Monthly Archives: April 2012

EVERYTHING TO LOSE by Katie Reus-a review

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EVERYTHING TO LOSE by Katie Reus

EVERYTHING TO LOSE by Katie Reus

EVERYTHING TO LOSE is classified as an erotic suspense romance stand-alone novella written by Katie Reus. Compared to other erotic romance novels, the sexual activity and descriptive narratives were tame. Although the action between the pages was quick to reach ‘climax’ (so to speak), there was a definite storyline of suspense and mystery between sexual encounters.

Caitlyn Sullivan has returned from assignment in Afghanistan with a heavy heart. Following a miscarriage and some harsh words from her husband, it has been one year, and time to move on. But when police detective Sean Sullivan refuses to accept the divorce papers from his estranged wife, she knows she must leave-immediately. There is still too much attraction between the couple, but Sean’s cruel words and his demand the previous year are the two things that push her forward.

Sean must go into protective custody when a suspect in the drug wars is granted bail. But when threats are made against Sean and his family, he knows he has to convince the only woman he loves, that she must go into hiding as well. But he made a big mistake one year ago, when he asked for a divorce. The loss of their unborn child, and his worry over his wife’s continuing assignments in the Middle East, had reached a critical stage-and Sean’s first thoughts and the only recourse he imagined-was to ask for a divorce.

Knowing Caitlyn would refuse protective-custody, Sean drugs Caitlyn and takes her to a secluded cabin in Georgia. But one attempt against her life, has already left the couple anxious. At this point, Katie takes the reader into a world of seduction. Sean knows for him, that Caitlyn is the only woman, but he is compelled to keep her ‘cuffed’ by his side. Ensuring she doesn’t attempt another escape, Sean uses the intimacy of their close contact, as well as the handcuffs, to keep his wife safe and secure. And it doesn’t hurt, that Caitlyn is still in love with Sean as well.

But the safety of a cabin in the woods, is short-lived, when an informant and man working for the suspect, has tracked Sean and Caitlyn to Georgia. But both are adept at handling take downs of armed attackers, and anyone hoping to avenge a capture, will quickly learn not to mess with the law.

EVERYTHING TO LOSE is a quick read. The attraction between Sean and Caitlyn is electric, and one that does not have to build, as they are married yet estranged. Knowing they still love each other and the sexual attraction is mutual, there is no thought to the inevitable outcome. And like most suspense storylines, the bad guys will find our hero, but as Katie says….there is always a HEA. The eroticism is tame is comparison to some, but it is still a novella for the 18+crowd. The sexual heat grows with each encounter.

KOBO LINK: Everything to Lose
B&N NOOK LINK: Everything To Lose
AMAZON Kindle LINK: Everything to Lose

reviewed by Sandy

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ETERNAL CAPTIVE by Laura Wright-a review

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ETERNAL CAPTIVE by Laura Wright

ETERNAL CAPTIVE (Mark of the Vampire #3) by Laura Wright

GIVEAWAY:  Laura and Carla have graciously offered one lucky member of The Reading Cafe  “Winner’s Choice” of a book from the Mark of the Vampire series. (Paper copy open to US & Canada only:  ebook international)

ETERNAL CAPTIVE is the 3rd novel and February 2012 release in Laura Wright’s Mark of the Vampire series. The Breeding Male is a vampire of pure blood whose genetic code and structure have been altered by the Eternal Order. He is brought to pureblood families to repopulate the pure vampire bloodlines. He is uncontrollable and must be cage.

Lucian Roman was the next Breeding Male, but it was a title he was not willing to accept or reveal. Reviled by everyone, even the females they were forced to impregnate, the Breeding Male-Lucian’s destiny- was only one sexual encounter from reality. But every fiber of his being knew, that she was the one. One feeding and he was unable to stop thinking about Bronwyn. The knowledge that Breeding Males did not have a true-mate did nothing to stop Lucian’s obsession for the only woman who had tamed his wild-heart.

Bronwyn had found her true mate-the Mark of the Vampire was visible on her thumb, but only two people knew the story behind the claiming. As a pureblood vampire, Bronwyn was expected to mate and produce balas (babies) with her true mate, or else she be mated with The Breeding Male. Hoping to avoid the same fate as her sister, Bronwyn agreed to marry her best friend. But Synjon Wise and Bronwyn knew, his heart belonged to another.

The Eternal Order has plans for The Breeding Male. Cruen and his family of ‘mutores’ (pureblood vampire shape-shifter) needed the Male to breed. Knowing Bronwyn’s blood called to Lucian, Cruen initiates a series of abductions that will place both Lucian and Bronwyn at risk. The attraction between the couple is strong, but to act on their feelings, will place Bronwyn in the hands of an animal, such as she has never seen. But need and desire push the warning aside, and the consequences of their actions, will be felt by all. Family and friends will find that more than (just) the love of one woman will be needed to control the actions of The Breeding Male- her blood holds the secret to taming the wild beast.

