Monthly Archives: May 2012

The Last Boyfriend by Nora Roberts – a Review

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The Last Boyfriend by Nora Roberts – a Review

The Last Boyfriend by Nora Roberts picks up where The Next Always left off, is the second book in the Inn Boonsboro trilogy.  In the first book, Clare and Beckett were the first of the couples, and this story belongs to Owen and Avery.

This is a very good book, and an enjoyable read.  It is strictly romance, and different then the first book, as to no suspense at all. But I loved Owen and Avery together. What makes this book good, is the family dynamics.  Since the new Inn is still in progress throughout most of the book, we get to spend a lot of time with all the Montgomerys, as well as Clare and Hope.

Owen is the organizer of the three brothers; he is one who always has a plan, and ensures that everything is kept on schedule.  He has always loved Avery from afar, but more like a member of the family.  

Avery is independent, knowing what she wants, and runs Vesta Pizzeria successfully. She is a hardworker, like Owen, but she is also a whirlwind, as trying to keep up with her is hard.  Avery has also loved Owen way back when she was 5 years old, and he was her first boyfriend. But now they both find themselves surprisingly attracted to one another, and decide to move their friendship to another level, since they are both single adults, and why not enjoy the benefits.

It was such a sweet romance between the two of them.  Right from the start you wanted them together, as did the Ghost of the Inn Boonsboro, and if you know Nora’s romances, you know that will eventually happen. Happy endings are the norm in Nora’s trilogies, but its fun to watch them discover their growing feelings, enjoy their relationship as the story unfolds. 

Even though there is no real suspense in this story, as was in the first book, there was a sideline story.  Avery’s mom, who walked out on her and her father, when she was very young, shows up one night.  When Avery comes face to face with the mother she hardly knew, she is bitter and cold, but inwardly she freaks out.  It takes Owen to make Avery know she is nothing like her mother, and that brings them closer to realizing they love each other.  I thought one of the best moments, was when Justine (mother of the Mongomery brothers) tells Avery, that she has always loved as her as her own daughter.  Nice moment, which totally heals Avery.

I enjoyed seeing them all together;  put the finishing touches to the Inn, the grand opening; the wedding of Beckett & Clare; the new restaurant for Avery as part of the Inn;  loved the friendship of Clare, Avery and Hope. I thought the scene with Owen seeing Avery at the drugstore, and the ensuing conversation was funny.  There was a lot to enjoy, but I also thought there was a bit too much detail on the renovation and rooms in  the Inn, which can get a bit boring at times.  I did love the book, because it continues the story of the Montgomerys and the girls they marry.  A similar concept was used for the Bride Quartet, but that series was better, even if the Inn Boonsboro is still a  good book.

The last book of the series is “The Perfect Hope.  I really like Hope, but as of now, I am not a big fan of the surly Ryder, whom we know is destined for Hope.  The Ghost story will also play out in the last book, as we know Hope has a big part in it.

Reviewed by Barb

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Cassi Carver-Interview & Giveaway with the Author

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Cassi Carver-Interview with the Author

The Reading Cafe would like to welcome new author Cassi Carver. Cassi’s new release in The Shadow Slayer’s series- SLAYER’S KISS is now available.

TRC: Hi Cassi and welcome to The Reading Cafe. We will start with some bio information.

Name: Cassi Carver
Residence: Southern California
Marital Status: Married
Children: 4 children

TRC: Will you please tell us about yourself?

Cassi: Yes! I’m a full-time writer and a proud member of the Romance Writers of America, San Diego chapter. When I discovered writing as an adult, I knew I’d found something I could happily spend the rest of my life doing.

TRC: What was is like for you, growing up? Were you raised in the California area?

Cassi: People probably think warm, sandy beaches when they think Southern California, but I was actually raised in a rural area. I rode horses, shot guns, and was obsessed with critters of all varieties. My room was like a petting zoo.

TRC: Were your parents supportive of the choices you made? When and how did you become interested in writing?

Cassi: I started writing from a young age, and my parents loved to read my stories. My first novels were ten page choose-your-own-adventure stories, and my parents convinced me they were great works!!

TRC: Many writers bounce ideas and information with either a family member, a friend or another writer. With whom do you vent or bounce off ideas?

Cassi: When it comes to my stories, I’m a lone wolf. Heehee. Okay, not really. I don’t bounce ideas off many people, but I have a few trusted women in my local RWA chapter who I turn to in a bind for ideas andadvice—especially my critique partner, the fabulous author Melissa Cutler, debuting this year with Harlequin Romantic Suspense and Kensington. Yes, I’m a proud book aunty.

