Monthly Archives: January 2014

The Fever Tree by Jennifer McVeigh-Review and Giveaway

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The Fever Tree by Jennifer McVeigh-Review and Giveaway

The Fever Tree Banner

The Fever Tree
by Jennifer McVeigh
Genre: Historical Fiction
Release Date: April 2013

The Fever Tree

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In London she was caged by society.

In South Africa, she is dangerously free.

Frances Irvine, left destitute in the wake of her father’s sudden death, has been forced to abandon her life of wealth and privilege in London and emigrate to the Southern Cape of Africa. 1880 South Africa is a country torn apart by greed. In this remote and inhospitable land she becomes entangled with two very different men—one driven by ambition, the other by his ideals. Only when the rumor of a smallpox epidemic takes her into the dark heart of the diamond mines does she see her path to happiness. But this is a ruthless world of avarice and exploitation, where the spoils of the rich come at a terrible human cost and powerful men will go to any lengths to keep the mines in operation. Removed from civilization and disillusioned by her isolation, Frances must choose between passion and integrity, a decision that has devastating consequences. The Fever Tree is a compelling portrait of colonial South Africa, its raw beauty and deprivation alive in equal measure. But above all it is a love story about how—just when we need it most—fear can blind us to the truth.

•••••••••••••••••••

Using simple words to describe a masterpiece is difficult, but I will try. The Fever Tree by Jennifer McVeigh is a masterfully written story of a young “Victorian” age girl in England, whose father is a self-made businessman. He created an industry of furniture making and became very wealthy.

Typical of this era, women were kept in a “bubble” of social acceptability and “protected” from the day to day transactions of life. The only talents needed by the wealthy women were how to dress, who to talk with, all that silly inconsequential stuff. So, is it any wonder they were unable to survive if anything happened to their father/husband keepers?

This is the setting for Frances Irvine, daughter of the previously mentioned furniture and businessman. It seems he is of Irish decent and so not “acceptable” to the wealthy English society members. He met and married one such wonderful lady, who was promptly disowned by her family. She sickened and died when Frances was a young girl. In keeping with the times her father raised her with tutors and a governess that taught her the world pretty much revolves around only her. She was once offered marriage by a young doctor that her father let spend some time in his household when the doctor was a boy of sixteen.

When her father dies, she is left without resources and assumes her uncle will take her in. She fails to recognize that she is not wanted by her family on her mother’s side. Her father’s sister will take her in as a nurse for her children, but Frances feels this is totally beneath her and does not wish to live in Manchester or as an employee of her aunt. Her choice, if given one, would be to live with her mother’s family. The rest of the story revolves around her “arranged” marriage to Dr. Matthews, now living in South Africa, near the diamond mines.

This is the place where I have to stop now…to explain more would give away just too much.

As I said earlier, this is a masterpiece. If I were to compare it, I would have to use a story like … The Thorn Birds. Yes, it’s that powerful and more. If someone doesn’t make this into a mini-series for TV, they’ve missed the opportunity of a lifetime. To write something this powerful and compelling as your first novel is so incredible. This novel is one you really mustn’t miss, if you like historical stories at all. It’s well written, the characters are so real and the story twists and twists…and for me the very best is the magnificent ending (although I would have liked a bit more). One caution, don’t expect to be able to put this down easily. I started it in the morning and finished it the next morning (around 2:30am). Just couldn’t stop reading.

It’s an epic ladies! Get a glass of your favorite beverage, park yourself in a comfortable place and enjoy, I did! And I will again…this is one that I’ll re-read (maybe I’ll be able to take it slower…about the third time).

Copy supplied by the publisher

Reviewed by Georgianna

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About The Author

Follow: Website/ Goodreads/ Facebook/ Twitter

Jennifer McVeighJennifer graduated from Oxford University in 2002 with a First in English Literature. She went on to work in film, television, radio and publishing, before leaving her day job to do an MA in Creative Writing at Bath Spa University. She graduated in 2011 with a Distinction.

She has travelled in wilderness areas of East Africa and Southern Africa, often in off-road vehicles, driving and camping along the way. The Fever Tree is her first novel.

 

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giveaway

Penguin Publishing is offering a paper copy of THE FEVER TREE to one lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

1. If you have not registered, please register using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3. Giveaway is OPEN to USA only.

4. Giveaway runs from January 29 to February 1, 2014

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Preston’s Mill and Changing Times by Jacqueline Rhoades-Reviews and Giveaway

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Preston’s Mill and  Changing Times by Jacqueline Rhoades – Reviews and Giveaway

Jacqueline Rhoades Banner

Preston’s Mills
Hidden Mountain #1
by Jacqueline Rhoades
Genre: contemporary, romance, adult
Release Date: January 4,2014

Preston's Mill

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

When her disastrous marriage ends in the most humiliating way, Meg Hanson doesn’t know what to do or who to turn to. Unhappy with her life as it was and unwilling to become what her mother and sister envision, she retreats to the little Appalachian town of Prestons Mill, the place where her father was raised. Meg has promised herself six months away from the influences of home to find out who she is and what she really wants out of life.

JT Preston is burdened with his family’s past sins, sins that prevent him from seeking the life he’s always envied and longed for. Annie thinks this is nonsense, too, and sets about bringing Meg and JT together, but nothing is ever as easy as it sounds.

When a coal company makes plans to begin mining the mountain, Meg and JT find themselves in the middle of the battle between those who consider it progress and those who see it as the end of a way of life. Greed rears its head, people are hurt and lives are endangered, Meg’s most of all.

 ••••••••••••••••••••••••••

If you love romance…the “old fashioned” heart throbbing, sighing kind…this is it!  This is a wonderfully human tale of a woman who married early and certainly the wrong man!  A political and social climber, he basically “raised” a wife for his own needs.  Then, of course, slept around…although poor Meg didn’t know it until it was “page-one” in front of her.

Recently divorced, the scandal pretty fresh in her mind…Meg is a bit lost.  Her father sees her struggling to find her way and suggests she go visit with his Aunt Annie for a change of pace. Certainly not what her mother wants…but she’s tired of the “socially acceptable” people and places.  She needs to find out who she is, now that she’s not “Edward’s wife”.

Arriving in Preston’s Mill, she finds the small mountain town far different, but remembers visiting as a girl.  Her mother never approved, but her father loved this town.

She stops at one of the small businesses in town, The Downtown Café; the style of the café is old, but extremely clean.  She meets Suze and her husband/cook Jerry.  The people are wonderfully written, I swear I know these people.  She also gets teased by J.T. Preston and a quick peck to remind her of who had once been her first kiss.  This confrontation is hilarious and must be read!  I love this first introduction to the town and a few of its people.  The dialect is perfect for the small mountain town and is absolutely correct and so colorful, it just makes them and the place – so real.  You actually feel like you’re there, I can see them; as well as the whole place while I’m reading.

