Copy Cats, Reviews and Such

COPY CATS, REVIEWS and SUCH

IN MY OPINION by Vickie M.
Copy Cats, Reviews and such……………..
 
I’ve had some things on my mind for a while, so I figured what better place to vent than right here!!  When I first started reviewing for The Reading Cafe, I would look at different reviews to see what the general feeling was about that book.  It is, in my humble opinion, inevitable that reviews will generally follow the same route.  Of course there are those who love it and those who don’t, but even with that, the lovers follow a similar path as well as the haters.  I realize that there are only so many words that one can use to describe certain situations in the scenes that we read.  This, of course, does not apply to Sandy and Barb here at The Reading Cafe.  Their reviews are so thought provoking and wonderfully written.
 
With that said, I can’t help but notice that sometimes sites post an idea or a thought, only to be seen on another site within a day or so with a few of the words changed, and maybe said a little differently.  BUT, the basis for the idea is the same.  So here is my conundrum.  Is it a coincidence that folks are thinking about the same article at the same time?  Are others feeding off of other sites?  And is there anything that can be done about it?  Or, should anything be done about it?  I recently read an article about reviewers reviewing books that they hadn’t even read.  They were reading other reviews and creating their own that way.  Talk about dishonest!!
 
Another thing that sticks in my craw is to read a review about a PARANORMAL ROMANCE and the reviewer says “it was not believable”.  As opposed to what?!  Now don’t get me wrong, I’m with ya when it comes to my beloved series and the author comes totally out of left field with something that that character would have never done. I don’t like that either.   Whenever I see someone post that the story wasn’t “believable”, my first thought is always, ALWAYS, “you do know vampires and dragons aren’t real, right?”.  😀
 
Happy reading!!!!
Vickie M.
Share

INTIMATE ENEMIES (Covert Affairs #1) by Joan Swan-a review

INTIMATE ENEMIES (Covert Affairs #1) by Joan Swan

INTIMATE ENEMIES is the first storyline (released June 2012) in Joan Swan’s contemporary romance/mystery Covert Affairs series.

Rio Santana is an under cover officer so deep in Saul Flores’ organization that he is now considered his number one man.  But it is the return of Saul’s step-daughter Cassie that will throw a major twist into the sting operation that has been in the works for over a year. On stress leave from her position as an emergency room physician, Cassie will embark on a series of investigations that will compromise Rio’s work and put both of them at risk.

 

Cassie Christo is Saul Flores’ step daughter.  Back in Baja Mexico to stand before the parole board to ensure that the man who, three years previous, had attempted to rape her, Cassie still grieves for the mother (Alejandra) she lost six months earlier in a fatal yacht fire that also claimed the life of her step-brother Santos. And Cassie has other reasons for her return-as the sole owner of her mother’s lands, house and financial assets, Cassie is working to prove that Saul’s is using her mother’s money for illegal operations.

When Saul suspects that Cassie is attracted to Rio, he demands that Rio make Cassie a part of his job.  As bodyguard and go-between for Saul’s current illegal operations, Rio must make a choice whether to pursue Cassie in the name of business or protect her from her step-father’s hatred in the name of love.

Rio and Cassie’s relationship faces many ups and downs, especially when Rio is unable to reveal his true identity and purpose within Saul’s business plans.  And Cassie’s proclamations that Rio’s affections resemble a case of bi-polar disorder due to his lies and mistruths will put Rio into a position that could compromise the sting that so many have risked a year of their lives to complete.

Throughout the story, we are introduced to many of Rio’s fellow agents and potential friends.  In the beginning, we are unsure as to the purpose of many of these characters throughout the novel, but as the operation begins to unfold, their intent and determination are woven tightly into the premise. But it is an investigation of another kind that will reveal to Rio that an attempted rape hits close to home.

