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2013 reading goal:
15 new-to-me authors.
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Showing posts with label Carolyn Crane. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Carolyn Crane. Show all posts
Monday, June 17, 2013
Review: Against the Dark by Carolyn Crane
Against the Dark
Author: Carolyn Crane
Release Date: April 17, 2013
Publisher: self-published
The Associates #1
Genre: Military/Suspense Romance
Format(s): e-book
Book Source: Author
About the book:
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SHE’S AN EX-SAFECRACKER FORCED INTO ONE LAST HEIST
Angel Ramirez left the safecracking game five years ago, and she’s worked hard to make amends and build an honest life. But when a beloved aunt is kidnapped, she must reunite with her girl gang to acquire the unique ransom: Walter Borgola’s prized diamonds. It’s a simple job that turns into a nightmare, thanks to a surprisingly clever—and searingly sexy—security guard named Cole Hawkins.
HE’S AN UNDERCOVER AGENT WITH BIG PLANS FOR HIS GORGEOUS THIEF
Cole is one of the Association’s most brilliant agents, under deep cover investigating a ruthless killer. He’s also running out of time: hundreds will die if he doesn’t stop the plan Borgola’s set into motion. Catching Angel is the break he needed--he promises not to turn her in if she poses as his lover and uses her unique talents to unlock the sociopath’s dungeon vaults.
But as pretend passions turn real, Cole regrets drawing Angel into his deadly game…and danger is closer than either of them could ever imagine.
What I’m talking about:
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Angel Ramirez lead life of crime from the time she was a young woman. However, the life of a thief didn’t sit right with her, so she went on the straight and narrow path as an interior designer five years ago. That is until her old gang and friends pull her out of retirement to steal gems from a nasty bad guy to save one of her friend's aunt. Posing as a prostitute to work at Borgola’s party, Angel is immediately drawn to security guard, Cole.
Cole Hawkins is a secrets man... He can crack any puzzle. He’s a super genius and great with logistics - but he’s also a dangerous killer. Posing as an inside security man, Cole is desperately trying to stop Borgola, who has kidnapped and is smuggling in a group of foreign teens to make sex films and then kill them on camera. Cole works for The Association--an undercover anti-crime unit without ties to any government. They pose as help-for-hire bad guys so that they can infiltrate and do good.
Right from the get go, Against the Dark is exciting and sexy. Angel and her friends risk everything to steal some gems from Borgola. The atmosphere is intense, but fun for the three women who are longtime friends. I enjoyed the juxtaposition of Angel’s excitement of being back with her friends and the thrill of the heist side-by-side with the magnitude of the moment and danger if they are caught. They are attempting something near impossible, but their confidence ensures that they will not get caught... hopefully. The jewel heist was fun, and the idea that Angel may have left DNA on the scene is thrilling... Leaving just enough doubt in the reader’s mind that something could happen, and they could track her down. But it was the women’s camaraderie and Angel’s sense of loss at being away from her gang that made the entire scene all the more outstanding.
Of course Cole puts two and two together and finds Angel. She has a skill set that he needs in order to save those children headed to Borgola - she can crack safes that are impossible to crack. Assuming she’s just a lowly thief, he blackmails her into helping him return to the scene of the crime, posing as his girlfriend, so that she can help him bring down Borgola. I really enjoyed the banter between Cole and Angel as they set their stories of how they first met. It was like they were already are that "cute couple." And Cole... wow! Let’s just say he gets into the details of their first time, and it isn’t just Angel that is left turned on by his words *fans self*.
Both Angel and Cole have histories. She lead a life of crime, but came from a good home. He had absentee parents that died from a drug overdose when he was a teen, and then he was recruited by the Association. They portray their characters of a jewel thief and a brutal security man so well, neither can see past the exterior into who the other person truly is inside. Yet, they fall for each other immediately. It’s almost comical how Cole has to constantly remind himself “she’s just a common thief” to prevent himself from falling too deep. It tugged at my heartstrings because I knew the truth of who each was inside. Cole and Angel needed the chance to be honest about who they are, and they needed to fall for the real person inside and not the perceived stereotype.
With that, Angel and Cole make a great team, as Cole points out when they are forced by situation to work together. Each brings their own personality and experiences to the table, and together their individual histories blend together like pieces in a puzzle. Their physical attraction is undeniable and extremely steamy as well. What I adore about the pair is that they are also attracted on a mental level, which is equality as sexy. They just click and it works.
The storyline intensifies and Cole must decide if Angel is still an acceptable loss in order to save the children. With as much emotion as there is action, Against the Dark is a thrill to read. There are twists and turns, some of which I didn’t expect. The story kept me on my toes.
