Review of New Blood by Paul Dorset

New Blood

Part 1 of the Melrose Series

Paul Dorset

Ebook Edition 2011

   Beau is an up and coming rising star in the technology company that he works for. His friends are amazed and a little bewildered over the speed in which he is rising. His co-workers notice some unusual things about Beau. Sometimes his personality is a bit off and at other times he looks like he hasn't slept in days.

  Lucy is from England and is having difficulty adjusting to the weather in Seattle. She suddenly develops migraine headaches that she is attributing to something in Seattle because she never had them before. In amidst the migraine issues, Lucy tries to develop a relationship with a young man named Ben. The relationship between the two is growing nicely until Ben suddenly disappears. Lucy happens to be roommates with Sabrina, who works at Beau's company also. Enter Beau into Lucy's life.

   Honestly, I did not know what to make of this story until I was half way through the book. I vacillated between disliking the book and liking it. Paul Dorset has such a way with his storyline and characters that you don't know what to think. I am certainly glad I hung in there until the end. Now, I can't wait for the next installment to come out.

   This is a paranormal at its finest. You have a large technology company who is run by a group called Anons who is a group of people comprised of special souls as you will. Freaks of nature with special skills. As in the case of Beau, a single kiss may mean your demise. The problem is, these talents if not controlled can be your undoing. Not to mention, they are addictive. Lucy's migraines at first, seem to be so out of place in the scheme of the story. But, are they really? How appropriate is this story, at this time? You have power, greed and ambition, love and death, all rolled into one story that keeps you on the edge of your seat. This story will have you asking for more by the time you reach the end. I for one, cannot wait until the second book in the Melrose series comes out.

   I wish to thank the author for providing me with a copy to read and review. I was not required to write a positive review. I was not compensated in anyway except for receiving the book for reviewing purposes.

I give New Blood 4.5 out of 5 stars

Review of A Dash of Scandal

A Dash of Scandal

Amelia Gray

Sourcebooks Casablanca

ISBN 9781402239793

   The Earl of Dunraven is obsessed with finding a thief who has stolen a precious family heirloom from his home. The local runners are having little success in coming up with suspects so Dunraven decides to take matters into his own hands. As time goes on, he keeps running across newcomer Millicent Blair in places she shouldn't be. Could she be the Mad Ton Thief?

   Millicent Blair is hiding secrets; but they are a far cry from what the Earl thinks. If he only knew what she was doing, sparks might fly; but with each encounter between the two, more then sparks are flying. Despite the lovely Miss Blair's attempt to the contrary, an attraction is developing between the two that both are hard pressed to deny.

   This is a lovely Regency romance that sparkles with dialogue between the protagonist and a feisty, yet appealing heroine. The sexual tension that develops, all but leaps off the page. The storyline is quite amusing as the heroine tries her best to keep her secret while the tension mounts between her and the Earl. This is a witty and lighthearted read that will most definitely satisfy the historical romance lovers out there. Even if you are not into historical romance, you can't help but fall in love with the characters. I highly recommend this story to all.

   I wish to thank Sourcebooks for providing me with a copy for reading and reviewing purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. I was not compensated in anyway except for receiving the copy to review.

I give A Dash of Scandal 4 out of 5 stars

Cassiel Knight-Interview, Giveaway and Review

It is my pleasure to have Cassiel Knight on my blog today. She has agreed to answer some questions for us. The publisher is offering an ebook for giveaway, so just leave a comment with your email address to be entered.

Tell the readers a little about your book Relic Defender: Key of Solomon.

The heroine, Lexi, is a lonely archeology student seeking to forget her painful past. Against her will, she is swept into a fierce battle between good and evil and must team up with sexy Mikos, a fallen angel on the path to redemption, to find King Solomon’s legendary book of magic to save the human race.

What was the inspiration for the book?

I wanted to write something different then the market was selling. I never really found vampires sexy and I certainly didn’t werewolves (I’ve changed my mind a little), and I’d always loved the idea of angels. Like many, I’d grown up thinking of angels as beautiful beings decked in white with blue eyes and golden hair. While I wasn’t opposed to that, I still wanted something different. I wish I could remember when I fell on the idea of fallen angels. It was probably from something I researched but once I had the idea, and later learned that the stories go that God wouldn’t let them back into Heaven no matter what, Mikos and his story was born. Lexi went through several “career” fields before I settled on archeology and the reason for that is simple. I love reading and studying the past. Finally, I discovered the legends of King Solomon and the fact he was supposed to be a magic user and had a ring given to him by God that allowed Solomon to control and compel demons. I took all this and mixed it with a big spoon and ta-da! Key of Solomon.