TRC: Is your husband involved with your writing process?

Cassi: Umm…he has ideas. Many ideas. I’ve learned to nod and smile when it comes to the writing, but he has great business sense and I often go to him with questions on marketing strategies. I’m sure he’d tell you he’s the inspiration for every steamy hero I create.

TRC: How were you notified that SLAYER’S KISS was to be published? What was your reaction when you saw your first published book?

Cassi: I was fortunate in that Slayer’s Kiss had several offers. It was the first book I’d submitted, but not the first book I’d written. (There are a couple “special” books under my bed that may never see the light of day.) Having Samhain as my publisher has been a wonderful experience. They are so supportive and easy to work with. Seeing Slayer’s Kiss out there in the world has been a dream come true!!

TRC: Where you involved in the selection of the cover?

Cassi: Samhain allows authors a lot of say on the cover. I fill out a detailed art form and then the artist gives back a preliminary design. I give feedback on that, and we adjust until the artist, the editor, and I think it’s just right. Samhain has an incredibly talented art department!

TRC: The first book in your new Shadow Slayers series is called SLAYER’S KISS. Will you tell us about the premise of the story? (see review below)

Here’s a blurb! 

Kara Reed is a supernatural failure. But where her magic falls short, her fists get the job done. The criminal element doesn’t stand a chance once she hits San Diego’s dark streets.

When two smoking-hot tenants move in next door, she thinks her love life might finally be heating up. Just being near Gavin and Julian is enough to make her want to offer her body on a platter.

Gavin and Julian know it’s only a matter of time before the truth comes out. They’re fallen angels sent to watch over the king’s daughter, one of the last females of her kind. Trouble is, she doesn’t seem to think she needs watching—unless they’re watching her shimmy out of her clothes.

No matter how tempting her guardians, Kara’s not about to let anything stop her from tracking down a sadistic killer who carves into his victims and leaves them for dead. Even when she realizes her target may be the very scourge of heaven from which her angels swore to protect her…

TRC: How many books do you have planned for this series?

Cassi: Three will be coming out this year, and I have at least a few more planned after that. I’m working on another series right now as well, so I’ll have to see how the readers receive the Shadow Slayers series. If people are enjoying the world, I’ll keep writing. But I would never leave readers hanging. There will be a final book when the time comes—hopefully in the distant future—and it will be packed full of happy!!

TRC: Will Gavin, Julian and Kara be the principle characters throughout the series? Will each successive novel involve a different hero and heroine?

Cassi: Because this series is urban fantasy, Kara will remain the primary heroine. I can’t see her falling in love with anyone besides Julian and Gavin. That love triangle is messy enough and keeping her plenty busy. As for the novellas, like the one coming out in December, those will be paranormal romance novellas focusing on a different hero and heroine in the same world who find their happy ending.

TRC: The first book in any series is usually filled with plenty of background information to let the reader know about the overall premise of the series. Was it difficult to blend the premise of SLAYER’S KISS with the background information required for the readers?

Cassi: Ha! Yes, it was! I try to go easy on backstory, mostly because I find it boring to read and so do most readers. I prefer action and romance. There was a point in Slayer’s Kiss where the copy editor was confused, so I had to go back and add some world-building explanations. Some reviewers found that part slow, and others appreciated being able to more easily understand Kara’s species. Because this is a continuing series, the next books won’t have so much background info. You’ll have to start with book one for lessons in Demiáre breeding!

TRC: Will you tell us something about the premise of SHADOW RISING (book 2), to be released September 25th 2012, in the Shadow Slayers series?

Cassi: Oh, my goodness! The blurb is just being finalized now, and I wish I could share it! I have to say that my editor really enjoyed Slayer’s Kiss—that’s why she bought it—but she loved Shadow Rising. In book two, Kara is finally over her mating heat and she’s learning what it means to be a Demiáre in control of herself and her choices.

Someone she loved and lost is back, but he’s not the same man he was before. In this book, Kara begins to understand what it really means to love and put others before herself. And of course, all that mushy stuff happens while lives are on the line and asses are being kicked… Oh, and we get to briefly visit the Shadowland! Which is by far some of the most fun writing I’ve done. You also have a novella scheduled for a December 2012 release.

TRC: Have you started writing the novella, and if so, will you tell us about the characters and premise?

