Andrea R. Cooper's Blog, page 51
July 29, 2013
Viking Fire Release
Missing The History Channel’s Vikings Series? How about a Viking historical romance? My debut historical romance Viking Fire has been released!
Blurb: In 856 CE, Ireland is a land of myth, magic, and blood. Viking raiders have fought the Irish for over half a century. Rival Irish clans promise only betrayal and carnage.
Kaireen, daughter of Laird Liannon, is suddenly forced into an arranged marriage with her sworn enemy, a Viking. She refuses to submit. With no mention of love, only land and the protection of her clan, she endeavors to get her betrothed banished from her country. Will love find its way around her stubborn heart?
Bram, the Viking, finds himself without future or inheritance as a younger son in his family. A marriage to the Laird’s daughter would grant him land if he swears fidelity and if his men will fight along with the Liannons against any foe – Irish or Viking. However, the Laird’s feisty daughter only holds animosity for him and his kind. Is marriage worth the battle scars of such a relentless opponent?
With the blame for a rival laird’s death treacherously set against the Liannons, Kaireen and Bram must find a way to lay aside their differences as an unforeseen darkness sends death snapping at their heels.
Excerpt – Chapter One (condensed):
Ireland 856 CE
“I renounce Father for this.” Kaireen threw the elderberry gown. Dressed only in her leine, she glared at the new gown on the stone floor.
“Shame on you and your children for speaking such.” Her handmaid, Elva, gathered the damask and then dusted off the rushes. “It’s a wonder one of the clim has not scolded you from your hearth for such talk.” She wore her white hair twisted in a chignon, underneath a linen head cloth. Strands of white hair poked out the sides of her covering.
“No, curse Father for a fool.” She plopped on her bed and a goose feather floated away. With a huff, she leaned against the oak headboard. Red curtains puffed like a robin’s chest around oak poles supporting her wooden canopy.
Her bare feet brushed against the stone floor. Why was she not born plain like her two older sisters? Already they had married and expected their second bairns by spring. Well, at least so far she had enjoyed twenty years of freedom. Neither of her sisters had had matrimonial dreams of love matches. Both were arranged marriages.
“You know your da arranged a marriage within a season.” Elva smirked.
Kaireen shook her head. “To another land holder,” and waved a hand in disgust, “not t-this heathen. Twice they raided our land in the last month alone. Many a raid has come from them. Now father wants me as wife to one of them?” She clenched her fists. “No, I will not marry this Viking.”
Elva smiled, reminding Kaireen of the rumors of her handmaid’s uncanny foresight.
Whispers of Elva making strange things happen and often blamed as the cause of
Kaireen’s stubborn refusal to behave as a laird’s daughter should.
“You’ve not seen him yet.” Elva wiggled her brows.
“So?” Kaireen shrugged. “I would like to never see him.”
“Well then, would you not like to know if you have a handsome husband or not?” She waited for her response, but Kaireen scowled at her. Elva chuckled. “I would rather get a good look at him now than the morning after.”
Kaireen’s ears heated. “I am not marrying.” She shook her head for emphasis. “So there will be no morning, nor night, nor wedding.”
“If he is handsome, I may fight you for him.” Elva smiled, deepening the wrinkles around her eyes.
“Welcome to him either way.” Kaireen laughed.
Viking Fire Historical Romance
July 25, 2013
Amazon Sale $1.99
Also check out select other Crimson Romance titles also on sale for $1.99 until July 31, 2013.
This is a debut fantasy/paranormal romance.
Blurb: Everyone knows what happens when a vampire bites a human…but what if the victim is Elvin?
Feel free to share. Thank you.
Excerpt: Chapter One
I’ve known death. For over half a millennia, I escorted many to death at the end of my sword. In the eyes of the dying, I watched it shroud them. Foolishly, I thought many more eras would pass before death came for me. It came so swiftly that I could not run; I could not escape. At a village, dressed in human clothes, I took in everything. By observing for eons, I understood and spoke their language. The world of mankind fascinated me. Their hobbled homes burrowed into the ground.