Cassie is a heroine with a mind of her own.  She rarely listens to reason, ignores Rio’s hints and overt instructions regarding the various illegal elements gunning for her head, and compromises Rio’s life as well as the lives of many of the other agents in order to find out the truth about her mother’s death.  Even her best friend’s husband, who is also a policeman, is unable to persuade Cassie to cease and stand down.  At a minimum the character is aggravating and stressful, at the maximum…she is a pain in the ass. I had difficulty feeling sympathy for a woman who would never listen especially when the lives of so many were at stake. But that is what makes a storyline great-when the reader becomes emotionally involved. And of course, we all know people just like Cassie. The character of Cassie drove me nuts 😉

INTIMATE ENEMIES is an exciting storyline with rarely a slow moment to catch one’s breath.  The number of overlapping stories will coalesce into a final showdown, where once again, Cassie will force the agents to risk their lives to protect her from the plans she put into action.  The love that Rio feels for Cassie is continuously examined as she tests his true intent with innuendo and accusations of abuse and neglect.  The premise is interesting once you get past the heroine’s Type A obnoxious personality.  Previous history aside, Cassie would test any man’s patience and especially by the one man with whom she is in love.

And Jules……NO vampires!!!

Buy: Amazon | B & N | Smashwords

Reviewed by Sandy

 

 

 

Share

DEADLY STING by Jennifer Estep-cover reveal

DEADLY STING by Jennifer Estep-cover reveal

Deadly Sting is the 8th book in The Elemental Assassin series by Jennifer Estep

The cover artist is Tony Mauro, who has also done the other covers in the series.

FROM Jennifer Estep’s Website:

Red is definitely my color. Good thing, because in my line of work, I end up wearing it a lot.

Most people shy away from blood, but for an assassin like me — Gin Blanco, aka the Spider — it’s just part of the job. Still, it would be nice to get a night off, especially when I’m attending the biggest gala event of the summer at Briartop, Ashland’s fanciest art museum. But it’s just not meant to be. For this exhibition of my late nemesis’ priceless possessions is not only the place to be seen, but the place to be robbed and taken hostage at gunpoint as well. No sooner did I get my champagne than a bunch of the unluckiest thieves ever burst into the museum and started looting the place.

Unlucky why? Because I brought along a couple of knives in addition to my killer dress. Add these to my Ice and Stone magic, and nothing makes me happier than showing the bad guys why red really is my color.

Deadly Sting will be released on March 26, 2013.

Links to pre-order:  Amazon,Barnes & Noble, and Books-A-Million.

Share

Cracks in the Pavement by Martin Hopkins – a Review

Cracks in the Pavement by Martin Hopkins – a Review

Cracks in the Pavement is the debut release of Martin Hopkins.  By the 7th chapter, I considered this book too depressing.  Dan Walker is a young, handsome (not really stated, but by the amount of women discussed, it isn’t a big leap) man lamenting over a break-up who decides to mope; functioning via a monotonous routine in Edinburgh, Scotland.  But the writing was compelling and the hero’s perspectives were so intriguing; gone went the feeling of dread — I couldn’t put the book down! 

Slipping steadily into alcoholism, his chosen escape route, Dan recognizes his changing body.  His looks aren’t gone, but he’s clearly showing signs of indifference.  And how did he overlook so much poverty surrounding him?  Suddenly very aware of beggars, the blight of a productive society, Dan is quick to help out with loose change he might have, but then simultaneously casts judgment upon those who seek the help.  When Dan is brave enough to express an irritation, he just gave coins to another vagrant!, he becomes introspective (ashamed by the beggar’s verbal retaliation) and reassesses his thoughts.  An existential examination takes root and he recognizes a corrosive self-loathing.

If that wasn’t enough to reevaluate his position in life, Dan’s ex-girlfriend, Emily, is attacked by a hypnotic stranger.  In the most unexpected explanation of the event, Emily reveals that she was mesmerized by her assailant; his touch was akin to “kissing the Devil”.  The experience wasn’t only tantalizing, it seemed to heal her of all pain.  Dan is revolted by Emily’s reaction; not only is he alarmed by her “welcome” of the attacker, it further demolishes his view of normalcy.

I did not expect such tumultuous turns in the story.  Dan goes on a vigilante rampage, obsessed with locating the mysterious figure, but he never curbs his own drinking, which ultimately leads to poor judgment and reckless behavior.  Dan indulges in risky sex, involves himself with a group of homeless kids neck-deep in criminal activity and meets a cultured man in a camel-colored overcoat who isn’t at all what he purports himself to be.  I commend the author for his subtle threading of this particular character, Morgan Huntley, who I originally thought was a vampire!  No need for a PNR angle – there was enough mystery and action to satisfy any reader.