Against the Dark is an exciting first story in what promises to be a wonderful new series from Ms. Crane. The story is filled intense, nail-biting action that isn't over-the-top crazy. The characters aren't perfect, which makes them all the more likable. Angel and Cole make a great pair, with their romance sweet as often as it is steamy. Overall, Against the Dark is an entertaining romantic suspense that I suggest you pick up for some enjoyable summer reading.
My Rating:
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Liked it - recommend (B+)
Labels:
Monday, June 3, 2013
Review: Fire & Frost Anthology
Fire & Frost
Authors: Meljean Brook, Carolyn Crane & Jessica Sims
Release Date: May 25, 2013
Publisher: self-published
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Steampunk Romance, Anthology
Format(s): e-book
Book Source: Author
About the book:
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Speed Mating by Jessica Sims – Estrella may be going into heat, but she’s determined to remain in control. Just because she’s ovulating doesn’t mean she has to settle for just any man (or his beast). Her sexy alpha’s determined to find her a tiger to take care of her heat and father her child…but no one seems to look quite as good as the man in charge. Will giving in to her need for her alpha ruin her tenuous relationship with her clan or be a match made in heaven?
Conjuring Max by Carolyn Crane – The witches of the world ridiculed and rejected nerdy Veronica for trying to use newfangled computers to enhance old world spellcasting. Well, it’s 1984 now, and she’s perfected her spellcasting computer program. Hey, who needs friends when you can conjure virtually anything…or anybody? So when Veronica makes powerful new enemies, she conjures Max, a pitbull of a cop, to deal with the pesky hitmen who keep coming around. Maybe Veronica can finally get some peace and quiet so she can work on her computer. But tough-guy Max is in no mood to play lapdog to a gorgeous witch.
Wrecked by Meljean Brook – Elizabeth has spent the past five years running from her father; her father’s huntsman, Caius, has spent the past five years pursuing her. But when he finally catches up to her on an airship flying above Europe’s zombie-infested cities, Elizabeth discovers that Caius isn’t the only danger she has to fear—and now that he’s found her, Caius doesn’t intend to let her go…
What I’m talking about:
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Speed Mating by Jessica Sims
Midnight Liaisons series
Estrella is an anomaly in her pack--she is a liger: half tiger, half lion. While she doesn't really fit in with her tiger pack, she is not accepted at all by the lion pack. Estrella had always been told she was sterile, and she believed that right up until she realized that she was going into heat. Now with only a week's notice, she needs to find someone she likes to service her needs and be the father of her child.
The one man she truly desires is her alpha, Vic. But since she thinks he could never be interested, she goes through the motions of dating and looking for a mate.
Speed Mating is a fun and sexy little story. There is a bit of humor and light-heartedness throughout the novella. I liked that the story stayed in Estrella's POV for the duration of the tale because it elevated the tension without knowing Vic’s true feelings. The pair are a joy to watch as they come together.
Bottom line: Cute, sexy shifter story. Lots of fun.
4 stars.
Conjuring Max by Carolyn Crane
Code of Shadows 0.5
Readers of Ms. Crane’s first release in this series, Mr. Real, will recognize Vicky as Alix’s Great Aunt who left Alix all of her worldly possessions - including a computer program that brings to life objects from photos. One need not have read Mr. Real to enjoy this novella.
Vicky is in danger and in hiding from crime syndicate boss, Salvo. She’s used her knowledge of witchcraft and computer programing to bring to life Max, former Chicago police officer recently killed in the line of duty, to be her bodyguard.
The story opens about three months after Vicky first conjured Max. I liked that Max knows he's been conjured from a photo (and the “real” Max is dead). Max is more human that most as he contemplates life, the existence of a soul, falls in love with Vicky, and learns to let go of the daughter he orphaned after his murder.
The opening of the novella is very exciting. We have no idea why Salvo is after Vicky, only that he is relentless in his pursuit. The action is suspensefully written, keeping this reader glued to the pages. In addition, the book has a heart and tackles powerful emotions. The concepts of life, death and love are wonderfully interwoven into the thrilling tale.
The story switches POV between Vicky and Max. We learn of their mutual yet secret desire and admiration for the other. I loved how Vicky pushes Max and how Max teaches Vicky to learn to let go. As the story progresses you learn how perfectly matched the pair is. It's lovely to see the give and take between the individuals.
Bottom line: Exciting action with heart. As a fan of Mr. Real, I enjoyed “history lesson” about how the computer codes came to be.
