Follow Me
Grab my feed
Posts
All Comments
Wanna Shop?
2013 Reading Challenge
Jen (That's What I'm Talking About) has
read 0 books toward her goal of 75 books.
New-To-Me Authors
2013 reading goal:
15 new-to-me authors.
1) Stacy Gail
2) Heather Massey
3) Sidney Bristol
4) Ann Mayburn
5) Thea Harrison
6) Virna DePaul
7) Mary Quast
8) Molly Harper
9) Eleri Stone
10) PJ Schnyder
11) Kait Ballenger
12) Denise L. Wyant
13) Lucy Monroe
Sunday Snippets
More Blogs
original images by marin & papaija2008 at FreeDigitalPhotos.com
banner designed by Jennifer from Books Make Me Happy
Thursday, January 31, 2013
DNF Review: Between by Kerry Schafer
Between
Author: Kerry Schafer
Release Date: Jan. 29, 2013
Publisher: Ace
The Between #1
ISBN: #978-0425261149
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Format(s): Paperback (304 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Publisher
About the book:
|
Vivian Maylor can’t sleep. Maybe it’s because she just broke up with her boyfriend and moved to a new town, or it could be the stress of her new job at the hospital. But perhaps it’s because her dreams have started to bleed through into her waking hours.
All of her life Vivian has rejected her mother’s insane ramblings about Dreamworlds for concrete science and fact, until an emergency room patient ranting about dragons spontaneously combusts before her eyes—forcing Viv to consider the idea that her visions of mythical beasts might be real.
And when a chance encounter leads her to a man she knows only from her dreams, Vivian finds herself falling into a world that seems strange and familiar all at once—a world where the line between dream and reality is hard to determine, and hard to control…
What G & U are talking about:
|
This is the first time Gikany and Una have had to write a “DNF” review. Typically we are just too stubborn, and we finish reading a novel, even if we aren’t fully in to it. With Between, we were very interested by the mythology and the element of high fantasy in this urban fantasy novel. Sadly, we were not only let down, but we are disappointed in the direction the author took this book and the heroine, Vivian.
We urge anyone interested in reading this novel: please note that there are spoilers in this DNF review. It is the only way to convey what caused us to stop reading this novel.
Between started out a little slow, but the world-building was fascinating. Vivian discovered that she is special, and that there is such a thing as destiny, even when things seemed so convoluted. Speaking of convoluted, Between was confusing. There are three worlds in this mythology: Wakeworld (reality as we know it), Dreamworld (your dreams) and Between (the place where Wake and Dream worlds overlap). There are times, because of the Between, that moments in the novel are a tad confusing. However, it did add an element of reality to Vivian’s plight in figuring out this new world that she had been thrust into.
All of the above could have been forgiven, and we would have marched along reading; however, one very particular incident changed our minds. Gikany and Una have discussed the issue of rape as a literary device before, and we are not fans. We have read a very, and we must stress, VERY, small number of books where there has been a rape scene that was appropriate for the storyline. This is a make or break issue for us. We feel that the rape that Vivian encounters – regardless of the world she was in, was not handled well, did not add anything to the novel in any way, shape, or form. It served absolutely no purpose for us. Gikany stopped at this scene. Una held a bit of hope and kept reading to see how the story would treat the rape after it occurred, and she feels it was not dealt with in an appropriate nor satisfying manner. Then when the threat of a rape occurred again, well, this is where Una stopped reading.
We cannot stress that no matter the genre, rape is a very serious element and issue. It cannot be used lightly. We feel it was used lightly in Between and we cannot abide by it. Gikany and Una are incredibly disappointed that what appeared to be a fresh and fascinating new series, is now, in our opinion, ruined.
Their Rating:
|
Did Not Finish
Review: The Reunited by Shiloh Walker
The Reunited
Author: Shiloh Walker
Release Date: Feb. 5, 2013
Publisher: Berkley Trade
The FBI Psychics #3
ISBN: #978-0425246979
Genre: Suspense Romance, Paranormal
Format(s): Paperback (384 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Publisher/ NetGalley
About the book:
|
AN ETERNAL DESIRE
With his strong psychic ability, FBI Agent Joss Crawford longs for the woman he loved in a past life. But after years of searching, a new case is drawing him into the last place he'd ever want to find her: an underground slave ring. Going undercover to infiltrate the network, he meets Drucella Chapman--the mastermind's fiancee. Joss has every reason to believe she's evil. So why is he irresistibly drawn to her?
