Would you jump off the USS Constitution into Boston Harbor with a perfect stranger? You would if that stranger was hot shot Scotland Yard detective Chauncey Miller, the usual tall-dark-handsome type, especially since he has an assassin with a score to settle who just caught up with him…
Decorator Sophia Alano’s career gets side-tracked from the moment she meets hot shot Chauncey. He’s on the run from a madman terrorist out for revenge when Sophia ends up targeted too. Now he must protect this spitfire while they’re hunted wherever they go. They escape to London to outwit the madman. But once Chauncey catches their would-be killer, how do they go back to the lives they had before?
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REVIEW: The Hot Shots is the second storyline in Stephanie Queen’s Scotland Yard Exchange Program focusing on international terrorism, secret missions and, the men and women who fall in love. Although this particular installment is the second storyline, it can be read without too much difficulty. The major players from the first book are present and blend well within this novel.
The Hot Shots follows interior designer Sophia aka Pixie Alano who is asked, as a favor for friends, to escort Scotland Yard detective Chauncey Miller to Boston Police Headquarters. But along the way, the pair will become involved in a life and death chase when a Middle East terrorist sets his sights on Chauncey. With Sophia now an unwelcome accomplice, Chauncey must seek out the whereabouts of the terrorist while protecting the tiny pixie-like woman with whom he is falling in love.
The relationship between the couple is both humorous and a little off-center. Sophia continues to put herself in harms way trying to ferret out information, hoping to assist Chauncey at every turn. But her actions put them into more dangerous situations each time she demands to accompany Chauncey on one of his undercover plans.
There are moments of exasperation as Sophia gets in over her head and puts everyone in danger and in this the reality of the Scotland Yard-Boston Police Department cooperation with each other seems more fictitious than based in any sort of reality. But in the end, this is a work of fiction and the entertainment level is worth the read.
Stephanie Queen takes the reader on a fast-paced, quirky journey between America and Scotland Yard. We are introduced to Chauncey’s father- a relationship that is strained at best; and there is a potential storyline for another one of BPD’s finest. Overall, The Hot Shots is a wonderful storyline between a hero and an unlikely heroine whose goal is to survive long enough to make a name for herself as a famous interior designer.
ABOUT THE BOOK: Duty and desire clash to save a new Camelot from the sons of Mordred.After his brother is made king by a dying Arthur, Braeden hopes to help Constantine rebuild Camelot and carry on Arthur’s vision for the kingdom. Together with the new queen, and her companion Janne, a new era begins. Although the ways of Merlin and Morganna are banned from court, . Janne holds to the goddess. She finds the mind overrules the heart when she and Braeden are betrothed. Refusing to marry him, . she fears their union will bring the fall of the kingdom. With the sons of Mordred, Melehan and Melou plotting the ultimate revenge…brother versus brother…there is no peace to be had in Camelot. When Janne is exposed as a Druidess, she and Braeden must find a way to expose the plot to take down Camelot while maintaining the ideals the majestic realm was built upon.
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REVIEW: Braeden and Janne is the second book in the Beyond Camelot series by Kathye Quick. For three years, Braeden and a contingency of knights pursued Mordred’s sons to bring an end to their quest to see the fall of Camelot. The people began to fear the magic of Merlin and spells of Morgana might return and Camelot would fall once again, so King Constantine had no choice but to ban the old ways from the kingdom and those found to hold to them were to be brought before the high court under a charge of treason.
Janne’s mother was a Druidess and Janne had been raised using powders and herbs to heal people. But practicing the arts was forbidden and Janne knew that Braeden would have to choose between his love for her or his love of his brother, King Constantine and Camelot. Once Braeden returned, Janne tried to distance herself from him, refusing his repeated proposals of marriage. She knew his was duty bound to uphold the laws of his King and she did not want to hinder the future of Camelot. But she loves Braeden with everything she has and although she knows she should push him away, they are drawn together time after time. Constantine is heartbroken that his decree to ban the old ways may force his brother to choose between Camelot or his true love, but Constantine felt he had no other option. Janne refuses to stop using the old ways to heal and save lives. It is more important to her to heal someone and risk being caught then to stand aside and let someone die.
Now enters Lady Johanna Delacore…..oh she’s the villain that we all love to hate! Never have I wanted to reach into a book and punch someone in the face more than this woman. Johanna teams up with Melehan to unleash a series of events that they hope will bring down the mighty Camelot. Johanna pushes herself into the kingdom under the falsehood that she is grieving for her deceased husband and needs a place to rest from her travels. Once there, she spies and investigates until she discovers that Janne is a Druidess. Melehan helps Johanna by providing additional false witnesses that say they witnessed Janne practicing “magic”. Johanna brings her witnesses before King Constantine’s court to declare that Janne is a Druidess. For Janne’s safety, Constantine has Janne locked in the dungeons to protect her from the crazed mob of people that want to see her punished.