Jacqueline Rhoades has written a warm, loving, wonderful place full of uniquely quirky people, who would give you the shirt of their backs.  This is a place you wish you could visit, if not live there.

While I don’t do spoilers, the romance is slow and easy as they get to know each other again, but quite steamy when they do.  Meg begins to find herself again; as well as who she wants to be and who she wants to be that person with.

Annie is Meg’s great aunt and is a wonderful character in her own right. She loves with her whole heart, prays and yet she’s so “down to earth” practical. Please read the excerpt posted for this book…the “mouse” scene is wonderful, but only one among many.

The story has drama, twists, bad guys, and so much more.  The only issue I had is that the story ended…just didn’t want it to.  Have no fear; the second book in this series will be released in February. I actually get to read it first!

If you like really good people, drama, and real love; get yourself your favorite beverage, lots of tissues and cuddle up to Preston’s Mill.  You won’t regret a minute of the time you spend in Preston’s Mill!  Enjoy, I did.

Copy supplied by the author

Reviewed by Georgianna

excerpt

“That’s no car for a lady.” She laughed aloud as she grabbed the keys from the hook and headed out into the yard.

It certainly wasn’t. Her moment of rebellion had bought her a bone-rattling, kidney-jostling, butt-bumping Jeep with a hard top for winter and a soft top for spring and four wheel drive which Dewey assured her would be a blessing once the winter snows began. Sooner or later, she would probably curse her impulsiveness, but for now, this thing was fun to drive.

Having fun was something else she’d forgotten how to do. She’d trained her mouth to produce no more than polite smiles and discreet chuckles and the first time she let out a high pitched cackle of belly clutching mirth, she was so shocked by the sound, she cried.

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Changing Times
Hidden Mountain #2
by Jacqueline Rhoades
Release Date: January 31, 2014

Changing TimesABOUT THE BOOK

Return to Hidden Mountain…
Hard living Lorelei Stewart has always accepted her role as the town tramp’s daughter and has earned her fast and loose reputation, but times change. Pregnant and overburdened with responsibility, Lorelei’s given up men and hopes to provide her baby with what she lacked as a girl; a decent home and a loving mother. The old bootlegger, Rollie Roper, needs a caretaker and has room for Lorelei and her coming child; a fair exchange.

Everything’s almost perfect until Rollie’s long lost nephew, Cob Thornton, turns up with money and plans of his own and those plans don’t include the woman living in his house, yet something about Lorelei fascinates him. He begins to see past the cold armor she wears and discovers a vulnerable and loving woman within. Now all he has to do is convince the pessimistic Lorelei that sometimes, Changing Times can be a blessing in disguise.

•••••••••••••••••

Changing Times is book two of the Hidden Mountain Series by Jacqueline Rhoades. We return to Preston’s Mill the small mountain town where it all began! We’re back to the wonderful people with all their interesting quirkiness and down home honesty. Ahhh, I’ve been away too long! I really need a piece of that double chocolate fudge cake at the Downtown Café.

This is Lorelei’s story. Being known as the Preston’s Mill bad girl and the town tramp’s daughter hasn’t been easy to live with for Lorelei. She’s not what everyone thinks…well, that’s not entirely true. She has been wild and has “slept” her way around, but the men were her choice; only she decided who she went with and she was particular. However, being Pearle’s daughter left an expectation in everyone’s mind and she did nothing to dissuade it.

She was molested in the last book (oops spoiler) and is with child. She tried to get Junior to marry her, but realized he was a crook and responsible for almost killing her friends. So that plan didn’t work and she ended up saving Rollie Roper and her friends; then turned Junior in to the law.

She now lives at Rollie Roper’s, whose life she saved in the last book (she needed a place to stay and he needed care and a housekeeper). She does take care of him and even manages to keep him from smoking too much and drinking too much. All this while she keeps his house spotless and does administrative work for the lady lawyer in town as well as still caring for her maniac/alcoholic mother. That would be incredible for anyone, let alone a very pregnant single lady.

Things are going fine, when who shows up but Rollie’s nephew who he thought was killed in action overseas. Rollie, being Rollie, didn’t actually talk to the “army guys” when they came to notify him – just assumed what they were there for. There is a good reason for this mistake, but you have to read the story to find this out! Anyway, he’s big and he’s back. He figures half this is his (his mother’s half) and so does Rollie.

Meanwhile, Junior and his mother decide Junior needs Lorelei to marry him (a wife can’t testify against her husband) so they claim to be able to take her baby away from her because she’s such a bad influence and they are so rich…

That’s the setup; you really need to read this wonderful tale for yourself. I don’t do spoilers (if I can help it) because it’s just so much fun to discover the details for yourself.

This much I can tell you… I laughed until I cried; I cried and chewed my fingernails; I swooned at the hot love scenes and more; I prayed at the most fearful scene a mother could read; I sighed at the end! That should give you some idea as to how compelling and captivating this story is. If we gave out ratings…this would be a 5+.

This is an incredibly romantic story of changing lives and finding one person to truly love and trust. Rich vibrant characters with humor and wisdom make up the whole town. A place I’d love to call home. Jacqueline Rhoades has managed to have it all in this wonderful new series.
Enjoy, I did!

Copy supplied by the author.

Reviewed by Georgianna

excerpt

Lorelei looked over her shoulder to where Hardy Curran was bouncing baby Mikey on his good knee, seemingly paying no attention to the two women.

She leaned over the counter and whispered, “And there he is this morning, sitting out on the porch in his underwear with a hard-on the size of a flagpole.”

“Oooo, is he cute?” Suze giggled. “Just how tall was this flagpole and what was he doing with it and why on the front porch? Enquiring minds want to know.” She wiggled her brows.

“It wasn’t like that. He slept out there with a couch pillow and a ratty old blanket.”

Suze looked confused. “Why’d he do that?”

“Haven’t you been listening to anything I’ve said?”

“Well, some, but you are talking a little fast.”

Lorelei huffed. “Suze, I don’t even know if the guy is who he says he is.”

“Dark curly hair, gray eyes, tall and skinny. Got a scar right here,” Hardy pointed to a spot where his shoulder met his chest, “where one of the Tolliver boys shot him with an arrow. I forget which one.” He grinned when the ladies blushed. “Don’t know about the flagpole, but that pretty much covers the rest of him. Course, times change.”