Cassi: Oh, yes! The novella, tentatively titled The Silverwing’s Sorceress, is Jaxon’s story. I’m almost finished with it! I can’t tell you who his lady is, but by the end of Shadow Rising, you’ll have an idea! The Silverwing’s Sorceress coincides with the last four days of Shadow Rising.

TRC: You classify your writing style in the erotic-paranormal genre. There is always a fine line between erotic and pornographic. Where do you believe the line should be drawn with regards to writing erotic storylines? Do you believe there is a fine line between erotic and pornographic writing?

Cassi: Slayer’s Kiss is erotic urban fantasy. Because urban fantasy revolves around the same heroine in every book, they tend to be on the tame side, sexually. I wanted to see what would happen if I injected edgy passion into traditional UF.

I had a great time writing Slayer’s Kiss, but I’ve seen that it’s definitely hard to keep up that level of sexuality in subsequent books—Kara can’t remain in perpetual heat. I think her sexual experiences are deeper and more emotionally profound in book two. As for the difference between erotic fiction and pornography…this can be a difficult subject, especially when you come from a conservative family. But it’s always seemed simple to me—pornography is pictures or videos of naked people engaging in sex acts. Erotic fiction is simply words on a page.
No matter your opinion on pornography, it’s easy to see the difference between watching real human beings having sex versus piecing together words that create the experience only in your own mind.

Most readers of erotica aren’t using it for nefarious purposes. In fact, many women will tell you that spicy romance novels actually improve their libido and their marriages.

TRC: Under the circumstances, with erotic novels, there is a ‘parental warning’ or ‘content warning’, but many young adults (under 18) have access to most novels, especially now that ebooks are so readily available. Do you have any comments with regards to young adults and teens reading erotic novels? What would I tell teens in regards to reading my books?

Cassi: Uh…please don’t. I think reading erotica might give a young adult a skewed idea of what true intimacy is. When you’re older, you are better able to process what is reality and what is fantasy.

TRC: Have you ever considered writing a Young Adult series?

Cassi: Truthfully? Never. It would drive me crazy if my hero and heroine were never able to consummate their relationship. I write books with consenting adults who can explore where their passion takes them.

TRC: What are you currently working on?

Cassi: Currently, I’m editing Shadow Rising, finishing The Silverwing’s Sorceress, and beginning a brand new paranormal romance series! My life is never dull.

TRC: Would you like to add anything else?

Cassi: Just that I had a lot of fun, and I’m so glad you invited me here today!!

LIGHTNING ROUND
Favorite Food: Cheesecake

Favorite Dessert: Cheesecake. Hey—it’s a real food!

Favorite Movie: The Boxer, with Daniel Day Lewis

Favorite TV Show: TRUE BLOOD—Woot!! Woot!!

Last Movie that you saw: I can’t remember the last, but my favorite recent movie was “This Means War.” It was hilarious! I saw it twice!!

Dark or Milk Chocolate: There is no such thing as bad chocolate, but milk.

Last book that you read: Nalini Singh’s Visions of Heat

White or red roses: Red

Last vacation destination: A cabin overlooking lake Cuyamaca.

Ideal evening getaway: I’m always dragging my husband to the Gaslamp Quarter in San Diego. I’d like to eventually get a studio apartment there where he and I can get away for the weekend! (But we only live 15 minutes away right now, so we make do.)

Thank you Cassi for answering our questions. The Reading Café wishes you the best of luck with your writing career. Keep us informed about upcoming releases and any new books or series that you have planned.

LINKS:
Website: Cassi Carver
Amazon Kindle: Slayer’s Kiss
KOBO: Slayer’s Kiss
B&N NOOK: Slayer’s Kiss

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

Cassi is offering an ebook copy of SLAYER’S KISS to one lucky eligible member at The Reading Cafe.

1.  Open to all registered members.  If you are not a member, please register using one of the social log-ins or using the log-in tab at the top.

2.  Please post a comment and say hello to Cassi.

3.  Contest is open internationally.

 

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SLAYER’S KISS by Cassi Carver-a review

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SLAYER’S KISS by Cassi Carver-a review


SLAYER’S KISS by Cassi Carver

SLAYER’S KISS is the first novel for new author Cassi Carver, and the introduction to her new series The Shadow Slayers. Released February 2012, Slayer’s Kiss follows part-time bartender, part-time custodian and part-time ‘witch’ Kara Reed on her nightly jaunts into the seedy underside of life on the street, but when 2 very sexy and gorgeous men move into the apartment next door, Kara knows her life will never be the same. Written in the erotic, adult paranormal genre, Slayer’s Kiss offers the reader a chance to experience a little mystery, a little romance and a little eroticism between the pages of Carver’s first novel.

