June Magazine 2016 - InD`tale Magazine

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Table of Contents
10
10
Carla Neggers:
A Rich and Varied Life Brings
Suspense and Love To Millions
30
Too
Many
Cooks Spoil the Pot
22
Angela Evans
34
Archetyping:
The Librarian
Sofia St. Angeles
22
26
The Other Man
S.L. Carpenter
38
22
4
Medieval Castles
in Africa?!
Janice L. Dennie
June 2016
42
InD’Angel Landing!
Ginger Ring
41
54
43
ANNOUNCING:
The 2016 RONE Award
Finalists!!
Wait. What?
Reviews:
InD’Ear:
Audiobook Awards?!
Ann Richardson
47
Unbinding Love
An Angela Panther
Mystery: Finale!
Carolyn Ridder Aspenson
57
Writer BEWARE!
Ellen Butler
41
Historical:
62
Contemporary:
72
Paranormal/Fantasy
85
New Adult:
94
Young Adult:
95
Suspense/Thriller:
97
41
Mystery:
101
Inspirational
103
Science Fiction
104
Other:
106
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Publisher/editor-in-chief:
TJ MacKay
Our Staff:
Executive Asst./Review Coordinator:
Tonya Smalley
Copy Editor:
Tammy Grant
Julie York
Special Publications Editor:
Sofia St. Angeles
Advertising/Marketing:
Melody Prat
Margaret Faria
Social Media:
Janna Shay
Carol Conley
Mimi Smith
Columnists:
Carolyn Ridder Aspenson
Ann M. Richardson
S.L. Carpenter
Technical Editor:
Ana Smith
Transcription:
Ralph Conley
Graphics: Roberta Gordon, Rachel Rossano,
Jaimey Grant
Technical: Video, Sound: Tim Prater
Reviewers:*
Danielle Hill, Ruth Lynn Ritter, Sarah E. Bradley,Viola
Robins, Amy Willis, Lynne Bryant, Belinda Wilson,
Majanka Verstraete, Heather R. Nielsen, Stephanie
Lodes, M.P. Ceja, Kate Campbell, Lynn McKendrick,
Gwenellen Tarbet, Lori Leger, Sloane Austin,
Chantel Hardge, Mary Nancy Smith, Jordyn Teel, Rose
Mary Espinoza, Penelope Bartotto
*Please note, ALL InD’tale staff are required to read and
review books
Material in this publication may not be
reproduced in any form without written
permission. All books and material reviewed
by InD’tale have been read by the stated
reviewer, and are the opinions of that reader.
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Editor’s
Note
see why it is so exciting and anticipated?
You can see the list of all the finalists in this
very magazine. Just scroll through - you
can’t miss them!
Now you just need to grab your tickets for
the big RONE awards gala event on
Saturday, October 8th to see what
amazing authors will be accepting those
awards! Heck, our staff won’t even know
until that night! A separate accounting
firm tallies all votes and prints the winners
and are then enclosed in the envelopes to
be opened that night. It is SO exciting!
And, since it is in conjunction with
InD’Scribe Author Reader Conference, it is
a fabulous way to end the weekend. It’s
glitz and glamour, dancing and fun... no
wonder it has been dubbed the “Oscars of
Indie”!
We would truly love to see you there! Just
pop over to: http://www.indscribe.com/
to grab your tickets!
The voting is finished and the readers have let their
voices be heard in judging the best books of 2015
for this years RONE awards! CONGRATULATIONS!!!
to all the finalists! They have endured the review round, the reader voting
round and now just have one more hurdle to jump - the industry judges round
- before one book in each genre will take home the coveted crystal book
that announces to the world that their story is the best of the year! Can you
Smiles,
TJ Mackay
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Contributors
Angela Evans
Ellen Butler
Angela Evans has been creating
stories in her own imagination since
she picked up her first book. When
she’s not writing new stories you can
find her binge watching cop shows
looking for inspiration for those
creepy villains every suspense story
needs. Her first novel, Hiding In
Plain Sight, is currently available
from Evernight Publishing.
Ann M. Richardson
Ann’s passion is narrating
well-written books with plot
twists; even better if there’s
humor incorporated. She
has been described as
having a distinctly soft and
feminine voice that
surprisingly has no trouble
digging into gritty
characters, or passionate
scenes. Ann has achieved
the distinction of “Audible
Approved Narrator.” She is
also is an active member of
World-Voices Organization
and served on its Executive
Board for three years.
Ellen is an award winning novelist
living in Northern Virginia with her
husband and two children. She writes
sexy, sassy romances with laugh out
loud humor and edge of your seat
suspenseful women’s fiction. When
she’s not writing Ellen can be found
running around after her children,
giving interior decorating advice to
neighbors, or holed up in her favorite
chair with a glass of wine. Ellen admits
to having a penchant for shoe shopping
and is an admitted chocoholic.
Janice L. Dennie
Janice is an Amazon.com bestselling
author of Romantic Fiction and World
Literature. She began writing about
Ethiopian history after reading an
article in a news magazine that referred
to Emperor Haile Selassie as The Lion
of Judah. Born in Denver, Colorado
and raised in Northern California, Ms.
Dennie graduated from California State
University, before starting a career with
a Federal Agency. She enjoys watching
football with her husband, traveling,
and visiting her family. Sofia St. Angeles
Carolyn Aspenson
Scott Carpenter
Sofia lives on the gorgeous
Olympic Peninsula where she
keeps very busy loving her
husband and 8 children.
Believe it or not, she has also
written an award winning YA
book, and is finishing another
on the very subject she writes
for InD’tale, Archetyping! As much as she loves writing,
she loves losing herself in the
pages of books that makes her
blush and smile even more. She also has a terrible
obsession with stiletto heels
and regularly turns pirouettes
in her kitchen.
Carolyn is the Amazon and
Barnes & Noble best selling
author of the Angela Panther
Mystery Series, plus
numerous other fiction and
non-fiction books.
When not writing, Carolyn
spends her time editing
manuscripts for Booktrope
Editions as well as on a
freelance basis, and
providing freelance content
to various print and online
publications. Carolyn lives
in Atlanta, GA with her
husband and children.
A lifetime Californian, Scott
Carpenter lives the ordinary
life of a husband and father,
with the addition of three dogs
and a couple of cats. Humor
has always played a large role
in his life, and he enjoys
making people smile. His
stories range from the outright
absurd to the deeply poignant,
and his mastery of the short
story format is undeniable. If
asked, he'll describe himself
as just another guy. His many
fans will tell you that his
writing paints quite a different
picture.
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Carla
Neggers
A Rich and Varied Life
Brings Suspense and
Love to Millions
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Carla Neggers is a name that is a staple on the shelves of any store one might wander through. It is as common as a best friend... but what about the woman behind the name? What is someone who has found success for so many years like in person? Well.. we found out! She is highly intelligent, very conscientious yet incredibly warm, down-­‐to-­‐earth and, well... kind of like the best friend and side-­‐kick everyone wishes to have! She loves the outdoors, travels to her beloved Ireland every chance she gets and even Binds time to play French horn in the symphony! Sit down with us while we introduce her and you will soon love her just as much as we do!
InD: Not long ago a friend of mine mentioned, "My very favorite all time romantic suspense was "Cold Ridge" by Carla Neggers” and I went "I don't know if I have ever heard of that book before.” She replied, “I have remembered it all of these years because I have never found one that I like better." Now that I have read it (along with many more of your books!) I can absolutely see why! I notice also that your fans have such a wide variety of favorites as well. Many of the books readers say are their favorites I have never read and considered my favorites! That is amazing. CN: Isn't that one of the fun things of being a reader? You get to discover authors. I can remember so many authors that I have discovered. I would dive into a book that I loved the cover of or somebody had recommended and after enjoying it I would go, “Oh they have written all of these other books that I haven't read yet!” I can think of so many authors that I may have discovered later in their careers or they are just so proliCic that they have tons of books out. InD: Honestly you are one of those. That has got to be an amazing feeling because you are in that elite category of being proliLic and being loved by so many. CN: I love to write! And I love that you mentioned "Cold Ridge" because that book was transformational for me in so many ways. I had a strong sense of the story from the start. I knew I wanted to write about a hero who was an air force pararescuer. I was even able to interview a pararescueman! He’s a great guy who was so helpful and so incredible that I still remember everything about the interview. “Cold Ridge” was a really, really awesome book to research and then to write. It launched a series of seven 11
InD: The Sharpe and Donovan series is the one that a lot of your fans ask a lot of questions about. And I was thinking, “Well stink! Everyone loves that series and it’s the one that I haven’t read!” I did get to the series with the Boston cops in Ireland. I have read a couple of those...
CN: They are sort of related. Sharpe and Donovan centers on two FBI agents, Emma Sharpe and Colin Donovan. The groundwork was laid in some ways with the previous series, "The Widow,” “The Angel,” books and even though they are connected, you can dive in at any point. After "Cold Ridge" we have "Night's Landing," then "The Rapids," "Dark Sky," “Breakwater” and “Abandon.” Some of the books are more tightly connected than others but you can read any of them on their own. I have experienced that as a reader, where I have jumped into the middle of a series and then gone back to the beginning. “Cold Ridge" is actually getting re-­‐issued this month! I am very excited about that. It’s fun to see it reemerging looking brand new! Hopefully the other books in the series will also be reissued but new readers now have a chance to discover this particular book. InD: I am so glad to hear that! Because if we are talking about "Cold Ridge" it would be nice that people could get "Cold Ridge". It is a fabulous book. It really grabs you and makes you want to read more of that series. CN: Thank you! I appreciate that. InD: As many books as I go through, I have not read a lot about pararescuers. It is something that is a little unique in that way.
CN: They are fascinating and awe-­‐inspiring. Their basic mission is to go behind enemy lines to save downed pilots but there is so much more to their work. Tyler North in "Cold Ridge" is a special character for me. I love writing about different things! I have another ongoing suspense series I’m excited about, the Sharpe and Donovan series. 12
“The Mist” and “The Whisper.”
InD: I read "The Widow” and “The Angel." I didn't get the last two. CN: The Ireland connection starts with "The Angel" but the series centers around three Boston detectives and their world. In "The Whisper" an octogenarian private art detective, Wendell Sharpe, makes a brief appearance. He’s Emma's grandfather in the Sharpe and Donovan series. So there is this little thread that connects the two series.