Rocks crunched on top one another with thatched roofs woven from straw. Never had I seen a home or inn that was higher than three levels, as if they were afraid of the sky. I delayed my return to my people as I watched human jugglers bounce torches and knifes. It was autumn equinox and the festivities would continue well into the night.
Children laughed as they chased each other. A trail of leaves from their costumes twirled after them. It was dark when I reached the forest. Since I was already late, I hiked uphill to a shortcut rather than take the long path back home. I didn’t need to alert any of my kind near the barrier at this hour. Liana would wonder why I was late.
Tonight was the two month anniversary of our hand twining ceremony. One more month as was custom, and then we’d be wed. A gasp rustled through the trees. The roots shot a warning through to me with stifled caution. Adjusting my pack, I continued on instead of changing back into my Elvin clothes. After I passed the border which kept humans from entering our land, then I’d change. In the distance, I heard a groan. Curious, I spun in the direction of the sound. The autumn wind breezed through my worn human clothes, chilling me. But someone needed help. I turned in the direction of the sounds. Whatever made the noise should be a few yards ahead.
I hiked slower than my normal speed, so as not to startle whatever human called out. My leather boots crunched upon dried, diseased leaves and bark. Horrified, I glanced up. Branches twisted around each other to suffocating. Lifeless limbs cracked in the wind. Flesh of the trees sloughed off in layers, exposing its bones. Gashes hollowed out chunks of warmth. Fragments of leaves clung to finger tips, marking sepulchers of the dying trees. Trees mourned with wails like splitting wood, and I brought my hands over my ears. I must flee before I became infected, they told me. Flee before the stain of this defilement creeps into you, they warned. Trees spoke to my kind, always had. Yet these trees were in such agony of death that I could not breathe. Felt as though my lungs had folded in on themselves, like a moth unable to break loose from its cocoon.
Nothing I could do for them, and if I lingered too long, whatever disease gnawed upon them may choke me. Where would I go if I carried something so foul as to devour trees from the inside out? I’d never return to Tamlon if I brought this infection with me. I drew away, but a movement at the base of a decaying tree to my right caught me. My night vision picked up the sight of a human. His sallow face seemed to glow in the moonlight. Poking out from rags lay his arms and legs, which resembled skin stretched over sticks. So cadaverous was his face, I’d have thought him dead if he hadn’t moved.
“Please,” he said and his voice sounded like cicada’s vibrations, “help me.”
“What ails you in this troubled place?” I wondered if my voice, foreign to my ears in speaking the human’s language, revealed my nature.
“I am lost.” His dark eyes crinkled around the corners. “Without strength to rise. If you would but assist me up, I’ll be on my way.”
I’d never touched a human on purpose before. Was it that that gave me pause, or dread that stilled my heart? My feet itched to flee. As soon as I helped him, then I’d leave. I gritted my teeth and reached a hand down.
His gnarled fingers snapped on my arm, making me wince. Jerking me forward, his face contorted. Surprised by his strength, I fell beside him. Blackness curled around me. Teeth, fangs, broke through the skin on my neck. Then I knew him for what he was, a vampyre.
The Garnet Dagger Book Trailer http://youtu.be/ISi0u9LoseM
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AndreaRCooper.author
Twitter: @AndreaRCooper
Website: www.AndreaRCooper.com
Cooper, Andrea R. (2013-03-25). The Garnet Dagger (Crimson Romance) (Kindle Locations 60-67). F+W Media. Kindle Edition.
Long or Short?
Talking about chapters. How long or short should chapters be? That depends.
I pulled out an old manuscript of mine to send to my critique group and realized from their feedback that I had done a typical new writer technique – I had crammed as much as I could in the first three chapters. It really needed to be broken up into six or eight.
