Lastly, if you haven't tried Twitter give it a go! I was very hesitant and well thought it sounded stupid, but I've been able to talk with some of my favorite authors and other book bloggers. And, not to blow my own horn too much, I try to tweet lots of deals on books sales, industry news and info on authors. If you don't do Twitter, you can check out my latest tweets in the left hand sidebar. Maybe it will entice you to follow me! LOL!
What's New Wednesday
Lastly, if you haven't tried Twitter give it a go! I was very hesitant and well thought it sounded stupid, but I've been able to talk with some of my favorite authors and other book bloggers. And, not to blow my own horn too much, I try to tweet lots of deals on books sales, industry news and info on authors. If you don't do Twitter, you can check out my latest tweets in the left hand sidebar. Maybe it will entice you to follow me! LOL!
Book Drive To Benefit Louisville Library
I’m putting together a book drive in an effort to help.
How you can help:
Everybody:
Donations of new books, all genres.
Information about monetary donations can be found at WFPL.
Authors & Publishers:
Donations of both signed and unsigned books. All genres, from children’s books to romance to non-fiction, etc, etc.
Signed books can be used in fundraiser purposes. Unsigned books can be used to help replenish the books that were lost due to the flood.
I have spoken with somebody with the library and at this time, they have no place to store books. However, I’m close and I will keep the books at my house until they are able to take them.
For those wishing to donate books, there are two ways you can send them. I can either receive them my post box address or a friend will receive them at her home.
If you wish to mail them via the USPS, send to:
Shiloh Walker
PO Box 976
Jeffersonville, IN47131
**Please note, I did speak with library personnel before I started this bookdrive. I realize they had no storage/no way to process books, which is why I’m holding them for the time being, and I did discuss that with library personnel as well. Several members of the library do have my contact info, should they have concerns, and none have contacted me.
Feel free to repost this information in its entirety.
Shiloh Walker
http://shilohwalker.com/
http://shilohwalker.wordpress.com
This post was submitted by Shiloh Walker.
Get TORTURED with Amanda McIntyre! Join Day Three of the TORTURED Tour and Win a Signed Copy!
Leaving Chicago, we had an interesting trek through Gary, Indiana (where I paid silent homage to the late Michael Jackson) and Ohio –which I discovered is much like driving through Nebraska (only those in the Midwest will understand) we arrived in the state of New York. Who knew that New York State was such a lush green, forested place? The short jaunt from Fredonia to Niagara Falls was a pleasant one and our weather at around seventy with low humidity and brilliant sunshine could not have been more perfect. After a quick lunch at my fav spot, Hard Rock CafĂ©, we ventured to the “falls” where I stood in amazement and memory of the last time I’d seen that area almost …dare I say it, forty years before. Eeek! It was well worth every mile to see my kids snapping away, their eyes wide with respect and wonder of such a magnificent sight. Yes, we’d seen the IMAX movie on Niagara, but seeing something of such magnitude in real life is far more incredible!
Then came the challenge, trekking down to the base of the falls to the “Cave of the Winds.” I could remember my trip on the “Maid of the Mist”—the boating excursion that takes soaked passengers on the river beneath the falls—but for the life of me I couldn’t recall this “Cave of the Winds” being there. Still, you live only once and I am a secret adventuresome pirate at heart, so I donned the required foam-soled sandals and rain poncho and stood before the simulated falls mural with my three of my children to snap our picture for posterity. (Oh yes, dad opted to hold bags, wait on the surface and test out the homemade ice cream)
I later wondered as we stood in a “cattle line” waiting our turn, if the picture was taken in case of an unexpected accident. What can I say? I’m a writer. Finally, we made it to the front of the line, where a man stood repeating the litany I’m sure several times over during the course of his shift, “this elevator will take you 175 feet below the surface and then you walk through a tunnel…” at which point I began to wonder how he could look so casual when sending people into this watery abyss.
I cinched my glad bag style poncho tight and got on my game face as I prepared to squeeze into the cubicle that would plummet me to the base of the falls. I tried not to think of thousands of tons of water rushing over the rocks, centuries old, one of the true wonders of the world—and I was going to get to stand in its grandeur and get soaked. I started thinking then about my latest work, my deadline and it suddenly seemed less stressful.