InD: Okay tell me, because you do have so many series, do you set out when you are writing the Lirst book of a series knowing that you are doing a series? Or do you just write a book and some of them take off and some of them don't -­‐ how does that work? CN: Well, it depends. When I was writing "Saint’s Gate,” the Cirst book in the Sharpe & Donovan series, I wanted the story to be able to stand on its own and if it didn’t turn into a series, it’d be Cine. But at the same time I knew it would be a series. Having Emma and Colin as a continuing couple has been a bit different for me but they’re always full of surprises. When I was writing "Cold Ridge," I realized I wanted to do something with Nate, Carine's brother, a deputy U.S. Marshal, and that nugget of an idea became "Night's Landing." Sometimes there is a bit of planning but I also go with what gives me goosebumps -­‐ with what I feel is the next great story to write. "The Widow" started as a standalone novel—my Cirst hardcover—but turned into the Cirst in a loosely connected four-­‐book series. The story is about a Boston detective, Abigail Browning, whose husband was murdered on their honeymoon. It’s now seven years later and she still doesn’t know who did it. Her father is the Director of the FBI and she is coming to terms with the impact of her past and her choices when she gets a lead to her husband's killer. She shares a triple decker in Boston with Scoop Wisdom, a tough internal affairs detective, and Bob O’Reilly, a jaded senior detective cop. Scoop is the hero in “The Whisper” and Bob’s in all four books but doesn’t have his own book. I still feel like his story is not done. InD: Would you ever write a book about him? CN: It could happen. It could also be a novella. I stay open to ideas. So we will see. I especially loved writing the next story, "The Angel." The heroine, Keira Sullivan, is an Irish folklorist and Bob O’Reilly’s niece. That’s my Cirst book with a connection to Ireland.
InD: That was going to be one of my questions! There is a really strong Irish-­‐related undercurrent in quite a few of your books. Where does the Irish thing come in? CN: I have a very strong connection to Ireland through friends and extended family, my travels and just having grown up in Irish Catholic churches. We go to Ireland regularly now. We made our Cirst trip with my daughter and her husband, who is of Irish descent. We went to this little village on the southwest Irish coast that has the ruin of the cottage where his great-­‐
grandfather, who emigrated to the U.S., was born. My son-­‐in-­‐law’s grandfather in Iowa is of the generation of the woman that now runs the tiny post ofCice. She is in her eighties and it is like, “Cousin, you’re back!” I love all of that. I have talked to so many people who have great stories about their Irish roots. InD: It is just amazing that you say your son-­‐in-­‐law and you go over there to a ruin of his ancestor's home and people still know them. That is just so cool!
CN: I’m naturally curious. My own father was an immigrant who left Holland after World War II. He has quite an amazing story, too. I’ll never forget when I Cinally got to the Netherlands myself and met my Cirst cousins and walked on the street where my family once lived and had a farm. A relative in Holland did a family genealogy and I have ancestors who were chimney sweeps and millers and at least one who made wooden shoes. My background and experience no doubt contribute to my sense of story. I love all this stuff. InD: Would you ever write a story based on your father's story? CN: You never know. InD: Because you said it was an amazing story.... CN: It is. We will see what happens. His family was caught under Nazi occupation in Holland. He and his brother were outside of Holland as sailors and served on allied ships through the war. They had many, many adventures. My mother was from Calhoun county Florida -­‐ look that one up on the map! It is up on the panhandle. It’s quite a tale how he ended up there and they ended up in New England where I was born. InD: How did they meet? CN: It is a long story so I’ll make it short. A family befriended him when he sailed into New York to recuperate from being torpedoed. They have a farm in in the rural west Massachusetts town where I grew up (this is where my Swift River Valley series is based). The parents moved to northwest Florida on what I understand was something of a whim. My father joined them and met my mother while he was working on a cattle ranch. InD: So from life at sea to a cattle ranch! If you grew up in Massachusetts, your mom and dad ended up moving there obviously. CN: Yep, the son who was running the farm was clearing a tree from the road after a hurricane and was paralyzed, so my father came up to help with the farm. He and my mother packed up the car and my older brother and sister and drove north. I was born a 13
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few months after they arrived in New England. I have six brothers and sisters total. We ended up moving up the road into the ultimate Cixer-­‐upper, an eighteenth-­‐
century carriage house on the western edge of the Quabbin Reservoir -­‐ which is the basis for my Swift River Valley series. You never know how things connect in life when you are a writer! InD: You say that your family runs a tree farm now. What is a tree farm? I am thinking Christmas trees. CN: It’s not like a tree farm for a nursery. We have Christmas trees and a forestry plan for the woods. We’ve planted white pine, black walnut and other trees, but if you go there, you’d see a mixed forest except for the Christmas trees. They look like Christmas trees. InD: And the family themselves harvest the trees and do what they need to with them? CN: We’ve done quite a lot of the work ourselves but we haven’t done any big wood cuts. I’ve planted and trimmed trees but I don’t get involved with the planning. My mother, my siblings and I all love to get out in the woods for walks. For instance, I always try to get there when the lady slippers are in bloom in late May. InD: Okay, with six brothers and sisters, do they all live pretty close to you? You moved up to Vermont, didn't you? CN: Yep. I am about two hours away from where I grew up. I have a brother in New Hampshire and a brother in New York and the other four are in Massachusetts.
InD: So they are close enough to where you would be able to see them?
CN: Oh yeah. We are a tight-­‐knit lot. InD: It’s awesome that you can have six brothers and sisters and you get to see each other! CN: We have a good time together. My mother is still with us thank heavens. She and my oldest brother are on the family farm. We all get together there on a regular basis. We have our children and now grandchildren adding to the mix. It’s great. InD: Okay, so you grew up in Massachusetts. Your family owns a tree farm. What happened with you? You went away to school? Tell me. CN: I have always loved to write. I used to climb a tree with a pad and pen and sit up on my favorite branch and spin stories. It was a great escape for me to get to write. With six brothers and sisters there was always a chore to do. I remember quietly sitting up in my tree watching my sister and father digging out the septic tank and I am like “Okay, I missed that one!” I have always wanted to be a writer but I also loved music. I was a French horn player and a piano player. InD: I love French horn! I never learned to play the French horn.
CN: I was really close to Boston so I got to study with the members of the Boston Symphony Orchestra and even in high school I was able to work with some excellent instructors. InD: So, there you are up in a tree writing stories but you also love music. You grew up through high school playing music. Did you write through high school?
CN: Yep. I was writing. InD: What did you major in once you went to college?
CN: I started out as a music major at Boston University but switched to journalism. With my strong arts background I was able to freelance as an arts and entertainment writer. I was writing Ciction at the same time. I can’t remember ever not writing Ciction! I also took some graduate courses in history and English. So I was just doing different things. InD: But when you graduated, what exactly is it that you wanted to be?
CN: I wanted to write books. InD: So even while you are doing all of the other, your goal was to always write books? CN: Yes. InD: That is awesome. CN: After I had my daughter I found out about agents and I Cinally submitted my Cirst manuscript. I had her in July and I sent a book called “The Venus Shoe” to an agent that December. 15
InD: Whoa! We have to back up, Carla. We don't want people thinking you just popped out a baby somewhere! CN: Oh yeah I did get married in there somewhere! InD: Whew! I Ligured there had to be a man in there somewhere! (both laughing)
CN: Hah! I skipped Joe all together, didn’t I? We have been together a while you know! InD: You have to tell me about the man you had the baby with!
CN: Well I met Joe at Boston University. He was a graduate student from just outside Nashville, Tennessee. He had gone to Vanderbilt as an undergraduate with a degree in philosophy. InD: So you were college sweethearts? CN: Yep. We got married right after I graduated from college. We ended up moving to upstate New York and I had the baby and I kept writing and here we are! InD: Okay... you were college sweethearts, got married right out of college and with whatever he was doing you ended up going to New York to live. So, as a newly married, young lady and pregnant, you were still doing freelance journalism. Were you trying to write stories at the time too? Because that was what you really wanted to do... CN: I have been writing stories since I was eleven! At the time I was newly married and writing, I joined the International Women's Writing Guild. They had a conference in Saratoga Springs that I went to. That is where I really got going. I met my Cirst agent, this wonderful woman who was so incredibly encouraging, and we started working together. At that 16
time it was a very different publishing world than it is now. InD: I am really interested to see your opinions on this subject! Publishing has reinvented itself at least twice to three times since you started out and had to have an agent and publisher. You have seen it all! CN: Right and the opportunities are so different, too. Because without giving a whole history lesson in publishing, when I started, it was at the time that category romance was exploding.
InD: Give us a time frame. CN: The early 80's. Category romances were really big and that was where the growth was so I was fortunate enough to get in with different lines and publish at a young age. InD: Did you have an idea of what type of book that you wanted to write then? Or did it not matter, you just wanted to write? CN: I wanted to write romantic suspense but there was absolutely no market for it. The attitude was like, “Romantic suspense will be back when pigs can Cly” (that’s a direct quote from an editor!) But the genre is dynamic -­‐-­‐ it is always changing and reinventing itself. If you read a story today that is romantic suspense and go back to 1975 or Mary Stewart in the 50's or 60's, they're different. The authors bring their own voice to their stories. When I started out, editors were wary of romantic suspense because they thought we were talking about the gothics of the 70s. I put my own spin on it and so did many other writers. Eventually we blazed that trail to reinvent romantic suspense but when I was Cirst starting if you mixed a murder with a love story.... It was one or the other! The growth and change in contemporary romance and mystery/suspense has been phenomenal for women writers. The entire market has opened up. I can remember when they said you couldn't sell romance in hardcover and look at where we are now. InD: So back then in the 80's they were actually telling you that women wouldn't write mysteries. Explain this. CN: The blend of mystery and romance was a tough sell. It was a very different market and a different publishing world than it is now. Category romance was exploding in growth then. I was there with Nora Roberts, Sandra Brown, Jane Ann Krentz, Barbara Delinsky -­‐-­‐ you can go down the list of all the amazing writers that started in category romance! The challenges and opportunities for an unpublished writer were different from what they are now. InD: So basically if you wanted in, category romance is where you needed to be. And, you had to write romances in order to be in category romance. You couldn't write romantic suspense because that wasn't what they wanted. Is that what you are saying?
CN: At that moment in time. I kept adding elements of suspense to the romances I was writing, because that felt natural to me. I focused on the story I was writing and put everything else out of my mind as much as possible.
InD: So you started in category romance but you kept adding here and there a bit of suspense and it just kind of grew by a little more and a little more, right?