At their suggestion, I took out chunks and made new chapters; and didn’t think about it again until I randomly pulled a book to read while browsing in a bookstore. The story sounded interesting and I had a few moments while my husband chased the kids. I wanted to read the first chapter, then I would know if I wanted to buy it or not.
Uggg, ten minutes later, and I’m still in the first chapter. I skipped ahead – the first chapter was twenty-six pages long. Now, this was not a well known writer. And there were at least five scene changes in this one chapter. I flipped through the book and the first three chapters were over fifty pages!
It gave me the impression of not only a new writer, but a long-winded one. By the same token if all the chapters had been extremely short, I would have thought the writer not good at pacing or too vague.
Needless to say I put the book back. I might have been more willing to buy it if the chapters had been more readier-friendly.
So now what? If you are a writer how long should your chapters be?
Here’s my advice – take what you want and throw out the rest. A chapter should be long enough to say what you want.
Too vague? Ok, in my own writing, I say no more than one or two scene changes per chapter. If there are more, it’s time for a new chapter. I’m not saying all chapters should be short, there should be a variety.
If a scene is taking on too many pages, you can always create two or three chapters instead. There’s no law that I know of that says you have to have one chapter per event either.
Finally, take a look at authors you like. Flip through their books. How long are their chapters? How many scene changes per chapter? Are there chapters that break up a scene? How?
Now apply the answers you’ve found to your own writing. And remember, one day someone will look at your book in the store to buy it-please don’t make the mistake of enormously long (or too short for that matter) chapters.
July 17, 2013
Walking the fine line between love and hate
As a writer, and a recently published one, I am walking the fine line between love and hate. Yes, I am a romance author, but I am not talking about romance per se, I am talking about writing.
It is nearly impossible to please everyone all of the time. Even popular authors such as JK Rowling, Stephen King, Neil Gaiman, Laurel Hamilton, Nora Roberts, etc. have a percentage of negative reviews.
Is it possible to reduce the number of negative responses to a novel?
Perhaps. Perhaps not.
For example, I’ll take a WIP of mine about a vampire who wakes up with amnesia. Some might assume this is impossible and not read further. Others might wonder how can this be and will read more.
Let’s take another example, Harry Potter. He uses whatever he can to fight Voldemort and save his friends. Many see him as a hero and a perfect friend. Others think he is a rebel, who refuses to accept authority, is manipulative and a liar.
How about a classic? Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. Many readers love this story and call it one of the great literature works of all time. Others think Elizabeth Bennet is too sarcastic, that Mr. Darcy is a bore and lazy, and overall propagates manipulation in relationships.
So if the hero is lenient to the heroine, this can be seen as he is easily manipulated or kind. If the heroine takes something that’s hers, even though the reader or hero doesn’t know it, she can either be seen as a thief or taking back what’s hers.
If the heroine puts up too much of a fight with the hero then she’s in danger of being labeled rude. However, if she gives in too quickly than she’s thought of as wimpy or unbelievable. If she refuses to listen to the hero because she knows better she can be perceived ranging anywhere from refreshing to obstinate.
Even a kiss isn’t safe. If the hero grabs the heroine and kisses her forcefully, it can be seen as either exciting or too aggressive.
So what is a writer to do? The best we can…and know we cannot please everyone. Add softness to a rough character, season with spice to a mild heroine. Just be aware of too much compromise and the characters may become neurotic.
But no matter what we do, someone somewhere will not like our story, characters, or anything about our novel…and that’s ok. Everyone’s perceptions are different. As a writer, don’t get discouraged about a negative review or comment. Instead try to see it from their angle and improve for the next story. But don’t dwell on it because it’s impossible to please everyone.
If you get depressed, read the 1 and 2 star reviews of famous authors. The write the best novel you can, and fall in love with the characters, not the reviewers. Write. Write to prove the negative people wrong, write for those who love your stories, write for yourself.