Johanna visits her, bragging how she will be the fall of Camelot because once Braeden finds out that Constantine had her locked away, Braeden will have to choose between his love or his brother. Janne is heartbroken because this is what she tried to protect Braeden from. With the sons of Mordred on their way to attack Camelot, Braeden, Janne and Constantine stand together to defend that which they loved. Janne and Braeden stand strong to battle all that try to divide Camelot.
Now that I’ve given you the summary of the book, let me tell you how much I loved this story. I’ve always been a fan of King Arthur, Knights of the Round Table stories so when I read the plot of the book, I was excited and knew I would enjoy it. Kathye Quick writes her storyline so descriptive that I could picture myself at Camelot. I have not read the first book in this series (Cynthia and Constantine) but it was easy to follow. The author gave enough background information so the reader knows where Janne and Braeden’s love story began. Reading the struggle that Janne and Braeden go through is heart wrenching, Janne not wanting to compromise who she is, not wanting Braeden to have to choose between his love for her and his loyalty to his brother. Braeden is so admirable, he doesn’t care who he displeases by loving Janne. Rules be damned! And what would any story be without it’s villians?? As much as I despised Johanna and Melehan, they were crucial to the plot. Without their dastardly deeds and wicked ways, the book would’ve fallen flat. It just would’ve been a knight chasing a woman who was playing hard to get. I really enjoyed this story and these characters and can’t wait to read the first book and the future stories in this series.
Reviewed by Tricia
Copy supplied by author.
I’m actually writing this post on Mother’s Day, so I’m a bit sentimental today. Just came home from a Mother’s Day brunch with my youngest. I never had a real “favorite” child, but there are 12 years between my twins and my youngest. In 12 years things change and life evolves, so while I went through being a single, working mom with my older boys, I had the luxury of staying home with the youngest until he started first grade. Our relationship is different than that of my relationship with my twins. I love them all, but I have to say, I feel a little closer to the ‘baby’. One of the things I got to do more with the youngest was what he called ‘play toys.” “Mom, play toys with me” was an almost daily ritual, one I looked forward to doing since I already knew how quickly children grow out of the wanting to be with mom stage and into the drop me off a block from school stage. So I carefully made sure I played toys whenever asked.
One of his most favorite ‘toys to play’ was Transformers. The resurgence of the Transformers into modern movies always makes me think back on this with a smile. Except for one thing. I was never allowed to be an Autobot.
Transformers first appeared when my youngest son was around 4. He took to it like them proverbial duck to water; Transformers and the Gobots. But the Gobots never quite achieved the super star status as did the Transformers.
It all begins with the name. The heroes, Optimus Prime or Leader-1? Which has the better name? That also goes for the evil machines – Megatron or Cy-Kill? Need I even ask?
The Gobots had boring henchmen like Cop-Tur and Turbo and Tank, while the Transformers had (and still apparently have according to the millions made at the box office) Bumblebee, Ironhide, Bluestreak and Sunstreaker if you are an Autobot. If you lean more toward the dark side you’re a Decepticon such as Star Scream, Galvatron, Shockwave and Buzzsaw. C’mon. You know these guys are way cooler just by what they are called.
It was a good thing I was into sci-fi and trucks from having three boys because these things became a staple in my house for a long time when they first were introduced by Hasbro. Which brings me to why I loved seeing the Transformers movies. It certainly wasn’t the plots. There were none to speak of. The storylines jumped all around, some character lines weren’t tied up and finalized and mostly, things blew up and there was a lot of noise; for over two and a half hours. And while Shia is not unpleasant to look at for that length of time, he’s no Hugh Jackman as Wolverine or Chris Pine as the current Captain Kirk.
But I digress.
In truth, I loved seeing the movies because they remind me of a time long ago when my son was small, innocent of what lay ahead for him and totally and unconditionally my best friend. We played Transformers in blanket-made caves on his bed, in kitchen pot hide-aways in the living room and in the alien-plant terrain of the backyard flower garden. We regularly blew up an awful lot of Tupperware and foiled the latest sinister plot hatched by the evil Decepticons. On Saturday mornings we’d watch the Transformers cartoon over cheerios and end the day with a book about the heroic Optimus Prime.
Back then I was never allowed to be an Autobot because my son was destined to save the world. Heck, he’s not thirty yet, so maybe he still will!
Thanks for letting me take you on a different kind of journey. Hope you didn’t mind.
Kathye
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CYNTHIA AND CONSTANTINE Beyond Camelot – Brother Knights, Book 1
Lady Cynthia of Abertaine is trapped. Not only has the man she is to marry, Sir William Leyborne, not been back to the castle for over ten years, but she’s also not a titled Lady. Lord Simon of Cowell, a renegade warlord aligned with Mordred against Arthur and his Knights, has declared himself sovereign over Leyborne Castle and everything that once belonged to Sir William – including Cynthia.