CN: Pretty much, but it wasn’t long before publishers started taking chances on romantic suspense. In fact I was part of an early line that Avon published called Velvet Glove. I wrote three books for them that were pure romantic suspense. They were loads of fun. I wrote for Harlequin Temptation and I really enjoyed it. I could do so much with humor and throw in a little bit of mystery. The stories were light and fun, and I got to explore relationships, conClict, humor and pacing with a story that doesn't have a dead body in it. I also met a lot of great people along the way, many of whom remain friends today. InD: Is there one point where you actually remember thinking, “I can really get into that romance suspense just the way that I wanted to!” Or was it such a gradual thing?
CN: I wanted to write romantic suspense but I was young and I hadn't really thought a lot about it. I also loved the books without suspense. I love contemporary romance and women’s Ciction. That’s why I write both now. I learned and grew as a writer because of the realities of the business but I also believe many of us helped change the business by telling the stories we were driven to tell. I was always exploring the idea of suspense. Did I want to do just straight suspense? What level of violence? Continuing character or a stand alone? I just kept writing!
InD: As you watch the reincarnation that publishing has been going through, what is your opinion of publishing now compared to back then?
CN: I recently spoke to an agent I’ve known over the years and she said, “Business is lousy, business is lousy, business is just lousy...” I go, “You have been in the business for 30 years and you always say it’s bad!” InD: Now there is that typical northeastern seaboard stereotype!
CN: (laughing) You have to laugh because it is what it is. I just concentrate on what I want to write now. Who are the characters? What am I excited about? I don't dive into a story thinking about the market Cirst. If I’m excited about something I do it. If you love what you are writing about, there is a Cluidity and quality to the work that is so rewarding, regardless of what happens once it’s Cinished. I see a lot of writers now who say, “This is what I want to do. I am just going to give it a shot.” They have new opportunities for that in today’s publishing landscape. There are also new challenges for both traditionally published and independently published writers. I remember a quote by -­‐ I think Catherine Coulter -­‐ who said, “I am hitting the right note but I don't know what it is.”
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It’s an exciting time to be a writer, no matter how we’re published. I’d say writers have more options now and more decisions to make early on, especially if they are self-­‐publishing. The cover, how a manuscript is edited, when it goes to press, if it goes to press. They have more control as self-­‐published authors than I did starting out but also a different set of pressures. I don't have an awful lot personal experience with self-­‐
publishing but I have friends who are deep into it. One friend, a wonderful writer, decided self-­‐publishing was right for her. She didn’t try to get an agent or go the traditional route. She loves it but she had to do things that I didn't have to do starting out. But she has a lot of opportunity and control that I didn't have. The one constant, however, is that we, as writers, however we’re published, are creative people, with ideas, characters and stories that we love and are excited about and hope will resonate with readers.
InD: I totally agree with that. Which would you prefer -­‐ now or then? Do you think the changes have been good? Or do you think the changes have hurt the industry?
CN: That is too big a question for me to answer. I know that the books I am writing now, I’m very, very excited about. You know it is like when you talk to your kids and you put your hands on your hips and say, "You have got to move forward from where you are standing." If we are in this particular place right now and this is what we are dealing with, we can't worry about what has passed and what’s in the future. We have to deal with where we are right now. What doesn’t change is our excitement about the writing and being able to work. If I look back to the "good old days," there were a lot of problems. If you were an author who had a great career in the 90's but now you don't, you are going to think that the 90's were better. If you are an author now having a great career and you couldn't get a door open for you in the 90's, or whenever, you are going to think it’s great now. We have to deal with the facts on the ground. InD: I think that is a very good statement. You know you love to write and you have to deal with where you are right now. You can't worry about the future, the past is gone. Enjoy writing and deal with what you have. I think a lot of people do worry too much about how it was or how it is going to be instead of enjoying the process and doing the best with what they've got. CN: So true! I have a friend who is a hybrid author and she says, "I love just being in the game." That is great for her. She isn’t making a lot of money at writing but she loves doing her thing. Another writer friend is just starting out. She’s on her third self-­‐published book. She said she has seen that it really is about one reader at a time. Lavyrle Spencer, a wonderful author who retired early, would always say that to me, “One reader at a time.” That means we write the best book we can and never forget somebody is investing their time and money to read that book. That is what it is about. InD: That is awesome! I think that brings it down to the lowest common denominator. That is what it is about! CN: I just do the best that I can. That doesn't mean I’ve Cigured it out. There are many, many, many paths and deCinitions of success as a writer. My path and my deCinition might not be another writer’s path or deCinition. Publishing is always changing. It’s a given!
InD: Honestly I think the challenge is to Lind what way works for you. What way are you are comfortable with that will still help you be successful. It is not all one way. I think that too many new authors get into, “Everybody says that I have to do this, this, and 19
this..” but they are not comfortable doing that or it doesn't work for them. I appreciate what you are saying there are so many different paths and so many different ways to make it work for you and what you do. CN: Absolutely. It’s tempting when we hear that somebody did this, this and this and it worked that if we do the same things, it will work for us, too, but it’s not necessarily the case. We don’t hear about all the writers who did it that same way and it didn’t work for them. It’s great to have a team who gives us their best advice and does the best they can for us, but there’s only so much any of us can predict. There will always be some things we just can't control. InD: I have seen that a lot. Especially because we help Indie authors. You and I both have friends; One in particular that has made millions and got there on Twitter. She can tell everybody all day long how to do it on Twitter but a lot of people aren't comfortable on that platform. So it may not be for them. CN: Sometimes people get in on something at the exact right moment but then the ship sails and it doesn’t work as well anymore. I believe in great marketing but, still, it is so funny how we writers can be. I’ve heard writers say it was social media or this or that that did it. Maybe readers really liked the book and told their friends! InD: Yep, and that goes back to what you were saying about one reader at a time. It truly boils down to one reader at a time connecting with each reader and building on that. CN: Absolutely. It is exciting to see writers out there who are going for it and watching what happens. I swear that as soon as I get publishing Cigured out, it changes. At the same time, I like to think the best is yet ahead. I love the books I’ve written and I hope readers do, too. I’m always excited about what I’m working on now.
InD: When you sit down to write today, is it the same feeling as it was in the 80's? CN: I would say that in many ways I am more excited because of the opportunities that exist now that didn’t then. I am incredibly excited about what I am writing right now. The Sharpe & Donavon and the Swift River Valley series are so much fun to write. I enjoy digging into these two new worlds I’ve created, with 20
characters who surprise and challenge me as a writer. I’ve done more and learned more since I started writing. For example, I’ve gone shooting with a guy who taught New York state police recruits, and, of course, I’ve been to Ireland many times. Parts of the Sharpe & Donovan series are set in Ireland as well as Boston and Maine.
InD: But the fact that even after all these years of writing you love it even more now than ever... Why do you think?
CN: I don't know. I love those early books I wrote. I’ve had some of them out recently and they’re so funny and fresh. I guess I’m always excited about the books I’m writing now. I get such a thrill out of digging into a new story. InD: Are there times when it is just a job? CN: Oh my gosh yes! Just because you love something doesn't mean it’s not difCicult at times. Let's go back to our music background for example. With the French horn there are times where your lips are on the Cloor because you have been practicing so much or you are just not getting it. You know a breakthrough’s coming but you don’t know when it’ll happen or what it’ll take. InD: Even if you love something and are passionate about it, it is still work. That is one of the things that’s really hard to understand for some people, kids especially. You still have to work hard at it if you ever want to get there. You still have to practice!
CN: DeCinitely. You also have to recognize that some things are just not predictable. I meet writers who have their Cive-­‐year plan. That’s great, but my plan is to Cinish this book and start the next one. InD: That is a good plan! So in your spare time you love to hike. Did that come from being out in nature growing up? CN: Yes, growing up in the country inCluenced me. My husband and I have lived in small towns throughout the northeast. We live in Vermont now, which is a hiker's paradise. We love to hike in Ireland (no snakes!) It is just so beautiful. We love to do way-­‐
marked trails in England, and we’ve been hiking in Maine since our honeymoon. Acadia National Park is an incredible place to hike. InD: It sounds like your husband enjoys it too. Is that something that the two of you both like to do? CN: Yes, We love to go with our kids, too. That is one of the things we just enjoy -­‐ hiking and walking. We went to Holland last year and we walked everywhere. I especially loved walking in the little medieval village where my father’s family has deep roots. We love to walk. It’s our thing. InD: That is wonderful. Are there dreams in your personal or your publishing life that you still want to do? What is your bucket list? CN: Bucket list. With writing I always want to reach more readers. I have more ideas for Emma Sharpe and Colin Donovan, the two FBI agents at the heart of my Sharpe & Donovan series, and for Knights Bridge, the small New England town at the heart of my Swift River Valley series. It would be wonderful to have a book turned into movie or a TV series but it isn’t an absolute must. I did have a movie option once and that was loads of fun. I tell people that I made just enough to pay for a good lawyer!
In my personal life -­‐ I did one just recently! As a French horn player, I got to perform Beethoven’s 6th Symphony as a student in a professional orchestra. It was a fantastic experience, and I’ve wanted to attend live performances of all nine Beethoven symphonies. I’m missing a couple. Then in March, Joe and I were able to attend the Boston Symphony Orchestra’s performance of Beethoven’s 7th Symphony. That might not excite everybody but... InD: I think it’s awesome! CN: We are a music family. I would also love to visit New Zealand and Australia. I have Cirst cousins in Australia – in Perth and Sydney. My father’s sister, who died before I was born, emigrated with her husband and children from Holland to Perth after World War II. My brother has been to New Zealand and says I have to go! So I’d love to make that happen. InD: Have you met that family? CN: I have not met the cousins in Perth but I have met a cousin who lives in Sydney. InD: That would be wonderful. I am surprised that you haven't traveled there yet. CN: Me, too! When you live in New England it is easy to go to Ireland. We go to Ireland two or three times a year and take side trips to other places. This year we’re going to Scotland as well as Ireland.
InD: It is like your own vacation get away. Wow!