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About The author

Follow: Goodreads/ Website/ Facebook/ Twitter


Jacqueline RhoadesA New Englander by birth and an Ohioan by choice, Jacqueline, known as Jackie by her friends, makes her home in a small, rural town with one lovable husband, one spoiled dog and one disinterested cat. (The adjectives are often interchangeable). An avid reader from a very early age, Jackie has an eclectic taste for books and therefore has trouble naming a favorite genre or author, though she does admit that for pure personal fantasy and ‘take-me-away’ books, you just can’t beat a good romance.
Jackie believes in the beauty of all women and thinks most women don’t see themselves as they should (herself included). She tries to make the women in her books reflect the best of ‘average’ in a variety of shapes, sizes, personalities and backgrounds, and each is beautiful in her own way. Some of her heroes are movie star handsome, while others are not. All her characters are beautiful in the eyes of their lovers and that, to Jackie, is the most beautiful of all.

giveaway

Jacqueline Rhoades is offering an ecopy of PRESTON’S MILL and an ecopy of CHANGING TIMES to two (2) lucky commenters at The Reading Cafe.

1. If you have not registered at The Reading Cafe, please register using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3. Giveaway is open INTERNATIONALLY.

4. Giveaway runs from January 28 to January 31, 2014

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Bound by Lorelei James-Review and Giveaway

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Bound by Lorelei James-Review and Giveaway

BOUND Giveaway Banner

Bound
The Mastered Series #1
by Lorelei James
Release Date: February 4, 2014

Bound

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About the book: Release Date February 4, 2014

Former small-town girl Amery Hardwick is living her dream as a graphic designer in Denver, Colorado. She’s focused on building her business, which leaves little time for dating—not that she needs a romantic entanglement to fulfill her. When her friend signs up for a self-defense class as part of her recovery after an attack, Amery joins her for support. That’s where she meets him.

Ronin Black, owner of the dojo, is so drawn to Amery that he takes over her training—in public and in private. The enigmatic Ronin pushes Amery’s boundaries from the start, and with each new tryst, Amery becomes addicted to the pleasure and to him. But when Amery senses Ronin is hiding something, she questions her total trust in him, despite the undeniable thrill of his possession.

••••••••••••••••••

Oh my sweet Jesus………..I.LOVED.THIS.BOOK. Amery was raised by very strict, very Christian parents and is still, in a sense, still trying to discover who she really is. She’s already pretty accomplished in her professional life, but she feels that her personal life is lacking. Enter Ronin Black. I have not been this enthralled with the hero of a book in a long time. And, evidently, neither has Amery! *snort* He is sensual personified. And, once they lock onto each other, things really get steamy.

They begin seeing each other and things go pretty quickly. Amery’s friends are a little wary of Ronin, but Amery just brushes it off. He’s hot and into her. What could be wrong with that?? But, she soon realizes that there is more to the mysterious Ronin Black than meets the eye. He disappears from time to time, not for too long, but enough that she begins to question things and he’s evasive, which doesn’t sit well with her. She begins to distance herself, but Ronin will not have it. Yep, he’s a man used to getting what he wants. And? He wants her.

There is so much I want to say about this book. It is wonderfully written, grabbing you from the beginning. Ronin Black was a very pleasant surprise for me. He, at least for me, is different from the others in this genre. He’s used to getting what he wants, but not as “hard” as others I’ve read about. He, like I said before, is sensual personified. Amery is a great heroine and I love her as well. These two fit together better than any pair I’ve read about in a long time. And, I knew that there was something big that we didn’t know about Mr. Black, but holy cow!!! I did NOT see that coming at the end of the book. I also didn’t know that this was a series devoted to the two of them, or at least, I’m guessing that’s what it is. Because the book ends with a major revelation and I can’t wait for the next installment. This is the first book I’ve read by Lorelei James, but, my friends, I guarantee you that it won’t be the last. I am chomping at the bit for the next one. If you read this one, you will be too!!! Very well done Lorelei James, very very well done!!!

Copy supplied by the publisher.

Reviewed by Vickie M.

About The Author Black and Yellow

FOLLOW: Goodreads/website/Facebook/Twitter

Lorelei JamesWhen I’m not squirreled away behind my laptop writing fun, sexy, contemporary erotic romances set in the modern day Wild West, I can be found reading everything under the sun, practicing yoga until I’m a pretzel, shootin’ my .22, watching the Professional Bull Riders tour on Versus, and running a kid’s taxi service, all in the guise of avoiding housework and rustlin’ up vittles.

Why do I have a particular fondness for all things western? Well, I’m a fourth generation South Dakotan, living in the Black Hills, which is chock-full of interesting characters, including cowboys, Indians, ranchers, and bikers. The geographical diversity of the surrounding area showcases mountains, plains, and badlands. Living in and writing about rural settings gives me a unique perspective, especially since I’m not writing historical westerns. Through my fictional world, I can show the ideals and the cowboy way of life are still very much alive.

Giveaway-Black and Yellow

Lorelei James and Penguin Groups are offering a paper copy of BOUND to one lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

1. Please register using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

2. If you are using a social log-in please post your email address with your comments.

3. Giveaway open to USA only.

4. Giveaway runs from January 28 to February 1, 2014

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SNAP: Happily Ever After? by Michele Drier-Review, Guest Post and Giveaway

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SNAP: Happily Ever After? by Michele Drier-Review, Guest Post and Giveaway

Snap Happily Ever After Banner

SNAP: Happily Ever After?
The Kandesky Vampire Chronicles #6
by Michele Drier
Genre: adult, paranormal
Release Date: November 17, 2013

Snap Happily EverAfter

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 17, 2013

Loving Jean-Louis for eternity doesn’t mean that Maxie Gwenoch will let him turn her. Jean-Louis is a vampire, is gorgeous, is the second-in-command of the Kandesky Family of Hungarian vampires, and is her boss at SNAP, the multinational, multimedia celeb gossip empire where she is the VP for International Planning. She moves to Kiev to build a home with Jean-Louis and finds her future under a cloud from Leonid, a rival from the Huszar family, now living in a bolthole in the ruins of Chernobyl. Will Maxie find safety by giving up her days and joining Jean-Louis in the vampire nights?

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REVIEW: She’s back with another exciting story of those wonderful Kandesky’s!

Happily Ever After?, is the 6th of the Kandesky Vampire Chronicles. Michele Drier takes us on another journey into the incredibly fast paced life of the Kandesky vampires. We begin with Maxie Gwenoch arriving in Kiev to begin her assignment as Vice President of International Planning. Of course we start with a bang…as Maxie overrides Jean-Louis’s orders and goes right to the office instead of to Nik’s house.