A DANGEROUS GAME
Drucella has made it her personal mission to bring the slave ring down. But the sadistic ring leader is even more careful than he is cruel. In order to gain information, Dru has had to get close to the very man she wishes to kill, psychically reading his memories bit by bit. she'd do anything to finish the job, but agreeing to marry him may have been a step too far--even for her.
A FATEFUL ENCOUNTER
Though Joss and Dru are both undercover, nothing can disguise the sense of deja vu they experience when they meet. Neither can afford to be distracted from the mission at hand, but perhaps their reunion is exactly what this mission needs.
What I’m talking about:
|
Joss Crawford is finally getting some time off, but is called in by his boss, Taylor Jones, to help work the difficult case trying to bring down the powerful human trafficker, Patrick Whitmore. Joss is one of a handful of psychically talented FBI agents, and his speciality is being a “mirror.” He can “absorb” other agents gifts and use them as his own until he gets rebooted. (It made me think of Rogue from X-men.)
Meanwhile, Drucella (Dru) Chapman is already on the case. Working uncover for no one but herself, Dru has posed as Ella, Patrick Whitmore’s love interest and fiancee, for the past two years. Dru has sold her soul to be the perfect woman for a man she vehemently despises and plans to kill. With no way out and only one friend who knows the truth, Dru has committed to see this through until either Patrick or she dies.
With such a heavy topic as human trafficking, I was worried that The Reunited would be a gruesome read. However, Ms. Walker handled a very horrible topic with decorum. She didn't try to shock the reader with graphic details and images, but brought to light the horrors of the situation. She gave the seriousness of the topic respect and did not sensationalize the problems.
I also want to mention that although The Reunited can be read stand alone, there are several characters from the first two books that are prominent in this storyline. I did not read the first book, The Missing, and I really wish I had. I think that would have helped me follow what was happening with some of the minor characters (Taiga and Cullen) better. They played a fairly significant part in the storyline, and I had a hard time connecting with them.
One thing I really liked about this case was knowing who the target was the entire time. I enjoyed the thrill of trying to take down scum and worrying about how it would all play out and if everyone would survive rather than trying to figure out who the bad guy was. The “case” part of the storyline was well done - keeping me on the edge of my seat for most of the book. Ms. Walker has a talent for suspenseful storytelling!
Another piece to the story (other than capturing the bad guy) that added a lot is the fact that both Joss and Dru experience memories of a past life. The flashbacks were confusing at first, but as the book moved on, the repressed memories added a lot to Joss and Dru’s relationship. It was a way for them to connect and fall in love, even though they were surrounded by such horrible circumstances. It also made Joss’ immediately intense feelings understandable and believable.
Joss and Dru were both extremely sensual and hot together, but also aggravatingly frustrating. Dru was in a bad place - undercover for two years. But her constant flip-flop of emotions from fearful and whiny to determined was overwhelming sometimes. And Joss was a difficult character to follow during parts of the story. He had a lot going on in his head - being “sync’d” with two agents - one that sees/hears ghosts and another who had the memories of the captive girls and Patrick himself. In addition, he kept having flashbacks... it was a lot to follow at times. When Dru and Joss were in sync with one another, they were great; however, when they were not in sync, things were awkward and not as fun to read. For example, I got frustrated when as expected, each mistakenly believes the other is actually the undercover roll they are playing rather than their true selves. Each immediately assumed the worse about the other regardless of the bonds they had formed.
Overall, another enjoyable story from Ms. Walker. Even with the bumps I experienced along the way, The Departed is an exciting journey, full of suspense, personal growth, drama, and romance. Plus, the reader was introduced to new characters, a few that I think we’ll be reading more of in the next book, The Protected, coming September 2013!