CN: (laughing) Yeah but getting to Australia is a long way from here. InD: Getting to Australia from anywhere is a long ways away! CN: It is a commitment. InD: Okay last thing and I won't keep you any longer today. If you were to give advice to the up-­‐and-­‐coming writers or even business people out there who are trying to gain a platform, what do you think it would be? CN: I’m hesitant to give advice because of everything I’ve just said, but if pushed, I’d advise being open to what works for you instead of trying to force yourself into doing everything that works for someone else – whether it’s what you’re writing, marketing, PR, attending conferences. If it feels like a square peg in a round hole, it probably is! I think today, especially with Indie publishing and all the great information available to us as writers, I can see there is always somebody telling you what you should do. Often it’s very good advice but that doesn't mean that it is right for you. Figuring out what input is worthwhile and what is not for you is very important. InD: Basically Lind what is right for you. CN: Yes. The standard advice used to be to persevere through rejection in order to get a manuscript accepted and then you would have a publisher, an editor and all of that. But now there are so many different routes to take. It can be dizzying and it’s easy to second-­‐guess yourself. 21
Clarity helps. Often when the destination is clear, the way becomes clear. They say if you don't know where you are going, any path will get you there. For instance, if your goal is just to become a published writer, you may be always chasing trends and as a result might never write what you love to write. What matters to you? Your destination can change and what you are writing or doing now might lead to other things, so you want to be open but at the same time understand who you are. I don't know how to explain it other than that. InD: I think that your comment is very pertinent. in fact when you are writing or doing something that you absolutely love, you are proud of it even if it doesn't do well. You can’t look at it and become bitter or upset because the whole world didn't fall in love with it. Be happy and proud because that was the work of your heart, no matter what happens to it. CN: Exactly! I have never made a dime as a musician but I have learned so much and all that I have learned I have taken with me into my writing career. The discipline, the ability to work at something until I get it right, handling criticism, having to show up to do the work even when I don’t feel like it, accepting that people have their opinions—all of that has helped me as a writer. In any of the creative arts, you can’t just take a test and be done with it. It is rarely that black and white.
InD: Writing and music are perfect examples of that.
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CN: It is funny because I just wrote down all the things that writers are supposed to do now outside of writing. It is a very long list! And still, the one item that matters most is writing the book. Everything else is secondary. InD: It brings up another point because it is also very subjective. You have to have a thick skin because writing is subject to everybody's opinion. Like you say you have to be happy with your work no matter what anybody else is saying about it. CN: Yeah, it can be tough and you can have your moments. Some people are lucky and really are impervious but most of us are not. It helps to develop a way to manage when you get that slap in the face. Take feedback. It can be hard to take if it feels like an attack instead of constructive criticism. But, sometimes you Cind out through setbacks and failure what you need most right now and where you are meant to be. InD: I can see how reviews can be very, very hard to take sometimes but a lot of times you get your best advice from them and that is how you can grow too. You can see where you’re not connecting and can take those opinions and become a better writer. CN: Someone once told me that if everybody is telling you the same thing, in both good and bad reviews, then it is something you need to pay attention to. InD: That is very good!
CN: Sometimes you hit the wrong note with a person or it is the wrong time for that particular book. I have had people read one of my books and it wasn't their cup of tea but then they read it again later and they say, “I don't know what was wrong with me then but I love this book!” An unhappy reader wrote me a postcard that said, “I would have liked your book if it would have been about something else.” InD: There you go!
CN: Fair enough. I felt bad but there is nothing you can do with that! InD: You need to frame that one! There is chocolate and there is vanilla. Some people like chocolate and some people like vanilla. With most of us it depends on the day. That is something a writer should never forget! CN: It often does depend on the day! I like both chocolate and vanilla, but if you really want to carry the metaphor, certain books might be that licorice ice cream. Something that is a little bit different but you wouldn't want it every day.
InD: We are so good... we can even relate books with ice cream! (both laughing)
CN: I think we are hopelessly in love with what we do! 23
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25
The Other Man
The media and advertising have a bad habit of making women feel down on themselves; they aren't pretty enough, or have frizzy hair, acne issues, bags under eyes, nose too big, lips not full enough, double chins, breasts are too big or too small, overweight, have tummy rolls, muf=in top, butt too small, butt too big, thigh gap, camel toe, thighs too big, feet look weird, toenails look like talons of a buzzard... It's humiliating and so horribly wrong. But, what about us guys?
By:
Scott
Carpenter
We have our own burden…dealing with the women in our lives who are expecting us to be like the Other Man. You ladies know who he is. Don't act surprised. I'm sure you have been with him at one time or another.
You must remember…
“He stood at the doorway to her bedroom, his piercing blue eyes staring at her. Broad shoulders, dark locks of thick black hair and a face etched from the images of ancient Gods—her attention was captured. His large, muscular frame would have blocked her from leaving, should she have tried. She didn’t.
“As she continued to look over his epic, drool-­‐worthy body she saw the twelve-­‐pack of abs and unbuttoned jeans barely able to conCine his immense…umm…tallywhacker. (Pardon my euphemism.) His thick muscular legs Clexed as he moved forward.
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“Her gaze abruptly shot back to his eyes—the ones that melted her soul with a single glance. They cut through her, making every part of her wet with want. He seized her and kissed her so passionately she was afraid she might burst into Clames from the heat between them.
“After sixteen straight hours of lovemaking and so many orgasms that she had to borrow two from a neighbor, he Cinally left the bedroom. She heard him in the kitchen preparing a gourmet breakfast, after which he vacuumed the entire house (except the bedroom so she could rest peacefully in relaxed bliss). Then he dusted and took out the garbage.”
Umm, right. Like that's how it really happens. Of course, this could certainly be me, but that's a different story, and I don't like to brag.
Book boyfriends are the Alpha Males that men dread hearing about because they’re pretty much perfect. They don't have a receding hairline or a beer gut. They dress for success and have the coolest cars, and their homes are clean and have no toilet rings in their bathrooms. Their kitchens actually have pristine milk cartons they wouldn’t dream of drinking from, and the potato chip bags have shiny clips on them to keep them fresh. The clips match.
Their furniture shows no signs of Cheetos orange dust or a single crumb from eating donuts on the couch. There are no bits of cereal under the coffee table, dropped there while eating straight from the box, while watching Stallone movies, or Cinemax late at night.
What truly amazes me? They never fart. Even burping is a rarity. I'd be afraid of them exploding after a night of drinks and Mexican food. Now, I have to say that I write all that in my stories, but that's because I'm a guy. There are bodily functions in play and you women all know this.
Come to think of it, bathroom breaks aren't prevalent much either. But enough of that crap.
"SYTYCD", or the "American Bandstand" or "Soul Train" shows. Yeah, I'm showing my age, but the principle is the same.
As for the sex scenes in romance books, well—let's get real. All men are not created equal. In other words, we aren't all gifted. But when faced with a love scene like the one above—the inference is clear. We have to try to match it.
I won't go into the sex part since this article isn’t about that particular topic, even though I have read things, and I know for a fact that it is physically impossible to maintain more than a few of those positions without pulling a groin muscle or at least losing balance and toppling over. Seriously. Standing on one leg? That might work well for Clamingoes, but not for men.
Then there is the question...where do they get all their money, not to mention their free time? To get that rich, I’d have to work sixteen hour days, which wouldn’t leave me with much time or energy to do anything more than collapse into bed and sleep.
There aren’t too many children in All these perfect males who can dance like Magic Mike and make love like most of these stories, and that makes a porn star make us regular guys feel more than a little intimidated. Most perfect sense. Most of us can recall of our dancing skills come from watching "Dancing with the Stars", times when we’ve set aside some time 27
to be romantic. The sexy lingerie, soft music, the perfume and cologne to Cill each other’s lungs with the scent of passion, rather than the Pine Sol we used to clean the kitchen Cloor that afternoon. And at the perfect time, the child walks in with his ray gun and Cires it at you, then jumps on the bed kicking you square in the family-­‐making area because you are attacking mommy.
So, next time you’re reading one of those romance novels, please be aware that most of us men can't measure up to the stud mufCins you’re reading about. I'm excluding myself of course, but this applies to most average men. *cough cough*
I am talking about all of this in jest, because we guys do hear about, and see for ourselves, what women go through these days when subjected to constant belittling by so many kinds of media. Personally, I think it's ridiculous to make anyone feel they have to be perfect, and that they’re a failure if they can’t come up to that standard.
Guess what? Nobody’s perfect. We are all unique, with our own imperfections and assorted weird quirks. That's what makes us who we are. Each and every one of us is beautiful in our own way and yes, we all have gas. Deal with it. This is not a lecture or a sermon, just a reminder to be happy and proud of the wonderful person you are and accept others for who they are as well -­‐ warts and all. Should your belief weaken, just remember this…the average human farts twenty-­‐six times a day. Isn’t that amazing?
Delaney Diamond
Sweet. Sensual. Passionate. Romance.
www.delaneydiamond.com
available on Amazon, BN, iBooks, Google Play, Kobo, Smashwords, Audible, iTunes
Johnson Family series
28
coming soon
29
Pot
By:
Angela Evans
When an author first sets out to write a book, very few think about
what will happen after they’ve completed the story. Creating the
story is what authors live for. However, for most of us, the real work
begins upon completion.
For most independent authors, once they Cinish that Cirst manuscript, they must research what to do next: how does this process work, and what are the rules to follow in order to become successful at having a story transformed into a published book?
Many of us are told we should join a critique group or Cind a critique partner, and show our work to people who will offer constructive feedback. A critique group is a great way to polish a story and make it the best that it can be. Many successful writers will credit their critique groups with helping them to secure that Cirst publishing contract. When I Cinished my Cirst manuscript, I set out to do just that. I found a group of local writers who wanted 30
to form a critique group. We all wrote romance but in different subgenres. At Cirst, I thought it was the perfect solution. I would learn so much from these people who undoubtedly knew much more about writing and publishing than I did. I was thrilled with our little group! We met once a week, rotating between our houses. Each time we brought just a chapter to read, and receive critiques on.
I remember being terriCied the Cirst time it was my turn to read. I had previously only shown my work to friends—who are obligated to love it no matter what. The people in the critique group didn’t really know me, so they might reveal my darkest fears to the light of day—the fact that I don’t have “it” and should go back to being an avid reader, thereby giving up my lifelong dream of publishing romance novels. This isn’t a fear unique to me. Writers are notoriously insecure and no matter how many people tell us that we have the talent it takes to become a published author, many will always harbor doubts and insecurities.
I had nothing to worry about in that regard, my critique partners gave only the most authentic and constructive of criticism. The problem was, their criticism did nothing to make my writing, my story, or my manuscript any better. Their critiques felt more like they were changing my style and my story to Cit the mold of how they would write it themselves. Their feedback was Cilled with criticism telling me how they would write my story, not how I could make what I already had even better.
I wanted to write what moved me, what spoke to me. They pushed me to revise my manuscript and submit to Harlequin, which meant cutting the word count by a staggering amount. It meant changing not only how I wrote the story but how I wrote, period.