Sir Constantine, Knight of the Round Table, has come to the shire to give Cynthia the news that William has fallen in battle. With him is William’s oral will giving all he owns to Cynthia as though they had been wed. But when he finds the shire under the control of an evil warlord, he knows he cannot leave without first freeing Cynthia and driving Simon and his soldiers from the land.
Drawn together by an attraction older than time, Cynthia and Constantine soon discover that though a vow made by a knight’s honor has brought them together, it may just also cost them their lives.
Born long ago in a place not so far away, Shenandoah, Pennsylvania, Kathryn Quick has been writing since the Sisters in St. Casmir’s Grammar School gave her the ruled yellow paper and a number two pencil. She writes contemporary and career romances, romantic comedies, historical romances as well as urban fantasy.
She has been a member of New Jersey Romance Writers and Romance Writers of America since 1990 and considers it an honor to have been NJRW President in 1992 and 2001. She is one of the founding members of Liberty States Fiction Writers, a multi-genre writers’ organizations dedicated to furthering the craft of writing and helping aspiring writers move onto publication.
Kathye originally wanted to be President of the United States or an Organic Chemist, but somehow life got in the way and she got married right out of high school and had a set of twins two years later. The Presidency seemed out of reach and night school to get her Ph.D. to create new molecule that would ultimately result in the betterment of humankind seemed a little time consuming while trying to raise twins, so she decided to write instead.
In her “other” life, Kathye is married to her real-life hero Donald and has three grown sons all having adventures of their own and three “bonus” grandchildren. She is a die-hard New Jersey Devils fan and works for Somerset County government (as close as she could get to the White House) and is plotting a novel about a new molecule that will ultimately result in the betterment of humankind.
Synopsis: If you’d asked me a week ago, I would have told you that the best cupcakes were dark chocolate with chocolate cream cheese icing, that dancing in a crowd of magic wielders — the Adept — was better than sex, and that my life was peaceful and uneventful. Just the way I liked it. That’s what twenty-three years in the magical backwater of Vancouver will get you — a completely skewed sense of reality. Because when the dead werewolves started showing up, it all unraveled … except for the cupcake part. That’s a universal truth.
Genre: Urban Fantasy (Adult/New Adult) Cover Artist: Irene Langholm (who has done all my other book covers as well. Release date: June 21, 2013
Giveaways and goodies will be revealed via my blog all through June, including chances to win an eARC before the release date.http://www.madebymeghan.ca
Savagely sexy billionaire Sloane Michaels ruthlessly controls his life and everything in it. Even his sex partners are carefully negotiated plus-one arrangements, including his latest, the fiery bakery owner, Kat Thayne. But Sloane’s control is challenged when his mentor becomes seriously ill, and his need for Kat, his need to possess her at all costs, rivals only his single-minded goal of vengeance for the murder of his sister.
After surviving an attack six years ago, Kat Thayne escaped her fears in the protective world of her beloved bakery. Then Sloane Michaels storms into her life, making her feel beautiful, strong and sexy. Yet as Kat pushes her boundaries and uncovers a dangerous secret in her past, Sloane’s controlling side emerges. Worried that Sloane will possess her mind, body and soul, Kat fights to keep her hard won independence. But just as Sloane demands her complete surrender, she discovers he has a dark side that could destroy them both.
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REVIEW: POSSESSION is the second installment in Jennifer Lyon’s contemporary romantic/erotic Plus One Chronicles series. Possession continues the story three days after The Proposition where Sloane proposes more than a plus-one relationship with Kat-he wants to help her overcome her fear and anxiety following an attack more than six years ago, that has left her with permanent injuries and PTSD. Trying to keep their relationship at the Plus One stage is difficult when the heart falls fast and hard.
Sloane Michaels is an ex-UFC fighter with a past haunted by the murder of his sister and the reality of his best friend’s illness. Hoping to keep his past a secret, Sloane fails miserably when he willingly reveals everything to Kat. Kat neither manipulates nor threatens Sloane, but her need to help and listen, tug at Sloane’s heart and soul. Their Plus One relationship becomes something more.
Throughout the series, Kat must face the trauma and truth about the attack that left her near death and without any memory of that time. Sloane’s ability to help her with the struggle will slowly reveal that it was more than a random attack, but one that was more personal than she could have imagined.
Once again, Jennifer Lyon pulls the reader into a storyline that will pique your curiosity and break your heart. The relationship between Kat and Sloane is hot, sexy and crossing the imaginary boundary of plus one into something more-something more like love?
Sloane is a man after my own heart-he is my new book boyfriend. Yes, I admit it. This is part of my 12 step program admitting he is my new fantasy lover. He is every woman’s dream; very sexy, very handsome and a protector above all else. He is a modern day warrior out to avenge his sister’s death; and he is a man falling in love with the woman who refuses to give up or give in. We learn more about Sloane’s history-his family and his friendships and, the pain and guilt that makes the man what he is today- and we are introduced to a few of his closest friends.