How do you feel as a writer to get negative reviews? Or as a reader, is there a story that you hate or love that your opinion is the minority?
July 16, 2013
Nancy C. Weeks – Author Interview
Please welcome, Nancy C. Weeks author of In the Shadow of Greed and forthcoming August 26, 2013 In the Shadow of Evil. If you want to check out this amazing author, In the Shadow of Greed is on sale at Amazon this month for $1.99!
Now onto the interview: Thank you Nancy for taking time out to talk with us today.
Andrea, I can’t thank you enough for having me on your blog today. I love sharing a little about myself to our readers. So here goes…
What genre(s) do you write in? Why?
I write romantic suspense, but sense I have to be different, my books also have a supernatural element to them. While I love to read all romantic genres, I think the excitement/expectancy in suspense is what keeps me coming back to this genre time and time again. When I decided to try my hand at writing, romantic suspense just seemed to be the right fit.
Is there a book or two that you wrote and love that’s not published? If so, tell us more.
Strangely, I don’t have a drawer full of manuscripts. I began my writing career only four years ago when my youngest child began filling out college applications. My life slowed down for the first time in 23 years. As soon as the wonderful noise of constant children in my house slipped away, the stories that had lived in my head for so many years just demanded my attention. The first book I ever wrote, called In the Shadow of Evil, is being released by Crimson Romance on 26August. The second book I wrote, In the Shadow of Greed was published in April.
Tells us about your next/ newest book release.
My newest release is called In the Shadow of Evil, the second book in my Shadow series. I’m so excited about this story, I can’t sit still. This is the story that has lived in my head long before I realized I was a writer.
The soul of In the Shadow of Evil exemplifies how love can overshadow even the darkest obsession, the darkest evil. I created a real nasty villain for my hero, Jared McNeil and heroine, Jennie McKenzie to defeat. But the catch is that they can’t destroy him by sacrificing themselves for the each other. The only way Elías Mendoza will be stopped is if Jared and Jennie begin to work together. I threw in a very interesting supernatural element that makes Jared and Jennie’s life just a little more complicated. But rest assured. This story has a wonderful happy-ever-after and I’m seriously in love with Jennie and Jared. I just can’t wait for everyone to meet this incredible couple.
Who would play your characters in a movie?
Oh what a dream. Wow, I have no idea. I become so close to my characters while I’m writing and revising their stories, they become very real to me. So to think of someone else portraying them is like trying to decide what actors could play my kids.
When did you realize you wanted to be a writer?
Dreaming of becoming an author has secretly lived in my heart for years. Stories always roamed around in my head. In order to write that first word, first sentence, I had to get rid of that huge elephant on my shoulder telling me I wasn’t smart enough to write a book. Once I shrugged that heavy lump to the floor where he belonged, I took off, and have loved every moment of this amazing new journey. There isn’t anything I want to do more when I wake up than place my earphones on my head, load my tunes, and dive into my WIP. It gives me such pleasure.
Here are two of songs I listened to over and over again with Jennie and Jared.
Secret Garden – Adagio: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gfc-AMFSoHM
Secret Garden – Songs from a Secret Garden: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-sWnEWpS_fA
Any suggestions for would be writers?
You will never know if writing is your passion unless you give it an honest try. Dump all those reasons why you shouldn’t be writing in the trash and set your butt in the chair, hands on the keys, and drive into your own world. If you decide it just isn’t for you—if it just isn’t giving your pleasure, then move on and find your passion. It’s out there waiting for you. But if you find you love writing, then give it what it deserves to grew. It takes an incredible amount of self-devotion. Allow yourself the time and commitment to write. And don’t ever let anyone ever tell you you’re not good enough … because someone will.
Do you believe writers are born or made or both?