My Rating:
|
Liked it - recommend (B+)
Reviews in the Series:
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Review: Third Grave Dead Ahead by Darynda Jones
Third Grave Dead Ahead
Author: Darynda Jones
Release Date: Jan. 31, 2012
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
Charley Davidson #3
ISBN: #978-0312360825
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Format(s): Hardcover (320 pgs), Paperback, e-book
Book Source: Purchased with my own funds
About the book:
|
Paranormal private eye. Grim reaper extraordinaire. Whatever. Charley Davidson is back! And she's drinking copious amounts of caffeine to stay awake because every time she closes her eyes she sees him: Reyes Farrow, the part-human, part-supermodel son of Satan.
Granted she did imprison Reyes for all eternity, but how is she supposed to solve a missing-persons case, deal with an ego-driven doctor, calm her curmudgeonly dad, and take on a motorcycle gang hell-bent on murder when the devil's son just won't give up on his plan of seduction..... and revenge?
What I’m talking about:
|
The third outing in the wonderful Charley Davidson series kicks off about two weeks after the conclusion of Second Grave on the Left. Things ended pretty crazily the last time around when Charley bound Reyes to his mortal body to prevent him from killing himself. In addition, Charley reconnected with her estranged sister while bonding over the fact that her father basically set Charley up to be killed by a murderous stalker (honestly, it wasn’t as bad as it seems!). This time around, Charley is being haunted by Reyes every time she falls asleep. Reyes visits her, seduces her, but doesn’t want to be there. It’s making Charley miserable.
Things go from bad to worse as Charley’s dad continues to act weird - asking her... no demanding that she quit her work as a private eye solving crimes. In addition, Reyes is being, well... pardon my French - a total ass. Plus, Charley has taken on a missing persons case, with the likely culprit the husband that hired her; Reyes demands that she find his supposedly dead father; she’s got trouble with some gang members; and well... seriously, could more happen to her?!
The first thing I noticed while reading Third Grave Dead Ahead is that Charley is evolving. She’s gotten over her fears of being hurt by those she loves when she reveals the truth that she is more than a “ghost whisperer,” but the Grim Reaper herself. Right from the get go, Charley confides in her sister, the same one she only started talking to about 2 weeks ago. She also begins to expand her trust in Garrett, the hunky freelance skiptracer. In addition, she opens up to some of the biker gang members who own the creepy asylum where Charley talks to Rocket and learns if missing persons are dead or alive.
We finally get to meet the mysterious “Madame Marigold” who has been emailing around looking for “the Grim Reaper.” She is a delightful character and provides clues as to where things are headed with Charley, Reyes and an apparently looming battle between Heaven and Hell. She is a true prophet and I enjoy how her character interacts with her surroundings and Charley.
Reyes, on the other hand, is a huge disappointment for me this go around. Sure he’s upset with Charley, but his actions in this book are beyond awful. His constant anger weighs down the story. In addition, he is continually telling Charley that she has to learn “what she is capable of,” and the repetition of this vague message got on my nerves. I am not going to give away spoilers here, but Reyes broke my heart more than once. I could go on and on, but you’ll just have to read the book yourself (and then come back so we can chat)!
I also noticed a few continuity errors in the story, which were mildly distracting. There were only a handful, but it was enough for me to take note. Additionally, there were other repetitious thoughts and/or phrases that after a while, annoyed me - like the constant reminder that “Reyes is the Son of Satan.” I know... move on.
Another thing I feel I need to mention is that Third Grave Dead Ahead contains some pretty horrific and violent torture scenes. Charley is tough, but this went above and beyond the normal “action scene” of the first couple of books.
Overall, Third Grave Dead Ahead was a gripping tale; however, I didn't like it as much as the first two books. There was just too much pain and suffering for Charley without much of an upbeat ending. I was riding this series based on a couple of set perimeters ... and neither of these things held true in this book. It really brought me down.
With that said, it is a good tale, although there was too much going on during parts of the book. I liked the missing wife mystery and trying to solve the crime. Finding Reyes’ dad was also a good story--one needed in order to progress Reyes’ story forward. In addition, I liked the plot involving the biker gang, especially because good things came from it; however, I’m a little leery of where it is headed.
