Monthly Archives: June 2012

KISS THE DEAD (Anita Blake 21) by Laurell K Hamilton-a new release review

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KISS THE DEAD (Anita Blake 21) by Laurell K Hamilton-a new release review

KISS THE DEAD (Anita Blake 21) by Laurell K Hamilton -release date June 5, 2012

Is Laurell K. Hamilton STILL writing about Anita Blake??? Yes. Kiss the Dead, the latest installment in the long-running Anita Blake series is STILL full of vampires, wereleopards, weretigers, werewolves, etc. Anita is STILL killing bad guys and STILL raising the occasional zombie for Animators, Inc. Problem is Anita is STILL stuck in relationship drama with all of the above. In truth, Anita Blake has deteriorated into a standstill character for many books now.

Kiss the Dead, Book Number “Who really cares anymore?” lulls you into a false sense of security with a strong beginning. Ms. Hamilton regales us with honest, gritty details of Anita’s job duties as a Federal Marshall. A 15 year old girl has been kidnapped by vampires who have already killed 2 police officers. When one of the “slower” vamps is caught and is being interrogated by Anita (who has earned two (2) nicknames in the supernatural community as “The Executioner” and “War” for having the most “kills”), and exercises a juicy amount of psychic techniques to extract information, Barney (really?) reveals someone is setting up Anita.

A disgruntled group of vampires has been organized to rally against Anita and her long-time lover, and MY only reason for continuing this saga, Jean-Claude, Master Vampire of the City. This bazaar group, comprised of geriatric vampires, (grandmas, people!) and the very youthful, which is actually forbidden, were advocating for vampire “freedom”; the right to not belong to any particular “master” (blood-oathed) nor the newly-founded, American Vampire Council. To support this “cause”, the motley crue was purposefully assembled to appeal to the human audience and thus reduce Anita’s ease when delivering legal execution. However undeterred, because she does manage to enter with a SWAT team and save the girl with procedural expertise, the action affects Anita personally and sets off a level of introspection that lasts throughout the book.

Anita isn’t only a Federal Marshall, vampire executioner and necromancer (ability to raise the dead), she’s also the human servant of Jean-Claude and a pan-were (multi-animal shifter due to an attack) without the ability to shift, in the middle of a crisis of conscience. Yikes! Just when you think Ms. Hamilton is taking us back to the Anita of old, the kick-ass Anita who was sent out to kill the “monsters”, BAM! You’re sucked right back down into the cesspool that is Anita Blake’s love life.

We learned long ago that Anita inherited Jean-Claude’s “gift” of the ardeur, which means she basically has to “feed” off sex every few hours. No joke. To say this subject is complicated, if not perplexing, is putting it mildly. When Anita accepted Jean-Claude’s blood (3 times thus far, but she’s refused the 4th exchange which would grant her immortality), she did it out of love for him, but had no idea the ardeur would be a consequence of her commitment. Putting it crudely, but it is just that, if fed “properly” through means of sex (and now anger), Anita can battle down the ability to shift. If she doesn’t, Anita seduces anyone in her line of vision. I said crude, remember?

I could go on, endlessly, about all that I loathe about Anita Blake, but it would be unfair to Kiss the Dead. Believe it or not, I was on Chapter 18 and not one sex scene was yet described! I’m rather elated to say LKH does NOT give Anita a new, never-before-met, lover. Instead, we’re relegated to suffer the same cast of characters and they’re worthy of hair-pulling and exasperation alone. My beloved Jean-Claude is still at the “helm”, inasmuch as Anita allows his involvement (HATE this declining role), Asher is still as whiny as ever (but is actually being “disciplined” for this new level of whine), and Micah and Nathaniel are still on hand as Anita’s shadows. But Cynric, Anita’s blue tiger to call, is another disaster in the making. Aside from nearly draining Nicky the werelion aka, her own “Bride of Dracula”, Anita is dealing with Cynric, her 18 year old tiger (to Anita’s 30) and she basically can’t escape feeling creeped out by his presence in her bed. To be fair, it was Marmee Noir aka, the Mother of All Darkness’, fault that Cynric even made it to Anita’s bed, but if we’re going to start pointing fingers…It IS that confusing. This is not a stand-alone book.