Once again, Impure vampire Gray Donahue joins the Roman family in the search for the missing couple, but it is a bruised and bloodied Dillon that will require Gray’s attention when the truth to the vampire myth’s are revealed.

ETERNAL CAPTIVE is another fascinating tale in the Mark of the Vampire series by Laura Wright.I cried a tear for the vampire who knew he was cursed, but my tear was staunched by a woman who saw only the man she loved. A father’s betrayal and a mother’s love will be seen as similarly evil, but the truth is somewhere in between. Although The Breeding Male will never find his true mate, Lucian Roman will find that his heart and his soul, will always call –the one woman – his –true mate.

AMAZON Kindle LINK:ETERNAL CAPTIVE
KOBO LINK: ETERNAL CAPTIVE
B&N NOOK LINK: ETERNAL CAPTIVE

Reviewed by Sandy

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ETERNAL BLOOD by Laura Wright -a review

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ETERNAL BLOOD by Laura Wright

ETERNAL BLOOD by Laura Wright

GIVEAWAY:  Laura and Carla have graciously offered one lucky member of The Reading Cafe  ”Winner’s Choice” of a book from the Mark of the Vampire series. (Paper copy open to US & Canada only:  ebook international)

ETERNAL BLOOD is book 2.5 (novella) and January 2012 release from Laura Wright’s Mark of the Vampire series.

Gray Donahue is an Impure, one of the many Halfling breed of vampires. Along with his ability to hear the thoughts of others, Gray wants nothing more than to ease his pain with sex and blood. But his pain is multi-faceted. As an Impure Gray is hunted by the Eternal Order of Vampires; as a brother, he is heartbroken about his sister’s secret: and as a son, he blames himself for the death of a loved one.

Hoping to rid the world of the Impure, the Order is known to abduct and perform inhuman procedures all in the name of purity. And when Gray is captured and held prisoner in the Order’s hidden cells, he is shocked and sickened with the knowledge that there are things worse than the pain of existence. But Gray is also numbed when there are others, like himself that know more about his family history than he ever knew.

Once again, we meet Dillon-the cold and frosty pure-blood vampire who rescues Gray from his impending procedure only to be brought back into a vortex of sexual need and hunger. But this time-Dillon is his target and there is definitely a spark of something between the ‘unhappy’ couple.

Eternal Blood is a quick read- the continuing story of betrayal and heartbreak for the Impure of the species. Laura writes a compelling story that only furthers our curiosity about the relationship between Gray and Dillon, and teases our senses in the world of the Mark of the Vampire. A wonderful short story.  Looking forward to Eternal Captive.

AMAZON Kindle LINK: ETERNAL BLOOD

KOBO LINK: ETERNAL BLOOD

B&N NOOK LINK: Eternal Blood

Reviewed by Sandy

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Robert Nuzzie-The Interview

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Robert Nuzzie-Model, Actor and Director

 

Robert Nuzzie-Model, Director and Actor.

The Reading Cafe recently had the pleasure to interview model, director and actor Robert Nuzzie. Many of you will recognize Robert from his various romance covers, including Christine Feehan’s Wild Fire. Enjoy getting to know a little more about Robert.

TRC: Hi Robert, and welcome to The Reading Cafe. We would like to start with a little background information.

 

Hair Color: Brown
Eye Color: Brown
Year of Birth: 1980
Hometown: New Jersey
Marital Status: Single
Children: None

TRC: Please tell us something about yourself growing up. Family. Siblings. Hobbies?

Robert: I grew up in New Jersey with my mom, dad, and brother. We are a tight-knit family, and love to do things together. I was always an adventurous person, and loved to do things outdoors when possible. Some of my hobbies growing up included surfing, skateboarding, hiking, mountain biking, and snowboarding.

TRC: What were your goals and aspirations as a young man, growing up in the 90’s?

Robert: I wanted to get a good education. I always wanted to be different from everyone else, and I knew I wanted to be an entrepreneur. I discovered a little later in life that I loved photography, directing, and making films. There’s something so rewarding about seeing your creation come to life from script to screen.

TRC: Your resume includes many different water sports. Were you always interested in water sports, from an early age? What type of sports did you participate in as a child? High school sports?

