Monthly Archives: July 2012

Dirk & Steele by Marjorie M.Liu – a Synopsis

Posted on by
6

Dirk & Steele by Marjorie M.Liu – a Synopsis

Tiger Eye- book 1
Release Date: March 2005

Long ago they roamed the earth — dragons, tigers . . . shapeshifters — men who wore the forms of beasts. Their world was magic. Now it is gone. But some remain . . .

He looks out of place in Dela Reese’s Beijing hotel room— exotic and poignant, some mythic, tragic hero of an epic tale. With his feline yellow eyes, he’s like nothing from her world. Yet Dela has danced through the echo of his soul and knows this warrior will obey her every command.

Hari has been used and abused for millennia. But he sees, upon his release from the riddle box, that this new mistress is different. There is a hidden power in Dela’s eyes—and with her, he may regain all that was lost to him. Where once he savaged, now he must protect; where before he knew only hatred, now he must embrace love. Dela is the key.

For Dela, he will risk all.

Shadow Touch- book 2
Release Date: February 2006  

Elena Baxter can work miracles with her fingers. She can coax bones to knit, flesh to heal. She can mend the mind and spirit.

That is why she is taken.

Artur Loginov joined Dirk & Steele, an international detective agency that specializes in the impossible, to help extraordinary souls in need—and to keep their secrets safe. For Artur himself is not like ordinary men—handsome, powerful, and tormented, he is able to do wondrous things with nothing but a thought and a touch. That is why he, too, is taken . . .

Drawn together into the darkness, Elena and Artur find themselves caged and cornered, joined in a desperate fight for their lives. But they will find strength where they never expected it: in a passionate look, in a tender kiss, in a heart-soaring, breathtaking.

The Red Heart of Jade – book 3
Release Date: July 2006  

Beneath passion and purifying fire is . . . The Red Heart of Jade

Dean Campbell can see and sense things that others cannot—an extraordinary ability that drew the ex-cop to the Dirk & Steele Detective Agency, a global association of more-than-human men and women. Dean and his peers—shapeshifters, psychics, and other paranormals—are dedicated to protecting life. But there are those who live for destruction.

Now Dean’s investigation into a series of unthinkable killings is calling him to Taipei, where a pattern is emerging that is more deadly than anything he could have foreseen. At the center is a power that could change the world . . . and the woman who can truly complete him: Mirabelle Lee, the girl Dean loved in his youth, the childhood sweetheart he once believed dead. Now that his heart has been reawakened, he will not lose her again—even as the forces of an immortal evil gather to destroy them and everything they love.


A Dream of Stone and Shadows – book 4
Release Date – September 2006 – part of anthology Dark Dreamers
Re-released March, 2012 as standalone ebook

There are those who do terrible things in this world, and those who simply watch. Charlie would do neither. Imprisoned, his only release is through his own destruction—or through Aggie Durand. Sweet as a kiss or a rescued child, she is the one dream he does not dare desire. As an agent of Dirk & Steele, she could be his salvation. Today, Charlie’s dream is waking.
(See Sandy’s full review below)

Book 5 – Eye of Heaven- book 5
Release Date: December 2006  

Like every member of the Dirk & Steele Agency, Blue Perrineau is far from “normal”—and he believes in the organization’s creed: Protect the innocent in secrecy. Now an obligation to the family that rejected him is leading Blue into the light and shadow of Sin City . . . and to a remarkable woman, beautiful, desirable, and untamed.

Iris is a headliner in Vegas, dazzling crowds with her feral sensuality and her uncanny affinity for dangerous beasts. But there is a darkness in her world that she never knew existed, and a champion has appeared to protect her—a man charged with electricity, who guards a secret as strange and powerful as her own. And every secret is a liability when darkest evil exists that follows no rule under heaven. Yet with passion and love sustaining them, together Blue and Iris might yet live to see the dawn.

Soul Song- book 6
Release Date: July 2007  

Against her will, Kitala Bell foresees the future.  But only deaths, and only violent.

Kitala’s own future is in peril.  From the ocean’s depths rises an impossible blend of fantasy and danger, a creature whose voice is seduction incarnate, whose song can manipulate lives the way that Kitala herself manipulates the strings of her violin…even to the point of breaking.  He is a prince of the sea, an enigma-a captive stretched to the limit of his endurance by a woman intent on using him for the purest evil. And when survival requires he and Kitala form a closer partnership than either has ever known, the price of their bond will threaten not just their lives but the essence of their very souls.

The Last Twilight – book 7
Release Date: January 2008  

Duty called Dr. Rikki Kinn to the Congo. One of the world’s top virus hunters working for the CDC, she is on a mission to investigate a deadly new plague. But there are those determined to stop her—at any price.

Shape-shifter Amiri was born in this land of untamed splendor. Here he woke with the sun and raced as the cheetah . . . until he was kidnapped and subjected to terrible experiments by the evil Consortium. Now his colleagues and brothers in Dirk & Steele want him to return to Africa to face his nightmares. For a good woman has been targeted for death—a beautiful healer who holds the fate of millions in her hands, whose destiny is intertwined with his—and whose need leaves Amiri vulnerable, threatening his heart, his passion . . . and his soul.

The Wild Road- book 8
Release Date: August 2008

Those who look upon Lannes Hannelore see only an exceptionally handsome man. But his beauty is a prison, locking the dark truth inside his tormented soul. For Lannes is one of a dying race of remarkable creatures, hiding in plain sight among earth’s human masters. His existence is solitary and sad—until the night he encounters a young woman on a deserted street, desperate, frightened, with no memory . . . and covered in blood.

She has no recollection of who she is or what she’s done—and now she must trust a mysterious stranger whose imposing presence masks a gentle heart. Her need draws Lannes into a mystery that will cause him to confront his worst fears and question everything he believes—and compel him to risk his secrets for the one woman who might well be the love of his life . . . or the destruction of it.