They gave me so much feedback about how to change my story, change my plot, and improve my manuscript from their perspective...I gave up completely. Not just on that particular story, but writing entirely, for years! I still thought of myself as a writer, but I wasn’t writing anything outside of what little bit I did for my work. The best way I can describe this experience is that it felt like a part of myself had been cut off, not to the extent of losing a limb, but very close. I would still start stories in my mind, but out of a need to protect my heart, I never put them down on paper.
After several years, I began blogging. Blogging felt like a reconnection to my lost self. Once again, I could put my thoughts and feelings down on paper in some way, and if all the planets aligned just right, I might even manage to get paid for it. Soon people started to comment on the stories they felt the most inspired by. These were my emotional posts! I thought to myself, “Well, that’s because deep inside, I’m really a romance writer. Writing emotions is what I do best!”
Only, I wasn’t a romance writer, at least not anymore. I had quit. I was a quitter.
That didn’t sit well with me, so I decided to try again, in secret. I set a goal to start a story and write through the hard parts to the conclusion. I deliberately didn’t show it to anyone, I didn’t ask for feedback or critiques at all until I had written those magic words, “The End”. The exhilaration I felt when typing those last two words is unexplainable. I couldn’t sleep that night. I was beyond excited. I had done it! I could still create a story! But, was it worth reading? Would I have months and months of revisions, and critiques and work to make the story worth anything? The idea was discouraging in the extreme. 31
So, I sucked up my courage and I sent just one chapter to a trusted friend, who happens to work with authors. She liked it! She immediately pushed me to do the next step, start working to polish the manuscript so I could publish it. To me, that meant back to following the rules: Cind critique partners. This time I knew not to accept just anyone. I needed someone, or a couple of someones, who wrote the same genre as me; someone who wouldn’t soften my edges, who wouldn’t change my plot, and someone who would know where commas are supposed to go in a sentence.
I even took a gigantic leap of faith and entered a contest. I told myself I wouldn’t hope for much, I would just take whatever feedback they gave me with a grain of salt. The contest feedback felt exactly like the comments from my old critique partners. They didn’t love what I had written, they thought I should do this, and that, and change this and delete that. I loved the prologue for my book; the feedback unanimously recommended I delete it. They recommended I include the scenes from the prologue as Clashbacks inside the story itself, but I hate reading Clashbacks! I was frustrated and devastated all over again. And again, I considered giving up.
At the same time as the contest, I had also sent out a handful of submissions to carefully chosen publishers. I received two replies requesting revisions with valid feedback I actually considered making. Then, a day or two later, my email dinged again with a publishing contract from my current publisher. They didn’t think my story needed sweeping changes. They thought it only needed a little polishing. They liked what I had written exactly as it was. Exactly as I was. My manuscript had sold to a publisher and I hadn’t followed any of the rules. I hadn’t worked with critique partners. I hadn’t made all of the changes that contest judges recommended. I had published my story exactly the way I wanted to write it. My advice to anyone in a position of giving critiques is to offer advice from a place of, “How can I help make 32
this story into a book I would want to read?” as opposed to giving it from a place of, “How would I have written this story?” Because ultimately we are all telling a unique story. You have a unique muse, voice, and style, and anyone who tries to change any of that to Cit a mold they think it should Cit into is not doing you any good as a writer.
Likewise, when an author is given a critique of their writing, they should absolutely feel free to Cilter through the comments and pick out only those pieces that make sense to the integrity of the writing and the author. If a critique partner, or contest judge, is recommending something that makes you think, “Aha! That’s what it has been missing!” then by all means thank them profusely and start revising. If the feedback received doesn’t Cit with your vision for the story, or your personal voice in writing, then you have two choices: you can either disregard it completely, or you can study it closely and decide what the critique partner is trying to show you. Is there something missing in this particular scene? Is there a way to make it better? Whatever you do, however, don’t give up! Just because someone gives feedback that doesn’t work for you, doesn’t mean your story is Cit for the shredder.
In my own writing journey, I have learned that the rules don’t apply to everyone, and while working with a critique group may be perfect for a lot of people, that may not work for everyone. For me, too many cooks spoiled the plot, but a solo chef created exactly the book I wanted to create! 33
Archetyping: The Librarian
♫♪♬ “Making your way in the world today takes everything you’ve
got. Taking a break from all your worries sure would help a lot.
Wouldn’t you like to get away? Sometimes you want to go where
everybody knows your name...” ♫♪♬
You’ll have that song in your head for the rest of the day. I’d say I’m sorry, but I won’t, because I’m hoping it will help you remember the characteristics of the Librarian.
The TV sitcom "Cheers" (1982-­‐1993) had two Librarians! TWO! Diane Chambers is a mousey head-­‐
before-­‐heart gal who doesn’t know how to take a joke, however you can’t help but love her. She’s painfully out of her element as a waitress in a bar, but you’ve got to give the girl props for her stick-­‐to-­‐it-­‐iveness. Dr. Lilith Sternin is a buttons-­‐to-­‐the-­‐top, humor-­‐challenged, know-­‐it-­‐all who grates on the nerves like nails on a chalkboard. She doesn’t mean to...suck lemons...but she really doesn’t want or care to know how to do things any other way.
By:
34
Sofia
St. Angeles
As a side note, these two characters are connected by backstory. They dated the same Genius character, Dr. Frasier Crane. Interesting dynamic, but that’ll have to wait for some other article.
So, why did I pick this example? Because sometimes people have a hard time with archetypes. They can’t help feeling like they’re being judged or unfairly pigeonholed. That’s when I pull out this example.
Yes, these two ladies are the same archetype, but there is no doubt that they’re vastly different characters.
See, archetypes are merely a base, like saying your character has blue eyes. There are innumerable shades and variations of blue eyes. Writers know this and often take great pains to describe the perfect hue. But would they ever knowingly change the character’s eye color halfway through the book? No! Well, okay, unless they’re writing sci-­‐Ci, fantasy, or paranormal. *wink* Archetypes simply help us make sure we don’t accidentally change our character’s personalities halfway through our stories.
The Librarian
Though these women can seem standofCish and rigid, there is much more to them than meets the eye.
Intelligent
I don’t think anyone would doubt the unreal skills behind these brainiacs. They’re the valedictorians, veeps, and inventresses of the world. Their uncanny abilities, when it comes to numbers, and hidden discounts on vacations, make the creative types green with envy.
Efficient
Librarians get things done on time, on budget, and without making a mess. Whether it’s an assignment at work, or the simple running of a household, it will get done. It may not be very pretty to look at, but if that’s what you want, you asked the wrong archetype.
Dependable
They value dependability; therefore, they are dependable. They’re never just on time, they’re always early, AND they’re prepared. Not an easy task for some.
Tenacious
Whether it’s a project or a debate, these ladies stick with it till the job is done, and/or their point is taken. And with their fountain of knowledge available twenty-­‐four seven, they’re formidable foes, indeed.
Tigerly
A-­‐hem. Not all Librarians have this trait, but males of the human species are pleasantly surprised when their Cire in a courtroom translates to...other areas...especially considering they’re usually starched and buttoned up everywhere else.
Not everyone appreciates the talents of the Librarian and sometimes their outward weaknesses can be difCicult to handle, but if time is taken to understand them, things become clearer.
Introverted
Again, not all Librarians have this trait, but the ones who are, are the very deCinition of a wallClower.
Unapologetic
If you’re expecting an “I’m sorry”, you’ll be waiting a long time. Librarians rely on their smarts and are conCident in their abilities; this often translates into an inability to say they’re wrong, or sorry.
Cold
This can present itself as someone who’s uncaring, or someone who’s unwilling to let her guard down. If she’s uncaring, it’s probably something frivolous or illogical to her. If she isn’t willing to let her guard down, it doesn’t feel safe to her—statistically.
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Famous Librarians
Jane Eyre – Unobtrusive on the outside, tenacious on the inside, Jane merely needs the right circumstances to excel. Despite her lot in life, she perseveres, yet lets her sense of propriety nearly keep her from the one thing she truly desires.
Beatrice – In "Much Ado About Nothing", Beatrice is a sharp-­‐tongued, quick-­‐witted, force to be reckoned with. Her pride is nearly her undoing.
Q: Do you always need to be in charge?
Diva: -­‐ Yes.
Librarian -­‐ Do I always have to be in charge? No. But am I always right? Yes.
Application
Mary – As one of Elizabeth Bennett’s sisters in "Pride and Prejudice", Mary relishes rules, order, and sensibility. The frivolity of balls, love, and men annoy her to no end. Until she’s quite left out of it all.
Librarians deserve your time and attention. Don’t just make them cold and uncaring. If you choose that track, offer a reason that redeems them—even if it’s just a little bit—to your reader. Librarian Comparisons
They’re well matched with Geniuses and Gurus—
though they may be prone to explosive arguments with the Genius. Rogues and Alphas would be good opposites-­‐attract fodder, as long as they are explained well. Rogues would like the quiet faithful wallClower, but couldn’t handle the argumentative version of the Librarian. With the Alpha, you could try a female Spock to his Captain Kirk, as long as you keep in mind that they’d have the same kind of Cire and ice relationship.
Q: What do you think of parties?
Free Spirit – I love parties! The people, the fun, the decorations...I love everything about it. Let’s hook up the boat right now and head down to the lake! What do you say?
Librarian – As a child, I hated them, but now that I’m an adult, I enjoy the exchange of ideas and new points of view. With a good caterer and a small group of like-­‐
minded individuals, I can have a wonderful time.
Q: What do you think of the arts?
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Best Friend – Art is my soul. It’s expression. Love, hate; it speaks to me.
Librarian – I love art. The symmetry, the technical ability, the precision.
Explore the Librarian’s possibilities. You won’t be disappointed.
37
Medieval Castles In
Africa?!
By: Janice L. Dennie
King Fasilides’ Castle, Gondar, Ethiopia
I’ve always been fascinated with ruins representative of ancient
civilizations, but I never expected to find castles in Africa. I am the
author of a series of romance novels based on Ethiopian history. I enjoy
writing about this fascinating country known by some as The Land of
Enchantment. I especially love the medieval castles in Gondar and the
city of Axum, where the Queen of Sheba once reigned.
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The Medieval City of Gondar, Ethiopia
The majestic Blue Nile FallsLake Tana Ethiopia
Gondar, Ethiopia sits high and proud, 7,500 feet above sea level with mountains rising on every side and Lake Tana gleaming in the distance. The site of the city was well chosen for defense because it spreads over the top of a ridge making access to it difCicult from any direction.