Unsure of his convictions, Dan is put to a test and explores what really matters to him.  Cracks in the pavement can be a metaphor for character flaws, but don’t we all have them?  What matters most is that we don’t dissolve into dust and slip through unnoticed.  Dan goes down several dark paths and sometimes you’re staggered by his idiocy, but his outlook on life was bleak and I know I was desperate to read Dan’s resolve on it all.  Makes you wonder if he chose well at the end?  I enjoyed this book immensely and look forward to all future projects by Mr. Hopkins.  Please let me know your own thoughts and feelings on this unique book!!

Reviewed by Carmen

Copy provided by Author

Share

Fever by Joan Swan – a Review

Fever by Joan Swan – a Review

Fever by Joan Swan, is the first book in her Phoenix Rising series.  This is also Swan’s debut novel, which is romance suspense, and bit of paranormal, which is minimal in this first book of the series.   

We meet our heroine, Alyssa Foster right from the start.  She is a doctor, working overtime to cover the hospital shortages, and she is also competing with a fellow doctor for a permanent position.  Her last shift at night, one she always dreads, is to help a patient from the local correctional prison. A case of mistaken identity changes everything for Alyssa, as she becomes a hostage to two escaped prisoners.

Teague Creek is not your normal hero, though over the course of this book, you can’t  help but fall for him.  But not in the beginning, as he takes Alyssa, who was treating him as his hostage.  Teague is hard & tough, and has only one thought….escape and let no one stand in his way.  Alyssa’s worst nightmare is about to begin.  But then again, Teague has his hands full with Ayssa, who fights with everything she has.  She is the perfect heroine, someone who despite the odds will stand up to almost anyone. 

An unlikely romantic couple, but their chemistry together is excellent, especially early on when they both fight each other, especially vocally.  You know sooner then later, the attraction will begin to get stronger, as the gentle side of Teague begins to show himself to Alyssa.  The other escaped convict is an early villain; Taz is a racist, and totally wacko.  It is Teague, who needs Taz, to help them escape, but he also needs Alyssa, or who he thinks she is.  He also finds himself drawn to her, and also needs to protect her against the dangerous and despicable Taz. 

Fortunately for them and us, Taz is killed off fairly early in the book.  It then becomes the Teague and Alyssa story and how despite all that stands between them, the differences, the fighting, they begin to overcome this, and start a relationship that was never destined to be.  But destiny has its own mind, and Alyssa does begin to crack the hardness that Teague built around himself during those three years in prison.  It is Alyssa who finds out the truth and knows that Teague is innocent; together they go on an exciting journey to find his daughter and those who are truly responsible for the conspiracy that helped kill his friends, and possibly his dead wife. 

Fever is an exciting story from beginning to end, with a mystery as to why and how Teague was framed, and why does he have powers that no human can have, but he is fully human….all leading to a climatic conclusion.  It is tension to the end, towards the climax to save themselves against the real enemy.  The romance and sex between Teague and Alyssa was an added bonus, as they were totally steamy together.  I also enjoyed some of the other characters that came into play, as we may see them again in the future stories in this series.   I really really enjoyed Alyssa’s  brother Mitch, and though early on I thought Luke was bad, but he turns out pretty good. 

Upon reading a few comments regarding the racial slurs by Taz early on in the book, I understand why some people would get upset.  Wheras, we did suffer from his despicable presence for about a ¼ of the book, and we have met fictional characters like this; but in the real world, as much as we may not like it, the hardened life time prisoners may very well be foul mouthed and in some cases racists.   I did not let it bother me, as I felt it was part of the story, as well as to make him even more dislikable, and believe me when I say he is very much disliked.  Taz does meet his justifiable end early.  

Overall, I felt this was an excellent story, an excellent heroine, and eventually hero, and lots of action, mystery and suspense.  A great debut novel by Joan Swan.

Reviewed by Barb

Fever Purchase Links:

Kensington / Amazon / Amazon Canada / Barnes & Noble / B-A-M
Book Depository / Chapters / IndieBound / Powell’s 

Share

Jennifer Armentrout – Opal Cover Reveal

Jennifer Armentrout – Opal Cover Reveal

 

No one is like Daemon Black.