The Fire King- book 9
Release Date: August 2009  

Long ago, shape-shifters reigned as gods. But even gods have laws that they break at their own peril . . .

Each member of Dirk & Steele has a unique ability. Soria’s is the gift of communication—which is why she’s been chosen to learn the language of a tormented warrior resurrected after thousands of years of icy sleep.

He is Karr, and once he was a king. Strong as a lion, quick and deadly as a serpent, he saw everything he loved consumed in flames. Death was to be his salvation, but thousands of years later he has been awakened against his will. Now a breathtaking human moves him in ways he neither understands nor desires. But Soria can see beyond his rage . . . and only she can speak the words that will cool the destructive fury in his soul.

Words of love.
In the Dark of Dreams- book 10
Release Date: November, 2010  

She could never forget the boy with the ice blue eyes . . .

She was only twelve when she saw the silver boy on the beach, but Jenny has never stopped dreaming about him. Now she is grown, a marine biologist charting her own course in the family business—a corporation that covertly crosses the boundaries of science into realms of the unknown…and the incredible.

And now he has found her again, her silver boy grown into a man: Perrin, powerful and masculine, and so much more than human—leaving Jenny weak with desire and aching for his touch.

But with their reunion comes mortal danger—from malevolent forces who would alter the world to suit their own dark ends.  For Perrin and Jenny—and all living creatures— their only hope for preventing the unthinkable lies in a mysterious empire far beneath the sea—and in the power of their dreams
Within the Flames- book 11
Release Date: November, 2011

Joining the Dirk & Steele Agency turned Eddie’s life around. A pyrokinetic and former car thief, he cannot refuse an assignment to cross the continent in order to rescue an extraordinary woman in peril . . . even though he fears losing control of the destructive power of flame at his fingertips.

The last of her shape-shifting kind, Lyssa hides in the abandoned tunnels beneath Manhattan, seeking refuge from those who murdered her family a decade ago and would now destroy her as well. Like Eddie, fire is her weapon, her destiny . . . and her curse. Yet she wants nothing to do with this mesmerizing stranger who seeks her trust while enflaming her passion. For beneath Lyssa’s extraordinary beauty are dangerous secrets . .  and even darker, nearly irresistible urges. But she has won the heart of a fearless protector . . . and all the demons in the world will not make him back down.
(See Miranda’s full review tomorrow)

Share

A Dream of Stone and Shadow (Dirk and Steele #4) by Marjorie M. Liu

Posted on by
7

A Dream of Stone and Shadow (Dirk and Steele #4) by Marjorie Liu

A DREAM OF STONE AND SHADOW (Dirk and Steele #4 e-novella) by Marjorie M. Liu

LINKS TO ORDER:
Amazon Kindle
KOBO
B&N Nook

A DREAM OF STONE AND SHADOW was originally released in the anthology Dark Dreamers with Christine Feehan’s Dark Dream, but has been re-released (March 2012) as an e-novella by Marjorie Liu as a separate book in the Dirk and Steele series. For those that do not know about the series, Dirk and Steele is an agency of paranormal investigators and detectives with special abilities including shape shifting and psychics. A Dream of Stone and Shadow features Aggie Durand, a clairvoyant, who has the ability to see the future, only she views many different scenarios and outcomes based on a shift in probabilities.

Aggie is on assignment investigating a missing child, when all ties lead back to a kiddie porn ring. But Aggie has help in the way of a beautiful voice who directs her to a young girl who has been abducted by a group of sexual predators. Only this disembodied voice seems to know exactly what Aggie is missing in her life. Not only he is able to communicate psychically, but he is able to touch her body and make her feel alive from over 3000 miles away.

Charlie is a gargoyle who, along with his two brothers, has been trapped and imprisoned by a powerful witch who seems to take pleasure in torturing his all too human body of flesh and blood. And when the pain and torture become too much death is the ultimate goal- Charlie’s mind disengages and seeks refuge elsewhere. But on one of his many journeys, Charlie discovers a frightened young girl who is the victim of sexual abuse. Only Charlie has no way to help. As a disembodied spirit, he is unable to physically aid the young girl, but his presence soothes the child. But Charlie soon finds a receptive psychic in Aggie Durand and along with her partners at Dirk and Steele, they uncover a kiddie porn ring run by a mother and her son.

Charlie and Aggie’s relationship becomes physical when Charlie is able to ‘touch’ Aggie in ways she has not been touched in a long time. In order to ‘touch’ Aggie, Charlie must make sacrifices that cost him his life over and over, but it will be Aggie’s ultimate sacrifice that will save Charlie and his brothers.

 

A DREAM OF STONE AND SHADOW is a short story approximately 8 chapters in length. It is a quick read with the usual Dirk and Steele cast of characters, as well as a few gargoyles thrown into the mix. A great storyline and another wonderful addition to Marjorie’s D&S series. But for those fans of Christine Feehan, you can also find the storyline in Dark Dreamers.

Reviewed by Sandy

Share

An Interview with Kaye Thornbrugh

Posted on by
9

An Interview with Kaye Thornbrugh

The Reading Cafe would like to welcome first time novelist, Kaye Thornbrugh. Before we start the Interview, here is a short biography about Kaye.


As a child, Kaye Thornbrugh wanted to be an Egyptologist—but when her fear of ancient Egyptian curses got the better of her, she turned to storytelling instead. An unrepentant nerd, she still plays an N64, and could probably teach a whole class about Pokémon. She worries about the zombie apocalypse every day, she firmly believes that librarians are the noblest people in the world, and she considers Dr Pepper to be the elixir of life. Kaye is currently a 19-year-old journalism major, managing editor of the NIC Sentinel, and author of Flicker.

.Interview:
Hi Kaye.  Thank you for taking the time to answer some questions today.  We are always looking forward to reading about the author behind the book.

TRC: Will you please tell us about yourself?