We emerged from the tunnel into the sunshine and stood a moment overlooking the churning waterway below. I chided myself for being overly concerned, and yet I had a feeling this wasn’t all there was. People with various odd looking expressions, soaked to the skin were coming from around a bend. THAT “feeling” came to fruition a few moments later when I stood at the base of a set of wooden stairs that angled every which way—looking like something out of the movie ”Labyrinth”—to a platform high above, settled right into the midst of the falls.
So I began the maze of steps, taking note of the haphazard and yet I was certain carefully placed wood planks jabbed here and there, bracing the structure against the rock. I tired not to think of the constant roar in my ear, the hundreds of thousands of pounds of pressing pushing against the narrow wood steps and single person walkways that crisscrossed the falls ahead. I tried not to think of having to stop part way when I small child decided firmly they didn’t want to go any further. Later, my husband tried to reason that hundreds of people go on this daily and each year they tear it down and rebuild it. Which I suppose was meant to appease my concern, but I’m not sure that it did. Would I do it again? In a heartbeat ;)
In my erotic Medieval historical, TORTURED (Harlequin Spice-Books, Aug. ’09) Sierra must face her fears and the unknown in order to survive. What fear have you had to face that made you realize the strength you have inside you? Read a full excerpt from TORTURED on my website! http://www.amandamcintyre.net/
One lucky commenter will win a signed copy of TORTURED! Having read this book, I can personally tell you that you really want to win this one. I actually cheered out loud at the ending!
Next stop Novel Thoughts at RRH http://www.novethoughts.wordpress.com/ -- August 7
See you on the road!
Amanda McIntyre
DIARY OF COZETTE Harlequin Spice Oct. '08
TORTURED Harlequin Spice Aug. '09
"Winter Awakening" in WINTER'S DESIRE Nov.'09
Doing The Naughty: Welcome Guest Author Dee Tenorio
A huge welcome to today's guest blogger Dee Tenorio!
Dee is the author of numerous books from Samhain Publishing and her newest novella, Love Me Knots, releases today. Big congratulations to Dee and I'm so pleased to have her here at Cheeky Reads!
Check out Dee's guest blog below and enter for a chance to win a ecopy of Love Me Knots!
Dee's Website
Dee's Blog
Check out Love Me Knots at Samhain
Doing The Naughty
When I first started writing, I thought I was being oh so titillating by having my characters make out.
I was like, seven.
By the time I was ten and had discovered romance---particularly historicals! WOWSA!---I quickly learned the error of my thinking. Still, it was a long time before I got comfy enough to actually write a frisky love scene. I remember when I started writing "Test Me" as an erotic romance. I was sitting on my bed, my husband innocently working on his computer across the room and my face was absolutely on fire while I typed like mad. (Incidentally, I was in this same condition while doing research on Vetta's waterproof sex toy in that same book, for much the same reason. Believe me, gang, you do not want to get researching sex toys by hubby who is pretty sure he's taking care of business. Well...not without taking your vitamins first.)
Where was I?
Oh yeah, doing the naughty. So, anyway, at first, it was really difficult to allow myself to write erotic. I was so sure my mother was going to find out and I'd wake up in the night with her standing over my bed with that look on her face she'd get when I forgot to do the dishes. The "Girl, I'm gonna beat you so hard, you're going back in time and you done better do the dishes when you get there" Look. (Note: Mom never actually beat me, but she sure looked like she would.)
But after that first scene got written of Travis getting a hell of an eyeful of his nekkid heroine, Mom didn't show up. Mom didn't have a clue. So I kept going, and "Test Me!" got naughtier and naughtier. And you know what? It was fun! No holds barred, as descriptive as I wanted to be. I totally relaxed about the content I was writing. And with that freedom, I was able to write several more books with characters that had complete sexuality, which I think was part of making them more realistic. I didn't flinch when things got hot. I didn't blush and worry about Mom acting like the end of the movie "Carrie". And when a story idea came along about a couple that has great sex but bad communication... Well, who was I to say no? And there you have it, "Love Me Knots" was born.
I look at writing more explicitly as a different kind of honesty. I'm not going to get all preachy about how it's empowering to write the naughty. But the way a couple expresses themselves physically is as much a language as what they say. And if it means taking a few more vitamins, why not? :)
Of course, there are certain caveats are required for doing the naughty regularly on paper, particularly if you've never done it before.