4 stars
Wrecked by Meljean Brook
Iron Seas series
Five years ago, Elizabeth Jannsen ran from her powerful father, who subsequently sent highly-trained hunters to collect her and bring her home. Caius Trachter was the only one to ever capture her, but she was able to make a dangerous escape. (2 years prior to the start of this story.)
Now Elizabeth's father has caught up to her, and she must make a quick exit. Little does she know that Caius is watching, nor does she know that he has loved her since the day he met her.
I must share with you that I am completely in awe of Ms. Brook’s storytelling and of the tales she spins. She is simply a master at her craft. Wrecked is no exception, further cementing the Iron Seas series as one of the Top 5 series among the current romance genre.
Elizabeth has every reason to run from her father, and when you find out why, I imagine your jaw will drop just like mine. Knowing that she has little chance to escape Caius, Elizabeth makes the decision to trust the man that once tried to turn her in. The pain and heartache, loneliness and internal torment of both Elizabeth and Caius is portrayed with an absolute care for detail. Elizabeth loves her father, but he is a madman and she cannot see a way out of her situation without someone's death. She wants to trust and believe Caius, but she isn't certain how. This creates emotional conflict and amazing tension. The emotional depth of the novella is on par with a story two to three times its length.
In addition, the details of the ship, voyage and world are wonderfully woven into the tale. The action--hunt and chase--are thrilling and suspenseful.
The story reaches beyond the two primary characters without stretching thin the plot of and time allotted to the primary tale. For example, I adore Captain Harker who is the captain of the ship on which Elizabeth attempts her escape. He is a supporting character with a ton of integrity. His actions give Elizabeth the ability to trust another human. It is endearing how he cares for her in his own polite way.
The ending of the story was “perfect” for the situation and again brought forward an array of emotions, but this time a bit different from the earlier scenes. It was a touching, albeit simple, way to wrap up the tale... perfect.
I absolutely loved this novella. *sigh* I cannot say enough about how great the Iron Seas series is. This novella is a stand alone and can be enjoyed by all. It is a sweet romance, suspenseful action, exquisite steampunk world and all around wonderful story.
Bottom line: Amazing adventure full of rich detail and complex storytelling that will blow you away.
5 stars
Overall, Fire & Frost offers three wonderful tales, each very different, but all exciting, romantic and fun!
My Rating:
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Enjoyed - strongly recommend (A-)
Reviews in the Series:
Midnight Liaisons
Code of Shadows:
Iron Seas:
Friday, December 28, 2012
Year in Review - 2012
Here we are at the close of another year. This year my goal was to focus more on reading and less on the mechanics of blogging, and I’m happy to report it was a success! Emotionally and mental I was in a much better place, finding time to read and enjoying writing the reviews. I am happy to report that the total number of books read this year was 97 books, up 33 books from last year! My original goal was to read one book per week, but up’d the goal to 65 books (one more than 2011). I blew that goal out of the water!
I had also challenged myself to read new-to-me authors this past year. Originally, I thought about one new author per month, for a total of 12 in the year, but when I realized I would exceed that rather quickly, I up’d that goal to 24 new-to-me-authors. I ended up reading 30 new-to-me authors! I am really proud of this accomplishment and plan to try and get at least 12 more new-to-me authors in 2013.
Having the more relaxed mental attitude also helped with blogging. I am pleased to report that I published over 460 posts in 2012, up over 100 from 2011! My review team kept me busy! We added a new feature in late September called Saturday Conversations, a place where we take the time to chat about the things going on in our lives. On the downside, I finally said goodbye (for now) to my long-running Sunday Snippets weekly post back in October 2012, after the 124th post!
I really have enjoyed blogging and discussing books with all of you. Although visitors were down in 2012, I know I have a great group of loyal readers, and I thank you each of you from the bottom of my heart. My blog is a labor of love, and I’m happy to share it with you all! Below is my TOP TEN for 2012... How did 2012 go for you? What were your favorite reads during the year?
10) My friend and sometime guest reviewer, Ang, came on board as a permanent member of the That’s What I’m Talking About review team. Ang enjoys reading historicals and contemporaries - creating a better balance of romance here at the blog.
9) I enjoy doing giveaways here at That’s What I’m Talking About, and the discovery of Rafflecopter has made giveaways so much easier for me! I love that it manages the entries and picks the winner/s for me, but I also enjoy all of the options, like tweeting about the giveaway.
8) Did anyone else notice the increase in Self-Published Authors this past year? I had the opportunity to read and showcase both newbie authors, but also some of my long-time favorites went the route of self-publishing in 2012. Whether by choice or due to circumstances, the decision to self-publish was a-okay with me. I enjoyed books from Shiloh Walker, Carolyn Crane, Jill Myles and Allyson James - all self-published. And this trend to self-publish was at the center of a question I asked at the Lori Foster’s Reader-Author Get Together, bringing a true cricket moment, but many laughs for my friend Dren and myself!