Robet: Yes, I always loved the water. My mom put me in a Water Babies class when I was less than 6 months old, so I really had no choice! Haha. My parents also used to take us fishing and to the beach a lot, so I grew up around the ocean and developed a love for it. My high school was small and didn’t offer a ton of sports, so I grew up skateboarding and surfing a lot. I did run track for high school though.

TRC: Did you attend college/university? If so, which institute and what was your major?
Robert: I attended Rutgers University and earned a Bachelors Degree in Economics. I continued my education and received a graduate degree in Pharmaceutical Management from NJIT.

TRC: Would you please tell us how you became involved in the modeling industry? Did you always want to be a model? How were you discovered?

Robert: It was something I always thought about doing, and a couple friends of mine dared me to give it a try. Eventually, I moved to Miami, got an agent, and starting working in modeling and television full-time. I have a lot of determination and work hard, so even though I didn’t have a lot of experience in modeling and acting, I was able to book some pretty good jobs that moved me on to the next level. Now, I have multiple agents and a manager who help with my acting career, but recently I’m enjoying working behind the camera as a director. I really like the creative process of film making.

TRC: What was your first gig as a model?


Robert: My first gig was a Dick’s Sporting Goods commercial, and my first print job was for the romance novel, The Sheik and the Pregnant Bride by Susan Mallery.

TRC: You were first brought to our attention through your various romance covers, specifically Christine Feehan’s WILD FIRE. Are you aware of the number of covers your pictures have graced? Do you ever have the right of refusal for any particular cover or magazine?

Robert: I have been on over 25 covers. Usually for romance novels, the models and an art director are hired, and the client gets to pick the final images. So I am pretty much at their liberty when I sign on to do a job.

LINK TO:Robert Nuzzie Covers

TRC: You have been very active in the entertainment industry….print model, cover model, actor and spokesperson for several different companies. Which do you prefer and why?

Robert: I prefer directing and acting in films. Even though I love acting, I don’t know if I would like the lack of privacy if I ever became a bigger name. Directing gives me the chance to still work in the business behind the scenes and create films with meaning.

TRC: Have you ever had a modeling gig/job where everything went wrong?

Robert: I’ve been really lucky, and I haven’t had any jobs go wrong. I have heard some wild stories from my friends though!


TRC: Nudity in modeling or acting roles can be controversial. Some pictures cross the line between sexual and erotic to pornographic. Have you done any nude photographs? What would you tell the young models and actors in the business about doing nudes?

Robert: I haven’t done any nude photographs. You see nudity more and more in films, and I honestly don’t think it’s necessary. I think it’s sexier to use your imagination than to see someone naked. I would tell young models and actors in the business to follow their hearts and not be pressured from anyone to take off their clothes. If you feel it is not right, then don’t do it. It is easy to throw your morals away in this business, but if you stay true to them, you will be happier and more fulfilled in the long run.

TRC: Modeling and acting takes you to exotic locales. What is the favorite place you have ever worked and why?

Robert: I did a commercial in St. Thomas a few years ago. It felt like I was getting paid to go on vacation. What could be better than that?

TRC: What was the worst place you have ever worked and why?

Robert: I love NY, but when I was working on an episode of Kings, I had a shoot that took place on a rooftop in Soho. It was about 20 degrees out, in the middle of winter, and the scene was suppose to take place in the spring. The shoot lasted all night, and we were all in t-shirts and shorts. Some of the girls even had to be in bathing suits! It was not a fun night.

TRC: Are you still involved with Havana Nines Clothing Company? If so, what was your last campaign and where did you shoot the promotions?

Robert: I did their first campaign shoot in Miami, and they still use the images in stores and online. Hopefully I will work with them again on their next campaign.

TRC: Are you still involved with ‘Waxing Poetic Jewelry’? Some of the pieces are very nice…especially the men’s bracelets. Are you involved in any of the design aspects?

Robert: No, I don’t have anything to do with the design aspects. I was hired as a model for Waxing Poetic Jewelry. They usually look for people with nice hands for jewelry shoots, and I seem to book a lot of that kind of stuff, even though I work with my hands a lot and don’t take care of them in any special ways. When I do book a hand modeling job, my friends and family always kid around that I am George Castanza from Seinfeld when he was a hand model, and I don’t leave home without my oven mitts!
TRC: I remember that episode very well. 🙂

TRC: You are also a producer and director….specifically PERSPECTIVE-The Nick Scott Story. Please tell us how you got involved in this project and why?

Robert: Nick Scott is a close friend of mine, and when I started my own production company, I really wanted to do a film about his life as a wheelchair bodybuilder. He is one of the most motivational, driven people I have ever met. I knew he wanted to share his story to help inspire and motivate other people who had obstacles to overcome, so I thought we could work together and bring his story to the big screen. When Perspective debuted at the Arnold Schwarzenegger Film Festival, it won the Best Film Award. Today, we are selling the DVD at www.perspectivethefilm.com to raise money for Nick’s non-profit organization, Wheelchair Athletics.