25 year old Kara Reed and her BFF Abbey are witches, or at least Kara believes she is a witch. With her ability to sense evil, the duo set out on nightly patrols hoping to locate a serial rapist who marks his victims with intricate tribal carvings. Always on the hunt for evil, Kara and Abbey scour the neighborhoods, searching and sensing evil, no matter the cost. And the cost may be too high.

Trying to make ends meet, Kara works as a part-time custodian in a moderate apartment building, where she soon meets the ‘otherwordly’ Gavin-tall, strong and oh, so sexy, and there is a definite attraction between the couple. But Kara’s attempts to persuade Gavin to indulge in her fantasies are met with hesitation and rejection. And to add to an already frustrating evening, Kara’s dreams are haunted by a ‘dark’ lover, with wings.

As the story progresses, Gavin acquires a new room-mate Julian, who is more than willing to play along with Kara’s fantasies, but the reality of the situation is much deeper than just a casual night of excitement. Julian and Gavin are fallen angels, who must guard and protect the ‘King’s’ daughter before she reaches her ‘sexual maturity’—and that daughter, unbeknownst to herself, is Kara. And a condition of that guardianship, is not to engage the female in sexual relations.

Like many supernatural storylines, Slayer’s Kiss reveals an ancient and tribal civilization of the Demiare-where there are too many men and not enough women as potential mates, and therefore the rites and rituals for potential bed-mates adheres to strict guidelines, and at other times-sexual competitions. But Julian’s need and desire for Kara outstrip his sense of duty, and he risks everything and everyone to make the King’s daughter-his own.

With the knowledge that Julian and Gavin are not only fallen angels, but sexually- driven to bond with Kara, she is presumptuous in her regards to their cultural morals and laws. When she is introduced to the island community, where her familial heritage is revealed, Kara makes a grievous mistake that could both humiliate and end the life of a fallen friend, and destroy a love that had only started to burn.

Slayer’s Kiss was an easy read. Although classified as erotic paranormal, I was prepared for the worse, but was pleasantly surprised when the sex scenes were not as sexually charged or as  aggressive  as I have read from other storylines and authors. The premise surrounding fallen angels, was nothing new, but the story and background information was different-a good different. I like the direction Cassi has chosen for her ‘angels’.

Cassi introduces several males with potential storylines, as well as divulges enough background information about the characters that doesn’t overwhelm, as can many introductory novels. There were spots where I questioned the direction of the plot, seeming to perhaps get lost in the overload of information, but Cassi quickly collected her thoughts, and brought the story back to the surface. Kara’s collection of old friends and new, will be brought back together in Cassi’s next instalment in The Shadow Slayer’s series—Shadow Rising in September 2012 and a novella at year’s end. I have no problem recommending Slayer’s Kiss.

Reviewed by Sandy

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Maya Banks Teaser Excerpt

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Maya Banks Excerpt Teaser

Never Seduce a Scot – Coming September 25, 2012

This sinfully sweet new romance from Maya Banks features a remarkable woman whose rare gift teaches a gruff Scottish warrior how to listen with his heart.
Eveline Armstrong is fiercely loved and protected by her powerful clan, but considered “touched” to outsiders. Beautiful, fey, with a level, intent gaze, she doesn’t speak. No one, not even her family, knows that she cannot hear. Eveline taught herself to read lips and allows the outside world view her as daft, content to stay with her family. But when an arranged marriage with a rival clan makes Graeme Montgomery her husband, she accepts her duty—unprepared for the delights to come. Graeme is a rugged warrior with a voice so deep and powerful she can hear it, and hands and kisses so tender and skilled he awakens her deepest passions.

Graeme is intrigued by his new bride, whose silent lips are ripe with temptation, whose bright, intelligent eyes can see into his soul. As intimacy deepens, he learns her secret. But when clan rivalries and dark deeds threaten the wife he has only begun to cherish, the Scottish warrior will move heaven and earth to save the woman who has awakened his heart to the beautiful song of a rare and magical love.

Reported by Marcie
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ANDREI CLAUDE-Interview with the actor and model

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ANDREI CLAUDE-Interview with the actor and model

Andrei Claude Interview

The Reading Cafe would like to welcome actor and cover model ANDREI CLAUDE. Andrei has long been a favorite of many of The Reading Cafe members for his romance covers.

