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15 new-to-me authors.
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2) Heather Massey
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Showing posts with label Shiloh Walker. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Shiloh Walker. Show all posts
Wednesday, July 3, 2013
Book Spotlight: The Missing by Shiloh Walker
I am a big fan of Shiloh Walker's FBI Psychics series. I stared reading the series with the second book, The Departed. After reading it, I immediately added the first book, The Missing, to my TBR list.
As a teenager, Taige Branch was able to do things with her psychic gift that others couldn’t understand—except for Cullen Morgan, the boy her stole her heart. He did his best to accept her abilities, until his mother was brutally murdered—and he couldn’t forgive Taige for not preventing her death.
PASSION FOUND
Now a widowed father, Cullen Morgan has never forgotten Taige. But what brings her back into his life is another tragic event. His beloved little girl has been kidnapped, and Taige is his only hope of finding her.
A LOVE THAT NEVER DIED
Working together against the clock, Cullen and Taige can’t help but wonder whether—if they find his daughter in time—it isn’t too late for the overpowering love that still burns between them…
You can purchase The Missing at...
Amazon B&N Powells
As a teenager, Taige Branch was able to do things with her psychic gift that others couldn’t understand—except for Cullen Morgan, the boy her stole her heart. He did his best to accept her abilities, until his mother was brutally murdered—and he couldn’t forgive Taige for not preventing her death.
PASSION FOUND
Now a widowed father, Cullen Morgan has never forgotten Taige. But what brings her back into his life is another tragic event. His beloved little girl has been kidnapped, and Taige is his only hope of finding her.
A LOVE THAT NEVER DIED
Working together against the clock, Cullen and Taige can’t help but wonder whether—if they find his daughter in time—it isn’t too late for the overpowering love that still burns between them…
You can purchase The Missing at...
Amazon B&N Powells
Monday, May 27, 2013
Review: Deadly Desires by Shiloh Walker & Sydney Croft
Deadly Desires
Author: Shiloh Walker & Sydney Croft
Release Date: May 12, 2013
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Military/Suspense Romance, Paranormal Romance, novella
Format(s): e-book
Book Source: Author
About the book:
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Note: These titles were previously released in the Mammoth Book of Hot Romance. They have been expanded and revised for the digital release.
Don't Walk Away by Shiloh Walker
Ten years ago, former Army Ranger Ethan Raintree made one hell of choice…keep on lying, or tell the woman he loved the truth. He decided to tell the truth, and she threw him out of her life. He never stopped loving her, not stopped wanting her. Celeste Harper finally had everything she wanted—or so she thought. She’d escaped her past. She’d escaped her demons. But she couldn’t escape herself…or the man she’d left behind all those years ago. Looking into his eyes ten years later, she realizes it’s her turn to make a choice—let go of that pain and take him back. Or walk away…and face a future without him.
Code Word: Storm by Sydney Croft
The extremely secret Agency for Covert Rare Operatives (ACRO) is the only thing that stands between the human race and complete chaos. Now, two agents with special abilities, Annika Svenson and Creed McCabe, are sent to stop a man who has harnessed the power of the supernatural world. But Creed and Annika have a history that puts them at odds -- and in closer, hotter contact than they'd like. In this ACRO story, which falls in the series timeline between Riding the Storm and Unleashing the Storm, Annika and Creed grow closer, despite their resistance. And with their lives are on the line, they find they must not only work together, but be together, or risk a terrifying fate that could consume them both...
What I’m talking about:
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It’s so much fun when favorite authors get together in an anthology! This is the case for me with Deadly Desires. The title contains two short stories, both with a bit of excitement and a lot of steaminess.
Don't Walk Away by Shiloh Walker features Ethan and Celeste. The pair share a passionate history that was torn apart ten years ago when Ethan exposed Celeste’s father as a drug lord. Although she tossed him out of her life, he continued to stay in the shadows and never stopped loving her. When the pair finally reunite, everything, including years of pent up passion, explodes.
This is a wonderful short story, rich and full despite its length. The entire tale focuses solely on our two primary characters, zeroing in on one pivotal event in the lives of Celeste and Ethan. Ms. Walker packs the space full with intensity and fervor. Although the reader knows little about the characters, there is enough written to cause me care for the couple and cheer for their union. Overall, this is a really good read.
My rating: 4.5 Stars.