This series is over-saturated with overlapping lovers, over-indulged lovers, jealous lovers, neglected lovers, etc…Given the controversy surrounding Anita Blake, could the downward spiral of this series have prompted Ms. Hamilton to give Anita pause? It sure seemed like it. Vacillating between keeping her badge and keeping her lovers safe is the core of this book. How can Anita continue to sleep with vampires and shifters and remain impartial in her duties as a Federal Marshall? A hostage situation involving several of her lovers brings that issue to a head. There has to be a conflict of interest at some point, right?

Ultimately, all the contemplation afforded Anita does little else but force the reader to accept, or not, that Anita’s lifestyle is unique and that she is under no obligation to explain why she thrives as such. Will Anita’s personal choices affect her professional reputation at the expense of her beloved badge one day? In praise to Anita, the police agencies lack the fortitude she delivers. Anita embraces her inner “monster” and dispenses justice according to the law; no matter who she loves. They’d be crazy to let her go.

I am disheartened by this series to say the least. Ms. Hamilton’s writing style is also showing signs of trouble. Several scenes described were followed by variations of the same description. This isn’t a YA audience, Ms. Hamilton; we got the picture the first time! There are authors who I follow and subscribe to their websites to keep informed of new developments. I’ve never done that for LKH and perhaps that’s what’s kept me so critical of her series? If I read more about characters’ nuances and the reasons behind their choices…maybe then I could offer a more neutral opinion? Problem is….I’m STILL not that interested.

Reviewed by Carmen

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Charmed by His Love by Janet Chapman

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Charmed by His Love by Janet Chapman

Charmed by His Love (release May 2012) is part of Janet Chapman’s Spellbound Falls series.  A mysterious, newly introduced hero. A young, fiercely protective; widowed mother of four. The combined magic of Pine Creek, Midnight Bay, and Spellbound Falls Maine.  The return of several beloved previous characters…all together in one novel–makes Charmed by his Love, one of the best this author has written.

Janet Chapman‘s pen (or keyboard) must be on fire. The latest three release’s can only be described as superb, and based upon the excerpt I read on the upcoming September installment; Courting Carolina….this streak is likely to continue. I have been a fan of this author for many many years, and although I love the early work–Michael MacBain (hero of book 3) being my long standing favorite male of this series–it seems Chapman only gets better with time. If I could talk to my beloved “father” Dar at this very moment…I would emphatically assure him that he most certainly did not make a mistake all those years ago, when he sent Greylen MacKeage forward in time…along with a few stowaways. 😉

There is not any ONE reason Ms. Chapman’s work speaks so profoundly to me, but a mixture of many. This author walks that precarious line between fantasy, and contemporary literature with a beautiful, formulatic blend that is sure to please all types of readers.  I do not typically tend to enjoy children characters mixed within my romances, yet this author is unrivaled in her ability to create vibrant, realistic, wonderful children–which tend to grow up into vibrant, realistic, wonderful hero’s and heroine’s; of their own journey–later in the storyarc.

What enamors me so much to this world Janet Chapman has created amongst our own, would actually be quite surprising to any who know me. This fantasy lover…immensely enjoys the REALNESS of these books.  The relationships, and yes, the intimate scenes contained within these novels themselves.  It is no secret how unrealistic the steamy sex scenes in romances can be, when compared to our own intimate experiences, however, this is not the case with this author.  The experience is 100% relatable, and authentic. Here is a novelist who is unafraid to breathe real life into her sex scenes, as well as showcasing flawed characters, who must earn the love of their destined mate.

Perhaps I am failing in my attempt to convey what I mean…so please do not misunderstand me. Take the serious trials, and tribulations of any couple you could find in reality…sprinkle in an ancient bloodline of Alpha Highlander warriors; forced to blend in with modern society–as well as a few other “special” males…and I promise there is no lack of the urge to fan yourself occasionally. I mean only to state that it is so refreshing to read a magical tale rubbing elbows with content that consists of what normal people, with real life relationships participate in.

Not only does this latest installment hold the heartpounding action, laughing out loud humor, and fast pace plotline fans expect of a Janet Chapman novel…but Duncan MacKeage is literally the fictional equivolent of my very own living, breathing husband.  His never give up, never say die work ethic.  The old world chivalry, amd mannerisms, the gruff exterior hiding the heart of pure gold–is so simliar to what I experience in my own marriage everyday…it is SCARY. 

