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Summoned to the 13th Grave by Darynda Jones -Reviews & Giveaway

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 Summoned to the Thirteenth Grave (Charley Davidson #13) by Darynda Jones-Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

 

SUMMONED TO THE THIRTEENTH GRAVE
Charley Davidson #13
by Darynda Jones
Genre: adult, contemporary, urban fantasy
Release Date: January 15, 2019

 

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo / Google Play

ABOUT THE BOOK: January 15, 2019

Charley Davidson, Grim Reaper extraordinaire, is pissed. She’s been kicked off the earthly plain for eternity – which is the appropriate amount of time to make a person starkraving mad. But someone’s looking out for her, and she’s allowed to return after a mere hundred years in exile. Is it too much to hope for that not much has changed? Apparently it is. Bummer.

She’s missed Reyes and her daughter, Beep, but now that she’s back on earth, it’s time to put to rest burning questions that need answers. What happened to her mother? How did she really die? Who killed her? And are cupcakes or coffee the best medicine? It all comes to a head in an epic showdown between good and evil in this final smart and hilarious novel.

••••••••

REVIEW: ☠️ SUMMONED TO THE THIRTEENTH GRAVE is the thirteenth and final instalment in Darynda Jones’ contemporary, adult CHARLEY DAVIDSON urban fantasy series focusing on part time private investigator, full-time grim reaper, and omnipotent god Charley Davidson. SUMMONED TO THE THIRTEENTH GRAVE should be not read as a stand alone as it picks up immediately after the events of book twelve – THE TROUBLE WITH TWELFTH GRAVE.

NOTE: If you have not read the previous instalments there may be some spoilers in my review.

SOME BACKGROUND: The Charley Davidson series is the continuing story of Charley Davidson’s life as the Grim Reaper and private investigator; the corporeal spirits who have yet to pass; and the man to whom she has pledged her undying love-the son of Satan-Reyes Alexander Farrow. Charley has recently discovered she and her hunky husband Reyes Farrow aka the Son of Satan, are gods-powerful, omnipotent beings whose futures, along with their infant daughter Elwyn Alexandra (aka Little Beep) are destined to either destroy the world, or bring peace to the heavens and earth.

Told from first person point of view (Charley Davidson) SUMMONED TO THE THIRTEENTH GRAVE follows Charley and her husband Reyes as they try to stop the end of the world. At the end of THE TROUBLE WITH TWELFTH GRAVE Charley was sent to one of the ‘Hell dimensions’ for disobeying the Almighty’s directives, after Reyes accidentally opened a portal to Hell allowing Lucifer’s minions access to this world. Upon her return to Earth’s dimension, Charley and Reyes must uncover the source of the illness and demonic possession of a number of people in Albuquerque, New Mexico, as Charley is pursued by a not-so-otherworldly spirit. As Charley’s group of intrepid friends are brought together in preparation to ‘bug out’ of Albuquerque, they begin to establish a timeline, and commence their own investigation into the who, how and why including the appearance of a young boy who may or may not have already departed to the great beyond. What ensues are Charley and Reyes’ attempts to destroy that which cannot be destroyed, and the realization that our leading couple may have to sacrifice themselves to save the people they love.

All of the major plotline, secondary and supporting characters from the previous twelve books make an appearance or say goodbye: Cookie and Ubie, Amber and Quentin, Garrett Swopes, Charley’s sister Gemma, former slave demon Osh, Rocket and his sister Blue, gang-banger Angel, Strawberry Shortcake, Mr. Wong, Officer David Taft, FBI Special Agent Kit Carson, Artemis the dog, and three members of the Bandits MC: Donovan, Michael and Eric. I am going to miss these colorful and charismatic friends but the author has plans for a spin-off, and I am hoping for the reappearance of many of the aforementioned characters although some of their stories have come to a close.

As per Darynda’s style of writing, the back and forth interaction between characters is energetic and playful. The author’s use of euphemisms, sarcasm and sass are fun are blindingly entertaining and, on their own, are worth the price of admission. SUMMONED TO THE THIRTEENTH GRAVE answers some of Charley’s most heart breaking questions including the circumstances surrounding her mother’s death, and the birth of a god.

SUMMONED TO THE THIRTEENTH GRAVE is an exciting but bittersweet conclusion to Charley and Reyes’ story. Most of our questions have been answered but there remain a number of open –ended pathways that continue to meander in different directions: Osh and Beep, Quentin and Amber, and my favorite MC member Donovan and the Bandits. Beep’s army remains behind to protect their charge as Charley and Reyes come to an understanding as to what must be done. SUMMONED TO THE THIRTEENTH GRAVE is a dramatic and entertaining ensemble storyline.

Reading Order and previous reviews
First Grave on the Right
Second Grave on the Left
Third Grave Straight Ahead
Fourth Grave Beneath My Feet
Fifth Grave Past The Light
Sixth Grave on the Edge
Seventh Grave and No Body
Eighth Grave After Dark
Brighter Than the Sun (novella)
The Dirt on Ninth Grave
The Curse on Tenth Grave
Eleventh Grave in Moonlight
Trouble with Twelfth Grave

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

ebook deal ONLY $1.99-THE CURSE OF TENTH GRAVE

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca /

ebook deal ONLY $2.99 – ELEVENTH GRAVE IN MOONLIGHT:

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / BAM /

____________

 

FIFTH GRAVE PAST THE LIGHT
(Charley Davidson #5)
by Darynda Jones
Genre : adult, contemporary, UF

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 9, 2013

Charley Davidson may not look like your everyday, run-of-the-mill grim reaper, but she has vowed to reap grimness wherever she goes despite this unfortunate fact. Sadly, she gets sidetracked when the sexy, sultry son of Satan, Reyes Farrow, moves in next door. As he is the main suspect in her arson case, she is determined to stay away from him until she can find out the truth. According to her therapist, however, she lacks conviction.

When dead women start appearing in her apartment – lost, confused and terrified beyond reason – Charley has no choice but to ask for Reyes’s help, especially when it becomes apparent that her own sister Gemma is the serial killer’s next target. With his ability to observe incorporeally, surely he can find out who’s responsible. And even if he can’t, he is the one man alive who could protect Gemma no matter who or what came at her. But he wants something in return: Charley. All of her – body and soul. And to keep her sister safe, it is a price she is willing to pay…

•••••••••••

NOTE: The publisher has asked that we re-read and post a review of our favorite Charley Davidson instalment-enjoy !

REVIEW:☠️  FIFTH GRAVE PAST THE LIGHT is the fifth installment in Darynda Jones’s paranormal/UF/romance/contemporary Charley Davidson series featuring twenty-something Charley Davidson-part time PI/part time grim reaper/ and full time love of Reyes Farrow-the son of Satan. Like all of the previous installments, Fifth Grave is jammed packed with humor, sarcasm, witty one-liners, t-shirt slogans, bumper stickers, murder, revenge and of course, more sex and romance with Reyes Alexander Farrow.

Fifth Grave Past the Light reveals plenty of information and answers some of our questions about the mysterious map and the key, both of which are believed to be residing on earth, awaiting their destiny. But the story surrounding the key to the map reveals the destruction of the world and in this, the truth may be stranger than fiction and the person who revealed the information is someone who has been to hell and back-literally and figuratively. He has the inside information from both Satan and his son.

Once again, Charley’s private life will be invaded by a series of spirits-twenty seven to be exact- who are drawn to her light as the grim reaper but for some reason, none of the woman are willing to move on until Charley uncovers the truth behind their murders. And it will take one small, young spirit, not much older than seven or eight to help reveal the person who may be the only one able to identify the person responsible. And in this particular case, he has a connection to Charley and her family. Oh, and someone recognizes Mr. Wong in the corner of Charley’s apartment. Let’s hope his presence and identity is finally revealed.

Cookie and Uncle Bob return as Charley’s confidants and aids. And Charley will need Ubie more than she ever thought possible when the person she was hired to tail turns out to be more dangerous than she had ever suspected.

Charley’s abilities come into question when local authorities take a look at her unbelievable record of solving cold case files and crimes. And the latest cold case to come across her desk is frighteningly familiar and heartbreaking.

The relationship between Reyes and Charley is romantic, sensual, hot and well worth the wait. Reyes, as the son of Satan, has never known love but he has found his soul mate in Charley Davidson-the one woman who is capable of putting out the fire that burns within. The romance sparks within the story as Reyes makes his feelings known to Charley and for him to make them a permanent couple will take some tricky dialogue and promises on both of their parts. Reyes is the epitome of sex on a stick; the ultimate lover and sensual male; he oozes sex appeal by virtue of his looks and presence; and it is Charley Davidson-the grim reaper who will capture his heart and his soul-forever.

Fifth Grave Past the Light is one of the best installments in the series thus far. I am still hoping that Darynda gives some life to Donovan and the Bandits and writes a series or at the very least, a series of novellas so that the reader can be kept up to date on their travels. Angel, Rocket, Garret Swopes, Gemma and Leland Davidson all play pivotal roles throughout the story. And the ending comes with a couple of surprises and not the least is the possibility of a new direction for Charley and Reyes.

Darynda Jones takes an UF/paranormal storyline and adds her sarcastic wit and humor as she pushes her series into another direction. The humor, the sensuality and the action filled storyline make this a must read for anyone who wants it all in the stories they read. Charley Davidson is a heroine who is strong yet feminine; heroic yet vulnerable; loved and yet hated by those she seeks to reveal. Fifth Grave Past the Light is an amazing and fascinating instalment in Darynda Jones’s Charley Davidson series.