In the end, even with the "negatives" I had with Third Grave Dead Ahead, it was still a captivating book and I look forward to seeing what will happen to Charley. There are a lot of loose ends this time around, and I need some closure!
My Rating:
|
Liked it - recommend (B+)
Reviews in the Series
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Review: Hera Queen of Gods by TD Thomas
Hera, Queen of Gods
Author: T.D. Thomas
Release Date: Oct. 3, 2012
Goddess Unbound #1
Publisher: Self-published
Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal
Format(s): E-book (536 printed pages)
Book Source: Author
About the book:
|
Hera couldn't care less what the other gods think, even when it's about her. And it often is. Frankly, Hera couldn't care less about anything, except doing her duty as queen - protecting order and defending the mortal world against any threats. But when the Fates go missing, Hera and a handful of other gods must temporarily become mortal to search the human world for the missing goddesses.
Hera finds that mortality begins to change her. It's not just the loss of her divine powers. She expected that. It's deeper somehow. It's affecting how she thinks, how she feels, what's important to her. And it gets much worse after she meets Justin, who defies every prejudice she once had about mortals. At the worst possible time, and despite all her efforts, Hera's black-and-white world starts to unravel.
Torn between who she's becoming and who she needs to be in order to fulfill her duty, Hera must survive a horde of murderous creatures sent to exploit her new weakness. In the end, only Hera can stop a traitorous plot conceived by a secret alliance of ancient and new enemies, a plot that threatens to destroy not only the order Hera is sworn to protect, but all of existence itself.
What G & U are talking about:
|
Hera, Queen of Gods is the debut novel of T.D. Thomas. This new young adult series, Goddess Unbound, has some fascinating elements. However, Gikany and Una felt confused and a bit let down by the end.
The Fates are missing, and if you have some basic Greek Mythology knowledge, you’ll understand that it is a serious issue. To resolve the problem several of the Gods, including Zeus and Hera, come to earth, taking possession of teenage mortals to find and rescue the Fates.
It is all very intriguing: blending the impulsive and selfish natures of gods with teenagers seems like an easy thing to do. However, while the novel reads at what we feel is a younger-age and maturity level, some of the encounters in Hera, Queen of Gods are of a more mature nature. Greek gods by nature are pleasure seeking, self-absorbed entities with little to no regard for the mortals. The novel also explores the constant inner struggle Hera has with keeping her vows in her marriage with Zeus, who has no qualms about violating those vows. Then we take into account the fact that Hera is almost gang raped in the beginning of the novel. Combine this with the gods espousing the belief that alcohol will solve their temporary problems of feeling outnumber and outwitted, and then running off to a “kegger”. This all occurs after they give a mortal teenager “liquid courage” so the gods possessing the teenagers can continue with their quest.
Again, Hera, Queen of Gods fell pretty short overall in our opinion. But we do seem some promise in the overall mythology and plot arc, which gives us the desire to read the next book in the Goddess Unbound series.
Their Rating:
|
Finished it - take it or leave it (C)
Purchase Info:
Review: Rush by Maya Banks
Rush
Author: Maya Banks
Release Date: Feb. 5, 2013
Publisher: Berkley Trade
Breathless Trilogy, Book #1
ISBN: 978-0425267042
Genre: Erotic Contemporary Romance
Format(s): Paperback (416 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Publisher/ NetGalley
About the book:
|
Gabe, Jace, and Ash: three of the wealthiest, most powerful men in the country. They’re accustomed to getting anything they want. Anything at all. For Gabe, it’s making one particular fantasy come true with a woman who was forbidden fruit. Now she’s ripe for the picking...
When Gabe Hamilton saw Mia Crestwell walk into the ballroom for his hotel’s grand opening, he knew he was going to hell for what he had planned. After all, Mia is his best friend’s little sister. Except she’s not so little anymore. And Gabe has waited a long time to act on his desires.
Gabe has starred in Mia’s fantasies more than once, ever since she was a teenager with a huge crush on her brother’s best friend. So what if Gabe’s fourteen years older? Mia knows he’s way out of her league, but her attraction has only grown stronger with time. She’s an adult now, and there’s no reason not to act on her most secret desires.