The Plus One Chronicles is an amazing new series by Jennifer Lyon. There is romance and love; betrayal and hate; heartbreak and sorrow. Combine it all with the talented writing of Jennifer Lyon and you have another wonderful series that is sure to top your favorite reads. The characters are real; you can feel their emotions and sympathize with their struggles. And if you haven’t met Sloane, let me introduce you to him inThe Proposition-book one!
Copy supplied by the author
Reviewed by Sandy
5 Ways to Tame a UFC Fighter Hero
Thank you so much for having me here today! Sloane is an ex-UFC fighter and one of my all-time favorite heroes to write about. Once he meets Kat in book one of The Plus One Chronicles, THE PROPOSITION, the goal that has driven him for over a decade—revenge—becomes entangled with his increasing need for her. Sloane is getting caught in the ever tightening trap of having to choose between the vengeance he’s sworn and the woman he craves. So now that you have a little background, I’d like to share with you 5 ways Kat is “taming” the UFC Fighter. 1) Sloane is seriously hot and extremely rich, so women fall all over him to do whatever he wants. All except for Kat. She makes it clear to Sloane that she will stand up to him: Time to establish her boundaries. “Sloane?” He looked down at her. “Yeah?” “Thank you. I’ll see the doctor.” She was grateful. Truly. He nodded. Then she added, “Now move your arm and get out of my space.” 2) When he makes you a proposition, turn him down. Make him work for it. In The Proposition, Sloane wants Kat to be his plus-one and in his bed. She tells him no. A fighter can’t resist a challenge: She kept her gaze on the scrupulously clean table beneath her hands. “You’re not used to being told no, are you?”
“I’ve grown accustomed to getting what I want.”
She heard him move nearer. Felt the fine hairs on her neck twitch. She knew he was close behind her, yet he didn’t touch her. Instead, he laid a thick, cream-colored business card on the table between her hands. SLAM Inc. Sloane Michaels, CEO was blazed across it. All the usual information. His hand vanished.
“You already have my private cell number in your phone. Here’s the rest of my contact info.”
His voice was so close to her back, she shivered. “Why are you pursuing me?”
“Because I want you.”
3) Put lavender steaks in your hair. Here’s a clip from POSSESSION of Sloane telling Kat what he noticed first about her:
“You hid. Withdrawing to protect yourself. When I first saw you, you were tucked behind a column.” “Then why did you see me?” All those polished women in pretty gowns and he’d honed in on her. It hadn’t made sense.
“The pink streaks in your hair.”
“Lavender.”
His full lips twitched. “Whatever, baby, those streaks scream, Look at me. This is who I am and if you don’t like it…
4) Make lemon cupcakes. Sloane loves Kat’s lemon cupcakes! “Careful there, champ, I know your weakness.” He lifted an eyebrow. “What’s that?” “Lemon cupcakes. I’m pretty sure I could get you to beg for a lemon cupcake.” Okay, she might be pushing her luck. “Cheater.” Wrapping his hand in her hair, he leaned in. “You know I’d do anything for your lemon cupcakes.” 5) Make him burn: “Not until I kiss you.” He brushed his mouth over hers, kissing his way to her ear. “And you burn for me like I’ve been burning for you. For three f*cking days.” And nights. Even while he trained, something that had been unheard of before Kat.
Kat and Sloane’s relationship begins in The Proposition, but in Possession, it burns hotter and grows deeper. I hope you’ll give The Proposition and Possession a try! Sloane and Kat get their happily-ever-after in the final, explosive book Obsession.
Jennifer Lyon grew up under the shadow of the Matterhorn at Disneyland in Anaheim, California. She attended Walt Disney elementary school and her very first playmate was her beloved dog, Duke, who was cast in the role of hero in all their adventures.
Clearly Jen was born to daydream. But it took her years to figure out how to turn her imagination into a career as an author. After marrying and becoming a full time mom to three sons, Jen launched her career with the award winning Samantha Shaw Mystery Series and other romantic mysteries under the name Jennifer Apodaca. Later, she took the name Jennifer Lyon, combined her love of witches, alpha males and sizzling romance into another award winning series, the Wing Slayer Hunters.
Jennifer has several new releases coming out this year. THE PROPOSITION, the first book in her new Plus One Chronicles was just released on February 24 and following later in the year will be Book Two: POSSESSION – Coming 5/28/13 and Book Three: OBSESSION – Coming 9/24/13.
Writing underJennifer Apodacashe will be releasing the first book in her Once A Marine series, titled THE BABY BARGAIN which will be out in March 2013 fromEntangled Publishingin theirIndulgence line.
Rich, sexy and volatile, Sloane Michaels has a dark agenda that keeps his heart on ice. His extreme wealth gives him the control he craves and his skills as an ex UFC fighter the tools he’ll need to extract his ultimate revenge. But when the woman he never believed he’d see again crosses his path, Sloane is caught between the vengeance he needs and a sexual conquest he craves.
