L.S. Murphy's Blog, page 22
August 15, 2012
5 Questions with Tara Fuller
Tara Fuller writes novels. Some about grim reapers. Some about witches. All of course are delightfully full of teen angst and kissing. Tara grew up in a one stop light town in Oklahoma where once upon a time she stayed up with a flash light reading RL Stine novels and only dreamed of becoming a writer. She has a slight obsession with music and a shameless addiction for zombie fiction, Mystery Science Theater, and black and white mochas. Tara no longer lives in a one stop light town. Now she lives with her family in a slightly larger town in North Carolina where they have at least three stoplights.
Now on to the FIVE QUESTIONS
1. What was the spark of inspiration for Inbetween?
Tara: An Edgar Allen Poe quote was where the idea started for me.
The boundaries which divide Life from Death are at best shadowy and vague. Who shall say where the one ends, and where the other begins. Edgar Allen Poe
2. As a huge fan of grim reapers, I can understand the pull, but what draws you to Death?
Tara: I loved the idea of having someone fall in love with the one thing that people are most afraid of. Death.
3. What advice do you have for aspiring authors?
Tara: Don’t give up. The journey to publication is full of rejection. I honestly think perseverance is one of the most important qualities 
to have as a writer. Also take every bit of advice you can get from editors, agents and other writers and treat it like gold.
4. If you could travel to any era, where would you go?
Tara: Hmmm…that’s a tough one. Probably the 1930′s-1940′s. I’m a big fan of Billy Holiday and Frank Sinatra. Seeing them live would have been amazing.
5. Finally, Star Wars or Star Trek?
Tara: Neither *cringe* Lol. I’ve never been big on either. I know. I’m a freak. I was always into the Hobbit, Lord of the Rings type stuff. The only think I’ve been really obsessed with is Mystery Science Theater movies.
About Inbetween
Since the car crash that took her father’s life two years ago, Emma’s life has been a freaky—and unending—lesson in caution. Surviving “accidents” has taken priority over being a normal seventeen-year-old, so Emma spends her days taking pictures of life instead of living it. Falling in love with a boy was never part of the plan. Falling for a reaper who makes her chest ache and her head spin? Not an option.
It’s not easy being dead, especially for a reaper in love with a girl fate has put on his list not once, but twice. Finn’s fellow reapers give him hell about spending time with Emma, but Finn couldn’t let her die before, and he’s not about to let her die now. He will protect the girl he loves from the evil he accidentally unleashed, even if it means sacrificing the only thing he has left…his soul.
Tagged: 2012, Authors, Books, Fiction, Fun, Interviews, Just for Fun, Musings, Novels, Opinion, Opinions, Paranormal Romance, ramblings, Random, Random Thoughts, Reading, Romance, Teens, Writers, Writing, YA, YA Authors, YA books, YA Paranormal Romance, ya romance, Young Adult, Young Adult Books
August 14, 2012
Book Review: Easy by Tammara Webber
Synopsis: A girl who believes trust can be misplaced, promises are made to be broken, and loyalty is an illusion. A boy who believes truth is relative, lies can mask unbearable pain, and guilt is eternal. Will what they find in each other validate their conclusions, or disprove them all?
When Jacqueline follows her longtime boyfriend to the college of his choice, the last thing she expects is a breakup two months into sophomore year. After two weeks in shock, she wakes up to her new reality: she’s single, attending a state university instead of a music conservatory, ignored by her former circle of friends, and failing a class for the first time in her life.
Leaving a party alone, Jacqueline is assaulted by her ex’s frat brother. Rescued by a stranger who seems to be in the right place at the right time, she wants nothing more than to forget the attack and that night–but her savior, Lucas, sits on the back row of her econ class, sketching in a notebook and staring at her. Her friends nominate him to be the perfect rebound.
When her attacker turns stalker, Jacqueline has a choice: crumple in defeat or learn to fight back. Lucas remains protective, but he’s hiding secrets of his own. Suddenly appearances are everything, and knowing who to trust is anything but easy.
The First Line: “I never noticed Lucas before that night. It was as though he didn’t exist, and then he was everywhere.” Love this. I’m totally sucked into the story from the get go. Who’s this mysterious Lucas? And “that night” has some serious meaning behind it? I need to know what’s going to happen next.
The Good: Easy hits on some hard issues. Jacqueline is a smart young woman who makes some honest mistakes. The first is following her high school boyfriend to college instead of going after her own dreams. This may not sound like a hard issue, but how many young women have made this same mistake based on misguided love?
