Michael Loring's Blog, page 11
April 11, 2014
Nights Embrace by Brandy L. Rivers
Nights Embrace by Brandy L. Rivers
Synopsis:
18+
It all started with a song.
Roxana Nights was late to another gig, thanks to her first love, and drummer. It’s been years since she left Jordan, but he won’t let her go. Then she hears a voice that pulls her under a spell and changes her whole world.
Trevor Malone just moved to Seattle with his band. Music is his only passion, until he lays eyes on Roxana. He’s never felt anything as strong as the pull to her. Now he needs to find a way to introduce her to his world.
There’s only one problem. A rival clan won’t rest until they’ve taken Trevor’s down. Unwilling to let old grudges die, they target Roxy. Trevor will do anything to keep her safe.
Roxy learns that the world she writes is closer to reality than she ever imagined, and that not all monsters are evil, though some are ruthless.
Will love stay strong when the past comes out? Can they survive the centuries old vendetta?
Review:
Nights Embrace by Author Brandy L. Rivers is the first in her Others in Seattle series, following the story of musician/writer Roxana Nights and werewolf Trevor and how they meet and eventually mate.
All it took was one song for Roxy to fall in love with Trevor, a rapport forming between them at first glance. She’s hesitant to try for him though, as she’s been burned in the past, specifically by her drummer Jordan. But Trevor is not willing to just let her go, because unbeknownst to her he’s a werewolf, and werewolves, once sighting their mate, never let go. But with him comes secrets about herself that she never realized were true and it takes the supernatural force that follows Trevor to help her realize her true identity.
I was attracted instantly to this novel by the cover, me being a sucker for punk chicks with tats and short, dark hair. And then when I discovered it involved werewolves I was hooked.
The story was enthralling, I was captured from the first sentence. The writing was brilliant, flowing seamlessly from page one to the end. The only reason I give this book a four star rating is because I felt it took a while for the actual action to start. In honesty I’d give this book a 4.5 rating, because despite the lull I really did enjoy this book and all of its characters.
I definitely plan on reading more from Author Brandy L. Rivers in the future, and look forward to the next installment in her Others of Seattle series!
Four out of Five Stars!
April 8, 2014
Goodbye Being Human
Goodbye Being Human
**WARNING: SPOILERS**
So, last night was the series finale of Being Human, my favorite show. The cocktail of emotions inside of me is indescribable, but I’m going to give it a try to explain my take on it.
There could have been so many ways to end this show. I had a few theories of how it would go the week leading up to the finale, and not one of them was correct. I was one of the many who was sitting in shock and awe – along with a few tears, I’m man enough to admit – at how the events unfurled. To see Sally sacrifice herself to give Aidan the very thing he’s wanted for so long, to be human, was heartbreaking. Sally was no more, having done the ritual that brought Donna back to life, and Aidan could finally live his life. Until they realize that all those years he’s cheated are catching up to him. His organs are shutting down, and he only has a week to live. With this realization the show turns from bittersweet to dour.
The transformation he goes through from his forever youthful face to the near crippled old man was morbidly fantastic. And to see him enter the house again to confront Ramona was noble. He knew he was going to die, and figured he could at least martyr himself to save others. Burning down the house, along with Ramona and himself, the show seemed to be over. When Josh and Nora entered the burnt remains (how were they allowed in, by the way?) I thought that was it. Aidan and Sally were gone, and only the werewolves got the happy ending. But then Aidan was a ghost, and I didn’t know whether to cheer or cry. At least they could be together again! But then, surprise! Aidan’s door arrived (or was it Sally’s?) and he moved on to a better place – with Sally. Somehow she survived (well…) the ritual and they were finally together.
The actual ending shot to the show was what really had me. Josh and Nora dreaming of Aidan and Sally, lying in a field in the classic after-transformation fashion. But they were fully clothed, and there were two additions to the scene. Sam Huntington’s kids played the Levison children, respectively named Sally and Aidan in the characters’ memories. I nearly blubbered at the scene, watching as the credits played and letting the realization that the show I’ve loved so dearly for the past four years was over for good.
To see it end was so heart-wrenching. I’ve been with this show since day one. I even won a poster and t-shirt during the promotion for the first season that I still have. When they announced it was going to end I knew it would hurt, but to now be on the other side of the finale I’m a mixture of depressed and joyed. Depressed that it’s over and joyed that at least they ended it the right way. I was left feeling cheated with the original BBC Being Human’s ending, but with the U.S. ending I actually felt like I was given a proper goodbye.