Kat Thayne has been in survival mode for six years, hiding behind the sweet creations for her bakery. But when a random carjacking brings her face-to-face with her darkest fears and hottest fantasy, Kat is forced out of hiding and offered a dangerously passionate proposition. One she knows she isn’t strong enough to refuse.
POSSESSION (Plus One Chronicles #2) by Jennifer Lyon Release Date: May 23, 2013
Savagely sexy billionaire Sloane Michaels ruthlessly controls his life and everything in it. Even his sex partners are carefully negotiated plus-one arrangements, including his latest, the fiery bakery owner, Kat Thayne. But Sloane’s control is challenged when his mentor becomes seriously ill, and his need for Kat, his need to possess her at all costs, rivals only his single-minded goal of vengeance for the murder of his sister.
After surviving an attack six years ago, Kat Thayne escaped her fears in the protective world of her beloved bakery. Then Sloane Michaels storms into her life, making her feel beautiful, strong and sexy. Yet as Kat pushes her boundaries and uncovers a dangerous secret in her past, Sloane’s controlling side emerges. Worried that Sloane will possess her mind, body and soul, Kat fights to keep her hard won independence. But just as Sloane demands her complete surrender, she discovers he has a dark side that could destroy them both.
**Possession is an adult contemporary novel and is not intended for younger readers due to mature content.**
OBSESSION (Plus One Chronicles #3) by Jennifer Lyon Release Date: September 24, 2013
Sloane Michaels is obscenely rich, jaggedly handsome and obsessed with love and vengeance. But he can only have one, and it’s tearing him apart. The fiery baker who resurrected his heart or retribution for the twin sister who was his best friend his only family. But when Kat’s life is threatened, Sloane is forced to make a choice. Will he kill the one who murdered his sister or die to protect the woman he loves?
Kat Thayne can’t bear to watch the obsession for revenge destroy the man she adores. She knows she should run from him and never look back. But when she becomes a target for a stone cold killer, Kat has nowhere else to turn. She goes to Sloane for help, and in an instant she’s swept back into his world…and his bed. But as the fiery passion consumes them once again, and Sloane’s addiction to vengeance resurfaces, Kat is forced into the decision of a lifetime
Description: From David Baldacci–#1 bestselling author and one of the world’s most popular, widely read storytellers–comes the most thrilling novel of the year. THE HIT Will Robie is a master of killing. A highly skilled assassin, Robie is the man the U.S. government calls on to eliminate the worst of the worst-enemies of the state, monsters committed to harming untold numbers of innocent victims. No one else can match Robie’s talents as a hitman…no one, except Jessica Reel. A fellow assassin, equally professional and dangerous, Reel is every bit as lethal as Robie. And now, she’s gone rogue, turning her gun sights on other members of their agency. To stop one of their own, the government looks again to Will Robie. His mission: bring in Reel, dead or alive. Only a killer can catch another killer, they tell him. But as Robie pursues Reel, he quickly finds that there is more to her betrayal than meets the eye. Her attacks on the agency conceal a larger threat, a threat that could send shockwaves through the U.S. government and around the world
Review:
The Hit by David Baldacci is another of his fantastic suspense thriller novels. I have not read every single Baldacci book, but I love two of his series, and this is now the third series I thoroughly enjoy. What is great about Baldacci you ask? He is a masterful storyteller, with such in depth wonderful characters, and he holds you at the edge of your seat from beginning to end. If you think you know what will happen, trust me, you will never see what is coming, as Baldacci continually pulls surprises and twists. But the best thing about his novels, they are superb, and well written, that when you are finished with the book, you will be thinking about it for days.
The Hit is the second book with Will Robie as the hero. Will is a government assassin and the best in his field. Whether it is the CIA, Homeland Security, FBI or other hidden government divisions, they have their own top secret people to eliminate traitors, foreign undesirables, or rogue agents. In this story, Will is assigned to stop Jessica Reel, who is considered a rogue agent, having just killed two top government employees. Jessica is also considered the best in her field, an assassin on par with Will Robie. Now she has gone rogue, and Will must find her to bring her back…dead or alive.
Will has no qualms about doing his job, even though he is baffled why Reel went off the grid. Jessica manages to be one step ahead of Will, but as he gets closer, Will begins to find disturbing clues that not all is as it appears to be. Meeting with other top government officials, Will begins to suspect that perhaps Jessica is not a traitor, as they are telling him she is. Keeping his mind open, Will continues to search for Jessica, and try to discover why she is doing this. Along the way, Will finds himself caught in a number of ambushes he suspects is not from Jessica Reel.
There are a number of twists, and dangerous situations that are life threatening bringing Will and Jessica face to face, with each saving each other lives. Rather then give out spoilers, what ensues is a major conspiracy that will bring the two of them together to discover the truth. Even the two top assassins are no match for what the government traitors can and will do. With their lives constantly facing danger, and death defying escapes; they must also try to find the mastermind. They must be one step ahead of the traps laid for them, and the double crosses they come across to stay alive, in order to break the conspiracy.
