This week The Daily Dose is putting the spotlight on book reviewers, and first up was CHEEKY READS!
I was honored to be interviewed and had a great time with Heather's questions. Head on over there to check it out and remember they'll have a new reviewer every day this week!
Serial Lovin': Keeping Series Straight - Win The Sexiest Man Alive!
Cheeky Reader Marissa posted a great question last week: If a book is part of a series, why would I read them out of order? This question kept popping up in my head, so I thought it would make a great blog post.
Marissa's question was in reference to my review of Hard and Fast by Erin McCarthy since it’s the second book in Erin's Contemporary series about NASCAR drivers. So why did I read that book first? Well, in that instance, it was because I was in the mood for a contemporary, went to the bookshelf, and this book seemed to fit the bill. I completely spaced on this being part of a series, and I even have the first book on my shelf to read too! Both of these books, like most contemps, are stand alone books that share characters. So, even though they are linked, it's not 100% necessary to read them in order to enjoy them!
One thing I find very interesting – Why don't contemporaries do a better job of connecting books in a series? Yes, each book is a complete story in its own right, but very few of them bother to mention on the cover or back blurb that this isn't the first or only book with these characters involved.
Paranormals, Urban Fantasies and even mysteries, usually play up the connection between books on the cover. You'll often see “Book 5 of the xxx series” or “A xxx Mystery” right on the front cover. So why don't contemporaries do this more often? What is it about that particular genre?
In thinking about the other times I've read a series out of order I think it’s because I'm a reader just like you! I browse bookstores to find new authors, and that doesn’t always mean I know if a book is part of a series before I pick it up. Impulse shopping when you work across the parking lot from a bookstore can make you try out all kinds of new books!
I've been introduced to many of my favorite authors not through their first book, but through whatever book I first discovered of theirs. I read book three in Kim Harrison's Rachel Morgan series without any clue that it was part of a series. What happened? I said, “Whoa! I need more!” That's when I discovered the first two books – now I'm first in line for every new release! I'm constantly buying an author's backlist once I'm introduced to their awesomeness!
There are of course those books or series I've heard about online, so I will start with the first in the series, but I'm a reader like any other – drawn to an individual book like a moth to a flame! Catch my eye with a shiny cover or whet my appetite with a great blurb, and even if I haven't heard about the book or author I'll give it a try.
Have you ever bought a book only to discover that its part of a series, or do you always research books before buying? If you have read a later book in a series, did it inspire you to go back and read the previous books? What do you think about loosely linked Contemporaries that don't mention the series on their cover?
Leave a comment and you'll be entered to win a copy of Sexiest Man Alive by Diana Holquist! Winner will be announced Friday July 24th! A big thank you to Marissa for the great question – Send your mailing address to cheekyreads(@)gmail.com and I'll send you something special!
Marissa's question was in reference to my review of Hard and Fast by Erin McCarthy since it’s the second book in Erin's Contemporary series about NASCAR drivers. So why did I read that book first? Well, in that instance, it was because I was in the mood for a contemporary, went to the bookshelf, and this book seemed to fit the bill. I completely spaced on this being part of a series, and I even have the first book on my shelf to read too! Both of these books, like most contemps, are stand alone books that share characters. So, even though they are linked, it's not 100% necessary to read them in order to enjoy them!
One thing I find very interesting – Why don't contemporaries do a better job of connecting books in a series? Yes, each book is a complete story in its own right, but very few of them bother to mention on the cover or back blurb that this isn't the first or only book with these characters involved.
Paranormals, Urban Fantasies and even mysteries, usually play up the connection between books on the cover. You'll often see “Book 5 of the xxx series” or “A xxx Mystery” right on the front cover. So why don't contemporaries do this more often? What is it about that particular genre?
In thinking about the other times I've read a series out of order I think it’s because I'm a reader just like you! I browse bookstores to find new authors, and that doesn’t always mean I know if a book is part of a series before I pick it up. Impulse shopping when you work across the parking lot from a bookstore can make you try out all kinds of new books!
I've been introduced to many of my favorite authors not through their first book, but through whatever book I first discovered of theirs. I read book three in Kim Harrison's Rachel Morgan series without any clue that it was part of a series. What happened? I said, “Whoa! I need more!” That's when I discovered the first two books – now I'm first in line for every new release! I'm constantly buying an author's backlist once I'm introduced to their awesomeness!
There are of course those books or series I've heard about online, so I will start with the first in the series, but I'm a reader like any other – drawn to an individual book like a moth to a flame! Catch my eye with a shiny cover or whet my appetite with a great blurb, and even if I haven't heard about the book or author I'll give it a try.
Have you ever bought a book only to discover that its part of a series, or do you always research books before buying? If you have read a later book in a series, did it inspire you to go back and read the previous books? What do you think about loosely linked Contemporaries that don't mention the series on their cover?
Leave a comment and you'll be entered to win a copy of Sexiest Man Alive by Diana Holquist! Winner will be announced Friday July 24th! A big thank you to Marissa for the great question – Send your mailing address to cheekyreads(@)gmail.com and I'll send you something special!
Way to Step Up your Game Lifetime!
Okay - So Lifetime Network isn't exactly a romance book, but it is the network that brings many of our favorite romances to the small screen! (Remember the recent Nora Roberts movies?)
I'm not an everyday Lifetime watcher, but I do check it see what they have on and have found myself watching more than usual lately. First up where the Killer Hair and Hostile Makeover movies on Lifetime Movie Network- I love the Crimes of Fashion books by Ellen Byerrum - the movies were high quality and the casting was great! Head to the website to watch the entire movie online along with extra videos from the cast!
During those movies, I caught the promos for the new show Drop Dead Diva. I couldn't decide if it would be cute, or if the premise of a skinny girl who dies and comes back as a larger size woman would be too preachy about weight and not light enough for laughs.
I shouldn't have worried - I caught the pilot on the other night and it was extremely cute! The shows premise on being more than what you look like on the outside is there - which is great! - but there was also so much more to like. The lead actress is fantastic and I hope Hollywood takes notice! She's what made this pilot really pop for me and I think as the show develops we'll see even greater things from her. Oh, and of course Margaret Cho is awesome as always.