7) It seems that every year there is at least one big book in a long-running series, one that everyone can’t wait to read (can anyone say Qhuay 2013?!). In 2012, there were two such books for me. First was the climatic conclusion to the (first story arc of) Midnight Breed series by Lara Adrian, and a book for the long-tormented hero, Chase. We finally got to read his book, Darker After Midnight, and it did NOT disappoint! Not only did the book chronicle Chase’s journey of redemption and love, it also ended with an amazing twist that will completely reboot the series when it returns in February 2013. 2012 also was the year that Paris finally finds love in The Lords of the Underworld! Gena Showalter’s keeper of Promiscuity, Paris, has been pining for Sienna since the beginning of the series, and in The Darkest Seduction, Paris finally finds peace.
6) Reading so many New-to-Me Authors in 2012 was not only a huge accomplishment, but also such a joy. I found some great new series that have now become “auto-buys” for me. As I mentioned earlier, I hope to continue adding new authors to my bookshelf, but I won’t do it at the expense of giving up books and series I currently read. I think I will be able to squeeze in a few more - because that’s the best way to discover new favorites!!
5) URBAN FANTASY! When I look back at 2012, I realize that I have been reading a lot more urban fantasy titles and really enjoying them (even a bit more than PNR!). My favorites are ones that have a strong heroine, who may be flawed but believes in herself and those around her, coupled with some romance. Long-time favorites like Kate Daniels (and her partner Andrea, who was the main character in one of my favorite books, Gunmetal Magic), Janet Begay (Stormwalker series), Victory Vaughn (Deadtown series) and Madeline Black (Black Wings series), were joined this year by new-to-me characters like Gin Blanco (Elemental Assassins), Kit Colbana (Colbana Files), Drusilla Jaco (Sentinels of New Orleans), and Justine Jones (The Disillusionists).
4) In 2012, I said good-bye to three of my “auto-buy” series. First, Jill Myles ended her wonderful Succubus Diaries series with Succubi Are Forever in April. In November, Larissa Ione released the fourth and final book in her sexy Lords of Deliverance series. Rogue Rider may have the final chapter for the Horsemen, but the world of Demonica will live on when she returns to UGH in 2013 with Reaver’s book! Finally, December saw the final book Alyssa Day’s Warriors of Poseidon series. Long-time readers FINALLY got Alaric and Quinn’s story in Heart of Atlantis.
3) I finally made time to read The Disillusionist series by Carolyn Crane. What. An. Amazing. Series. I cannot not say enough great things about this trilogy which centers around a group of misfits who learn to use their phobias and insecurities to “cure” true bad guys of their vices. The third book in the series, Head Rush, was one of the best books I read this past year and earned a spot as one of my all-time favorites!
2) It is hard to pick a favorite book for 2012... There were several great reads that came out this past year. My top 3 new releases for 2012 are: Riveted by Meljean Brook, Gunmetal Magic by Ilona Andrews, and Darker After Midnight by Lara Adrian.
1) Getting to hang out with some of the most wonderful women and fellow book lovers at both Lori Foster’s Get Together and Authors After Dark NOLA. Not only did I have to opportunity to check in with some of the friends I’d met in 2011, but I finally got to meet in real life several more of my online tweeps. Plus - meeting and hanging out with some amazing authors. I think I went a bit fangirl several times. Connecting with gracious people and making friends with those I have something in common is truly a blessing! I look forward to doing more of the same in 2013!
Thank you all for stopping by and supporting me and That's What I'm Talking About. Joyous New Year and Happy Reading!! Be sure to check back in January when I’m planning a HUGE book giveaway blow out for my 3rd Blogiversary!
Thursday, October 25, 2012
Review: Mr. Real by Carolyn Crane
Mr. Real
Author: Carolyn Crane
Release Date: Oct. 30, 2012
Publisher: self-published
Code of Shadows #1
ISBN: #978-1480134690
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Suspense
Format(s): Paperback, e-book
Book Source: Author
About the book:
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He finds the girl of his dreams…with the secret agent of his nightmares.
Alix Gordon is a woman who doesn’t take life too seriously. What’s the fun in that? So when she stumbles across occult software that can bring any computer image to life, she conjures up lots of awesome outfits and accessories. And then, on one drunken, horny night, she conjures up Sir Kendall, the sexy TV ad spy . . . who looks exactly like Paul Reinhardt, the super-sexy martial arts teacher who kicked her out of class three years ago.