Code Word: Storm by Sydney Croft is the second story in this exciting anthology. The tale takes place in the ACRO universe and centers around Creed and Annika, two of the primary characters from the series. When the story opens, the couple already have a short history, one which Annika is trying hard to forget. The pair must work together to defeat paranormal targets in order to stop a madman behind some horrendous crimes. The situation is tense, causing heighten emotions.
This story takes place mid-series, so for those that have read the series, it's a nice part of their backstory. However, it can be read as a stand alone novella as well. Creed and Annika are two of my favorite ACRO agents, and I adore them together! Code Word: Storm is simultaneously exciting and sweet, sexy and sultry. The story is a fun PNR/supernatural adventure.
My Rating: 3.5 Stars.
Overall Deadly Desires is an entertaining, exciting anthology written by two wonderful authors.
My Rating:
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Enjoyed - strongly recommend (A-)
Reviews in the Series:
ACRO:
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
New Release from Shiloh Walker & Sydney Croft
For those who are regulars here you know how much I LOVE the ACRO series by Sydney Croft. I was overjoyed when I found out that the writing team of Larissa Ione and Stephanie Tyler were reviving Sydney and would be release two novellas this spring.
Well guess what... The first release is out now!! That's right, you can pick up Code Word: Storm now!!
BUT WAIT... there is more!!!
It gets better! I just learned that the release also contains a novella from another one of my favorite authors, Shiloh Walker! Her novella, Don't Walk Away is included in the new release, Deadly Desires. These are two stories originally published as part of the Mammoth Book of Hot Romance.
For more details, see Shiloh's website.
I'm off to go pick up my copy now!!
Well guess what... The first release is out now!! That's right, you can pick up Code Word: Storm now!!BUT WAIT... there is more!!!
It gets better! I just learned that the release also contains a novella from another one of my favorite authors, Shiloh Walker! Her novella, Don't Walk Away is included in the new release, Deadly Desires. These are two stories originally published as part of the Mammoth Book of Hot Romance.
For more details, see Shiloh's website.
I'm off to go pick up my copy now!!
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Review: Wrecked by Shiloh Walker
Wrecked
Author: Shiloh Walker
Release Date: April 2, 2013
Publisher: Berkley Sensation
ISBN: 978-0425264454
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Format(s): paperback (320 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Publisher / NetGalley
About the book:
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In the nineties, Abigale Applegate and Zach Barnes were the most beloved sitcom child stars in the world. Then they grew up and left Hollywood behind…
Whatever happened to Abigale Applegate?
She’s been wondering the same thing.
With her Hollywood dreams long gone, Abigale now has a nice, neat, uncomplicated life—until the day her perfect fiancé needs to talk. Dumped, a little more than shattered, and totally confused, Abigale turns to Zach, her best friend since forever, to help her pick up the pieces. He does it with a gift—a copy of Wreck This Journal. She can vent her frustrations, and sketch out a new plan. Zach just hopes he’s part of it. Because he’s been in love with Abigale his entire life.
When the journal falls into Zach’s hands, he discovers Abigale wants a new man. And fast. Nothing more than a hot distraction. Zach has a strategy, too. He’s going to be that man. It’s his last chance. Abigale might be out to shake up her life, but Zach’s out to reinvent it. Now, all he has to do is convince Abigale that life can go as planned.
What VampBard’s talking about:
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I simply adored Wrecked. There's no other way to put it. If I'd had a 3-hour block to sit and read, I would have finished it in one sitting. This sweet friends-to-lovers story was just what I needed to heat up a cold & dreary weekend.
The fact that I completely love and identify with a book by Shiloh Walker isn't anything new. The woman needs to stop rooting around in my head for story ideas. Kidding. She needs to tap me on the shoulder and remind me that the story is out of my psyche next time, however, before I begin reading. My connection to her characters, this time her female character, is simply amazing. I felt as though I was walking in Abigail's shoes for the entire story. Her situation, and the way she figures out Zach needs to be a part of her life, was a situation with which I could completely and utterly identify. As the story unfolds, we see how a whim turns into something simply hot and intensely serious, no matter what is written in this new journal. HEAT INDEX: 4 flames out of 5.
As the story opens, we find Abby seemingly broken and seeking solace from her best friend and confidante, Zach. Having grown up together on the TV show in which they co-starred, Zach and Abby became unusually close. So close that Zach was perpetually saving her from different situations. After the break-up with her fiancé', Abby was a hot mess...for a short while. I can completely identify with Abby. Sometimes, we think we know what's best for us; sometimes we are simply going through the motions of life, trying to please others and fulfill the expectations others and society place on us.