The incredible love between Maxie and Jean-Louis is both romantic and volatile. The man gets go over the top angry when she disobeys his orders, even though she doesn’t know why he made those orders…being American and Maxie, she needs to know the why before obeying anything. A concept that’s a bit difficult for the 500 year old Jean-Louis. I love the hot and cold and angst of this whole relationship as they find their way together. It’s really fun and interesting to see what will happen next!

It seems some of the villain(s) from the last story, Leonid and Jules, escaped and have made their way to Kiev. Hence, Jean-Louis’s angst over Maxie going to the office before he could set up security.

Okay, that’s the set up for the story; I don’t do a lot of spoilers. Especially when the tale is so much fun to discover for yourselves! This one certainly is! I found myself not being able to put it down, even for dinner…I’m so hooked! I love hearing about some of the same characters and each book changes them out a bit, but they begin to feel like friends you need to keep up with. This time, we get to see a bit more of Nik; blonde, 500 years old, great looking, and loads of fun (hmmm…wouldn’t mind more of him…).

Be ready for a roller coaster ride of parties, travel, and exciting times! Remember Chernobyl? This plays a large part in this story…last spoiler! The whole story arc is moved along a bit for us as Maxie tries to make a life with Jean-Louis who wants to marry her and turn her to live with him forever. But Maxie just can’t make that decision and he’s being ever so patient. However they are together and deeply in love!

If you haven’t picked up this wonderful series…what’s stopping you? It’s fast paced, filled with fashion, gossip, and the lives of the rich and famous…with some vampires (who are pretty good guys) added in for good measure. Get a glass of your favorite beverage (mine of course is wine) and something to munch on…it helps with the nerves to have something besides fingernails to chew on; and get set for a great story and lots of wonderful romance! Enjoy, I did!

Click HERE for our review of SNAP: Love For Blood #4

Box Set ebooks Vol 1-4 only $7.99 : Amazon.com / Amazon.ca/ Barnes and Noble/ KOBO

Copy supplied by the author.

Reviewed by Georgianna

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Guest post

Last fall, I heard Janet Evanovich speak.

Yep, she was as funny in person as in the Stephanie Plum books. She told stories about the “heaving bosoms” and “turgid manhood” euphemisms she had to use when writing romance books back in the day.

She told stories about her own grandmother and great-aunt reading the obituaries every day so they could plan their funeral visits.

She said that much of Stephanie’s life was modeled on her own, growing up in a middle-class neighborhood in New Jersey.

She also said that when she woke up every morning, she couldn’t wait to get back to Stephanie’s world.

I understand that.

I didn’t grow up in a castle with vampires, but when I wake up in the morning, I can’t wait to sit down and write more of the story in the Kandesky Vampire Chronicles.

Maxie, Jean-Louis, the Baron, Pen, and now Nik and Jazz are like family. And the demons—well Sandor, head demon, puts the butler on Downton Abbey to shame. Not only does he have the panache, he’s strong, incredibly fast and has protected Jean-Louis for centuries.

The scene of the action in the Chronicles has shifted from L.A. to Hungary, to Paris, to Krakow, to Kiev, and I’ve been there. At least I’ve been to France and Hungary. The rest, I’ve imagined.

I was sending an email recently and said I had to get back to Kiev. Up popped a response: “How cool! Do you speak Russian?”  Sadly, I had to say no.

It’s such a delight to spend the day with the Kandeskys. There’s danger, there’s sexual tension, there’s romance and love and there’s humor,

And there’s money—pots and pots of money. About a century ago, Baron Stefan Kandesky and Jean-Louis developed SNAP, a celebrity gossip magazine. It’s now evolved into the largest celeb gossip outlet in the world, with print editions and nightly TV shows.

SNAP covers the worlds of entertainment, aristocrats, movers and shakers and just plain millionaires and billionaires. With this kind of glam, Maxie has to look her best, so I can spend time on designers’ websites, choosing wardrobes, shoes, accessories.

I’m writing the seventh book in the series now, SNAP: White Nights. It’ll take the family deeper into the world of international armament sales, another business of Kandesky Holdings, and takes place in Kiev, Moscow and St. Petersburg.

Some people do want to hang out with the Kandeskys. The fifth book, SNAP: Love for Blood, was a finalist for the RomCon Readers’ Crown award for 2013 and was nominated as the Best Paranormal Romance Book in 2013 by the Paranormal Romance Guild Reviewers.

You can hang out too…all the SNAP: Kandesky Vampire Chronicles books are available at Amazon, Barnes & Nobel, Kobo and iTunes.

Or you can check out my Amazon author’s page atMichele Drier-Amazon

And, if you ever have a vampire lover, would you let him turn you?

about the author

FOLLOW: Website /Facebook /Twitter / Amazon

Michele DrierMichele Drier was born in Santa Cruz and is a fifth generation Californian. She’s lived and worked all over the state, calling both Southern and Northern California home. During her career in journalism—as a reporter and editor at daily newspapers—she won awards for producing investigative series.

She writes the Amy Hobbes Newspaper mysteries and the six-book Kandesky Vampire Chronicles paranormal romance series, and has just published her eighth book, SNAP: Happily Ever After? She’s working on the seventh book in the series, SNAP: White Nights, scheduled for publication in early 2014

Giveaway

Michele is offering the following giveaway: 4 prizes-4 winners

Michele Drier prizes

-One winner will receive an ecopy of SNAP: Happily Ever After?
-One winner will receive an ecopy of SNAP: Love For Blood
-One winner will receive a Kandesky Vampire Mug
-One winner will receive a Kandesky Vampire bookmark

1. Please register using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3. Ebooks eligibility is open INTERNATIONALLY: Mug and bookmark open to US/CANADA only.

4. Giveaway runs from January 27 to January 31, 2014

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Letting Go by Maya Banks-Review, Interview and Giveaway

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Letting Go by Maya Banks-Review, Interview and Giveaway

Letting Go Banner

Letting Go
The Surrender Trilogy #1
by Maya Banks
Release Date: February 4, 2014
Genre: Contemporary, adult, erotic

Letting Go Feb 2014

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk/ Barnes and Noble / KOBO / The Book Depository

ABOUT THE BOOK:  Josslyn found perfection once, and she knows she’ll never find it again. Now widowed, she seeks the one thing her beloved husband couldn’t give her. Dominance. Lonely and searching for an outlet for her grief and wanting only a brief taste of the perfection she once enjoyed, she seeks what she’s looking for at an exclusive club that caters to people indulging in their most hedonistic fantasies. She never imagined that what she’d find is the one man who’s long been a source of comfort—and secret longing. Her husband’s best friend.