Kaye: Hello! Thanks for having me! In addition to being an author, I’m currently a journalism major and the managing editor of my college newspaper. I’m an unrepentant geek, I’m obsessed with unicorns, and I firmly believe that Dr Pepper is the elixir of life.

TRC: Many new authors have gone years before publishing their first novel.  You have decided to use INDIE publishing.  What was your decision to self-publish your novel?

Kaye: Self-publishing is both easy and fast. The indie route has allowed me to establish myself as an author and get Flicker out there where readers can find it almost immediately; traditional publishing would’ve taken a year at least, and that’s after securing an agent and a publisher.  

While being a self-published author comes with its own set of challengers—I have to be my own PR person, for example—it’s worth it, because I have ultimate control over what happens with my book. Traditionally-published authors have almost no say in what goes on the covers of their books, for example, but as an indie author, it’s my choice that counts, and that means a lot.

Readers and reviewers have been incredibly warm and accommodating to me and to my little book, which has only further confirmed that, for me, going indie was a good choice!

TRC: You are currently a journalism major in college.  Do you believe that your interest in writing is a direct result of your choice in major or vice versa?

Kaye: My interest in journalism was sparked when I was recruited for my high school’s newspaper when I was a sophomore. I was already writing at that time (in fact, I was working on the first draft that would eventually become Flicker), and writing for my school paper really helped me improve. I fell in love with journalism, and now I’m the managing editor my college paper! 

I prefer to write features—human interest stories—because, while I’m still being 100 percent accurate in my reporting, I have more room to be creative in my descriptions. Writing features also means that I get to attend exciting events, and meet interesting people. In the last year, I’ve covered events with human rights activists and Peabody Award winners, and had in-depth interviews with incredible students on my campus, like a group of student veterans and a young woman who spent months volunteering in Nepali orphanages. I even got to attend the concert of a Grammy-winning artist—for free. And those are just some of the cool things I’ve gotten to do as a reporter. See? Being in the press has its advantages!

TRC: What were some of the challenges (research, logistics etc) in bringing your book to life? 

Kaye: After I made the decision to go with indie publishing, the rest all sort of fell into place without much difficulty. That’s part of the beauty of indie publishing, in my view—with a little know-how, anybody can do it, which makes publishing so accessible! The biggest challenge was creating the perfect cover. I went through one major redesign after the book was published, but I’m extremely satisfied with the current cover.

TRC: Would you please tell us the premise behind your first novel… FLICKER?

Kaye: FLICKER is the story of Lee Capren, a sixteen-year-old artist, whose life changes forever when she’s spirited away to Faerie to serve as a portrait artist to capricious fey. A chance encounter with the charming Nasser grants Lee a chance for freedom—but what felt like mere days in Faerie spanned years in the human world, and Lee no longer has a home to return to. Now Lee must master her newfound magical talent, and outwit a cunning faerie determined to destroy her.

TRC: How many books do you have planned around Lee Capren and her adventures?

Kaye: I’ve planned for two more books in the Flicker series, but I do have a few ideas for books beyond the main trilogy, so you never know! 

TRC: What are you currently working on?

Kaye: I’m working on the sequel to Flicker, titled Brightly, which I’m planning to release this winter.  The story picks up the summer after Flicker left off. Lee and the rest of the gang are mostly settled into their normal lives (well, normal for them, anyway) when three mysterious strangers arrive with a bombshell of information that could change all their lives—and a dangerous proposition that Lee and her friends can’t refuse. 

TRC: Do you have a specific writing style?

Kaye: Depending on what I’m working on, the “voice” of my writing can change a lot. For example, stories set in the Flicker universe, my short stories (which tend to be pretty experimental), my two YA contemporary works-in-progress all sound totally different—but no matter the voice I’m writing in, imagery is important to me. I strive to paint as rich and atmospheric an image as possible, and I take a lot of time to craft these descriptions

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

Kaye: For the most part, my ideas actually just bounce around inside my own brain. When I’m plotting a story or fleshing out an idea, I do it almost exclusively “in house.” I can spend days silently working through a plot problem; I usually hammer through issues by writing them out.

TRC: What books, authors or people in your life have influenced your writing?

Kaye: I credit Valiant by Holly Black as my biggest influence. When I first read it at age fourteen, it was unlike anything I’d ever read before, and it completely opened my eyes to urban fantasy. If it weren’t for Valiant, I doubt I would’ve written Flicker. Some of my other influences include the late, great Ray Bradbury—The Halloween Tree and The Martian Chronicles aren’t so much composed of words as they are made up of jewels that happen to rest on a page. The Last Unicorn (both the novel and the movie) has been important to me for as long as I can remember. Also, the films of Hayao Miyazaki have had a tremendous impact on me as a person, and on my own work. 

TRC: Would you like to add anything else?

Kaye: I think that about covers it, actually! 

LIGHTNING ROUND

Favorite Food:  Macaroni and cheese. If I could eat it exclusively without dying of malnutrition, I would.

Favorite Dessert: Ummm… all of them!

Favorite Author: Holly Black—with Ray Bradbury, Peter S. Beagle, Sylvia Plath and John Green all tying for a very close second place!

Favorite Novel: That’s a three-way tie between Valiant by Holly Black, The Halloween Tree by Ray Bradbury and The Last Unicorn by Peter S. Beagle. 

Favorite Movie: Spirited Away. As I said earlier, I’ve been a lover of Studio Ghibli for most of my life, and the films of Hayao Miyazaki have always inspired me.

Favorite TV Show: I can’t choose! It’s a four-way tie between Happy Endings, Firefly, Stargate: Universe and Avatar: The Last Airbender.

Last Movie that you saw: I just saw Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter, and I loved it to pieces. Abe Lincoln is one of my big historical crushes (to give you an idea, I also have a soft spot for Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton), and watching him destroy vampires was pretty much a dream come true. The movie had all the action and gore I was hoping for—and it was artistic gore to boot, which made it even better!