The biggest issue is the attempted rape that opens the book. Jacqueline, out of fear, does not want to report it to the police. This happens too much in the real world, and Webber writes it realistically.
Luca *sigh* is great. He’s brilliant, complex, sweet, and so not the type of guy Jacqueline goes for. Naturally, he’s just the guy she needs.
The Bad: There were a few times I thought that the book strayed from the plot too much and tried too hard to pack everything in.
It’s sad that some people may skip this book simply because it is self-published.
The title isn’t the best and can lead to a misunderstanding of what the book is about.
Recommendation: Easy is an intense read with great character development and an honest look at college life. If you’re looking for a novel that’s falls under the mysterious category of “New Adult”, then check it out.
Tagged: 2012, book Review, Books, Contemporary Romance, Fiction, Just for Fun, New Adult, Opinion, Opinions, ramblings, Random, Random Thoughts, Reading, Romance, Teens, Writers, Writing, YA, YA books, YA Contemporary, Young Adult, Young Adult Books
August 13, 2012
Fantabulous REAPER bookmark & postcard GIVEAWAY (Plus a Mystery PRIZE)
Reaper is ALMOST HERE!
Okay, not quite yet with five long months to go, but I HAVE PRIZES!
We all like prizes, right? 
So here’s the low down.
One lucky winner will receive a SIGNED Reaper bookmark. Yay!
But that’s not ALL!
One lucky winner will receive a SIGNED Reaper bookmark, a signed Reaper postcard, and a MYSTERY PRIZE!
No, I’m not going to tell you the mystery prize. That would ruin it. However, it’s pretty cool.
So how do you enter?
Leave a comment below and tell me how you would (or think you would) react if found out you were going to be a Grim Reaper.
Contest ends on Wednesday 8/15. I’ll post the winners and share the mystery prize on Friday 8/17.
So think hard… How would you react to becoming DEATH?
Tagged: 2012, Authors, Books, Free, Freebies, Fun, Giveaways, Just for Fun, Novels, Paranormal Romance, Prizes, Reading, Romance, Teens, Writers, Writing, YA, YA books, YA Paranormal Romance, Young Adult, Young Adult Books
August 9, 2012
5 Questions with Kathleen Rushall
Kathleen Rushall is the newest member of the Marsal Lyon Literary Agency. She started as an intern at the Sandra Dijkstra Agency, and then spent two years at Waterside Productions. She looks forward to garnering fresh voices, strong narratives, and whimsical tales in all areas of young adult literature including contemporary fiction, fantasy, historical fiction, and science fiction. She’s open to all genres of YA, but has a soft spot for thrillers, well-researched historical narratives, Southern gothic plots, humorous voices, and would love to find a dark mystery. Kathleen is also looking for funny, character-driven, quirky picture books and all genres of big voice middle grade fiction.
In addition to KidLit, she also represents select nonfiction and is interested in crafts, parenting, cooking, business, alternative medicine, women’s interest, humor, pop-culture, and some how-to.
Now on to the FIVE QUESTIONS
1. How important is a platform for new and established authors in the 21st century?
For nonfiction it can be very important. If you’re writing a nonfiction book as an expert on your topic, you ideally already have a voice and are a presence in that field. If you’re writing nonfiction, your book is most likely on a topic that you have fully engaged in professionally, and that’s the foundation of your platform. For debut fiction authors, it’s different. Of course it’s great if you’re active on Twitter in the writing or KidLit community, or if you love to blog, but really it comes down to your writing.
2. On your agency’s website, it states you are “open to all genres of YA, but has a soft spot for well-researched historical narratives, edgy or paranormal plots, humorous voices, and would love to find a dark mystery.” What does the novel have to have to draw you in?
Maybe it’s more about who the novel has to have to draw me in. I’m always looking for an unforgettable voice and strong character development. This is why I enjoy (and am open to representing) so many different genres within YA. No matter what kind of story it is, it’s the characters that make me keep reading.
3. What is the most common mistake most authors make when pitching an agent at a conference?
Make sure you approach the right person for your work. Do a little research beforehand and approach agents that you know represent your genre. The other thing is to try not to be too nervous. Just remember that agents and editors are people, too. We’re at the conference to meet authors and are happy to hear about your book!