Secondary characters, including Zach's brothers and Abby's mom (she who shall not be named), truly round out the ensemble of Wrecked. Each plays a significant role in the story, much like people involved in our own lives guide and shape our future in ways we sometimes don't recognize.
I think that we see Abby's realization that she has romantic feelings for Zach in a unique and revealing manner. Ms. Walker isn't in-your-face with the fact that these are truly two beautiful people. As matter of fact, in getting to know the characters – especially Abby – we see that she's a beautiful person on the inside before she is described to us in a way that allows us to believe it's more than a love-sick dude's impression of a girl. Watching Abby learn that she has romantic feelings for Zach was intense, but heart-warming.
One of my favorite things about Zach is the way he thinks. Even though he refuses to tell Abby that he loves her, Zach is constantly communicating and honest with Abby – about everything except his true feelings about her. He says to Abby, while she's still mourning her wedding, “...You need to quit focusing so much on how you think your life is supposed to go and just let your life go. Live it, sugar. Stop trying to control it.”
Some of Zach's hot broody-ness could have gone away... but it didn't take away from the story for me. I actually loved his gothness, and the fact that he's Mr. Artistic with a tat shop didn't hurt (says the ink-addicted girl...). I really 'got' Zach. I mean, most everyone, at one point or another, has had an unrequited love. We all can connect with Zach at that level. Besides the ink addition and the broken heart, I also connected with Zach on the intensity level. I thought he was pretty intense for a dude that was trying to hide the fact that he was in love with his best friend.
Let's talk for a minute about the external conflict in the story. Oh, wait. I can't. That'd be spoilerish. BTW, I hate Keelie. The Internal conflict, however, is out-of-this-world!!! Both Abigail and Zach have this tremendous internal struggle about their relationship. Friends-with-benefits was pretty much what was agreed upon...even though Zach totally was in the game to win her over. I loved the way that both were so insecure about themselves and their relationship with the other that they never thought themselves worthy of the other's love. I think that this happens much more in 'real' life than anyone cares to admit. We end up meeting and building our 'serious' relationships with people who aren't as good for us as others that don't fit neatly into the little boxes we've formed to compartmentalize our lives. I know that I ended up looking outside the box for my ultimate happiness. It's pretty cool to see these former child stars do the same.
I really, REALLY liked the fact that Ms. Walker didn't portray either of her main characters as one of the totally messed-up child stars that we hear about all the time. I'm exceptionally glad that Zach was nothing like Danny Bonaduce, for certain! No catch-phrases from their show were included; had I heard something to parallel, 'Whatchu talkin' 'bout, Willis?' I think I would have groaned. Loudly. These were simply grown-up, former child actors. No biggie.
The realization that one is truly and honestly in love is powerful. When Abby realized that Zach was 'it', I completely and utterly understood. I remember telling my husband something similar to Abby's thoughts... and I was completely terrified at the time. “She knew that this was the one person who understood her, knew all of her flaws, all of her foibles . . . and loved her anyway. That, in and of itself, was a wonder. But this just felt . . . more. It felt like . . . everything.”
The hot scenes were truly making love. They weren't sex for the sake of sex. There was an intimacy conveyed through each scene. Zach was reverent with regard to Abby's body and pleasure, forsaking his own at times. Tremendous respect for her. Abby worshipped Zach's body. Mostly, there was a connection between the two characters that made them more believable, and realistic for me. It's difficult to describe... it felt like watching the sun warm a granite boulder on the shores of Lake Michigan in the fall. The warmth radiates from the rock, and into the body of someone sitting on the rock. It felt like the lump in my chest that shifts to a warm radiance and expands to encompass two people. Yeah. Cheesy, right?
I simply loved and adored Wrecked. I'm not heading out to get a copy of Wreck this Journal anytime soon, but maybe someday... I can't wait for another title from Shiloh Walker. In the meantime, I think I'll work through her Grimm series!
VampBard’s Rating:
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Personal favorite - a must read (A+)
Purchase Info:
Sunday, March 10, 2013
A Wreck of a Blog Tour with Shiloh Walker
Shiloh’s A WRECK OF A BLOG TOUR!
Enter to win a date with Shiloh Walker**
(drinks at RT 2013 or Lori Foster/Duffy Brown RAGT)
She’s out to wreck her life…he’s out to remake it…check out Shiloh Walker’s WRECKED.
