S.R. Roddy's Blog, page 6

Weekly Blog Review

Due to last minute revisions and the time constraints involved in the release of my new novel, I find it necessary to delay my weekly blog. Book Trailer Wednesday will resume next week on schedule, check back then for my newest review.

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The Ruby Brooch by Katherine Lowry Logan

The Ruby Brooch

This weeks’ book trailer came to my attention by accident. I usually spend an hour or so each day seeking book trailers to share on my facebook page. I try to share new trailers everyday to help support other authors. My three main sources are direct searches on YouTube, Goodreads and my twitter feed. An author I follow on twitter showed up in my search results. That recognition prompted me to watch the video and here we are.

Synopsis:

From the white-plank fenced pastures of Lexington, Kentucky to the Bay of San Francisco, The Ruby Brooch, a time travel romance steeped in family tradition and mystery, follows a young woman’s quest as she attempts to solve the murder of her birth parents 160 years in the past.

As the lone survivor of a car crash that killed her parents, grief-stricken paramedic Kit MacKlenna makes a startling discovery that further alters her life. A faded letter and a well-worn journal reveal that she was abandoned as a baby. The only clues to her identity are a blood-splattered shawl, a locket that bears a portrait of a 19th century man, and a Celtic brooch with mystical powers.

After studying the journal, she decides to continue her father’s twenty-five year search for her identity and solve her birth parents’ murders. She adopts the persona of the Widow MacKlenna, a role she’s played in pioneer re-enactments, and a perfect cover for her eccentric behavior. Then she utters the incantation inscribed on the ancient stone and is swept back in time to the year 1852. She arrives in Independence, Missouri, one of the Oregon Trail’s jumping off points.

She soon meets Scotsman Cullen Montgomery, a San Francisco-bound lawyer who resembles the ghost who has haunted Kit since childhood. With Cullen’s assistance, she joins a wagon train heading west. The journey is fraught with dangerous river crossings, bad water, and disease. Nothing, however, is more dangerous than Cullen’s determination to uncover the source of her unusual knowledge and life-saving powers and expose the real Kit MacKlenna.

If she can survive the perilous journey and Cullen’s accusations and thwart his attempts to seduce her, she might find the answers she seeks and return home to a new life without changing history or leaving a broken heart on the other side of time.

This 19th century sensuous time travel romance comes complete with an ensemble cast who share a common goal. The children’s antics will make you laugh. The parents’ worries will make your heart pound. Kit and Cullen’s flirtatious banter will make you wonder what will happen between them. You’ll taste the dust from the trail, smell the burned coffee, feel the pain and tears when tragedy hits, and hear the cattle lowing. You’ll want to dance to the sound of the banjos and sigh at the sight of the sun setting over the prairie. You’ll share their hardships, their disappointments, and their celebrations. And at the end of the story, you won’t want to leave them behind.

Join Kit, Cullen, a handful of endearing animals, the Barrett family and Henry as they travel across this country by covered wagon. “If a man’s dreams could be painted,” Cullen said, looking out over a long line of wagons, “you’re looking at a masterpiece.”

My Thoughts:

After her parent’s deaths certain truths come to light that Kit finds hard to deal with, especially when it puts everything her daddy taught her in question. The thought of not knowing her roots, where she came from and who her true parents were drove her to take risky actions. She heads to a past and a way of life she only thinks she’s prepared for. Along the way she learns a lot of truths about herself that changes her forever.

Kit MacKlenna – A stubborn, opinionated 25 year old paramedic who tends to forget what century she’s in. She spends a lot of the book fighting against Cullen’s need to protect and her own desire to loosen some of her control an allow him to protect her.

Cullen Montgomery – A highlander, described by the author as part-highland-bard, part-American-cowboy and all man. Intelligence, leadership and a burning need to take care of others lands him as quasi leader and protector of a wagon train headed for Oregon.

Though I always have a favorite character in a book I don’t always mention it. This time around I thought I’d share both my favorite character and my favorite line. This book was filled with quotes from poets and plays, but it’s Kit’s private thoughts that held the most appeal for me. I found myself writing down many lines throughout the story, but narrowed it down to one for this review.