If I could I’d shake the hands of everyone who was involved in making this amazing show. The cast, the crew, the writers. They were all just so fantastic. In all four years of this show I never questioned whether this show was becoming dull or boring. I was always wanting more, always rooting for the characters. To see them get the resolution they deserved after everything they’ve been through was a joyous thing. As much as I’m going to miss this show (and it’s going to be a tremendous amount) I’m happy to know that it ended the way it deserved.
Goodbye Being Human, thanks for all the memories. And for all the fish.
-Michael
April 5, 2014
Say My Name Cover Reveal
Say My Name Cover Reveal
I said yesterday that I had some news to share, and here it is!
My short story, SAY MY NAME, is on the plate of publication. Previously published in Cynthia Shepp’s STALKERS Anthology, SAY MY NAME will be available on Amazon Kindle Tuesday, April 15th. In order to prepare I suggest that you pick up STALKERS to read it early and all the other fantastic stories that are included in the book!
Here are the details, should you be interested!
Synopsis:
PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED IN THE STALKERS ANTHOLOGY BY CYNTHIA SHEPP
For the past three months college student Matthew Riley has been plagued by strange dreams. Dreams of a demon woman who demands he do as she says. Refusing to give in to her, she haunts his sleeping hours relentlessly, poking and prodding at his psyche until he relents.
When the woman starts tormenting him during his waking hours, Matthew struggles to stand his ground and resist her temptation. But as he starts to cave into her demands, a question echoes in the back of his mind: is this real, or just in his head?
April 4, 2014
Fat Vampire 2: Tastes Like Chicken by Johnny B. Truant
Fat Vampire 2: Tastes Like Chicken by Johnny B. Truant
Synopsis:
It’s been six months since fast-food-addicted Reginald Baskin was turned into a vampire too fat to live peacefully amongst the glamorous undead — six months in which Reginald and his two-thousand-year-old maker Maurice have learned that power doesn’t equal popularity. Sure, Maurice is now calling the shots, but the Council is up to new and dirty tricks, threatening to once again upset the balance…
But when the Vampire Nation faces genocidal violence at the hands of an unstoppable force and the very future of vampirekind is threatened, Reginald, Maurice, and Nikki must find their allies elsewhere… buried deep underground in a foreign land.
As is the case for the follow-up to any epic tale, Fat Vampire 2 isn’t afraid to ask (and answer) the truly important questions in literature and in life:
* Where did vampires come from, and can they possibly survive a force that bests them at every turn… that may even know them better than they know themselves?
* Is there a war coming… and if so, who will ally with whom?
* Why is Wilford Brimley in Reginald’s kitchen?
and
* Is that an incubus in your pocket, or is it just really damn cold in here?
You’d better read on and find out, because the big questions never seem to answer themselves.
Review:
Fat Vampire 2: Tastes Like Chicken is the hilariously titled sequel to Author Johnny B. Truant’s Supernatural Comedy Fat Vampire.
It’s been six months since the hijinks of the first novel, and fledgling vampire Reginald Baskins is finally starting to get used to his new, odd life. He’s built himself a system by which to feed, gained a smokin’ hot girlfriend, and gained balance in his world – albeit a bit shakily. But the strange occurrence at the last Vampire Council Meeting stills haunts him – not the many deaths, he could care less about all the pompous vamps that tried to execute him. He worries about what it was that caused such a disaster, and in the form of a shape-shifting incubus he gets his answer.
Now, if only he could remember the number to that pizza place.
Johnny B. Truant once again brings the funny with this book, bringing a satirical twist to the vampire genre. This isn’t your run-of-the-mill sexy vampire. Reginald is overweight, clumsy, nerdy, and would rather munch on some crackers than have sex with his girlfriend. I found myself having to pause to laugh before continuing my reading of this book, and am only saddened by the fact it took me this long to pick up book two in this terrifically funny series!
Five out of Five stars!
Check out Johnny B. Truant’s website here!
April 2, 2014
UNNATURAL Paperbacks Available!
UNNATURAL Paperbacks Available!
Like I promised, the paperbacks of UNNATURAL: A COLLECTION OF SUPERNATURAL STORIES have arrived! Now available on Amazon.com for only $9.99 you could hold this collection of short stories in your hands for now and ever!
Synopsis:
From the vault of Author Michael Loring’s warped mind comes this brand new collection of short stories. UNNATURAL: A COLLECTION OF SUPERNATURAL STORIES is as the title says: a collection of shorts revolving around the supernatural and paranormal.