Dash has lived in an untenable position for years. In love with his best friend’s wife and unwilling to act on that attraction. He’d never betray his best friend. And so he’s waited in the wings, offering Joss unconditional support and comfort as she works past her grief, hoping for the day when he can offer her more.

When he finds her in a club devoted to the darker edges of desire, he’s furious because he thinks she has no idea what she’s getting herself into. Until she explains in detail what it is she wants. What she needs. As realization sets in, he is gripped by fierce, unwavering determination. If she wants dominance, he is the only man who will introduce her to that world. He is the only man who will touch her, cherish her…love her. And the only man she’ll ever submit to.

•••••••••••••••••••

Letting Go begins on the third anniversary of her beloved Carson’s death. She visits his grave and has decided that the time has come to let him go and live her life. Once she leaves his grave, she vows to not return. This is not how she wants to think of him and she knows that he would want her to move on.

Joss has been researching D/s relationships and has decided to visit The House, a club which we learned of in Banks’ Sweet Series, that is a hub of D/s activity. When she tells her two best friends of her decision, she is met with mixed reactions. She knew that Chessy would be supportive seeing as how she was a submissive herself, but Kylie was a different matter. She was Carson’s sister and they had survived a horrific childhood at the hands of an abusive father, and Kylie still bore the scars. But, once she explains things to both of her friends and that she has made her decision, she feels better. And stronger.

The night comes for her visit to The House, and even though she’s nervous, she heads out. And has no idea how much her life will change the moment she enters. Once she has been introduced to one of the male members, they walk through the entry way and walk straight into Dash. She is mortified that her husband’s best friend knows what she’s up to, and, what in the world would he be doing at The House? Once Dash storms over and extricates Joss from the other guy, he takes her home. He thinks she has no idea what goes on there…………….. Oh, what a surprise he’s in for. And, once she finds out Dash’s feelings for her? Let’s just say things get pretty interesting. Fast. Once they decide to give a relationship a chance, will she and Dash truly be letting go?

Maya Banks has done it again. I know there are a lot of books like this on the market, but she always, always makes her’s relevant. Joss is a wonderfully strong heroine. I love how she decides what she wants and goes for it. As for Dash? He’s a great hero, but I can’t tell you how many times I wanted to reach through and pop him upside of his thick head. Once he figures out that he’s been a tool, he moves heaven and earth to make things right. I also love that we get a peak at some characters from her Sweet Series. That’s always a plus for me. The end of the book had me tearing up and cheering, all at the same time. Once again, well done Maya Banks!

Copy supplied by the publisher

Reviewed by Vickie M.

Interview

ABOUT MAYA BANKS: Maya Banks is a #1 New York Times bestselling author whose chart toppers have included erotic romance, romantic suspense, contemporary romance, and Scottish historical romance. She lives in the South with her husband, three children and a variety of pets.

Follow Maya: Website/Goodreads/Twitter/Facebook

Maya BanksTRC: Hi Maya and welcome back to The Reading Café. Congratulations on your latest release LETTING GO.

MAYA: Thanks for having me back and thank you for the new release congrats! I’m super excited over the release of this trilogy.

TRC: LETTING GO is the first book in your erotic SURRENDER trilogy. Would you please tell us something about the premise?

MAYA: Basically the heroine was married to her soul mate, a man she loved with all her heart but he was killed in an accident which devastated Joss. Unknown to her, her husband’s best friend, Dash, has long been in love with her and he’s stepped in as a source of support for her during the time she’s grieved the loss of her husband, but he’s waiting and watching, battling with himself over when to make his move and his intentions clear.

ORDER: Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk/ Barnes and Noble / KOBO / The Book Depository

Letting Go Feb 2014TRC: If you could virtually cast the leading characters (Josslyn and Dash) in this storyline, which models or actors best represents your ideal image?

MAYA: I never ever model my characters after actors. I actually don’t watch much television or movies so I’m woefully ignorant of pop culture, lol. So now, I can’t even begin to cast the characters in my books after actors because each of my characters is unique, which makes them more “real” to me because I build a characters, their personalities and their needs and wants

TRC: Colter’s Gift was the final instalment in your Colter’s Legacy series. Do you have any plans to keep the readers up to date with novellas or short stories about the Colter Clan?

MAYA: Not at present, no. Colters’ Gift was intended to be the final installment in the Colters’ Legacy series.

Colter's GiftTRC: When writing a storyline, do the characters direct the writing or do you direct the characters?

MAYA: It’s a little of both. Sometimes I plan for a story and have a good idea of the sequence of events. But my favorite part of writing are the surprises that pop up as I’m writing. It’s fun and exciting when what I THINK is supposed to happen changes and my characters take me in a different direction. It definitely keeps it fresh and interesting for me!

TRC: The mark of a good writer is to pull the reader into the storyline so that they experience the emotions along with the characters. What do you believe a writer must do to make this happen? Where do you believe writer’s fail in this endeavor?

MAYA: I think a writer has to really get into a character’s head and when they’re writing in a character’s point of view they have to take the reader right into what the character is thinking, what they’re feeling and their reactions to things. This is where emotion comes in and without emotion a story will most certainly fall flat.

TRC: If you could become a contestant on one of the reality TV programs, which program would you interest you the most? The least?

MAYA: I’m afraid I’m a tv/pop culture moron, lol. I just don’t watch much television at all! So I really can’t answer this knowledgably because I’m not in touch with what’s popular right now!

Surrender Trilogy

TRC: On what are you currently working?

MAYA: I’m just finishing up When Day Breaks, the 9th KGI story and then I’ll finish out the Surrender trilogy with the last book, TAKING IT ALL.

LIGHTNING ROUND

Favorite Food: Cheese or anything WITH cheese! Lol You can’t go wrong with cheese 😉

Favorite Dessert: My made up recipe for a caramel Heath bar pie. It’s to DIE for.

Favorite TV Show: As mentioned above I don’t watch a lot of tv at ALL but I do love crime series like CSI or Law and Order etc.

Last Movie You Saw: I think the last movie I went to was when I took my oldest son to see one of the Harry Potter movies, lol. I don’t get out much!

Dark or Milk Chocolate: Definitely milk. I’m not a big chocolate fan anyway but it has to be sweet for me to eat it!

Secret Celebrity Crush: Definitely Oded Fehr and The Rock, hehe.

Last Vacation Destination: We took a cruise with the kids that we aborted midway through, lol. I have to say I’m just not much of a cruise fan!

Pet Peeve: I HATE when people don’t respond to emails. It makes me crazy!

TRC: Thank you Maya for taking the time to answer our questions and update the readers for 2014. We wish you all the best.