Fighter Paul Reinhardt has good reason to hate Sir Kendall, the character he brought to life to land a part in a TV ad; he’d do anything to forget him. A cross country road trip seems just the thing . . . until Paul finds himself inexplicably drawn to Minnesota and is shocked to discover Sir Kendall - in the flesh - with the girl he’d once loved from afar. He barges into Alix and Sir Kendall’s love nest, determined to stop the madness - somehow.
But is superspy Sir Kendall transforming into something more dangerous anyone can imagine? And what will Sir Kendall do when Paul and Alix finally give into their mad lust for each other?
What I’m talking about:
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Alix Gordon has inherited her crazy Great Aunt Veronica’s old home, one that her family believes is shrouded in dark magic. When Alix finds a necklace on her front porch that she’d been admiring on her computer, she believes she may have a stalker. But soon, Alix pieces together that the necklace came from her computer. She and her BFF, Karen, realize that the old 5-1/4 inch floppy she discovered in the house and uploaded onto her computer contained magic code.
One drunken and lonely night, in order to prove that the computer is in fact magic, Alix decides to “order” a man of her own from the image of the one guy she can’t forget, “Hardass Paul.” Paul, a martial arts instructor from Alix’s past, has a secret - he plays the character “Sir Kendall” in liquor commercials overseas. (I totally imagined a younger version of THE MOST INTERESTING MAN IN THE WORLD commercials.) Sir Kendall is a James Bond type, and he always fades to black after his drink. Alix thinks she’ll be swept off her feet for a little fun and then he’s gone. Too bad magic doesn’t work the way she planned. A very real Sir Kendall is working to save the world and thinks Alix is a spy. Luckily Paul is inexplicably drawn to her home, and soon all three are in a huge mess!
One of the things that I really enjoyed about Mr. Real is that the story is told from multiple points of view (POV). Each of the three main characters had such contrasting perceptions of what was happening, the multiple POVs made the story much richer. In addition, Ms. Crane did a marvelous job with details and descriptions. And one of my favorite things was how she constantly described that items from the computer were almost surreal and larger than life.
Although Alix brings in Sir “Nick” Kendall for some fun (i.e. sex), the pair really have no chemistry. As they get to know each other, we witness that Alix feels responsible for Nick - this unaware, new human. She blindly decides that he is her responsibility, yet she goes too the extreme - neglecting obvious signs that perhaps this creation is dangerous. Meanwhile Sir Kendall is trapped in a world full of mystery and intrigue. He sees plots everywhere and is frustrated he cannot communicate with “his people.” She is holding back... knowing he isn't real. And he is holding back because he thinks she's a spy.
Alix is a bit flaky at times. It seems that she’s full of heart, but lousy on execution. So when she gets into this mess, I felt really bad for her. I liked that she did have a good head on her shoulders; however, she didn’t always use it. She is always trying to prove herself to her family, friends and those around her, but she uses sex, humor and her own oddity as shields. As Sir Kendall quickly observed:
Alix hated to wait, hated to be stilled--she always needed to be moving. Constant movement and a lack of seriousness dulled sensation. This was a woman, perhaps, who felt too deeply. (quote from uncorrected copy).
At times throughout the story, I became a bit annoyed with Alix's refusal to listen to Paul or Karen and that she blatantly refuses to even consider something “wrong.” When viewed from Paul’s POV, Alix comes across as a jerk since she won’t consider the counsel of her REAL friends. Yet, when we get Alix’s POV, she comes across like a lost, hurt puppy dog. She’s been so wounded in her life, that she’ll blindly hold on to something she thinks will make things right.
Everything changes when Paul arrives. We discover that Sir Kendall is the product of an abusive childhood that continues to haunt Paul to this day. Imagine Paul’s shock upon discovering a look alike is out there pretending to be his worst nightmare. Paul interrupts what he perceives as Nick torturing Alix, and he goes to TOWN on Nick. Watching Paul in that moment was so painful, to see him freaking out over something from his youth.
PauI and Alix do have something special. And through memories, we learn that Paul really did fall for Alix all those years ago. The more Paul is in the story, the more I like him. And after some convincing, it was good to have Paul know and believe the truth of the situation. I really enjoyed the pair, I just wish they didn’t take so long to break down their walls and confide in one another.
I found as the story went on that I began to get frustrated with some of the unexplained things... not the “science” of how the magic worked, but unanswered questions like why is there a gorilla cage in the backyard, and what are the Falcon letters? or Why didn’t anyone notice that the money being tossed around by Sir Kendall was counterfeit? I also would have like to seen more of Alix’s friend, Karen and Sir Kendall’s nemesis, Hyko.
