Mary Morgan--Dragon Knight's Shield blog tour & #giveaway

I'm pleased to have best selling author Mary Morgan here today. She's just released her latest paranormal romance novel, Dragon Knight's Shield, and though she takes her characters to Scotland, they are devoted to our favorites here: dragons and our beloved Tuatha dé Danann. :) I think my readers here will enjoy her work. Read on for a little about Dragon Knight's Shield, and a giveaway.



Mary Morgan Q&A





How did you first come to write paranormal romance? What drew you to the genre?

Mary: I’ve always had a fascination with mythology, especially Irish and Scottish. In addition, my love for a good fairytale. Growing up with an overactive imagination, I would constantly weave my own stories within my mind. Therefore, it made sense that I would be drawn to write what I truly love.



This series includes something we’re very fond of here: The Tuatha dé Danaan. Can you tell us how you first discovered their myths? What’s your favorite, if you have one? J And how do they work into Dragon Knight’s Shield?

Mary: I’ve been reading and listening to the tales of the Tuatha dé Danann for decades. They’ve always been a favorite when reading about the invasions of Ireland. Perhaps it’s in my DNA—my Irish heritage. I have many favorites, but here are a few: The Legend of Cu Chulainn, The Red Branch, and The Children of Lir.

My own twist: The Dragon Knights were created by the Tuatha dé Danaan. They were the protectors of the last remaining dragon belonging to the tribe of the Goddess Danu.



What else can you tell us about your new release, Dragon Knight’s Shield?

Mary: As the oldest, Angus MacKay suffers greatly over the death of sister, Margaret. It was his brother’s sword that killed her, and as a result, Angus bears the burden of failure—for not controlling his clan. Yet, even on his journey, Angus showed me he still was a leader. Oh, he tried to discard the mantle of leadership, but it never really left him. Of course, he needed a strong woman to stand by his side, and Deirdre Flanagan was the perfect warrior woman for him.

It’s the fourth book in my series and the longest. Bringing together all four MacKay brothers took some time. They all had something to say, including their wives.

There are twists and turns, a birth, and a surprise revelation. One I hope my readers will embrace.





By what authors would you say you are influenced?

Mary: I’m not influenced, but in awe of their storytelling. One that stands out: Marion Zimmer Bradley.



Now that Dragon Knight’s Shield is out, what can curious fans expect from you next?

Mary: I’m working on the fifth and final Dragon Knight’s story, who was revealed in Dragon Knight’s Shield. I’m hoping to have it out in late summer. Also, I’m working on a Christmas novella with one of the characters from the series. It’s a surprise!



If you weren’t a writer, what career might you have pursued instead?

Mary: Archaeology or History professor.



What authors are you currently reading and keeping an eye on?

Mary: Currently, I’m reading “Agincourt” by Bernard Cornwell, and “I’ll Know It When I See It” by Alice Carey. I tend to read fiction and non-fiction at the same time.



Where can my readers learn more about you?

Mary: I love making new friends, Juli! Here are a few of my favorite places:

WEBSITE http://www.marymorganauthor.com

BLOG http://www.marymorganromancewriter.com

Twitter http://twitter.com/m_morganauthor

Facebook http://www.facebook.com/mary.morgan.564

Goodreads http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8271002.Mary_Morgan

Amazon Author Page http://www.amazon.com/Mary-Morgan/e/B00KPE3NWI/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1





Is there anything else you’d like to tell our readers?

Mary: I love hearing feedback about my stories, and I always take the time to answer your questions. It’s been an incredible journey, but I wouldn’t be here without so many embracing the Dragon Knights!





Dragon Knight’s Shield
Order of the Dragon Knights
Book Four
Mary Morgan

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Publisher: The Wild Rose Press

Date of Publication: January 8, 2016

ISBN: 978-1-5092-0542-4

Number of pages: 407
Word Count: 99,950

Cover Artist: Debbie Taylor

Book Description:

Angus MacKay, leader of the Dragon Knights, failed his brothers and his clan upon the death of his sister. Now he must fight the darkness of despair tempting his soul. Back on Scottish soil, he comes face to face with Deirdre who can wield a sword as mightily as his warriors, and takes her captive. Yet, with each passing day, the fire dragon inside him roars to claim the one woman fate has destined for him.

Famed mystery writer, Deirdre Flanagan, is unprepared for the next chapter in her life. On a vacation to Scotland, she steps through the mists and enters into a skirmish alongside a Highlander. However, the fight has only begun, and now she must battle Angus as well as evil in order to claim the love of this Dragon Knight.

Will their love be powerful enough to shield them from danger, or burn them to ashes?



Excerpt:

Excerpt One:

His look was predatory, lustful, inviting, and she took a step backward. Words failed her as she took another step back.