Own a copy

Reviewed by Sandy

NOTE: The excerpt is intended for mature readers due to language and content

 

What, pray tell, the fuck?
—T-shirtIt wasn’t until I felt the sun on my face that I knew, really knew, I’d made it back. The bright orb drifted over the horizon like a hot air balloon, blinding me, yet I couldn’t stop looking at it. Or, well, trying to look at it. After giving it my all through squinted lids, I gave up and closed them. Let the warmth wash over me. Let it sink into my skin. Flood every molecule in my body.
God knew I needed it. I hadn’t had a drop of vitamin D in over a hun- dred years. My bones were probably brittle and shriveled and splintery. Much like the current state of my psyche.
But that’s what happens when you defy a god.
Not just any god, mind you. No siree Bob. To get booted off the big blue marble, one had to defy the God. The very One a particular set of children’s books called Jehovahn.
The Man had some serious control issues. I bring one person back from the dead and bam. Banished for all eternity. Exiled to a hell with no light, no hair products, and no coffee.
Mostly no coffee.And, just to throw salt onto a gaping, throbbing flesh wound, no tribe. In this dimension, the one with the yellow sun and champagne-colored sand on which I now walked, I had a husband and a daughter and more friends than I could shake a stick at. But in the lightless realm I’d been banished to, I’d had nothing. I floated in darkness for over one hundred agonizing years, tormented by dreams of a husband I could no longer
touch and a daughter I could no longer protect.
She would be gone by now. Our daughter. I will have missed her en- tire life. The thought alone shattered me. Cut into me like shards of glass every time I breathed.
But I’d missed more than her life. It had been prophesied that she would face Lucifer in a great battle for humanity. That she would have an army at her back and, fingers crossed, a warrior at her side. And that she would stand against evil when no one else could.
I’d wondered for dozens of years if she’d won, the pain of not know- ing, of not being able to help, driving me to the brink of insanity. Then I realized something and a peculiar kind of peace came over me. Of course she’d won. She was the daughter of two gods. More to the point, she was her father’s daughter, the god Rey’azikeen’s only child. She would’ve been wily and cunning and strong. Of course she won.
That’s what I’d told myself over and over for the last thirty-odd years of my exile. But now I was back. An exile that was supposed to be for all eternity stopped just short, in my humble opinion, of its goal.
Unfortunately, I had no idea why I was back. I’d felt myself being drawn forward, pulled through space and time until the darkness that sur- rounded me gave way to the unforgiving brightness of Earth’s yellow sun. That big, beautiful ball of fire I’d so often complained about as a resident of New Mexico, where sunshine was damned near a daily occurrence.
The horror!
And here it was, bathing me in its brilliance as my feet sank into dew-covered sand with every step I took. I walked toward it. The sun. Crav- ing more. Begging for more.
“I will never complain about you again,” I said, tilting my face toward the heavens, because the thought of my daughter growing up without me wasn’t the only thing that had driven me to the edge of sanity. Nor the heartbreak of missing my husband. His hands on my body. His full mouth at my ear. His sparkling eyes hooded by impossibly thick lashes.
No, it was the perpetual darkness that pushed me so far inside myself I could hardly stay conscious.
I’d tried to escape. To find my way back to my family and friends. Boy, had I tried. But it seemed like the harder I struggled, the deeper I sank. The realm in which I’d been cast was like an inky, ethereal form of quick- sand. If not for the wraiths . . .
I stopped and bent my head to listen. Someone was following me, and for the first time since materializing on the earthly plane, I tried to take in my surroundings. With my vision adjusting, I could just make out the sea of peaches and golds that stretched out before me. Sand as far as the eye could see.
Then it hit me. The Sahara. I’d been here before. With him.
I started walking again, slowly, making him come to me as I used every ounce of strength I had to tamp down the elation coursing through my veins.
I’d dreamed about this moment for so long, a part of me wondered if it were real. Or if I were hallucinating. But I felt the warmth radiating from his body and I knew. Heat—his heat—pulsated over me in rich, fervent waves, stirring parts of me that hadn’t been stirred in decades. Or churned. Or even whisked, for that matter.
I dared a glance over my shoulder. My knees weakened and my stom- ach clenched at the sight. Dressed as a desert nomad in traditional, sky- blue garb, he followed at a leisurely pace. A light breeze pressed his robe against his body, outlining his wide shoulders, long arms, and lean waist.A turban of the same sky blue had been wrapped around his head and face until only his eyes shone through.
Dark. Shimmering. Intent.
Like that could fool me. Like I wouldn’t know my husband from a thousand miles away. His essence. His aura. His scent.
Of course, the ever-present fire that licked over his skin, the lightning that arced around him, didn’t hurt.
He moved like an animal. A predator. Powerful and full of confidence and grace. Every step calculated. Every move a conscious act.
And he was closing in.
I turned back to the horizon, my heart bursting with the knowledge that my husband was still here. Still on Earth. Still sexy as fuck.
And yet, there was something not quite . . .
I whirled around to face him when I realized part of what I was feel- ing, part of the tangle of tightly packed emotions that made Reyes Reyes, was anger.
No. Not anger precisely. Anger would be far too tame a word. He was livid. Furious. Enraged. And it was all directed at me. 


 

A FUN FACT FOR EACH OF THE CHARLEY BOOKS:

First Grave on the Right
• The concept for First Grave came about while Darynda was working as a sign language interpreter in her hometown. She stole many of the names from students at the schools where she worked, including Reyes, Garrett, and Amber. As far as Darynda knows, they have all forgiven her for her thievery.

Second Grave on the Left
• Uncle Bob is a combination of two people: Darynda’s oldest brother, Luther, and the principal at the high school where she worked for several years.

Third Grave Dead Ahead
• This was originally titled Third Grave Straight Ahead, but Darynda’s web designer, Liz Bemis, asked her to change the name to Dead Ahead. Firstly, it fit the content better, and secondly, Liz got tired of spelling the word Straight wrong while updating the website. Dead is much easier to type.

Fourth Grave Beneath My Feet
• Quentin Rutherford makes his first appearance in this book. While his first name was stolen from Darynda’s little brother and his last name stolen from yet another Jr. High student, Quentin is physically sculpted from her oldest son, Jerrdan, a bona fide blond-haired, blue-eyed devil with a sparkling smile that melts even the staunchest of hearts. And, like Quentin Rutherford, he was born Deaf. Not that he let it stop him for a second.

Fifth Grave Past the Light
• This book was fun to write! Darynda was trying to come up with something truly creepy to throw into the book, and she figured what would be creepier than having an apartment full of departed women crawling up the walls, skittering across the ceiling, and huddling in the corners? Also, it is one of the hotter books, so that was fun, too. Because, you know, Reyes.

Sixth Grave on the Edge
• Darynda really wanted to open this one on a humorous note. She wanted to have Charley on a stakeout with a departed elderly man, who also happens to be naked, riding shotgun. Which begs the question: Are we really stuck in (or out of) whatever we are wearing when we die for all eternity? ‘Cause that would suck.

Seventh Grave and No Body
• Osh’ekiel was originally supposed to be in one book only. And he was supposed to be a very bad guy. But Darynda fell in love with him while writing the book and decided to redeem him and give him a bigger role. Just how big his role would become didn’t come to Darynda until plotting Eighth Grave. He has been one of her favorite characters since she wrote that first scene with him.

Eighth Grave After Dark
• Darynda wanted to really turn the tables on Charley and force her to have to stay in one place, thus the sacred ground of the convent came into play. It was fun and challenging to write a “locked room” mystery, so to speak, but that’s why she loves writing so much.

The Dirt on Ninth Grave
• One of Darynda’s favorite books in the series, she looked forward to writing this book ever since she came up with the concept while plotting Sixth Grave. Part of what makes a romance so fun is the falling-in-love part, and she wanted Charley to fall in love with Reyes all over again. This book was doubly fun because the audience knows all the characters’ backstories, and they get to watch in anticipation as Charley slowly unravels the mysteries of her past, while seeing her fall head-over-heels for the same guy all over again.

The Curse of Tenth Grave
• This book had one of those too-close-for-comfort calls. Right before Tenth Grave went to print, after going through editors and copyeditors and readers of all shapes and sizes, a savvy proofreader let Darynda in on a little secret: A Sherpa is part of a culture, not an occupation. Thanks to this razor-sharp reader, Darynda narrowly escaped insulting an entire culture in one fell swoop. Aka, her worst nightmare. Her gratitude is unending.

Eleventh Grave in Moonlight
• Darynda dreamed of going to Scotland for so long, she finally decided to just put it in one of her books. She had Charley accidently materialize in the magical country, only to find out weeks after finishing the book that she would finally get to go there herself. In person. For realsies. It was even more magical than she’d imagined it would be, and she can’t wait to go back.

The Trouble with Twelfth Grave
• This book has one of Darynda’s favorite epiphanies EVER!!! She thought, what if someone out there in the universe, a child perhaps, knows everything about Reyes and Charley? Everything starting from their supernatural heritage to their human identities? And what if that person wrote a book about them? Or a series of books? Say, perhaps, a set of children’s books and Garrett just happens to stumble upon them while doing research? How fun would that be? And the international bestselling children’s book (fictionally speaking) The First Star was born.

Summoned to Thirteenth Grave
• By far the hardest story in the series to write, penning the last Charley book was a bittersweet experience. But Darynda knew she had to go big or go home, so what better way to go out with a bang than to end the world as we know it by starting the zombie apocalypse? Because that’s what writers do. We start apocalypses.

Follow: Website / Facebook / Twitter /Goodreads

NYTimes and USA Today Bestselling Author Darynda Jones has won numerous awards for her work, including a prestigious Golden Heart®, a Rebecca, two Hold Medallions, a RITA ®, and a Daphne du Maurier, and she has received stellar reviews from dozens of publications including starred reviews from Publisher’s Weekly, Booklist, and the Library Journal. As a born storyteller, Darynda grew up spinning tales of dashing damsels and heroes in distress for any unfortunate soul who happened by, annoying man and beast alike, and she is ever so grateful for the opportunity to carry on that tradition. She currently has two series with St. Martin’s Press: The Charley Davidson Series and the Darklight Trilogy. She lives in the Land of Enchantment, also known as New Mexico, with her husband of almost 30 years and two beautiful sons, the Mighty, Mighty Jones Boys. She can be found at www.daryndajones.com.

–>There are TWO (2) ways to WIN<–

Darynda’s publisher ST. MARTIN’S PRESS is graciously offering an ARC copy of SUMMONED TO THE THIRTEENTH GRAVE to ONE lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

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

NOTE: If you are having difficulty commenting after logging onto the site, please refresh the page (at the top of your computer).

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3. Please LIKE Darynda Jones on Facebook

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9. Giveaway open to USA only

10. Giveaway runs from November 9-14, 2018

Enter for a chance to win the entire Charley Davidson series by Darynda Jones, an ARC of the epic finale, Summoned to Thirteenth Grave, plus fun swag! 

Open to USA only

NOTE: Rafflecopter Giveaway runs October 31, to November 14, 2018

https://read.macmillan.com/promo/charleydavidsonseriessweeps/

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First Kiss of Freedom (Whitemoon Warriors #1) by Nichole Wolfe-Review & Guest Post

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FIRST KISS OF FREEDOM (Whitemoon Warriors #1) by Nichole Wolfe-Review & Guest Post

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon. uk / Amazon. au /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 30, 2018

Centuries of waiting…..

For four hundred years, Charlie Matthews has waited for his revenge, becoming the very creature he seeks to destroy. When he finally returns to his Maker’s mansion, he knows the time is close. And only one thing stands between what he wants, and what he never knew he needed.

Leads to a single moment…

On Nessie Robinson’s eighteenth birthday, she gets an unexpected surprise.
Her ex-best friend. Emphasis on “ex.” Since he left ten years ago, she’s had to deal with the overbearing power of their Master.
With his return comes tragedy, and feelings she doesn’t want to face. But every moment makes them harder to ignore.