TRC: Thank you Kaye, for answering our questions. The Reading Café wishes you the best of luck with your writing career.  Keep us informed about any new books or series that you have planned.

Kaye: Thank you for having me!

If you would like to learn more about Kaye, you can visit her on the following sites:
Website:
Twitter:
Goodreads:

Share

Flicker by Kaye Thornbrugh – a Review

Posted on by
7

Flicker by Kaye Thornbrugh – a Review

Flicker by Kaye Thornbrugh is her debut novel, which is considered YA Urban Fantasy. 

Book Description:
When sixteen-year-old artist Lee Capren is spirited away to Faerie and forced to serve capricious faeries as a prized portrait artist… and live as their prisoner.

With the help of Nasser, a charming Seer with magical powers, Lee escapes to a sprawling city where supernatural creatures walk hidden among humans—but what felt like days in Faerie spanned years back home, and Lee’s old life is utterly gone.

Joining a rag-tag group of teenage Seers and beguiling creatures, Lee discovers powers she never knew she had—and feelings for Nasser she never imagined she could feel after all she’s lost. But when a mysterious and cunning faery threatens all their lives, she learns just how far she’ll go to save those she cares about: through the city’s supernatural underworld, and into another world entirely.

Review:
We meet the heroine of the book right from the start.  Lee Capren is a 16 year old girl, who loves to draw, and does not socialize much, and even alienates her one friend.  Lee takes a walk into the woods after her argument with her friend, and her mother.  She steps into an unseen realm of the fey.

Filo Shine and Nasser meet up, while Nasser is looking for his brother, Jason.  Once close friends, Nasser and Filo only talk when necessary.  But Nasser needed to find Jason, and asked Filo for help.   Later Nasser steps into the Fey realm to look for his brother.  Nasser, being a seer, has enough magic to prevent the Fey from reaching out to him.  It is there, that Nasser sees the beautiful young girl, totally out of it, drawing all kinds of designs.  Something about the girl attracts Nasser.  He tries to take the girl away, as he knows she is human.  But Byrony, a drayad, stops him, but a deal is made to allow Nasser to take the girl.  Something that will come back to haunt them later on.

When Lee is taken by Nasser to stay temporarily with Filo, to keep her safe, she doesn’t understand why she can’t go home.  She finds out, though it takes her time to believe it, that in what she thinks is only a short time, perhaps an hour or two has passed, Lee discovers 7 years have passed.  Fey time moves faster then the human world.

I have to admit, in the beginning of this book, the story went back and forth between first Lee, then to Filo, then to Nasser, and I found it somewhat confusing.  It really wasn’t until all of them came together, that I found the story to start get interesting. 

I found myself liking Lee a lot.  Wheras, Filo and Nasser had the sight and magic, Lee did not. But she did have some ability for magic, as seen in her drawings.  Filo, though not happy that Lee was there early on, gives her books to read on learning how to use magic.   

Kaye Thornbrug creates a different world, with faeries and the creatures that they are.  But what I find very well done, is the characters that she has created.  They are mostly likable, developed characters.  I enjoyed Lee; Filo at first was annoying, but he got better; Nasser was a nice guy from the start, and you knew he and Lee would be a pair, keep in mind, in the first book at least, there is no romance at all; Jason was a nice guy, who also did not have the sight, but like Lee, he had some magic and his talent was music; then there was Alice, who grew up with the three guys, and also left Filo, like Nasser and Jason.   I really like Alice, and she has potential to be a great character.  Alice has magic, and the sight, as much as Filo and Nasser.   Very good characters that you end up caring about by Thornbrug.

We get to see some of the Faerie world, as they play a huge part of the story, but more so in the eyes of the 5 above and Byrony, the dryad, who is out to get them.  We also get to see two faeries (Morgan and Neman), that own Filo, and how they have taken care of him all his life.  We see their cruel, and at times (not often) nice side, and their treatment of Filo & humans.  We also get a nice look at Umbriel, the faerie prince, who kept Lee for 7 years (or 1 hour in her mind), as a pet, but he was at least nice, and very handsome. 

The last third of the book was very well done, adventure, action, and an exciting climax.  Lee was my favorite character, and I would like to see how she matures in future books, and I also would like to see more of Alice, not to mention Filo, Nasser and Jason.  They made a nice team.  Kaye Thornbrugh did a good job with this world building, and her characters.  I did feel the book was slow and somewhat confusing early, switching back and forth.  But once the team came together, it turned out to be a good book. 

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Author

Share

Marious’ Story by M.A. Abraham – Cover Reveal-Pre-Release Giveaway

Posted on by
33

Marious’ Story by M.A. Abraham – Cover Reveal-Pre-Release Giveaway

Marious’ Story will be released on August 6, 2012.  This is the second novel of M.A. Abraham‘s The Elven Chronicles series.  Below is an excerpt from the book, as well as the details of the special promotion Giveaway being graciously offered by M.A. Abraham!

Excerpt:

“Now that,” Marious spoke as he walked through the door and tossed a wide smile at the entire assembly before him.  “I was willing to place bets on.  I have brought you a small basket of strawberries and honey-laced cream to go with them.  If I had had any idea there were this many here I would have brought more.  No matter, these are all for you.  Along with a little surprise to set off your day.”  With a bow Marious held out a basket filled to the brim with beautiful ripe, red strawberries, covered with a cloth.

Tamarak set down her flowers as she took the basket and sat on a chair, as she uncovered the container she gave a cry of delight.

As Marious had said there were fresh picked strawberries in the basket as well as a dipping container filled with heavy sweet cream.  On the very top of it all were three white owl feathers.  A smile spread across Tamarak’s face as she raised brilliant shinning eyes at Marious.

“Feathers from Elsa.  They could not have been easy to get.