He arched a brow and his smile became seductive. “Do I frighten ye?”

“No!” she lied. Like hell you do! You’re as gorgeous as sin standing there, and I want to rip your clothes from your body.

Pushing off from the wall, he stepped into the room and silently closed the door behind him, his eyes never leaving hers. His hair hung in soft waves past his shoulders, and her fingers itched to twine within them. Her body ached in places so deep—longing for even the slightest touch.

“Are ye unwell, my lady?”

The burr of his voice so low—so sexy, she could only stare at him until his words resonated in her mind. “No,” she replied softly, feeling the flames of desire heat not only her face, but also her entire body.

This time when he took another step closer, Deirdre didn’t back away. Now he stood so close she could feel the warmth of his breath across her face—a mix of wine and pure male.

She watched mesmerized as he reached for a lock of her hair, twining it around his finger. “So verra soft.”

Deirdre couldn’t breathe, as he let the curl unravel and cupped her face in his hands. “Ye confuse me. Ye torment me in my dreams,” he whispered against her cheek, sending a wave of pleasure down her spine.

Without thought, she groaned and leaned into him—his beard grazing her cheek. She no longer battled her mind for the man. “Kiss me, Angus.”

Excerpt Two:

“God’s teeth, woman,” hissed Angus taking a glance around and noticing that everyone else had survived. He stormed to where she was standing and grabbed her arm. “What were ye thinking taking up a sword and fighting? Ye could have been killed.”

“You could have been killed. You required my help.”

She started to mumble, and Angus found it difficult to follow the flow of words. Narrowing his eyes, he understood her to be English. However, this did not explain her outlandish clothing. A woman should never be allowed to wear trews, he thought, as he took in her form.

“What? Never seen a woman before?” Her voice wavered. “Do I have to fight with you, too?”

He looked down into the most beautiful hazel eyes he had ever seen. “Nae.”

“No, you’ve never seen a woman, or no, you don’t want to fight? Because I’m a bit concerned by your grip on my arm and the way you’re leering at me.”

Angus swallowed. “My pardons.” Releasing her, he took a step back. “Are ye hurt?”

She shook her head. “I’ll have bruises from the fight to brag about come evening, but I’m fine.”

Seeing Egan riding toward Gunn, Angus nodded to him. “Best we leave and go into the trees. There may be more of the enemy.”

“Umm, excuse me? Don’t you think you owe me an explanation? And shouldn’t we call the police?” Waving her hand about, she added, “Why are you fighting with swords? And how did you manipulate the fire?”

He glared at her. “For the love of Danu, cease your chatter and come with me. I do not understand your words, and we waste time being out in the open.” Bending to retrieve his dirk, he was stunned when he glanced back to see the fool lass walking in the opposite direction.

“By the hounds,” he hissed. In two strides, he stood blocking her path. “Did ye not hear me?”

Her eyes blazed with fury when she spoke. “I heard you just fine. I’m going to find a policeman and report this incident. Now, if you’ll move aside, I can go get us some help.”

“Ye are not going anywhere, but to those trees. I dinnae ken what all ye are babbling, but ’tis madness we linger any longer in the clearing.” His patience had snapped and grabbing her arm, he was unprepared for the blow she landed against his jaw. “God’s blood, woman!”

“You grab me again and next time I won’t use my fist.” Her tone, this time, brittle.

Angus took a step closer, daring her to challenge him again. “And what would ye use?”

With one swift move, she flashed the dirk up between them, mere inches from his face. “This—slicing through your artery.”

He leaned to the side, feeling the coolness of the blade against his skin. “Like the one I hold at your side?” He saw her jaw clench, but not before he noticed the slight tremor. “’Tis good to ken one’s place, nae?”



“You’re a rude barbarian,” she hissed.

Dragon Knight's Shield is available at Amazon, All Romance books, Barnes and Noble, Kobo, The Wild Rose Press



About the Author:

Bestselling paranormal romance author, Mary Morgan resides in Elk Grove, California, with her own knight in shining armor. However, during her travels to Scotland, England, and Ireland, she left a part of her soul in one of these countries and vows to return.

Mary’s passion for books started at an early age along with an overactive imagination. She spent far too much time daydreaming and was told quite often to remove her head from the clouds. It wasn’t until the closure of Borders Books where Mary worked that she found her true calling. Writing romance. Now, the worlds she created in her mind are coming to life within her stories.

Visit Mary’s website at http://www.marymorganauthor.com where you’ll find links to all of her books, blog, and pictures of her travels.

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/mary.morgan.564

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/m_morganauthor

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/marymorgan50/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8271002.Mary_Morgan

Tour giveaway

1 prize pack featuring- Signed print copy of Dragon Knight’s Shield, $25 Amazon gift card and swag.