As Gabe pulls her into his provocative world, she realizes there’s a lot she doesn’t know about him or how exacting his demands can be. Their relationship is intense and obsessive, but as they cross the line from secret sexual odyssey to something deeper, their affair runs the risk of being exposed—and vulnerable to a betrayal far more intimate than either expected.
What VampBard’s talking about:
|
While reading Rush, the newest offering from Maya Banks, I was driven – often – to the term 'Holy Hell'. I'm not gonna lie. I ran the gambit of, “I LOVE this book,” to “Um. Wow. Not sure,” to “this better resolve – quickly – or I'm outtie.” I finished. I pondered. I learned... and I quickly became thankful for my own life and relationships.
First and foremost: BDSM is prominent. The D/s roles are a central figure and major plot point. The sex is hot, intense, and PLENTIFUL throughout this book. It's not over-done. It's an important aspect of the main characters' relationship, although it's not the ONLY aspect of their relationship. There were a few things that made me uncomfortable while reading, and one situation that had the potential to be a deal-breaker (as in, I would have stopped reading), but this situation was handled, and the characters moved on. As the synopsis states, obsessive relationship. If you struggle with reading about these types of relationships, this book is NOT for you.
Secondly, I almost felt as though this was Ms. Banks' response to the FSoG bandwagon. Better writing, better plot, better execution...definitely. I loved the fact that we saw the good, the bad and the ugly. More realistic and less sunshine, unicorns and rainbows. This isn't a copycat of 50 Shades. I think we're seeing the work of a master author, and she's chosen to create in a popular genre for the public's consumption. ...And consume Rush, I did.
Lastly, there's all sorts of kink going on in this book. Pay attention to Jace and Ash. After Rush concluded, there was a chapter from the next book in the Breathless Trilogy, and I want to read it now! Although...I suspect it's going to focus on Jace, not Ash, one can never be sure where those two are concerned. **knowing nod**
I think one of the things that initially drove me crazy about Mia is the fact that she thinks that BDSM is bad. She demeans herself constantly through the first 40% of the book (at least) for enjoying the world to which she's been introduced. I LOVED watching her transformation! We live in a nation where a preponderance of women have low self-esteem, and seeing Mia grow into a more confident woman had me doing mental high fives with her. You GO, girl! **shakes pom pons** While Mia was the heroine, we heard from her perspective, and we watched as her character developed, matured, and evolved, she was a secondary character to Gabe, for me.
Gabe. He simply can't control himself. It's really telling for him to admit he doesn't HAVE control when it comes to Mia. However, at the 40% mark, Gabe pulls a beyotch move. He goes ballistic because Mia leaves a cocktail party. Yeah. I totally wasn't feeling this story at that point. Ms. Banks, however, makes me love Gabe. Even though he's totally gorgeous and filthy rich – coming from 'old money' – he has such a poor self-image that I feel badly for him. It's not like he couldn't and hasn't had his choice of beautiful women. He chooses to wait for Mia. There's a few things to watch for with Gabe's charater: the interactions with his ex-wife, Lisa – I hate her, but must admit she's intuitive. Also watch for interactions with his dad. THOSE are interesting!
Gabe gave me several Holy. Hell. Moments. I'm not gonna lie. The way he recovered, learned about himself, and doted on Mia had me entranced. Dude has himself some serious issues, but manages to turn things around for the win at the end. It's a romance. Y'all know there's a HEA.
**SPOILER ALERT**
The deal-breaker point I mentioned above was difficult for me to read. Gabe attempts to 'share' Mia, while he was present, with business associates to prove to himself that he doesn't love her. This almost caused me to DNF this book. If you can't handle this type of thing, skip this title.
<end spoiler>
Three best friends. The all grown-up 'little' sister. Secrets, passion and experimentation. I had a love-hate relationship with this book. Anytime the actions of a character can make you love AND hate the same story and characters, and then redeem both plot and peeps, the title is a keeper. Rush was one of those titles. I definitely look forward to future installments of the Breathless Trilogy.