That changes everything ….

With one bite, Charlie and Nessie are forced to run for their lives. Leaving behind everything they’ve known, fighting for survival, freedom, and a chance at a future neither of them ever imagined.

•••••••••••••

REVIEW: Haven’t read a vampire story in a while ?

In this book, not all vampires are nice, in fact after the humans find out about the vampires, things went from bad to worse, many became “blood slaves” no better off than cattle, used and abused with no thought to how they’d feel to be an unwilling donor.

Vanessa is such a human, a child when she first became a donor, now a young woman, she loathes and despises them, their cruelty when taking blood, and using them as house slaves as well.

She thought she had a friend for life in Charlie, but he left her and never looked back. She yearns to escape, but knows that’s an impossibility.

Charlie hates his master with a passion, his master is a cruel and violent vampire.

Charlie has watched as humans are turned into cattle and slaves, and now the vampire council are deciding on wether to let his master expand his slave trade. It needs to stop, and Charlie thinks he is strong enough to do it. And returning to the “home” he once knew fills him with dread, but he knows this may be his best shot.

Coming home has a few surprises for Charlie, one being the little girl who lightened his heart and made him want to be a better supernatural.

“Nessie” was an endearing soul, and always knew how to make him smile, but their first meeting didn’t go as planned, and the look in her eyes wasn’t joy, it was hatred.

Their relationship is slow in returning, but once it does, then both Charlie and Nessie have life changing decisions to make.

It was a very well written book, and the author described this new world in all its technicolour glory.

Do Charlie and Nessie get to make a life for themselves? And what about the master ? And will the council let them live ?

Copy supplied for review

? Julie B

How to Make a Monster Readers Will Swoon Over

A Halloween Guest Post to Sink Your Teeth Into

In the world of Paranormal Romance, monsters are everywhere.  And can be just about anyone. Main character. Love interest.  Villain. Side characters. It’s what readers not-so-secretly crave.  Because, let’s face it, we get to interact with humans every day. Whether or not we want to.  But with this beloved genre, we get to meet characters we could only dream about (or read about, in this case.)  But, be careful how far out you go with your creepy creatures because no one wants to make out with The Blob (even if it’s imaginary).  The trick is getting the right blend of man and monster.

Take a quick glance at some popular titles.  I’m sure it won’t take long for you to notice that all those heroes and heroines have one important thing in common.  They look mostly human.  Sure, they might have green skin, but they probably also have a six-pack.  While it’s true that readers don’t want your average Joe, they still require some sense of familiarity to really connect with your characters.  Limit yourself to three deviations from the human form.  Examples could be 1.) Green skin; 2.) Webbed fingers; 3.) Sticky tongue OR 1.) Blue fur; 2.) Pointy ears; 3.) Fangs

Not only should your characters be humanoid, they should act human, as well.  This is especially important because without some sense of human emotions, your characters will feel stale and blank to the readers.  And we all know that’s not good. Besides, how will readers fall in love with your characters if it’s obvious they aren’t even capable of love themselves?  So, even if you want your character to seem emotionless and unfeeling for whatever reason, their thoughts or actions should demonstrate that they’re not as cold as other characters think them to be.  

Think about people you’ve come across in your own life that you didn’t particularly like.  What about their personality made you dislike them? Give that personality trait to your character and voila!  They have a flaw to overcome! At minimum, your character should have two dominant emotional responses.  In many cases, these could be part of your character’s personality flaws.  Perhaps they’re a hothead that refuses to trust anyone. Or maybe they’re judgmental and arrogant.  Maybe they’re a Type-A people pleaser that doesn’t know how to relax. Because that won’t cause any problems in your plot, I’m sure…

Another important thing to consider is making sure your monster isn’t invincible.  Figuring out your character’s weaknesses or limitations are just as important as their strengths.  Try to connect their strengths and weaknesses to their origin (or their species’ origin) to help make them more believable.  It’s important to ask a lot of why questions. Why do they fly on a broom? Why do they hate black cats? Why does eating pumpkin pie turn them into the Orange Hulk?  

Keep in mind that the more unique your monster, the more explanation the readers will require.  Some monsters are so well-known these days, they need little explanation (vampires, shifters, demons, etc.).  But even if you choose to use these, giving them a unique origin or special quirk could set your vampires or shifters apart from the horde of others.

So, now that you know the basics of how to build a swoon-worthy monster, here is a little cheatsheet for you.  Just in case you forget. It happens to the best of us. No worries.

The HOW TO MAKE A MONSTER Cheatsheet

Follow the author: Goodreads /Website /Facebook /Twitter

Nichole Wolfe lives in a small, one-traffic-light town in Pennsylvania with her childhood sweetheart and their two children.  Her slight obsession with all things paranormal and fantastical may have snuck its way into her tales of love conquering all.  When not reading or writing heart-throbbing, fog-up-the-mirror stories, she enjoys other creative outlets.  Scrapbooking her many amateur photos and making thrifty home decor with her many, many emptied wine bottles are some of her favorite go-to hobbies.

 

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No Ordinary Duke (The Crawfords #1) by Sophie Barnes-Review and Q&A

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No Ordinary Duke (The Crawfords #1) by Sophie Barnes-Review and Q & A

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 30, 2018

He’s everything she’s trying to avoid…But somehow precisely what she needs…

Caleb Crawford doesn’t want to be a duke. He’d much rather build houses for a living. So when fate disrupts his peaceful life and burdens him with the responsibilities of a newly inherited title, he does what any sensible man would do by fleeing London, disguising himself as a laborer, and seeking refuge with three young spinsters who need his help with a leaky roof.

Ruined by a marquess who promised her the world, Mary Clemens has sworn to avoid marriage forever. Instead, she intends to live out her days with her friends and the orphaned children they’ve taken into their care. But when Mr. Crawford comes knocking, Mary finds herself in real danger of risking heartbreak all over again. Especially when she discovers that he’s not at all what he seems.

••••••••

REVIEW: Caleb Maxwell Crawford is the second son of Camberly. He wet abroad to study architecture against his father’s wishes. He wanted to show his father he could be a success. He returned with awards and drawings to prove his expertise to his father but found his father and older brother had recently died in a stable fire. He would now be the Duke of Camberly.

He’s shocked and reluctant, but he does his duty. After a few weeks and as tension mounts from his mother to find a wife, his friend Robert Moor, Viscount Aldridge gives him a chance to escape temporarily. He goes to a property his friend owns to fix a large roof and a few things. Giving him a chance to be a builder again and be an ordinary man for a little time. His friend’s sister and a few lady friends run a home for children at this property.

Mary Clemmons is a spinster who lives with the other ladies. Cassandra, the Viscount’s sister, and Emily. Mary was jilted by a Duke’s son because his father thought she wasn’t right material for marriage to his son. Leaving her with a serious hatred of the titled.
He introduces himself as Mr. Crawford, not exactly a lie, and that he was sent by the Viscount to make repairs on the home. He and Mary are attracted immediately, but both try to keep their distance.

Author Sophie Barnes has written an intriguing and inventive story of the times. From the issues of being from a titled family, but not the heir; to the issues of women who are unlucky at romance and have been scandalized by circumstances. The characters are endearing and believable. The situations and conversations are both complicated and realistic. The romance is both sweet and builds to sizzling. She has written an inventive solution to the situation and very romantic.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story and if you love historical romance, be sure to grab a copy. I’ll be glad to read more from this author and I believe you will too.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Georgianna S

Welcome to the Reading Cafe, Sophie! It’s so great to have you here.

It’s great to be here. Thank you for the invite!

Follow Sophie: Goodreads /Website / Facebook / Twitter

Before you tell us about your October 30th release, No Ordinary Duke, let’s find out a bit more about you and your writing habits.

How important is research to you when writing a book?

Very. Inaccuracies spotted by readers can disengage them from the plot and cause them to stop reading the book. I also believe good research and interesting facts add more dimension to the story and flesh out the characters in ways that draw readers in. That said, I have been criticized for poor research, especially when I forgot to explain a fact in the author’s note. Most recently, in The Illegitimate Duke, some readers couldn’t understand how a second son was able to inherit his uncle’s title and become a duke when the uncle was initially a marquess. It wasn’t addressed in great detail during the story, which I think was a mistake. From what I was able to find during research however – and I did ask authorities on the matter – this sort of inheritance was possible (though theoretical since it never did happen historically), if the following were true:
• The marquess was elevated to duke by the King/Prince Regent.
• A special remainder was put in place during this process, naming the marquess’s nephew his heir.
• The marquess had no other children and his wife was beyond child-bearing years.
Every book I’ve ever written has required a lot of research. It’s part of the job since it just isn’t possible to know all the odd little facts that are referenced along the way. Most recently, I researched Regency era hotels in Paris and wine importers during that time.

What works best for you: Typewriters, fountain pen, dictate, computer or longhand?

I do rough plot outlines and character developments in a notebook. When I’m working on a manuscript, it’s mostly done on my laptop with occasional parts written on my phone whenever there are a few minutes to spare. I tried dictating once but it didn’t work out.

When did it dawn upon you that you wanted to be a writer?

Writing a book was something I’d had on my bucket list since I was fourteen, but it wasn’t something I thought I’d ever do for a living. Eventually, circumstance prompted me to give it a try. I was living in Africa with my husband and two small kids at the time. Getting a job wasn’t really an option unless it was something I could do from home, so after picking up JQ’s Romancing Mr. Bridgerton at a bookshop, I decided to give writing a serious try.

How often do you write?

Five days a week for about five hours straight in the morning.

Do you have a set schedule for writing, or are you one of those who write only when they feel inspired?

I look at writing like going to the office so I try to keep a set schedule as much as possible.

Do you aim to complete a set number of pages or words each day?

I write about 3-4,000 words per day depending on how many times I need to stop and research something. 3,000 is my minimum.

Do you read much and if so who are your favorite authors?

I do read quite a bit, though not as much as I’d like. I wish I had more free time on my hands but when I’m not writing, there’s promotion to handle which takes up at least as much time as the writing, sometimes more when there’s a new release coming. Some of my favorite authors are Julia Quinn, Eloisa James, Sophie Jordan, Valerie Bowman, Elizabeth Hoyt, Elizabeth Boyle, Cathy Maxwell, Lisa Kleypas and Caroline Linden

Do you proofread and edit your work on your own or pay someone to do it for you?

Yes. I review my work several times, as does my Avon editor. For my self-published works I pay an editor to check the plot, grammar, spelling and inconsistencies after I’m done with the initial edits.

What is the most important thing about a book in your opinion?