My Favorite Line: “Sometimes life is nothing more than a photo album full of goodbye pictures.”

My favorite character happened to be Frances. Though her part was a minor one I found the child’s forward nature endearing.

I found the premise of the brooch and everything it stood for a fascinating aspect of the story. The mystery surrounding the family especially the main character and how the author let events unfold allowed the reader to unravel the mystery right along with the characters. Rich with descriptions, fast paced and complete character development this book allowed you to conjure fully fleshed out characters in your mind with plenty of personality and sass.

My ability to get lost in the pages says a lot for the author’s writing style. I enjoyed getting to know each character. Laughing and crying with each scene as Kit works to uncover the mysteries of her past. Though American History is not always my favorite the author’s combination of fact and fiction peaked my interest and held me captivated to the end.

Great story, I look forward to reading more from this author in the future. I give this book 4.5 hearts.

(4.5 / 5)

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The Second Sign

The Second Sign by Elizabeth Arroyo

This book trailer caught my eye while searching through posts in one of my groups on Goodreads. The music and visual aspects of the video appealed to me enough that I wanted to know more. Plus I liked the whole daughter of an Angel aspect as I’ve read few books in this sub genre.

Synopsis:

Bred to believe in the war between angels and demons, Gabby has come to the conclusion that love is responsible for war, jealousy, and all the other deadly sins she can think of. So when she’s exiled to the middle of nowhere for getting kicked out of her fifth school for fighting, she doesn’t expect to meet Jake. Much less fall in love. But Jake is quickly drawn to the eerie beauty of her violet eyes while Gabby is unsettled by their undeniable connection.

When a demon guardian comes to collect her soul, she refuses to give it up. She’s not a demon. She can’t be. Her father and twin brother are angels. The demon gives Gabby twenty-four hours to decide her allegiance and then starts killing her short list of friends, leaving a message behind: She is the Second Sign.

As Gabby and Jake begin to unravel the mystery behind the Second Sign, she learns Jake may be the key to saving her soul. But it means a sacrifice has to be made that will change their lives forever.

My Thoughts:

Gabby – A seventeen year old girl with anger issues, tends to punch first ask questions later. She’s been expelled from five schools for her volatile temper. She’s half human half angel and her twin is a full fledge angel. She suffers from envy and low self esteem, which leads to her incessant need to push people away before she becomes attached. This habit may make her difficult to like at first but she grows on you. As a psychic, she doesn’t like to be touched or touch anyone else and she’s never had a real boyfriend.

Jake – He was an adrenalin junky who found himself captivated by Gabby from the first sight of her. He’s confused by his obsession for her, the way he’s drawn to her like a moth to a flame. It’s not like he has never had a girlfriend before, she’s just the first that ever mattered.

The POV switched back and forth between Gabby and Jake allowing the reader a better feel for both sides of the story line. The plot line is pretty easy to pick up on. She’s the daughter of an angel and the demons want her soul. This book has a great setting for its YA targeted audience and would be an excellent read for those who enjoy romance with dark connotations.

The author captured me from the first chapter. The macabre setting not what I expected at all. I started reading this anticipating a romance and while this book has romance in it the essence of the story is so much more than that. The teen drama of Chapters Two and Three drug a bit for me, but I’m not the target audience for this book so I expected that in some places. By Chapter Four I was completely hooked once more.

I really enjoyed this book and its unconventional aspects. I found the author’s portrayal of Angel and Demon roles fascinating. This story held an interesting mixture of romance, coming of age, angels, demons and psychic abilities all wrapped up with a dark twist. While it left some questions unanswered the ending wrapped up nicely for a lead into Book Two.

This story contains dark violent scenes so if you’re expecting a sappy romance this is probably not for you. I recommend this for anyone who likes to dip into the more sinister and eerie side of the paranormal world. While I will not be reviewing the next book in the series, The Second Shadow on my website I do intend to work it into my reading line up. I think a knife with blood dripping might be better suited for the rating scale but alas my webmaster said no. I give this book 4 hearts.