4. What advice do you have for aspiring authors?
Always remember that books aren’t written, they’re rewritten. There isn’t a single book on shelves today that hasn’t ever had changes made to it, or been rejected before it was published. I know it’s a roller coaster process to publication, but embrace the ride as much as you can. You’re not alone! Community is important, both for support and education. You should absolutely have critique partners and join writing groups.
5. Finally, Star Wars or Star Trek?
Star Wars will always be my favorite because I loved it as a kid. (I definitely missed school to dress up and go to the premiere of the first prequel…although that one was disappointing.) BUT, I have to give credit to Star Trek for all the incredible firsts it had—it was one of the first multicultural casts, with prominent roles for Japanese, Russian, and African-American characters, as well as the first interracial kiss shown on TV. That show is what inspired creators of Google Earth, as well as the palm-held cell phone, and NASA even named a spaceship after Enterprise. Hah, can you tell I’m a nerd? For world-building and cultural impact, I’d have to say Star Trek.
Tagged: 2012, Books, Fiction, Fun, Interviews, Just for Fun, Lit agent, Literary Agent, literary agent interviews, Literary Agents, Middle Grade, Musings, Novels, Opinion, Opinions, Random, Random Thoughts, Reading, Teens, Writers, Writing, YA, YA books, YA Contemporary, Young Adult, Young Adult Books
August 7, 2012
5 Questions with Tracy Bilen
Tracy Bilen is a high school French and Spanish teacher in Michigan where she lives with her husband and two children. Before moving to Michigan, Tracy taught at a ski school for high school students in Vermont (Spanish, not skiing!). She studied at the Sorbonne in Paris and taught English in Strasbourg, France. She enjoys cross-country skiing and walks in the woods. Her debut young adult novel, What She Left Behind, will be released by Simon Pulse on May 1, 2012.
Now on to the FIVE QUESTIONS
1. What was the spark of inspiration for What She Left Behind?
It was an image in my mind of a girl, a field, a suitcase, and a gun.
2. How has your life as a teacher affected your life as a writer?
It’s helped me still think like a teen…and to know what high school is like these days. But if I ever have to tell a student to put a book
away during class and it’s mine – well, that would be funny.
3. What’s next on the horizon?
Another YA thriller – think action and explosions!
4. What advice do you have for aspiring authors?
Once you’ve polished your manuscript and had it critiqued in as many ways as you can imagine, and you begin to query agents with it, START YOUR NEXT BOOK. That’s how I came to write What She Left Behind!
5. Finally, Beatles or Rolling Stone?
Beatles! When I was younger I loved to imagine that someday I would be a “paperback writer” like the song.
Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Books-A-Million
Tagged: 2012, Authors, Books, Fiction, Fun, Interviews, Just for Fun, Musings, Novels, Opinion, Opinions, ramblings, Random, Random Thoughts, Reading, Teens, Writers, Writing, YA, YA books, Young Adult, Young Adult Books
August 3, 2012
5 Questions with Melody Manful
Bio: Melody Manful was born on the 8th of June 1994 in Tema, A town in Ghana. She started writing at a very early age and has been doing it ever since. She has two siblings, and lives in Denmark with her family. She loves music, reading and writing, and puts a great deal into making her friends happy.
Now on to the FIVE QUESTIONS
1. What was the spark of inspiration for Dominion?
Mainly stories my late grandmother told. She was a priest.
2. How much of yourself did you put into Abigail Cells?
Well, not much. Abigail’s character was built with my imagination and desires,
but when it comes down to it I’d say about 42% of me is in her. One things being we
are both dreamers and like to live in our own little fantasy world XD.
3. If you could go back in time, where would you go?
Defiantly to the Medieval, frankly I love the history from back then, empires,
kings, vikings, dynasties and more. To me the Middle Ages sounds like an awesome Era!
4. What advice do you have for aspiring authors?
Write about what you love and allow yourself to be inspired.
5. Finally, Star Wars or Star Trek?
That’s a tough call. Both movies are amazing and I love them both.
About Dominion
I Dare You.
Look Over Your Shoulders.
Do You See Them?
They are behind you…
They are always behind you.
Abigail Cells had a nightmare the day before she met Gideon, the new guy in school who has every girl drooling just to be near him. In her nightmare, she was murdered by a magical creature. As she gets to know Gideon, she begins to remember pieces of her nightmare, and was shocked when Gideon turned out to be the creature from her nightmare. Who is Gideon really, should Abby allow herself to fall completely for him, or is he the next disaster waiting to happen?