Wanna watch the entire pilot episode online? Check it out! The regular season starts this Sunday at 9PM EST.
I'm not an everyday Lifetime watcher, but I do check it see what they have on and have found myself watching more than usual lately. First up where the Killer Hair and Hostile Makeover movies on Lifetime Movie Network- I love the Crimes of Fashion books by Ellen Byerrum - the movies were high quality and the casting was great! Head to the website to watch the entire movie online along with extra videos from the cast!
During those movies, I caught the promos for the new show Drop Dead Diva. I couldn't decide if it would be cute, or if the premise of a skinny girl who dies and comes back as a larger size woman would be too preachy about weight and not light enough for laughs.
I shouldn't have worried - I caught the pilot on the other night and it was extremely cute! The shows premise on being more than what you look like on the outside is there - which is great! - but there was also so much more to like. The lead actress is fantastic and I hope Hollywood takes notice! She's what made this pilot really pop for me and I think as the show develops we'll see even greater things from her. Oh, and of course Margaret Cho is awesome as always.
Wanna watch the entire pilot episode online? Check it out! The regular season starts this Sunday at 9PM EST.
Romance Book Review: Hard And Fast By Erin McCarthy
Hard and Fast
By Erin McCarthy
Berkley Sensation
4 Heart Review
Book Excerpt
As the title suggests, the writing in this book is fast paced, but it definitely isn't hard to keep up with. This book was good enough to make me want to spout the cheesiest driving references I could think of...The story revved along and purred like the engine of an expensive car...Erin's writing took me for a ride...okay enough driving references!
What I liked about this book was that there was no huge mystery to be solved, no major revenge plot or a detailed historical setting. Instead, I found a straight up, sexy, contemporary with likable characters and great writing. Oh, and did I mention sexy? The sex scenes in this book were outstanding if you enjoy that kind of thing (cheeky smile appears on this reviewer's face).
I've recently purchased Erin's previous book, Flat-Out Sexy
and will save it for when I need another great escape with some hot and steamy elements. I was very impressed with Erin's writing and the way she doesn't bog a story down in too many plot twists, minor characters or overly complex relationship hurdles. Hard and Fast was a perfect, uncomplicated story that I thoroughly enjoyed!
Buy From Amazon
By Erin McCarthy
Berkley Sensation
4 Heart Review
Book Excerpt
An experiment in romance...As someone who doesn't understand the draw of NASCAR, I was slightly hesitant about this book. I wasn't sure how much a love of the “sport” was needed to enjoy it, but I found the book to be very light on the NASCAR references and this was a definite plus for me.
New to Charlotte, North Carolina, stock car racing country, graduate student Imogen Wilson meets Ty McCordle, a driver who inexplicably has her pulse racing. After an encounter at the track with a woman whose main goal in life is to marry a driver, Imogen realizes she's hit on the perfect topic for her sociology thesis. If she follows the rules on how to get a man, can she steer her way into the hearts of the drivers and establish their
dating – and mating – patterns?
...that's testing the limits of passion.
Although sexy and reckless Ty is the ideal test subject, Imogen knows she can't pursue him for the sake of science. Yet he's the one who's chasing after her, and Imogen realizes that she actually wants to be caught. A Southern gentleman like Ty won't disappoint – he will satisfy her curiosity and make all the risks worthwhile...
As the title suggests, the writing in this book is fast paced, but it definitely isn't hard to keep up with. This book was good enough to make me want to spout the cheesiest driving references I could think of...The story revved along and purred like the engine of an expensive car...Erin's writing took me for a ride...okay enough driving references!
What I liked about this book was that there was no huge mystery to be solved, no major revenge plot or a detailed historical setting. Instead, I found a straight up, sexy, contemporary with likable characters and great writing. Oh, and did I mention sexy? The sex scenes in this book were outstanding if you enjoy that kind of thing (cheeky smile appears on this reviewer's face).
I've recently purchased Erin's previous book, Flat-Out Sexy
and will save it for when I need another great escape with some hot and steamy elements. I was very impressed with Erin's writing and the way she doesn't bog a story down in too many plot twists, minor characters or overly complex relationship hurdles. Hard and Fast was a perfect, uncomplicated story that I thoroughly enjoyed!Buy From Amazon
Authors on Air - Live From RWA 09 - Four Dukes and a Devil
Head on over to the Avon Books Romance Blog and check out the details on two upcoming live radio interviews with the authors of Four Dukes and a Devil!
The interviews start at 11am today and its really easy to listen to these - just click on the link at Avon's Blog!
Those Smart Bitches Rule! Commencing Sony Reader Test Drive
The super-supreme Smart Bitches over at Smart Bitches Trashy Books ran a contest for the opportunity to test drive a Sony Reader...and they selected yours truly! I'm insanely excited to test drive an ereader and can't thank The Bitches, Sony and Harlequin enough!
The Reader arrived this weekend and I'm getting it all set up this morning. Is it okay that I squealed like a teenager reading Teen Beat when I opened the box? So far, I love how slim it is, and the case is magnetic so that it keeps the flaps closed to protect the Reader. So sleek it makes me feel all uptown girl-ish.
So, look for upcoming posts on my experience with the Sony Reader and ebook reviews!
The Reader arrived this weekend and I'm getting it all set up this morning. Is it okay that I squealed like a teenager reading Teen Beat when I opened the box? So far, I love how slim it is, and the case is magnetic so that it keeps the flaps closed to protect the Reader. So sleek it makes me feel all uptown girl-ish.
So, look for upcoming posts on my experience with the Sony Reader and ebook reviews!
Book Review: The Conqueror By Kris Kennedy
The Conqueror 
By Kris Kennedy
Kensington
4 Heart Review
First off let me say the $3.99 price tag alone makes this book a no-brainer to add to your to-buy list! You won't be disappointed in the story either. I liked the combination of war story, revenge plot, romanace and even a treasure hunt! They all came together to make an interesting storyline in a well-written book.