THE FOX IN THE FIELD: A mischievous fox makes a plan for an engaged couple…
THE WEREWOLF’S MATE: A vampire tries to steal a werewolf’s boyfriend…
NO FORGIVENESS: A man takes a demon lover…
NUMBER 18: A rapist stalks his eighteenth victim…
DEATH’S EXPRESSION: A man faces the Grim Reaper…
CARPE DIEM: A man learns the intricacies of the afterlife…
THE WALLFLOWER’S COLLAPSE: A woman tries to shed her wallflower ways…
This collection of stories will shock you, horrify you, make you wonder, and caution you. Each tale with its own genre, its own world, and its own story to be told.
Buy the paperback for only 9.99 on Amazon here!
Or…
Check out the book on Amazon Kindle for only 1.99 right here!
Thanks for buying and please consider leaving a review!
March 31, 2014
Blessings of Zinaith (End of Ashbringer) by Natasha Wetzel
Blessings of Zinaith (End of Ashbringer) by Natasha Wetzel
Synopsis:
Elves, Fairies, Goblins, Trolls and a world of new and exhilarating creatures, plants and places, collide in an epic battle and fight for a kingdom that is dying under the rule of a tyrant king.
It would seem one would need the blessings of a god…
When the kingdom is being eroded away by a twisted king that is quickly losing his mind, the kingdom cries out for help…. the answer is louder than any yell and it comes from a 17 year old girl on the verge of her 18th birthday, Satya Divya. She knows nothing more than the simple life she has always had in her village as a farmer, and medicine woman. Moved by the speech of a stranger, Satya finds herself compelled to stand up for what she believes is right.
Damir Lorencrost is an ex military soldier to the king’s army and bent on finding fellow men to join in his uprising. But in a kingdom that is crying out for help, all are too afraid to rise up and fight. Soon he will see that help comes in all shapes and sizes.
Satya and Damir struggle to save the races facing extermination, and bring peace to their land before it’s too late. They will find help along the way from unlikely friends and bring together unlikely allies. An unexpected rise to the throne and battle await them as they bring about the end of the Ashbringer.
Review:
Blessings of Zinaith by Author Natasha Wetzel is a standalone fantasy/adventure novel of epic proportions.
In the vain of The Hobbit, the story takes place in a small village where a young girl named Satya is tending to her farm. Her life is of simplicity, although a bit somber. When a knight named Damir comes to her village looking for volunteers to aid him in overthrowing the tyrannical King of their land, Satya jumps at the chance for adventure. What ensues is a tale full of action, bravery, camaraderie, and magic.
There isn’t a simple way to explain how much I enjoyed this novel. I was one of the few people allowed to see behind the scenes of this story being written, and so I have a personal stake in this as far as having been there from the beginning. I am so proud to see how it has come about, astonished once again by Natasha Wetzel’s incredible ability to tell a story. Her writing style is unique and brilliant, crafting an epic with creatures we have only seen in fairy tales and even adding in her own designs to spice the story further. The direction of this story was fantastic, every twist and turn having me on the edge of my seat. It’s a long read, but I am certain you will finish it fairly quickly, as it will capture you and not let you go until the very last word.
I guarantee you that this is worth a read. Author Natasha Wetzel has once again released a wonderful book that will go down as one of my all-time favorites, and I will continue to push this novel until the day I die.
Five out of Five stars!
March 25, 2014
Have My Heart by Rene Folsom
Have My Heart by Rene Folsom
Synopsis:
** This 10,000 word short story was originally published in the ALL OUR LOVE Romance Anthology by Novel Grounds **
In Gwen’s dreams, no one can take him away from her. His toned body and beautiful mind belong to her… but her feelings for the man she loves can only be expressed on the pages of her journal, hidden in the darkness of night, while the judgmental eyes of the world sleep.
After receiving several threats from those she once called friends, Gwen is forced to reassess her newfound relationship with her sinfully sexy neighbor, Blake. It’s not until Blake’s daughter is also on the receiving end of those threats that Gwen decides to take action.
Just as her determination begins to crumble, Blake becomes her rock, ensuring that one day soon they will be together. Racial judgments be damned.
Review:
Have My Heart by Author Rene Folsom is her newest short story, and is a very inspirational story of the love between two people and their struggle with prejudice against an interracial couple.