“No, but for you, worth every bit of effort it took.”  Marious openly flirted with her.  His efforts didn’t go unnoticed.  The three Dark Elves frowned.  The Duke Lexior gave a big grin of amusement, and the Prince Brennor narrowed his eyes in a menacing fashion.

Serenity chose that moment to join their group and Marious brought out another small basket from his other side and graced her with a bow and a smile, as he had with Tamarak.  Making it look as if he had not just played favorites.

“My beautiful Serenity.  You leave us all standing in awe of your great beauty.  I know you do not like strawberries, so I brought you this instead.”

Marious held out the basket to her and Serenity smiled as she teased.  “Honey laced cream in here as well?”   She had heard him list the contents of the other basket.

“Nothing else would do for someone so precious.”  Marious continued to sound as if he was flirting.

Serenity uncovered the basket to find it filled with raspberries and she smiled.  Her reaction was more reserved than Tamarak’s had been, but no less gracious.

“You know how I love raspberries.  You are a sweet boy.”  Serenity purred.

Serenity dove into her berries, dipping one into the cream and popping it into her mouth with a look of ecstasy on her face.  She then dipped another and offered it to Torrent, who tossed her a wicked look as he smiled into her eyes and accepted the treat.  He slowly lowered his lips over the fruit and allowed his tongue to caress the length of her fingers as he slowly sucked the fruit into his mouth.

Serenity’s eyes widened as she allowed him to lick the cream from her hand and his lips.  She would have offered to share with anyone else but no one appeared interested, for the look in Torrent’s eyes warned them all off.  Serenity gave him a look of suspicion and went to join Tamarak.

                                                     *****GIVEAWAY*****

M.A. Abraham has graciously offered two eligible members of The Reading Cafe an e-copy of her upcoming release MARIOUS’ STORY. This is a special pre-release copy, as the book will not be released until August 6th.  For a chance to be one of the first to read this book, please follow the rules below.

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

2.  If you are using one of the social log-ins, you must include your email address with a comment, so that we may contact you if you are a giveaway recipient.

3.  Contest open Internationally

4.  Please leave a comment on this thread.

5. Contest runs July 23-27, 2012

On August 5th, watch for our review of Marious’ Story by M.A. Abraham.

Share

Kaye Thornbrugh’s “FLICKER” FREE Today at Amazon!

Posted on by
4

Kaye Thornbrugh’s “FLICKER” FREE Today!

Kaye Thornbrugh‘s new book Flicker is free today at Amazon.

We will be interviewing Kaye tomorrow, as well as reviewing her debut novel “Flicker“. You have a chance to get the kindle version of this book for free today.  Don’t miss out on this opportunity for a free read on a new author.

Link to Amazon for free Flicker novel

Share

Jason Baca-Interview with the Model

Posted on by
10

Jason Baca-Interview with the Model

 

 

Hi Jason and welcome to The Reading Cafe.  Thank you for taking the time to answer our questions.  It is
always nice to meet the man behind the cover.  We would like to start with some background information







Name:  Jason Aaron Baca
YOB:  1973
Birthplace:  San Jose California
Height:  5’10”
Eye color:  Brown
Hair Color:  Brown
Marital Status:  Married
Children:0
Siblings: 2 sisters

TRC: Would you please tell us something about your self-growing up?  Interests,
hobbies, sports etc

Jason – Sure, well I was born and raised in a rich town called Los Gatos, CA where I played for my high school baseball team. I was a well liked kid growing up and was always involved in some kind of athletic function. If I wasn’t in one of my sports then I could be found hiking with my friends up in the mountains near my house. That hobbie stuck with me most through the years.

TRC: Were your parent(s) always supportive and did they encourage you with whatever you wanted to do?

Jason – Oh Absolutely. My Dad was very supportive when it came to baseball. He wanted to see me go all the way to the big leagues. My Mom was supportive as well and was there for me many times.

TRC: As a young man in high school, your dream was to be a professional baseball player.  What happened to change your life direction?

Jason  – Well I honestly knew I couldn’t play at a higher level then college. I was an excellent high school player and a “good” college player. But in college that isn’t good enough if you are going to be considered for the pro’s. I knew in my heart that a change would be imminent. Once my decision was reached I had a hard time accepting it and moving on because I really didn’t know what moving meant or where it would be. It wasn’t until I hit my low in life that I was able to figure out what inspired me about life again.

TRC: Do you still participate as a player during your ‘down’ time?  Have you ever considered owning your own team (farm or otherwise)?

Jason – With regards to baseball? No. I hung my cleats up in college and they remain there as a part of history. I am not going to rekindle any baseball to see if I’ve still got it. I know some people that can’t seem to get over it and go out and play a doubleheader on Sunday’s with the other guys. Its very unserious. When I played baseball, it was serious, intense.. And that’s how I like things.. Some like it that other way and its just not me.

TRC: Did you ever have a chance to try-out or play in a ‘scouts’ game?

Jason – No, but I do actually “scout” every so often for my old college coach. It is a very rare occasion but he told me that if I’m ever at any high school or junior college games to let him know of any prospects. I’ve actually found a couple guys for him.

TRC: You were Freddie Prinze jr’s double on the set of “I Know What You Did Last Summer”.  Take us through a day as a double on a movie set?

TRC: Jason – Sure, well you arrive early and right away one of the P.A.’s takes you aside and brings you over to waredrobe. They put on your clothing and then send you off to hair & makeup. They do you up real good so that you resemble the main actor. After that, its a lot of hurrying up and waiting. Being on location is a lot of slow motion followed be extreme chaos and stress… then back to slow motion again. It really plays with the mind.

 

The hours are long though.. Sometimes 13 hour nights.. For I Know What You Did Last Summer it was a lot of night shots so they began filming as soon as the sun went down and stopped as soon as the sun went up. I was a morning person so I’d feel really tired constantly… But I loved the whole experience.

TRC: You were ‘discovered’ and began your modeling career, from the exposure on the same movie.  Please tell us how you were discovered?