How many books are going to be in the series and can you give us a hint of where it is headed?

I’m excited to say that book 2, The Death Skull, is going to be released from Samhain Publishing in August 2012. It is Jackson and Marisol’s story. Of course, if you haven’t read it, you have no idea who they are. Well, let me tell you a bit about them. Both Jackson and Marisol are in the first book. Marisol is a fallen angel who works with Mikos but she is different in that she doesn’t want to be redeemed or return to Heaven. She’s a warrior angel so all she knows is fighting. And winning. Jackson, a charming Texan, is a mercenary turned protector. When Archangel Michael throws these two together to find the Death Skull, sparks fly. And they aren’t just the ones coming from Marisol’s fingers. I have a rough first chapter of book 2 on my Relic Defender website at www.relicdefender.wordpress.com plus, if you are on the fence about Key of Solomon, you can find some excerpts there you can’t find elsewhere.

Book 3, is Ash and Cat’s story. They will be looking for a Templar Cross. Each book focuses on a new couple but the ultimate war is to stop a demon from finding a way to overthrow Lucifer and take over Hell. This is one bad-ass demon so it would literally be Hell on Earth if he wins. Book 3 is the final battle.

As far as how many books. Well, as you can tell from above I have three. However, I’m a writer so if readers want more stories set in this world, well, I think I can give them some. I actually (shush, my editor doesn’t know this yetJ) have toyed with the idea of a fourth book – another Lexi and Mikos story.

Have you always wanted to be a writer and how long have you been writing professionally?

I’ve always written but didn’t think about writing as a career until much later in life. Like in my late thirties. I don’t remember anything specific that led me in this direction. I just remember always writing. I loved English Composition and writing essays, I was the editor of my school’s newspaper and since then, it seems like I’ve always written. For company newsletters, produced training documents and handbooks and even did some legal writing. And once I started reading romances, I was hooked on writing fiction.

Who has had the most influence on your writing and why?

 Stephen King. I’ve also loved him and have admired his genuinely scary mind. How the heck does he come up with his stories? I imagine his mind is one wicked place to be. But that’s not why he influences me. I read his On Writing book, his, sort of, autobiography and book on writing. In it, he’s blunt about what it takes to be a writer and makes no apologies for his journey. But most of all, he’s an example of persevering and passion. When I grow up, I want to be Stephen King.

What gives you the most enjoyment in life?

Cuddling with my shih tzus, gardening and reading. I also love going to conferences and doing other writing-related stuff. It’s not a business to me – it’s truly my passion and gives me great enjoyment. I do it as much as I can.

Who is your favorite author and why?

I really have two - Jim Butcher but for his Harry Dresden series only. I tried to read his fantasy series but after Dresden, well, I can’t read him as anything else. I just love the world he created for Harry, and I’m in awe of his imagination. My second favorite is Stephen King. Seriously. He’s so wickedly scary and such a genius at creating terror on the page. I’ve read his On Writing book a number of times. It’s quite inspirational.

Who is your biggest supporter?

This is hard to answer. I’ve had a lot of support. I’d have to say my husband has been the most patient and supportive in that he has been willing to spend money on something that had no returns. Now that it does, I feel better but he’s never told me to stop because we can’t afford it. Even when he wasn’t working, I may have had to cut back but he was still there for me. So, maybe this isn’t as hard to answer as I thought. My husband of nearly 21 years has been my biggest supporter. My family and friends have been terrific, too, and I don’t want to leave them out. Writing may be solitary but the drive to publish is not and it really takes a village.

For a chance to win Key of Soloman: Relic Defender, just leave a comment and your email address so I can contact the winner. Contest is open to all and will remain open through Sunday, October 16, 2011 midnight EST.

Review of Key of Soloman: Relic Defender

Key of Soloman: Relic Defender

Cassiel Knight

Samhain Publishing

ISBN 9781609283728

   Anthropology PhD candidate, Lexi Harrison, works in a strip club to earn money for university. She doesn't bare all as she belly dances because she is beyond good and doesn't need to. Mikos Tyomni has never seen anyone dance the way she does. How can Archangel Michael send Mikos on assignment with someone like her? Fallen angel Mikos downfall was women. Now he is expected to protect Lexi at all costs. How will he ever make it back to heaven at this rate? Lexi feels someone watching her with steel gray eyes. Next thing she knows a customer is getting a bit too routy. Mikos lands on the stage faster then she can imagine to rescue her. She must be seeing things. Is that wings on his back?