1) After describing a man's appreciation for the feminine privates, keep in mind that your CPs just might wonder if YOU have an appreciation for feminine privates...
2) Mom's DO smack you in the back of the head when they find out you've been writing.
3) You really need to stock up on vitamins and Wheaties.
So, how about you? Have you ever worried about doing something, only to find out that it's the right thing for you? Share a comment and win a free ecopy of my new erotic novella, "Love Me Knots"!
Upcoming Guest Bloggers - Dee Tenorio & Amanda MacIntyre
I'm excited to announce that on August 4th, we'll be featuring as a guest blogger, author Dee Tenorio!
Dee has a brand new Samhain Novella coming out that day, and she's launching her book tour right here at Cheeky Reads!
Come back on August 4th to congratulate Dee on her release. One lucky reader will win an e-copy of her new release Love Me Knots! Here's a sneak peek at an excerpt.
On August 6th, the fantastic Amanda MacIntyre will be here to talk about her new release Tortured!
Smart Bitches Sony Rest Drive
Check out the hilarious first review from Billie over at Smart Bitches.
If you are even considering the pros and cons on an ereader, you should follow these reviews. We're a random group of reviewers giving you our honest ups and downs with the Sony. You're sure to find a reviewer who has your reading habits and opinions on print versus ebooks, and that should be helpful in deciding if an ereader is right for you.
Happy Reading!
Cheeky Book Review: Bunco Babes Tell All by Maria Geraci
Meet the Bunco Babes of Whispering Bay. Every Thursday night they roll dice, drink frozen margaritas, and catch up on all the gossip in their small north Florida town. Kitty Burke is the only Bunco Babe who is still single – which is okay – but she's thirty-five and may need to face the fact that her image of Mr. Right is all wrong.
Take Steve. Very sexy, but – with three failed marriages and a shady career – on paper he is not great husband material. And yes, his ringtone is “Free Bird.” Fellow Babes Shea and Pilar certainly vote thumbs-down. But maybe there's more to Steve than meets the eye? Is it time for Kitty to take a chance and hope that she can be as lucky in love as she is in Bunco?
This book gave me the same sense of longing for a group of strong female friends as Sex and the City had. These women are not only believable, but you'll want them as your closest pals. They'll be your support network and the ones making you laugh out loud. They come to life as you turn the page, and I felt deeply connected to them. It takes a great writer to pull the reader in so deeply and I can't wait to read the next books in Maria's Bunco Babes series.
The story of Kitty and Steve was delightful to read and I loved them as characters. Each is interesting in their own right which makes the payoff when they come together even better! From the first meeting that includes bathroom humor, mistaken identity AND a male stripper, to the obstacles they overcome, I was under their spell. This book's characters had me thinking about them days after having finished the book and I'll be happily following their relationship in the coming Bunco Babes books.
The Winner of Sexist Man Alive Is...
Romance Book Review: Lucky Streak by Carly Phillips
Long ago, a witch proclaimed an eternal curse that every Corwin male who married for love would be destined to lose his woman and his fortune...
When Mike Corwin awakens after some wild partying in Vegas $100,000 richer and married to Amber, the gorgeous woman he met the night before, he thinks he's hit the jackpot. The bad news is that Amber's a con who takes his money and runs. Seems the family curse has finally hit him. Hard.
But to Amber, Mike isn't business as usual. If only she didn't need the money to ensure her father's safety, she might actually have fallen for the intense lawman. Instead, she's forced to betray him.
Now Mike's hell-bent on divorce and Amber's on the run...but when a twist of fate reunites them, can they turn their run of bad fortune into a lucky streak?
The storyline is very believable and will probably hit close to the heart for many readers. Amber is a con only because she desperately needs to pay for her father’s nursing home and care. Mike is afraid of true love because his experience with it has only been through his messed up family (and of course the famous Corwin Curse). These are highly likeable characters and I really cheered for them to get together.
I enjoyed the story, but felt that there was so many characters and side stories that it took away from Mike and Amber. In particular, I felt that the scenes with Jason Corwin were forced into the book as a set-up for the next one. I do think his story sounds very interesting, but throwing in his scenes at the end of Lucky Streak just cluttered things up to me.