MAYA: Thank you so much! I appreciate y’all very much! Xoxo

giveaway

Maya and Penguin Group Publishing are offering a paper copy of LETTING GO to one lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

1. Please register using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3. Giveaway runs from January 27 to January 31, 2014

4. Giveaway is open to USA only.

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King Hall / King Cave (Forever Evermore 1 & 2) by Scarlett Dawn-a review

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King Hall/ King Cave (Forever Evermore 1&2) by Scarlett Dawn-a review

Forever Evermore

King Hall
Forever Evermore #1
by Scarlett Dawn
Genre: New Adult, contemporary, paranormal, urban fantasy
Release Date: August 2013

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King HallAbout the book: Release Date August 2013

King Hall — where the Mysticals go to learn their craft, get their degrees, and transition into adulthood. And where four new Rulers will rise and meet their destinies.

Lily Ruckler is adept at one thing: survival. Born a Mystical hybrid, her mere existence is forbidden, but her nightmare is only about to start. Fluke, happenstance, and a deep personal loss finds Lily deeply entrenched with those who would destroy her simply for existing — The Mystical Kings. Being named future Queen of the Shifters shoves Lily into the spotlight, making her one of the most visible Mysticals in the world. But with risk comes a certain solace — her burgeoning friendships with the other three Prodigies: a wicked Vampire, a wild-child Mage, and a playboy Elemental. Backed by their faith and trust, Lily begins to relax into her new life.

Then chaos erupts as the fragile peace between Commoners and Mysticals is broken, and suddenly Lily realises the greatest threat was never from within, and her fear takes on a new name: the revolution.

REVIEW: KING HALL is the first instalment in Scarlett Dawn’s contemporary, new adult paranormal Forever Evermore series focusing on a group of four ‘Mystical’ prodigies (vampire, shifter, mage, elemental) who have been blessed or ‘cursed’ by bloodline or connection to take their rightful places as the ruling Kings and Queens of the paranormal world. As the final year of school comes to an end, our foursome will be thrown into a war, not of their making. The Commoners (humans) want to rid the world of the Mysticals (supernatural beings) and they will start with the destruction of King Hall on graduation night.

Scarlett Dawn pulls the reader into a storyline that follows four twenty-something adults as them embark on a year of vigorous training, magical manipulation and mind numbing studies. We watch as strangers become friends and with it the realization that without one another they are lost. Working together, they are a powerful combination and in the end, it will be the individual losses and heartbreaking truths that will bring them closer together.

KING HALL is labeled a new adult storyline but reads similar to many YA (young adult) stories and series. There is a familiarity about the premise ala House of Night and even a little Harry Potter thrown in for good measure. Our foursome will encounter discrimination and retribution from humans while struggling with their own identities as future rulers in a world on the brink of war.

There were a few plot points that felt unnecessary including the opening sex-ed for supernatural beings-it was uncomfortable and felt forced-as thought the author was trying too hard. There were many humorous and funny as well as some heartbreaking moments in the storyline. Their mentors and current Kings put our foursome through some pretty tough tests but in the end, there were not prepared for hell that rained down on their happy celebration.

As a new author, Scarlett Dawn has written a wonderful and seductive storyline that will be sure to please the paranormal fan in all of us. The sexual heat is minimal-most of the action is implied or after the fact- and in this it reads closer to YA. There is a bit of a cliff hanger-one that has our foursome on the run- and in this you know, that together they will survive everything and everyone that is thrown their way.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

________________________

King Cave
Forever Evermore #2
by Scarlett Dawn
Genre: New Adult, contemporary, paranormal, urban fantasy
Release Date: January 1, 2014

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King CaveABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 1, 2014

The safe, comfortable world of Lily Ruckler and her fellow Mystical Kings and Queens is rocked to the core by the attacks at King Hall. Not only does Lily have to kill the Commoners attacking her people, she also has to assume the mantle of leadership, and bring the surviving Mysticals to King Cave.

It should have been too much, but she is not alone. Ezra becomes her rock, her best friend, the one person who understands. As Pearl and Jack struggle with inconsolable loss, Ezra and Lily work to keep the Mys community safe in their new home, and plan a deadly retaliation.

Their friendship saves them both…but it also draws attention. Whispers. Judgment. It’s not normal for Shifters and Vampires to be friends, and when a horrifying truth is revealed, their relationship morphs from unusual to unspeakable. Lily is good at keeping secrets that could get her killed. Is she willing to risk Ezra’s life as well?

REVIEW: KING CAVE is the second instalment in Scarlett Dawn’s contemporary, new adult, paranormal, UF series-Forever Evermore. The primary focus of this instalment is on two Mysticals –Shifter Queen Lily and King Vampire Ezra –and the upcoming war between Comms (Commoners) and the Mys (Mysticals). It is believed that breeding between the species results in beasts of unknown powers, and therefore the Comms are going to war to prevent the supernatural powers from ‘infecting’ the human race.

As with all supernatural and paranormal societies, there are rules and regulations about interacting with other species or breeding outside of the group. In this, the storyline takes on a dark and foreboding premise. Lily and Ezra’s relationship will become tabloid fodder for the Elders and the reigning Kings, but a relationship that is about to put everyone at risk including the couple themselves.

Scarlett Dawn pulls the reader into a storyline of heartbreaking sorrow and shredding grief. No one is safe when death comes looking for a fight-a fight that death wins over and over. This is an adult storyline, with adult images and adult pain and suffering. There are moments of humor that are offset by betrayal and hatred to be followed by the horror of death and everything it has to offer.

KING CAVE is a well-written, amazingly detailed and energetic story about prejudice, stereotyping and speciesism. Ancient and archaic rules once meant to protect will throw the new generation of ruling factions into a war with the humans and among themselves. Lily and Ezra will be caught between love and duty and, in the end, everyone will lose when the final spell is cast.

The secondary characters are a necessary and colorful addition to the storyline with well-developed roles that add suspense, cruelty and questionable behavior.

Scarlett Dawn blends the paranormal with the mundane resulting in an imaginative storyline that is as dramatic as it is intense. This is a story of betrayal and pain; heartbreak and sorrow; prejudice and hatred; love and loss. Lovers of both the paranormal and urban fantasy will be pulled into a story where love and hatred ride a very fine line where one misstep results in the staggering realization that maybe it was never meant to be.

Copy supplied by Netgalley.

Reviewed by Sandy

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Death Times Two by CJ Ellisson and Boone Brux-a review

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Death Times Two by CJ Ellisson and Boone Brux -a review

death times two

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DEATH TIMES TWO can also be found in the anthology PARANORMAL NIGHTS ebook box set for $3.99

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DEATH TIMES TWO
(The V.V. Inn 3.5)
by CJ Ellisson and Boone Brux

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date January 16, 2014

The V V Inn has a ghost problem. When the lurking specters draw the attention of Constantine, head of Grim Reaper Services, he calls in the only local who can return the remote resort to its former tranquility, Lisa Carron—resident Alaskan reaper.