Will Will Robie find the truth? Is Jessica to be trusted? Who are the masterminds running the conspiracy? Will they be able to survive? You will need to read this book to find out.
The Hit was a fabulous thriller that had you unable to put the book down. David Baldacci has once again created a page burning story that had you guessing all the way, and so so well done. The characters of Will Robie and Jessica Reel were so great, and though they are both hardened killers, you can’t help but care about them and root for them. I loved this book, and respect Baldacci’s ability to continue creating these stories fresh every time, as well as making us like his lead characters, even if they are killers.If you have not read David Baldacci, and you like suspense thrillers, it is time you do so.
The Reading Cafe is thrilled to welcome back Nalini Singh. Next week (June 4th), Nalini will be releasing the 12th book in her wonderful Psy/Changeling series. She is here today to discuss Heart of Obsidian, as well as what else we may have to look forward to in 2013
Before we start the interview, let’s refresh your memory about Nalini.
New York Times bestselling author Nalini Singh is passionate about writing. Though she’s traveled as far afield as the deserts of China, the Highlands of Scotland and the temples of Japan, it is the journey of the imagination that fascinates her most. She’s beyond delighted to be able to follow her dream as writer. Nalini lives and works in beautiful New Zealand. Visit the author online atwww.nalinisingh.com, www.facebook.com/AuthorNaliniSingh, andwww.twitter.com/nalinisingh.
Let’s now talk to Nalini.
TRC: Hi Nalini. Thank you for taking the time to revisit us at The Reading Cafe, to discuss your new release Heart of Obsidian, as well as to give us an update as to what you have in store for us in 2013.
Nalini: Thanks for having me!
TRC: You have just released the 12th book in your Psy/Changeling series. For those who may not have read this series, would you please give us a brief description of the premise of the series?
Nalini: The Psy-Changeling series is set in a world with three races:
The Psy, who have phenomenal powers of the mind, such as telekinesis and telepathy, but who have conditioned emotions out of themselves in an effort to fight the murderous insanity that stalks them.
The changelings, who are true shapeshifters, as at home in their animal forms as they are in their human form. The two main packs in the series are the DarkRiver Leopards and the SnowDancer Wolves. In contrast to the Psy, the changelings are very tactile and emotional, and blood loyal to their families, lovers, and packs.
Caught between the Psy and the changelings, humans are the weakest of the three races on the surface, but they have an important role to play as the series continues.
TRC: Heart of Obsidian will be released next week, June 4th. Without revealing all the secrets that have been kept under wrap, while we have been impatiently waiting, can you give us a brief description of this book? 🙂
Nalini:By the time this interview goes live, a two chapter preview of the book will have been posted, so your readers can go straight there to have a read! (http://www.nalinisingh.com/obsidian.php)
The events of this book will slam through the Psy-Changeling world for some time to come. It is a critical episode in the series.
TRC: Ok, I’m going to try. Will Heart of Obsidian reveal who is Ghost? You do not have to tell us who it is, just a little crumb if we will finally find out who he is? 🙂
Nalini:Yes, you will – in an unexpected way in my opinion. 🙂
TRC: YES! 🙂
TRC: The last time you were here, you said there was an end to this series arc. Can you give us an update on this, since this is the 12th book; how many more do we have to look forward to?
Nalini: In my head, I foresee 2-3 more books to end this arc (I’m not sure if 2 books will be enough to tie up all the threads, which is why it might be 3. I won’t know until I sit down to write the books).
However, after that, there will still be plenty to explore in this world and I hope readers will be as interested in doing that as I am.
TRC: We always want to stay in your world. 🙂
TRC: What are your thoughts in regards to continuing the premise of Psy/Changeling with your new arc, and will we still get to see those wonderful characters that we have come to love?
Nalini: Yes, absolutely. I love the sense of family in the series, and I couldn’t totally walk away from all my beloved characters – though you will also be spending time in new places, and meeting new people.
It begins with angels falling from the sky in New York and continues with rivers of blood – Elena and Raphael have a hard, brutal fight on their hands to save their city, but through it all, they work together as a single beating unit.
You’ll also get to see a lot more of Illium, Aodhan, and Naasir in particular.
TRC: What are you currently working on?
Nalini: I’m preparing for my USA/London book tour in June, so I’m working on a few smaller pieces, and making notes for my next Psy-Changeling book, which I’ll begin to write after the tour.
TRC: Thank you, Nalini for answering our questions. We look forward to continuing to read your books, and to work with you in the future.
Nalini: Thanks for the wonderful interview!
Nalini and her publisher have graciously offered one lucky member of The Reading Cafe one mass market book from Nalini’s backlist. Your choice of one book from Nalini’s first 11 books in her Psy/Changeling series.