As the story grew to a climax, characters changed and grew. This is to be expected, but I have to say that the way in which the events played out threw me for a loop. I had it in my head that things would go down one way, so when they didn’t, I rebelled against the process and felt that they way in which situations were reconciled were inappropriate. However, once I finished reading the book and spent some time thinking about the entire picture, I realized that it all made perfect sense, and I ended up liking it much more than what I imagined. (It’s a really good thing Ms. Crane wrote this book and not me!)
In the end, Mr. Real is a fantastic start to what I hope to be a long lasting new series for Ms. Crane. The romance was light, but appropriate for the storyline. The geek in me wanted more explanations, but really, just like the characters brought to life, there isn't always a background, and I just have to except things as they are. The story has almost an urban fantasy feel to it, in that you don't know what will happen to our characters next. Oh, and there are still copies of that code out there! I look forward to finding out what stories lie ahead.
My Rating:
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Liked it - recommend (B+)
You can enter win an electronic copy of Mr. Real. For more information, see author Carolyn Crane’s guest post HERE.
Author Guest Post & Giveaway: Carolyn Crane
Hello Readers! Today I bring you one of my favorite authors and all-around awesome peep, Carolyn Crane. Carolyn lives in Minneapolis with her husband and two daring cats. She works a day job as a freelance advertising writer, and has for years (Carolyn says “think low-rent Don Draper”). She’s also waited tables at a surprising number of Minneapolis restaurants and bars (though not as many, incidentally, as her writer husband has). She’s been a shop clerk and a plastics factory worker, which she was dismal at (think I Love Lucy).
As a side note, Carolyn can relate almost any life experience to one or another Star Trek episodes, and if you invite her to your party, your cheese plate will be in grave danger.
During rare moments when she’s not at her computer, she can be found reading in bed, running, helping animals, or eating Mexican food.
Carolyn is here today to talk about her upcoming release, Mr. Real, a story about a computer graphic hottie that comes to life. Keep reading to learn more about Mr. Real and enter to win a copy! GIVEAWAY details are below.
Please help me welcome Carolyn to That’s What I’m Talking About.
Are all characters Frankensteins when you bring them to life?
It’s funny, the unexpected things you start pondering super deeply when you get into writing a novel. The questions you find yourself exploring.
Like so many books, Mr. Real started out in my head as a what if. What if a woman conjured a TV spy to come for a sexy visit, and then the actor who played him found out and crashed the party? I just thought it was kind of a fun set-up. Like there would be this two-dimensional character hanging out with the heroine—a character who looked like the real guy—and it would totally bug the real guy.
But then, I really had to start thinking of my spy, Sir Kendall. What IS he, really? Sir Kendall is vaguely based on James Bond. So, what if James Bond came to life?
For example, there’s no question, in my mind, at least, that Zsadist or Vishous would not be able to function as normal guys living on my street in Minneapolis. Even taking the vampire liabilities away, a lot of these super alpha types are a bit psycho. This isn’t an original thought of mine – I think a lot of people feel the super alpha is best kept in a book.
But what about the less-psycho alphas? Or even the slightly normal heroes? Like, Roarke from IN DEATH seems really human, but would he be a Frankenstein if you blinked him onto your doorstep?
James Bond, if you’re just going by the movies, doesn’t have good friends or even parents. He doesn’t have a childhood or a favorite radio station. He doesn’t ever get ingrown toenails or cavities or bad breath. He has never smelled a real flower or read a bestseller or voted or gotten caught picking his nose while driving. I mean, these things are assumed by the viewer, but they are not there in the script or on the screen.
So what if you brought that guy to life? Would he be a man or a monster?
I ended up thinking about Frankenstein, who was designed to replicate a human, but was just different enough to make him a monster.
Can a character, transferred from pages or screen, ever be like a human? What is a human? Is it the big accomplishments? Or is it the little things, like relationships or noticing nature or the boy bands you liked in sixth grade? That is some of what I was thinking in the book.
Beware: deep thoughts ahoy! But sometimes you can start with a funny idea, but in order to execute, you have to answer new questions.
LOL aren’t you glad, Jen, that I have come to your blog to ask what makes us human? I hope you weren’t expecting a cartoon. Actually, I just drew you two. But it’s weird and interesting to me, to start out writing a funny book and end up there.
That would be kind of funny to ask that as a contest question – "win a book! All you have to do is answer this simple question: What makes us human?"
Wait, but I’m underestimating your readers. I’m going to ask it: what makes a person human? - to win an ebook download of Mr. Real. Yay!!
