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Showing posts with label Lisa Sanchez. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Lisa Sanchez. Show all posts
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Review: Faythe Reclaimed by Lisa Sanchez
Faythe Reclaimed
Author: Lisa Sanchez
Release Date: May 22, 2013
Publisher: Tulipe Noire Press
Hanaford Park #3
ISBN: #978-0983979760
Genre: Paranormal Romance, New Adult
Format(s): Paperback (260 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Author
About the book:
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Running through a strange forest with a bloodthirsty demon hot on her heels wasn't Taylor's idea of a rockin' evening. Then again, neither was soaring backward through time and space. Time travel chafed and left a rank, nasty aftertaste. So, when she finds herself floundering amidst a sea of Commandment-loving holy rollers who fling accusations of witchcraft and bedevilment like hotcakes in a diner, finding her way home jumps to the top of her to do list. Too bad she can't remember who she is or where she came from.
And if that wasn't bad enough, Taylor has to fall for the mysterious Latin warlock living on the edge of Salem Village and who comes to her rescue, Gabriel Castillo. Battling an identity crisis and lost in a time that's not her own, Taylor is determined to find her way back to twenty-first century Hanaford Park. But first, she and Gabriel must work together to uncover the dark scourge lurking in Salem's shadows, and in doing so, save their own lives, and the lives of countless innocents from a lethal date with the hangman's noose.
What I’m talking about:
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Our story opens in the present, with “The Traveler” aka Gabriel engaged in a battle with long-time enemy, Lucian. In these few short moments, we learn that Gabriel recently discovered his true love, Taylor, and that Lucian is ripping her away from Gabriel by sending her back in time... to the days of the Salem Witch Trials, when a young Gabriel first meets Taylor aka Faythe.
Taylor wakes in a society where nothing is familiar, however her amnesia could be what’s making her talk weird and not recall from where she hailed. The only person who seems familiar to her is the sexy Latin warlock who saved her from a demon attack. As Taylor/Faythe struggles to find out the truth, she becomes the target of the denizens, who are, literally, on a witch hunt.
Confused? I was. The first few chapters of Faythe Reclaimed were difficult for me to follow. The reader is tossed into the action, which shifts and changes abruptly, and I had to glean what was happening. On top of that, the story is told in first person point-of-view (POV), from multiple characters. Although the character POV only changed with the start of a new chapter, and the character whose POV it was, was listed at the beginning of the chapter, it was difficult for my mind to make the shifts from one POV to another. And the final piece was that we were reading a POV from two different Gabriels... the present day man and the man from the past.
After adjusting to the shifting POVs and getting settled into 1600’s Salem, Massachusetts, the story was more enjoyable. Taylor/Faythe's relationship with young Gabriel was wonderful. I enjoyed their brief "getting to know you" phase. Their chemistry was smoking - and their sex scenes hot. I liked that Gabriel allowed Taylor in - but only after she forced the issue. He was a little too stubborn there for a while.
The mystery of who was responsible for plaguing the innocent citizens with evil creatures and dark magic was entertaining. Having read previous accounts of this period (The Crucible by Arthur Miller, for example), I enjoyed the different twists that Ms. Sanchez used in her version. I was guessing “whodunit” until the end.
Unfortunately, as much as I enjoyed the story, the changing first person POVs was distracting. Not only did I have to readjust my bearings each time, but I also had to deal with a new set of internal idiosyncrasies. Taylor/Faythe's vernacular was very modern and full of slang, which was annoying at times. Gabriel was constantly slipping in Spanish words, plus his self-doubt and verbal flagellation bogged me down. I felt like I spent too much time dealing with what was in the different character’s heads rather than focusing on the plot.
With that said, I did enjoy the overall story, and I was able to settle down in the book when I could read from the same POV for more than one chapter - the best POV for me being that of Taylor/Faythe. I enjoyed the twist and play of history. The author drew from history, using historical figures to create a new story. The last quarter or so of the book moved quickly, and I got wrapped up in the action. The final conclusion was a tad too easy, but still, a good ending.
Although Faythe Reclaimed is the third book in the Hanaford Park series, one does not need to have read the earlier books. The main characters did appear in the second book, but it has no impact on this story.
My Rating:
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Liked it, but I had some issues - recommend (B)
Reviews in the Series:
Labels:
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Sunday Snippets #46
Omnific PublishingFebruary 2011
As I stared into the crowd, I felt someone’s eyes on me again. The warm, tugging sensation I’d felt on numerous occasions recently slammed into me with gusto, along with the feeling that everything and everyone around me moved ten times slower than normal. A ripple of warmth rushed through my veins, setting my skin on fire while simultaneously sending a chill rocketing up the length of my spine.