Lucky Streak was an enjoyable book, but it didn’t totally engross me. This might have been because of all the side stories and characters. I would have liked more focus on Mike and Amber. Although time passes in the book, very little of that time is spent with Mike and Amber together getting to know one another. This left me wanting more to their story. I wanted more Mike and Amber and less side characters. What I can say is that the story is fun to read and the writing made me laugh out loud!
Cheeky Reads Featured at The Daily Dose: Spotlight on Reviewers
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!
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!
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
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
Those Smart Bitches Rule! Commencing Sony Reader Test Drive
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
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
USA TODAY ARTICLE ON SMART ROMANCE WRITERS
SAVE THE SCHOOL OF GALLANTRY - Win Awesome Prizes
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
I'm excited to announce that Amanda will be guest blogging on Cheeky Reads on August 6th as part of her Tourtured blog tour! She's fantastic so I can't wait!
Check out Amanda's website and blog for more details about her books.
Win Your Choice of 3 Books at Royal Reviews!
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!
Welcome Special Guest Toni Andrews - Win a Copy of Cry Mercy!
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!
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.
Guarded. Loyal. Flawed.
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.
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.
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’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.
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.
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.
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
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
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
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.
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!
Audio Lovin": Queen of Babble Gets Hitched by Meg Cabot
By Meg Cabot
Ready by: Justine Eyre
Books on Tape
2 Heart Review
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
http://www.smartbitchestrashybooks.com/index.php/weblog/comments/crimes-against-photoshop/
Audio Lovin': REVIEW of The Magic of You by Johanna Lindsey
By Johanna Lindsey
Read By Laural Merlington
Brilliance Audio
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.
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!
Romance Authors Rock! (And I'm really not a kiss-ass)
It's Emily Bryan Week at Royal Reviews!
REVIEW: Twin Temptation By Cara Summers
Harlequin Blaze - June 2009
4 Heart Review
She didn't know she had a twin...Who knew you could wrap a nicely detailed mystery, suspense and romance all in one neat little Harlequin Blaze package? I mean, I knew it could be done, but this book is jam-packed! Somehow Cara manages to keep all the plot points flowing, while still making sure the romance shines. That's why this book deserves extra attention and is truly a step above!
Maddie Farrell is about to get a double surprise – not only is she an heiress, she has a secret twin sister! What's more, their inheritance depends on temporarily switching places.
And she certainly didn't know sex could be this
good...
Unexpected bonus? Sex with her sister's super hot roommate, Jase Campbell! But he's just a passing - if mind blowing – distraction.
But double the pleasure can also mean double the trouble...
Because as soon as the twin switch is over, Maddie's heading home. Unless she can't outrun the killer who'd rather see her dead than inherit. Or Jase, who'd like to keep blowing her mind – permanently!
Cara Summers expertly weaves the romance of Maddie and Jase, the mysteries of who killed Eva and robbed her store, and the suspense of who was trying to kill Maddie. It's a lot of story that Cara manages to fit into the traditional Harlequin mold, and she does it extremely well.
The mystery has you guessing, the suspense has you wondering who's around the next corner and the romance has you fanning yourself from all the heat coming from the page. This is three great stories combined into one detailed and well plotted book. What's more, is that Cara even manages to nicely set-up and hint at the “sister” story to this book that will be released in July and features Maddie's twin sister Jordan and her experiences at outrunning a murder plot.
The only thing keeping this from being a 5 Heart Review, was that I didn't feel I got to know Maddie enough to connect emotionally with her. I liked her and thought she and Jase worked well together, but with all the other things taking place in the book something had to go and that was getting to know Maddie better.
That said, you still can't go wrong picking up this book, and I'll venture to say you should pick up the sister's story in July titled Twin Seduction.
Happy Reading!
Deidre Knight & Gena Showalter Chatting Live Tonight @ 9pm ET!
Both ladies will be dishing about their latest releases and can't wait to answer your questions. Of course there will be trivia and fab prizes.
Check out the full details and how to enter the chat here.
Thank You
After losing my mother a little over a year ago, I had been watching my father's health slowly decline but I wasn't really prepared for him to go yet. So I thank you for your thoughts as they have done so much to help me get through this past week.
I'm back home now and will begin some new posts soon. I'd read some great books before this that I haven't posted reviews of yet, so keep on the lookout.