VampBard’s Rating:
|
Enjoyed - strongly recommend (A-)
Purchase Info:
Monday, January 28, 2013
Blogiversary Giveaway Bonanza
Guess Who is 3 Years Old?
That's right! Today THAT'S WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT is 3 years old and I'm in the mood to celebrate with a big GIVEAWAY!
But before we get to the prizes, I first want to thank each of you for supporting me over the past 3 years.
* To my readers... I want to thank you for stopping by often and leaving me a comment or two. I'm also thankful to those who have told me how much they appreciate what we do on a daily basis. Hearing from you keeps me going on those tough days!
* To my fellow bloggers... Thank you for the support, help, friendship and laughs. There are too many of you to name each individually, but I hope you know how much you've meant to me over the years.
* To the authors... Thanks for writing such great books for us to read and review! Thank you for saying hello on twitter. Thanks for sending me books to read. Thanks for supplying my habits!
* To the publishers... Thank you for sending authors and books my way. I enjoy the interviews, giveaways and guest spots from authors.
* To my review team... Thank you for putting up with my texts and emails, bugging you about posts, reviews and ideas in my head. Thank you for your friendship and support!
Thank you to everyone who has supported me throughout these first three years!
Now for the giveaways....
I have 63 books in eight (8) sets that I am giving to YOU! I also have a ton of Romance Trading Cards. Plus every winner will receive a pen and bookmark thanks to Lara Adrian. The books will be one giveaway and the romance trading cards will be a separate giveaway. You can enter (and potentially win) both contests. Details and entry form are located below.
The Prizes
SET #1
SET #2
SET #3
SET #4
SET #5
SET #6
SET #7
SET #8
Every winner receives a pen and bookmark!
If you would like to enter to win one of the above sets of books, you must use the Rafflecopter form below (prizes called LOTS OF BOOKS) AND leave a comment on the blog telling me which book set/s you'd like to win if selected. You can choose any number of the sets (1-8), but each winner will only receive one set. I will do my best to pick your preferred set if you win. You do not need to be a google friends connect follower of my blog, but it is always appreciated (My goal is to be at 610 followers at the end of this contest!). Contest is open from January 28, 2013 until Friday February 8, 0213 at 12:00 AM EST. Contest is restricted to US and Canadian mailing addresses only. Eight (8) winners will be selected from eligible entries. I am not responsible for items lost in the mail. If you have problems with the RAFFLECOPTER form, please email me at twimom227 (at) gmail (dot) com.
ROMANCE TRADING CARDS...
If you would like to enter to win this pack of romance trading cards, you must use the Rafflecopter form below (prize called Romance Trading Cards). You do not need to be a google friends connect follower of my blog, but it is always appreciated. Contest is open from January 28, 2013 until Friday February 8, 0213 at 12:00 AM EST. Contest is restricted to US and Canadian mailing addresses only. One (1) winner will be selected from eligible entries. I am not responsible for items lost in the mail. You can enter (and win) both the book and the trading card giveaway! If you have problems with the RAFFLECOPTER form, please email me at twimom227 (at) gmail (dot) com.
Thank you to everyone! I look forward to sharing books and more with you over the next year!Happy Reading!
Saturday, January 26, 2013
Saturday Conversations 01/26/2013
Advertising
This coming Monday is the 3rd Blogiversary for That's What I'm Talking About. As I approach this milestone, I am thinking about ways to improve my blog and provide the best possible product for my readers. I haven't made many changes to my blog over the past couple of years, and now I'm considering a redesign. I am also considering hosting more contests with a wider reach and other features that readers would like to see.
One of the things about trying to improve and expand my blog is that it costs money. Currently I have no funds coming in to support my blog, and everything I spend comes out of my pocket. I'm not complaining - my blog is more than a hobby, it is a big part of my life. So I don't mind spending money when I do. However, I've been thinking about adding advertising to the blog to help with some of the changes I'm considering. The thing is, I don't know much about it or even where to begin. So today I'd love to pick your brain about advertising...
If you are a blogger: Do you use advertising? How do you reach out and get the ads? Do you do your own designs? If you are willing to talk shop, please leave me your email.