Click here to enter the giveaway:a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Interview with Jillian Roring, the heroine of The Ice Captain’s Daughter

Tooling around London today, I had the pleasure to have tea with a sweet young lady who I’m sure many of you have heard of her before: Jillian Roring. She’s the daughter of the infamous Ice Captain. Well, you know how the London gossips can be so I thought, while I was able to have her as a captive audience, I’d get the real scoop. Here’s what she (and her pal author Suzanne G. Rogers) told me…

Hi Jillian! Thanks for being here. I know you’ve had a heck of a time recently, so I appreciate it.

Jillian Roring: Yes, thank you, Miss Revezzo. I have had a rather adventuresome time of it, but fortunately my scar is now barely visible at all.

Glad to hear you’re doing better. Why don’t you tell us how it all started? You were heading to your very first Season in London, but something sidetracked those plans, I hear?

Jillian: My story seems unbelievable to me, as I sit here in this warm, comfortable drawing room, but my carriage was actually waylaid by a highwayman! I could scarcely believe it, since it’s 1899 and highwaymen rarely appear anymore.

Shocking, you’re right! Who woulda thought? Thank God for Mackenzie Logan! Speaking of the gentleman, what’d you really think of Mackenzie when he first showed up? Seems to me you’re a resourceful girl. You almost had that brigand in hand.

Jillian: I’m not a sea captain’s daughter for nothing! I was determined to escape the lout, and almost did… until he grabbed the back of my skirt and held me fast. The blackguard was pulling back toward the woods when Mr. Logan appeared with a shotgun. Although Mr. Logan looked a bit like a wooly bear at that point, I was ever so glad to see him.

Awww….he’s more teddy bear than wooly bear, I’m sure! What’d you think when you first heard the rumors of Mackenzie’s philandering?

Jillian: The rumors rather put me off, to be completely honest. Although I must admit, after Mr. Logan had shaved off his beard and changed his clothes, I could scarcely stop looking at him.

Oh yeah. I mean who wouldn’t? He’s so cute!!! Now for a wicked question: If you could go and choose any of his friends, which would it be?

Jillian: Mr. Hawkins, who is Mr. Logan’s particular friend and neighbor, is a gentlemanly sort of man, and pleasant company. Please don’t tell anyone, but my feelings for him could never be quite so warm as they are for Mr. Logan.

Your secret’s safe with…oops! I guess not! Sorry. At any rate, you’re no stranger to the papers are you? The gossip about your father for instance, the Ice Captain, is quite intriguing, tell us the truth, is he as infamous as he seems?

Jillian: I’m given to understand from my Aunt Letty, that the ladies were simply mad for him during the Season he met my mother. His fair coloring and handsome good looks have something to do with it! Plus, I think there’s something about a sea captain that sets the imagination on fire.

Oh, I agree. Finally, the papers have been buzzing about you two lately, care to divulge any future plans between you and Mackenzie?

Jillian: Oh, Miss Revezzo! Despite my regard for you, I beg you not to force a confidence.

Oh all right. I won’t twist your arm.

Jillian: I am determined, however, not to marry unless it is to a man who adores me as much as my father adored my mother.

Honestly, I agree. That is the best way to go. ;) So we’ll just hope it’s with Mackenzie. Dreamy gentleman that he is. And one for your creatrix: S.G. dear what are we really looking forward to in Jillian and Mackenzie’s future? Can you give us a hint? And for those who haven’t read The Ice Captain’s Daughter, care to give us a little taste?

S.G. Rogers: It’s so hard for young ladies and gentlemen in London society, especially when they aren’t prepared for interference from gossips and rivals… most especially from scheming former fiancées such as Sophia Watkins! Here’s a small preview, so you can see what I mean for yourself:

Excerpt:
“Your papa…he’s the Ice Captain, is he not?” Sophia asked.

Jillian smiled. The nickname never failed to delight her. “Yes.”

“You might not want to mention that to anyone else.”

“Why not?”

Sophia wrinkled her pert nose. “I’m sure he’s a very good sort of man but importing ice is an awful lot like being in trade.”

Shocked, Jillian didn’t know how to respond. Sophia mistook her expression for fear.

“Oh, don’t worry. We’re friends, so your secret is safe with me.”

“I thank you, truly, but I don’t have anything to conceal as far as my father is concerned.”

Sophie gave Jillian a pretty little pout, as if she were a small child who’d just been caught doing something naughty. “Please don’t be vexed with me. Mama says I blurt out truths in an unvarnished fashion and it’s frightfully rude.

****

Sophia sounds like a complete…erm, not very nice person! I’m sure, Jillian, you will get the upper hand eventually! Thanks for spending some time with me today.