   Mikos has thirty days to convince Lexi that she is the last line of defense against the forces of evil before Hell's deadliest demons attempt the mother of all prison breaks. Yeah, right! She really believes that until her university mentor and friend leaves her holding the key to hell. She is the Defender.  Things really heat up with the sexy archangel, demons, and fallen angels. Lets not forget the shape-shifting rock that is fond of 1920's gangsters.

   I absolutely loved this book. This book took off from page one and never stopped until the end. If you are a fan of fantasy, this is the book for you. Even if you are not, this is a wonderful story. You have fallen angels, one of which is trying to return to heaven. Another one who is on the side of good but is not interested in returning to heaven. We have the devil himself who is drop dead gorgeous. Demons coming from all directions and our shape-shifter rock. Lets not forget the devil's son. Yes, you heard me right. Go figure! The storyline  flows smoothly from the beginning to the end and all the characters just fit right in. Even though the story centers on the struggle between good and evil, we have a lot of sexual tension going on with some romance thrown in for good measure for all you romance lovers. This is the first book in the Key of Soloman series. I most definitely will have my eyes open for the next book in the series. I also hope there turns out to be a fourth one to bring back Lexi and Mikos.

   I wish to thank the publisher for providing me with a copy for reading and reviewing purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. I was not compensated in anyway except for receiving the book for review purposes.

   Don't  forget to leave a comment for your chance to win your copy.

I give Key of Soloman: Relic Defender 5 out of 5 stars

  

Interview with Mary Lynn Simonsen

It is my pleasure to welcome author, Mary Lynn Simonsen to my blog today. She has agreed to answer some questions for me and her readers.

Hi Eva. Thank you for having me on your blog. You have asked me to answer a few questions, and I am happy to do so.


1. Tell us a little bit about Mr. Darcy’s Bite.

When Fitzwilliam Darcy was 14, he was bitten by a werewolf while on a visit to Germany’s Black Forest. In the subsequent years, he has had to adjust to the fact that he becomes a furry, fanged, four-footed creature for two nights of every moon cycle. But he is not a lone wolf. He is the Alpha male for a pack of three other wolves and helps in the protection of an extended wolf/werewolf community. Discovery of his other life is an ever-present danger. Into this reality, he wants to bring the love of his life: Elizabeth Bennet. But will she accept his dual nature and what will be required of her if she does?

2. What made you decide to go with a paranormal twist to Pride and Prejudice?

Actually, Mr. Darcy’s Bite started off as a short story written for Halloween on a fan fiction site. It was a lark, nothing more. But the response was so tremendous I kept writing and ended up with a full-length novel. Before starting, what I knew about werewolves, you could have put in a thimble, so it was fun making it all up! Of course, I had Jane Austen’s excellent story to work with.

3. There are many rewrites of Elizabeth and Darcy. What is the fascination with Pride and Prejudice?

In my opinion, Pride and Prejudice is Austen’s masterpiece. In Elizabeth Bennet, we have a likeable heroine who is witty, intelligent, and engaging. Because we like Lizzy so much, we want her to marry a man who will appreciate her worth. Enter Fitzwilliam Darcy. Now that we have Colin Firth and Matthew Macfadyen’s portrayals of Darcy in our heads, the story got even better.

4. Do you have plans for following this theme or will you write something else?

Both. I have a few more Austenesque novels in the works, but in 2012, I want to write a modern murder mystery. I have worked out the plot. Now I have to see if I can get it down on paper without my muse, Jane Austen, watching over me.

5. Is Jane Austen your favorite author?

Austen is certainly in my top five, but I’m also a big fan of Charles Dickens. My favorite books are mysteries.

6. Who has been the biggest influence on your writing?

Obviously, Jane Austen’s style greatly affected my Austen re-imaginings. But I am a big fan of Raymond Chandler’s Philip Marlowe mysteries. I like crisp, witty dialog and an atmosphere created with a minimum amount of words. I don’t write or read overly descriptive material because I want to set the scene in my head.

  

7. What has been the biggest obstacle in your writing career?

Because I didn’t start writing until I was 55 and my family was raised, there haven’t been all that many obstacles. I have two grandchildren. Kaelyn is eight, and Skyler is nine months. I am absolutely committed to giving them my maximum attention. There are times when I’m up late at night writing blog posts or chapters in a new book because I spent most of the day with my grandkids, but that’s the way I want it. (Work keeps their dad away from home for long periods of time, and my daughter needs my help.)

8. Who are my biggest supporters?

I’ve always written stories for my family, so my five sisters encouraged me to write and get published. They are my cold readers. Early on, my husband saw it as an avocation rather than a vocation, but he got on board with my first royalty check. J Finally, I have to say Jan Austen fan fiction fans were critical in my development. The support and comments I received for my stories on fan fiction sites was huge! I can’t say enough about them. As a result, I have hundreds of friends all over the world. It’s been a wonderful experience.