TRC: Hi Andrei and welcome to The Reading Cafe. We would like to start with some bio information

 

 

Photo courtesy of : Ben MacFadyen

NAME: Andrei Claude
Date of Birth: September 1979
BIRTHPLACE: Malta
EYE COLOR: Brown
HAIR COLOR: Black
RESIDENCE: London, England
MARITAL STATUS: Single
SIBLINGS: Sister
FORMAL EDUCATION: Accounting degree

TRC:  Will you please tell us about yourself?

Andrei:  I suppose I appear a little reserved to most people, however I feel I’m outgoing and I like to socialize a lot, and meet new people from every corner of the world. I like to travel, but I’m more of a city person in general.

TRC:  As a child, what were your interests and hobbies?

Andrei:  I was always involved in sports, most times at a competitive level. So I liked to keep myself in good shape and be physically fit to have that competitive edge.

TRC:  Did your parents support your career decisions?

Andrei:  Yes, all my family has been always extremely supportive with my decisions. Sometimes I feel like they believe in me more than I do.

TRC:  You have always had an interest in fitness and health. What or who was your inspiration in this direction?

Andrei:  Like I said earlier, being involved in competitive sports at a very young age was probably the beginning. However, taking fitness to the next level was the result of watching too much Bruce Lee, Rambo and Rocky movies! I just admired actors like Sylvester Stallone, Dolph Lundgren, JC Van Damme, and of course the one and only Arnold Schwarzenegger.

TRC:  What is your daily workout regimen?

Andrei:  Unfortunately it’s not the same it used to be, however, my ideal workout regimen would consist of 4 days per week, and hour session of weight lifting each session. I don’t really do cardio, unless I have very little time to lose the body fat.

TRC:  Have you ever considered opening your own spa and fitness club?

Andrei:  I have been approached by a few people to partner up on such projects, but to be honest it was never really in the cards for me. I enjoyed the fitness lifestyle itself, not the business side to it. And I felt that would change my perspective completely.

TRC:  Have you ever considered writing a weekly or monthly column about fitness and health?

Andrei:  Yes, I actually did that for a fitness magazine for a short while. We also documented my workouts and had them published.

TRC:  Your image graces the covers of many romance novels- How and when were you discovered?

Andrei:  Well, I basically showed up out of the blue at possibly the world’s largest romance novel convention, which was being held in Saint Louis, Missouri back in 2005. It was my manager at the time that convinced me to go and signed me up for their international annual contest, titled Mr. Romance.

TRC:  Do you remember the first romance novel cover where your image appeared?

Andrei:  Yes, I believe it was called Vamprotica 2005, where I portrayed a modern day vampire.

TRC:  Was there ever a shoot that went completely wrong?

Andrei:  No, not that I recall. I have had shoots where the pictures didn’t end up getting published though. So perhaps sometime did go wrong there…

TRC:  As a cover model and actor, you have travelled extensively. What or where was your favorite workplace destination and why?

Andrei:  I ended up staying in New York for around 3 years after getting involved in the romance novel industry. I can come up with many reasons for that, some of which might be justified, but the truth is I just loved the city. Now that I’ve moved on from the book covers I’m living in London, and I really got to like this place.

TRC:  In 2005, you were awarded the title of Mr. Romance. Did the title open more doors in the romance cover industry?

Andrei:  Oh yes, definitely. People in the industry “ know ” you. So most of the work actually came to me. I would get phone calls from photographers directly and get booked in for photo shoots.

TRC:  Do you know the number of romance covers that your image has appeared upon?

Andrei:  Not exactly. I would say in the region of fifty probably, between print and e-books. After a while I worked with photographers on stock photos, so they would buy the rights over those pictures and then sell them to the publishers. Sometimes they end up on a book 2 years later.

TRC:  Did you always have aspirations to be an actor or a model? If not, what did you want to be “when you grew up”?

Andrei:  I don’t recall wanting to be an actor, it was more the characters that aspired me. I wanted to be those characters in real life. Hence wanting to build up my physique to look like Rambo or Bruce Lee. The heroic characters where the ones that aspired me the most.

TRC:  Have you ever considered runway modeling?

Andrei:  Not just considered it, been there done that. I worked in Milan for a short while as well, doing catalog and fashion work.

TRC:  There is much controversy regarding NUDE modeling. Many pictures cross the line between sensual to erotic to pornographic. What is your opinion about NUDE modeling?

Andrei:  I never did nude modeling, whether for artistic purposes or otherwise. However, I have nothing against it provided it’s done in good taste. It’s just the human body in its natural form at the end of the day.