Excerpt
“What in the hell just happened?”
Zach’s lips touched the back of her neck. “Well, I’m no expert, but I think you kissed me,” he said, his voice teasing. “And I’m pretty sure we both enjoyed it. But maybe we should try again.”
And then she found herself on her back, staring up into a pair of dark blue eyes that she knew very, very well. They’d always seemed to glint with mischief, or trouble . . . but she’d never realized just how much they glinted with that kind of trouble.
Not until now.
As his mouth came down on hers again, Abby barely had time to catch her breath. Then she was wondering why she’d even bothered. He stole the oxygen right out of her with his kiss. His tongue stroked along hers, moving into her mouth with an easy assurance that belied his words.
I’m no expert.
Oh, yes. Yes, he was…
A WRECKED OF A BLOG TOUR mini interview
by Shiloh Walker and VampBard
Shiloh's responses to the questions are preceded by SW and in BOLD ITALICS. Cuz she's more important, and more interesting, and, frankly, no one wants to hear about me. :-)
Q: Do you have a tattoo?
SW: Yep…it’s a feather quill on the back of my right shoulder. Quills…writers. Made sense to me.
VB: Certainly. I'm a tat junkie. I have 3 – my momma tramp stamp, my freedom tat, and one representing Mr. VB, myself, and our kids. It looks like one big piece – and it is my Twitter avi. Next tat: an orchid ribbon, representing Mr. VB's victory over cancer.
Q: How do you feel about friends to lovers romances?
SW: I’m very partial to them…I married a guy I’d been mostly friends with all my life (I say mostly because I’d had a crush on him since I was 11.)
VB: Friends-to-Lovers is a completely believable romance for me. Like Shiloh, I married (the second time...) a guy I'd been friends with for awhile (He was married to my best -girl-friend. They divorced, and we ended up together – with her blessing). We are inseperable.
Q: Have you ever used the WRECK THIS JOURNAL thing?
SW: I bought one…it inspired the idea behind WRECKED.
VB: I have never been into that type of structured journaling. I looked at WRECK THIS JOURNAL as a way to get my daughters to write more, and document their feelings. Yeah. That didn't go far. They're too much like their mum.
Q: Do you journal?
SW: I played with the WRECK journal, and still have it sitting on my shelf. Did a few ideas inside it while I was writing the book, but I’m not much of a journaler. I do most of my writing in my books and my blog.
VB: I journal while I'm going through a patch where I simply have to get my thoughts, feelings and emotions out. Primal scream therapy is frowned upon in my household at 3:00 a.m. My journal is a locked file on my computer. I don't journal long-hand anymore, although I did during college.
Q: Are you more like Zach (just let life happen) or Abby (try to plan things out)?
SW: Mostly Zach…I let life happen, but I do tend to try and control stuff. I can’t plan worth crap, though and organization evades me. That would drive Abby nuts.
VB: I'm a blend, I think. When it comes to ensuring that my kids have everything, I'm a freak-monster about planning CERTAIN things. Meals, timeframes, that kind of thing. However, I'm the pack the car – let's roadtrip girl. And...I'm planning **snicker** to dump the tent in the car late Friday afternoon with Mr. VB, and heading a direction. We'll find a campsite!
Thanks for the fun, Shiloh! Since I can't make it to RAGT, MAYBE … if That's What I'm Talking About wins, Jen can collect and y'all can SKYPE me in :-) Or... I can be that 'let life happen' girl and pack up the family for a road-trip to Ohio!
You too can enter the contest to win... Complete the Rafflecopter form, below. Contest details are HERE.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
**The Fine Print from Shiloh**
**I’ll buy you a drink ~I can’t buy you alcohol if you’re under 21, though~ we’ll sit there and chat and while we drink, you can have ten minutes to poke around on my laptop (FYI, you won’t have access to all my books…but the winner gets a sneak peak at coming soon projects…ten minutes, max, and there will be no pictures, no copying, etc…)
If the winner isn’t able to attend either function, I’ll send you a GC for the cost of two drinks (approximate value is probably about $30 ~going by RT drink prices ~to BN or Amazon).