Wow, what an interesting question. I believe that all of us have what we need inside us to be the person we are supposed to be. Finding the courage, passion, insight to become that person is the challenge. And sometimes things happen that are completely out of our control that make the process almost impossible to achieve. For example, I have always wanted to be one thing, a mom. I know, I should have said president or a rocket scientist … but I adore kids. After a car accident that left me a paraplegic at 20, that dream seemed like an impossibility. The first thing out of the doctor’s mouth was I would never walk again. The second, and more devastating, was I could never have children. Well, he may have been right on the never walking thing, but he was completely off about children. I gave birth to two precious miracles without any complications. Being a mother has been my greatest joy in my life, and hands down, my greatest achievement. I may have always had it in me to be a mom, but life sure the hell didn’t make it easy. It was the scariest thing I have ever done.
Now that my kids are grown and off in college, I write. If you told me even 4 years ago I would have two books published in 2013, I would laughed in your face. Did I have it in me to write…heck yes! Was I born to write? Maybe. Stories have always lived in my head. Maybe that isn’t normal. LOL.
Has it been an easy road? Heck no! Being a writer is the second hardest thing I’ve ever done. Am I having the time of my life? Since we are not sitting across from me, you are just going to have to believe me when I say I have the silliest grin on my face. I just can’t seem to stop smiling. I love this new journey I’m on and want to share it with the world.
Besides getting published, what was your awe moment?
This is such an easy question. I have three lifetime awe moments: thirty-two years ago I married my best friend and soul mate–the smartest thing I have ever done; the day I gave birth to my precious son; the day I gave birth to my mini-me, my incredible daughter. Just typing this, I have tears in my eyes because I know what an amazing life I live and I never take a moment of it for granted.
Andrea, thanks again for inviting me today. I have left a blurb and excerpt of In the Shadow of Evil. If your readers would like to read the first book in the series, In the Shadow of Greed, get it now at Amazon because it’s on sale this month for only $1.99. Don’t you just love a deal like that?
Blurb for In the Shadow of Evil
Elías Mendoza’s personal vendetta against the McKenzie family rests on Jennie’s shoulders. As she cradles the bullet ridden body of her ten-year old student, she knows Mendoza is responsible. Quinton’s death is a message. Jennie’s life belongs to only Mendoza. But she has her own message. No one else dies. Her life means nothing as long as Mendoza is free.
Jared McNeil has spent ten years with Maryland’s Special Crime Unit and very little rattles him. When the haunted teenager he once tried to protect walks into his precinct now a beautiful woman, he wants nothing more than to wrap her in his arms and never let her go. But he soon realizes she is there only to settle her debts before she goes after his nemesis, Mendoza. Jared’s vow to stay away from Jennie until the task force destroys Mendoza now means nothing.
What Jared and Jennie don’t understand is there are forces at play greater than the evil shadowing them, but time is running out. United, they can do anything. Alone, they will fail.
Excerpt for In the Shadow of Evil: Meet Jennie and Jared
Jared rested his head against the column and listened to the hauntingly sad music coming from the piano. As Jennie’s fingers waltzed across the keyboard, a tear slid down her cheek. Whatever gut-wrenching pain she was trying to rid herself of through the music, it wasn’t working. Every note echoed what only could be a deep hurt—the kind of hurt that dug itself into the darkest crevasses of the heart. Just listening to her pain ate away at him. What the hell had he missed that would cause this kind of grief?
Jared stepped out of the shadow and waited for her to notice him. It didn’t take long before her fingers froze and she sought him out. “Jared,” she whispered.
He took another step closer. “Hey, Jennie.”
“What are you doing here?”
“I could ask you the same thing.” He strolled up the side aisle, keeping as much in the shadows as he could. The one question he wanted to ask all day came stumbling out of his mouth. “How could you just run off like that, Jennie? You know Noah. He’s all bark. He never would have . . .”
“You shouldn’t be here.” Her expressive, deep hazel eyes widened as she searched the sanctuary. When Jennie turned and faced him, her features were clouded with fear.
Jared straightened his stance and his hand went to his weapon. “Who else is here?”
“No one, except Father Anthony.”