Jen!! Thank you so, so much for having me here at your awesome blog!!
Thank you, Carolyn for stopping by. It’s always a pleasure to chat with you!
You can find Carolyn on line at
More on Mr. Real (October 30, 2012):
He finds the girl of his dreams…with the secret agent of his nightmares.
Alix Gordon is a woman who doesn’t take life too seriously. What’s the fun in that? So when she stumbles across occult software that can bring any computer image to life, she conjures up lots of awesome outfits and accessories. And then, on one drunken, horny night, she conjures up Sir Kendall, the sexy TV ad spy . . . who looks exactly like Paul Reinhardt, the super-sexy martial arts teacher who kicked her out of class three years ago.
Fighter Paul Reinhardt has good reason to hate Sir Kendall, the character he brought to life to land a part in a TV ad; he’d do anything to forget him. A cross country road trip seems just the thing . . . until Paul finds himself inexplicably drawn to Minnesota and is shocked to discover Sir Kendall - in the flesh - with the girl he’d once loved from afar. He barges into Alix and Sir Kendall’s love nest, determined to stop the madness - somehow.
But is superspy Sir Kendall transforming into something more dangerous anyone can imagine? And what will Sir Kendall do when Paul and Alix finally give into their mad lust for each other?
GIVEAWAY Thank you, Carolyn, for stopping by That’s What I’m Talking About. Carolyn is graciously giving away one (1) electronic copy of Mr. Real. Please leave your comments for Carolyn, and answer her question: what makes a person human? Comments must be received by Tuesday October 30, 2012, at 9:00 PM CDT to be eligible for the contest. One entry per person, the winner will be selected from eligible entries by the author using random.org. Contest is open internationally; please leave your email address so the author can send you the book. Thank you to Carolyn for this fun giveaway!
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
What Makes a Good Gateway Book?
In case you haven’t heard any of the recent online and on-the-air discussions surrounding Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L. James, this isn’t one of them! I will tell you, I have not read the book and honestly, I don’t intend to. This isn’t a commentary on Fifty Shades nor a discussion on whether or not one should read the book... I’m in favor of books that get people reading, and that is what this book is doing.
What I am here to talk about is what I hope Fifty Shades of Grey will be for many individuals... a GATEWAY book: a book that brings new readers into a genre. That’s what The Twilight Series by Stephenie Meyer was for me and so many other women. It was my gateway into romance - specifically paranormal romance. Before Twilight, I’d never read a romance in my life. The series was the pathway for (I’m guessing) thousands of women to paranormal romance and urban fantasy.
So I wonder... will Fifty Shades of Grey do the same for some of the so-called “fringe” romances? I’ve had girlfriends that wouldn’t give my blog the time of day ask me about the book because of all of the hype. I’ve been asked for recommendations for more “erotic” or “BDSM” reads. This makes me happy!
A twitter discussion about both Fifty Shades and Twilight with @CarolynCrane and @KatiD prompted the question of what makes a good gateway (or introductory) book? You need something that is well-written and easy to follow. A gateway/introductory book should epitomize the genre without being too hard core. You don’t want to scare away a potential fan before they get used to the genre!
When people ask for recommendations in the paranormal romance genre, I always start with the Psy-Changeling Series by Nalini Singh. I feel that this series is hands down one of the best out there. It’s well-written, the stories are exciting, the romance sexy but not overly erotic, and the amount of paranormal is “just right.” And for folks looking for a vampire-centric story, I refer them to the Midnight Breed Series by Lara Adrian.
For Urban Fantasy, my go-to series is the Kate Daniel Series by Ilona Andrews. It’s just amazing! And after railroading through the Disillusionists Series by Carolyn Crane earlier this year, I’ve added that to my “gateway” books list.
If someone is looking for a little bit of “fringe” in their romance, I recommend the ACRO Series by Sydney Croft. This series is one of my favorites! The sex is definitely more erotic than the average paranormal romance, and the stories showcase both m/m romance and (in one book) BDSM.
Now I’m looking to my readers out there... what books do you recommend to friends that want to try out a new-to-them genre? I’d love to get some ideas for contemporary, historical, and m/m romance. What about outside of the romance genre all together? What makes a book a good GATEWAY book for you?
I look forward to reading all of your answers! Thanks for stopping by and Happy Reading!
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Review: Head Rush
Head Rush
Author: Carolyn Crane
Release Date: Dec. 6, 2011
Publisher: Samhain
The Disillusionists #3
ISBN: #978-1609286255
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Format(s): e-book
Book Source: Author
About the book:
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JUSTINE JONES FACES HER ULTIMATE ENEMY: HERSELF
In an attempt to put her unhappy past behind her, Justine Jones throws herself into nursing school and planning her wedding to the man of her dreams. But something is off. Random details aren’t adding up…and is it her imagination, or are her friends and fiancé keeping secrets from her? And what’s with this strange sense of unease, and her odd new headaches?