Labels:
Author Interview,
blog tour,
contest,
giveaway,
Shiloh Walker,
Wrecked Blog Tour
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comments
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Review: Night Blade by JC Daniels
Night Blade
Release Date: March 4, 2013
Publisher: self-published
Colbana Files #2
ISBN: #978-0615778068
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Format(s): e-book
Book Source: NetGalley
About the book:
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Kit Colbana is always biting off more than she can chew. She has a knack for finding trouble. This time, though, trouble finds her. Someone from her past drops a case into her lap that she just can’t refuse…literally.
People on the Council are dying left and right and she’s been requested to investigate the deaths. The number one suspect? Her lover, Damon. If she doesn’t clear his name, he gets a death sentence. Even if she succeeds? They still might try to execute him. Oh, and she’s not allowed to tell him about the case, either.
The stakes are high this time around, higher than they’ve ever been. Kit may be forced to pay the ultimate price to save her lover’s life…a price that could destroy her and everything she loves.
What I’m talking about:
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*Warning: Night Blade is a deeply emotional read; one that has the potential to take you to dark, low places. However, if you are up for the emotional journey, it is WELL WORTH the time, energy and tears.
Kit Colbana, half-human--half-supernatural warrior, runs a detective agency/courier service, and Wolf Alpha Alisdair MacDonald of the East Orlando Pack hires Kit to transport an interesting package with a message to a secluded pack in the hills of Tennessee. However, due to her recent mating with East Orlando Cat Alpha Damon, Alisdair doesn’t want to end up on the bad side of the Cats if something goes wrong. So he sends along his most powerful lieutenant, Megan. Kit and Megan do their job, but not before learning more about this gruesome pack and its tyrannical Alpha. Not only is the pack trying to steal female wolves from the East Orlando pack, but Kit believes this Alpha may be responsible for permanently disabling a close friend.
My Rating:
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Personal favorite - a must read (A+)
Purchase Info:
Reviews in the Series:
Blade Song (Colbana Files 1)Thursday, January 31, 2013
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:
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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:
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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:
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Liked it - recommend (B+)
Reviews in the Series:
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Review: Beautiful Scars by Shiloh Walker
Beautiful Scars
Author: Shiloh Walker
Release Date: Jan. 15, 2013
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance
Format(s): e-book
Book Source: Purchased with my own funds
About the book:
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Some scars cut right to the heart.
Three years after her divorce, Chaili Bennett is over her ex. Her only problem now? Of the few men she’s dated since, no one “gets” her. Not like Marc Archer—a man who’s never seen her as more than a friend.
Marc Archer needs a date for a last-minute charity event, and he needs it fast. Not that women aren’t throwing themselves at his world-famous face and body, but sometimes it’s less messy—as in less personal—to use his sister Shera’s escort service.
The last woman on earth Marc expects to see in his sister’s office is Chaili. There’s something different about her, but nothing pleases him more when Shera sets them up. That simple date quickly evolves into much more as they both discover the other fills a deep, secret need they’ve shared with no one else.
Though Chaili insists one night is all she wants, Marc isn’t walking away now. Not until he discovers what put the shadows in her eyes. And the scars on her soul.
Warning: This book involves soulful songs, soulful sex, a soulful singer and lots of heartbreak. But no worries, there’s a happy ever after.
What VampBard’s talking about:
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In the synopsis for Beautiful Scars, the reader is warned, “This book involves soulful songs, soulful sex, a soulful singer and lots of heartbreak...” Thanks for the warning, but I still wasn't ready for the emotionally-charged story into which I was plunged head-first. When it feels like an author takes a peek into my soul, reaches for the strings of my heart, and plucks them like a skilled harpist, that's exactly when I know that this is one of the titles that will be on my top list for 2013.
The synopsis for Beautiful Scars gives us a concise overview of the plot. There's a lot that happens, but one of the most important over-arching themes in this title is that of meaningful relationships developing from truly knowing a person on the INSIDE. I'm so sick of the porcelain doll, or even the reluctant butterfly, that is pure perfection snagging the rich, hottie. We ALL have scars we bear. In this day and age, we all carry baggage into our relationships.