Cight the Moslem armies. After the death of Ahamed Gran, Portuguese missionaries sought to convert the Ethiopians to Roman Catholicism but failed. By the 17th Century, the period of long religious conClict with the Moslems and Portuguese was passing and a new era was ready to be added to Ethiopian history. The Blue Nile falls into a canyon to form one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Africa. Over 150 feet high and about a half mile wide, these millions of gallons of water cascade downward creating a cloud of mist which is called Tisisat or "Smoke from Fire". Twenty-­‐one miles below Gondar is Lake Tana, the source of the Blue Nile, which Emperor Theodore called "my mirror". This large heart-­‐shaped body of water mirrors the majestic mountains around it, but quite often is a turbulent sea, as thunderstorms Clash over it.
King Fasilides and his dynasty built some of the most remarkable buildings in Africa, and Gondar became an imperial walled city of towers and castles. Although inCluenced by Portuguese design, the castles emerge as thoroughly and uniquely Ethiopian.
It is from Lake Tana that the Blue Nile Clows to Sudan where it joins the White Nile to push its way through Egypt to the Mediterranean Sea. Lake Tana is the highest of Africa's lakes and covers over 1,000 square miles. For 200 years, during Ethiopia’s middle ages in the 17th and 18th Centuries, the kings of Gondar ruled much of Northern Ethiopia. In 1632, King Fasilides selected Gondar as his capital, and it soon became the political and cultural center of the country. Although the civilization of Axum was one of the main strings of Ethiopian culture, the achievements centered in Gondar have had a great inCluence on the nation.
After the decline of the Zagwe Dynasty at Lalibela, Ethiopia was ruled by kings who moved the court with them from place to place. Moslem armies sought to penetrate the highlands, and in the 16th Century, Ahamed Gran burned Axum and defeated the Ethiopian armies. By this time, the Portuguese had established contact with the Kingdom and sent Christopher da Gama, son of Vasco, to help Ethiopia The largest castle is four stories high and was built of rough-­‐cut stones and lime mortar with cedar doors, beams and furniture. It is a large rectangular building with a grand outside staircase, a watchtower and four semi-­‐detached rough turrets at the corners. Around the great castle of King Fasilides is a stately group of castles with their turrets, narrow windows, dungeons, and staircases all surrounded by a battlement wall with twelve Gates. Scattered in and around Gondar is a wealth of other castles, churches, and historical buildings. Perhaps the most charming of these is the bathhouse that King Fasilides built near a river below the city. Here amidst eucalyptus and cedar trees, the old trianon palace sits surrounded by a large pool. Nearby is a small mausoleum, said to have been built for the king's favorite horse. Overlooking the city to the west is Kusquam Castle, built by Empress Mentaub. Several rivers around Gondar are still crossed on bridges built during the city's Golden Age.
The city of Axum became the royal capital, where the wealth of the empire was used to build one of the greatest ancient cities in Africa. Merchants, ambassadors, travelers, and people came and went marveling at the city with its Cive-­‐story palaces, intricate water system, gold and silver coins, and its mysterious and marvelous obelisks.
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The glory of ancient Axum were these great monolithic stelae carved from single pieces of granite. The tallest was one hundred twenty feet, the greatest obelisk ever made, and taller than any erected in Egypt. The pre-­‐
Christian centers of worship seem to represent a giant sundial, where sacriCices were made to the moon. The semicircular tops of these ancient skyscrapers may represent the moon.
The ancient City of Axum, Ethiopia
During the years when Gondar was capital of Ethiopia, a number of visitors from Europe and other continents reached Gondar and returned home to tell with amazement what they had seen. At the end of the 17th Century, a French diplomat described the great palaces of Gondar with rich decorations, beautiful carved furniture, and the emperor's gold throne. More than 50 years later, the Scotsman James Bruce came to Gonder, where he lived for several years. He visited the source of the Blue Nile, which he claimed to have discovered, and his books about Ethiopia received wide circulation in the English-­‐speaking world. Once centers of authority and government, these feudal fortresses seem lonely and deserted now, perhaps remembering when the Temple of Love, the House of Songs, and the Paradise Gardens once pulsated with life.
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Kusquam Castle Gondar, Ethiopia
41
InD’Angel Landing
Introducing:
Ginger Ring
Ginger Ring is an eclectic, Midwestern girl who grew up on a dairy farm in Wisconsin. She was kind of a tomboy and loved riding horses. Reading has always been one of her favorite things to do. She actually thinks she has an addiction to books, she just can't seem to get enough! Ginger has always enjoyed creating stories. She recently found some things that she had written way back in high school but, it was actually an author she met on a facebook page a few years ago that inspired her to pursue writing seriously. Her favorite writer of all time is LaVyrle Spencer, who is actually a local writer from Minnesota so it was a real treat when LaVyrle would write stories about familiar local places. Ginger wants to be a storyteller, not just a writer. She aspires to create unique characters and worlds that people might want to lose themselves in even if only for a little while. She hopes to someday be able to write full time but for now she’s still punching the time card as a pharmaceutical tech. Still, she is happiest working with anything related to books, history, or tourism. Ginger has a particular penchant for cheese, dark chocolate, and the Green Bay Packers. She loves reading, traveling, and has a quirky sense of humor. Publishing a book has been a lifelong dream of hers. Her heroines are classy, sassy and in search of love and adventure. Her stories are a variety of genres including contemporary, historical, suspense, cougar, and she will be adding a cowboy story and others to the list soon. She's a two time RONE Award Cinalist. When Ginger isn’t tracking down old gangster haunts or stopping at historical landmarks, you can Cind her on the backwaters of the Mississippi River.
Would you like to be a future InD’Angel? Join InD’tale Magazine’s Street Team, share and participate and you could be our next featured Angel Landing! https://www.facebook.com/
groups/244206495756460/
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A
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WAIT BOOK O
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A
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S
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R
A
W
A
By:
Ann M.
Richardson
(Click here if you’d like to LISTEN to this article!)
AUDIOBOOKS OUTSELLING PRINT BOOKS!
Now, back to business. In case you didn’t realize it, audiobooks are beginning to outsell print books. MarketWatch published an article in January that included a startling statistic: there are examples of books in every imaginable genre that sell better as spoken rather than written words—sometimes four times as well. Audiobooks racked up $1.5 billion in sales last year and remain the fastest-­‐growing segment of the book publishing industry, according to the Audio Publishers Association.
Given this increase in popularity, it’s not a mystery why more and more authors are including audio versions of their books in their marketing plans. If they don’t, it’s like leaving money on the table! After working their way through the many ins and outs of the process, and at long last, having a shiny new audiobook in their hands, authors can Cind themselves in a wonderful position to further promote their title. They can nominate it for an award.
Wait. What? There are awards for audiobooks?
YES! Let me explain…I have just returned from several days in Chicago, where I attended the annual Audio Publisher Association Conference, commonly known as “APAC”. It was an event full of schmoozing and intense workshops for narrators, packed with golden nuggets of advice from award winning industry luminaries. Topics covered included: the differences in narrating Ciction vs. non-­‐Ciction, character help, breathing tips, vocal care, how to narrate children’s voices, and the best tactics for marketing/promoting oneself as a narrator. APAC is serious business, and is the one big opportunity for a narrator to get herself on the radar of the bigger audiobook publishers, but the icing on the cake is the Audio Publisher Association’s “Audie” Awards gala. These awards are given annually, and are held in high regard. In fact, only winning a Grammy trumps winning an Audie Award. The Audies are often equated to “the Oscars of the audiobook world”—although the audiobook award scene is changing rapidly, and other awards are gaining ground on the Audies.
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achievements of the producers/publishers and narrators; to increase public awareness of books in this format; and to promote consumer access to a wide range of Australian audio books. HOW DO YOU JUDGE AN AUDIOBOOK?
Before I embark upon the various competitions, let’s take a moment to look at some criteria used in judging an audiobook for an award. The Society Of Voice Arts and Sciences (which awards the Voice Arts™ Awards, mentioned later in this column) explains nicely how an audiobook is assessed for an award. Here are some of their criteria: • Technical: Narrator has a good vocal tone, their pronunciation is correct, and there are minimal mouth noises. Sound quality of the audio itself is acceptable.
• Context: Narrator serves the text well and does not distract. If ensemble cast, roles are well deCined and serve the story or information – cast interactions (where relevant) are supportive of the subject at hand.
• Performance (non-­‐Ciction): Narrator’s tone and overall demeanor reClect the author’s voice; the narrator compels us to care about the author’s subject or story.
• Characterization: Characters are well deCined and serve the story. If ensemble, cast interactions (where relevant) are uniCied.
• Performance (Ciction): The narrator connects the listener to the story’s emotional consequence. The narrator is involved in the story. Narrating as if the action is actually happening right now. The listener feels involved in the story.
WHAT AWARDS ARE THERE FOR AUDIOBOOKS?
The TDK Australian Audio Book Awards were established by the National Library of Australia in 1988 and sponsored by TDK from 1991. They were the leading audio book awards in Australia between 1989 and 1999, and were open to both commercial and non-­‐commercial publishers. The aims were: to improve the quality of Australian audio book production by recognizing the 44
The Grammy Award for Best Spoken Word Album has been awarded annually since 1959. The category now also includes audio books, poetry readings, and storytelling. Three U.S. presidents have won the awards: Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton, and Barack Obama, along with spoken recordings of John F. Kennedy and Franklin D. Roosevelt. Four U.S. Senators have won: Barack Obama, Everett Dirksen, Al Franken, and Hillary Clinton.
The Odyssey Award for Excellence in Audiobook Production, Cirst offered in 2008, is an annual award conferred by the American Library Association upon the publisher of "the best audiobook produced for children and/or young adults, available in English in the United States.” It recognizes production quality in all respects, considering such things as: narration, sound quality, background music, and sound effects. It is named for Homer's eighth century BCE epic poem, "The Odyssey", which was transmitted orally, to remind us modern people of the ancient roots of storytelling. The Voice Arts™ Awards, begun in 2013, is an annual, open competition voted upon by experts within the various Cields that constitute the entry category. This award is granted by the Society Of Voice Arts and Sciences (SOVAS). Several special awards (lifetime achievement, etc.) may also be awarded. This program is similar to the Oscars, Emmys, Tonys, and other award franchises. The purpose of the Voice Arts™ Awards is to provide international acknowledgement of the extraordinary skill and artistry that goes into the voiceover acting and to hold up an evolving best-­‐in-­‐class standard of achievement to which the voiceover industry can continually aspire.