Justine tries to stay upbeat as Midcity cowers under martial law, sleepwalking cannibals, and a mysterious rash of paranormal copycat violence, but her search for answers leads her into the most dangerous mind game yet.
With the help of unlikely allies, including her paranoid dad and best frenemy Simon, Justine fights her ultimate foe…and unravels the most startling mystery of all.
What I’m talking about:
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Disclaimer: I don't know how to write a review of Head Rush without giving spoilers from the first two books. SO... if you haven’t read the previous two books of the Distillusionists Trilogy, go back and start with Mind Games. NOW!
*WARNING: Spoilers from book 2*
Our heroine, Justine Jones, has been through a lot the past few months. She went from paranoid hypochondriac, to reluctant superhero, to starting over with the man of her dreams, but it’s not all good. Her band of crime-fighting friends known as the Disillusionists are falling apart after she witnessed their leader and good friend, Packard, shoot and kill Shelby’s boyfriend, Avery. However, everyone but Justine knows that she has been revised--her memories were altered by the man she is about to marry, and he is in fact the killer (this all happened at the end of the second book, Double Cross.
Head Rush opens with Justine settling into her life with Midcity Mayor, Otto Sanchez, her ideal man, and the two will be married soon. This is what (she thinks) she's always wanted. Otto is handsome and strong, and most importantly he is stable and safe. Justine still cannot believe that Packard killed Shelby's boyfriend, Avery. She hates Packard, but when he shows up secretly to talk with her, she cannot help the urge to protect him. She begins to notice things just aren't adding up.
For the first half of the book I was on edge! Would Justine find out the truth before it’s too late? Would her friends stop acting so strange? Would Midcity be safe again? Plus I was so frustrated with Justine. I understand that a revision changes the person, but she knew things were off, and she still refused to consider that she was revised. It goes back to Justine sabotaging herself and hiding from the truth. She is a scared little girl inside the tough exterior. She still thinks she wants the easy, safe life. It bothered me that she refused to consider that she’d been revised, but Ms. Crane did do a good job explaining how revisions to a person’s memory does away with the “old self.”
It is Carolyn Crane's ability to create characters I care about and how she got me inside Justine, that makes this series, and Head Rush in particular, so amazing. I've never read a first person narrative where I have felt so connected to the character. I swear, I experienced everything Justine did-every emotion, sensation, fear and pain. Justine got me to care about Otto even when we know he's a bad man. She got me to look at life and be happy with what I've been given. She gave me Happy Gumby!
This book has some highly emotion and very touching scenes. Scenes of this caliber are what makes this book a 5 Star -- A+ book (and one of my all time favorites). Of course, knowing its life and death for Justine can make almost anything more powerful. There are scenes with her true love Packard, a scene when she says goodbye to Otto, interactions with best friend Shelby and even scenes with her dad, whom we'd never met before. Each of these are spectacular moments. Here is one interchange with her dad that had me in tears. It is such a tender moment, and just what Justine needed to hear.
“I haven’t been the model father,” Dad says. “I taught you all the wrong lessons, none of the right ones. But you’ve grown into a beautiful, brave young woman in spite of me--”
Saying a possible goodbye to Shelby was amazing. It is the perfect expression of how it feels to love another and what it means to be friends. But it’s when she’s with Packard for what may be the final time, that was so heart-breaking. Justine wants to love him fully, but is worried she’ll let him down or die. She tries to push him away, but he’s never letting go again. I could see Justine grow in those moments - grow to accept all she is and who she can become. So perfect!
*sigh* This was the perfect end to an amazing series. I am content. Head Rush had everything that made the first two books great plus more. I am still crying... Tears of joy because I have grown to love these characters and tears of sadness because I did not want it to end. The plot was perfect... Twists and turns in just the right places. Love conquering all. Suspense keeping me glued to the pages.
I’m going to end with a quote from Justine that sums it all up:
Happiness isn’t about getting rid of my fear. Happiness is when something outshines my fear.
My Rating:
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Personal favorite - a must read (A+)
In addition, Head Rush is one of...
Purchase Info:
Mind Games (The Disillusionists: Book 1)
Double Cross (The Disillusionists: Book 2)
Head Rush (The Disillusionists: Book 3)
Double Cross (The Disillusionists: Book 2)
Head Rush (The Disillusionists: Book 3)
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