Folks, I hope you enjoyed this interview as much as I! Here’s just a tad more about Jillian’s story.

The daughter of a wealthy ice merchant, Miss Jillian Roring intends to marry for love. En route to her first Season in London, however, a failed kidnapping sends her into the arms of the most jaded bachelor in England. When Logan and Jillian unwittingly violate the rigid rules of propriety in Victorian-era England, he is obliged to make her an offer of marriage. Because she aspires to be more than an obligation, Jillian refuses the match. Logan follows her to London to woo her properly, but his scheming ex-fiancée has other plans.

Can Logan convince Jillian that his love for her is real or will the cruel gossip and sharp tongues of London society tear their budding relationship apart?

If you’d like to check out Jillian’s story it’s available for Kindle at Amazon and Smashwords for other ereaders, and for more of Suzanne G. Rogers’ fine works you can check out her website at: http://childofyden.wordpress.com
*~*~*~*
Juli D. Revezzo has written the Victorian romance novel WATCHMAKER'S HEART. Check it out at Amazon.

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Passion for Vengeance by Patty G. Henderson.

Patty G. Henderson’s new Gothic Romance, Passion for Vengeance tells a tale of a family torn apart. Jane Havens,  has watched her father the illustrious Colonel Havens die, and her brother Cole slip into alcoholism, while her youngest brother Henry still needs a firm hand. She’s done all she could with the boy but needs help. When Miss Emma Stiles arrives on her doorstep, she thinks she’s found a savior in a fine dress.

There is an instant—and forbidden—attraction between the two women, but Emma comes with baggage of her own. Not all of it able to contain a wardrobe. She is a woman with a haunted past, and apparently, a grudge. She has a strange proclivity for dancing under the stars, a love for Absinthe, and also has a very odd talent. Known as sin eating she can take a person’s sin on herself, thereby erasing the dead person’s deeds and sending them off to meet their maker with a clean soul.

Because of this she feels she owes a debt to society. But her own soul isn’t completely spotless to begin with. Jane’s old, dear nursemaid thinks she knows why, especially given all the evidence against Miss Stiles. Truly, did any of the strange accidents that begin befalling the Havens family begin until Miss Stiles arrived?

Impossible! How could the woman Jane loves have anything to do with all these things?

How can she? I can’t tell. You’ll have to read Passion For Vengeance yourself. Patty’s latest Gothic is sure to please fans of lesbian romance, as well as the old Gothic Romances of the 60s and 70s. If you’d like to check it out, it’s available at Amazon for Kindle and paperback and in epub from Barnes and Noble.



*~*~*~*
Juli D. Revezzo has written the Victorian romance novel WATCHMAKER'S HEART. Check it out at Amazon.

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Interview with romance author Beth Trissel

In case I have any readers who love historical romance (and I'm sure quite a few of you love paranormal) my other self did an interview for the *coughcough* Examiner with romance author Beth Trissel. If you'd like to see it, it's up now, here:

http://tinyurl.com/6nx9c2o
*~*~*~*
Juli D. Revezzo has written the Victorian romance novel WATCHMAKER'S HEART. Check it out at Amazon.

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Christmas event, Linda McLaughlin Regency Cinderella

This one's for the Regency Romance lovers. Author Linda McLaughlin's guest post is now up. You can see it here: http://wp.me/p1tw8T-t2

There's a giveaway involved too (and of course, Night Mistress Emcee sheenanigans. ;)) So do drop by.

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Q and A with historical romance author Virginia Henley

Also, if you are curious, I've just posted a Q and A with author Virginia Henley over at the Examiner. You can see that here.

Thanks and enjoy!

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Virginia Henley returns with an enchanting Irish Duke.

cover art by Gregg Gulbronson

The Irish Duke
by Virginia Henley
publisher: Signet

My review copy was given to me by Ms. Henley, herself--Thank you, Virginia! :)

NYTimes Best Selling historical Romance author Virginia Henley’s latest release, The Irish Duke, is a sprawling historical romance concerning a very stubborn English lady and a determined Irishman who wants her for his bride. Lady Louisa and James Hamilton, Duke of Abercorn, meet, so the story goes, when they are children, and good thing, as it seems to take their whole lives for James to convince Louisa of his suit. The stubborn Louisa’s problem, though, isn’t really with the dashing James, but more with her irrational fear of the pain of childbirth. So that her sister Georgina is a floosie, drives poor Louisa up the wall. When Georgina, not surprisingly, turns up pregnant, and Louisa tries to help her now-suicidal sister, the family confuses what’s really happened, and accuse Louisa of the inexcusable travesty of pregnancy. More shockingly, they think James is the father.