LINK TO:PERSPECTIVE-The Film

TRC: Are you still in contact with the people involved?

Robert: I am still in contact with all of the people who were involved in the film. Everyone was great to work with, and I developed a lot of long lasting friendships.

TRC: How has this experienced enriched your life? What do you tell others about the real ‘Nick Scott’?

Robert: This experience makes me want to continue to direct, that’s for sure. I learned a lot about the film making process, and I know our next film will be even better. The real Nick Scott is the same person you see in the film. He is very friendly, generous, and a hero to everyone he comes in contact with.

TRC: 2B Entertainment is a production company you started along with Aubree Marchione? How did you get started?

Robert: Aubree Marchione is a close friend of mine. She is a producer, actress, and professional ballroom dancer- a very driven girl when it comes to her career. We became friends and seemed to have the same outlook on the film business. We both want to make films that are beneficial to society, so we started 2B Entertainment in 2009.

LINK TO: 2B Entertainment

TRC: What is/was your latest project with 2B Entertainment?

Robert: We have been doing a lot of commercial projects, most recently a commercial spot for Almost Home Animal Shelter in NJ.

We also have a documentary coming up in July that will be shooting in California. It is a documentary project about how Wheelchair Ballroom Dancing affects adults and children with disabilities. This project is very special to our producer, Aubree Marchione, because she has been an advocate of wheelchair dancing for many of years. I am hoping this project turns out to be a huge success, and can be a helpful resource for people living with disabilities and their families.

We also have an action film in early stages of development that will not begin shooting until next year.

TRC: I see there are a few children who have successfully landed gigs with 2B Entertainment. Does your company represent or promote actors and models? Do you mentor young actors trying to get into the entertainment business?

Robert: We have helped guide young actors in the entertainment business. We’ve recommended some talent to our own agents, and we’ve also casted many young actors in our projects. 2B Entertainment also has a branch which teaches acting and directing workshops.

TRC: What does your workout routine consist of? Do you follow a special diet and exercise plan?

Robert: I eat a well-balanced diet, usually 3-5 meals a day. I weight train about 3-5 days a week, and I like to run 3-5 miles outdoors every other day. I think keeping life as stress-free as possible is the best way to stay young and healthy.

TRC: We had earlier touched on your active water-sport life. When did you become interested in life on the water? Are you still actively involved in the numerous water activities mentioned in your resume? Do you teach water safety classes?

Robert: I became interested in life on the water when I was very young. I am still actively involved in surfing, and I like to sail, boat, scuba dive, and snorkel when I can. I don’t teach water safety classes, but I have multiple certifications.

TRC: What is your favorite way to relax?

Robert: I love traveling to exotic locations, and I like to experience new and exciting adventures.

TRC: Tell us something about yourself that isn’t available on any website or magazine stand?

Robert: I am an Eagle Scout, and I know how to play the guitar.

LIGHTNING ROUND

Favorite Food: Lobster

Favorite Drink: Red Wine or Water

Favorite Destination location: Culebra, Puerto Rico

Last Vacation site: Germany

Do you have any pets: I have a Beta Fish, and a really cool cat who knows how to give “high fives.”

Boxers, Briefs or Commando: Boxer briefs

Favorite Songs: The Sound of Silence by Simon and Garfunkel, Knocking on Heaven’s Door by Guns and Roses, My Guitar Gently Weeps by The Beatles, Redemption Songs by Bob Marley

Favorite Music Group: Rolling Stones

Favorite Movie: Back to the Future

Do you sing in the shower? Sometimes

What book is currently on your nightstand? Film-making Special Effects

Dark or Milk chocolate: Dark

Favorite Dessert: Pumpkin Pie and Blueberry Muffins

Favorite Sport: Surfing

TRC:  Robert, we would like to thank you very much for taking the time to answer our questions.  It is always a pleasure to find out about the real man behind the cover shots.  We wish you all the best.