I could not have enjoyed this book more, and have but one complaint. 299 pages to tell a story of this caliber, was not nearly long enough. Bravo Ms. Chapman, and I anxiously look forward to the next installment of the Spell Bound Falls trilogy, and pray that it will not be the last novel located within this majestic locale.

Reviewed by Miranda

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CHRONICLES OF NICK by Sherrilyn Kenyon-Graphic Art

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Chronicles of Nick by Sherrilyn Kenyon -Graphic Art

FROM SHERRILYN KENYON Facebook page-June 14, 2012

Sorry we are all being so quiet. Comic Con. Tour and DragonCon prep has us all running around like loons 🙂 But we are going to be unleashing a lot of really cool new things like the Nick graphic below. And I do have a scene to post that’s a tiny snippet. I’ll be sending it over to Carl, probably this weekend 🙂 Sorry for the radio silence. But hopefully we’ll be chatty again very, very soon. I’m working on really cool graphics for Simi and Ash, too. And one for Darling 🙂 Can’t wait to show everyone!

Hugs!

http://www.facebook.com/AuthorSherrilynKenyon

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Cover Reveals

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SOUL SCREAMERS Vol !! by Rachel Vincent




TITLE: Soul Screamers Vol !!

AUTHOR:  Rachel Vincent

RELEASE DATE:  December 2012



 

 

 

 

 

 

 


FORGET ME NOT by Shannon K Butcher




TITLE:  Forget Me Not (e-novella)

AUTHOR:  Shannon K Butcher

RELEASE DATE:  August 2012











 

 

EDGE OF SANITY by Shannon K Butcher

 

TITLE: Edge of Sanity

SERIES: The Edge Series

AUTHOR: Shannon K Butcher

RELEASE DATE:  December 2012

FROM the website:

The Edge, Book Three

The third novel in The Edge series now has an official cover! Here’s a closer look at it. We’ll add more about the book as we can, too! The release date for this novel is December 4, 2012.

“I NEED TO KNOW IF ANYONE WAS KILLED LAST NIGHT.”

In his years working for the private security firm The Edge, Clay Marshall has seen it all. But the recent blackouts he has been having are new. So is waking up with blood on his hands and clothes, with no memory of where the blood came from—or who he might have killed. He hates to admit it, but he needs help.

Dr. Leigh Vaughn has treated other Edge employees before, but from the moment she sees him for the first time, Clay strikes her as a special breed of man. She knows he’s dangerous and distrustful of doctors, but she is drawn to him even as his own steely exterior gives way to his growing desire for her.

Neither knows, however, that Clay is being used as a pawn in a larger experiment, and that his blackouts are only the first step toward a terrifying goal. And both Leigh and Clay will put themselves in harm’s way to stop an unseen enemy—and to save one another.

 


 

 

TITLE: After Moonrise

AUTHOR: PC Cast & Gena Showalter

RELEASE DATE: October 23, 2012



 

 

 

 

 

 

TITLE: Death, Doom and Detention

SERIES: Darklight

AUTHOR: Darynda Jones

RELEASE DATE: March 2013



 

 

 

 

TITLE: Finale

SERIES: Hush Hush

AUTHOR: Becca Fitzpatrick

RELEASE DATE: October 2012

 

 


 

 

 

 

TITLE: Fearless

SERIES: Elemental

AUTHOR: Brigid Kemmerer

RELEASE DATE: July 2012

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Cover Reveals/News – Gena Showalter, Margaret Mallory, Terry Goodkind

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Gena Showalter-Beauty Awakened

From Gena:

Gena Showalter
I’m diving back into the second Angels of the Dark book. For those that haven’t heard, the title is Beauty Awakened!