For it to entertain. I look at books as immersive movies for the mind. The story should be compelling, constantly moving forward and forcing the reader to develop an increased interest in the eventual outcome.

If you had the choice to rewrite any of your books, which one would it be and why?

My first one: How Miss Rutherford Got Her Groove Back. I think I made a lot of newbie mistakes with that one. It could have been much better than it was, so I wish I could give it another go.

People believe that being a published author is glamorous, is that true?

Not really. At least not for me. I spend hours on end at my desk dressed in sweatpants and t-shirts while chores that should get done don’t because well…there’s always another deadline.

Do you like traveling or do you prefer staying indoors?

I love to travel. I’ve travelled a lot, especially when I was a kid since my parents always took me on wonderful trips all over the world. There’s so much to see and experience. I have a long list of places I still hope to go to one day.

Did any of your books get rejected by publishers?

Yes. How Miss Rutherford Got Her Groove Back was rejected more than 50 times before being accepted by Avon Impulse.

Have any of your books been adapted into a feature film?

No, but I did start contract negotiations with a producer last year. It was for my Diamond’s In The Rough series, specifically for A Most Unlikely Duke and The Duke of Her Desire, since those were the only two available at the time. Of course the whole idea of potentially seeing my book on screen was tempting. But they were asking for a lot of things I just didn’t want to give up on, like the rights to my characters, which would have limited my ability to write additional sequels. Ultimately, the deal fell through, but it did give me an interesting learning experience.

If you could live anywhere in the world, which country would you choose and why?

I would love to live in Spain or Denmark. These are the two countries in the world where I feel most at home.

Moving on to your upcoming release, No Ordinary Duke, what prompted you to write this story?

I was actually looking at my calendar back in May and decided that it would be really great if I could fit in an extra release during the fall. As soon as my schedule freed up, I went to work on No Ordinary Duke. I’m also hoping to release a quick Christmas novella before the end of the year. The previous ones I wrote as part of The Honorable Scoundrels series did really well. Incidentally, that anthology is on sale now until November 1st for only $0.99.

Why did you choose to self-publish this title?

Since self-publishing for the first time in November last year, I’ve experimented a little to see what works. I also had a couple of titles I knew the publishers wouldn’t be interested in, so I chose to self-publish those. These were different from what I’m known for, a time-travel historical and a contemporary. Neither did as well as I’d hoped which made me realize I ought to stick to my wheelhouse which is where my fan base is. While writing for Avon is my dream and I hope to continue writing for them for a long time yet, I need the extra income self-publishing provides if I’m to continue living off of being an author. If not, I’ll have to stop writing, or at least write less, and go back into the job market. That would mean giving up on my passion, so I’m really trying to do whatever I can in order to stick with it.

Since series have a tendency to do well, I brainstormed some ideas and decided to run with the one about a duke who doesn’t want to be a duke and a woman who wants nothing to do with the aristocracy. It’s a fun concept, I think, since circumstance gets in the way of their HEA until they resolve a few issues.

Is self-publishing something that you would recommend?

Definitely. Especially if you’re having a hard time getting a publishing deal. If you’re already with a publisher you’ll need to make sure that your contract allows you to self-publish and that you have the time. It should never interfere with the work you’re doing for your publisher.

How many books are you planning for this series?

Three for now and we’ll see after that. It all depends on how well the first book does. At the moment, Caleb Crawford has a couple of brothers who need their own stories.

What’s different about this book?

It’s about people wanting to exchange their extravagant lives with ordinary ones. There’s no rake in need of reform or debutante requiring marriage. Instead there’s a spinster who despises the aristocracy and a duke who wishes to escape it. There’s a mistaken identity trope too since Mary believes Caleb to be a common laborer even though he’s precisely what she’s trying to avoid. It’s fun, emotional, and full of restrained passion as temptation grows between these two.

Thank you so much for joining us today!

It was my pleasure.

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Christmas on Mistletoe Lane by Annie Rains-Review, Excerpt & Interview with the Author

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CHRISTMAS ON MISTLETOE LANE (Sweetwater Springs #1) by Annie Rains-Review, Excerpt & Interview with the Author

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo / Google Play

About the book: Release Date September 25, 2018

‘Tis the season for a fresh start . . .

It’s the start of the holiday season in the North Carolina mountains, and the air is fresh and crisp and filled with promise. After the devastating loss of her job in the big city, the small town of Sweetwater Springs feels like heaven to Kaitlyn Russo. She’s inherited her grandparents’ charming (if a little rundown) bed and breakfast, and it’s just the new lease on life she needs. Only “heaven” comes with a catch-and a handsome and completely infuriating one at that.

After what he hopes will be a quick trip, Mitch Hargrove wants nothing more than to put his hometown in the rearview mirror. But his plans get derailed when he learns he’s now half-owner of the Sweetwater B&B. The fact that he’s given only two months to make the inn a success is a huge problem, but it’s his pretty-and incredibly headstrong-partner who’s the real challenge. With the holiday fast approaching and a grand re-opening looming, will Mitch keep running from the ghosts of Christmas past . . . or will he realize the true gift he’s been given?

•••••••••

REVIEW: CHRISTMAS ON MISTLETOE LANE is the first instalment in Annie Rains’ contemporary, adult SWEETWATER SPRINGS romance series focusing on the small town of Sweetwater Springs, North Carolina. This is interior designer Kaitlyn Russo, and retired US Marine Mitch Hargrove’s story line.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Mitch and Kaitlyn) CHRISTMAS ON MISTLETOE LANE focuses on the building relationship between interior designer Kaitlyn Russo, and retired US Marine Mitch Hargrove. The recent death of her grandmother Mable pulled Kaitlyn Russo to the small town of Sweetwater Springs, North Carolina where our heroine inherited her grandmother’s beloved Sweetwater B&B, an inheritance that came with a questionable caveat. Enter retired US Marine Mitch Hargrove, one-time B&B caretaker and friend to Henry and Mable Russo, and the new co-owner of the Sweetwater B&B. A two month ‘obligatory business arrangement ‘ in order to inherit or sell the B&B finds our couple working together to make the small hotel into a thriving business. What ensues is the building relationship and romance between Kaitlyn and Mitch, and the potential fall-out as Mitch struggles with memories of the past, and the perceived sins of a teenaged boy.

Mitch Hargrove wants nothing to do with Sweetwater Springs, a town that brings too many fractured memories of long ago. Aside from him mother, there is nothing and no one that calls to his heart. Preparing for a security assignment in the new year Mitch is surprised to discover that Ms. Mable has ‘arranged’ a two-month assignment of her own. Kaitlyn Russo was a successful New York interior designer but a designer whose career was destroyed by a professional fall-out and the accusations of a celebrity extraordinaire. Hoping to restart her life Kaitlyn is shocked when she is forced to work alongside a man who wants nothing to do with the Sweetwater B&B. If they cannot find a way to work together, the B&B will be sold, and everything will go to charity.

The relationship between Mitch and Kaitlyn begins as a forced business arrangement, an arrangement neither one is happy to oblige. Mitch’s plans do not include running a run-down B&B, and Kaitlyn hopes to rebuild her grandmother’s once-successful business. The sexual attraction between Kaitlyn and Mitch is palpable and immediate. The $ex scenes are intimate, passionate but mostly implied.

We are introduced to the colorful and charismatic people and places of Sweetwater Springs including attorney Jacob Garrison; police chief Alex Logan; Mitch’s mother Gina Hargrove, and aunt Nettie, and longtime friend Tucker Locklear; Fudge Shop owner Dawanda; bookstore owner Julia Kent; Kaitlyn’s best friend and journalist Josie; as well as a number of Sweetwater B&B guests including graphic designer and biker Paris. I am definitely hoping to read a happily ever after for Paris.

CHRISTMAS ON MISTLETOE LANE is a sweet and sexy story line; a small-town romance focusing on two people who lives are interrupted by a meddling but well-meaning old lady. The premise is entertaining, engaging and endearing; the characters are dynamic and lively, especially the B&B guest; the romance is tender and dramatic as Mitch continues to pull away giving mixed signals with every encounter. A wonderful holiday read, CHRISTMAS ON MISTLETOE LANE is a great start to the holiday season.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

NOTE: The excerpt has been provided by the publisher

 

“So,” the lawyer clapped his hands together, “congratulations, you two. Looks like you’ll be business partners.”
Kaitlyn straightened. “I’m sorry. What?”
“Mable left you half of the Sweetwater B and B,” he told her and then looked at Mitch. “And you the other half. I’m sure you know the Russos thought of you as a grandson, Mitch. They were very proud of your service as a military police officer.”
Kaitlyn’s eyes darted between the two men. “Excuse me, Mr. Garrison, but I was under the impression that I was the new owner.”
“You are. Along with Mr. Hargrove.” Mr. Garrison pointed at the papers in front of him. “Says so right here. Under one condition that your grandmother spelled out in no uncertain terms.”
Kaitlyn’s head was spinning. “Condition?” she asked.
Mr. Garrison nodded. “That’s right. The condition is that you and Mr. Hargrove must run this place together for the first two months after signing these documents.”
“I love Mable but no way am I staying in Sweetwater Springs for two months,” Mitch said flatly.
Kaitlyn shot him a scornful look. “This was my grandparents’ business. We can’t just let it go.”
“I hate to break it to you but this place has been declining for years,” Mitch said. “Mable rarely had a full inn. I say we save ourselves the trouble and forfeit now.”
“We are not forfeiting,” Kaitlyn snapped between gritted teeth. She didn’t care how big or attractive Mitch Hargrove was—and he was big and attractive—she’d lost too many fights lately. She was fighting for this B&B with every ounce of strength she had. “Is there any way to get around the legal terms?” she asked. “So I can run the B and B and Mr. Hargrove can go on his merry way?”
Mr. Garrison frowned. “I’m afraid not. The will is detailed. Mable was insistent that you two work here together. Leaving the inn to the both of you was her final attempt to revive this old place.”
Mr. Garrison angled himself to look at Kaitlyn. “Mable was proud of how creative you are. She said you could turn menial things into magic.” He turned back to Mitch. “And she said you could fix just about anything.” Mr. Garrison’s gaze flitted between them. “She knew it would take the talents of both of you combined. “So,” Mr. Garrison said on an inhale, “do you accept or not?”
“No,” Mitch barked at the same time that she said, “Yes.”
Kaitlyn folded her arms across her chest. How dare he even consider refusing her grandmother’s final wish. “We’re not giving up on this B and B.”
“This inn is a money pit. We’d be fools to go into business together.” Mitch shook his head. “And I don’t know about you but I have a life to get back to. Two months of trying to avoid the inevitable isn’t in my plans.”
“I have a life,” Kaitlyn shot back. Albeit one that seemed to be in shambles lately. Apparently, Grandma Mable had been struggling too. How had Kaitlyn not known her grandmother was under so much financial strain? Not that Kaitlyn could’ve helped. All she’d really had of value when she’d driven down from New York to the North Carolina mountains was hope, and even that was dwindling fast. 