Knowing he’s not, thinking Louisa’s been used, he agrees to marry her, and moves her from England, to Ireland. So James roundaboutly gets what he’s been pining after all his life. However, the infuriatingly obstinate Louisa still refuses to give him her true love, and though they’re married, James’ work is far from done.


When he finds out the secret behind their quick engagement it only serves to convince him he just might be able to seduce his skittish wife. Can he? Well, you’ll have to read this one to find out.

In The Irish Duke, New York Times best selling author Virginia Henley presents a sweet story of the what-ifs behind the marriage of an historical couple, how they might have come together, built on a historiography that stretches from the just prior to the reign to Queen Victoria and into the 20th century. I enjoyed this one, but I swear she was so infuriating sometimes, I wanted to strangle her myself, so poor James, he must have been a saint to marry her, if this story has any truth to it! Hehe. All in all, it was a good read. Ms. Henley will be continuing the lives of this family in future books, so if Historical romance is your thing, you can’t go wrong here. You can find this at any Barnes and Noble or Borders, or online, at borders.com, barnesandnoble.com, or Amazon.com

My rating for this one?  Well,this one's a little complicated. I loved Ms. Henley's style, loved James, the setting and period were tantilizing and beautifully drawn....But I wanted to strangle Louisa and Georgina too. Maybe she meant me to feel that way, but still, I have to give it only a four and 3/4. If I'd loved Louisa, that would be five for sure, but...dang, Louisa, get a clue, woman! *laughs* (at least she did irl, right? ;) So, there you go. Enjoy!


*~*~*~*
Juli D. Revezzo has written the Victorian romance novel WATCHMAKER'S HEART. Check it out at Amazon.

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Joanne Rock review

OOps. I forgot I had this book, Double Play, up in my TBR slideshow here. Anyway, it's been an extremely bad week. :( But anyway, I've got the review for this one up now, and you can see it here, at my other blog. Enjoy.

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Leigh Duncan debuts with a stormy love story

The Officer's Girl

by Leigh Duncan

Publisher: Harlequin American Romance

cover art copyright: Harlequin Enterprises, LTD

review copy purchased via Turn the Page bookstore (online version)

Debut Harlequin American author Leigh Duncan’s debut novel The Officer’s Girl, sees a Ohio native, Stephanie Bryant moving to Cocoa Beach, Florida to accept a position as Space Tech's head of Human Resources. The only problem? The day she moves in a hurricane heads straight for Cocoa Beach, and the whole town is evacuating. All but Stephanie, who has no idea the storm had any chance of coming ashore.

Enter Cocoa Beach policeman Brett Lincoln who, when he tries to explain this to the feisty brunette, can't get a word in edgewise for the first ten minutes. Rightly flabbergasted by what Brett has to tell her, she high-tails through evacuation traffic to Orlando, meets and rides out the storm with some of Brett's best friends. From there, Brett and Stephanie keep running into each other, and it seems fate is definitely at work as the two quickly move from combatants to friends, into a Relationship with one another. But, can they weather each others' foibles? Or will the end up tangled up in Hurricane Arlene's wreckage? You'll have to read to find out.

I had the privilege of attending Ms. Duncan's workshop when she visited a meeting of the Tampa Area Romance Authors back in October of last year, and so I couldn't pass up the chance to purchase The Officer’s Girl when she participated in a group signing with author Roxanne St. Claire and others at Nora Roberts' Turn the Page bookstore. It was well worth the price, in my opinion, as it is an endearing first effort, the minor characters (particular Tom's twin girls) so adorable.

In fact, my favorite line in the whole book comes from them. P. 203. When the toddler Barbara sees Brett cradling a young boy he'd help around a picnic that day, Ms. Duncan wrote this adorable line: "...Barbara scrambled out of her seat and onto Brett's lap, framing his face with her two little hands. "No Unca Brett, No boys." *giggle* Just so adorable! So my rating for this one:

Since Harlequins don't stay on the shelves long a reader might not be able to purchase this one at any local stores (I could be wrong); but if you'd like to try it out, you can definitely find it at the Harlequin website here, or at Amazon, or Books-a-Million, or Barnes and Noble. If you like sweet romances, you will not be disappointed Leigh Duncan's The Officer’s Girl.

(As usual, a slightly different version of this is up over at my Examiner pages. if you wish to give it a click you may do so here. Thanks! :))

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Paula Quinn introduces some Ravishing Highlanders

Ravished by a Highlander

by Paula Quinn

cover art: Franco Accornero

review copy provided for my review by the fine folks at Grand Central Publishing

In Ravished by a Highlander, the first book in the new Children of the Mist series by Paula Quinn, the author introduces the reader to the MacGregor clan, by way of the dutiful Rob. He and his companions are on the way home from a raid when they run across a set of thugs attacking an abbey. Stopping to assist a severely wounded soldier, he learns these men are truly after only one novice nun: a young woman by the name of Davina Montgomery. Rob saves the helpless young maid, and decides to accompany her to safety.