Showalter reported by Sandy

 

Margaret Mallory

TITLE:  THE WARRIOR

 

SERIES:  Book 3: THE RETURN OF THE HIGHLANDERS

 

AUTHOR:  by Margaret Mallory

 

RELEASE DATE: October 30, 2012

 


Description:

THE RETURN OF THE HIGHLANDERS: BOOK 3
Four fearless warriors return to the Highlands to claim their lands and legacies. But all their trials on the battlefield can’t prepare them for their greatest challenge yet: winning the hearts of four willful Scottish beauties.
STAR-CROSSED
From the Isle of Skye to the battlefields of France, Duncan MacDonald has never escaped the memory of the true love he left behind. Deemed unworthy of a chieftain’s daughter, Duncan abandoned the lovely Moira to prove his worth in battle. Now, when called upon to rescue her from a rival clan, one thing is certain: Moira’s pull on his heart is stronger than ever.
Bartered away in marriage to a violent man, Moira will do anything to ensure she and her son survive. When a rugged warrior arrives to save her, the desperate beauty thinks her prayers have been answered-until she realizes it’s Duncan. The man who once broke her heart is now her only hope. Moira vows never again to give herself—or reveal her secrets—to the fierce warrior, but as they race across the sea, danger and desire draw them ever closer.

Terry Goodkind
Terry has just revealed the name of the his upcoming novel.
THE FIRST CONFESSOR: The Legend of Magda Searus (available July-2, 2012)

Mallory & Goodkind reported by Miranda
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ELEMENTAL (Elemental 0.5) YA by Brigid Kemmerer- a review

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ELEMENTAL (Elemental 0.5) YA by Brigid Kemmerer

ELEMENTAL by Brigid Kemmerer

ELEMENTAL is the introductory storyline in Brigid Kemmerer’s YA Elemental series. Released in March 2012, Brigid brings the reader into a world of the powerful supernatural Elementals-Earth, Fire, Air and Water. The novella is a quick read, but provides just enough information that you know you will want to read what happens next.

17 year old Emily Morgan is an air Elemental, but at present her powers are limited. Hoping to earn enough money to move to New York and try her hand at Broadway (we all have dreams) she finds a job at the local sports complex where the daily grind is slow and tedious. Until the day that Michael Merrick walks through the front door.

Michael Merrick is a powerful earth Elemental, but hiding in plain sight is difficult when the Morgan family have targeted him for death. For years, the families have been at war, despising each other’s powers and capabilities, and some how dragging the children into their ongoing aggression and struggle for control. But the day his younger brothers were attacked, he knew that he had to learn to control his Power before the Guardians elected to end his life. And finding Emily Morgan at the sports complex only added another complication, when his only means to let off ‘steam’ was now hampered by the pretty little blonde who believes that Michael wants to end her life.

Emily and Michael’s relationship is further complicated when Emily reveals to her family that Michael frequents the sports complex where she works. But the animosity between the families escalates when her brother Tyler will use any means necessary to end the life of Michael Merrick all in the name of protecting his family and his sister. When Emily finds Michael on the defensive against a group of Elementals, including her brother, Emily knows there is only one thing she can do and saving Michael is her only priority.

ELEMENTAL is a wonderful and well-written introduction to Brigid’s young adult Elemental series. I am looking forward to reading this series. My only concern is that Brigid steer clear of the usual teen angst and ‘whoa is me’ attitudes that some YA authors feel is necessary throughout their storylines and series. Here’s to a great new YA series that will surely keep the reader involved

READING ORDER
1. Elemental  e-novella (March 2012)
2. Storm (April 2012) 
3. Fearless e-novella (July 31, 2012)
4. Spark (August 2012)
5. Spirit (May 2013)

Reviewed by Sandy

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Donya Lynne-Interview and Giveaway with the Author

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Donya Lynne-Interview and Giveaway with the Author

Donya Lynne-BIO

LINKS:
Facebook
Websites

Donya resides in Indianapolis, Indiana, with her husband and a small zoo of cats and dogs. In fact, her writing buddy, Lucky, serves as her writing assistant most days, staying right by her side and distracting Donya with her adorable-ness when needed. Because, hey, every author needs a distraction once in a while.
As a little girl, Donya always had a book in her hand. As she got older, the books became pens and notebooks, which she filled with stories and poetry. For as long as she remembers, she has been writing and studying the writing craft with the goal of being published one day. She is passionate about providing readers with what she calls an experience. She wants readers to be able to sink into her stories and escape reality for just a little while, and every word is written, and every sentence structured, with that goal in mind.

Donya loves music and often finds inspiration for her stories in the wide range of music she listens to. But occasionally it’s a movie, a book, or just a drive around town that inspires her work. She constantly reads new material, new authors, and different styles of writing as a means to improve her own, and believes the writing process is one an author should always strive to perfect, even though perfecting it is an impossible feat. It’s the thrill of the chase and the challenge that keeps her from getting stagnant in her own work.