LINK TO ROBERT’S WEBSITE: Robert Nuzzie

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Fifty Shades of Grey-In My Opinion

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Fifty Shades of Grey by EL James

Fifty Shades of Grey-The Trilogy

Fifty Shades of Grey, Fifty Shades Darker and Fifty Shades Freed make up the trilogy written by E L James. At this point, the reviews are numerous, merciless, angry and seductive. I had planned to write a review based on the storyline, but I think I shall divert down a different path. But I must say that without a doubt, the media hype and categorization of the trilogy as ‘mommy porn’ is what brought these books to the forefront of reader curiosity and at the time, I hadn’t thought about reading any or all of the books. But a couple of emails from a marketing director, and an agent (requesting my thoughts) brought me up short. Maybe I should read the books and see what all the fuss is about? So $30 and 3 nights later, I had completed the trilogy and now I offer my opinion-because yes-everything I have read about the series is strictly an opinion based on personal views. Descriptions from erotica, erotic romance,romance, soft to hard core porn and BDSM have been used to categorize the genre, but in my opinion, the truth may very well lie somewhere in between or in a combination of descriptive titles and subjects.

Many reviewers opposed to the storyline content have attacked the quality of the writing comparing it to fan fiction and drivel. I will not address quality, as many other books I have read and reviewed, have been of a much poorer quality than this particular series, and yet the storylines have been interesting. As well, I have read many comments from those who have NOT read the series,and I find it rather amusing and sad, that although everyone is entitled to an opinion, it is those who have not read the book, post some of the most negative comments.  

Erotic Adult Fiction: Erotic adult fiction is now a female driven genre both as a reader and an author. Once the domain of men, women writer’s (usually under author pseudonyms or initials only) are pushing the envelope of erotic fiction. Once considered written porn, the genre of erotic fiction is fast becoming main-stream adult literature.

Why the rise in popularity? Several reasons.

The popularity has increased with the advent of ebooks. The anonymity for the reader, hidden behind the electronic age of virtual books, allows for anyone to purchase a book, without the fear of retribution, side-long glances from the 18 year old store clerk or 60 year old librarian, and instant gratification (so to speak) for availability. Similar to the days of Playboy and Hustler wrapped in brown paper on the upper shelves in the magazine section at the local corner store. Women and men no longer have to fear being judged by a stranger for their choices in reading material.

Society’s Moral Values

Over the years, society has eased up on what they perceive to be a ‘more’. What was once considered ‘deviant’ are quite diverse and can range from murder to rape, too fat to too thin, etiquette faux pas, and fetishes to perversions. Fetishes are usually harmless-an odd attraction -voyeurism e.g.. Many people believe as long as no one is hurt or being forced, and everyone is over 18, who are we to judge. But there is always the fine line.

But if a fetish escalates into perversions or something illegal e.g. whereby voyeurism leads to sexual assault, rape or murder, then society has laws and treatments for people with this kind of deviant behavior. Once thought as deviant behavior, especially for women…..reading erotic literature was considered immoral and in some cases, a sin (for those who follow religious dictates)….they would have hidden an erotic novel, tucked the book away in a sock drawer. But many of society’s mores have become the norm. What was once unacceptable as reading material, is now a main stream best seller.

Many erotic storylines involve explicit sexual descriptive narration. The language is graphic and there is virtually nothing off limits except children and incest (but not always). Many women are now reading novels or series of novels featuring homosexual storylines. And of course, many of today’s erotic fantasy novels involve MMF storylines-with multiple partners at one time. Again…fantasy is the operative word. Some of the Harlequin Romance novels are considered tame with their ‘suggestive or implied’ sex as compared to most of the romantic/erotic adult storylines released today.

Author JR Ward addresses some issues of BDSM with her character of Vishous.  Tortured and maimed, V has a ‘playroom’ that he frequents when his life in the ‘brotherhood’ begins to swallow and bury (him).  And yet, this particular storyline has not received the same attention as EL James-Fifty Shades of Grey.

Television and the film industry have long had a rating system for what is perceived as appropriate for different age groups. Now the ‘rating system’ has been applied to many of the different books and novels, due to the ‘graphic nature’ of the content. And saying that….the ebook revolution does not discriminate against the virtual shopper. Identification is not required when ordering a book online from most of the websites…..all that is required is a valid charge card or pay pal account, and an email address (for ebooks).  I wonder how many minors (under 16) are reading erotica, BDSM and sexually explicit storylines-all because of the advent of the e-book?

Fifty Shades of Grey Trilogy

Yes, there is some BDSM (BDSM is a term that stands for such patterns in sexual behavior as Bondage and Discipline, Domination and Submission, Sadism and Masochism. –bdsmguide.org). Like everything in life, there are degrees and valuations, and varying shades of grey (pun intended). Like a sliding color wheel, the BDSM content is revealed in shades and degrees. But the author never crosses the imaginary ‘hard-line’ into true hard-core savagery. The ‘heroine’ is never forced or coerced, she is aware at all times and enters into the relationship wholly aware. The storyline Dom/Sub relationship is never carried over into a public social context and the practice is always safe and consensual. Yes, there are times when a soft-line is pushed, but it is addressed throughout the story.