 

 TRC:  Hi Annie and welcome to The Reading Café.

Annie:  Hi! Thank you so much for inviting me today!

 TRC: Congratulations on the recent release of CHRISTMAS ON MISTLETOE LANE

Annie: Thank you! I’m very excited about this release! I really hope readers enjoy this story!

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

Follow: Bookbub / Website / Goodreads / Twitter /Facebook

Annie: Yes, I’m a wife and mother of three kids, ranging in age from 4-10. I also have a full-time job, so all my writing is done in the wee hours of the morning. I love coffee, reading (romance and women’s fiction), and going to the beach. I also enjoy a good rainstorm. 

TRC: Who or what influenced your career in writing?

Annie:I fell in love with reading at an early age. I always admired the authors of what I was reading and wanted to be just like them. I think that was my biggest influence. Just loving books and the people who wrote them, and wanting to emulate them.

 TRC: What challenges or difficulties did you encounter writing and publishing your first novel?

Annie: The first several novels that I wrote were never published. It was a long, hard, learning experience for me. Each book made me better and brought me closer to publication though. The challenge was continuing to believe in my dream and finding the time to invest in making it happen.

 TRC: Would you please tell us something about the premise of CHRISTMAS ON MISTLETOE LANE and the Sweetwater Springs Series?

Annie: The premise is that the hero and heroine, Kaitlyn and Mitch, are two strangers who have inherited a bed and breakfast. Together they must run the inn for two months or they forfeit it to charity. Kaitlyn is all-in, but Mitch needs some convincing to stay in the hometown he never planned on returning to.

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

Annie: I’m in love with the town of Sweetwater Springs. I want to stay there indefinitely so I’m hoping there will be quite a few more books. As of right now, there are 3 full length novels and two short stories planned.

 TRC: Will Paris get his own story ???

Annie: Nothing is planned for Paris yet, but it’s possible ☺

 TRC: From where did you get the idea for CHRISTMAS ON MISTLETOE LANE?

Annie: It started with my hero, Mitch. He has a tragic backstory that I knew about from the beginning. It’s the reason he never wanted to return to his hometown. From there, I created a compelling reason to bring him home.

TRC: What kind of research/plotting did you do, and how long did you spend researching /plotting before beginning CHRISTMAS ON MISTLETOE LANE?

Annie: I created a vague outline with characters and goals prior to starting and then dove in. I find that the plot changes as I write. I also don’t know what I need to research until it’s on the page, so I research as I go. I needed to research the mountains of NC and how to run a functioning bed and breakfast, among other things.

 TRC: There is a fine line between romance, erotic and erotica fiction. What do you believe are the differences? And where should the author draw the line?

Annie: I don’t write erotic or erotic fiction so I can’t really speak on it. I don’t think there’s a line though. I feel like each author must make that choice for themselves. How far do they feel comfortable going? Likewise, each reader must decide what heat level they prefer to read.

 TRC: What was the most challenging scene to write?

Annie: The black moment, where all is lost, is always, always, always the hardest for me. It has to be done right to gut the reader and make them feel all the emotions. If they don’t, they won’t care if the hero and heroine get back together at the end.

TRC: Do you believe the cover image plays a deciding factor for many readers in the process of selecting a book or new series to read?

Annie: I think a great cover is key. At least it is for me as a reader. I’m first attracted to the book based on the cover and/or the author. Then I read the blurb and if that’s good, I buy the book. A cover reveals so much, including the tone of the story.

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

Annie: The characters are in the driver’s seat. I like to think I write their stories, but they’re in control, lol. I’m just along for the ride!

 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?

Annie: Pulling the reader into the storyline is definitely key! I think to do that, an author has to create likeable, relatable characters that readers fall in love with. Readers have to feel for these characters in order to care if they get their hearts broken. I think, as authors, we all do our best in trying to do this. It’s not easy. I know that if I love a character and care about them, and if I’m crying as I’m writing their stories on the page, then hopefully my readers will too.

 TRC: Do you listen to music while writing? If so, does the style of music influence the storyline direction? Characters?

Annie: I don’t listen to music while I’m writing, but I do when I’m plotting a story. I love to make a soundtrack for my books to listen to and get me in the right mood for the story.

 TRC: What do you believe is the biggest misconception people have about authors?

Annie: I’m not sure. I guess that authors live glamourous lives. When I’m in author mode, I’m in my pajamas and tucked away in a quiet office, usually during the hours when most are sleeping. I spend the rest of the day running around and doing other things for my day job and my family.

 TRC: How should authors measure a book’s success?

Annie: Speaking for myself, I measure success by how well my book is received. I love to hear from my readers and know that they enjoyed a book. That’s success to me. I want to give my readers an escape and make them feel a wide range of emotions.

 TRC: What is something that few, if anybody, knows about you?

Annie: Hmmm. That’s a hard one! I guess most people don’t know that I’ve always wanted to be an author, but romance wasn’t my first love. It was suspense and horror.

 TRC: Who is your favorite author (living or dead)?

Annie: Favorite author, hands down, is Nora Roberts. Not just because of her awesome books, but because she’s such an inspiration to the writing and romance community. I’ve seen her speak in person several times and I always walk away in awe of her. She’s absolutely amazing!

 TRC: On what are you currently working?

Annie: Right now I’m editing book 3 in my Sweetwater Springs series. It’s due in November and then I’ll start writing a short story for the series.

LIGHTNING ROUND

Favorite Food
Steak.

Favorite Dessert
Bananas.

Favorite TV Show
The Handmaid’s Tale

Last Movie You Saw
Infinity Wars

Dark or Milk Chocolate
No milk.

Secret Celebrity Crush
Dwayne Johnson, The Rock!

Last Vacation Destination
Denver, Colorado

Do you have any pets?
A dog named Carter.

Last book you read
Kristan Higgins’ On Second Thought.

TRC: Thank you Annie for taking the time to answer our questions. Congratulations on the release of CHRISTMAS ON MISTLETOE LANE. We wish you
all the best.

Annie: Thank you so much for having me! This was fun!

 

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Outlaw King (Renegade Scots #1) by Julie Johnstone-Dual Review, Guest Post & Giveaway

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Outlaw King (Renegade Scots #1) by Julie Johnstone-Dual Review, Guest Post & Giveaway

OUTLAW KING
Renegade Scots #1)
by Julie Johnstone
Release Date: August 31, 2018
Genre: adult, historical, medieval, romance

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo / Google Play

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 31, 2018

She’s the weapon intended to destroy him. He’s the key to her freedom.

Dark days have come to medieval Scotland, and fierce warrior Robert the Bruce would do anything to release his country from English rule—and not just because he’s the rightful heir to the Scottish throne. As the bloody war rages on, enemies on both sides of the fight surround him, and Robert must dance a dangerous line between truth and deception. One misstep could topple his nation and cost him his life, yet one woman tempts him—and threatens his mission—as no other ever has.

Elizabeth de Burgh longs for freedom in a time when women have none. So when she finds herself ordered by her ruthless father and her godfather, the King of England, to seduce the leader of the Scottish rebellion and reveal his secrets, she yearns to fight back against their cruel plot. But they threaten to kill her beloved cousin, leaving her no choice but to comply. As she grows close to Robert and the mask that hides the man who would be king is peeled away, she cannot imagine aiding in the destruction of the noble Scot bent on liberating his people.

Bound by duty and honor but ensnared by passion, Robert and Elizabeth must determine if they are each other’s biggest threat or greatest source of strength. And moreover, they must decide how much they are willing to risk for the one thing neither ever imagined they’d find with the other—extraordinary, boundless love.

••••••••

Georgianna’s REVIEW:Outlaw King is book one of the new Renegade Scots Series by Julie Johnstone. It’s a historical romance that relies on historical research and a bit of literary license by the author to make the story flow and engaging to the reader.
This is the story of Robert the Bruce and Elizabeth de Burgh.

It begins in 1296 AD in Northern Scotland. This is a complicated story of not doing what you want, but what you must do to survive. Robert the Bruce’s father is old and probably soon to die. Bruce, the elder is basically a coward and refuses to fight the English. As his son, Robert is required to serve the man his father is allied with, so he’s in the process of helping the King take strongholds in Scotland. During this battle, Robert decides he is on the wrong side of the fight. It’s during this battle that Elizabeth de Burgh, disguised as a squire, helps to save many Scots from being burned alive by her father’s order. She must then return with her father and face his wrath, but first thanked Robert for aiding her… and that began their story.

How they managed to actually fall in love, despite the circumstances was a remarkable story. The writing is excellent, the history interesting, the romance and love scenes hot, the action not too brutal.

I loved this story and look forward to the next in this series. For me there’s no high as outstanding as a highlander renegade Scot.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Georgianna

––––––––––––––––

Julie’s REVIEW: Books that are based in fact are always tricky. Do you believe everything you read ? Or do you just go in and read it for what it is ?

Robert the Bruce was an actual character in history as was Elizabeth, so with bated breath I opened my kindle …..

Beautifully written and very descriptive, I could imagine roaming the hills.

Elizabeth has a job to do …..seduce “the Bruce” and finds out all she can about his army and intention’s towards England.

But Elizabeth isn’t happy with that deal, she is ordered by both the king of England and her father to do her duty (you have to remember that women had NO SAY in what they did in those days) all she wants is a quiet life, and when they threaten her beloved cousins life, Elizabeth sees no other choice but to do ask they demand.

But the legend is nothing like the man, and Elizabeth must make a choice …. the man or her family ??

Robert wants his Scotland free from the tyranny of England, and soon a bloody war erupts, so he has enough on his plate with war and feuding clans, the last thing he needs is Elizabeth ruining his concentration, but she does that, and soon Robert will need to reveal to Elizabeth his plans …. can he trust her, or will she betray him ? And will he use her to fool the English, ensuring she hates him forever ??

Reviewed by Julie B

 

How much do you really want to know?

As a writer of historical romance when I’m developing my story I often have to ask myself how important is historical accuracy. You may be surprised to learn that is not such an easy question to answer for every aspect of the story. Sometimes, I feel like a circus tight rope walker balancing precariously on a very thin cord. To my left sit readers who think they want complete accuracy in their historical fiction novels, but to my right fall the readers who want a dab of accuracy here and there. I’ve learned this through 22 published historical romance novels.

So just how important is accuracy in historical fiction when you are trying to please two different mindsets of people? For me, accuracy is very important because I want readers to get a true picture of what was really happening in the time my book pertains to. However, I’m very aware that I cannot be totally accurate with every single aspect of history.