Jason – Ok I’d love to.. It was about the 4th or 5th day on location there in Bodega Bay. They were snapping off photos for the movie cover. The photographer saw me and asked if he could take some shots of me. I didn’t know that at the time I was getting my first major photo session even if it only lasted a few minutes. I think he was mainly doing the shots to get an idea of the lighting or how crisp the photos would come out.. But then he ended up saying how photogenic I was and that I was a natural. He asked if I’d modeled before because I seemed like a natural at it.

I told him no.. I hadn’t. But that he could send me the photos so that I could maybe try… He mailed me some of the stills which I inturn took to a lab to get developed. The person working in the lab turned out to be a photographer as well and called my number that was on the package and asked if I’d like to do a photo shoot for him. Turned out to be my 2nd big connection…

TRC: What was your first assignment as a model, and how did you feel when you saw your first picture in print?

Jason – YMLA clothing line which I believe Sketchers owns. They are a flashy, standout clothing line that sold their clothes in Macy’s mainly. It was a wonderful feeling though. I remembered showing my friend Andy. He doubted my ability to model before that, but after showing him the magazine he said…”Ohhh boyy, you are starting to make a believer out of me homecheese!”

TRC: Do you keep copies of most of your work e.g magazine covers, print ads, romance covers?

Jason: I sure did! Its all worth its weight in gold to me. Even though none of my family gets excited about this stuff, I know what it takes to get in all of it. Sure it’s a lot easier now a days because I’m established and just like anything that you become successful at, more and more happens. But in the beginning when you had zero experience, it was gratifying.

But yes, today I hang on to ALL my romance novels. They are something I cherish. I feel quite honored being that authors cover model.

TRC: You have experience in several different modeling genres including print, commercial, swimwear and romance covers.  Which shoot is the most difficult and which type of assignment do you prefer?

Jason – I have graduated to romance novels. My time with print and fashion have passed. I feel that is more for the younger model as with clothing ads. But back then my face wasn’t old enough to do what I do today…  So yes, I feel my modeling is ideal for the romance novels.

TRC: Do you know the number of romance covers that you currently appear?

Jason – Currently I’m at #82 and counting. Last year was a very productive year for me.

TRC: AS a model (both print and cover) you must keep a healthy image and thus an active work-out regimen and diet.  What is your current fitness regimen and diet?  Does it differ during an assignment than when you are not shooting?

Jason – Well actually I always believe that a model should stay “Photo ready” or just outside being photoshoot ready. To stay this way I make sure to exercise 1 hour per day 6 days per week. Then on my day off I usually take a brisk walk or something moderate to keep the calories burning.

My diet consists of fresh fruits and mixed greens… my favorite dish being an arugula caesar salad
with lite dressing. I eat only the freshest of meats and poultry. When I arrive at the super market I prefer
to only choose the highest qualities of fish straight from the ocean. I prefer fresh Mahi Mahi over Frozen. A lot of vital nutrients are lost during freezing.

TRC: Have you ever considered a career in motivational fitness training?

Jason – Well actually no I haven’t. But I feel compelled to mention that I do fitness routine shoots for a few of our national magazines. There I can explain through photos what exercises are best for achieving the best body and muscles possible.

TRC:  Have you ever been interested in run-way modeling?

Jason – I have been asked this one before.. And I know you are referring to Catwalk. I have done it once before. Its not easy at all. You only get one shot to get it right and look confident. that type of modeling is not me. Take a special model to do that and give those that do a lot of credit. Sure I can act confident and play the part better then the average guy but I have other things I like doing more.

TRC:  The subject of nude photography can be a touchy subject for many models. Some photographs are discrete while others cross the line from erotic to pornographic.  You once appeared in an issue of Playgirl.  What is your opinion about nude photography?

Jason – Well I’ve appeared more then once… Most recent was their 2009 Calendar. But I don’t see anything wrong with it. We all have a birthday suit. I don’t do it anymore though. Its very easy for the photos to end up in magazines you don’t want to be in. I have done classy artistic nudes before that don’t cross the line, then I’ve done Playgirl which is you know…I don’t really think its as big of a deal as most people make it..

TRC: What would you tell a young model, just starting his or her career about nude photography?

Jason: Just don’t over expose yourself. Make sure to read your model release carefully before signing it. Most of these photographers will try making $$ off you with these.. Don’t settle for just a base rate.

TRC: What do you do when you are not modeling or acting?  Do you have a ‘second’ career?

Jason : I work as a clerk for a county office in my area full time. It is a job, I like it and it keeps me busy and helps me “fit in” with the rest of society when I don’t have a shoot.

 

TRC: You have appeared in a few movies including Nash Bridges, The Sculptress and The New World.  Do you have any upcoming TV or movie appearances?

Jason: No new movies though I continue to renew my SAG card. I give my 100% devotion to whatever I’m working on. At this time in my life, its the romance novels. I have a milestone number that I’m approaching. Until I reach it, I won’t do anything else.


TRC : You have had two books published –Journey of a Male Model (2004) and Overexposed (2007) both documenting your journey into the modeling world and advice for new, intermediate and experienced models. Would you please tell us about the premise of your books?

Jason: Sure The books were designed as a guide for beginning models. I wrote them because of my own issues walking into a Barnes & Noble and not seeing 1 book on modeling. I wanted to get a resource out there for them/us. A book on How To Model for Dummies kinda thing. Lucky I was able to share my words with so many of the readers. I basically detail how,what,where and who to talk to in the business of print modeling.

TRC: What was your decision to write an expose about yourself and guideline? Do you consider the books self-help for the model?

Jason: My decision to write about myself in these books all the frustrations I was having and to share my experiences with readers. My hopes were that struggling models would read this book and realize there is more in store when they aren’t getting phone calls for photo shoots. There are emails they could be sending, phone calls they could be making.