Never. I’d never felt anything like it. Whatever the feeling was, it was very intense. Slowly, I turned my gaze to the left, looking over my shoulder toward the far end of the bar. My breath caught, and it was in that exact moment that everything changed. My life as I knew it would never be the same.
Standing behind the bar to the far left was a man (later I’d find out otherwise) who appeared to be in his early twenties. Tall, deeply tan, with short, dark brown hair that looked like he’d just rolled out of bed, and a face that could only be described as angelic, he was easily the most beautiful creature I’d ever laid eyes on. He stood with his back against the bar, ignoring the thirsty party-goers. With his arms folded casually against his chest, he burned a hole into me with his heated gaze.
Holy...Stunned, I looked away as a shockwave of desire ping-ponged around my chest and zapped a straight line down to my hoo-hah. My mouth went dry. He couldn’t possibly be looking at me. Hell, guys didn’t stare at me like that — ever. I shifted in my seat and fanned myself with my hands. Had they jacked up the heat in here? Why was it so damn hot?
God. Those eyes. I felt them boring into the side of my face, the intensity of it melting my superstructure into a gelatinous mush. Clearly, I was imagining things.
Determined to prove my body’s reaction wrong, I stared out into the crowd, willing my “spidey senses” to get their shit together and zoom in on an underworld dirtbag so I could do my thing. My body, evidently, didn’t feel like cooperating. The sensation remained, becoming even more intense with every second that passed. Shit. Swallowing hard, I chanced another look over my shoulder to see the handsome stranger walking toward me.
All the air in my lungs left in one swift whoosh, and I was sure I’d need a fresh set of panties ASAP. This guy, whoever he was, was hot. He had the smooth, commanding gait of a powerful predator. Bad boy was capable of murder and all kinds of delicious mayhem. If I was certain of anything, it was that this guy was bad. Really bad. He had my heart racing, my blood pumping, and my panties all tied up in knots.
The faint memory of my great-grandmother’s voice popped into my head. Close your mouth, Peanut, before you catch a fly. I slammed my jaw closed. Drooling over the hot bartender wouldn’t do me a damn bit of good. Guys like him didn’t go for girls like me.
The heavens broke out into song when he opened his mouth, and I was sure I’d never heard a more perfect voice.
“What can I get you to drink, beautiful?”
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Winners - Hanaford Park Series
I would like to thank everyone for stopping by That’s What I’m Talking About for my review of Pleasures Untold by Lisa Sanchez. I especially want to thank Omnific Publishing for providing two (2) electronic-copy SETS (two winners) of Lisa’s Hanaford Park series: Eve of Samhain and Pleasures Untold, to giveaway here at my blog.
Every person that commented on the review was entered into the contest - one entry per person. The winners were selected using random.org.
The Winners:
Una
Denise
CONGRATULATIONS!!
I’m sending both winners a message; please verify your emails by responding back to me at twimom227 (at) gmail (dot) com so Omnific can send you your ebooks! You have until Wednesday February 23, 2011 (end of day) to contact me. If I don’t hear from you by then, I will draw another winner.
Thank you and Happy Reading!
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Review & Giveaway: Pleasures Untold
Pleasures UntoldAuthor: Lisa Sanchez
Release Date: February 8, 2011
Publisher: Omnific Publishing
Hanaford Park Series Book #2
ISBN: #978-1936305599
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Format(s): paperback (191 pgs), e-book
I received a e-ARC of this book from the PUBLISHER for the purposes of an honest review.
From Goodreads:
Hell hath no fury like a witch done wrong. Pissed off and packing an arsenal of witchy mojo, Martha is on the warpath. Determined to avenge the murder of her mother and grandmother, her mission is simple: kill every vampire, demon and underworld bastard she comes across, because one of those hell beasts might be the monster that stole her childhood from her. But when a sexy Latin vamp literally falls from the sky, saving her from becoming an undead Happy Meal, she has no choice but to reassess everything she thinks she knows.