Add Dominion to your TBR pile on Goodreads
Check out the other stops on the Dominion Blog Tour:
August 1st: YaReads (www.yareads.com) -Cover/Excerpt
August 2nd: Moonlight Gleam’s Bookshelf (www.moonlightgleam.com) Guest Post
August 3rd: Banshees, Books, & Baseball (http://lsmurphy.com/) Interview
August 4th: Strands of Thought (http://kaistrand.blogspot.com/) Cover/Excerpt
August 5th: Breathe in Books (http://breatheinbooks.blogspot.com/2012/07/waiting-on-wednesday-blood-forever.html) Cover/Excerpt
August 6th: Cubicle Blindness Reviews (http://cubicleblindness.blogspot.com/) Guest Post
August 7th: Cubicle Blindness Reviews (http://cubicleblindness.blogspot.com/) Review
August 8th: Book Bite Reviews (http://bookbitereviews.blogspot.com/) Cover/Excerpt
August 9th: The Girl in a Cafe (http://www.thegirlinacafe.blogspot.co.uk/ ) Cover/Excerpt
August 10th: The Girl in a Cafe (http://www.thegirlinacafe.blogspot.co.uk/ ) Review/Giveaway
August 11th: Books Over Boys (http://booksoverboys.blogspot.com/) Cover/Excerpt
August 12th: Gen’s Reviews (http://genessisliahut.blogspot.com/) Cover/Excerpt
August 13th: YaReads (www.yareads.com) Interview
August 14th: Fantasy’s Ink (http://fantasysink.blogspot.ca/) Interview/Giveaway
August 15th: Teen Readers Diary (http://teenreadersdiary.blogspot.com/) Cover/Excerpt
August 16th: Cari Bella Creations (http://caribellacreations.blogspot.com/) Cover/Excerpt
August 17th: My Guilty Obsession (http://myguiltyobsession.blogspot.com/) Cover/Excerpt
August 18th: Charlotte Blackwell (http://charlotteblackwell.blogspot.com/) Cover/Excerpt
August 19th: My Guilty Obsession (http://myguiltyobsession.blogspot.com/) Review
August 20th: Breathe in Books (http://breatheinbooks.blogspot.com/2012/07/waiting-on-wednesday-blood-forever.html) Review
August 21st: Paranormal Book Fan (http://paranormalbookfan.blogspot.ie/)
August 22nd: Paranormal Book Fan (http://paranormalbookfan.blogspot.ie/)
August 23rd: YaReads (www.yareads.com) Guest Post
Tagged: 2012, Authors, Books, Fiction, Just for Fun, Musings, Novels, Opinion, Opinions, Random, Random Thoughts, Reading, Teens, Writers, YA, YA books, YA Paranormal Romance, Young Adult, Young Adult Books
July 26, 2012
5 Questions with Heather L. Reid
Heather L. Reid eats mayonnaise on her fries, loves men in kilts, and met her husband playing Star Wars Galaxies online. This native Texan now lives with her Scottish hubby in South Ayrshire, Scotland, where she wanders the moors in search of William Wallace. She has been a guest blogger on Writer Unboxed and is founder of a new blog for writers Hugs and Chocolate.
Now on to the FIVE QUESTIONS
1. What was the spark of inspiration for Pretty Dark Nothing?
I think the spark of inspiration for PRETTY DARK NOTHING has been brewing my whole life. As a child, I suffered from night terrors and sleep walking. Although I eventually grew out of the sleep walking, the nightmares never went away. I would dream of faceless entities and demons on a reoccurring basis. I spent my pre-teen years trying to rationalize my fear while I spent my nights huddled under my covers with a book and a flash light afraid to fall asleep for fear of what would greet me in my dreams. I kept this a secret from my friends and afraid of what they would think. The dark torture of my imagination lasted through three years of middle school and finally faded. I still don’t think my mother knows how terrified I was of falling asleep and I have no idea why the nightmares stopped, maybe they were my way of coping with the stress of adolescence. I don’t know. When I reached college, I went through a particularly bad time in my life, suffered from depression, illness and the nightmares returned. I wasn’t frightened like I was when I was young, I recognized them for what they were. We all have inner demons we battle, those voices that tell us we’re not good enough, taunt us, paralyze us with fear. That’s when the idea for a novel started to form. I asked myself what would happen if those negative voices, inner demons weren’t imagined. What would happen if they were real and they started to manifest outside the dream world? What if they influenced things around us and what if you were the only one that could see them? That’s when Quinn and the idea for PRETTY DARK NOTHING was born. I didn’t start writing PRETTY DARK NOTHING right away. I did some character sketches and jotted down some notes while I spent the next several years writing short stories and articles. But Quinn’s story wouldn’t let me go. When I finally decided to give my full attention to her, she blew me away. Quinn and I battled the demons that tortured her together and in the process, she taught me how to battle my own.