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As the two Sons chosen to decipher the Prophecy of Idolas, Ramiel and Thane journey to find the key to defeating the Archons. Together with Noele, a born vampire, they confront their fates as they fulfill their duty to their world. Along the way, they’ll find love, but death and betrayal lurk in the shadows, threatening everything dear to them.
Descended from the gods and warriors all, each Son’s loyalty will be tested. Every action has consequences, and the choices they make now seal their fates. Alliances as old as the vampire world itself are reforged, and the Sons’ duty is clear. Stop the Archons. Or die trying
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REVIEW: BLOOD PROPHECY is the fourth installment in Gabrielle Bisset’s Sons of Navarus paranormal series that furthers the storyline surrounding the Prophecy of Idolas, the hunt for the Key, and the battle between the Sons of Navarus and the Archons. Blood Prophecy is Ramiel and Noele’s story but it also encompasses plenty of background information and history as well as a little more about Thane.
As this is Ramiel’s story, we are privy to his early years as a Visigoth during the Roman uprisings, viewed through dream sequences, memory and recollections. We learn that his childhood was not all roses and sunshine. And Thane’s early years as a nobleman in the English countryside is only matched by Ramiel’s visions of Tudor England through the eyes of television and movies.
Gabrielle Bisset’s vampires are both emotional and colorful. Ancient vampires, each with a history and story, are pulled together to prevent the end of their species at the hands of the Sons of Navarus nemesis-the Archons. But true to form, the evil Archons always seem to be one step ahead of the Sons. As the Prophecy of Idolas is slowly deciphered, the Sons attempt to discover and locate the ‘who and why’ of the ancient scripts. Fate has a way of grinding reality to a halt when betrayal and hatred; love and loss; faith and hope pull the Sons together in an attempt to save one of their own-but they may be too late.
There is a secondary storyline running throughout the series: Vasilije, as the self-appointed head of the Sons of Navrus, remains a vampire of questionable integrity as it pertains to the vampires he sires and Sasa (the woman he claims to love) in particular. The novella THE DEEPEST CUT furthers Sasa, Vasilije and Thane’s storyline (released December 2012) and the continued animosity between these three is addressed again in Blood Prophecy. Betrayal, heartbreak and the disillusion of a relationship are difficult but probably inevitable, although one that I hope will see a different resolution in the future.
Gabrielle Bisset is not afraid to address controversy in her storylines: death, betrayal, unrequited love, addiction and infidelity are all part of the reality of vampire life. Her heroes and heroines are not perfect; they are fallible and broken and, because they were all human in a previous life, their troubled emotions and characterstics still retain some definite human qualities. Blood Prophecy is a well-written, detailed and emotional storyline that fans of the series will definitely not want to miss. Gabrielle Bisset takes the vampire genre and puts a twist on the storyline that is all her own.
She’s the only one who can see through his golden boy façade to the broken god within…
Chrysander Notos, Supreme God of the South Wind and Summer, is on a mission: save Eurus from his death sentence and prove his troubled brother can be redeemed. But Eurus fights back, triggering vicious summer storms that threaten the mortal realm, dangerously drain Chrys, and earn the ire of the Olympic gods who ordered Eurus dead.
Laney Summerlyn refuses to give up her grandfather’s horse farm, despite her deteriorating vision. More than ever, she needs the organized routine of her life at Summerlyn Stables, until a ferocious storm brings an impossible—and beautiful—creature crashing down from the heavens.
Injured while fighting Eurus, Chrys finds himself at the mercy of a mortal woman whose compassion and acceptance he can’t resist. As they surrender to the passion flaring between them, immortal enemies close in, forcing Chrys to choose between his brother and the only woman who’s ever loved the real him.
••••••••••••••
REVIEW: SOUTH OF SURRENDER is the third storyline in Laura Kaye’s paranormal Heart of the Anemoi series focusing on the mythological gods of the seasons and the winds. This is Chrysander’s storyline-Supreme God of the South Wind and Summer.
Laura Kaye has brought together two strong but damaged souls in SOS. Chrysander believes himself responsible for his brother’s dark and tormented life. Time and again, Chrysander will search out Eurus-the god of the East wind- hoping to convince his brother that death and destruction are not the only option. But Chrysander bears the scars of his brother’s actions and cruelty. Literally falling into Laney’s Summerlyn’s life will bring the reality of his brother’s evil front and center to Laney’s front door.
While Laney is strong and independent, our heroine is slowly going blind. But there is something else about Laney –something that will make her the perfect mate for a god who believes he is not worthy of love or the sacrifices she is willing to make. Laney’s soul will call to Chrys and in doing so will begin the long road to recovery for both Chrys and his new mate. But Laney is something more and it will take another god of Olympus to show Laney that she is much more than a young woman going blind.