“Why are you so spooked? Hell, Jennie, you look like you are about to jump out of your skin.”
Jennie stood and lowered the piano lid over the keys. “It’s just late. I didn’t expect anyone to be here. You just startled me . . .”
Damn. What the hell is going on?
“I think that is the first lie you ever told me.” Jared took several steps, closing the space between them. Even in the dim light he could tell his words affected her. He reached for her hands clutched in front of her. His fingers rubbed against several layers of gauze wrapped around her left palm. He lifted it so he could get a better look. He couldn’t see what was under the bandage, but the skin was red, and blisters formed on each joint. “What the hell? You didn’t have this earlier.”
She yanked her hand free. “Nothing. It’s nothing.”
“That’s two lies.” Jared shook his head. “And this,” he said, holding up her hand, “is definitely something. How did it happen?”
In all the years they have known each other, Jennie never tried to close herself off from him. In fact, he teased often that her eyes gave away exactly what she was thinking. But not tonight. She was definitely hiding something.
Where was the smile that lightened his mood, or the hug that stayed with him for hours? Their friendship was solid. She was one of the few people with whom he felt completely comfortable. He didn’t think there was anything he didn’t know about her.
So what had he missed? Could the distance he placed between them have finally led her to stop believing in him? The thought was crushing.
“Why did you come to the station today?”
“I left you a note.”
Jared edged in close enough that her citrus and jasmine scent surrounded him. She didn’t back away but she kept her gaze on the floor. “Since when do you need to leave a note? Why didn’t you just let me know you were coming? I’m would have been there to meet you.”
Jennie brushed a hand through her auburn shoulder length hair while her eyes darted everywhere but at him. So many emotions passed across her features—desperation, guilt, sadness.
With the tip of his finger, he lifted her face. “Jennie, what’s wrong?”
“Read the note, Jared. It’s all in there,” she replied in a hushed whisper.
It took everything in him to keep from blaring out where she could stuff the damn note. “You could always talk to me before. What’s changed?” He cupped her face with both of his hands. His thumb caressed the tender skin along her jaw. “I’m here, Jennie. Please don’t shut me out.”
“You’re not here, Jared. I can’t . . . won’t—”
“Won’t what, Jennie? Count on me, trust me?”
Bio:
Nancy C. Weeks has loved happy-ever-after romances since she was in her early teens. While still in college, she met and married her hero and spent the next several years honeymooning and working overseas. Today, she lives in suburban Maryland with her husband of more than thirty years. Her two children are in college and she spends her days out on her deck writing as the local bird population keeps her company. She loves to hear from her readers.
Links:
In the Shadow of Evil- release date 26 August 2013
In the Shadow of Greed – released 29 April 2013
Amazon | B&N | Crimson Romance ebooks |iTunes
http://nancycweeksauthor.blogspot.com
https://www.facebook.com/NancyCWeeksAuthor
@NancyCWeeks
Giveaway !
Hi, Today I’m giving away two free copies of my ebooks: The Garnet Dagger (paranormal romance) – Everyone knows what happens when a vampire bites a human…but what if the victim is Elvin?
And Viking Fire, my historical romance with a hint of magic.
For your chance to win, just stop by and comment on HJ’s blog (feel free to share) Thank you.
July 13, 2013
Three’s a Crowd by Melissa Keir
Three’s a Crowd by Melissa Keir
Blurb:
For Lissa, the second time at love was a charm but in marriage, three’s a crowd.
Single mother Lissa Vincent found her soul mate in her best friend’s ex-husband. Alex Hunter couldn’t believe his fortune when his ex-wife told him her best friend was available. After divorce, finding love again could be a challenge but it appeared Alex and Lissa had gotten lucky. Yet as they start their lives as newlyweds, Alex and Lissa don’t realize just how difficult it might be to blend a family.