Gwen has fallen for her new neighbor, Blake. Their chemistry is instant and palpable. Gwen writes in her diary just how much she loves him, and his daughter Maya. It’s not until Maya confides in Gwen a very scary incident where Gwen’s friend called Blake a racial slur that Gwen realizes the intensity of their situation. She fears for little Maya, and in an attempt to save her the ridicule she distances herself from Blake. But love isn’t as simple as that, and Gwen finds that staying away from the man she loves is near impossible.
To date, this is my favorite story of Rene Folsom’s. The writing was, as always, on point and very passionate – almost poetic in its narrative. The story was very inspirational, tapping on a topic that isn’t talked about enough nowadays. Racism is still alive, and it’s a tragic thing. In this story the love goes beyond color of skin, but the prejudice of those who can’t look beyond it causes suspense and drama within Gwen and Blake’s world. I found myself wanting to beat the hell out of Todd, the one who was causing this trouble. The resolution was beautiful and just, and I couldn’t help but give a loud “WOOP!” at the end of the story.
Interwoven is Rene’s signature erotic play, spicing the story further. It’s, as always, blush worthy and capturing. She never disappoints with her stories and surely never will!
Five out of Five stars!
March 21, 2014
Flatter Me by Rene Folsom
Flatter Me by Rene Folsom
Synopsis:
** Flatter Me is an erotic romance short story for ADULTS ONLY! This novella is roughly 17,000 words and contains sexual situations between a female barista and three hot Australian men. **
Laney knows her life is boring, and now that it’s a new year, she’s looking forward to letting go and giving in to some of life’s simple pleasures. When three men with sexy Australian accents walk into her coffee shop, spouting cheesy one-liners in some desperate form of flattery, her New Year’s resolution is put to the test.
It figures that, through several amusing come-ons, she finally finds Trevor—a perfect man who just so happens to be unattainable due to his temporary status in the states. Laney’s days turn into a mixture of carefree desires and tough decisions, causing her to question what she truly wants from life.
Will her passionate heart be able to handle the likes of Trevor and his mates? Maybe. How about when she knows there’s the promise of something more to come? Now that’s more like it.
Review:
Flatter Me by Author Rene Folsom is the fourth and final addition to her short erotica Roommate Romance series, and features a sexy barista and three Australian men who have a penchant for cheesy one-liners.
Laney has made the resolution to be more spontaneous – to live life to the fullest. She doesn’t really have the chance to fulfill her oath until Trevor and his friends come into her coffee shop one night, throwing cheesy, yet funny pick-up lines her way. She easily averts their attempts, but soon caves when Trevor offers for them to go grab something to eat. Thus follows a nearly year long tryst that fulfills her oath to live and more.
Rene Folsom once again displays her ability to make me, a usually erotica-avoiding reader, blush. I felt like my face was on fire while reading this story, but I couldn’t stop from reading on despite this. Her writing is very graphic, painting a naughty picture that both captures you and teases you. The Tease Queen strikes again, and no doubt she will continue to strike until I’m at a total loss for sensibility.
Five out of Five stars!
Share You by Rene Folsom
Share You by Rene Folsom
Synopsis:
** Share You is an erotic romance short story for ADULTS ONLY! This novella is roughly 12,000 words and contains a hot sexual ménage à trois between a young couple and their smexy new tenant. **
If Kelli has learned one thing over the years, it would be that desires rule your life—aversion has no place if you truly want to be happy. And she was all about getting what she wanted.
It all started on a rather hot, summer day when her husband, Nick, decided they needed to rent a room out in their house in order to make ends meet. Kel knew it was the only way they could continue to afford their lovely home. Still, deep down, she’d always hated the idea—at least until Ava walked through their door.
After several grueling tenant interviews, they finally rented the room to the sexy, long-legged blonde, causing Kelli to reassess what she really wanted.
Review:
Share You by Author Rene Folsom is the third in her Roommate Romance series, a series of short erotica stories.
The story starts off with Kelli and Nick looking for a roommate in their shared dream home. Money is a bit tight, so they figure they have the room to share. Nervous that they might never find the right person to share their home with, Kel and Nick never expected for the gorgeous Ava to appear and apply for the room.
Ava brings out desires in the married couple neither expected, and of course neither planned to face. But when Nick slips up, the dynamic between the three changes drastically.
I’ve said it before multiple times (a word used frequently in this book *wink wink*) that Rene Folsom is the ONLY author of whom I will read erotica. Her works are a natural blend of story and sex, her writing prowess one of the best I’ve ever seen. Her scenes transition between mild-mannered conversation to demanding sexual exploits flawlessly, the passion behind her words palpable. She is the Tease Queen, and that title is well deserved with a story like this.
Five out of Five stars!