If you are an author: Do you like to purchase ad space? Do you have criteria such as blog hits, that you consider before purchasing an ad? Do you design your own ads?
If you are a reader: Do ads influence your decision to buy a book? Do you have strong feelings about seeing ads on book review blogs?
Any input you all have is greatly appreciated!
Happy Reading!
Friday, January 25, 2013
Author Guest Post & Giveaway: Loribelle Hunt
Hello Readers! Today I bring you author Loribelle Hunt. Loribelle is a former Army MP who traded in her combat boots for motherhood, flip-flops and all the Diet Coke she can drink. (She almost misses the combat boots.) She’s the author of more than twenty books, none of which her children are allowed to read. Ever. Visit her website, www.loribellehunt.com, or Facebook, www.facebook.com/loribelle.hunt, for information on new releases.
In celebration of her upcoming title, Warrior (Feb 5, 2013, Samhain Publishing), Loribelle is here to talk about what inspires new ideas. In addition, Loribelle is hosting a GIVEAWAY of anyone of her titles, including Warrior (details below). Please help me welcome Loribelle to That’s What I’m Talking About.
Inspiring New Ideas
Hey y’all! Thanks for letting me visit today!
I love playing with what if scenarios. This is the way I come up with most of my new ideas and The Elect series was no different. I wanted to stay away from shapeshifters for this one, and I didn’t want to try to come up with a new vampire idea. That just left humans, so I wondered what I could do to make them different.
What could I throw at them to make them something more than an average person down the block? Make them more than human? I liked the possibilities. Would they be human with extrasensory talents or something else entirely? What would make them different? I loved the idea having a new species, evolved from humans, living in our midst. How would a new species ensure its survival? I figure they’d have two choices basically. Secrecy or aggression.
In my new series, The Elect have opted for secrecy. They look and sound human, have the same feelings and desires, but that is where the similarities end. The Elect are stronger, faster, and smarter with the instincts of a predator, as if nature knew they’d have a tough fight for survival. (Never mind that fits my obsession with writing alpha males so well lol!) But the Elect have cooler tricks up their sleeves. What’s the point of making up a new species if they don’t have nifty powers to go with them? So far I’ve written characters with telepathy, telekinesis, a truth reader, and a fire starter (well, technically she’s human). They were a lot of fun and I can’t wait to write more.
Thanks for sharing with us today, Loribelle! Here’s more about Loribelle’s upcoming book...
Warrior: The Elect Series Book 3
Samhain Publishing
February 5, 2013
Years ago, former Special Ops officer Carter Owens made the biggest mistake of his life. He met the woman of his dreams—and didn’t fight to keep her. Now that he’s learned Jamie Wade is still alive, and that she bore him a son, Carter plans to protect his family at all costs. Right after he’s rescued her along with several other Elect members being held prisoner in a private hospital.
He isn’t prepared to find her battered, drugged-up, and half-starved. Whatever her captor wanted, the madman hadn’t gone after it humanely.
When Jamie awakens, she’s stunned to find herself free of the abuser who tried and failed to make her admit she’s a telepath. As a police detective, she is driven to join the investigation into the organization that held her and her son captive. But first she’ll have to overcome Carter’s overprotective nature.
Which isn’t going to happen anytime soon, because first she has to recover—and convince him that their out-of-control sexual chemistry isn’t a good enough reason to stay.
You can find Loribelle online ...
And now for the GIVEAWAY...
The winner will receive an ebook version of Warrior or any book from Loribelle’s backlist. To be entered, please use the RAFFLECOPTER form below. As part of the entry, leave a comment telling me what type of paranormal is your favorite to read (shifters, vamps, angels/demons, superhumans, etc.). You do not need to be a google friends connect follower of my blog, but it is always appreciated. Contest is open from January 25, 2013 until Thursday January 31, 2013 at 12:00 AM EST. One entry per person. Contest is open to all, except where prohibited by law. One (1) winner will be selected from eligible entries. I am not responsible for items lost in the mail. If you have problems with the RAFFLECOPTER form, please email me at twimom227 (at) gmail (dot) com.