Earphones Awards are granted by AudioFile Magazine. These awards are given to truly exceptional titles that excel in narrative voice and style, characterizations, suitability to audio, and enhancement of the text. There are multiple Earphone Awards given each month, and the winners appear in AudioFile’s online newsletter, as well as their print edition. AudioFile reviews and recommends the best listening, most interesting performances, and what audiobooks are worth listening to. The reviewers review nearly 400 audiobooks every 60 days, feature narrator and author proCiles, and award exceptional performances with AudioFile's Earphones Awards. The Audie Awards (or “Audies”) are bestowed annually in the United States for outstanding audiobooks. The Audies have been granted by the Audio Publishers Association, the not-­‐for-­‐proCit trade organization of the audiobook industry, since 1996. The nominees are announced each year in February, and the winners are announced at a gala banquet held sometime in May, usually when the BookExpo America Fair is happening. Called the “Oscars of the audiobook industry” they serve as a way to promote audiobooks. The 2016 awards were held on May 11th, at the Adler Planetarium in Chicago and were hosted by Paula Poundstone.
Audie Awards are given in nearly thirty categories. Some of the categories relate to types of writing, including abridged and unabridged Ciction and non-­‐
Ciction, and such genres as romance, fantasy, and mystery. Other categories recognize excellence in different styles of narration and production, such as multi-­‐voiced performance and production values. There is even an award for the best audiobook blogger! You can see a complete listing of the 2016 Audie winners in Voiceover Extra’s article at:
https://www.audiopub.org/winners/2016-­‐winners-­‐
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BEHIND THE SCENES…
Now, with all the glitz and red-­‐carpet glamour, there is also a fun competition running in the background, but gaining in popularity. It’s known as “The Armchair Audies”. The Armchair Audies is an annual—unofCicial
—event in which audiobook fans each pick a category from the APA Audies Finalists announcement, and listen to each of the 4-­‐6 titles nominated. After listening and reviewing each of the contenders, the listener(s) pick(s) the winner for his/her selected category. Says founder, Jennifer (aka "The Literate Housewife" audiobook blogger), “The inspiration for this challenge was the simple volume of categories and audiobooks nominated each year by the APA for the Audie Awards. There are 5 or 6 audiobooks nominated in each of the nearly 30 categories. As audiobook lovers, we’re deeply interested in the awards, as I’ve yet to run into anyone who has listened to much more than a handful of the nominees. There simply isn’t enough time to listen to each of the nominees to adequately judge and predict each category. In banding together, bloggers can cover much more territory. Thus the Armchair Audies were born and I’m thrilled it’s become an annual event.” The Armchair Audies are Tweeted during the Audie ceremony.
DO YOU HAVE AN AWARD-­‐WINNING AUDIOBOOK?
Are you an author who has a particularly good audiobook? You may want to look into nominating it for an award. The instructions for nominations are generally found on each organization’s website. I should mention here that, with the exception of the Earphones Award, it’s not free; you can expect to pay over one hundred dollars for some of the nominations. Having his or her audiobook win an award is a huge feather in the cap of an author. Narrators also enjoy the prestige of being recognized by the audiobook industry for their hard work in putting out the best performance possible. So, if you think your audiobook is worthy, go for it! Your narrator will love you!
*Ann Richardson will now be the sole columnist for InD’tale’s monthly audiobook column. Karen Commins, previous collaborator on the InD’Ear column expresses her appreciation to the wonderful readers of InD’tale as she embarks on several new exciting vistas in her career.
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What’s it Like to BE an Audiobook Actor?
Have you ever wondered what it is really like to be an audiobook actor? Does it take any training? Are there classes for this stuff? How does one prepare and perform? Well, our very own audiobook celebrities and InD’tale columnists, Karen Commins and Ann M. Richardson were recently interviewed by the award-­‐winning celebrity interviewer Kraft Masterson on this very subject! And, they’ve agreed to share it with all our InD’tale readers. Click here to listen to the fun and informative interview, complete with bonus content and outtakes from our recording sessions!
https://soundcloud.com/narratorshelpauthors/masterson-commins-richardson-audiobook-narrator-interview
46
Unbinding
Love: An Angela
Panther
Mystery
By:
Carolyn Ridder Aspenson
Season
Episode 1
Finale
Mel pulled back the top of the gun, held it in
her hands, and aimed it right at the window.
The two fedoras backed up but didn’t back
down. They drew their guns and when the
first shot blasted through the window, I
dropped down and screamed for my mother
louder than I’d ever screamed before.
I heard the glass shatter onto the ground
along with the loud thud of bodies slamming
against concrete. When one of the men
screamed, “Get the hell off me!” and the other
one shriek a streak of curse words followed
by, “I’m hit, I’m hit!” I figured Mel’s shot made
contact. I peeked over the edge of the car
door and saw my mother hovering above
them flicking her wrist.
“You don’t mess with my kid, ya hear?” She
shook her finger at the men and their guns
slid at least five feet across the ground. She
kept her finger steadied on them, and they
couldn’t move. I was impressed.
The man on top made an effort to move but
couldn’t. “What the hell? Someone help me.”
I glanced back at Mel. “I think you hit one of
them.”
She was still holding the gun, her eyes
focused on it. “Holy crap. Did I?”
“You okay?”
47
She nodded. “Get an ambulance, I’m hurt,” the man Mel had shot said. “He’s Cine,” Ma said. “It ain’t nothin’ but a Clesh wound. A little nip on the arm is all.” I peered out the window. “Looks okay to me. The cops are on their way,” I lied. “They’ll get someone to take care of you.” I jumped out of the car and stood on the other side of my mother. “Who are you and why did you want us to get out of the car?” The trapped on top man spoke. “You followed us. You tell us what you’re doing here Cirst.” “That’s not how this is gonna work,” I said. “You’re the one in trouble. You’ve got about Cive minutes to tell us what’s going on.” He told me where I could go, and it wasn’t a nice place. “You wanna play it that way? Fine.” I glanced at my mother. “Do something.” “Like what?” she asked. “ He clutched his crotch
and went back down
screaming.
I raised my hands to the
other guy. “You want
some of this too?”
“I don’t know. Something to make them talk.” Mel climbed out of the passenger side of the car and held the gun at them. Her hands shook. “You want me to shoot you, too? Tell us why you’re after us, buckos. Whadda ya want from us, huh?” I swallowed my laugh. Ma didn’t. “Ah Madone, that ain’t gonna help.” She Clung her hands in circles and the two men bounced up and down. The man with the injured arm squealed in pain when his arm slammed on the ground twice. I winced, too. It had to hurt. The man on top knew a boatload of swear words and liked to use them. “You gonna talk now?” I asked. Mel kept the gun pointed at them. I wanted them to talk about Bill Marx, who had gone MIA again, of course, but they didn’t, so I Cinally did. “Fine, you don’t wanna say it, I will. You want the 48
money in the lock box, don’t you? Well, you can’t have it, it’s ours, so there.” “We gotta get that money,” the man on top said. “Yeah, I know, and if you don’t get it, you’re gonna kill his kid, right?” “We ain’t gonna kill his kid, lady,” the man said. “You’re not?” “That ain’t us. That’s our boss. He’s already sent somebody to get the boy and his grandma. We’re just gettin’ the cash. The boy’s probably dead by now.” That time the boatload of swear words came from me. “I’m on it,” Ma said, and she took off. “Whadda we do?” Mel asked. The men realized they weren’t trapped anymore and shifted, moving toward standing. “Uh oh,” I said. “Uh oh, is right,” Mel said. She pointed the gun at the Cirst man and told him to freeze or she’d shoot. He froze. I raised my left leg and sent my foot soaring into his privates like a high school girl dumped by her boyfriend the night before her senior prom. He clutched his crotch and went back down screaming. I raised my hands to the other guy. “You want some of this too?” He held up his hand in surrender. “Don’t, please. My wife, she wants another kid.” “Down to the ground buddy,” Mel said. “Or I’ll shoot ‘em off.” We jumped back in the car and I burned rubber out of there. “I thought we were dead,” Mel said. “Where’s your mother?” “She went to Cind Justin.” “Dear God, I hope he’s not already dead.” “I hope not, too.” “Where’re we goin’?”
“To Cind them,” I said, though I wasn’t sure where that was. I pounded the steering wheel. “Damn it. Bill screwed with us, didn’t he?” “I think so.” “He wanted to get us off track on purpose. He wanted to make us think we were going to the people that were the bosses, didn’t he?” She nodded. “Because he’s going to the bosses.” “So he can kill them and save his son,” I said. “Exactly,” she said. “Son of a beach ball.” I hit the gas harder. “You don’t know where you’re going, do you?” “Actually, I do.”
“Where?”
“To grandmother’s house we go,” I sang. “They wouldn’t be there. That’s too obvious.” “That’s the point. Hide in plain sight. Everyone thinks they wouldn’t be there, so that’s exactly where they would be.” “Ya think?” “I don’t know, but it’s all I got at the moment.” “That’s better than nothing.” “That’s my thought,” I said. I sped the whole way and we both ignored Aaron’s phone calls and text messages. We knew we’d pay for it later, too. When we arrived at Justin’s grandmother’s house, everything appeared status quo. The house wasn’t shot up, the windows weren’t busted, the front door wasn’t kicked open, and of course, Bill Marx was MIA. “Dang, either we’re too late or they’re not here,” I said. “Where’s Fran?” Mel asked. “I dunno.” I checked out the area. “Ma? You here?” The air didn’t cool and none of the hairs on my neck lifted. No normal signs of dead people went off around me. “I got nothing,” I said to Mel. “No dead people.” “That’s not good.” “Maybe it is. Maybe it means no one is dead here.” “There’s that,” she said. We got out of the car and slinked toward the house. The hairs on my neck stood. “Crap.” “What?” “I feel dead people.” “Crap.” Emma Marx shimmered in front of us. “They’re alive but they’re not here.” I latched onto Mel’s arm. “Oh thank God, they’re alive.” “How do you know?” Mel asked. I explained. “Where are they?” I asked Emma. She crooked her partially transparent index Cinger. “Follow me.” We followed the ghost behind her mother’s house and down a path into the woods. “Shouldn’t we be going through the woods to grandmother’s house?” Mel joked. Under normal circumstances I would have laughed. “Does Bill know where they are?” I asked Emma. “No. My mother has protected them from him again, but it’s not going to last.” “Before you were confused, but now—“
She held out her hand. “I see things clearly now. All is well within me. I am here to protect my child from them. I will not let them hurt him.” “Can you tell us who that is?”