What ensnared me the most with Beautiful Scars is the way it seemed to speak to me. It was almost like Ms. Walker picked my brain and wrote the book. I am Marc. Anyone that has been in a relationship that has ended with them being walked all over can surely agree that his behaviors, while eccentric, were totally warranted. Marc, however, isn't off-the-charts strange if you add in the fact that he is a gifted composer and lyricist. Everyone has gifts and talents, and his happen to lie outside the conventions of acceptable, SIMPLE human communication. Marc is able to communicate through song, and for me, this is a much more powerful medium than simply chatting up important people at a social event. Marc seems to relax when he is playing piano or singing. Typical for an artist. We tend to find comfort and a 'centering' effect when we are able to additionally express ourselves through our chosen art form. Here's one of the first quotes I ran across that I felt embodied Marc's feelings when he was allowing himself to just FEEL: “He forgot about the people around him. The only one who mattered was Chaili. From the corner of his eye, he glanced her way and his heart banged against his ribs as he realized she was watching his hands.” (Kindle ed., Loc 562) Besides feeling Marc's emotions, this was an extremely hot passage for me. Chaili is appreciating Marc's music, and symbolically, watching his hands – the instrument of the music's creation.
When Marc found out about Chaili's scars (spoiler-free!), my heart broke. Been there, done that, got the t-shirt. I'm glad Ms. Walker didn't take this part of the storyline any further, because it's something I think about every day. I will admit, I had to put the story down for awhile after reading this section. It was painful for me, and re-opened some feelings that I simply thought I had under control. It's good to know that I'm still working on them. Also, Ms. Walker did a wonderful job handling this sensitive and emotional content. Again, from Marc's perspective, I thought that everything was quite realistic, and until and unless one has to deal with this or a similar topic, they have no idea how they'd handle it – from either perspective.
Chaili is a fierce woman. That's my take. She survived a couple terrible events in her life, and has come out the other side a bit weathered, but emotionally whole... eventually. At least she learned from her mistakes! So, Chaili married a jerk & got divorced. Happens every day, right? I'm pretty sure you'll completely hate her d-bag of an ex-, much as I do, once you read Beautiful Scars. I think that Chaili's journey of self-discovery began before Marc returned to the scene, however. To me, it felt like she'd been looking for herself at every turn. Her former marriage didn't provide anything to improve herself. She continued to look for more, and her thoughts always seemed to return to Marc. He truly 'got' her. He saw her for who she was, and never tried to make her into something she wasn't. Even once they crossed into 'relationship' territory, he still saw her for who she was. Here's Chaili's 'turning point' quote: “She even felt … whole, in some ways. Some part of her felt real again. She felt wanted – she hadn't felt that way in years.” (Kindle ed., Loc 817) So, to me, this expresses the way Chaili had been working on herself, but never totally connected with the changes she was making. They were superficial until she realized that being wanted was something that she needed in her life. We ALL need to feel wanted. The basic human need for acceptance can over-ride pretty much everything. Additionally, Chaili does a lot of work from home; she doesn't necessarily have to meet with her clients face-to-face as a web designer. The positive feedback via phone/internet communication is no where near as satisfying, for most, as in-person positive feedback. The need for positive reinforcement, positive experiences and interactions is a basic human need.
Marc didn't mind Chaili's baggage, and was willing to work with her on her baggage. That, in and of itself, is the big reason I think Marc and Chaili work for me.
There's some things that might bug some readers – like Marc's perceived lack of knowledge of some events. Totally possible when you're in the public eye and have managers & handlers taking care of your affairs. When one decides they need a break from reality for awhile. Totally possible. When one feels like they'll simply f'up if they have contact with those they love. Totally possible. Very realistic representation of someone, although they've achieved professional excellence, who still struggles with the small things, such as maintaining close bonds with those that truly matter in their lives. None of these things bothered me one iota. I know they can happen. Highly creative people oftentimes live IN THE MOMENT. They are driven to complete projects and tasks so they can move on when the next muse strikes. I know that compartmentalizing things is the only way that truly creative people can maintain their sanity, and I think Marc did that for himself.
Beautiful Scars brings the reader some touching, emotionally-charged sex scenes. They. Are. Hot. Although, I think the emotional connection between the characters made it hotter for me. Light BDSM, done in a tasteful and respectful manner, was an unexpected twist. Worked well with the characters, and wasn't over-done.
If someone had told me that Beautiful Scars would make me laugh, cry, and reflect upon my own life, I would have shaken my head in disbelief. After finishing this title, I'm glad I had the opportunity to look back and see how far I've come, and how glad I am that I've survived the adversity, much like Marc and Chaili. Only the most gifted of authors can claim to authentically move people in a positive manner. Today, I thank Shiloh Walker for nudging me toward the realization that 'I got this'.
VampBard’s Rating:
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Personal favorite - a must read (A+)
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