Thursday, January 24, 2013
Review: Dreamspinner by Lynn Kurland
Dreamspinner
Author: Lynn Kurland
Release Date: Dec. 31, 2012
Publisher: Berkley Trade
The Nine Kingdoms #7
ISBN: #978-0425262191
Genre: Fantasy
Format(s): Paperback (384 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Publisher
About the book:
|
Aisling of Bruadair has lived a provincial life, removed from the evil creeping over her land. Her ordinary existence changes forever, though, when she is sent to the opposite end of the world to find a master swordsman. If she fails, her life–and her country’s safety–will be forfeit. She just never expected that swordsman to be a wounded elven prince masquerading as a simple soldier.
Powerless and scarred from long-ago conflict, Rùnach of Ceangail has spent years in obscurity, ignoring battles he can no longer fight. And although he has been drawn back into the world, he fully intends to live an unremarkable life far away from events he knows he cannot change . . .
Until Rùnach meets Aisling and realizes that she is far more than what she seems, that their alliance has attracted unwelcome notice, and that some battles must be fought.
What B is talking about:
|
Sold into a life of hard labor by her parents when she was only a girl, Aisling dreams of nothing but gaining her freedom on her next birthday. Fate has other ideas, however, and Aisling is forcefully thrust into the battle between good and evil that is threatening the Nine Kingdoms. Sent, under a curse of death, on a quest to find a savior for her country, she can trust no one, not even the kind, scarred soldier who insists on accompanying her on her journey.
Robbed of his magic by his own father years before, Rùnach of Ceangail wants nothing more than a simple life as a soldier of fortune, living out his extremely long life alone. But, when his path crosses that of a mysterious young woman in disguise, his curiosity overrules his better judgment, upending all his carefully laid plans.
As the seventh of the Nine Kingdoms novels, Dreamspinner relies so much on the series’ history that I would highly recommend it be read as part of the bigger story. References to minor characters, as well as those completely absent from this novel, left me feeling somewhat detached at times, and unable to appreciate all of the characters’ reactions within the narrative. This is entirely understandable, however, given that each novel of the Nine Kingdoms is substantial in its own right, and I imagine that devoting the required time to make every subsequent novel stand independently of the rest might weigh the story down considerably.
Aisling and Rùnach are very sweet together, the gradual slide the two make from being merely traveling companions to forming a real attachment as inevitable as it is endearingly awkward. Watching Rùnach’s consternation increase alongside Aisling’s awakening to the magic all around her is likewise extremely entertaining. Eventually, Rùnach gives in to his feelings without much of a fuss, going from comparing her to the beauties of the Elven court through much of the novel in an attempt to distract himself, to describing Aisling as being past “pretty” when a rival describes her as such. The pair’s protests become increasingly amusing to the other characters of the novel, resulting in quite a few smirks and snickers that leave Rùnach pondering his options to do them all violence for it.
I found Ms. Kurland’s secondary characters to be particularly enjoyable, Weger and Rùnach’s sister Mhorghain, most especially. These characters, as well as other minor characters, supply not just the only tie we’re given to the rest of the series, but the majority of the comic relief as well. They all seem to know exactly how to drive Rùnach thoroughly insane, which made for some of the funniest parts of the novel.
Dreamspinner is at heart, an epic tale of magic and adventure. Although I felt distanced from the story earlier on, I was able to connect more easily with the characters as their journey progressed. Aisling and Rùnach are both unwilling participants in a battle to save their world from darkness, each left embittered by the burdens they’ve had to carry. Together, they learn hard lessons about destiny and responsibility, but find purpose and happiness as well. Ms. Kurland makes visualizing the world she’s created easy, painting scenes rich in detail and texture. While the scope of the entire series is too intricate to be contained within a single novel, Ms. Kurland leaves her heroes with plenty to do in the next story, and it’s one I’m looking forward to.
B’s Rating:
|
Purchase Info:
Labels:
3.5 stars,
Berkley Trade,
Bs-review,
Lynn Kurland,
sci-fi/fantasy,
The Nine Kingdoms
|
0
comments
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Grab My Button