TRC : Do you have plans for a third book?  A trilogy of sorts 😉

Jason: Maybe.. I considered writing a book on how to be a romance novel model but will hold off until I have retired from the business.

TRC : Have you ever considered publishing or posing for a calendar?

Jason – Yes and actually have on 4 of them in the years 2001,2003,2005,2009. There could be others that I’d never seen besides that.

TRC: What is next on the schedule for your career?

Jason: Well a lot actually. I have many shoots coming up here that have me with different female models. I’m headed into a new phase of romance novel shoots that involve women more. It should be a lot of fun and interesting.

TRC: If someone wants to purchase your stock photos for covers, where would they go?

 

Jason : Yes they can go to this site – The Author’s Red Room-Jason Baca
There is a cover artist on the site too that can create a cover for the author as well.

TRC:  What is your main website?

Jason – Jason Aaron Baca-Deviantart

TRC:  And do you have an agent?

Jason – Yes I do actually Halvorson Model Mgmt. http://www.hmmodels.com

LIGHTNING ROUND

Favorite Food – I enjoy swordfish meatloaf with ginger marmalade but also enjoy rare-roasted partridge breast in raspberry coulis.

Favorite Dessert – Godiva Chocolate Mousse whipped with a dash of mint

Favorite Movie – Gladiator , Rocky IV

Favorite TV Show – Survivor

Last Movie that you saw – Benjamin Button , Yes Man. and some other one I can’t remember. Must not have been that good then.

Boxers, Briefs or Commando (we always ask) – Briefs! Hey I like to know where I’m at at all times!

What book is on your nightstand? – Tony Robbins Unlimited Power & Arnolds Encyclopedia

Do you like to sing in the shower? – No, should I start tonight?

TRC:  Only if you record it for us 😉

Dark or Milk Chocolate – Dark chocolate because I can’t control myself with the milk kind. It is my weakness.

Where did you go on your last vacation? Maui, to a remote and peaceful shore. A place where you have cold feet no more. The course feel of sand exfoliating your skin which warms you every step. The smells of Maui are very heavenly.

TRC:  Thank you Jason for taking the time to answer our questions.  We wish you the best of luck with your modeling and acting career.  Please keep us informed of your future endeavors.  WE look forward to hearing from you.

Share

C.J. Ellisson-An Interview with the Author

Posted on by
23

C.J.Ellisson-An Interview with the Author

The Reading Cafe would like to introduce the author of the Vampire Vacation series-C.J.Ellisson

TRC: Hi C.J. and welcome to The Reading Café. It is a pleasure to get to know the person behind the stories we love to read.

C.J: Thanks for having me here today! I’m looking forward to meeting your readers.

 

TRC: Please tell us something about yourself.

C.J: I’m a full time writer, living the dream. Some days that dream seems everything you could hope for, and other days you’re typing like mad to stay above water! I live in northern Virginia with my husband, two kids, two dogs, two lizards, and a fluffy black cat.

LINK TO WEBSITE: C.J.Ellisson

TRC: What have been some of the difficulties you’ve experienced as a writer?

C.J: Hmm… Being accepted by writing guilds as a professional would have to be at the top of the list. The guilds here, like Mystery Writers of America, Romance Writers of America, and the ScienceFiction Fantasy Writers of America, treat me like I’m some redheaded stepchild.

It’s incredibly frustrating to have sold over fifty thousand professionally edited books and yet not get accepted because my publishing house is small and therefore not accredited status as “real” in their eyes. Guilds who are supposed to be designed to help writers and increase their knowledge base shut out anyone who doesn’t jump through their exact hoops.

TRC: With the rise in ‘erotic’ fiction and the popularity of books like Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L James and Bared to You by Sylvia Day, how would you compare the level of eroticism in your V.V Inn series to those found in other novels?

C.J: Interesting question! I haven’t read either book yet, but do plan on reading Sylvia’s at the end of this month. I can say, based on reader feedback from people who have read both of those novels and my own, that FSOG might have a lot of sex scenes, but the average consensus was that the scenes were not really all that erotic when compared to other erotic works they’d read. These same readers went on to say Sylvia’s book was very similar to FSOG but so much better written it was in a class by itself.

I can say that my sex scenes are closer to what a reader would find in erotic romance or erotica. It’s not simply the level of detail, but the intent with which they are written. The scenes are designed to enflame and entice the reader, encouraging them to lose themselves in the fantasy of the scene. Whereas in some books, the sex scenes are taking up space, mine develop the characters and occasionally relay clues.

TRC: Vivian/Alexandria is a superbly powerful ancient vampire but a woman who knows what she wants—yet she is deeply in love with the one man (Rafe) who could literally break her heart if something were to happen. Do you consider Vivian’s love for Rafe a flaw or does it somehow make her more human in a supernatural world?

C.J: I would say Rafe is her biggest weakness. Like a lot of women in love, their lover is a blind spot for them. Most strong women would do anything to protect someone they love. Combine that with a powerful vampire close to the edge of killing and you have a very loose cannon.

TRC: BIG GAME was your latest release in the V.V Inn series. Would you please tell us about the premise?

C.J: This book is split between two locations, Alaska and Argentina, and our main characters are divided between the two locations as well. We’ve got simultaneous story arcs going on—lots of werewolves hunting for big game during the spring and summer months and Vivian and Rafe heading to the Tribunal to find out who is plotting against her and why.

 

TRC: JUST ONE TASTE was a short story about Dria and Rafe’s reunion after several years. The upcoming novel (The Seduction of Death) will feature the ‘back story’ to their first meeting and eventual mating. Do you have a working title? Would you please tell us about the premise?

C.J: Originally I’d planned to release this as book four in the series, with fans understanding it would be a prequel novel. But after much thought, I realized I wanted several prequel novellas detailing a lot of my characters’ pasts.