Now to backtrack slightly-this series is NOT about BDSM. This story is about addressing the truth, acknowledging responsibility, the loss of power and control, and the fight to gain it all back. This story is also about acceptance, finding love, losing and taking steps towards recovery. The BDSM content is minimal, but has apparently caught the interest of the public, as does anything that goes against the ‘norm’.

In reality the practice of BDSM is wide ranging and is often misinterpreted by the lay-people not involved in the practice. BDSM has been labeled everything from a fetish to a perversion, but when the people involved are consenting adults, wholly aware of the circumstances and the situation, the behavior or role-playing is acted out according to a specific script of behaviors and actions. There are rules, agreements, safety words, consequences and varying degrees of pleasure (all safe and legal)-to which a question must be addressed-Who are we to judge a lifestyle (between consenting adults) that is different from our own? And herein lies the fine-line-consent.

Informed Consent-Psychological Definition:  

Informed consent is a legal procedure to ensure that a patient or client knows all of the risks and costs involved in a treatment. The elements of informed consents include informing the client of the nature of the treatment, possible alternative treatments, and the potential risks and benefits of the treatment.

In order for informed consent to be considered valid, the client must be competent and the consent should be given voluntarily.(about.com/psychology)

Should we apply the definition of INFORMED CONSENT to all actions between consenting adults?  Within the context of The Fifty Shades trilogy, a NDA (a non-disclosure agreement) or contract is a major premise that is addressed throughout the storyline.


The Fifty Shades series is about a man with demons buried so deep he turns to BDSM for control. But the underlying current of BDSM becomes blurred when the title character of Christian Grey, at 15years old, unknowingly becomes the submissive to a woman several years older. It is something the young teen now craves and requires to control the demons: it becomes his therapy. As a sexual predator, the woman holds power and control of the teenage boy, shaping him into the man who would one day run a billion dollar enterprise. And it is this relationship that directs and controls all of his future endeavors and needs. Even in the world of high finance and business, power and control is the ultimate aim.

The series is written from the ‘heroine’s’ point of view. We are privy to Anastasia Steele’s intimate thoughts and ideas, as well as her fears and worries about the man she has fallen in love (with). And she is NOT without some power of her own. As the story progresses, the lines of control slowly blur, until it is Ana who has the ultimate control – of a man’s heart and his soul. It is her unconditional acceptance (within the boundaries of a relationship) of Christian Grey that will begin the healing process once thought not possible.

I guess like everything in life, we must make decisions based on research, trial and error, and public opinion.  And in the end, sometimes the only opinion that counts, is your own.  If you are asking me “Would I recommend reading the series?”, I would have to say yes.  Not  because it will qualify for a Nobel Prize in Literature, but because it is, in all honesty, a love story with a HEA.  And I for one, ALWAYS want a HEA (Happily Ever After) and Fifty Shades delivers.

Have you read Fifty Shades of Grey?  What do you think?  Do you have an opinion?

In My Opinion-Sandy

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Marcie Marcie Marcie

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Tickle Your Fancy is one of our Themes. Since The Reading Cafe is a place we can all hang out, while we drink our coffee or sip our margaritas, the talk of everything books can lead to funny stuff when we are having fun. Since we have been enjoying this feature…It is time for another Marcie…..

Adventures of a Stress Fracture and My Friend the Air Cast

As I’ve sat down over the last few weeks to try and type something for my new post nothing funny has come to me.  So instead you all get to hear of my adventures of a stress fracture and it’s friend the air cast. 

Hi there, this is Hop Along reporting this month.  You see for the past few months that’s basically what I’ve been doing as a result of my injury, the dreaded stress fracture.  Whoever says exercise and work are good for the soul is seriously smoking something strong and I wish they’d share it.  A few weeks before Christmas I attended my exercise class only to wake up the next morning with my foot resembling that of a puffer fish.  It’s so swollen I can’t fit my foot into any kind of footwear except for my slipper, so that’s how I went to work.  Somehow between being on my feet all day at work, and going to my pilates classes I wind up suffering a stress fracture.  Of course it takes a few months to diagnose, as they don’t show up on X-rays and I have to wait for an MRI appointment.  Needless to say it’s not fun hobbling around on a swollen foot wearing a slipper.  Finally a couple of months later my injury is finally diagnosed and I’m put into an air cast.  Anyone ever wear one of these things?  If not let me tell you about it.  