Kris did a good job of side-stepping some story traps she could easily have fallen into. Early on, it looked like the only thing that was going to keep Griffyn and Gwyn apart was a good sit-down discussion, but Kris quickly put my worries to rest with new conflicts and plot twists.
The build up for the treasure hunt also had me slightly concerned, as I thought it would be hard to come up with an ending the book deserved. Never fear though, Kris had it all figured out and the ending was inventive.
Check out Kris's website at http://www.kriskennedy.net/.
By Kris Kennedy
Kensington
4 Heart Review
Having not read many (hmm...maybe even ANY!) medieval romances before, I wasn't sure what to expect of this historical romance. I shouldn't have been worried since the story was very creative and it was a nice change not to have all the action taking place at a masquerade ball.England, 1152. The country is wracked by bloody civil war. Griffyn Sauvage is a valiant knight with a strict moral code of honor. But when his family's estate and vast treasures are seized, he becomes hardened by the betrayal. Now he will go to any lengths for vengence – even if it means forming a union with his most despised enemy by marrying his daughter, Lady Guinevere de l'Ami. Then, Griffyn lays eyes on Gwyn and is completely disarmed...
As war strikes, Gywn is left alone to fight her enemies who want control of her ancestral lands. When Griffyn comes to her rescue, she is grateful that the mysterious, brave knight has risked his life to protect hers. With each passing day, she finds herself drawn to him even as she senses he's hiding a dark secret from her. And when another dangerous adversary closes in on both of them, Griffyn and Gwyn's trust in each other will be put to the ultimate test...
First off let me say the $3.99 price tag alone makes this book a no-brainer to add to your to-buy list! You won't be disappointed in the story either. I liked the combination of war story, revenge plot, romanace and even a treasure hunt! They all came together to make an interesting storyline in a well-written book.
Kris did a good job of side-stepping some story traps she could easily have fallen into. Early on, it looked like the only thing that was going to keep Griffyn and Gwyn apart was a good sit-down discussion, but Kris quickly put my worries to rest with new conflicts and plot twists.
The build up for the treasure hunt also had me slightly concerned, as I thought it would be hard to come up with an ending the book deserved. Never fear though, Kris had it all figured out and the ending was inventive.
Check out Kris's website at http://www.kriskennedy.net/.
Romance Writers (and Readers) Are Smart Cookies
YAY!!!! Some great positive press about romance writers! The rest of the world is finally waking up to the idea that romance novels can be smart, sassy and well-written.
USA TODAY ARTICLE ON SMART ROMANCE WRITERS
USA TODAY ARTICLE ON SMART ROMANCE WRITERS
SAVE THE SCHOOL OF GALLANTRY - Win Awesome Prizes
Today I'm featuring a special message from Author Delilah Marvelle. Please take the time to read her message and if you love historial romance, you'll really enjoy her books!
In addition to Delilah's contest below, I'm throwing in a prize as well - A BAG FULL OF BOOKS & FREEBIES! Just share a link to this blog post or to Delilah's blog on your site or link to us on twitter. Come back here and let us know where you posted it. It's that easy! The more links you post, the more chances to win! The contest will run until August 4th!
Welcome Delilah!
My Dearest Readers,
When I was in high school, I had a dream. I was going to be the next Stephen King. Heh. Yeah. Stay with me. Please. I knew my ideas were fabulous and I knew all it would take is for an editor to look at it and they would offer me up the moon and the stars and best of all, a contract. I had my girlfriends read everything I wrote. And they kept telling me, “This is fabulous! It's SO funny! Hilarious!” Seeing it really wasn't supposed to BE funny, I immediately changed course realizing I actually had a better handle on being funny than scary. I also figured adding a romance into it would even make it better since that is what I loved to read.
I then entered college as an English major. I was going to be teacher and write during the summers. Even then I was a smart girl who knew I wasn't going to make jack and that I needed a job to support the “creative” one. Throughout all of college I wrote historical romances. One right after another. And kept submitting. And submitting. And submitting. And kept getting rejected and rejected and rejected. In the meantime, I got married. I had two kids. I joined RWA. I got critique partners. I did honed and honed and honed the crap out of my writing. And kept writing and getting rejected. I eventually racked up over 200 rejections and had written over 40 books in those 11 years of trying to get published.
When I finally sold my first historical romance, MISTRESS OF PLEASURE, and my second book, LORD OF PLEASURE, I was beside myself. It didn't feel real. To FINALLY arrive at a destination I had been traveling toward for 11 long years seemed like a mirage. Which fortunately, I quickly snapped out of. Because after all, most of my friends are all published and unpublished writers and the stories they all have told me throughout the years made me realize I had to fight with fists up for myself every step of the way. I knew publishers did little to no promotion for their authors, so I spearheaded my own promo, ready to be more than just an author. And even though I was budgeting very well and spending countless hours networking and promoting on websites and blogs, doing tons for free, I still ended up spending $7,000 on my first book. Which was way more than my advance. But hey, every business starts in the red. Right?
Then the reviews started coming in about my series set in 1830 London England about a school that educates men on the topic of love and seduction. People loved it! Wow. It got nominated for awards. Wow. Readers are e-mailing me raving. Wow. Readers from France, Austria, Poland, South Africa and from all over the U.S and the world. Wow. It just kept getting better and better. I was beginning to feel as if every penny I spent was all worth it (even though my family and I weren't going on any vacations and were eating out of cans). Because all that mattered was that my publisher loved me and my readers loved my series.
Come contract time, I'm ready for whatever they wanna throw at me. Or so I thought. Mistress of Pleasure, though completely sold out and unavailable anywhere (unless it's a used copy, some going for a ridiculous amount of $40.00), hadn't done as well as my publisher had hoped. So without waiting for the second book to come out to see if the series was even worth saving, I get a rejection from my own editor citing lack of sales.