TRC:  What would you advise the younger models just entering the business about NUDE modeling?

Andrei:  I’d say it’s probably not going to be a spin off to anything fantastic!

TRC:  You have appeared in a few short films and movies in the last couple of years including the 2011 film – His Promise. Will you please tell us something about the film?

Andrei:  Well, the film His Promise was a co-production with a friend I met here in London. His name is Kamran Qureshi, who’s an extremely talented film and television director in Pakistan. It’s a short story about a man who is falsely convicted, and served two years in prison. During the incarceration his brother is murdered and he’s out to get the people responsible for that.

 

TRC:  In which film, may we find your most recent appearance?

Andrei:  I’ve just finished a feature film titled ACT I, which will be released in Summer 2012.

TRC:  It’s All About Romance is a blog site where you occasionally write your thoughts and feelings. Would you please tell us about the blog? Why the title – Its All About Romance?

Andrei:  I like to share my thoughts, so that was the original idea for my blog. With regards to the title, well I just had to have the word Romance in there, and let’s face it life is all about romance. So that gave me a basis to begin writing, then I could expand on it.

 

 

Photo courtesy of : Ben MacFadyen

TRC:  Describe your ‘ideal’ date?

Andrei:  Very conservative, a pleasant meal is a good restaurant, followed perhaps by a movie theatre?

TRC:  What are you currently working on?

Andrei:  Right now it’s a short film titled Crimson Ribbon.

LIGHTNING ROUND

Favorite Food
Fillet Steak

Favorite Dessert
Anything chocolaty!

Favorite Model of Car
There’s too many great cars, but if I had to chose one Aston Martin DB9?

Favorite Movie
Oh, I can’t choose one! The Shawshank Redemption, The Wrestler… I can go on and on

Favorite TV Show
Friends

Last Movie that you saw
Hugo

Milk or Dark Chocolate
Dark

TRC: Thank you Andrei for answering our questions. We look forward to your next project. We wish you the best of luck with your acting career.

LINKS to Andrei’s Websites:
Facebook Page
IMDb
It’s All About Romance

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FREE ebooks for Kindle, KOBO and Nook

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FREE ebooks for Kindle, Kobo and Nook

NOTE: The Reading Cafe has not reviewed ANY or ALL of these ebooks. These books are for your perusal only.

 

At the time of this posting, the following ebooks were FREE from Amazon Kindle

 

 

Insight by Jamie Magee
Sleepers by Meg Jensen
Branded by Keary Taylor
Bloody Little Secrets by Karly Kirkpatrick
Beautiful Demons by Sarra Cannon
Turned by Morgan Rice
Tears of the Broken by A M Hudson

 

At the time of the posting, the following ebooks were FREE from KOBO

 



Tears of the Broken by A M Hudson
Insight by Jamie Magee
Turned by Morgan Rice

 

 

At the time of the posting, the following ebooks were FREE for B&N Nook

 

 

Tears of the Broken by A M Hudson
The Amazon’s Curse by Gena Showalter
Turned at Dark by C C Hunter
Fallen from Grace by M J Putney
Glamour by Penelope Fletcher

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Rachel Caine-Interview & Giveaway with the author

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Rachel Caine-Interview with the Author

 Rachel Caine Interview with the author.

The Reading Cafe would like to welcome author of the new release YA novel BLACK DAWN-Rachel Caine

 

Hi Rachel. Thank you for taking the time to answer a few questions. We are always excited to know about the author behind the books we love to read. WE would like to start with some background information.

NAME: Rachel Caine (aka Roxanne Longstreet/ Roxanne Conrad/ Julie Fortune)
BIRTHPLACE: New Mexico
EDUCATION: Bachelors Business Admin. From Texas Tech University
RESIDENCE: Fort Worth, Texas
MARITAL STATUS: Married to R. Cat Conrad
NUMBER OF YEARS WRITING: 36 (20 published)

TRC: Your bio states that your first novel was published when you were 28. What was the title of your first published novel? Looking back, would you have changed anything with the storyline content?

Rachel: The first book was a work for hire, a game tie-in novel called STORMRIDERS. I’m sure there is a lot I would change, because it was the first complete novel I’d ever written … I wrote it in omniscient POV as I recall, and I had a ton of very serious and/or quirky characters. I’d probably add a lot more humor and take out some of the odd quirks! (I was at that stage all writers seem to go through, where you think characteristics are character.)

TRC: As a child or young adult, what were your interests/hobbies?