When he set out to prove his feelings for me, he wasn’t fooling around. Doubting him isn’t something I’ll do again, and now that we’ve made it through the rough patches, well… There’s a lot of spontaneous combustion going on.

But even he can’t protect his family from the danger of trying to free those they love.

After everything, I’m no longer the same Katy. I’m different… And I’m not sure what that will mean in the end. When each step we take in discovering the truth puts us in the path of the secret organization responsible for torturing and testing hybrids, the more I realize there is no end to what I’m capable of. The death of someone close still lingers, help comes from the most unlikely source, and friends will become the deadliest of enemies, but we won’t turn back. Even if the outcome will shatter our worlds forever.

Together we’re stronger… and they know it.

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Follow this link to an ~~~ EPIC CONTEST ~~~ Announcement. You will want to bookmark this page!

http://jenniferarmentrout.blogspot.com/p/october-1-2012.html

USA TODAY Bestselling author, Jennifer L. Armentrout, lives in Martinsburg, West Virginia. All the rumors you’ve heard about her state aren’t true. When she’s not hard at work writing, she spends her time reading, working out, watching really bad zombie movies, pretending to write, and hanging out with her husband and her Jack Russell, Loki. Her dreams of becoming an author started in algebra class where she spent most of her time writing short stories….which explains her dismal grades in math. Jennifer writes young adult paranormal, science fiction, fantasy, and contemporary romance. She also writes adult romance under the name J. Lynn.

Find Jennifer on: Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Website | Blog

Share

BLOOD OF FIRE ( The Blood Burden Series #2) by Wenona Hulsey-a review

BLOOD OF FIRE (The Blood Burden Series #2) by Wenona Hulsey-a review

BLOOD OF FIRE (The Blood Burden Series #2) by Wenona Hulsey

BLOOD OF FIRE is the July 2012 release in Wenona Hulsey’s Blood Burden series that follows the life of Nichole Keenan. In the previous storylines, police officer Nichole Keenan discovered that her ability to ‘hear’ the thoughts of other people is a by-product of her blood heritage. As a descendent of both the Irish Fae and the Warrior Guardians, Nichole has been blessed (or cursed) with some amazing powers, but both family lines are willing to risk everything to see her take her rightful position on the throne. The only problem-the Fae and Warriors have been at war for hundreds of years and someone wants her dead.

This particular storyline begins immediately following the events of the previous novel and leaving behind everyone she loves will force Nichole to take a step back and discover exactly who and what she is. But the beautiful country of Ireland has some hidden secrets and Nichole is about to embark on a journey that will present several paths and options.

Before she confronts the Warrior who has terrorized her dreams, Nichole must learn what it is to be Fae in a world of humans and finding an all too eager beautifully handsome, millionaire hotel owner offering his aid, will affect Nichole in more ways in than one. When her powers suddenly become non-existent Nichole’s only means of defense becomes her physical abilities, and even those are lacking against a monarch who sees Nichole’s presence as a major liability. The war between Fae and Warrior will find that there are people willing to destroy the last of the royal bloodline, and others who only seek of the power of the throne.

Nichole’s affections for her Guardian will come into question when a powerful Fae desires everything that Nichole can offer. But Luke’s need to defend and protect Nichole has never waivered and their relationship will take the next step when Nichole discovers that her soul mate has been by her side the entire time. To reclaim her rightful place, Nichole must enter a war between Fae and Warrior, but not before someone she loves is destroyed in the process.

BLOOD OF FIRE is an exciting and revealing instalment in the Blood Burden series by Wenona Hulsey. The death of a friend will bring into focus the true meaning of evil, and Nichole must face the reality that all is not fair in love and war. Sometimes everyone is out for a piece of the pie. Wenona Hulsey blends modern day Ireland with the hidden land of the Fairy, elemental gifts and magical powers.

Read our reviews for Blood Awakening and Burden of Blood -the first two storylines in the series click HERE

LINKS TO ORDER:
Amazon Kindle
B&N Nook
Smashwords

Reviewed by Sandy

Share

Jill Archer-Interview and Giveaway with the author

JILL ARCHER-Interview and Giveaway with the Author

ABOUT JILL: Raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Jill earned a bachelor of science from Penn State University and later moved to Baltimore to attend the University of Baltimore School of Law, where she graduated magna cum laude. She went on to practice law as a “dirt lawyer” for ten years, specializing in real estate law, municipal development, commercial leasing, and anything involving exceedingly lengthy legalese-like contractual monstrosities.