I have to say this rejection felt more personal than any of the other two hundred and some rejections I'd received. Because it was no longer “Your book isn't good enough” it became “Your sales aren't good enough.” Since when is an author supposed to be a market guru AND a fabulous writer? Eck.
I love this series. The men in it make me laugh and it broke my heart to think that my readers will never get a chance to read about Lord Brayton, my glorious male virgin. The only alpha virgin I ever plan to write about. Then I realized something, why I am letting a publisher decide what is worth holding on to? Shouldn't that be a reader's job?
Ah. Herein lies the purpose of my post. I am challenging everyone, be they readers or writers to help me do something that's never been done before. Save a series from a death sentence given by a publisher. Can it be done? Who knows. But I eat challenges for breakfast and I hope you do to. Please join me in saving my series. Come August 4th, tell everyone you know (yes, even you're 72 year old grandfather) to buy the book, Lord of Pleasure. In doing so, you'll have a chance to win one of three $50 Visa Gift Cards. How? Check out my website for details at http://www.delilahmarvelle.com/
That said, thank you for all the support and love everyone has already shown me. Feel free to post and repost this to everyone under the moon and the stars. To all you readers out there, thank you for supporting us writers. To all you writers out there, don't ever give up on your writing. The moment you do, you give up on yourself. Which is why I'm not giving up on my series.
Cheers and much love,
Delilah Marvelle
In addition to Delilah's contest below, I'm throwing in a prize as well - A BAG FULL OF BOOKS & FREEBIES! Just share a link to this blog post or to Delilah's blog on your site or link to us on twitter. Come back here and let us know where you posted it. It's that easy! The more links you post, the more chances to win! The contest will run until August 4th!
Welcome Delilah!
My Dearest Readers,
When I was in high school, I had a dream. I was going to be the next Stephen King. Heh. Yeah. Stay with me. Please. I knew my ideas were fabulous and I knew all it would take is for an editor to look at it and they would offer me up the moon and the stars and best of all, a contract. I had my girlfriends read everything I wrote. And they kept telling me, “This is fabulous! It's SO funny! Hilarious!” Seeing it really wasn't supposed to BE funny, I immediately changed course realizing I actually had a better handle on being funny than scary. I also figured adding a romance into it would even make it better since that is what I loved to read.
I then entered college as an English major. I was going to be teacher and write during the summers. Even then I was a smart girl who knew I wasn't going to make jack and that I needed a job to support the “creative” one. Throughout all of college I wrote historical romances. One right after another. And kept submitting. And submitting. And submitting. And kept getting rejected and rejected and rejected. In the meantime, I got married. I had two kids. I joined RWA. I got critique partners. I did honed and honed and honed the crap out of my writing. And kept writing and getting rejected. I eventually racked up over 200 rejections and had written over 40 books in those 11 years of trying to get published.
When I finally sold my first historical romance, MISTRESS OF PLEASURE, and my second book, LORD OF PLEASURE, I was beside myself. It didn't feel real. To FINALLY arrive at a destination I had been traveling toward for 11 long years seemed like a mirage. Which fortunately, I quickly snapped out of. Because after all, most of my friends are all published and unpublished writers and the stories they all have told me throughout the years made me realize I had to fight with fists up for myself every step of the way. I knew publishers did little to no promotion for their authors, so I spearheaded my own promo, ready to be more than just an author. And even though I was budgeting very well and spending countless hours networking and promoting on websites and blogs, doing tons for free, I still ended up spending $7,000 on my first book. Which was way more than my advance. But hey, every business starts in the red. Right?
Then the reviews started coming in about my series set in 1830 London England about a school that educates men on the topic of love and seduction. People loved it! Wow. It got nominated for awards. Wow. Readers are e-mailing me raving. Wow. Readers from France, Austria, Poland, South Africa and from all over the U.S and the world. Wow. It just kept getting better and better. I was beginning to feel as if every penny I spent was all worth it (even though my family and I weren't going on any vacations and were eating out of cans). Because all that mattered was that my publisher loved me and my readers loved my series.
Come contract time, I'm ready for whatever they wanna throw at me. Or so I thought. Mistress of Pleasure, though completely sold out and unavailable anywhere (unless it's a used copy, some going for a ridiculous amount of $40.00), hadn't done as well as my publisher had hoped. So without waiting for the second book to come out to see if the series was even worth saving, I get a rejection from my own editor citing lack of sales.
I have to say this rejection felt more personal than any of the other two hundred and some rejections I'd received. Because it was no longer “Your book isn't good enough” it became “Your sales aren't good enough.” Since when is an author supposed to be a market guru AND a fabulous writer? Eck.
I love this series. The men in it make me laugh and it broke my heart to think that my readers will never get a chance to read about Lord Brayton, my glorious male virgin. The only alpha virgin I ever plan to write about. Then I realized something, why I am letting a publisher decide what is worth holding on to? Shouldn't that be a reader's job?
Ah. Herein lies the purpose of my post. I am challenging everyone, be they readers or writers to help me do something that's never been done before. Save a series from a death sentence given by a publisher. Can it be done? Who knows. But I eat challenges for breakfast and I hope you do to. Please join me in saving my series. Come August 4th, tell everyone you know (yes, even you're 72 year old grandfather) to buy the book, Lord of Pleasure. In doing so, you'll have a chance to win one of three $50 Visa Gift Cards. How? Check out my website for details at http://www.delilahmarvelle.com/
That said, thank you for all the support and love everyone has already shown me. Feel free to post and repost this to everyone under the moon and the stars. To all you readers out there, thank you for supporting us writers. To all you writers out there, don't ever give up on your writing. The moment you do, you give up on yourself. Which is why I'm not giving up on my series.
Cheers and much love,
Delilah Marvelle
New Book Trailer for Tortured by Amanda McIntyre
Win Your Choice of 3 Books at Royal Reviews!
The awesome ladies over at Royal Reviews are letting you choose which of three upcoming releases you would like to win!
Just head over to their site, become a follower, and comment to win! It's a great romance book review site and there are three great books up for grabs...
Blood Promise by Richelle Mead
Dreamfever by Karen Marie Moning
The White Queen by Philippa Gregory
Good Luck!