(4 / 5)

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Author Interview

I recently took advantage of a new feature on Smashwords that allows authors to answer a set of questions to be published as an interview. I’ve always felt interviews were a great way for readers to get to know authors so I scheduled the time and now have an author interview for those interested in getting to know me. Don’t forget to visit my blog on Wednesday for my weekly Book Trailer Wednesday pick of the week and review.

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Spiritus

Spiritus by Dana Michelle Burnett

I found this book trailer while looking through paranormal trailers on youtube and was pleasantly surprised to find the book free on Amazon. To tell you the truth I had a hard time verifying it as an official trailer. I eventually found the link on Amazon’s author page, but that seems to be the only place it’s advertised, not sure why.

 

Synopsis:

A love that refuses to die…

“As I watched him vanish into a soft mist that faded away, I knew that he was no ordinary spirit…I knew that he was a dangerous entity that could be in some corner of another realm planning his revenge, but I also knew that I was hopelessly in love with him.”

When Becca moves into her ancestral home in Corydon, Indiana, her life takes a puzzling and thrilling turn when she meets the ghost haunting the halls. As the seductive spirit lures her closer and closer, she learns about her own past and starts to understand that some mistakes are meant to last.

Becca McAllister has always been different from other girls her age. Never part of the “in crowd”, Becca never really fit in anywhere. When her mother dies and her father moves them to the small town of Corydon, Indiana, Becca didn’t expect things to change.

But things do change when Becca accidentally makes contact with a one hundred and sixty year old ghost, Alastor Sinclair, that haunts the halls of her new home.

To Becca, Alastor is a seductive spirit that seems to see straight into her soul. To Alastor, Becca is what he has waited a century for–A second chance.

But the closer they get, the more Becca realizes that this isn’t the first time she and Alastor have known each other. Worse still, is she the one responsible for his death so long ago? And if so, did he come back for love or revenge?

My Thoughts:

I loved the premise of this book it held an originality I haven’t seen in the paranormal world of books for a while. The storyline maintained a steady pace with plenty to keep me busy and entertained. The only complaint I might have with this story is questions about their past that I felt wasn’t answered sufficiently, but maybe those answers are in a future book.

It was short and sweet a great read for one of those afternoons when you just want to curl up with a blanket and a warm fire. I like how the author mixed true history into the story. Contemporary mixed with a backdrop of true American history, a nice touch.

I enjoyed this book immensely. I’m not the type that needs a predictable HEA to appreciate the romance, therefore this was perfect for me. I find myself torn between a desire to read books two and three to find out where the author took this wonderful story and a wish to just leave it ended this way. A real winner for the young adult with a romantic heart. I give it 4 hearts.

(4 / 5)

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Love in the Afternoon

Love in the Afternoon by Lisa Kleypas

Love in the Afternoon is Beatrix’s story, the youngest of the Hathaway girls, and the last book in the series. Though drawn to this book because it was the final story and not due to the trailer I still felt it appropriate to add this book and trailer to my Book Trailer Wednesday picks.

Synopsis:

As a lover of animals and nature, Beatrix Hathaway has always been more comfortable outdoors than in the ballroom. Even though she participated in the London season in the past, the classic beauty and free-spirited Beatrix has never been swept away or seriously courted…and she has resigned herself to the fate of never finding love. Has the time come for the most unconventional of the Hathaway sisters to settle for an ordinary man—just to avoid spinsterhood?

Captain Christopher Phelan is a handsome, daring soldier who plans to marry Beatrix’s friend, the vivacious flirt Prudence Mercer, when he returns from fighting abroad. But, as he explains in his letters to Pru, life on the battlefield has darkened his soul—and it’s becoming clear that Christopher won’t come back as the same man. When Beatrix learns of Pru’s disappointment, she decides to help by concocting Pru’s letters to Christopher for her. Soon the correspondence between Beatrix and Christopher develops into something fulfilling and deep…and when Christopher comes home, he’s determined to claim the woman he loves. What began as Beatrix’s innocent deception has resulted in the agony of unfulfilled love—and a passion that can’t be denied…

My Thoughts:

I believe that to get the true feel of this series a person should read all the books from start to finish. It gives you a chance to really get to know each character more fully as they grow into the women and men who become the heroes and heroines of their own stories. While Book Four wasn’t my favorite partially because of the time taken away for back story, I loved Book Five.