Take for example my Medieval books. If I wrote the books in Gaelic, as the Scots spoke in Medieval times, the modern day reader would not even understand the book. The same holds true for my Regency books. If I used all of the words that they did in the Regency period many of them have gone completely out of use. The modern reader would not grasp the meaning of my sentences. I have to pick and choose the words I use in my historical books very carefully. I like to pepper in actual words that were used during the time for authenticity without sacrificing accuracy.

On the flip side of using words no longer in existence, I have to be very careful not to use words that seem too modern and would pull the reader out of the time period of the story. I actually have a word bank that my editor and I have developed which contains thousands of words and expressions that were not in use in the Medieval and Regency period. We spent countless hours finding substitutes for these words so that my stories would be as historically accurate as possible while not causing the reader to stumble over a word.
Sometimes the historical accuracy of what I know about certain words as a researcher can come into direct conflict with the history that I realize many readers think they know of a term. For example, I would never use the word ‘claymore’ to speak of a sword in my Scottish Medieval books because the word was not used in reference to swords until the 18 century, yet many readers believe that all swords should be called claymores. Thanks, Hollywood. ☺

I have to make decisions all the time about whether to go with what I know to be the absolute truth or what I know to be reader expectation. I make these decisions on a case by case basis. Another example is bathing. Most people do not want to hear in stories that your character has not bathed in quite a while, so I chose to bend historical accuracy in this instance and make all of my character hygienic. Now, you will not find a laird in a modern day bubble bath day after day, but he will take a dip in a loch more than once a month. See how niftily accuracy can be bent just a tad while maintaining as much historical integrity as possible and delivering a wonderful reader experience.

Another fun example is clothing. I always put my characters in historically accurate clothing, but when it comes time for the steamy love scenes, those many layers of clothes are going to come off a lot quicker than they would in real life. If stayed completely accurate with how long it really took to disrobe, I fear my readers would get bored. However, a caveat to this statement is that I have often taken off layers of clothing on characters while working in a kiss here, a caress there or even turned the disrobing into a game of seduction where each layer removed increased the tension in the room. But sometimes this is not possible, and the clothes just have to go quickly!
As far as dates and actual events that take place, I like to stick to the facts and not change these things. I will never put a historical battle at a time or place that it wasn’t, but I will certainly make up characters that didn’t exist and put them there. However, the characters I create from my imagination could have existed, and that makes all the difference.
Whenever I use events or places that existed, I put in hours of countless research to make sure I am historically accurate because I feel there should be no bending on this type of thing. But sometimes, I have been known to make up a castle or an event, which is why what I write is called fiction. ☺

In my newest book, OUTLAW KING, RENEGADE SCOTS, Book 1, I like to say it is a marriage of historical accuracy meets author imagination. I hope you will consider reading it! I could go on about historical accuracy forever, but I have to go write my next book! How important is historical accuracy to you as a reader? One commenter will win a digital copy of OUTLAW KING.

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Author Julie Johnstone first fell in love with romance fifteen years ago when she picked up her first romance novel in an airport gift shop on the way to Conroe, Texas for a family reunion and spent her whole weekend reading rather than water skiing, which up until then was one of her favorite things to do.

Julie is staying up way too late and typing furiously on her keyboard to finish her next book or blog with her fellow authors at Ladyscribes. Julie is married to an amazing lawyer and when she is not running her two precocious children to one activity or another she is trying to seek out some time to stay in shape and see her dearest friends.

Julie Johstone is graciously offering an ebook copy of OUTLAW KING to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

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

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9. Giveaway runs from September 8-12, 2018

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The Laws of Founding (Eververse Chronicles #1) by Nicole McKeon-Review and Interview

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THE LAWS OF FOUNDING (Eververse Chronicles #1) by Nicole McKeon-Review and Interview

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon. uk / Amazon.au /

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 16, 2018

When Allie finally notices the clues, it’s already too late.
Stuck in the wrong world, her only ticket back to Earth is the group of mysterious strangers who kidnap her from a psychiatric ward, then leave her with Ronan, a beautiful but intimidating man who can disappear at will.

After learning the truth—that she is a Walker, one of the rare few with the ability to move between dimensional realities—Allie discovers the wonders of the Eververse, and confronts terrifying danger that will put the lives of everyone she loves in peril.

Allie is willing to risk her life, her sanity, and her heart to save the ones she loves, but her newly discovered powers won’t be enough save her from the consequences of walking the Eververse.

•••••••••••

REVIEW: THE LAWS OF FOUNDING is the first instalment in Nicole McKeon’s new adult EVERVERSE CHRONICLES fantasy series focusing ‘Walker’ Allison Chapters, a college student who suddenly finds herself ‘walking’ between dimensional realities in an effort to understand the truth of how and why.

When we are first introduced to Allison Chapters she has awoken in an alternate reality where the people are familiar but not. No sooner has she found herself in the local psychiatric ward then our heroine is freed by her would-be ‘rescuers’ a group that call themselves the Venatore, or hunters. As Allison’s world slowly begins to unravel she discovers that she has mystical powers of her own, powers that attract otherworldly assassins determined to kill our story line heroine. ‘Walking’ into mythical worlds thought only to have existed in fairy tales and lore, Allison, along with her mentor and Venatore Ronan find refuge in Avalon, alongside a fabled King, brought to life in True Earth’s stories and movies. From present day, to the medieval times of kingdoms and knights, Allison ventures on a journey of philosophical discovery where she must battle between head and heart, breaking the ‘laws of Founding’ as she travels the Eververse, in an effort to save the man with whom she is falling in love, only to discover that the not is all as it appears to have been.

THE LAWS OF FOUNDING is an entertaining, mesmorizing, exhilarating and animated story of fabled lore, fantasy and mythology; an imaginative tale of times past that traverse the present; of one woman’s discovery of self and the other. A simple yet complex story of energy, magic, power and love.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

TRC: Hi Nicole, and welcome to The Reading Cafe.

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

Follow Nicole: Facebook / Website / Goodreads / Amazon Author page

Nicole: The most important things for anyone to know about me are that I’ve been happily married to the love of my life for fifteen years, I’ve got 3 sons, I have a deep and abiding love for fantasy in any form be it video games (Legend of Zelda, I’m looking at you,) books or movies, my curiosity is insatiable, I have no self-control around macarons, and I’m happiest when I’m outside.

TRC: Who or what influenced your career in writing?

Nicole: This is a tricky one, because I’ve loved to make up stories since I was tiny. I think the biggest influence though, aside from my parents letting me watch movies like Legend, The Labyrinth, and Willow when I was little, was my sixth grade English teacher, Stan Smith. He always wore a tie and loafers with no socks, his office area looked like a wizard’s tower with books and papers piled knee high, and he taught us to love and respect the power of well-chosen words. Room 212 forever!

TRC: What challenges or difficulties have you encountered writing and publishing your first novel?

Nicole: The hardest part of the process was finding balance between working on my manuscript, building my career as a photographer, and family life. I lost a lot of sleep writing The Laws of Founding.

TRC: Would you please tell us something about the premise of your new fantasy novel THE LAWS OF FOUNDING?

Nicole: The Laws of Founding follows college student Allie Chapter as she discovers her ability to move between dimensional realities in the Eververse, and how that opens the door for her to learn the truth about secrets from her past; secrets that put her life in danger.

TRC: At what age level is the story line directed (young adult, adult, new adult, all ages)?

Nicole: The main character, Allie, is in her early 20’s, which makes the book a natural fit for the New Adult genre. She deals with a lot of issues common to people that age, but I had an adult audience in mind when I wrote the book. Honestly, I wrote the story for myself first, because I wanted to know what happened!

TRC: How many books do you have planned for the series or is THE LAWS OF FOUNDING a stand-alone novel?

Nicole: The Eververse Chronicles will be a trilogy; The Laws of Founding, The Founding Lie (the manuscript is about halfway done for this one) and the name of the last book is still to be determined. However, I already have other stories brewing that might have ties to the Eververse, so I don’t think I’ll leave the world(s) behind, entirely.

TRC: From where did you get the idea for THE LAWS OF FOUNDING?

Nicole: I’ve always been interested in mythology, and this book came about from wondering what would happen if Multiverse Theory were a reality, and if our mythologies originated with people who could travel between the different worlds.

TRC: What kind of research/plotting did you do, and how long did you spend researching /plotting before beginning THE LAWS OF FOUNDING?

Nicole: I’m one of those writers who allows the story to grow organically and, while I have the outline of the plot in my mind, I don’t always have the details. I love creating and exploring new worlds, but I tend to stay very character focused. Because of that, it’s hard for me to know what to research beforehand. I wasn’t even sure which worlds I was going to visit in TLOF, so research happened sporadically as I wrote the manuscript. I spent a lot of time in front of Google for historical references, I read an awesome book called Reality is Not What it Seems; The Journey to Quantum Gravity by Carlo Rovelli, and a few books centered on mythology.

TRC: What was the most challenging scene to write?

Nicole: You’d think the hard scenes would be the emotionally charged ones, but for me the fight scenes were the most challenging because they needed to be choreographed. I know what I need the fight scene to do for the plot or the characters before I start to write it, but I don’t always know how two fighting styles will blend together, or what two bodies will look like moving in space and reacting to each other. This made for quite a few rewrites, hours on YouTube watching people try to hurt each other, a very sordid search history (it’s all writing related, I swear,) and a bit of time with my husband throwing *very* slow punches at my head.

TRC: How will publishing THE LAWS OF FOUNDING affect your writing style moving forward?

Nicole: I’m not sure that it will affect my style in the long run. Publishing TLOF solidified my tastes and made me more confident in my voice, I think.

TRC: Do you believe the cover image plays a deciding factor for many readers in the process of selecting a book or new series to read?

Nicole: Absolutely. A cover says something about the tone of the book and makes a visual representation of what has only been in the authors head up to that point. I tested several different covers with groups of very diverse people and chose the overwhelming favorite.

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

Nicole: I find this process almost magical. I know in a general sense where I want the story to go, but I’m always amazed by how much agency the characters seem to have. The first time a character made a decision for themselves, I sat there looking at what I’d written thinking, “what in the hell just happened there?!”

There have been times when I’ve needed to wrestle the characters into the storyline but, more often than not, I decide the main plot points and who the characters are as people drives the details.

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?

Nicole: Wow, this is a great question. There are a few aspects that make a story immersive, I think. First, the writer must either deeply understand the character or be incredibly empathetic. Sometimes we write about things we’ve experienced firsthand, so we know the emotions involved, and sometimes we write about things we’ve never done, so we must begin by putting ourselves in the characters place. If an author isn’t empathetic, they’re going to have a hard time drawing the reader in because they’ll be writing emotions and scenarios they can’t properly imagine, which means the character might think, say, or do things that don’t make sense. Readers are quick to catch onto things that create mental disconnects.