When Alex’s ex new marriage begins to unravel, she sets her sights again on Alex. Does Alex still have feelings for the mother of his child? Will Lissa keep her best friend or lose her husband?
Fairytales promise a happily-ever-after. But what really happens after the after.
EXCERPT:
Sipping a glass of ice water while I waited, I looked forward to seeing Chloe. We’d been co-workers and friends for years.
When Chloe walks in, I watch as all the men’s heads turn to stare as she approached our table. Her beauty always drew gazes and left me feeling like a weed planted next to a stunning flower.
After Chloe and I make a bit of small talk and order, I ask the question I’ve been dying to ask since I ended our phone call. “What is going on, Chloe? What can I do to help?”
“Mike’s quit his job at the college and decided to open his own catering business and the stress of having no money coming in is taking its toll on us. All we do is fight. I can’t stand that I have no say in how our money is spent. Would you believe he bought a delivery truck for his business but hasn’t even gotten the brakes fixed on my car?”
“I’m sorry, Chloe. What does Mike say when you talk to him about this?”
“He really doesn’t understand. He has stars in his eyes about what the future holds and can’t see what’s happening right in front of his face. My salary is the only thing paying the bills. With the way Mike’s spending money, it’s going out as fast as it’s coming in. You know, Lissa. You’re so lucky to have Alex. He’s a wonderful provider. What I wouldn’t give to have him back in my life.”
Ouch. Chloe’s words hurt. I knew Alex was a wonderful husband, but he was mine now. Was she really indicating she wanted him back?
“Alex is a fabulous husband, father, and friend. I’m lucky to be his wife.” Needing to establish my territory, I made sure to point out Alex was mine.
“Yes, he is. I’d give anything to have him back. Just to make it clear, if you ever hurt him or let him go, I’m going to be right there to pick up the pieces. After all, we have a child together. We’ll always be in each other’s lives.”
“Well, Alex is very happy and I’ll do anything to keep him that way.”
The rest of lunch passed in a blur. I couldn’t keep my mind off her ultimatum. Maybe Chloe was just reacting to all the problems in her own marriage by lashing out at me. I was willing to give her the benefit of doubt. However, all I wanted to do was to escape the original lunch from hell and get home to Alex to reassure myself of his love. For me.
Bio:
As a writer, Melissa likes to keep current on topics of interest in the world of writing. She’s a member of the Romance Writers of America and EPIC. Melissa is always interested in improving her writing through classes and seminars. She also believes in helping other authors and features authors and their books on her blog.
Melissa doesn’t believe in down time. She’s always keeping busy. Melissa is a wife and mother, an elementary school teacher, a book reviewer, an editor for a publishing company as well as an author. Her home blends two families and is a lot like the Brady Bunch, without Alice- a large grocery bill, tons of dirty dishes and a mound of laundry. She loves to write stories that feature “happy endings” and is often found plotting her next story.
This is what readers are saying about Melissa’s books:
Amazon 5 star review for Second Time’s the Charm- “Such a sweet and heart warming story. As I read it, and the details unfolded, I was engrossed to see if that I thought was going to happen, would really happen.” – Lacey Wolfe, Romance Author.
Barnes and Nobel 5 star review for Protecting His Wolfe- “Great read. I couldn’t put it down. I really liked the characters, especially Betsie and the Pigg brothers. A love story with suspense and surprise.” – Anonymous
Melissa is giving away a $40 gift card to one lucky winner. See link below for rules and details.
July 11, 2013
Review – Life After Death by Lillie J. Roberts
Blurb: Chelsea Karmikel has led a pretty uneventful life…until she finds herself electrocuted. Now, she’s discovered her family’s secret heritage. She’s a seer of the dead, lending her sight to help those in need. Ghosts are her new reality.
Her mission is to encourage those who have lost their way to follow the Watchman, the crazed guide for the Inbetween…a way station where souls move from one existence to the next. But, there’s something deeper and darker than the ghosts who come to her for help. If Chelsea’s not careful, those eager to swallow her soul’s light may devour her alive… if she allows herself be drawn into the Nevernever.