2. What are you working on now?
At the moment, I’m working on the sequel to PRETTY DARK NOTHING. I can’t tell you any more than that. 
3. If you could go back in time, where would you go?
Oh wow! I love history. Picking one place is hard. If I have to choose, I would pick 12th Century Scotland. I’m fascinated by Scottish history, castles, clans, and I do love men in kilts.
4. What advice do you have for aspiring authors?
Read, write every day, share your work with other writers, be willing to learn from them and grow in the craft, enjoy the journey, and most importantly, don’t give up! If writing is your passion and you work hard enough, you will make it. It took me 15 years to achieve my dream and I’ve learned so much along the way.
5. Finally, Star Wars or Star Trek?
I love both, but Star Wars slightly beats Star Trek for me since I met my hubby playing Star Wars Galaxies online. Yes, I’m a sci-fi geek! I still love Picard though, bald head and all. I also admit to having a slight crush on Wesley Crusher when I was younger. *blush*
Tagged: 2012, Authors, Books, Interviews, Just for Fun, Musings, Novels, Opinion, Opinions, Paranormal Romance, ramblings, Random, Random Thoughts, Reading, Teens, Writers, Writing, YA, YA books, YA Paranormal Romance, Young Adult, Young Adult Books
July 25, 2012
Book Review: The Girl in the Clockwork Collar by Kady Cross
Synopsis: In New York City, 1897, life has never been more thrilling – or dangerous.
Sixteen-year-old Finley Jayne and her “straynge band of mysfits” have journeyed from London to America to rescue their friend Jasper, hauled off by bounty hunters. But Jasper is in the clutches of a devious former friend demanding a trade-the dangerous device Jasper stole from him…for the life of the girl Jasper loves.
One false move from Jasper and the strange clockwork collar around Mei’s neck tightens. And tightens.
The First Line: “‘What are you doing?’
Finley Jayne smiled in the darkness. She should have known Griffin would come looking for her.”
I love that this opens with a scene between Finley and Griffin. After The Girl in the Steel Corset, I wanted more of just these two together. It feels like setting down with two old friends I haven’t seen in a year.
The Good: There is so much to love about this series. I never thought I’d enjoy steampunk, other than the fashion that is, but I absolutely love these characters.
Finley is a strong female lead who literally kicks arse. She’s smart, daring, and lovable. Griffin is the kind of guy who knows who he is, and knows who he isn’t. Sam and Emily are well-rounded characters that balance the others.
Jasper plays a much bigger role in this book than he did in The Girl in the Steel Corset. It was nice to see his story flesh out more. I wasn’t crazy about him in the first book, but grew to love him in the second. He’s so … American. J
The Bad: I wanted to smack Miss Astor-Prynn, not that it’s necessarily a bad thing. Seriously, the ending was a tad predictable for me, but the characters are the reason I love these books anyway.
Recommendation: If you’ve never read steampunk and want to give it a try, I recommend picking up The Girl with the Steel Corset and The Girl in the Clockwork Collar. This isn’t a standalone novel, so you really do need to read the first book.
Tagged: 2012, book Review, Books, Fiction, Fun, Just for Fun, Musings, Novels, Opinion, Opinions, ramblings, Random, Random Thoughts, Reading, Romance, Steampunk, Teens, Writing, YA, YA books, Young Adult, Young Adult Books
July 24, 2012
5 Questions with Julie Reece
Born in Ohio, I lived next to my grandfather’s horse farm until the fourth grade. Summers were about riding, fishing and make-believe, while winter brought sledding and ice-skating on frozen ponds. Most of life was magical, but not all.
I struggled with multiple learning disabilities, did not excel in school. I spent much of my time looking out windows and daydreaming. In the fourth grade (with the help of one very nice teacher) I fought dyslexia for my right to read, like a prince fights a dragon in order to free the princess locked in a tower, and I won.
Afterwards, I read like a fiend. I invented stories where I could be the princess… or a gifted heroine from another world who kicked bad guy butt to win the heart of a charismatic hero. Who wouldn’t want to be a part of that? Later, I moved to Florida where I continued to fantasize about superpowers and monsters, fabricating stories (my mother called it lying) and sharing them with my friends.