Jill now lives in rural Maryland with her two children and husband, who is a recreational pilot. Weekends are often spent flying around in the family’s small Cessna, visiting tiny un-towered airfields and other local points of interest.

Link to :  Jill’s Website

Jill Archer’s new novel DARK LIGHT OF DAY will be released September 25, 2012.

TRC:  Hi Jill and welcome to The Reading Café. Congratulations on the release of DARK LIGHT OF DAY.

Jill:  Thanks, Sandy! I’m happy to be here.

TRC:  We would like to start with some background information. Would you please tell us something about yourself?

Jill:  I live in rural Maryland with my husband and two daughters. When I’m not reading or writing, I like to hike, bike, watch movies, hang out with friends, and take day trips with my family. I love coffee and wine and I prefer chewy sweets to chocolate ones.

TRC:  Many authors develop an interest in writing at an early age. What or whom sparked your interest?

Jill:  I’ve been a lifelong reader, but didn’t ever think of attempting to write a novel until I went on maternity leave for the first time. (My oldest is now ten).

TRC:  What challenges or difficulties have you faced as a writer?

Jill:  Many! But I think that’s just how it is. 🙂 When I started, my only goal was simply to finish a novel. Period. For years, that was my sole goal. Initially, I worked on a “novel” that was really just a string of scenes with common characters. With my second attempt, I made it to “The End” but it wasn’t marketable. Shoving that manuscript in the bottom of a desk drawer where it belonged was tough, but necessary.

There was also a time, just before Dark Light of Day sold, when I stopped writing for awhile. My mother had passed away and I needed some time off from writing about dark things and dark places. I found a part-time job at a small, local law firm, helping one of the partners with his cases. Returning to something I’d known for years was very therapeutic. When my agent called to give me the news about the sale, I was ready to return to writing.

TRC:  DARK LIGHT OF DAY is the September 2012 release in your new Noon Onyx series. Would you please tell us something about the premise?

LINKS TO ORDER
The Book Depository
Amazon Paper
Amazon Kindle
B&N Nook and Paper books

Jill:  In a nutshell, Dark Light of Day is the story of a first year law student who is being trained to represent demons.

 

TRC:  There is plenty of legal terminology and references throughout due to the nature of the storyline. Did your degree and career as a lawyer assist in the writing of this series?

Jill:  Absolutely. I used my experiences as a law student, adjunct professor, and legal practitioner to create the character, the world she lives in, and the assignments she and her classmates are given. That said, Dark Light of Day is fantasy. Any real world inspirations were used merely as jumping off points. I did not overly concern myself with legal accuracy. I don’t think anyone will be reading Dark Light of Day to educate themselves on the law. 🙂

The truth is, I find certain legal symbols and concepts fascinating. And if I can use them as the basis or background for an interesting story, all the better.

TRC:  Did you ever think your law degree would help in the writing of a paranormal storyline?

Jill:  Ha! No! Not one bit.  At first, I couldn’t believe I was even considering writing a book based on the above premise. But then — that’s when I knew I probably *should* write it and see how it turned out. I told myself I would figure out what to do with it after I finished it — whether I’d 86 it down deep in my desk like my first completed manuscript, or take a leap of faith and try to sell it.

TRC:  How much legal research was required in the writing of this novel?

Jill:  I didn’t keep track. It was gloriously freeing in a way, not having to worry about billing the research in six minute increments. 😀  In all seriousness though, a lot of it was just double checking my understanding of terms and concepts before I used them.

TRC:  There is a phenomenal amount of information contained within this storyline. How were you able to keep everything and everyone aligned without mass chaos and confusion on the page and in your head?

Jill:  At its heart, Dark Light of Day is about Noon’s magical and academic struggles, which are closely related. And there are elements of mystery and romance. Weaving the various sub-plots together was difficult at times. I tried to tie the sub-plots together with common themes, motifs, and/or plot nexuses.

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

Jill:  I’ve sketched out a total of 7 books. I’m currently contracted to write 3.

TRC:  What do you have planned for the next installment in the Noon Onyx series?