But the girl only serves to puzzle him. Why would Protestant troops attack an abbey? Why would that dying soldier imply Davina was so incredibly important? Why won’t Davina tell her whole story, explain why she seems to know so much about English politics, and particularly, King James?

Davina’s got big issues, and even bigger secrets. The fact that she’s falling in love with Rob as they traipse across the landscape—erm, travel back to Rob’s mountain home, only serves to complicate matters. I won’t give away her secrets; you’ll have to read the novel to find out what she’s all about.

I have to be honest, you know by now I have issues with “historical” laced novels (sometimes lots of  bite my tongue, yell at the author for their mistakes, issues), and this one was no exception--except that it didn't bother me all that much.Yes, I know you'll be shocked to hear that.  But I really, really enjoyed Paula Quinn’s Ravished by a Highlander very much. The relationship between Davina and Rob, the plethora of loveable secondary characters, and What Might Happen to Davina and Rob, were very compelling. Some bits even made me laugh (when Colin and Finn’s names appeared for the first time, I had to wonder, did Ms. Quinn ever watch the WB/CW TV show Gilmore Girls?).

All in all a fine read, and I look forward very much, to the forthcoming sequel, Seduced by A Highlander, about Rob's brother Tristan. (Although, I really hope Ms. Quinn is considering novels starring Colin and Will!) If you love historical romance, I think you will enjoy Paula Quinn’s Ravished by a Highlander. So my grade for this one? mm....

As always, if you’d like to try this title out, it can be found at any of your nearby bookstores, or online at Amazon, barnesandnoble.com, borders.com or booksamillion.com.

Oh, yes, there's another version of this review over at my Examiner pages, if you care to give it a click? Please feel free, and thanks so much! Enjoy the read.

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Carolyn Brown’s latest is one to love

 I Love This Bar
By
Carolyn Brown
Review copy provided by Sourcebooks.
Cover Art credit: RandeeLadden/Nevil Elder/Corbis; Sophielouise/Dreamstime.com

In Carolyn Brown’s latest contemporary romance release from Sourcebooks, I Love This Bar, she sets the stage in a small bar in Texas. The bar, known as the Honky Tonk, is run by a young woman named Daisy O’Dell who has nothing else on her mind than catering to her boisterous and quirky patrons. Then she trips into a newcomer named Jarod McElroy, and her whole, well-ordered world is set on its ear. While they are immediately attracted to each other, Daisy doesn’t want to get involved with anyone, content on running the Honky Tonk, and keeping her life as is. Jarod on the other hand, has come down to Texas to care for his ailing Uncle Emmett, who is suffering the effects of what may or may not be Alzheimer’s Disease (or just plain old age orneriness), and has really no time for any sort of relationship.

All that aside, Daisy and Jarod can’t keep their minds strictly on their own personal visions of the future. No, all they can think about is each other and that tangle they got into on the floor of the Honky Tonk. Daisy’s friends Chigger (yes, like the bug) and Daisy's cousin Cathy, and even Jarod’s nosy, ornery Uncle Emmett, aren’t any help, as they keep doing everything they can to play Cupid. When it succeeds, Daisy and Jarod aren’t really complaining—a fling’s not a bad thing, after all, is it? When Daisy really starts musing on things (the possibility of picking up her whole life and moving to Jarod’s hometown in Oklahoma, leaving the Honky Tonk to the whims of the badgering Billy Bob and his twin brothers) and when Jarod’s family find out about his affair with a *gulp* bar maid, things could get ugly.

All in all, I Love This Bar is a cute, quick read—think Urban Cowboy meets Cheers, and you get the idea. Though I’m sure some astute students of the genre might nitpick on her style, the story was, this reviewer thought, quite enjoyable (and I thank the folks at Sourcebooks for allowing me my review copy). Carolyn Brown peppers it all with the charm of the south, hot cowboys for you romance lovers to drool over, and plenty of atmosphere—and music. Lots and lots of country music references. So if you love all of the above, or even just a good contemporary that will leave you smiling, and looking forward to the sequel being released next month, this is the book for you. And if you’d like it, you can get a copy at your favorite local bookstore, or online at Amazon, borders.com or barnesandnoble.com

my score for this one? Given all the elements that made me love this one, despite the few technical things I noticed in it (that I don't think a non-aspiring writer would notice), despite not being hip to a few of the songs Ms. Brown referenced throughout the book, I did love it. So, I have to give it five pearls. :)


If indeed you do decide to check it out, I hope y'all will love this cute little novel too. Enjoy!