Xan is an anomaly--a vampire born, not turned. A powerful warlock who walks in daylight, Xan spends his days, and nights, watching over Martha, protecting her from Lucian, the blood-sucking monstrosity whose sole mission in death is to drain her dry. Undeniable attraction and the promise of pleasures untold draw the two lovers into a frustrating dance of one step forward, two steps back. When Lucian throws down a deadly ultimatum, Martha is forced to choose between relying on her own mystical woo woo to save the lives of her stolen friends or succumbing to the lure of dark, voodoo magic. Xan and Martha must work together to save those closest to her and put an end to Lucian's reign of terror before it's too late.
What I’m talking about:
Lisa Sanchez’s sophomore release opens with a trio of roommates heading for a night out after one of the girls broke up with her cheating boyfriend. Never one to conform with the crowds, Martha uses wit and sarcasm to pass the time as they wait to enter the club. Things quickly take a turn for the worse when one roommate heads off alone with a vampire disguised as a co-ed. Using her Wiccan and slaying skills, Martha takes on the undead romeo and finds herself face-to-face with the man of her dreams, literally. Soon after, Martha’s world begins to turn on edge as she discovers secrets about her own past that have been long hidden.
Pleasures Untold is the second story in Ms. Sanchez’s Hanaford Park series about paranormal activities on/near a college campus. Although Martha and her roommate Jessica appear in the first book, Eve of Samhain (my review HERE), the stories are independent of one another and can be enjoyed individually. Pleasures Untold is told in first-person POV from Martha’s perspective.
I completely enjoyed Martha’s snark, wit and humor. Her one-liners had me rolling from the get-go. I also liked how she spoke directly to the reader at times. It’s not the norm for a paranormal romance, but it works. She is a bit flawed - selfish and childish in her behavior at times. But she learns and grows, which provides great satisfaction for me. I did find myself annoyed with Martha’s sudden loss of brain function at times. For example, she lectured her roommates about the dangers of leaving the club with an unknown guy because of the evil that likes to prey at clubs. Yet when her “spidey senses” go off while watching a girl getting into a limo with an unknown male, she blows it off. *headdesk*
Xan is hot. He’s a tortured soul due to experiencing a number of emotionally devastating events throughout his long life. I liked his strength and sincerity, but he was a bit too brooding at times for my tastes. He played the conflicted hero well, but it bothered me sometimes, and I wanted him to just admit his feelings and dive in head-first. He and Martha play a drawn-out game of “does he like me?” and while rewarding in the end, it did go on for almost the entire book.
The plot involved a big bad vampire who has been chasing after Martha and her family her whole life. It provided some excellent tension and exciting action. There were also some interesting plots twists - most of which I was able to figure out, but found compelling none the less. There were a few unanswered questions, but it didn’t impact my overall enjoyment of the book. Pleasures Untold is another delightful read from Ms. Sanchez.
My Rating:
Liked it a lot - recommend (B+)
GIVEAWAY: I have two (2) electronic-copy SETS (two winners) of Lisa’s Hanaford Park series: Eve of Samhain and Pleasures Untold, to giveaway here at That’s What I’m Talking About. Thank you to Omnific Publishing for sponsoring the giveaway. To enter, please leave a comment and your email at the end of today’s review of Pleasures Untold. One entry per person. Contest open from now until 9:00 PM EST on Saturday February 19, 2011. Two (2) winners will be selected from the comment entries using random.org.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Eve of Samhain - Review
Eve of Samhain
Author: Lisa Sanchez
Release Date: May 2010
Publisher: Omnific Publishing
ISBN: #1-936305-20-8
Genre: Paranormal Romance
NOTE: an electronic copy of this book was provided to me by the author for review purposes.
From the publisher’s website:
As a college senior and server at Hanaford Park's hottest nightclub, twenty-one year old Ryann Pierce's plan was simple: work hard, make lots of money, and avoid the ass-grabbers at all costs. What she never planned for was Quinn Donegan—the living, breathing advertisement for sinful behavior that waltzed into her life.
With an angelic face, a hard body and a butt-load of charm, Quinn had a way with the ladies—a lot of ladies. Cursed with a deadly, addictive touch, his trail of indiscretion blazed across five hundred years. Tired and jaded, Ryann is a shocking revelation Quinn didn't see coming.
Filled with desire, yet unable to touch one another, Ryann and Quinn embark on a daunting journey, battling frustrating physical limitations while exploring their new love. In a race against the clock, Ryann learns she must plead for Quinn's life before…the Eve of Samhain. Determined to end her lover's suffering, not even the danger dogging her every move can keep her from her mission.
