gain them credits for
food, entertainment and useless junk to make their lives feel complete – sound familiar? Once they reach 15 million, they have a chance to buy a ticket to audition for a talent show and get themselves out. The whole thing was so clever and thought provoking, that I really can’t say any more for fear of ruining for you, so needless to say just watch it.
So there you go, at least 9 hours of watching some excellent TV – let me know what you think about them…
Filed under: Nicky's Posts - My ramblings... Tagged: Angels, Black Mirror, Charlie Brooker, Demons, Downton Abbey, Dr Who, Eddie Izzard, Hugh Jackman, Ice Cream, Jane Austen, Kate and Leopold, Legion, Lost in Austen, Meg Ryan, Netflix, Nicky Peacock, Paul Bettany, Triffids, vampires, We are the Night