She has several projects planned and in progress, including eight more novels and two novellas in the All the King’s Men series, as well as several stand-alone novels, another series, and several short stories and novellas. She would love to share her journey with you in this exciting venture.

INTERVIEW with Donya Lynne

TRC: Hi Donya and welcome to The Reading Café. We would like to start with some background information.

Donya: When I was younger, I thought I was going to grow up to be an engineer. In 7th grade, I took one of those aptitude tests and I tested in the 97th percentile in structural thinking. Basically, what that means is that I can see something now, and envision what it will be or look like after it’s gone through a series of changes, which is ideal for engineering. However, my senior year I was failing Calculus, so I figured if I couldn’t do Calculus, I couldn’t be an engineer, so I dropped the class and searched for another career choice. Turns out I aced Calculus in college, so go figure.

Anyhoo, I excelled in English and writing, even at a young age, and I won my first writing contest in fourth grade. My prize was a pack of Hubba Bubba bubble gum. Woo-hoo! I was on my way, and I continued to write stories and poetry all through school. I also enjoyed artistic endeavors and won first place in an art contest for the International Sports Festival my Freshman year in high school. I was also a clarinetist and saxophonist, and participated in every kind of musical endeavor I could fit into my schedule.

If my parents had been paying attention, they would have identified early on that I wasn’t cut out for academic pursuits and would have steered me toward a more artistic career path. As it stands, my dad engrained the idea in my head that writing, music, dance, and art were only hobbies, while my future lay in science and math. At least I figured out how wrong this statement was for me late rather than never.

TRC: Would you please tell us something about yourself?

Donya: I grew up in Indiana, and after living briefly in Wisconsin and Florida, I’m back home. I love Indiana, because we get 3 months of each season here. It’s great! LOL. In Wisconsin, it was cold all the time, and in Florida we never got snow. Indiana is like the baby bear’s porridge: Just right. Other than that, I love music and going to movies by myself. In fact, I enjoy doing almost everything by myself. I’m very independent and have a short fuse with nagging, hovering, needy types.

TRC: Have you always had an interest in writing?

Donya: Yes. Always. I can remember being four years old and making my older brother bring home extra reading and writing homework worksheets for me. I started writing poetry by the age of five, and my first poem was:

Together we can conquer the unconquerable.

Tall buildings, skyscrapers, and mountains will fall to our mercy.

But why destroy such beauty?

As long as we have each other, that is all that matters.

TRC: Who or what inspired you to write your first book?

Donya: Duran Duran inspired me to write my early stories, but I can’t really count those as books. However, after seeing The Lord of the Rings, The Two Towers, I was compelled to write a story about immortals. Legolas fascinated me, and a story began to percolate in my mind until I was completely obsessed with writing it. I have put this project on hold for the time being, because I am not ready to write it, yet. It is a complicated story, using writing conventions I need to master more thoroughly before attempting to put it out to the public, but when that book is written, it will be the first of another series. I don’t want to say anything more about it, because the idea is unique and unlike anything out there right now. I don’t want anyone stealing my idea. My hope is to pull that story out again sometime next year and have it published by 2014, just as the AKM series is beginning to wind down.

TRC: Duran Duran!! Hungry Like the Wolf-brings back a few memories 😉

TRC: What were the challenges you faced getting your first book to publication?

Donya: Learning all the intricacies of the self-publishing world, as well as making the decision between using a publisher and self-publishing. There’s a lot to learn and it can be daunting for a new author, but now I’m getting more comfortable with it.

TRC: RISE OF THE FALLEN is the first book in your All the King’s Men paranormal series. Would you please tell us about the premise of this book? Click HERE for our review

Donya: Rise of the Fallen is the story of Micah Black as he deals with the loss of his second mate and struggles to find his way back from the belly of Hell, thanks to the assistance of a feisty blonde named Samantha Garrett. But her saving him comes with a price, and Micah’s enemies are soon after both him and Samantha. If Micah can’t keep her safe, it will be his end, because he won’t be able to survive if he loses her after all else he’s been through.

TRC: You have introduced a cast of characters each with a story to tell. How many books do you have planned for the series?