The second important aspect, to my mind, is writing with a sensory related focus. It’s much easier to put a reader into a scene when they feel the chill bite of the wind on their cheeks, smell the tang of the salt, and hear the roar of the waves than to simply say, “she stood by the ocean.”

TRC: Do you listen to music while writing? If so, does the style of music influence the storyline direction? Characters?

Nicole: This one is a bit of a mixed bag for me. If I need to think my way through a scene, I like silence. I’m easily distracted by lyrics. When I’m working on a scene that I need to feel, I’ll play music that fits what I want the characters to be experiencing. Never does any music I choose influence where the story is going, though—that’s all up to the characters.

TRC: What do you believe is the biggest misconception people have about authors?

Nicole: That we’re all introverted hermits. I like to be around people, and I’m pretty damn friendly.

TRC: How should authors measure a book’s success?

Nicole: I don’t think there are any hard and fast rules for this. Each person should decide what success means for them, and recognize that it might be different for every book they write. Success might be just finishing the freaking book, and it might be $100,000 in sales. The worst thing anyone can do is use someone else’s life or accomplishments as a measuring stick for their own success.

TRC: What is something that few, if anybody, knows about you?

Nicole: That I’ve been keeping a journal since I was thirteen. My grandkids are going to know way more about their grandma than they’d like to. Sorry, kiddos.

TRC: Who is your favorite author (living or dead)?

Nicole: I love many different authors for different reasons. I adore C.S. Lewis for his brilliant mind and moral compass, Tolkien for creating the archetype, Austen for her insight into human behavior, Brandon Sanderson for his kick-ass world creation, fight scenes and magic systems, Patrick Rothfuss for the tapestry of story and world he weaves, and Diana Gabaldon for the elegance of her prose and creating characters that feel like real people to me. I’ll always have a special place in my heart for Jack London, Lois Lowery, Andrew Greeley and David Eddings for having written books that inspired me as a youth. I could go on…

TRC: On what are you currently working?

Nicole: I’m focusing on The Founding Lie, which is the second book in the Eververse Chronicles Trilogy, as well as playing with a short story that follows a character from that book, and a fun new idea that may turn into a book or novella that lies in a different world but ties into the Founding storyline.

TRC: Would you like to add anything else?

Nicole: Just that I’m incredibly grateful for the interview, and I hope people grab the book and go an wild adventure with the characters!

LIGHTNING ROUND

Favorite Food: Tomatoes

Favorite Dessert: Macarons

Favorite TV Show: Anne with an E

Last Movie You Saw: Avengers Infinity War. I LOVE superhero movies

Dark or Milk Chocolate: ALL the chocolate

Secret Celebrity Crush: it’s no secret: it’s Chris Hemsworth

Last Vacation Destination: Sedona, Arizona

Do you have any pets? A pug named Sissy

Last book you read: Age of Swords: Book Two of The Legends of the First Empire by Michael J. Sullivan

TRC: Thank you Nicole for taking the time to answer our questions. Congratulations on the new release. We wish you much success.

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Escaping Exile (Escape Trilogy #1) b Sara Dobie Bauer-Review, Interview & Giveaway

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ESCAPING EXILE (Escape Trilogy #1) by Sara Dobie Bauer-Review, Interview & Giveaway

ESCAPING EXILE
Escape Trilogy #1
by Sara Dobie Bauer
Release Date: August 13, 2018
Genre: adult, paranormal, M/M, romance

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 13, 2018

Andrew is a vampire from New Orleans, exiled to a tropical island in the 1800s as punishment for his human bloodlust. During a storm, a ship crashes off shore. After rescuing a sailor from the cannibals native to the land, Andrew becomes fascinated with his brilliant, beautiful new companion, Edmund.

Edmund is a British naturalist who has sailed the world seeking new species. Intrigued by creatures that might kill him, immortal Andrew is this scientist’s dream—but so is making his way back home. Edmund will fight to survive, even while wrapped in the arms of a monster.

As light touches and laughter turn to something much more passionate, the cannibals creep ever closer to Edmund. Can the ancient vampire keep his human alive long enough to escape exile and explore their newfound love, or will Andrew’s bloodlust seal his own doom?

••••••••••

REVIEW: ESCAPING EXILE is the first instalment in Sara Dobie Bauer’s adult, historical ESCAPE paranormal, M/M, erotic romance trilogy focusing on exiled vampire Andrew, and British naturalist Edmund.

NOTE: ESCAPING EXILE contains M/M sexual situations that may not be suitable for all readers.

Told from first person point of view (Andrew) ESCAPING EXILE follows exiled vampire Andrew as he finds himself drawn to the lone survivor of a shipwreck following a deadly storm. Stranded on an island inhabited by cannibals Andrew and British naturalist Edmund struggle to survive against the odds including Andrew’s desire to feed from the man with whom he will fall in love. What ensues is the building relationship between Andrew and Edmund, as our couple must battle the elements, starvation, and attacks by a group of flesh-eating humans.

ESCAPING EXILE is a quick and easy, erotic read that focuses on the growing attraction and building love between a vampire and human thrown together by circumstance and fate. We learn a little bit about Andrew’s past-his history, his ‘turning’, and the events leading to his exile on a not-so deserted island, as well as Edmund’s need to find and challenge that which, could do him harm. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text. The premise is entertaining and engaging. ESCAPING EXILE does not end on a cliff-hanger but with a promise of more to come.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

TRC: Hi Sara and welcome to The Reading Cafe.

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

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Sara: I’m a full time writer who wears pajamas all day and only showers because my husband is on his way home from work. Not kidding. I’ve been writing full time for almost a decade now, and I tend to always write romance, usually with a twist, whether that be romantic comedy, paranormal romance, or romantic horror (yes, that’s a thing).

TRC: Who or what influenced your career in writing?

Sara: Probably reading so many books as a kid. Anne Rice had a lot to do with it since I read her Vampire Chronicles when I was still in elementary school. Maybe a bit young for that …

TRC: What challenges or difficulties did you encounter writing and publishing your first novel?

Sara: Finding the right publisher. I ended up with World Weaver Press for the Bite Somebody series based on a referral, thank God. What a blessing back in 2015!

TRC: Would you please tell us something about the premise of your new paranormal, M/M romance ESCAPING EXILE and the ESCAPE trilogy?

Sara: Bloodthirsty vampire meets sexy, shipwrecked sailor. Add a dash of cannibals and lots of sex. The trilogy follows them from new love to established love to … well, that would be a spoiler, wouldn’t it?

TRC: From where did you get the idea for ESCAPING EXILE?

Sara: Oh, gosh, I wish I knew. I have no idea. As a writer, I get ideas all the time, but very few of them actually make it on the page. This one probably showed up as some weird fantasy of mine and just grew into a full-fledged storyline.

TRC: What kind of research/plotting did you do, and how long did you spend researching /plotting before beginning ESCAPING EXILE?

Sara: Very little plotting. I’m not a plotter. I follow characters and see what they do. Escaping Exile is the first of the trilogy, so most of the research came into play in books two and three as the boys travel to Victorian New Orleans and London.

TRC: Has your work with the mental health community and as a LGBTQ advocate helped with your writing and story line premises?

Sara: So much! Thanks to working in the mental health community, I’ve been able to create more complex characters that often share my own psychological traits. My LGBTQ advocacy has given me a clear look at difficulties faced, and although I don’t often get too political in my work, you can see glimpses if you look close enough.

TRC: There is a fine line between romance, erotic and erotica fiction. What do you believe are the differences? And where should the author draw the line?

Sara: Romance versus erotica just depends on the sex, not the plot. Romance, to me, is closed-door sex and fade out, whereas erotica shows the sex and can be mature to explicit. I fear people write off erotica as crappy writing, just smut, but I’ve read some fantastic literary erotica. For me, include as much sex as you want; just keep the characters true to themselves whether you fade out or give a doggy style play-by-play.

TRC: Most, if not all, of your books and series focus on the paranormal. Have you ever considered writing another romance genre?

Sara: I have written a romance novel without any paranormal elements! But it hasn’t been published yet … I’m shopping it with agents right now, and we’ll see what happens. I do love paranormal, though. As a huge horror movie fan, I love a good monster.

TRC: What was the most challenging scene to write?

Sara: The first sexual encounter between Andrew and Edmund. By then, I was so hyped for them to just do it already; I had to be careful not to rush it!

TRC: Do you believe the cover image plays a deciding factor for many readers in the process of selecting a book or new series to read?

Sara: Yes, for sure. If your cover doesn’t capture the eye, a reader might not even consider your blurb. They might just pass you by. It’s also important for your cover to fit your genre and the tone of your book.

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

Sara: The characters direct everything, those bastards. Sometimes, they go completely mad—like in The Escape Trilogy. As the series moves on, Edmund takes over. He does things I never saw coming.

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?

Sara: Know your characters. Write huge character bios before you even start writing so you know everything about them—even their favorite ice cream. If the character feels real, readers will relate. Writers fail when they put plot before character.

TRC: Do you listen to music while writing? If so, does the style of music influence the storyline direction? Characters?

Sara: Nope. I write in total silence. I listen to music throughout the day when I’m not writing, though, and yes, I’ll hear certain songs and think, “This is perfect for Andrew and Edmund.” In the case of Escaping Exile, Hozier’s “Better Love” is their theme song.

TRC: What do you believe is the biggest misconception people have about authors?

Sara: hat we’re snobby intellectuals. Most of us are just huge, introverted nerds. We really do sit around sipping whiskey, though.

TRC: How should authors measure a book’s success?

Sara: Certainly not by money. That can be a setup for disaster. Measure success by fan response, fan enthusiasm. We don’t do this for the big bucks; we do it because we love telling stories and sharing them with people.

TRC: What is something that few, if anybody, knows about you?

Sara: I’m obsessed with horror movies, but I can’t watch zombie flicks. Zombies are just one step too far.

TRC: Who is your favorite author (living or dead)?

Sara: Impossible. Changes by the day. Today? I’m awfully fond of M/M author Dessa Lux.

TRC: On what are you currently working?

Sara: A new adult LGBTQ romantic horror comedy about a monster in Florida. The leading male, Emory, is arguably based on me.

LIGHTNING ROUND

Favorite Food: Cheese pizza with black olives

Favorite Dessert: Nah, gimme salt!

Favorite TV Show: Rick and Morty

Last Movie You Saw: Hot Summer Nights

Dark or Milk Chocolate: DARK

Secret Celebrity Crush: Timothee Chalamet (It’s totally not a secret.)