Cheeky Girl Sabrina
Just head over to their site, become a follower, and comment to win! It's a great romance book review site and there are three great books up for grabs...
Blood Promise by Richelle Mead
Dreamfever by Karen Marie Moning
The White Queen by Philippa Gregory
Good Luck!
Cheeky Girl Sabrina
Lorelei James Guest Blog & Chance to Win!
Head over to the fabulous blog Seductive Musings and hang out with Guest Blogger Lorelei James and a chance to win one a copy of her latest release, Miss Firecracker, or a choice of her backlist!
Here's a look at Lorelei's latest:
MISS FIRECRACKER
...She’s the match, he’s the fuse...an explosive combination
One year ago Willow Gregory entered the Miss Firecracker contest on a dare—and ended up with the crown. As a working carpenter, she’s not exactly the tears-and-tiara type, and after a year of walking the straight and narrow she’s ready to cut loose.
Waking up in a sexy stranger’s bed with no memory of the havoc she wreaked the night before wasn’t quite what she had in mind. Nor was agreeing to his mandate—work for him at the tavern until she repays the damage. Or go to jail.
Blake West thinks he could possibly be the only man alive who could say no to a drunken, horny, naked beauty queen. There’s something about the former Miss Firecracker that makes him want to blow his Mr. Nice Guy persona all to hell.
It helps that Willow is ready to dive headfirst into a no-heartstrings-attached affair. Which fits in perfectly with Blake’s temporary gig managing his friend’s bar.
Every grinding kiss, every stolen touch leads to another…until a harmless little white lie becomes the detonator that could explode their chances at a happily ever after.
Warning: this light-hearted beach read features a hero hotter than the 4th of July and a feisty heroine who knows exactly how to pop his top.
Welcome Special Guest Toni Andrews - Win a Copy of Cry Mercy!
UPDATE: The Winner of a Copy of Cry Mercy is...Blackroze37yahoo.com!! Send an email to cheekyreads @ gmail.com (without the spaces
) with your mailing address and I'll get it to Toni!!
) with your mailing address and I'll get it to Toni!! Today I'm pleased to welcome author Toni Andrews on the blog! Toni writes a wonderful first-person paranormal series and I'm delighted she is stopping by Cheeky Reads on her book tour and she's been nice enough to offer a copy of Cry Mercy to one lucky reader! Just make sure to leave a comment and you're entered to win!
Toni was nice enough to sit down and answer some questions for us, but first I thought you might want to check out this book trailer for Cry Mercy, Book Three in the Mercy Hollings series from Toni Andrews:
Welcome Toni and congrats on your new release Cry Mercy!
Since it’s the third book in your Mercy Hollings Series would you tell us a little bit about the series and your heroine Mercy?
The Mercy Hollings series is Urban Fantasy without “creatures;” no vampires or demons or werewolves—just people, but with a twist. Mercy has some special talents, including the ability to compel people to obey her. That sounds pretty cool, until you think about it for five minutes. Sometimes it gets away from her, especially when she loses her temper. Which she frequently does.
The first line of the first book is “I’ve never been certain I’m human.” Mercy was abandoned at birth and then given up by her adoptive parents when, as an adolescent, she began displaying some unusual abilities. She’s spent her life keeping people at a distance.
Now she has the closest thing she’s ever had to a normal life. But, all too often, it feels like her new world is just a carefully constructed house of cards. Some big wind is always coming along to blow it down.
The Mercy Hollings series is Urban Fantasy without “creatures;” no vampires or demons or werewolves—just people, but with a twist. Mercy has some special talents, including the ability to compel people to obey her. That sounds pretty cool, until you think about it for five minutes. Sometimes it gets away from her, especially when she loses her temper. Which she frequently does.
The first line of the first book is “I’ve never been certain I’m human.” Mercy was abandoned at birth and then given up by her adoptive parents when, as an adolescent, she began displaying some unusual abilities. She’s spent her life keeping people at a distance.
Now she has the closest thing she’s ever had to a normal life. But, all too often, it feels like her new world is just a carefully constructed house of cards. Some big wind is always coming along to blow it down.
If you were to describe Mercy in three words, what would they be?
Guarded. Loyal. Flawed.
Guarded. Loyal. Flawed.
You write in first person, which is hard for many writers but you do it so well! What drew you to first person and how do you think it helps your story resonate with readers?
I like to say that, as a writer, it’s never my goal to have you notice my words. I want you to NOT notice when the phone rings.
To really draw a reader into a story, you have to create a connection between the reader and the point of view character or characters. To do that effectively, you get the reader into the character’s heads, so that they experience the story along with them.
In my workshops, I teach point of view and character voice using a method I call “Walk Like John Wayne,” which is a line I stole from La Cage Aux Folles. It means to get into character the same way an actor would, who was playing the part on stage—to BE your point of view character. Then, write the story in first person, even if you’re going to change it later.
I write all first drafts in first person, even those that have multiple point of view characters and are eventually going to end up in third.
I like to say that, as a writer, it’s never my goal to have you notice my words. I want you to NOT notice when the phone rings.
To really draw a reader into a story, you have to create a connection between the reader and the point of view character or characters. To do that effectively, you get the reader into the character’s heads, so that they experience the story along with them.
In my workshops, I teach point of view and character voice using a method I call “Walk Like John Wayne,” which is a line I stole from La Cage Aux Folles. It means to get into character the same way an actor would, who was playing the part on stage—to BE your point of view character. Then, write the story in first person, even if you’re going to change it later.
I write all first drafts in first person, even those that have multiple point of view characters and are eventually going to end up in third.
The Mercy series has quite the cast of eclectic characters - are any of them based on people from your life?
Some of them have characteristics of people I know, but my core characters are works of fiction. The more minor the character, the more likely he or she is based on someone I’ve met. Rocko from Beg for Mercy is absolutely based on an obnoxious man who used to hang around the area where I worked in South Miami. Mitzi, the diner owner from Cry Mercy, will be familiar to people who have lived in Balboa for long enough to remember the woman on whom she is based, although her name as been changed.