Donya:  Right now, I have at least ten full novels planned for this series, as well as two novellas and a prequel. Micah’s story is a huge part of ALL the books, by the way. The entire series shows an undercurrent of his evolution, and when the prequel comes out (hopefully next year), his story will make even more sense.

TRC: HEART OF THE WARRIOR is your second novel in the AKM series. Would you please tell us something about the premise? Click HERE for our review

Donya: Heart of the Warrior took a turn from the dark nature of Rise of the Fallen. In HOTW, we’re dealing with two male vampires who are struggling with their attraction to one another. One, Severin, is openly gay. He doesn’t advertise it, but he doesn’t hide it, either. Still, Severin has other secrets he is terrified of being discovered. Arion, on the other hand, has lived his life of lies so well, he doesn’t even understand that he’s gay until he and Severin have an “encounter” one night in Arion’s kitchen. After that, Arion begins to question just how heterosexual he really is – or isn’t, as the case may be, and quickly realizes he’s lived the life his homophobic parents had plotted for him instead of what he wanted for himself. As Arion wrestles with his feelings for Sev and the fear of how his parents and best friend, Io, will react to his newfound homosexuality, Severin struggles to cope with being Arion’s “little secret” while keeping secrets of his own. These two are powerfully charismatic and full of emotional upheaval, and I’ve had a few readers already tell me they cried while reading Heart of the Warrior.

TRC: Your novels have a mix of heterosexual, bisexual and homosexual relationships, as well as some BDSM. Do you find anything particularly challenging about writing these storylines?

Donya: Not really, but when it comes to the BDSM portions, I want to ensure I’m representing the BDSM lifestyle as accurately as possible within the context of my novel. Consequently, I have done a TON of research and own several books on the subject.

TRC: With the popularity of novels like the Fifty Shades of Grey series and the media focus on the BDSM aspect of the storyline, have you considered how far you will take that particular outline in your novels?

Donya: I want to take it further than it was taken in Fifty Shades. Since I’ve always planned for BDSM to play a significant role in this series, I was glad to see that the public was ready to accept and embrace this lifestyle in the books they read. That much became obvious when Fifty came out and shot to the top. Even so, I’m still concerned readers won’t be ready for what my novels will show them. I think Fifty was pretty tame compared to some of the things I’ve got planned. But when I’ve got a character who is known in the community as a master dom, I can’t just show him spanking people. He has to know what he’s doing with it all. And Micah has a couple of specialties Fifty won’t touch. One of which is fire play and the other talent is one we see in Micah’s Calling, the first novella of the series. Since I’m not sure of the age rating of this blog, I won’t give the name of this talent since it’s profane. Let’s just say he’s excellent with screwing around with his subs’ minds. Micah also enjoys knife play and cutting, but only with willing subs.

TRC: Many authors bounce ideas and information with family, friends, and other authors. With whom do you bounce ideas?

Donya: Never family. They won’t give honest feedback and also don’t read the kinds of books I write, and I need honesty and familiarity with the subject matter. I have a couple of author friends and a few beta readers I have “trained” to be honest with me. I say trained, because people are so scared to give negative feedback for fear of hurting my feelings, but now that these people have been with me long enough and have seen that I don’t get upset or angry with them for negative feedback, they give it more willingly now.

TRC: On what are you currently working?

Donya: I’m working on edits for Micah’s Calling, the first novella in the series. This novella falls in the time between Rise of the Fallen and Heart of the Warrior. The story in MC simply didn’t fit in Rise of the Fallen and would not have made sense in the context of that novel, so it had to be given its own book. This novella will answer a lot of questions and give readers a deeper glimpse of Micah, Sam, and Traceon.

I’m also working on a short story for a winter anthology, as well as on Royal Obsession, book 3 of AKM. Lastly, I’ve got a holiday story called The Christmas Pendant I hope will be ready by the end of November.

And here’s the funny part, book 6 of AKM is talking up a storm to me. The character for book 6, who won’t even be introduced until book 4, is soooo eager for his book that he will not pipe down in my thoughts. LOL.

TRC: Would you like to add anything else?

Donya: Just that I look forward to sharing my journey, as well as the journeys of each of my characters, with your followers.

LIGHTNING ROUND

Favorite Food

Today, my favorite food is bacon. It could be something different tomorrow

Favorite Dessert

Chocolate

Favorite TV Show

The old La Femme Nikita that was on the USA network back in the early 2000s. The one that starred Peta Wilson and Roy Dupuis. Favorite show of all time, hands down.