Jill:  My general response for all future books is “new assignments, new adventures, new adversaries!” 😀  But I’ll also share that, in Book #2, some characters return, some new ones are introduced, and Noon gets her first field assignment.

TRC:  What challenges did you face getting this particular storyline to publication?

Jill:  One of the biggest challenges was the character’s age. Noon is a student trying to survive a crushing course schedule. She has parents who don’t get along and boy troubles. The book is also written in first person. So, initially, we pitched it to some young adult editors.  But Noon’s twenty-one. She’s very much an adult. And, though she struggles with some of the things that YA protagonists often struggle with, many of the scenes and themes were written with an adult audience in mind. So I was delighted when it sold to Ace, one of Penguin’s adult science fiction and fantasy imprints.

TRC:  If you could virtually cast the characters in DARK LIGHT OF DAY, which actors or models do you think would best represent the major players in the storyline?

Jill:  I love movies and some TV shows, and I read Entertainment Weekly, but honestly, I have no idea. Casting, like book covers, is an art probably best left to someone other than the writer.  That said, it would fun to hear readers’ thoughts on this question. Other people are probably more in tune with who the young stars of today are than I am. Also, one of the *best* things about reading (as opposed to watching) is that every reader has their own interpretation of the characters and world. Each individual fills in the blanks of the story with their own imagination.

TRC:  Writer’s Block is a very real phenomenon for many authors. How do you handle the pressure and anxiety of writer’s block?

Jill:  It depends on what’s causing the block. I mentioned taking time off from writing after my mother died. That was necessary and I didn’t try to fight it. I knew I needed to get out of my house and do something that was both familiar and routine to me, and yet different enough from what I had been doing to put my mind in a better place.  For those times when inspiration is lacking… well, I spend time staring at my computer screen… staring out of my office window… staring into space… It’s frustrating and feels counter-productive, but eventually something breaks loose. Sometimes, though, a change of venue is needed. I go on a hike, or pack up my computer and head out to write somewhere else. Sometimes I’ll watch a movie or read National Geo. Anything that frees the mind and gets you un-stuck. Not panicking is the key.

TRC:  On what are you currently working?

Jill:  Book #3. (New assignments, new adventures, new adversaries! ;-D)

TRC:  Would you like to add anything else?

Jill:  My publisher is running a Goodreads giveaway for Dark Light of Day. Tomorrow, September 21, 2012, is the last day to enter to win a free copy. I’m also in the midst of doing a blog tour for Dark Light of Day and am running several giveaways myself. If anyone is interested in hearing more about the prizes, tour stops, or article topics, all of the information is on my website on the page “Dark Light of Day Blog Tour.”

If anyone wants to connect with me, I love meeting new people online. My contact info is below. Please feel free to reach out!

* Website: www.jillarcher.com

* Blog: http://jillarcherauthor.wordpress.com/

* Twitter: @archer_jill * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jillarcherauthor * Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13556956-dark-light-of-day

LIGHTNING ROUND

Favorite Food — anything cooked by someone else

Favorite Dessert — homemade, fresh peach pie

Favorite TV Show — Game of Thrones

Favorite Movie — for summer 2012, Prometheus

Last Movie You Saw — Hunger Games (I saw it opening night, but my husband didn’t so we rented it and watched it together)

Dark or Milk Chocolate — Milk

Last Vacation Destination — Ocean City, New Jersey

Do you have any pets? — a chocolate lab and a gray tabby cat

TRC:  Thank you Jill for taking the time to answer our questions. Good luck with all of your future writing endeavors. We wish you all the best. Keep us in mind with your future release in the Noon Onyx series.

Jill:  Thank you for interviewing me, Sandy, and for letting me share more about Dark Light of Day with your readers here at The Reading Cafe. Best wishes to you too!

Jill Archer is offering an Ace/Roc Science Fiction and Fantasy Sampler to ONE lucky member at The Reading Cafe.

1. You must be a registered member to qualify for the giveaway. If you are not a member, please register using the log-in at the top of the page, or by using one of the social log-ins.

2. If you are using a social log-in such as Twitter, please post your email address with your comment, as Twitter does not allow for email addresses etc.

3. Giveaway open to continental USA only.

4. Giveaway runs September 20-22, 2012

Share