What I’m talking about:
Ryann works hard to put herself through school and it seems like she doesn’t have much time for a social life. She is required to wear a “Hooters” type outfit for her waitressing job and gets an earful from drunken patrons from time to time. In walks mysterious Quinn. Ryann’s body responds immediately, but Quinn’s personality left little for Ryann to desire. This relationship starts with the typical “I can’t stand him, but I want him” storyline. Quickly Quinn and Ryann develop a friendship of sorts and she finds out that he is actually an Irish Faery. We also learn that there is an evil “presence” stalking Ryann, and Quinn is determined to keep her safe.
This story is told in the first-person point-of-view of heroine, Ryann, which means we get only her side of the story and an insight into her feelings. This is not a detractor to the book, but it did cause a bit of frustration on my part. Due to this and Ryann’s poor body image, the first half of this book drove me a little nutty. I felt that Ryann lacked any confidence and positive self-image. The girl is 5’ 7” and ONLY 135 pounds, yet she finds that she’s not attractive and too heavy. [NOTE: Unrealistic and/or poor body/self image is a HUGE pet peeve of mine... So I won’t rant on this too much, but I’ll say it upsets me.]
In addition to this, she is constantly drooling over Quinn. This isn’t a bad thing, but with the first person POV, all the reader has to go on are Ryann’s never-ending gushes about Quinn’s looks. She is attracted to him, but I don’t get a good sense of her feelings, and the reader has no clue what Quinn feels. Due to this, there was little emotional impact on me. And at one point when Ryann confesses to herself that Quinn is the center of her universe, I found it pretty hard to believe - and the couple hadn’t even shared a kiss! Something truly evil is chasing Ryann, yet she plays “he likes me, he likes me not” games in her head. I wanted to shout... JUST TELL HIM!
However, everything changes when Ryann finally tells Quinn how she feels. The emotional outfall of this scene is superbly written and my investment in the couple increased tenfold. After this point, the rhythm of the story picks up and the action jumps off the pages. The details and descriptions are stimulating and satisfying. A particular favorite of mine is when Ryann enters Wiccan roommate, Martha’s room for the first time. The details are written so well that I am able to visualize the space and Martha so clearly, and I also get a fabulous sense of Ryann’s feelings about approaching Martha for help.
There are some completely touching moments between Ryann and Quinn that made my heart melt and my eyes mist up. I wanted the second part of the book to go on and on. The romance at the end is HOT and worth the wait.
For a book that started slow, it finished amazingly strong. Quinn and Ryann touched my heart and their story left me in a warm, fuzzy place. I am looking forward to Ms. Sanchez’s follow up story!
My Rating:
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DON’T FORGET to enter my 200 Follower Giveaway. Click the image below for contest rules and entry. Contest ends July 21, 2010.
Monday, July 19, 2010
Author Interview - Lisa Sanchez
Today I have the honor of bringing to you author Lisa Sanchez. Lisa's lifelong love of writing, coupled with her ability to weave together and intricate and compelling story has led to the release of her first published novel, Eve Of Samhain. In her role as a busy stay-at-home and self-proclaimed "cheer mom," Lisa wears a number of different hats. From taxi driver to chef, nurse to seamstress, laundry woman to enforcer, and, of course, writer, Lisa manages to keep everything together while caring for her husband and three children. The few spare moments left in her day are usually spent reading or writing, and if she's really lucky, possibly even catching up on some much needed sleep. Lisa and her family currently reside in Tracy, California. Please help me welcome Lisa to That’s What I’m Talking About.
Lisa: Thank you for inviting me.
Twimom: This is your debut novel, congratulations... How long have you been writing? Is Eve of Samhain your first book or have you written any unpublished works?
Lisa: Thank you! I’ve been writing since I was a child. Most of my free time was spent dreaming up stories and sharing them with anyone who would listen. My mother had the patience of a saint!
Eve Of Samhain is my first novel. I have a few short stories floating around, but EOS was the first full-length manuscript I wrote with the intent to publish.
Twimom: Wow, that’s great! What were your inspirations for creating a story based on Irish mythology? How much research did you need to complete for this story?
Lisa: I’ve always been fascinated by Irish and Scottish culture. Both are rich with legends and scary folk-tales. I’d also be lying if I didn’t admit I have a “thing” for Irish and Scottish accents. Swoon!
Twimom: Hmmm... Irish and Scottish accents... Sorry, my mind wandered off there! Are you planning a sequel for my favorite Irish Faery?