Some of them have characteristics of people I know, but my core characters are works of fiction. The more minor the character, the more likely he or she is based on someone I’ve met. Rocko from Beg for Mercy is absolutely based on an obnoxious man who used to hang around the area where I worked in South Miami. Mitzi, the diner owner from Cry Mercy, will be familiar to people who have lived in Balboa for long enough to remember the woman on whom she is based, although her name as been changed.
You books have received some great reviews. What’s one of your favorite comments or quotes from a fan or review?
I can’t recall a specific line, but I always like to hear that I’ve done an effective job of using the setting as an element in the story. This is something my favorite authors do, and it pleases me to know I’m getting the hang of it.
Also, I’m happy that people seem to relate to Mercy, even while recognizing her flaws, and that they appreciate the ethical struggles that come from having her special abilities.
I can’t recall a specific line, but I always like to hear that I’ve done an effective job of using the setting as an element in the story. This is something my favorite authors do, and it pleases me to know I’m getting the hang of it.
Also, I’m happy that people seem to relate to Mercy, even while recognizing her flaws, and that they appreciate the ethical struggles that come from having her special abilities.
What books are you currently reading or are in your TBR pile?
I’m reading Serpent in the Crown by Elizabeth Peters. I need to get caught up with Jim Butcher’s Dresden Files. Jodi Picoult’s newest book is on my shelf. Also, Rachel Vincent’s Prey and Black and White by Jackie Kessler and Caitlin Kittredge. James Lee Burke has a new book out in August, too, with a new character—I’m always impatiently waiting for his next release.
I’m reading Serpent in the Crown by Elizabeth Peters. I need to get caught up with Jim Butcher’s Dresden Files. Jodi Picoult’s newest book is on my shelf. Also, Rachel Vincent’s Prey and Black and White by Jackie Kessler and Caitlin Kittredge. James Lee Burke has a new book out in August, too, with a new character—I’m always impatiently waiting for his next release.
You also produce a television show titled “So Many Books.” Can you tell us a little more about that?
Like most writers of popular fiction, I’ve been frustrated by the difficulties of getting publicity. So I started my own show. I interview one author or writing group each episode, and they get to really talk about their book and their process. It’s a lot of work, but fun, too.
Like most writers of popular fiction, I’ve been frustrated by the difficulties of getting publicity. So I started my own show. I interview one author or writing group each episode, and they get to really talk about their book and their process. It’s a lot of work, but fun, too.
What should readers look for next from you?
More Mercy Hollings books, of course. I’m working on a women’s fiction novel that my agent calls Sex in the City meets The First Wives Club, and I’ve got a contemporary romance circulating as well.
More Mercy Hollings books, of course. I’m working on a women’s fiction novel that my agent calls Sex in the City meets The First Wives Club, and I’ve got a contemporary romance circulating as well.
Thanks Toni! Don't forget to leave a comment below and you'll be entered to win a copy of Cry Mercy!
Toni's web site: http://toniandrews.com/
Where to send your Self Addressed Stamped Envelope to get a signed book plate for your copy: http://toniandrews.com/CryMercyTour.htm
Toni's Blog: http://tinyurl.com/ToniBlog
Toni's TV show: http://toniandrews.com/SoManyBooks.htm
Cry Mercy Trailer: http://tinyurl.com/75vl4s
Book Rx, Toni's "Book Doctor" service: http://toniandrews.com/BookRx.htm
Links to purchase the book:
Mira Books (discounted while they last!) http://tinyurl.com/oe8tkdAmazon Link: http://tinyurl.com/CryMercyAmazon UK Link: http://tinyurl.com/prh6ejBarnes and Noble: http://tinyurl.com/pxrx9fIndigo Books (Canada): http://tinyurl.com/qcycafRendezvous Romance (Australia) http://tinyurl.com/r4g56z
Where to send your Self Addressed Stamped Envelope to get a signed book plate for your copy: http://toniandrews.com/CryMercyTour.htm
Toni's Blog: http://tinyurl.com/ToniBlog
Toni's TV show: http://toniandrews.com/SoManyBooks.htm
Cry Mercy Trailer: http://tinyurl.com/75vl4s
Book Rx, Toni's "Book Doctor" service: http://toniandrews.com/BookRx.htm
Links to purchase the book:
Mira Books (discounted while they last!) http://tinyurl.com/oe8tkdAmazon Link: http://tinyurl.com/CryMercyAmazon UK Link: http://tinyurl.com/prh6ejBarnes and Noble: http://tinyurl.com/pxrx9fIndigo Books (Canada): http://tinyurl.com/qcycafRendezvous Romance (Australia) http://tinyurl.com/r4g56z
Book Review: I Shot You Babe by Leslie Langtry
Book Review: I Shot You Babe
By Leslie Langtry
Book Four in the Greatest Hits Mysteries
Dorchester Publishing
Release Date: June 30th
4 Heart Review
I loved that the point of view of the story is told from the male perspective, make that the point of view of a hitman with a guinea pig for a companion. The dry wit and dark humor, combined with the idea of a family who has run an international assassin organization for centuries, makes for a fantastic read.
Don't let all the talk about hitmen and assassins fool you- this is a fresh contemporary romance with a big dash of suspense and some great characters!
The one issue I had was that Leslie's way of Cy and Ronnie running into each other is too far out to be believed. There were just too many coincidental meetings to have been purely accidental and not somehow pre-arranged. If just one of the run-ins had been set-up by Cy (or Ronnie) then it would have done much for the believability of the story.
I'll be adding Leslie's previous Greatest Hits Mysteries to my to buy pile – even though the story had a few issues, she has a voice that is distinctive,completely original, and I want to hear the stories for the rest of the family! Check out all of her books at her website.