Favorite Movie

Blade Runner, but as with my favorite food, ask me tomorrow and you might get a different answer. Notable other movies are: Memoirs of a Geisha, Under the Tuscan Sun, Star Wars, Witness, the Bourne movies, and Erin Brockovich.

Last Movie that you Saw

The Vow

Last Vacation Destination

My mind

Do you have any pets?

I have four cats and two dogs. In fact, my cat, Lucky, is my writing buddy, and you can find a slew of pics of her on my Facebook page.

TRC: Thank you Donya for taking the time to answer our questions. We wish you all the best with the AKM series. We are looking forward to Micah’s Calling.

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

Donya is offering one lucky member of The  Reading Cafe an ecopy of either RISE OF THE FALLEN or HEART OF THE WARRIOR.  To be eligible:

1.  You must be a member of The Reading Cafe.  If you are not a member, please register using the log-in at the top or with one of the social log-ins.

2.  Contest runs from June 14-June 17, 2012

3.  Contest is open-INTERNATIONALLY

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HEART OF THE WARRIOR (AKM 2) by Donya Lynne-a new release review

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HEART OF THE WARRIOR (AKM 2) by Donya Lynne-a new release review

HEART OF THE WARRIOR (AKM 2) by Donya Lynne

HEART OF THE WARRIOR is the second novel (released May 25, 2012) in Donya Lynne’s All The King’s Men paranormal vampire series. This particular storyline features a M/M relationship between two AKM warriors Severin and Arion. Sev has known that Ari would one day be his mate, but it will be Ari’s need for acceptance by his family that will force the newly mated couple into a world that neither one expected. Contains some BDSM, M/M scenes.  Adult content.

Sev and Ari’s relationship turned personal between the pages of Donya’s Rise of the Fallen. There is an attraction between Ari and Sev that is hard to deny. But the author has added a twist when a vampire finds his mate he will enter the CALLING-a need so great, that separation and rejection is both physically and emotionally painful. And over the course of the new-found bonding, separation is inevitable when one warrior is too frightened to come out or acknowledge his feelings in public.

Sev’s relationship with his mother is close. As a single parent raising a hybrid vampire Sev’a mother has known pain and sorrow. And it is the story of his conception that has hurt Sev the most, knowing how his mother has suffered at the hands of an attacking vampire. But Sev has a secret that he and his mother share and one that could ultimately end his career. As a vampire/dreck hybrid Sev knows that if his true heritage were revealed rejection from the force would be the least of his worries. Finally finding a mate and losing him to the knowledge that he was not willing to admit the truth about himself will cause both men to enter the SUFFERING and the pain will be shared by everyone-involved.

Arion’s family is connected, but their prejudices and bigotry have always been difficult for Ari. Although he tried to enjoy the pleasures of women, he was never willing to admit that he felt nothing. And there was also his best friend Io, who held to the same beliefs and bigotries as his parents. Knowing that his relationship with Sev could mean the end to all that he has known was something that Ari needed to consider before admitting that Sev was his mate.

But Sev’s past will soon catch up. Lakota Bannon-his father wants a reunion with both he and his mother. And as a former agent for the Department of Vampire Dreck Affairs, Severin was involved in an undercover operation that ended fatally for Sev’s former lover. And to complicated matters, Gabriel’s sister Gina has made it her mission to see that all the agents involved would die just like her brother. The drecks are trafficking cobalt, making addicts of the rich and famous vampires, and two of Sev and Ari’s fellow warriors will find themselves facing more than an angry vampire or two.

Heart of the Warrior and the author Donya Lynne will focus on many of the different aspects of a same sex relationship. Donya treats the relationship with respect and the sexual encounters are romantic, loving and hot. Like many same sex couples, Sev and Ari will face rejection from friends and family, but in the end, the love and support from others, will be the ultimate show of approval and acceptance. There are many moments that will cause a tear or two to fall, some will require a tissue and others will make you think-what if?? Heart of the Warrior is a romantic story about two people who will overcome the odds and find love, when so many others have not.

REMINDER: Donya is offering ONE e-copy of either RISE OF THE FALLEN or HEART OF THE WARRIOR to one eligible Reading Cafe member.

Reviewed by Sandy

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