The relationship between Laney and Chrys is both beautiful and aggressive. Chrys knows that to pursue any relationship means to put Laney in the eye of the storm-the storm that is the war between the gods and the brothers. But the heart knows only one thing, and when Chrys begins to push Laney away, there will be others who will open their eyes to the truth about love and sacrifice.
SOUTH OF SURRENDER is also a heartbreaking storyline. Eurus’s anger and rage knows no boundary-he attacks without provocation-believing himself to be wronged. The gods will suffer losses-some more than others-but in the end power will be passed to the sons; a potential new hero will emerge; and Laney will discover that when it comes to sight, she has been gifted beyond the ability of human comprehension.
Laura Kaye has written a wonderful storyline of sorrow and pain; betrayal at the hands of family; and a love story that will see two broken hearts finding what they need to begin a new life together with one another. And in the end it is still an amazing story of family, heartbreak and love from the mind (and pen) of Laura Kaye.
Copy supplied by the publicist.
Reviewed by Sandy
South of Surrender Release Day Blitz and Giveaway
I am thrilled to welcome Chrysander Notos and Laney Summerlyn to the world today, and to welcome back the whole Anemoi family, too! Chrys and Laney are the hero and heroine of South of Surrender, the third book in my Greek-mythology inspired Hearts of the Anemoi series. The Anemoi were wind gods the Greeks associated with controlling the wind, the weather, and the seasons, and as the summer god, Chrys is the hottest of them all! Passions and conflict between the Anemoi brothers heat way, way up in South of Surrender. Need more proof? Check out this tense excerpt as well as the giveaway that follows!
Aeolus stepped forward. “We are all expendable. It is not the god, but the wind he serves, that matters. So I ask each of you now. Are you prepared to stand and fight?”
The gods offered solemn agreement.
Aeolus moved to the center of the room. Anger and determination carved hard angles into his face. Thunder and lightning split the sky. “I say again. Are you prepared to stand and fight?”
A loud, fierce cheer of approval and commitment shook the room. Teddy fussed but didn’t cry, as if even his divine energy understood the threat they faced.
“Make no mistake. We are at war. We will not all come out of it alive. Sacrifices will be made.” He held up his maimed hand. “And you must understand the full extent of what you are up against. Eurus possesses the firestone ring. He has power over the winds, over each of you. This is my fault. I fully acknowledge it. And I stand ready to sacrifice myself to set this right.” Murmurs sounded from around the room.
This…this was the resignation he’d seen on Aeolus’s face. As many grievances as Chrys could voice against his father, he would fight to the last to prevent any of his family from dying. They’d lost enough. Had enough turmoil. For several lifetimes.
Aeolus continued. “Together, we are strong. Eurus cannot take us all at once. We must fight. To avenge the death of one of our own who has fallen this night. To avenge wrongs against others of our numbers in recent days, weeks, and months. To preserve and protect the human realm, as is our duty and purpose.”
Boreas pushed off the wall and stood tall. “In the name of the North Wind, I stand ready to fight.”
Zeph nodded. “In the name of the West Wind, I, too, stand ready to fight.”
“In the name of the South Wind, and in the name of vengeance for the Southeast Wind, I stand ready to kick some ass,” Chrys said. “So what’s our plan?”
GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED -Thank you
Win 1 of five $50 gift cards to winners’ choice of Amazon/B&N/iTunes!
HOW TO ENTER?
==> Did you have a favorite line from the excerpt? Comment with your email address to enter to win! Open to international! Giveaway runs for one day and ends at midnight PST on May 28! <==
NOTE: Giveaway is tour wide and all 5 winners will be chosen by rafflecopter and Laura Kaye
Laura is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over a dozen books in contemporary and paranormal romance. Growing up, Laura’s large extended family believed in the supernatural, and family lore involving angels, ghosts, and evil-eye curses cemented in Laura a life-long fascination with storytelling and all things paranormal. She lives in Maryland with her husband, two daughters, and cute-but-bad dog, and appreciates her view of the Chesapeake Bay every day.
One of the things I got to do more with the youngest was what he called ‘play toys.” “Mom, play toys with me” was an almost daily ritual, one I looked forward to doing since I already knew how quickly children grow out of the wanting to be with mom stage and into the drop me off a block from school stage. So I carefully made sure I played toys whenever asked.
It all begins with the name. The heroes, Optimus Prime or Leader-1? Which has the better name? That also goes for the evil machines – Megatron or Cy-Kill? Need I even ask?
It was a good thing I was into sci-fi and trucks from having three boys because these things became a staple in my house for a long time when they first were introduced by Hasbro. Which brings me to why I loved seeing the Transformers movies. It certainly wasn’t the plots. There were none to speak of. The storylines jumped all around, some character lines weren’t tied up and finalized and mostly, things blew up and there was a lot of noise; for over two and a half hours. And while Shia is not unpleasant to look at for that length of time, he’s no Hugh Jackman as Wolverine or Chris Pine as the current Captain Kirk.