Let’s all say hello to my newest friend, air cast.  He’s been with me for the last 6-8 weeks.  We became very good friends and went everywhere together.  The air cast looks like a ski boot, but without the ski binding parts, or you could say it sorta resembles a roller blade boot, but without the wheels.  The only good thing about this contraption, I was able take it off to bathe and sleep, thank goodness.  So everyday for the past 8 weeks I’ve had to put the air cast on and inflated it. Yes you have to inflate it to keep it secured on your foot once you strap it on.  It comes with a little pump, looks like a balloon animal pump and fits nicely into you purse.   Why do I need it to fit in my purse you ask?  As I said earlier we went every where together, especially shopping.  Of course when one comes across new clothing items one must try them on. So there I am unhooking and deflating the stupid air cast in the change rooms so I can try on some clothes.  Then of course I have to put it back on, inflate it and carry on with my shopping mission, and there were a few throughout the weeks spent in my air cast.  

The other fun part about the air cast, trying to find a shoe that is of equal height to the air cast.  Nothing I own really did, some were a bit too high, while others just fell below the height of the air cast.  So I went around being uneven when walking for the past 8 weeks.  Let me tell you, my darling sister had a field day with me and my air cast.  Hop Along was just one of her pet names for me during my ordeal.  Another fun part of this whole ordeal, I live up North where we get snow, and of course my air cast is open at the toe area.  So not only do I have to worry about slipping on ice, I’m trying to keep the snow from getting inside my cast and getting my sock and foot wet.  The only thing that worked was putting a ziplock baggy over the front of the air cast.  Boy I was really styling now with my ziplock baggy accessory for my air cast.  😉  

Thank goodness my 8 weeks has come to an end and my adventure is over.  I’ve now said my farewells to my friend stress fracture and his friend the air cast, and hope to never hear from them again.  This is your roving reporter Hop Along, bidding you all a good day and happy walking.  😉      

Marcie

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DEVIL’S GATE by Thea Harrison-cover reveal

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 DEVIL’S GATE by Thea Harrison

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DEVIL’S GATE by Thea Harrison-Cover Reveal

THEA HARRISON- I wanted to share some happy news: I just signed the contract with Samhain for the Elder Races novella #3!! The scheduled release date for DEVIL’S GATE is June 5th, 2012. I’ll be sure to post when we have cover art, and the story goes up for preorder on the Samhain website, and at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, etc.

This is the medusa Seremela Telemar’s story, and I’ll reveal who the hero is soon. I have one more Elder Races novella planned. After I complete that fourth story, I do intend to concentrate exclusively on the full length novels in the series for the foreseeable future.

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Carly Fall-Interview with the Author

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Carly Fall-Interview with the Author

 

The Reading Cafe has the pleasure to interview indie author Carly Fall.

You can find Carly at : Carly Fall

Carly’s Six Savior novels are a fantastic new series. See our review (below) of her latest book:  Finding My Faith

 

 

TRC:  Hi Carly and welcome to The Reading Café. It is a pleasure to meet you.

Carly:  Thank you for having me, Sandy!

TRC:  Would you please tell us something about yourself?

Carly:  I am wife to Geoff, mother to Riddick, and a slave to the dog Nicky. We all live happily in Arizona where we enjoy the weather, the pool, the parks and hiking. I believe that chocolate and wine should have their own space on the food pyramid, and nothing in the world makes me happier than listening to my son’s laughter.

TRC:  Do you recall how and when you were first interested in writing?

Carly:  I have always been a writer. When I was little, I would make books. In high school I wrote for the yearbook, in college I wrote for the paper. My husband and I own our own business, and I have written business materials for more years than I care to think about. On the side I also wrote fiction for years, but never did anything with it until about a year ago.

TRC:  Your first novel in the Six Savior series was THE LIGHT WITHIN ME. Would
you please tell us the premise behind the SIX SAVIOR series and The Light
Within Me?

Carly:  The story started when we toured a decommissioned missile silo down in Tucson. They had a program where you could spend an enormous amount of money and stay in it overnight. I thought about how it would be to live in one. And then I thought it probably would be kind of cool if you had the money to go in and put the best of everything in it – do a lot of remodeling. And then out of nowhere, my husband and I were joking, wouldn’t it be funny if a bunch of aliens lived in a decommissioned missile silo and no one knew? And there it was.

When I started outlining and writing The Light Within Me, I knew Noah would be the guy who is loosely in charge. I wanted him to be focused on his job, but angry that he had to do it, and that it was taking so damn long. He doesn’t have much use for humans unless they can give him the information he needs. Until he meets Abby, of course.

TRC:  I find the premise for this series very interesting-a unique idea. How did you come up with the idea for planet SR44 and the beings of smoke and
color?

Carly:  Thank you for the compliment!