Mary, thank you so much for stopping by my blog and answering questions for us.

Again, thank you for having me on your blog. This has been fun.

Now, if anyone has any questions for Mary, ask away. Just be sure to stop back to see what she has to say to you.

Review of Pattern of Wounds

Pattern of Wounds

J. Mark Bertrand

 Bethany House

ISBN 978-0-7642-0638-2

   Homicide detective Roland March is on the hunt for a killer. A young woman is brutally murdered in an affluent neighborhood and bears some hallmark wounds to her body. The question is whether this is a serial killer. The real problem is he put that killer away ten years before.

   March is increasingly alienated from his colleagues and problems are developing in his marriage. Bodies are increasing and he starts receiving messages from the killer taunting him. The violence is increasing and reaches Marches' home and now he is in a race against the clock to catch the killer before he strikes again.

   This is my first read of Mark Bertrand; but it won't be my last. It starts off a little slow; but once it starts, it never lets up. This murder mystery takes the reader on twists and turns until you have no idea where you are going. There are all kinds of players in this story and it appears that the killer will never be apprehended. Finally, when March thinks he has the killer, another surprise comes along and you are off again. You come to the end of the book and  think all is well. Again you are blindsided, but this time, you have to wait for the next Roland March murder mystery. It just ends so perfectly that you can't wait for the next installment.

   I wish to thank Bethany House for providing me with a copy to read and review. I was not required to write a positive review. I was not compensated in anyway except for receiving the book for reviewing purposes.

I give Pattern of Wounds 4.5 out of 5 stars

Giveaway of Euphoria by Jourdan Alexandra

 

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10901797-euphoria

 

Jourdan has asked me to post a giveaway of two (2) kindle ebooks for her. If you cannot use a kindle file, please let me know the type of file and Jourdan will substitute for you. All you have to do is leave a comment and your email address so I can chose a winner. The contest will be open until Friday, October 7, 2011, midnight EST. Since this is an ebook copy, the contest is open to everyone. I will announce the winner Saturday morning, October 8. I will contact the winners by email so be sure to leave your email address and please note if you need a file other then for a kindle. I will contact Jourdan and she will send your book to you. The link above will take you to the goodreads page for a synopsis of the book. Come on paranormal/fantasy readers and fans. Join in the fun! 

Review of Lady of the English

 

Lady of the English

Elizabeth Chadwick

Sourcebooks Landmark

ISBN 9781402250927

 

   Matilda is the daughter of Henry I and is well aware there are many who will not accept her as England's Queen when her father dies. There are also many who do not know the iron will of the would be Queen.

   Adeliza, Henry's widow and Matilda's step-mother, is remarried to a warrior who fights to keep Matilda off of the throne. Adeliza has to fight to remain true to Henry's memory and at the same time remain committed to her new husband.

   This historical read takes place in the earlier part of the twelfth century when men ruled the work and women were possessions of the men. This included would be queens. Women were expect to bow down to their men and do exactly as they said or suffer the consequences. The story starts out with Matilda returning home after her husband dies unexpectedly. She is ill prepared for a mother who is basically the same age as herself; but overtime they become the best of friends. This is not to say they always see eye to eye.

   The story gets interesting when Henry I dies while hunting and Matilda's cousin steals the throne of England. Knowing, that in a man's world, a woman will never truly sit on the throne, Matilda's hopes are set on having a son who will eventually rule. From the time of birth, young Henry is molded to one day take his rightful place. Matilda will be able to garnish her power behind the scenes until Henry is old enough to take the reigns. First they must retake the throne that is rightfully theirs.

   Matilda, Lady of the English, is a bit self-centered and head strong. Many times, she is her own worst enemy and causes herself more difficulty then is necessary because she does not think things through thoroughly. My heroine of this story is Adeliza. She is a proud and thoughtful woman who is strong beyond measure. She holds her head high while Henry flaunts his mistresses and his bastard children for all to see. I find it so strange that Adeliza is unable to conceive a child with Henry; but goes on to have six children with her new husband. It makes you wonder if the illegitimate children were actually Henry's.

   This is a wonderful historical fiction that takes you into the throes of medieval England. The best and the worst of the elite are seen. You will also see the distinct dividing of the classes. I highly recommend this book if you are a historical fiction fan or if you just like a good book to read.

   I wish to thank Sourcebooks for providing me with an ARC to read and review. I was not required to write a positive review. I was not compensated in anyway except for receiving the book to read and review.

 

I give Lady of the English 4 out of 5 stars