Lisa: Hee hee. Yes! Book two is Martha’s story, and it’s already written. I’m polishing it right now before I sent it out into the cold, scary world.
Twimom: Oh, I am SO glad to hear this! I can’t wait to read the next story. Are you working on anything else at this time?
Lisa: I’m also finishing up a romantic suspense that I’m extremely proud of. The hero is raw, gritty and sports some major ink across the top half of his body. Swoon!
Twimom: Inked male...yummy! You are doing it to me again... Besides writing, what else keeps you busy? What are your hobbies and interests?
Lisa: This question made me smile. When I’m not writing, I’m usually driving my three daughters to school or cheer practice. Go AP! Woot! I try to be as involved in their lives as I can, as time flies by so quickly.
As far as hobbies go, I LOVE to read. I’ve got my nose in a book (lately my Kindle) any spare chance I get. I love movies, though, I don’t get to watch them as often as I’d like, and my DVR is my best friend.
Twimom: Don’t you love your Kindle? I have to admit, my DVR is getting a bit full. What is the best book you've read in 2010? What upcoming 2010 book release are you most looking forward to reading?
The release I’m most looking forward to was just pushed back until January of 2011, and that’s Shadowfever by Karen Marie Moning. I’ve gone back and re-read the first four books in the series in eager anticipation, and probably will do so again before the year is out. I love me some Barrons! Meeeow!
Twimom: I hear you on Lover Mine and John Matthew. So good! What are your favorite genres for reading?
Lisa: Paranormal romance is my favorite genre. I also enjoy YA, contemporary, romantic suspense and some historical (I love a man in a kilt.)
Twimom: Lisa, once again thank you so much for taking the time to tell my readers a little bit about yourself and your writing. It was wonderful chatting with you.
Lisa: Thank you, Twimom.
Readers... Be sure to stop back tomorrow when I have a review of Lisa’s debut novel: Eve of Samhain.
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DON’T FORGET to enter my 200 Follower Giveaway. Click the image below for contest rules and entry. Contest ends July 21, 2010.
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Sunday Snippets #17
From Eve of Samhain by Lisa Sanchez.
After undressing, I stepped into the lavish enclosure and moaned at the wonderful sensation of the scalding hot water pouring over my body. I took my time washing away the remnants of the morning’s workout and enjoyed the feeling of three showerheads rinsing me simultaneously.
A girl could get used to this!
As I rinsed the last remnants of shampoo from my hair, a familiar tingling sensation peppered my skin, stealing my breath away with its intensity. And my kitty...yeah, it went up in flames. Quinn. Normally, my first instinct would have been to freak out and cover up if I knew someone was watching me in the shower. However, knowing it was Quinn brought on an entirely different response. My breath caught, and a wonderful, erotic chill shot up my spine. A deep aching need sent a rush of moisture pooling between my thighs, hardening my nipples, setting my skin ablaze. My body reacted to his presence before my mind even registered he was there. It was clear my flesh needed him as much as the rest of me.
I turned to see Quinn standing in the doorway. His eyes were dark and hungry as he took in the sight of me naked and wet. His chest moved up and down, each heady breath heavier than the last. His expression was one of extreme hunger and I wanted nothing more than for him to come at me hard and ravish every inch of me with his hands, his mouth.
Flashes of my shower fantasy raced through my mind. I longed for him to cast away his decision to refrain from touching me and climb into the shower, bringing my daydream to life.
I stepped forward, placing one hand on the foggy glass. It was an invitation. Come to me, it said. I need you. I want you. My body cried out, dying for his touch. My mind screamed the words I couldn’t say out loud. I’m desperate for you. I want you in me. Touch. Take. Fill. I’m yours, eternally.
Quinn strode forward, his sapphire eyes locked with mine, until he stood just before me. He placed his hand over mine, nothing but a thin pane of glass between us. Silence and longing filled the room. The intensity of it threatened to shatter not only the glass, but also me along with it.
The raw look of desire in his eyes was nearly my undoing. “In all my life,” he said, “never, have I seen anything more beautiful. There are no words, a ghrá. You take my very breath away.” He leaned forward with a pained look on his face, closed his eyes and placed his forehead against the glass. A loud groan came from deep within his throat and he hit his head against the glass several times. “You’re killing me,” he moaned.
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Hot - right? Please come back tomorrow when I interview Eve of Samhain author, Lisa Sanchez.
AND... DON’T FORGET to enter my 200 Follower Giveaway. Click the image below for contest rules and entry. Contest ends July 21, 2010.
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