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Steampink week: Soulless review

Soulless
by Gail Carriger
cover art credit: Orbit/Lauren Panepinto/Derek Caballero
review copy provided by Orbit Books

In a nutshell, Soulless, the first novel by author Gail Carriger, is about a young spinster, Alexia Tarabotti who is attacked one night by a vampire, and she, naturally, fights back, killing the monster with her silver tipped parasol. The attack throws the London Vampire community into turmoil, as they, and Lord Maccon, Alpha werewolf and employee of the Bureau of Unnatural Registry, try to pinpoint who the vampire was and why he would commit such a gross breach of etiquette—and more importantly, why he didn’t know Miss Tarabotti is a Soulless preternatural.


What does that mean? Well, she can nullify a supernatural’s powers. And that is exactly why all the werewolves and vampires of London hold her suspect, and why the scientists in town are interested in her; add to that missing vampires, suddenly appearing vampires, a strange “wax faced man” that seems bent on kidnapping her, and a friend who has the shocking bad taste to love ugly hats, and that Alexia can’t keep her hands (or anything else) off Lord Maccon, and there’s a lot of trouble to go around here.

Impressions: This novel is a good example of what I’m starting to call the confusion of the genres. Look: Vampires. Girls in Petticoats? What do you think of when you think of that? If you said Dracula, give yourselves a cookie. ;) Now add a playing or two of Warren Zevon’s “Werewolves of London”, add the romantic scenes (lots and lots of them) and some humor (more than I was catching on to, I think—or perhaps the relentless jabs at Alexia’s Italian heritage were supposed to be taken as jokes?), add a pinch of steampunk, and viola! Or that’s what it seemed like. I’m not really sure what to think of this novel; I guess, in the end, it was a good first attempt, and I hope the follow up, (titled Changeless,  now available**) is even better, for this new young author certainly has quite an imagination. Give Gail Carriger's Soulless a try and see what you think.
My rating?



**The third volume, Blameless, will be released in September.

For more on Gail Carriger:
Gail Carriger's homepage
Steampod's interview with Gail Carriger
Gail Carriger's page at Hatchette Books

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A scavenger hunt

Romance and Erotica author Tina Donahue is guest posting at Katie Babs' lovely Babbling about Books today, where she offers up thoughts on Alpha Males, and an excerpt from her new Ellora's Cave novel, Lush Velvet Nights. In addtion to that, she's also hosting a scavenger hunt. Go here to read all about it, and if you try the hunt, good luck!

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New Releases this week

Melissa Marr's Radiant Shadows released yesterday. :)
I hope those of you that get/got it, enjoy it! My review will be forthcoming, as soon as I can get to it...

Also, Meg Cabot's Runaway (the next Airhead novel). :) Y'all know how I love Meg Cabot so woohoo, here!

And Cressida Cowell's How to Cheat A Dragon's Curse (book four in the "How to Train Your Dragon" series)

And for Romance:
Amanda Quick's Burning Lamp

Oh, and my friend Anna Small has just had her first book released by Wild Rose Press. :) Congrats, Anna! Yes, I know her. In fact, she's one of my writing buddies. And I am very proud of her!

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WW28(2)

Wicked Wednesday 28 Meme courtesy of Cherry Mischievous



Wednesday wasn't a good online day for me, so ...sorry this is late.  My book for the day is Tammy Kane's debut fantasy Romance novel Breath of Fire:
P. 28:
"I will not."

Elera inclined her head.  "A kiss, then.  If you cannot resist a simple kiss, Karl, your place is not with the Mattaen."

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Tuesday book trailers

I found, via Romance In the Back Seat, this nifty idea of sharing the week's favorite book trailers. So, here's a few I've found.

Kelley Armstrong's the Awakening





Melissa Marr's Fragile Eternity

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Review of J.R. Ward's Dark Lover

Dark Lover
by J.R. Ward
Signet Eclipse, 2005
review copy from: Tampa Library system

There are so many vampire novels out there these days it’s probably hard to choose among the throng. One that I recently moved to the top of my TBR list, courtesy of a nudge from Jessica, is J.R. Ward’s the Black Dagger Brotherhood series. I must say from everything I’ve heard about it, I picked it up at the library more out of curiosity than anything else. At any rate, the series consists of seven novels, currently, with the eighth about to be released. So I thought now would be the perfect time to give the books a try.

Dark Lover is the first in the series and it introduces the Black Dagger Brotherhood: an ancient band of vampires who make their lives alongside the human population, without (and this is different than most vampire series out there) needing to feed on the humans. In fact, for the most part, the vampires in J.R. Ward’s series tend to ignore humans altogether, unless they get caught in the crossfire.