Last Vacation Destination: Milwaukee for SummerFest

Do you have any pets? Two big dogs. Ripley is named after the Aliens heroine. Raylan is named after Elmore Leonard’s Raylan Givens.

Last book you read: Snakes Among Sweet Flowers by Jason Huffman-Black

TRC: Thank you Sara for taking the time to answer our questions. Congratulations on the new release. We wish you all the best.

Sara Dobie Bauer is graciously offering an e-copy of ESCAPING EXILE to ONE (1) lucky commentator at The Reading Cafe

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

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9. Giveaway runs from August 12-17, 2018

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Defending Allye (Mountain Mercenaries #1) by Susan Stoker-Review, Guest Post & Giveaway

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DEFENDING ALLYE (Mountain Mercenaries #1) by Susan Stoker-Review, Guest Post & Giveaway

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / Chapters Indigo /
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 7, 2018

Ever since his rescue op off the Pacific Coast, Mountain Mercenary Gray Rogers hasn’t been able to forget his latest “job”—Allye Martin. Any other woman would have panicked during a rescue, but the wily dancer kept her cool—even after being kidnapped by an elusive human trafficker. And Gray couldn’t be happier when a grateful Allye follows him home to Colorado Springs…

For Allye, finding sanctuary in the arms—and bed—of the former Navy SEAL is only temporary. People are disappearing off the streets of San Francisco, victims of the same underground trade that targeted her, and Allye could be the key to dismantling the entire operation. She’s willing to do anything to bring them down. Gray isn’t—for good reason. But you don’t say no to a tough girl like Allye who refuses to play it safe.

Now Gray is risking more than ever before. The Mountain Mercenaries have his back. But is it enough to keep the woman he loves out of harm’s way?

••••••

REVIEW:DEFENDING ALLEY is the first instalment in Susan Stoker’s contemporary, adult MOUNTAIN MERCENARIES erotic, romantic, military, suspense series focusing on a group of six former soldiers and Navy SEALS who call themselves Mountain Mercenaries, headed by the mysterious ‘Rex’. This is thirty-six year old, former Navy SEAL Grayson Rogers, and twenty-nine year old, dancer Allye Martin’s story line. The Mountain Mercenaries is a spin off from the author’s Ace Security series but you do not have to have read the previous series to understand or follow the current timeline. The Mountain Mercenaries were first introduced in CLAIMING FELICITY (Ace Security 4).

NOTE: DEFENDING ALLYE contains scenes of abuse, torture and threats of a sexual nature, and may not be suitable for all readers.

Told from several third person perspectives including Allye and Gray DEFENDING ALLYE focuses on the hunt for a kidnapper in the San Francisco area, and the person responsible for a suspected human trafficking ring. Grayson Rogers and his fellow Mountain Mercenaries have been handpicked for their current roles by the mysterious, and as yet unidentified, team leader ‘Rex’. Hoping to intercept the hand-off of money, Grayson discovers more than he had bargained for when he finds Allye Martin instead. A quick take-down of the kidnappers, a struggle out at sea, and the rescue of our story line heroine, finds Allye falling for Grayson but not before she reveals she has information that may be important to the team’s investigation. What ensues is the quick building romance between Allye and Gray, and the potential fall-out as a number of women are kidnapped and killed in an effort to draw Allye out into the light.

Grayson Rogers knows lost first hand when his entire team of Navy SEALs was killed leaving our hero the only one to survive. Memories, of the horrific ordeal including the murder of his friends, have forced Gray into an over protective male where it concerns the woman with whom he is falling love. Never again wanting to lose anyone close, or witness the death of someone he loves, Gray struggles with Allye’s demands and need to place herself in harm’s way.

The relationship between Allye and Grayson is quick to develop. From hours alone at sea, to finding herself ‘living’ with the man that calls to her heart, Allye knows that Grayson will protect her against the odds, but Grayson battles between memories of the past, and his ability to stop the woman he loves from becoming a willing target in an effort to catch the bad guy. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and seductive without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

We are introduced to Grayson’s fellow Mountain Mercenaries: Ronan ‘Ro’ Cross, Lowell ‘Black’ Lockard, Meat, Arrow, and Ball. Ronan and Chloe Harris’ story is next in Defending Chloe.

DEFENDING ALLYE is a story of action, suspense, romance and love. The premise is entertaining and engaging; the romance is passionate and intense; the characters are colorful, dynamic and animated but the heroine’s need to place herself in danger to ‘save’ a friend and other potential victims screams TSTL (too stupid to live), incredibly destructive and ill-fated. DEFENDING ALLYE is a sexy, intriguing and fated introductory story line in Susan Stoker’s new Mountain Mercenaries series.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

Writing Defending Allye by Susan Stoker

Defending Allye is the first book in my new Mountain Mercenaries series. In the last book in my Ace Security series I introduced the characters and hinted that they’d get their own stories. The series’ main characters Gray and Black are former SEALs, Ro is a former British SAS member, Arrow is a former Marine, Ball is a former Coast Guard member, Meat was former Delta Force, and Rex, the handler, was also former military, but he’s a bit of a mystery at this point.

In the series starter, Grayson Rogers is on a Mountain Mercenary mission that goes completely sideways and unexpectedly finds himself in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, without a boat, with Allye Rogers.

Allye is a dancer from San Francisco who unfortunately, found herself the object of a crazy man’s obsession.

But of course, after being rescued from the sea, Allye’s life is still in danger and Gray uses his skills as a former Navy SEAL to track down the bad guy who has become obsessed with her. He’s possessive and Alpha, but not a jerk (at least most of the time…he does make one BIG mistake which causes a whole lot of chaos).

The Mountain Mercenaries are a group of former Special Forces soldiers from all branches who were hired by their their mysterious handler, Rex, a man they’ve never met, only spoken to on the phone. They take cases primarily involving women and children and are based out of Colorado Springs, Colorado. As Allye points out, they are really more like Vigilantes, but that didn’t sound as good as Mercenaries. HA!

I lived in the Colorado Springs area for a few years when my husband was stationed in South Korea. I love how diverse the area is and it was fun to include places I’ve actually been to in real life. Pikes Peak, Garden of the Gods, Black Forest, The Broadmoor, etc.

 

Pulling her closer, Gray wrapped an arm around Allye’s waist again, using his legs to keep them above water. Her body felt cold even through the wet suit, and her lips were no longer ringed with blue as they’d been earlier—now they were almost completely bluish purple. She needed to get out and get warm. Now. But she didn’t complain. Just did whatever he asked of her with minimal questions. He liked that.
He liked Allye. A lot. He knew nothing could come of his attraction, as he lived in Colorado Springs and she lived in San Francisco. But it had been a long time since a woman had piqued his interest as she had.

Gray eyed the boat and saw the second Black picked up his signal. The vessel took an obvious turn and changed course to head straight for them. He turned to Allye and gave her a smile. “There are one hundred and eighty-seven quintillion gallons of water in the Pacific Ocean. That’s sixty-two-point-four million square miles. If karma had it out for you, as you claim, there’s no way that boat would be headed straight for us right now. No one would find us out here . . . especially not in the dark. Chin up, kitten. We’re about to be rescued.”

She turned once again and faced the oncoming boat. “It’s a good thing,” she quipped. “My fingers and toes are prunes. I’m not sure they’ll ever go back to their original state.”

Gray couldn’t stop the chuckle that escaped. She never ceased to surprise him.

They waited without another word as the light from the boat came closer and closer.

Finally, Gray heard Black call out his name.

“Yo! It’s about time!” Gray yelled back.

He heard his friend laugh as he cut the engine and slowed the boat. It floated toward them, and Gray maneuvered himself and Allye so he could grab one of the ropes on the side of the rubber boat when it got close enough.

“Where’d you pick this thing up?” he asked Black. It wasn’t the sleek fiberglass boat they’d been on earlier.

“Long story. Jeez, Gray. Only you could pick up a chick in the middle of the ocean, my friend.”

“How about you talk less and help me get her inside?” Gray asked dryly. He wasn’t going to introduce Allye to his friend while they were bobbing in the ocean.

“Yeah, sorry.” Gray turned to Allye. “You ready to go home?”

“Oh yeah,” was her heartfelt response.

“Grab Black’s hand. I’ll push from here, and he’ll pull you up.”

Black reached down, not waiting for her to reach up, and grabbed her under the arms instead. He began pulling her on board the large, inflatable Zodiac boat. Gray did as promised, putting a hand on her ass and pushing upward as Black pulled, and within seconds, she’d disappeared over the side.

He heard her “umph” as she hit the bottom of the boat, but when she didn’t scream out in pain or otherwise protest, he relaxed a fraction. She’d still need to be looked over by paramedics, but hopefully her little swim hadn’t done her any long-lasting harm.

Black’s face returned over the side of the boat a second later, and he held out a hand. Without fanfare, as they’d done this exact thing many times, Gray used his friend’s help and his own upper-body strength to haul himself over the side of the boat.

He immediately looked for Allye. He could see her more clearly now with the lights from the boat. She was huddled against the side with her knees drawn up. Her face was slightly blue from the cold water, but she gave him a weak smile.

Ignoring his own chilled body, Gray turned to ask Black for a blanket, but his friend was already there, handing him a stack of them. Gray crawled over to where Allye was huddled. He tried not to look at her long legs, but he was only human. She was built, her thighs thick and muscular, appropriate for a dancer, he supposed. He could see her calf muscles clearly, even through the wet suit. He had the thought that she’d look amazing in a pair of high heels.

Holding out a blanket, he said, “As much as it’s gonna suck, you need to get out of that wet suit.”

“But I’m freezing.”

“I know, kitten, but all that thing will do is make you colder. Take it off, and I’ll get you wrapped up in these nice, warm blankets.”

She rolled her eyes at the cajoling tone of his voice, but did as asked. She struggled with the zipper, but just as Gray was going to offer to help with it, she managed to pull it down. She wriggled and squirmed as she attempted to pull the wet suit off.

Gray handed the blankets back to Black and kneeled next to her. He pulled on the sleeve of the wet suit as she eased her arm out. He helped her with the other arm, then said, “Lie back. I’ll pull it off your legs.”

She did as he asked without question, but as soon as he began peeling the material down her legs, she quipped, “If I’d known I’d have a cute guy taking off my pants in the middle of the night, I would’ve made sure to shave.”

 

New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author, Susan Stoker has a heart as big as the state of Texas where she lives, but this all-American girl has also spent the last fourteen years living in Missouri, California, Colorado, and Indiana. She’s married to a retired Army man who now gets to follow her around the country.

She debuted her first series in 2014 and quickly followed that up with the SEAL of Protection Series, which solidified her love of writing and creating stories readers can get lost in.

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