Rachel: Music, mainly. I was a Very Serious Musician, and intended to be a star – as much as is possible for a classical clarinetist. I also dabbled in making ceramics. Bad ones. Writing was a major hobby, as was reading. On weekends, I would usually read at least 8 hours a day.

TRC: You are a writer of many different genres. Which genre do you believe is the most difficult to write?

Rachel: I think they all have their specific challenges … If you are writing straight real-world suspense, it’s getting all the details right, or as right as possible. By contrast, in fantasy your world you create needs to be real, consistent, and as complete as possible in your mind without forcing your audience through ALL of it – backstory is as important as main narrative. In YA, the challenge is always to remain grounded in how it feels to be facing new experiences … Not easy when you’ve gained a lot of life experience. (I say that in preference to *cough* old.)

TRC: Young Adult storylines are no longer just for teens and young adults. Many of today’s authors write books and series knowing that ‘grown ups’ will be reading their stories. AS a writer of Young Adult fantasy novels, where do you draw the line between adult and young adult storylines?

Rachel: It wasn’t difficult for me at first … My characters are a specific age, and experiencing very specifc sets of problems that go with it. Some adult themes exist because when you are sixteen or seventeen, you don’t perceive yourself as a child … You are almost an adult, and those are things you think about, long for, and fear. But it is becoming more difficult now that I have 15 novels coming for Morganville … Claire is inevitably maturing and growing up. Hard to make it solely YA.

TRC: The release of your next Morganville Vampire novel-Black Dawn is scheduled for May 2012. Will you tell us about the premise?

Rachel: In LAST BREATH, we found out why the vampires hide out in the inhospitable desert … Because they have enemies whose home is in the water. But now their enemies have used storms to invade the town, and vampires and humans are fighting for their lives.

TRC: Do you have an expected release date for BITTER BLOOD-Morganville 13? Will you please tell us the premise of Bitter Blood?

Rachel: I believe the release date is the first week of November 2012! BITTER BLOOD starts from the slow rebuilding of Morganville, and the gradual rise of feelings among vampires and humans of a kind of basic mistrust and bigotry… And before long, Claire and her friends find themselves at in the very lonely and dangerous middle as both sides wage a war for control.

TRC: Many authors are contracted to a certain number of books in a particular series, but you are currently writing number 13 in the Morganville series, as well as novellas. Do you have plans to continue this series, or is there a finite number?

Rachel: We have a contract for 15 books in the series. I just started work on book 14, which is currently untitled.

TRC: Many authors of Young Adult storylines are now or have considered TV shows (e.g. Vampire Diaries). You had an option for a TV show, but that has expired. Have you re-considered developing The Morganville series into a television show or motion picture?

Rachel: Sure, but the author can’t do that alone. It takes a huge amount of money and expertise to make either a TV show or movie possible, and right now there is a feeling that the public’s appetite for vampire-themed material is not as strong (for new launches) as it was a few years ago. But that is always the case …. It’s not popular until someone takes a risk and makes it popular again. So maybe that will happen!

TRC: The Outcast series involves a supernatural being known as the Djinn. What was your catalyst (your aha moment) in the development and writing of the Djinn and their powers?

Rachel: Oddly enough, the Djinn dropped into the very first scene I wrote of the Weather Warden series (Outcast Season is a spinoff of that) … And it surprised me. Sometimes your subconscious takes command and leads you interesting places, and that was what kicked off the Djinn. Then I had to understand how they fit into my urban fantasy world … As a sort of natural world kind of angels, closer to the sentient Earth than humans. It was really exciting, and gave the story all kinds of depths.

TRC: Is there a particular character that drives you with your writing in the Outcast series?

Rachel: Cassiel, my outcast Djinn, is obviously the main character (and super fun to write) but I think it has to be Ibby, her partner Luis’s niece, who is orphaned in a drive-by gang shooting. Ibby grows from innocent child to a commanding, competent magic user in four books, and I loved her arc.

TRC: Will you please tell us about the idea or history behind your new Contemporary Fantasy series-The Revivalist? Did you have to do any research with Thantology?

Rachel: I did do quite a lot of research into death, dying, and – as insiders sometimes call it – the Death Business. I also had some very interesting research conversations with a nano technologist. The outcome was Revivalist … In which my main protagonist Bryn has a job as a funeral director, yet is captive to a nano-based kind of life support that she must take daily. The prospects for corporate abuse of this technology seemed stunning … After all,if they literally hold your life in their hands, your loyalty as a customer or employee is assured. I look on it a bit like the stranglehold health insurance has on us in the US, whether we realize it not.