I put readers to an online vote and they voiced their opinion on what book should be next in the series. After reading Big Game the vote went strongly toward the fourth book continuing the existing storyline and not being the prequel novel I’d planned. Others still wanted to know about Vivian’s past and how she became a vampire, what made Rafe into the man he is today, and lastly, how did the two meet?

Book Four in the series is tentatively scheduled for release next winter, and will be called Blood Legacy. The promised prequel stories will be published in three parts as The Seduction of Death, parts I, II, and III. The plan is to take the reader back in time to the mid-fifteenth century for Vivian’s painful tale, then Nazi war-torn Germany for Rafe’s, and the last one will take place in 1945 after the war.

TRC: You are releasing two novellas in 2012 including one about Jonathan. Would you please tell us about them? Do you have the release dates available?

C.J: The first one about Jon, called Death’s Servant, has been pushed back. The hope is it will be out in September. This is another prequel story and will delve into how the young werewolf came to serve Vivian.

The second novella is a co-authoring project with my best friend Boone Brux. She’s got a series she’s working on based in Anchorage, Alaska, called Grim Reality. Her main character is a grim reaper and we intend to bring her to the V V Inn to help solve a little problem our sexy innkeepers have. This one is scheduled for October and will be called Death Times Two.

TRC: I understand you have a series of middle-grade novels that you have written. Under what pen name do you write? What is the latest release in your middle grade series of novels?

C.J: Wow! You did your homework, I’m impressed! My middle-grade book has not released yet. I’ve got it plotted and started, but the paying gigs (vampire and erotica related works) have been taking up most of my writing time right now. It will be released under the pen name C.J. Stern (my maiden name) and the star two characters are named after my kids, Addison and Jack.

It’s a paranormal/fantasy series involving fairies, magic, beast masters, and the ability to see auras. The working title is Black is for Lies. The amount of projects I have in the works has stressed one very important thing—I need to learn to write faster!!

TRC: With the advent of the e-reader and e-books, minors (under 16) have easier access to storylines written exclusively for adults. What is your opinion regarding the younger readers and the ease of availability to erotic novels and stories?

C.J:  I find it disturbing that parents aren’t monitoring what their kids purchase. Especially if it is on the parent’s account! All of my published books are listed as containing mature content and are not shown to underage buyers who are logged on to an account that is listed as belonging to a minor.

But, if I’m going to be honest, I read Wifey and Forever at the age of twelve. Both were very racy reads for their time and yet, I didn’t become promiscuous or behave in risky sexual practices when I grew up. I think children who are becoming teenagers will be curious. The romance novels I read back then weren’t at the same heat level as the ones available now, but they also had a lot of scenes of rape and forced marriages in them, too.

It’s interesting that E.L. James was quoted as saying she hopes her children never read Fifty Shades of Grey. Isn’t that sad? I don’t feel that way about my own work. I haven’t written anything I’m ashamed of. I’d like my kids to be 18 and I will diligently do my job as a parent to ensure neither of them reads any of my adult work before then, but if I had to choose between them satiating their curiosity by watching porn, having sex, or reading erotica and erotic romance, I’d choose reading any day of the week!

TRC: Many authors like to bounce ideas between other authors and family. With whom do you bounce ideas and why?

C.J: First and foremost, my husband. I don’t write specifically for a female audience. I’d like to think a well-written book with erotic elements would appeal to both men and women. The hard fact is more women buy books then men and most men will read a book if their partner recommends it.

Pete has an awesome time plotting with me—he likes to brag to anyone who will listen that he’s my muse. Sometimes when I plot he just nods his head, but other times he gives valuable input and helps to direct the story. He’s suggested elements to weave into the story arch in V.V and reads most everything before I publish it.

When I need a writer with a good head and excellent story sense, I call Boone Brux. She and I chat several times a week about everything under the sun. We’re a big help to each other in working out plot issues, coming up with ideas, and acting as sounding boards for each other.

TRC: On what are you currently working?

C.J: Ahh…. Right now I’m working on a novel very near and dear to me. I know the basic premise for FSOG. It doesn’t appeal to me on many levels—twenty-two year old virgin, twenty-eight year old billionaire with a tragic past and a penchant for being a dom? And then when he ties her up and hurts her she enjoys it? No thanks. A man hits me when he’s angry and he’ll be lucky to live through the night.

I’m a strong woman who knows what the hell she wants in life. I can’t relate to the people in that book because they aren’t real to me. Sure, there are people who have suffered abuse like Christian Gray has, but do they exist in my life bearing whips? No.

I wanted to write an erotic story that had appeal to me. Something that seemed more real. I think every healthy long-term relationship should play with different roles and see what fits. I don’t think tying someone up and inflicting pain out of anger and jealousy is what bondage is all about.


My current work, Vanilla Dom, will tell the tale of one woman’s sexual awakening, and one man’s journey as he discovers what he truly wants. I think their journey will be relatable to many readers, and I sincerely hope it is well received.

TRC: Would you like to add anything else?

C.J: Thanks for having me here today! I appreciate your unique questions, they really made me think.

LIGHTNING ROUND

Favorite Food – Pasta with meat sauce or steak and mashed potatoes, can’t decide.

Favorite Dessert – Cheesecake

Favorite TV Show – Supernatural.

Favorite Movie – No clue. I rarely watch movies twice.

Last Movie you saw – Brave. I really liked it.

Dark or Milk Chocolate – Dark!

Do you have any pets? – yes, too many!

TRC: C.J., we would like to thank you for taking the time to answer our questions. We wish you all the best and are looking forward to your next V.V Inn book.

 

VAMPIRE VACATION

LINKS TO ORDER:
Amazon Paper Book
Amazon Kindle
B&N Nook and Paper book
KOBO

 

 

 

THE HUNT

LINKS TO ORDER:
Amazon Kindle
Amazon Paper Book
B&N NOOK and Paper Book

 

 

 

BIG GAME

LINKS TO ORDER:
Amazon Kindle
Amazon Paper Book
B&N Nook and Paper Book

Share