But there’s a particular human the vampire king, Wrath, is sworn to protect, Beth Randall, a reporter at a small newspaper, who just so happens to be the daughter of one of Wrath’s “Brothers”. And poor Beth, while she longs for adventure, and is the darling of the local police force—and the desperately in love, somewhat forlorn, and suicidal inspector Butch (Brian) O’Neal—she didn’t want to be attacked by a rapist, or have the very scary Wrath show up on her patio with the news of her father’s death. That the meeting leads to instant attraction and *cough* an out of character (for Beth, anyway) one night stand, is a complete surprise.

But aside from her rapist and the troublesome Butch, there’s a society of vampire killers that would just love to rid the world of all vampires, Wrath, the Brotherhood, and Beth, included. That Beth’s rapist gets Wrath’s attention for his deed, and his usefulness as a future member of their clandestine group, is something they find mighty interesting. And in the middle of all this Beth has to deal with her instant love/lust for Wrath, his very colorful family, his ex-wife (and her testy brother) and Butch’s suspicion over all this! All while hoping her newfound family remains this side of the veil of life and death.

Ward certainly packs a lot into the 393 pages of Dark Lover. Beth was certainly full of spunk, and brave, and Wrath wasn’t always such a hardened, battle-scarred warrior. The thread of their love story was sweet. I would have liked to have seen a little more of the Brotherhood’s history but, that’s what a series is for, right? It did have some things I could’ve lived without (why would centuries-old vampires not have a better vocabulary, for instance? Butch’s suicidal streak wasn’t something that I enjoyed reading—but then that idea never is. And just for the record, though she gives her reasons for the vampires’ unique names, in the book, they bugged me. Sorry, I call it like I see it.) But, nonetheless Dark Lover was an interesting read, and one that I think, if you’re a fan of the vampire romance genre, you’ll find an interesting twist, if you get a chance to peek into its pages.


My ranking? hm...


This is also posted at my Examiner pages, so if you feel like giving it a hit, please do. :) Thanks.

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Addendum to Erica Ridley review

Oh, if you get a chance, I finally was able to get back into the Ex site, so I have Erica's review up there too. And, of course, it could use some hit love. *sheepish grin* Thanks.


I hate it when their site goes down....

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Too Wicked to Kiss by Erica Ridley

Too Wicked To Kiss
by Erica Ridley
publisher: Kensington
review copy provided by: the author

Tampa author Erica Ridley debuts with a fine little gothic romance novel, Too Wicked To Kiss, in which she introduces us to Evangeline Pemberton, a young woman so desperate to escape the hands of her lecherous father that she’ll do anything. Even if it means being companion to a woman and her mother who aren’t that far above her father, in terms of their morals. Since rumor has it that Gavin Lioncroft is a man with a reputation that makes him the subject of gossip, far and wide. And it doesn’t make him a man with which Evangeline feels comfortable spending any time, let alone passing time at a party. But as the charge of the greedy Stanton’s, she can do nothing but agree to help in their scheme to entrap Gavin into marriage with their daughter Susan.


With them come a host of assorted characters—from Gavin’s sister and nieces, to his loathsome brother-in-law, an elderly man seeking his assistance in a marriage contract, and his sister’s drunkard brother in law—and Gavin is none-too-happy at the intrusion into his home, spending as little time as he can away from him, even resorting to using the mansions secret passageways to escape the ever growing group. But there’s something about Evangeline that intrigues him, something enticing. The attraction is instantly mutual, and several stolen kisses ensue . . . But Evangeline is keeping a secret from him that has nothing to do with why the Stantons are here, but it is something very strange—and fortuitous—as it just might help him escape the noose, when his brother in law Lord Heatherington is found murdered, and thanks to a row between them, suspicion falls upon Gavin.

Unless of course, Evangeline’s lecherous, hateful father arrives before they can unmask the murderer, and declare their growing passion for one another.

So what happens? Well, you know you just have to read this one to find out!

Erica Ridley’s Too Wicked To Kiss is a fine debut Regency romance novel, and has all the right ingredients: a touch of heat and spice, a surly and dark hero, a determined and likeable heroine, but she also made sure it was replete with despicable villains, hidden corridors and strange happenings, reminiscent of the Gothic romances of old, ala the Brontë sisters—which this reader thought quite a nice touch. I think anyone who is a fan of the classic gothic romances will find much to love here. Do check it out; I’m sure you’ll be pleasantly surprised!

my rating for this one?

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Waiting on Wednesday?

Been looking around for some new stuff to read, and found some great titles. I only wish I had more expendable cash!  I particularly like the look of Eileen Rendahl's Don't Kill the Messenger.

Anywho, made up a little article about some of the new books out. It's up over at the Examiner if y'all care to take a look.

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