Then I thought I’d write one down…
Hooked, I’ve been writing ever since. I write historical, contemporary, urban fantasy, adventure, and young adult romances. I love strong heroines, sweeping tales of mystery and epic adventure… which must include a really hot guy. My writing is proof you can work hard to overcome any obstacle. Don’t give up. I say, if you write, write on!
Now on to the FIVE QUESTIONS
1. What was the spark of inspiration for Crux?
I had a dream. (Sheesh, sorry, I know, but it’s just true. J) A pretty blond trailed behind a man with a suitcase through a crowd in 
Paris. He stopped, unzipped the bag, faced the girl and I woke up. I followed my nose from there. I just had to know what happened next.
2. Birdie begins the story on the streets. Why did you choose to make her homeless?
Part of that came from the sense I got from the teenager in my dream. The rest influenced from what I’ve learned about the homeless living on the streets of Atlanta. My church works with a shelter downtown. Homelessness is a reality that breaks my heart. I don’t pretend to understand all that can happen to a person to bring them to that point. Everyone has a story, and every life is an amazing gift.
3. Grey battles his own inner demons throughout the story, yet accepts Birdie and her situation without batting an eye. What’s his strongest characteristic?
Ah, Grey. I’d have to say loyalty. Somewhere along the line, Grey confused his steadfast loyalty with martyrdom. Birdie helps him see his actions in a different light and reminds him he has choices, too.
4. What advice do you have for aspiring authors?
Hmm. Okay, I’ll tell you what I did. J I wrote a book. I thought it was a gosh darn miracle of wonderfulness. Actually, it was all crap, but I didn’t know it. I joined a writing site where some (God bless you, ma’am) woman told me my story was indeed crap. First, I cried. 125k words people! Down the drain. *sniff* But I believed her. I took her advice and tried again. Sooo, my advice? Join a writing site where you can critique others work and be critiqued yourself. There are great ones out there like Scribophile, Critique Circle, Absolute Write and others. Meet other writers willing to swap work and beta read for you. Be humble, teachable and willing to learn. If most of your feedback says your writing is too flowery or repetitive or boring, guess what? J Change, adapt and never, ever give up!
5. Finally, Beatles or Rolling Stones? Beatles, woman, are you insane?
Well, shake it up, baby, now (Shake it up, baby) Come on, Linda, shake that thing! Is everybody singing?
Twist and shout (Twist and shout)…”
Tagged: 2012, Authors, Books, Fiction, Fun, Interviews, Just for Fun, Musings, Novels, Opinion, Opinions, Paranormal Romance, ramblings, Random, Random Thoughts, Reading, Romance, Teens, Urban Fantasy, Writers, Writing, YA books, YA Paranormal Romance, ya romance, YA urban fantasy, Young Adult Books
July 23, 2012
Book Review: Fifty Shames of Earl Grey by Fanny Merkin (aka Andrew Shaffer)
Synopsis: Young, arrogant, tycoon Earl Grey seduces the naïve coed Anna Steal with his overpowering good looks and staggering amounts of money, but will she be able to get past his fifty shames, including shopping at Walmart on Saturdays, bondage with handcuffs, and his love of BDSM (Bards, Dragons, Sorcery, and Magick)? Or will his dark secrets and constant smirking drive her over the edge?
The First Line: “I growl with frustration at my reflection in the mirror. My hair is fifty shades of messed up.” I love that Shaffer alludes to Fifty Shades of Grey right from the get go. Within the first paragraph, he tosses in a reference to Twilight as well. Well played.
The Good: The last time I actually laughed out loud at a book that was supposed to make me laugh was Lamb by Christopher Moore. Fifty Shames is relentless and shameless, in a good way.
Anna Steal is as stupid and naïve as you’d expect her to be and Earl Grey is odd. Women will be having fantasies about being slapped in the rear with a tambourine. Okay, probably not, but that was one of the funniest scenes in the entire book.
Shaffer manages to hit all the right notes in this parody. His wit is uncontested. We can only hope for more from him in the future.
The Bad: May have been just a tad too long.
Recommendation: Anyone who has read Fifty Shades of Grey or Twilight should pick this up. Even if you haven’t, give this parody a go. It’s hysterical.
Tagged: 2012, book Review, Books, Fiction, Fun, humor, Just for Fun, Musings, Novels, Opinion, Opinions, parody, ramblings, Random, Random Thoughts, Reading, Writers, Writing