Thank you again and big hugs!
Sabrina
Blog Will be Quiet This Week
There are many exciting things coming up on the blog including some awesome author interviews, so don't forget about Cheeky Reads - I'll be back soon.
Sabrina
Angie Fox Giveaway Winners!
The winner of a copy of the uber-fantastic The Dangerous Book for Demon Slayers by Angie Fox is Kimmad!
The winner of an awesome Kiss My Asphalt T-Shirt from Angie is Jrobe10689.
Ladies - send your name and address to cheekyreads@gmail.com.
Congrats!
Winners of Hounding the Pavement Giveaway
REVIEW: In Over Her Head by Judi Fennell
by Judi Fennell
Sourcebooks Casablanca
Available in June
3 Heart Review
He lives under the sea
Reel Tritone is the rebellious royal second son of the ruler of a vast undersea kingdom. A Merman born with legs instead of a tail, he's always been fascinated by humans, especially one young woman he once saw swimming near his family's reef...
She's terrified of the Ocean
Ever since the day she swam out too far and heard voices in the water, marina owner Erika Peek won't go swimming for anything – until she's forced into the water by a shady ex-boyfriend searching for stolen diamonds and is nearly eaten by a shark. Luckily Reel is nearby to save her, and he discovers she's the woman he's been searching for...
Before she knows it, Erica is off with Reel on a series of wild underwater adventures to retrieve stolen treasure, battle the mother of all sea monsters, and defy a death edit from the kingdom's high council. But even if they get out of their madcap mission alive, how will they find a way to stay together when she hates the water and he can't survive on land?
Did you love the story of The Little Mermaid? If so, this is the perfect grown-up romance for you! Judi's undersea world is a delight, and her sidekick characters add the perfect touch of comic relief. I especially enjoyed sidekicks Chum and Ernie the pelican and their suggestive one-liners. The mythology is highly creative, and you'll find the bit about dolphins to be particularly inventive.
My one issue with this book would have been for “The Incident” to have had more substance. Judi plays up this event as being such a huge hindrance to Ericka and a major hurtle to her loving Reel, but when the full details are revealed later in the book I honestly felt a little let down. It's a testament to the outstanding dialogue and engaging characters Judi created that this didn't ruin the story for me. In fact, would easily have been a 4 Heart Review! I can't wait to read the rest of Judi's series since I expect she'll just get better and better! Check out her upcoming books here.
10 Cheeky Questions with Author Angie Fox & An Awesome Giveaway!
I did write it as the start of a series simply because I enjoy reading series books so much. It’s fun to get to know characters over the course of several books, and to watch them grow and change. There is so much I can do with the biker witches, with Lizzie’s demon slayer education and with the complex relationship she’s developing with Dimitri.
It just seemed like a very “Lizzie” thing to do. She’s all about planning and figuring things out. It’s what makes her so much fun to write as she learns she’s a demon slayer and has to master her powers. Lizzie isn’t the type that enjoys messing up and she’s certainly not going to make the same mistake twice. She’s going to figure out everything about demon slaying if it’s the last thing she does (and at times, she wonders if it may very well be the last thing she does).
Well…okay! This next book is actually turning out to be pretty hot. It takes place in and around Dimitri’s home in Greece. It’s kind of like a gothic Pemberly and it’s just the perfect setting for intrigue, discoveries and romance.
Hmm…it’s possible. You’re giving me an idea here…
Lots of people tell me that if their dog could talk, he’d say the kinds of things Pirate says.
I hadn’t planned on Pirate when I began the book, but in the second chapter, when Lizzie learns she’s a demon slayer and all hell is after her. She takes comfort in her dog. As I was writing, I thought, ‘This is a sweet moment. Now how do I throw her off?’ Simple. I made Pirate say something to her. Nothing big. After all, he’s only after the fettuccine from last week. And he knows exactly where my heroine can find it (back of the fridge, to the left of the lettuce crisper, behind the mustard). It amused me, so I did it. Thanks to her unholy powers, Lizzie can understand her smart-mouthed Jack Russell Terrier. Pirate ended up being so much fun that he’s a main character in the books.
Unexpected, funny, dramatic
Lizzie, because she’s always in the middle of the action and Pirate because his dialogue is a blast to write. Plus, he’s so present in his world. No matter how crazy things get, Pirate can see the best in the situation and adapt.