By Leslie Langtry
Book Four in the Greatest Hits Mysteries
Dorchester Publishing
Release Date: June 30th
4 Heart Review
Coney Bombay is one hot assassin with an Ivy League PhD who travels the world operating carnival rides. He also likes to knit and has a pet guinea pig names Sartre. Even in his wild family of killers, Cy stands out. But after a series of run-ins with perennial grad student Veronica Gale, the cool cat is starting toWhat a great voice! I could tell from the first few pages that Leslie Langtry had a very distinctive way of telling a story and one that I would thoroughly enjoy.
feel a little hot under the collar.
In her research, Ronnie Gale has seen a lot. Problem is, she hasn't actually done a lot. The mysterious Cy Bombay seems about to change all that with a whirlwind adventure that will take them form a small-town country fair to the outer reaches of Mongolia. But when love is on the line and there's a murder to be solved, will Ronnie really be willing to climb out of the ivory tower and get a little down and dirty?
I loved that the point of view of the story is told from the male perspective, make that the point of view of a hitman with a guinea pig for a companion. The dry wit and dark humor, combined with the idea of a family who has run an international assassin organization for centuries, makes for a fantastic read.
Don't let all the talk about hitmen and assassins fool you- this is a fresh contemporary romance with a big dash of suspense and some great characters!
The one issue I had was that Leslie's way of Cy and Ronnie running into each other is too far out to be believed. There were just too many coincidental meetings to have been purely accidental and not somehow pre-arranged. If just one of the run-ins had been set-up by Cy (or Ronnie) then it would have done much for the believability of the story.
I'll be adding Leslie's previous Greatest Hits Mysteries to my to buy pile – even though the story had a few issues, she has a voice that is distinctive,completely original, and I want to hear the stories for the rest of the family! Check out all of her books at her website.
Chat with the Hilarious Dakota Cassidy Thursday @ 9pm EST
The Knight Agency blog is hosting an online chat with the freakin fantabulous Dakota Cassidy tomorrow night! I listened to a few panels Dakota did at conferences and she is hilarious so I expect this to be a lively chat.Details from the blog posting are listed below.
CHAT INFO:
What: Online Chat with Dakota Cassidy
When: Thursday, June 25th @ 9pm ET
Where: TKA Chat Room
How Do You Chat: Visit the chat room here: http://client1.addonchat.com/sc.php?id=115545.
Enter a username and password (this can be any combination).
Your computer must be Java enabled to chat
Hope to chat with you there ~ Sabrina
Book Review: Desire Untamed by Pamela Palmer
Book Review: Desire Untamed
By Pamela Palmer
Avon Books
Releases: June 30, 2009
4 Heart Review
Read an excerpt!
By Pamela Palmer
Avon Books
Releases: June 30, 2009
4 Heart Review
Read an excerpt!
They are called Feral Warriors – an elite band of immortals who can change shape at will. Sworn to rid the world of evil, consumed by sorcery and seduction, their wild natures are primed for release...
Kara MacAllister's quiet small-town life is transformed forever the night a powerful stranger rips her from her home, claiming she is the chosen one – the key to his survival. Spiriting her away into the rain-soaked night, Lyon reveals a truth Kara can barely credit. She's immortal, and the only one who can save his race.
But only when their lives are threatened by an ancient evil will Kara and Lyon realize they have found a love they would risk their immortal souls to claim...and a fierce primal desire that could never, ever be tamed.
The first of a new series called the Feral Warriors, this SMOKIN' HOT book does a fantastic job of setting up Pamela's new paranormal world. She didn't bog the story down in setting up the details, instead she let them unfold as the story progresses. You learn new insight alongside the heroine Kara as she discovers her destiny.
I'm very happy to say this book includes many types of shape-shifters. Normally, one particular breed is the main type of shape-shifter in a series, but the Feral Warriors series features characters of all sorts and that makes it much more interesting.
Also impressive was how Pamela made her sex scenes work as central plot points throughout the book. Many great romance writers have said that the sex in their books should move the story forward and have a purpose (well, a purpose beyond just getting it on – lol), and Pamela understands this well. That's not to say her scenes aren't hot – they most definitely are!
I understand that the names of the feral warriors being variations on the name of their animal forms does make it easy to identify them, but this was the one thing with the series that bothered me. Pamela does offer insight that the men take on these names after they discover they are Feral Warriors, but it still seems hokey to me. I felt a little like it was a cheat sheet to the characters instead of having to flesh out all the personalities (which there would not have been room in this book to cover them all, so this does actually work well with the story). But, I should stress that's just the feeling I had reading the book and I could see others not having an issue with this at all.
I'm really excited about this series and can't wait to get my hands on the next Warrior - uhm, I mean the next Feral Warrior book :) - Obsession Untamed releases in August and Passion Untamed comes out in September.
I'm very happy to say this book includes many types of shape-shifters. Normally, one particular breed is the main type of shape-shifter in a series, but the Feral Warriors series features characters of all sorts and that makes it much more interesting.
Also impressive was how Pamela made her sex scenes work as central plot points throughout the book. Many great romance writers have said that the sex in their books should move the story forward and have a purpose (well, a purpose beyond just getting it on – lol), and Pamela understands this well. That's not to say her scenes aren't hot – they most definitely are!
I understand that the names of the feral warriors being variations on the name of their animal forms does make it easy to identify them, but this was the one thing with the series that bothered me. Pamela does offer insight that the men take on these names after they discover they are Feral Warriors, but it still seems hokey to me. I felt a little like it was a cheat sheet to the characters instead of having to flesh out all the personalities (which there would not have been room in this book to cover them all, so this does actually work well with the story). But, I should stress that's just the feeling I had reading the book and I could see others not having an issue with this at all.
I'm really excited about this series and can't wait to get my hands on the next Warrior - uhm, I mean the next Feral Warrior book :) - Obsession Untamed releases in August and Passion Untamed comes out in September.
Win a Copy of Pleasuring the Pirate by Emily Bryan!
The lovely Mrs. Emily Bryan is a guest at Author Diana Rubino's blog today and they are giving away a copy of Emily's Pleasuring the Pirate to a lucky commenter!
It's another great interview and who doesn't want to win one of Emily's books! Me, me, me...raises hand!