TRC: The premise for The Revivalist is quite unique. Not zombie or vampire etc, but basically re-animation. Have you ever read or heard of anything similar?

Rachel: It harkens back to some early SF, and the 90s TV series Invisible Man, a bit. … But nothing else I’ve seen or read recently. Thankfully! Though if you stop taking the drug, you become a walking corpse, decomposing along the way, so there’s your zombie element!

TRC: You are currently working on the second instalment -Two Week’s Notice. Will you please tell us about the premise? Will Bryn continue to be the main heroine throughout the series?

Rachel: Bryn does remain the focus of the books, and she becomes in TWO WEEKS’ NOTICE very much a kick-ass action heroine. Now that she’s “Returned”, she needs to work off her debts to the government, who want to stop a new shadowy corporate entity much worse than Pharmadene, the inventors of the drug …. And she’ll find her ability to heal comes in VERY handy. Her relationship with Patrick flourishes, but everything she’s built will be put at risk as the enemy … And one very scary lady with a personal agenda… Come after her with guns blazing.

TRC: Do you have any plan to continue the Weather Warden series e.g. novellas/anthologies?

Rachel: Yes, but probably not until 2013 … Too many deadlines in 2012! I miss Jo and David and Lewis, though.

TRC: You are married to fantasy artist R. Cat Conrad. How many of your covers was your husband involved in the planning or art work?

Rachel: Virtually none … We try to keep our artistic lives separate, mostly, since we both work at home. He gives me thumbs up or down on cover art, and based on this feedback I sometimes ask for changes. He did do covers for a couple of reissued early books I sold through iUniverse for a while. But his passion is for space art, and my books aren’t SF enough to benefit.

TRC: Does your husband’s art work influence any of your storylines?

Rachel: Hmmmm! Interesting question .. I sometimes consider writing space- centered SF just to have one of his great art pieces on the cover, though! He is a very gifted artist, and the pieces are stunning.

TRC: Many writers and artists are perfectionists, and at times, the process can be frustrating and anxiety ridden. How do you and your husband handle the pressure of a deadline?

Rachel: I love deadlines. What’s the quote, I love the whooshing sound they make as they go flying by? No, seriously, I am quite deadline oriented indeed, and I try extremely hard to meet all of them, so often that means sacrificing social events, holidays, vacations, normal life … And luckily my husband is pretty understanding. But since my deadlines come every 3 months if not more frequently, we also have learned to step back a little and breathe. You must live sometime!

TRC: Do you bounce your storyline ideas with your husband? A friend?

Rachel: Sometimes we talk about them, but I’ll be honest, most people find a writer talking plot BORING. I generally talk with other writers if I need feedback.

TRC: Would you like to add anything?

Rachel: If you find yourself in the position I’m in, of having 4 books out a year, it’s because of the amazing support of readers, teachers, reviewers, friends, librarians and bookstore workers … Not me. And I am humbled and grateful for your trust and enthusiasm.

LIGHTNING ROUND

Favorite Food

Creme brûlée

Favorite Dessert

Seriously. My favorite food is a dessert. WHAT?

Favorite TV Show

So many, but probably Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Firefly, or The Lost Room. I’m a total TV addict.

Favorite Movie

Aliens.

Last Movie that you saw

Hunger Games!

Where did you meet your husband?

On a dance floor, at a convention … Or alternatively in the pages of John Steakley’s novel VAMPIRE$. (he was a main character.)

Where was your last vacation destination?

I’ve just finished 10 days aboard a transatlantic ship, the Azamara Journey. Although I’m heading for tour AND finished a book, that still counts, right? Closest I get!

Dark or Milk Chocolate

All of the above. There is no bad chocolate, unless you mess it up with fruit. Ugh.

TRC:  Thank you Rachel for taking the time to answer our questions. We wish you the best of luck with your upcoming releases.

Website: Rachel Caine
Amazon Kindle: Black Dawn
KOBO: Black Dawn
B&N Nook:Black Dawn

Rachel:  Thank you so much for this great opportunity!

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

Rachel Caine has graciously offered a giveaway to 2 eligible members at The Reading Cafe. One eligible winner will receive a copy of BLACK DAWN and another will receive a copy of UNBROKEN.

To qualify:
1. You must be a registered member at The Reading Cafe.If not, please register using one of the social log-ins or LOG-IN to complete registration.
2. Contest is open to continental USA and Canada only
3. Contest will run May 7-12, 2012.

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