Love in the Afternoon, the embodiment of just about every emotion you could feel in a romance. I laughed, worried and cried right along with Beatrix. Many times throughout the story I felt a strong desire to smack her. That it took her so long to realize the truth, she loved the hero, puzzled me.

I enjoyed the letter aspect of the story very much. The heroes inability to puzzle out his the true identity of his pen pal frustrated me, but only because I disliked Pru. His mistaken belief in the need for someone so shallow left me wondering if he deserved the exuberance and lust for life that Bea brought him.

I loved the entire Hathaway series and would highly recommend it for anyone who enjoys animal humor, a dark brooding man, mixed with a bit of history and a love that changes everything. The final book in the series, Love in the Afternoon is my favorite. I think it was the wounded soul of the war hero more than the animal antics that drew me to this book though. I give it a solid 5 hearts.

(5 / 5)

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Social Media

In recent weeks I’ve increased my presence on social media platforms in many forms. Introducing new Facebook, Twitter and Google pages based on certain aspects of my webpage or books. I’m attempting to become more activity on Pinterest and then I have my Goodreads reviews.

I created a FB page for my Book Trailer Wednesday book reviews as well as a twitter account. The sole purpose of both of these accounts is to share my reviews and other author’s book trailers. Neither account is limited to a certain genre, though my book reviews themselves tend to lean toward romance novels. I wish to support all authors (both traditional and self-pub) as well as all genre.

Another recent change is the creation of two new Google+ pages with the intention of creating a third. My primary goal is to create Google+ pages for my different series’ and the worlds they occupy. Right now my main targets are the Volkoff Pack and my MacKay’s Series both of which I’ve worked hard on for the last year. Delays have forestalled the release of books from either series, but my hope is to correct that within the next few months. In the meantime I’m working on these projects to better share the characters and world’s I’ve created with others.

Though I realize other authors tend to have a larger presence in social media platforms I don’t honestly have the time. Four social platforms (Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Google+), my Goodreads account, my weekly reviews, homeschooling my kids, writing, cooking, socializing with my family and finding time for my biggest guilty pleasure, reading, stretches me thin and is enough for me. I’m not super woman and I have no desire to suffer a burn out.

There are only two other things I wish to add to my author arena and that is subscriptions and giveaways. I’m hoping to settle the details on both within the next few months with my webmaster. Just a side note for those who don’t know my webmaster is my husband and he takes his role seriously. The performance and security of our network, which includes my website, is his top priority and he is solely responsible for both.

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Sound of the Heart

Sound of the Heart by Genevieve Graham

 Most of the book trailers I’ve found recently are part of a series, which causes a dilemma for me. I debated for several days on the merits of reviewing every book in a series compared to reviewing only one or two. After much deliberation I made the decision to review the first book in any given series and then pick my favorite of the remaining choices, of course the contingent that it has a compelling book trailer still exists as well.

By choosing in this way I share two books in each series, one of which is my favorite. Let’s be honest some book series’ are quite lengthy and the idea of a review for each book can become daunting. Feel free to follow my reviews on Goodreads if you’re interested in my thoughts on the other books in any series or one of the many books I read each week.

The second book in Genevieve Graham’s MacDonnell Series is this week’s pick for two reasons. First, Sound of the Heart was my initial find for this series and I felt it only appropriate to include a review for it. My second reason for my choice is more obvious, the book was my favorite. Maybe it’s the sexy wardrobe. Who can resist a man in a kilt?

Review:

Dougal MacDonnell, a fierce warrior from the Highlands of Scotland, is able to hear the thoughts of other men and dream how the future will unfold. Devastated by the loss of his family during the Battle of Culloden in 1746, he fosters a deep hatred for the English. But when Glenna, the love of his life and a Scottish outlaw, is captured and shipped overseas, Dougal is forced to join an English army made of vanquished Scots. Now fighting on the side of his sworn enemies, he embarks on a journey that will take him across the seas to the colonies. There he will risk everything for the chance to find his true love.