Can you give us a hint of what's to come in book three?
Book 3 will be called A Tale of Two Demon Slayers. In it, Lizzie and the gang travel to Greece where they learn more about Dimitri’s family and a threat that could destroy them all. I’m having a ball with it because it’s so much fun to explore Dimitri’s home, his griffin heritage and his juicy past.
Where did the idea for Grandma's “Kiss My Asphalt” shirt come from? She wears the best shirts!
It popped into my head as I was writing the first scene of The Accidental Demon Slayer. It just seemed like something Grandma would wear. Then a blogger started making the shirts and I thought, hey, it would be fun to make some of my own as well. I described to an artist how I’d always pictured the shirt in my head and he designed it for me.
REVIEW: Hounding The Pavement by Judi McCoy - Win a Signed Copy!
Hounding The Pavement
By Judi McCoy
Signet
5 Heart Review
Ellie Engleman, the newest dog walker on Manhattan's swanky Upper East Side, has a talent – besides scooping poop. She can hear what her canine clientele are thinking. So when an owner is killed, Ellie must perk up her ears and bone up on her sleuthing....I'm a huge fan of Judi McCoy's Goddess Series and was delighted to hear she was trying a new mystery series – particularly one with a heroine who can talk to dogs! Hounding the Pavement is an excellent mystery wrapped in humor, with wit and a steamy romance! One thing is for sure, this isn't your grandmother's mystery. It's part of a new breed that includes more sexual steam and a greater emphasis on the romance.
Ditching her dog-eat-dog career and cur of a husband, Ellie happily trades her power suits for a panty-hose free wardrobe and her dream job. And she couldn't be happier – unless of course, Mr. Right shows up at her door with a pint of Haagen-Dazs.
But when she stumbles upon a dead client, Ellie becomes a suspect in an investigation led by smoking-hot, if cocky, Detective Ryder. Ellie wouldn't exactly mind staying in his custody – if it meant sticking close by him 24-7 – but she worries about the deceased's missing prizewinning bichon. Did someone steal him? If only she could find the dog, he'd tell her who the culprit is. But a killer wants Ellie to let sleeping dogs lie...or else.
I love Ellie! She's a fantastic character and I would love to step into her shoes for a day – especially a day when she gets all hot and heavy with the super sexy Detective Sam Ryder! I think women will identify with her attitude and fall in love with her upbeat, spunky personality. I sure did!
Detective Ryder is the hero I love to root for. He's a man who's been hurt in the past and is afraid of being hurt again. But, you know he'd be there to rescue you in a pinch and he loves his job even if it's not glamorous. What I found refreshing were the cute insights into the lighter side of his character such as his refusal to obey parking restrictions and bribing his officer buddy to lose the tickets. I love that he's an officer of the law who likes to work around it sometimes.
The addition of the premise that Ellie can speak to animals is done with expert skill. You never feel that it’s annoying or too much to believe. Judi makes you believe it! I can envision my own dogs making the same comments to me and having the same conversations with other dogs. It helps that Judi doesn't make the rest of her world unbelievable. That makes the dogs talking an extraordinary thing in a normal world and gets the reader to more easily accept the idea of talking canines.
I loved this book and think you will too. Beyond the good story, is terrific writing that makes it easy to fall in love with the characters and want to come back to them again and again. I guess it’s a good thing that Judi's second book in the series comes out later this year!
Enter for a chance to win an autographed copy of Hounding the Pavement! Just leave a comment telling me what you think your dog would say to you if he could talk, or why you love romantic mysteries! I'll draw randomly from all the comments on Friday the 29th!
This giveaway copy was happily purchased with all of Judi's royalties from the book going to benefit the Best Friends Animal Society. Support Best Friends and get a terrific book in the process by puchasing Hounding the Pavement today!
Seriously...Harlequin Goes Comic
"Reading novels and comics on mobile phones is a way of life," said Belinda Hobbs, Vice President, Harlequin Asia. "As Harlequin celebrates 60 years of pure reading pleasure we are thrilled to be able to bring digital comics based on the original English novel to a new audience. This reflects both the world-wide appeal of our editorial and Harlequin's focus on providing entertaining reading to women via innovative new channels and formats."Way to go on spreading the romance book love Harlequin!