Audio Lovin": Queen of Babble Gets Hitched by Meg Cabot
Queen of Babble Audio Version
By Meg Cabot
Ready by: Justine Eyre
Books on Tape
2 Heart Review
By Meg Cabot
Ready by: Justine Eyre
Books on Tape
2 Heart Review
So I'm catching up on all the reviews for all the audio books I've been listening to lately. I spent a lot of time in my car driving and was starting to forget all the audio books that had crossed my path. Enjoy and if you don't do the audio book thing, check out my post here about why I think they are the bomb. Yes, I did just totally dork out. :)
Having listened to the audio books of the previous Queen of Babble titles, I was already familiar with the characters and the readers voice and inflection. I think that made this particular audio book easier to get into despite a lead female character who had slightly annoyed me previously.
The gang's all here again, with the hero Luke starting to show his true colors and steady sidekick Chazz suddenly deciding he's loved Lizzie for years. After the very first book, I had high hopes for Luke as a real hero and was disappointed that he turned out to be such a...well...wanker.
Having Lizzie and Chazz come together does work perfectly, but there was something about the ending that left me unsatisfied. It seemed like a bit of a cop-out by Lizzie and by Chazz as neither gets what they had said they wanted. But, I guess compromise is what it's all about.
I really enjoyed the Ava Geck character and would have liked for her to play a bigger par t of the story. The way Ava and Lizzie come together at the end was a nice touch and you could see Ava grow as direct result of Lizzie's influence.
The loss of Lizzie's grandmother was very well done and threaded throughout the story so well that you felt it didn't just serve as a senseless plot twist.
If you've read the other Queen of Babble books, I recommend you read or listen to this one as well. It's a great ending to a story even if this book lacks a little something.
The gang's all here again, with the hero Luke starting to show his true colors and steady sidekick Chazz suddenly deciding he's loved Lizzie for years. After the very first book, I had high hopes for Luke as a real hero and was disappointed that he turned out to be such a...well...wanker.
Having Lizzie and Chazz come together does work perfectly, but there was something about the ending that left me unsatisfied. It seemed like a bit of a cop-out by Lizzie and by Chazz as neither gets what they had said they wanted. But, I guess compromise is what it's all about.
I really enjoyed the Ava Geck character and would have liked for her to play a bigger par t of the story. The way Ava and Lizzie come together at the end was a nice touch and you could see Ava grow as direct result of Lizzie's influence.
The loss of Lizzie's grandmother was very well done and threaded throughout the story so well that you felt it didn't just serve as a senseless plot twist.
If you've read the other Queen of Babble books, I recommend you read or listen to this one as well. It's a great ending to a story even if this book lacks a little something.
PRICELESS: Friday Fun From SBTB
Those Smart Bitches are fantastic and they have one incredibly hilarious post today! If you are looking for some cheap Friday fun to get your weekend started, you must head on over there immediately and check out "Crimes Against Photoshop."
http://www.smartbitchestrashybooks.com/index.php/weblog/comments/crimes-against-photoshop/
http://www.smartbitchestrashybooks.com/index.php/weblog/comments/crimes-against-photoshop/
Audio Lovin': REVIEW of The Magic of You by Johanna Lindsey
The Magic of You Audio VersionBy Johanna Lindsey
Read By Laural Merlington
Brilliance Audio
4 Heart Review
As wild and reckless as the most incorrigible of her male cousins, young Amy Malory has reached marriageable age, and she has set her amorous sights on a most unsuitable mate: the handsome, straitlaced ship's captain who once nearly had her uncle James hung for piracy.
Warren Anderson is shocked by the brazen advances of his despised enemy's high-spirited niece. Still tormented by past treachery, he is determined to resist Amy's charms. But an overpowering yearning for the enchanting minx threatens to defeat his defiant heart...and force its sensuous surrender to a love that could stoke the fires of a perilous family feud.
So, I'm not shy about how much I love the Malory series! I cannot get enough of them and love the interaction between the Malory family and the Andersons who can't seem to stop marrying their women! The books do such a great job of creating male characters both full of emotion and who are also men of action. We get so much insight into the thoughts and feelings of Lindsey's men and I guess that’s a big part of what draws me to these stories – that I love the outward gruff and toughness of the men juxtaposed with their internal old softies.
This Malory book is no different. In fact, Warren is the gruffest of the Andersons having been badly hurt and thrown over by the woman he loved years before. Hearing him struggle to maintain his Oscar the Grouch routine is loads of fun, especially when headstrong Amy tries her hardest to make him smile at every turn.
Amy is every bit a Malory and it's interesting to see a female of the family get hit with the love bug. She doesn't disappoint as she shows the Malory spunk and determination to make Warren hers. I enjoyed Amy as a character and found her to be a perfect foil for Warren.
I believe this is the same reader of the other Malory audio books I've listened to, and she does manage to give all the characters their own distinctive personalities. You never have to guess who is speaking and she inflects just the right emotion into her voice for each situation.
What can I say – It's another terrific Malory book by Johanna Lindsey and I just can't get enough of them! Whether you read them or listen to them, check out this Malory series if you like historical romance. You won't be disappointed!
This Malory book is no different. In fact, Warren is the gruffest of the Andersons having been badly hurt and thrown over by the woman he loved years before. Hearing him struggle to maintain his Oscar the Grouch routine is loads of fun, especially when headstrong Amy tries her hardest to make him smile at every turn.
Amy is every bit a Malory and it's interesting to see a female of the family get hit with the love bug. She doesn't disappoint as she shows the Malory spunk and determination to make Warren hers. I enjoyed Amy as a character and found her to be a perfect foil for Warren.
I believe this is the same reader of the other Malory audio books I've listened to, and she does manage to give all the characters their own distinctive personalities. You never have to guess who is speaking and she inflects just the right emotion into her voice for each situation.
What can I say – It's another terrific Malory book by Johanna Lindsey and I just can't get enough of them! Whether you read them or listen to them, check out this Malory series if you like historical romance. You won't be disappointed!
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