Still new to the death gig, Lisa accepts the job. After all, how much trouble could one ghost be? Once at the hotel, she learns that not only is the inn full of the dearly departed, she’ll also be working for vampires. Throw in Asa, a young vamp hot enough to melt the Arctic ice, and Lisa realizes she’s way out of her element.

Asa didn’t know what to expect when told a reaper would be working on the property, but Lisa certainly wasn’t it. Blond and curvy, she’s very easy on the eyes. Tasked with helping her, Asa soon realizes that not only can she provide the dead a peaceful passing, but offer him solace in a way no other woman can.

REVIEW: DEATH TIMES TWO is the latest novella co-written by CJ Ellisson and Boone Brux. The storyline combines CJ’s V.V.Inn series and Boone Brux’s new Grim Reality. Grim ReaperLisa Carron’s latest assignment is to vanquish the spirits haunting the V.V. Inn but what she doesn’t expect is a handsome vampire who knows a thing or two about pleasing a woman.

The premises follows Lisa as she must send not one, not two but six spirits to the other side. With each encounter, Asa will reveal the story behind each of their deaths and how they are connected to the V.V.Inn. Reaping souls is never an easy job, but reaping the souls of the supernatural is more difficult and requires a few ‘tricks’ to prevent possession by the dead.

CJ Ellisson and Boone Brux have combined their writing talents for a roller coaster ride through the outback and underbelly of the V.V.Inn. The Alaskan cold is countered by the burning heat between Asa And Lisa in a story that will melt the ice around anyone’s heart. Death Times Two is a fun filled, action packed story that will leave you wanting more.

Copy supplied by the author.

Reviewed by Sandy

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The Cougar Diaries Part III by Aoife Brennan-Review, Interview and Giveaway

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The Cougar Diaries Part III by Aoife Brennan-Review, Interview and Giveaway

 

 

The Cougar Diaries
Part III
by Aoife Brennan
Release Date: December 17, 2013
Genre: contemporary, romance, erotic

__________________________________

 

 

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 17, 2013

.99cents at: Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk/

This is the third and final chapter in Aoife Brennan’s THE COUGAR DIARIES series focusing on the fictionalized account of her life and struggles following the demise of her marriage. Aoife will take us on a journey of sexual experimentation; love and loss; betrayal and expectations. In the end, she will discover that being happy is easy but staying happy is another quest all together.

 

REVIEW:   THE COUGAR DIARIES Part III is the culmination of one woman’s journey as she endeavors to push forward when the world is trying to bring her down. Aoife Brennan is a woman whose husband walked away-never to be heard from again. She has struggled with unemployment and loss of income in a country where the people are struggling right along beside her. And the one bright light in her life-the man with whom she had fallen in love- walked away when he perceived something better for the future-or so he thought.

Part III follows Aoife (pronounced ee-fa) as she struggles with depression and a broken heart. We watch as she finds solace in wine, writing and taking on the next political cause. Aoife will discover and explore a different sexual reality –one that focuses on the pain and resulting pleasure; and she will also learn that to keep her head above the proverbial water, she must push forward when, in reality, she wants to curl up and go back to sleep. Along the way, well meaning family and friends, will take her on adventures and explore people and places she would never have done before. From the world of BDSM and role playing to plaster casting her body, Aoife will find that there are many ways of expressing your inner most thoughts and desires.

Aoife Brennan has written a wonderful series about one woman’s struggles with divorce; single parenthood; financial disasters; and betrayal. The character of Aoife is strong but vulnerable, especially where her heart is concerned, and in the end, she will focus on healing her emotional health as well as her heart. There is a mix of heartbreak and sorrow; humor and fun; friendships and love. The storyline will take you from the mind of a woman lost in a world of hurt to a place where she is able to look forward to a future – with or without the man that she loves. Aoife is a woman pulled between the past and the present but knows that her future will mean making choices that will not be pleasant for all.

Copy supplied by the author.

Reviewed by Sandy

 

 

 

THE COUGAR DIARIES Part I by Aoife Brennan

Click HERE for our review of THE COUGAR DIARIES pt 1.

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 2013

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The Cougar Diaries is a year in the life of Aoife Brennan, A newly single woman, Dubliner and mother to two teenage boys – she has to fight for her way of life, overcome the antiquated legal divorce system, secure a fair future from her estranged ex and LIVE! This is about a woman living and loving again, making mistakes, embracing life and giving it lots of welly!

_________________________________

 

THE COUGAR DIARIES Part II by Aoife Brennan

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 17, 2013

Click HERE for our review of THE COUGAR DIARIES pt 2.

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Aoife Brennan, 40-something Dubliner, carries on her madcap year battling the recession in Ireland, trying to find new love in Athens and overcoming austerity in Ireland

 

••••••••••••••••••

Interview white:black

TRC: Hi Aoife and welcome to The Reading Café. Congratulations on the recent release of the third book in your COUGAR DIARIES series.

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

FOLLOW: Goodreads / Website/ Twitter/ Facebook

 

Aoife: Thank you I am delighted to be here. Thank you also on congratulating me on the completion of my trilogy. It took the guts of year of non-stop writing and I was delighted when I was able to write ‘The End’. Although I have to say I was also very sad. The project had consumed me for twelve months and I almost felt bereaved when it was finished.

I am an Irish woman in my forties from Dublin. I am divorced with two teenage children. I started off writing a non-fiction book on divorce with my literary agent when the bottom fell out of my world financially. So I segued into a fiction book full of fun, drama and sex. A book where the magic pen can alter the future.

TRC: What or who influenced your foray into writing?

Aoife: I have always written. I have a degree in English Lit and I have written professionally in my job ever since. From a very young age I always said I was an author but it wasn’t until I hit forty that I realised I had better start writing my fiction books. I started off writing children’s books, then a full length children’s novel. Then when my marriage and world fell apart I took courage and dipped into writing erotica. However, I was less influenced by the fifty shades juggernaut and more by writers such as Anais Nin, DH Lawrence and Erica Jong which is, I acknowledge, a strange mixture.

TRC: The Cougar Diaries is described as a fictional account of your life following the demise of your marriage. Would you please tell us about the series?

Aoife: The Cougar Diaries is a fast paced series of books charting the life of Aoife Brennan as she comes to terms with the end of her marriage, deals with the difficult legal issues, faces job insecurity and then repossession of her house. In the midst of all these problems she meets Chris, a younger man. The series charts their romance and deals with issues facing a love affair between an older woman and a younger man.