My Thoughts:

Like the first book this well written sequel contains a stunning combination of historical accuracy, smooth flowing dialogue, action and tender romance. Dougal’s extensive character development and the plot surrounding him held me enthralled from cover to cover. Graham’s descriptions of the times and conditions as well as her battle scenes allowed my imagination to flow easily.

Unlike the first book there is interaction from nearly the beginning between the two main characters, allowing us to watch the romance develop. The author did a great job of showing the stages in their relationship, going from strangers, to protector, to friend and trusted companion and then leading to something far more intimate.

I liked the way the author incorporated fate and destiny into the story line and of course we still have a bit of the mysticism that was covered in the first book. My biggest disappointment had to be the ending. No, I’m not going to leak a spoiler and ruin it either. I’ll just say that though it was a good ending I felt like it could have been better with maybe one more chapter.

At this point I have read all three books and enjoyed each one. Though all of them are intertwined because of family each story has its own uniqueness that I love. The reader is left with a feeling of fulfillment that isn’t always there in a series. I would highly recommend all three books. I’m giving this book 4.5 hearts.

(4.5 / 5)

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Mine Till Midnight

Mine Till Midnight by Lisa Kleypas

 While searching through book trailers I found a historical romance by an author I recognized and decided to see what she could do with modern technology. I’ve found a lot of the historical romance book trailers a bit lacking, but she did a great job.

Review:

This is Book One of a five book series. It starts with the oldest daughter and her love interest.

When an unexpected inheritance elevates her family to the ranks of the aristocracy, Amelia Hathaway discovers that tending to her younger sisters and wayward brother was easy compared to navigating the intricacies of the ton. Even more challenging: the attraction she feels for the tall, dark, and dangerously handsome Cam Rohan.

Wealthy beyond most men’s dreams, Cam has tired of society’s petty restrictions and longs to return to his “uncivilized” Gypsy roots. When the delectable Amelia appeals to him for help, he intends to offer only friendship—but intentions are no match for the desire that blindsides them both. But can a man who spurns tradition be tempted into that most time-honored arrangement: marriage? Life in London society is about to get a whole lot hotter….

 

My Thoughts:

Amelia Hathaway – Unmarried at age 26 she is a spinster whose primary mission in life is to hold her family together. Her lively family consists of 3 sisters, an older brother and a Roma the family adopted years before. A broken promise of love from her past leaves her with no faith in men.

Cam Rohan – Manager of a gaming club and half gypsy, bored with women and finds little satisfaction in life. He is surprised when he finds himself intrigued by a prim and proper gadjo, a white woman. A possessive man, with the patience of a saint to put up with all Amelia’s shenanigans.

This story brought back characters from Kleypas’ Wallflower series, which I greatly loved and mixed in the quaint, quirky Hathaway Family. Full of humor, a bit of mysticism and love. The love scenes are just the right amount of hot and sexy. A supernatural twist that though not surprising was heartbreaking in its intensity. I also enjoyed the opportunity given by the author to get to know the other members of the family through their character development.

Love – The love of a sister for the family she wishes to protect and the love of a woman for a man she shouldn’t desire. A forbidden kiss on the streets outside a brothel changed both their lives forever.

Amelia is a wonderfully stubborn woman, afraid of losing herself to a man’s domineering ways. She finds herself struggling between her feelings for a man she once loved and the man whose arms she found comfort in.

Together – A man who believed that fate guided everything, and a woman who could find no logic in either fate or luck. For the sake of both their happiness Cam must convince her to take a leap of faith.

Honestly I loved this book. It contained two of my favorite things, historical romance and erotic tension. An enjoyable read from start to finish with a supernatural twist thrown in for good measure. If I could give it more than 5 stars I would. A hot read with lots a sex appeal.

Since all the books are reasonably priced I obtained the collection and am presently reading Book 4 in the series.

(5 / 5)

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Happy New Year!

Just want to wish everyone a Happy New Year! Stay safe tonight as you wander to and from your celebratory destinations.

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