I hate the word alien, so thank you for using “beings!” However, that’s what my Warriors are – aliens. I wanted my aliens to come from someplace nice – almost a utopia. They are a peaceful people, they have no interest in other worlds or conquering anyone. Some residents live in the cities consist of golden colored buildings, while others live in the dense forests. It is twilight there many hours per day. The Six Saviors really don’t want to be on Earth, but they are here for a specific mission that needs to be completed.
When I think of aliens, I think of E.T., that horrible creature from the movie Alien, Alf, War of the Worlds, and that poor guy they supposedly caught down in Roswell many years ago with the big head and eyes. I wanted my aliens to be pretty in their natural forms, and the smoke and color forms came to me on an oddly cold night when we had a fire going. I was watching the flames dance and the smoke filter up the chimney, and I thought about how pretty it was…and there were my aliens.

TRC:  FINDING MY FAITH is the second novel in the Six Savior series. Would you
please tell us something about the premise for this book?

Carly:  At then end of The Light Within Me, Rayner plays a pretty significant roll, so I knew the next story would be about him. As I thought about his character, I wanted him to find someone on Earth who was very similar to him, like two pieces of a jigsaw puzzle coming together. Based on his life on SR44, I knew that I wanted the woman to be Native American. With her being Native American, I wanted to include the rich heritage of Native American legends.

Rayner is an all work and no play guy, worse than Noah ever was. Rayner is a Forest Dweller on SR44, and he has made a pledge to his mother that he would indeed return home one day. He also greatly misses the carefree life of his forest, the person he was when he lived on SR44. Rayner has a special ability that he considers a curse – he can see spirits trapped between life and death. He can’t do anything for them, so he ignores them.
Faith is a carefree life explorer who moved to the big city to get out from under her father’s thumb. In the city, she gets kidnapped and almost dies. When Rayner sees her, he ignores her until he realizes that she may very well be an important stepping stone to completing his mission, so he’s forced to engage her.

TRC:  So far Noah and Rayner have found their mates. Do you plan on writing a
storyline for each Savior/Warrior? How many books have you planned for
this series?

Carly:  I do have a book planned for each Warrior. So far, there are six.

TRC:  Your series and the individual book TITLES have a ‘religious’ connotation,
yet the books are sci-fi/fantasy, and definitely NOT religious in any
aspect. (Light-referencing the internal color/light of the being: Faith
–the name of the heroine). Do you think the book titles could be confusing
to some readers?

Carly:  You know, that was completely unintentional, and I didn’t even realize it until I was talking to my dad a couple of weeks ago. He asked what the name of the new book was and I told him it was Finding My Faith. He was the one who pointed out to me that they had religious connotations, and frankly I was shocked. I could definitely see how that could be confusing to a reader, but hopefully the pictures of half naked men on the covers dispel any confusion quickly! 🙂

TRC:  What are you currently writing?

Carly:  I’m writing book three of the Six Savior Series, which will be about Hudson. Oddly enough, while tossing around titles, the word “demon” keeps popping up for me, so that religious theme may continue!

TRC:  Many writers bounce ideas between spouses, other writers or friends. Who
or what inspires you to write?

Carly: Would it be too weird if I said the voices in my head?? LOL!! I swear I’m not crazy, well I hope not, but I’ve got six alpha males all talking to me at once in my head. If I didn’t write them, I’d probably go insane. Every now and then I’ll turn to a fellow author or a friend and say, “What do you think about this?” It’s always nice to get feedback from the people who don’t hear the voices!!

LIGHTNING ROUND

Favorite Food – garlic mashed potatoes and a Filet Mignon. Or chocolate.

Favorite Dessert – anything chocolate

Favorite Movie – I’ll like just about anything as long as Tom Cruise isn’t in it

Favorite TV Show – Fringe

Last Movie You Saw – The Hunger Games

Last Book that you Read – Pulled by A.L. Jackson

Pink or Red Roses – I’m not trying to be difficult, but I gotta go with yellow 🙂

Milk or Dark Chocolate – Milk

TRC:  Carly, we would like to thank you very much for taking the time to answer
our questions. We wish you the best of luck with your writing career, and
look forward to the next storyline in your Six Savior series.

**************************GIVEAWAY**********************

Carly is offering an e-copy of her first novel in the Six Savior Series:THE LIGHT WITHIN ME

To be eligible for the giveaway:

1.  You must be a member at THE READING CAFE.  If you are not a member, please register or sign in using one of the social logins at the top right side of the page.

2.  The giveaway is open INTERNATIONALLY to all members at TRC.

3.  Giveaway closes at midnight Tuesday April 24, 2012

You can find Carly’s Six Saviors Series at:

Amazon: Finding My Faith  $2.99
Amazon: The Light Within Me  $2.99

B&N NOOK: Finding My Faith $2.99

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