When Brad Rearden, a darkly handsome, insufferable private detective and walks into her life, he touches off a wild-fire of desire that entraps them both, scorching them with need.
Together, they work to solve the mystery of his Aunt Deloris’s death, because Chelsea’s next on the murderer’s list. But who will catch whom—the murderer or Chelsea?
My Thoughts: In Life After Death, Chelsea Karmikel has escaped death several times, the last one, an electrocution leaves her with the ability to see and talk to ghosts. Brad Rearden, a private detective, is at first a skeptic – but even he witnesses things he can’t explain. Together they battle both a seen and unseen foe.
If you like thrillers, romance, and The Sixth Sense, this should be on your reading list. Ms. Roberts knows how to keep you turning pages. She builds the tension until you are biting your fingernails to find out what happens next.
The romance between Chelsea and Brad is sweet and shows a logical progression from their first rough meeting until the last kiss. However, it did seem like there could be a sequel for this couple on the horizon?
A thrilling read from beginning to end. It’s not often that a book can make me read every word, often I find myself reading fast to get to the end. Ms. Roberts book kept me reading every word and savoring every scene. I am amazed at the level of story telling by this debut author and would love to read her next novel.
As an added bonus, this ebook is on sale at Amazon this month only for $1.99!
I was given an ARC by the author in exchange for an honest review.
Available at: Crimson Romance ebooks | Amazon | B&N | iTunes
Author Bio:
Lillie J. Roberts lives in central Illinois with her husband, three children, and one wild Westie. She likes to listen to movies when she writes, it doesn’t matter if they’re old or new, as long as they’re engaging. Please visit her and learn more about her books at http://lilliejroberts.wordpress.com/, Facebook, and Twitter.
Book Review: Fated Souls by Becky Flade
First of all, this wonderful book is on sale for $1.99 July only! Along with other amazing select first anniversary Crimson Romance novels.
About the book: Aidan Gael is cursed, but strives to keep it hidden from others. He spends his days as a horse rancher and keeps to himself. Even though tormented by his curse, he is reserved and thoughtful.
Maggie O’Connell has turned from an investigative journalist to the tabloid scene because of false accusations. She has heard sightings of a werewolf in Minnesota. With the support of her editor, she travels to the small town and camps out in the woods hoping to glimpse this wolf. When the zipper on her sleeping bag gets stuck and gains a bear’s attention, the famed wolf comes to her rescue.
Later Maggie sees in Aidan’s eyes the same eyes as the wolf. Undaunted by his recluse behavior she pursues him to find out the truth. Will her investigation bring her closer to Aidan and the wolf? Or will his curse doom them both?
Together they will navigate the violence of both nature and man in the pursuit of their destiny.
My thoughts: This is a sweet but spicy paranormal romance. I admired Maggie’s gumption. She is paired nicely with Aidan as her outgoing nature complements his reserved one. When the two come together in the book, it’s tantalizing and makes the reader desire more.
Miss Flade does an excellent job of painting the characters and the world around them. The backstory on Aidan’s curse is intriguing. And one can’t help but cheer Maggie on every time she appears on the page.
The only downside I could find is that Maggie and Aidan’s relationship seems rushed to me. I would have liked a little more foreplay-but that is my opinion. Usually when I read a romance where the main characters get hot and heavy, I begin to lose interest. However, Miss Flade pulls out some surprises that made me want to know what happens next and keep reading. She also has an interesting twist on the traditional werewolf story.
I enjoyed this story and look forward to Becky Flade’s future novels.
Release date: 15 April 2013 Average Amazon Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
More on Fated Souls found at http://www.crimsonromance.com/upcoming-releases-romance-ebook/fated-souls/ and it’s available for purchase at www.CrimsonRomance.com, www.amazon.com, www.B&N.com, and www.iTunes.com