 

TRC: Are the secondary storyline characters based in reality or a culmination of fact and fiction?

Aoife: Everyone is a fictional character. I could not say one character in the books is based on a real person. But I have and frequently did steal lines and conversations from people around me without shame.

TRC: Has anyone recognized themselves in the storyline and if so, what was his/her reaction?

Aoife: Friends had said they see other people but they are only clutching at straws. However, one early character (the butcher) was called the same name as a real boyfriend who also happened to be a butcher in a previous life. It was only when a friend who read an early version pointed this out that I realised it could have been read as such. I changed his name but in all honestly I was surprised at the coincidence for it surely wasn’t on purpose!

TRC: Have you considered writing a series of novellas to keep the reader up to date on your continuing story?

Aoife: One of the things that I liked about writing the three books was that there was a beginning, a middle and an end. It is not my life, just my life if I could convert it into fiction. I quite like happy endings and find real life is a little short on such conveniences.

TRC: If you could virtually cast the leading characters in this storyline, which models or actors best represents your ideal image?

Aoife: For Chris I have no doubt that Mr Michael Fassbender would be wonderful. For Aoife, it’s a hard choice but I would say Irish actress Orla Brady – one of her most recent roles was in Dr Who when she got to kiss the last Doctor played by Matt Smith. I know I have chosen Irish actors but it is really hard to listen to actors try and do the Irish accent. If I mention Tom Cruise in Far and Away then you have an idea of what an ‘oirish’ accent sounds like.

TRC: How do you keep the plot unpredictable without sacrificing content and believability?

Aoife: You know I actually think that real life is a lot more unpredictable than fiction can ever hope to be. If you will indulge me, may I quote from book three where Aoife is talking about coincidences with her brother George.

‘It’s like Edgar Allan Poe and his novel about Arthur Gordon Pym,’ said George.

‘I don’t remember that one,’ I said. ‘I only remember the one about being locked in the coffin.’

‘It’s Poe’s only full length novel but it was dissed by the critics,’ said George. ‘Poe called it a silly book at the time although it was supposed to have inspired Herman Melville afterwards. In the novel, there were four survivors of a shipwreck in an open boat.

As they ran out of food, they drew lots and killed and ate the cabin boy called Richard Parker. Poe said it was based loosely on reality, and it was. But this reality hadn’t happened – yet. For some sixty years later a boat called the Mignonette floundered with only four survivors left in an open boat. Eventually the three senior members killed and ate the cabin boy, whose name was also Richard Parker.’

‘Spooky,’ I said.

TRC: Are you a plotter or a panster (write by the ‘seat of your pants’)?

Aoife: A bit of both. Sometimes story lines overtake me, such as #strawberrygate in book one. There I was writing a serious sex scene and I started to giggle as I thought about an alternative ending. I was in stitches laughing as I continued to write the scene. It was certainly not what I intended. Other times I find I need to really think about the plot and where it is going. Then I go for a long walk and try and figure out what makes sense for the story.

TRC: When writing a storyline, do the characters direct the writing or do you direct the characters?

Aoife: Again, it is a bit of both. Sometimes the characters just march away with the story with little or no direction from me. Sometimes, I pull them up, especially if I need to move the story to a particular point.

TRC: The mark of a good writer is to pull the reader into the storyline so that they experience the emotions along with the characters. What do you believe a writer must do to make this happen? Where do you believe writers fail in this endeavor?

Aoife: I am no expert but I write from the heart. I truly believe in my characters and the story. If I believe then I have some hope that my readers will also believe. As I write, it is like watching a film, with muted volume, with the characters waiting for me to say ‘Action’ and then they start talking and moving around.

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

Aoife: I walk. I walk. Then I walk some more. Most days I walk two hours both for pleasure and head space.

TRC: What challenges or difficulties (research, logistics, background) did you encounter writing this particular story and series?

Aoife: I feel like a human newspaper. I read everything that is happening – in print, online – then it forms the backdrop of my story. Small stories and big. The story is everywoman in Ireland in 2013.

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

Aoife: I don’t actually bounce ideas. When I have done so in the past, sometimes people have said it could not be done. I believe in the adage that whether you say you can or whether you say you can’t, you are right!

TRC: On what are you currently working?

Aoife: I am working on four projects now – all very separate. The first is editing a non-fiction book about a family where the middle child has severe celebral palsey. The impact on the whole family is devastating. Sometimes we only hear the success stories, but for every disabled person who is winning, there are ten who are not. The very same with able-bodied people. I think it is a very important story and needs to be told.

The second is the true life story of an amazing woman who founded the only equine charity in Ireland. Her own personal story and that of saving horses is better than any fiction.

The third is a new novel. Fiction. Only 1200 words in. It is a romance with a difference. I’m very excited about it.

Finally, I am writing with a friend, an erotic writer in the UK. We finished our first novella before Christmas. It is pure filth! We write paragraph about, each pushing the boundaries of the other. It is such fun. We hope to publish this soon under our joint names and then start number two!

Oh, I should add that I am also writing my autobiography. If you think Aoife’s fictional life has been crazy then you should see the real one! I think that will be the book out next.

TRC: Would you like to add anything else?

Aoife: I just want to say that while walking kept me sane, writing saved my life. So for everyone who reads my book you are truly a life saver!

 

LIGHTNING ROUND

Favorite Food
Sushi

Favorite Dessert
Death by chocolate

Favorite TV Show
Currently Breaking Bad – I’m in season three now so don’t tell me how it ends (I’ve seen loads of spoilers on Facebook but have avoided all so far!)

Last Movie You Saw
Shame (again)

Favorite Place to write
In bed. My house is very small and I share it with my two teenagers. I want to earn enough money to buy a writing shed!

Dark or Milk Chocolate
Dark

Secret Celebrity Crush
Michael Fassbender (only it’s no secret)

Last Vacation Destination
Galway on the West of Ireland for the weekend.

Pet Peeve
Rudeness

TRC: Thank you Aoife for taking the time to answer our questions. Congratulations on the release of The Cougar Diaries 3 and the success of the series.

 

Aoife is offering the following prizes to four (4) lucky commenters at The Reading Cafe

 

 

GRAND PRIZE: 1 winner will receive ecopies of The Cougar Diaries Pts 1, 2 and 3-the trilogy.

RUNNER UP PRIZE: 3 winners will each receive an ecopy of The Cougar Diaries Pt 1.

1. If you have not registered at The Reading Cafe, please register using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3. Giveaway run from January 26, 2014 to January 30, 2014

4. Giveaway is INTERNATIONAL.

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