“There is no time. We must hurry,” she said, and kept Cloating through the woods. We followed until we reached a small shed and Emma Cloated inside. I pulled on the door handle but it was locked. “She’s inside here.” I knocked. “Hello? Emma?” The door cracked opened and Emma’s mother peered out. “Who else is with you?” Before I could Cinish saying Mel’s name, a loud blast boomed through the air and the door Clew open. Emma’s mother was Clung backward and fell to the ground, blood pouring from her forehead. Mel and I ducked and ran for cover as bullets shot from all sides of the woods. Mel screamed. I screamed. Someone else screamed. More shots Cired and more people screamed, but I couldn’t make out any of the words because I was too busy screaming. Mel and I clung to each other, our bodies Clinching each time a shot Cired. I prayed she wouldn’t get hit. I prayed Justin wouldn’t get hit, too. Out of nowhere, a man showed up next to Mel’s shoulder and pointed his gun straight at my face. I froze. My mother suddenly appeared and swung her arm wide, sending the man’s gun Clying out of his “ ...A loud blast boomed
through the air and the
door flew open. Emma’s
mother was flung
backward and fell to the
ground, blood pouring
from her forehead.
hand. She swerved and whipped her other arm and sent him sailing Cive feet into the air. He landed on a tree stump with his knees bent forward. I cringed. “Run,” she said. “That way.” She pointed left. “Aaron’s car is there. Go. Now.” I pulled Mel’s arm and we sprinted toward Aaron’s car parked in an open area in the woods. Ten minutes later, out of breath and exhausted, we’d made it to his car and to the two uniformed ofCicers we both knew. “Thank God,” I said when they handed us bottled waters. “I’m so thirsty.” My attempt at humor was met with frowns. “Wait here,” one ofCicer said. So we did. Aaron showed up about thirty minutes later. “How’d you—“
49
He shook his head. “I put an app on Mel’s phone. You think I’m stupid? I knew you’d try and Cind the kid on your own and I knew you’d lead us to whoever Bill Marx owed the money to.” “We almost didn’t,” I said. “Bill tried to fool us but we Cigured it out.” Two ofCicers walked up from the woods with Justin Marx. His mother Cloated next to him. She smiled.
“Wait,” I said. “Aaron, may I talk to him?” He nodded.
I glanced at Emma. “Do you have anything you’d like me to say to your son?” She placed her hand on her child’s chest and I watched as he caught his breath. “No. He knows. Thank you.” Her mother appeared next to her and the two of them shimmered away. A tear formed in the boy’s eye, and one in mine, too. “Justin,” I said. “You know your mom and grandmother loved you very much, right?” “Yes, ma’am.” “Don’t forget that, okay? They’ll always, always be with you.” “I know. I can feel them in my heart.” Mel sobbed. The kids always got to her. Aaron nodded to the ofCicers and they took the boy to a car and left. “What’ll happen to him now?” Mel asked him. “He’s got family he’ll go to,” he said. He held my arm. “We got the lock box from your car already. And the people Marx owed money to are dead. It’s over. Emma Marx and Juan Garcia’s murders will close as unresolved. We can’t close them with their killer being a ghost.” “He was desperate to save his son I guess.” Bill appeared. “I didn’t kill my ex-­‐wife.” “Bill’s here,” I said. “He didn’t kill Emma.” “It may look like that, but I really didn’t. They did it. They wanted the money but she wouldn’t give it to them. She wouldn’t tell them where it was. She wanted it so she could use it to live. They killed her for it.” After I told Aaron, he said he could use the information to close the Cile on Emma Marx’s murder and that it would be a logical connection to closing Juan Garcia’s case, too. “Justin will grow up knowing his father was a criminal already, and that’s bad enough,” he said. “He doesn’t need to know anything else.”
Not every story has a happy ending. But at least Justin Marx was alive and would live with family; family who would be safe from people Bill Marx owed money to. Mel and I walked to my car, with Bill Marx Cloating next to us. “Bill, you don’t have to stay any longer, you know,” I said. 50
“I’m not quite ready to go,” he said. “What’s keeping you here?” “I’m afraid I won’t go to a good place because of the bad things I’ve done,” he said. I stopped. His point was valid. He’d done some bad things, I’d be afraid too. “Do you see a light, Bill?” He glanced around. “No.” Oh boy. “Look hard.” He checked out the area again, and then a slight smile formed on his face. “Oh, there. I see it. Up there.” “A light? You see a light?” He nodded. “Okay, then, go. Go to that light. I’m pretty sure you’ll be okay there. Just trust it. Okay?” “You sure?” “I think so. How do you feel?” “I feel okay.” “Then go,” I said.” Bill Marx smiled one last time and then he shimmered away. “ A very special thanks to Carolyn Ridder
Aspenson for writing this fun paranormal
serial mystery for the past year. She has
been a joy to work with and it has been an
honor to get to know her.
To learn more about her and her heartfelt,
humorous fiction visit:
http://carolynridderaspenson.com/
Join us next month as we begin a whole new exciting serial story! This year, it will be Heather B. Moore’s Contemporary Romance,
“Falling For June” 51
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53
2016
RONE AWARD
Finalists
Suspense
Julie Coulter Bellon - The Captive
Liz Adair - The McCarran Collection
Kenneth Eade - Absolute Intolerance
Rolynn Anderson - Fear Land
Carter Wilson - The Comfort of Black
Stella Barcelona - Shadows
Darlene Kuncytes - I'll Be Seeing You
Time Travel
Angela Quarles - Must Love Chainmail
Margaret Locke - A Matter of Time
Amy Jarecki - Rise of a Legend
Historical Medieval/Pre-Medieval
Kathryn Le Veque - The Lion of the North
Suzan Tisdale - Caelen's Wife
Rue Allyn - Knight Errant
Eliza Knight - Seduced by the Laird
Amy Jarecki - Knight in Highland Armor
Cathy MacRae - The Highlander's Outlaw Bride
Laura Kitchell - Lady of the Imperial City
Paranormal
Julia Mills - Fighting for Her Dragon
Ann Gimpel - Earth's Hope
J. C. McKenzie - Carpe Demon
Julie Wetzel - On the Accidental Wings of Dragons
Evelyn Lederman - The Warrior Woman
Veronica Scott - Ghost of the Nile
D. B. Sieders - Lorelei's Lyric
Anthology
Tisdale, Le Veque, Wright, Caldwell, Devon, Knight - With Dreams Only of You
Giltenan, Scott, Baldwin, Robbins, Welfonder, Davis, Zak - Highland Flames
Lyon, Mangum, Johnson, McCollum, Moore, - All Hallow's Eve Collection
New Adult
Karen Michelle Nutt - Flower and Fangs
Susan Griscom - A Gypsy's Kiss
Tamara Grantham - Dreamthief
M. Clarke - Something Amazing
54
2016
RONE AWARD
Finalists
Contemporary: Steamy
S. Simone Chavous - Homewrecker Incorporated
Linda Joyce - Bayou Beckons
Hebby Roman - To Dance Again
Linda Joyce - Her Heart's Desire
Tamara Hoffa - Bear Hearts
Samantha Anne - Company Ink
Natasza Waters - His Perfect Imperfection
Fantasy/Sci Fi
KC Klein - The Space Captain's Courtesan
K. A. Salidas - Retribution
Elle Clouse - Stealing the Wolf Prince
Andy Peloquin - Blade of the Destoyer: The Last Bucelarii
Ann Gimpel - Icy Passage
Chick-Lit
Whitney Dineen - The Reinvention of Mimi Finnegan
Lisa K. Miller - Pieces of Us
Kate O'Keeffe - The Heartbroker
Ellen Butler - Planning for Love
American Historical
Peggy L. Henderson - In His Touch
Shanna Hatfield - Crumpets and Cowpies
Sharla Rae - How to Fell a Timberman
Merry Farmer - Trail of Redemption
Kathleen Ball - Cinder's Bride
Tess Thompson - Duet for Three Hands
Sawyer Belle - Desert Sunrise
Young Adult: General
Patrick Hodges - Joshua's Island
K. S. Jones - Shadow of the Hawk
Anna Katmore - Dating Trouble
Pam Webber - The Wiregrass
Cops, Jocks and Cowboys
Tami Lund - Undercover Heat
Donna Michaels - Cowboy Payback
Kathryn R. Biel - Jump, Jive and Wail
Petie McCarty - The SEAL's Angel
Donna Michaels - Locke and Load
Karen Docter - Cop on Her Doorstep
55
2016
RONE AWARD
Finalists
Novella
Anna Lowe - Desert Fate
Melissa Snark - Valkyrie’s Vengence
Suzan Tisdale - Saving Moirra’s Heart
Christi Corbett - A Mountain Man’s Redemption
Danielle James - Savior
Victoria Vane - World of de Wolfe Pack: Breton Wolfe
Michelle Irwin - Decide
Contemporary: Sweet
Rachel Jones - Taking a Chance on Love
Sharon Struth - Harvest Moon
Lisa Swinton - Vocal Crush
Ev Bishop - Hooked
Roxanne Smith - Men Like This
Lindzee Artmstrong - Miss Match
Mystery
Cathy MacRae - A Highlander's Tempestous Bride
Vered Ehsani - Ghosts of Tsavo
Lucinda Brant - Deadly Peril
H. Terrell Griffin - Chasing Justice
Historical Post Medieval
Suzan Tisdale - The King’s Courtesan
Maria Grace - Mistaking Her Character
Collette Cameron - Wagers Gone Awry
Regan Walker - To Tame The Wind
Sandy Bruney - A Question of Time
Caroline Warfield - Dangerous Secrets
Katherine King - The Other Side of the Stars
Inspirational
Bette Lee Crosby - Passing Through Perfect
Jennifer Peel - Jessie Belle: The Women of Merrytown
Hallee Bridgeman - Christmas Star Sapphire
Rachel Rossano - Honor: Second Novel Of Rhynan
YA Paranormal (Tie)
Katie Salidas - Pretty Little Werewolf
Barbara Kloss - Heir of Pendel
Rebecca Rode - Numbers Game
Julie Tuovi - The Sirens of Falkeld
T.W. Kirchner - Dagger and Brimstone: Town From Hell
56
Writers
BEWARE
By: Ellen Butler
I’ve been the victim of a scam. I do not take pride in admitting this. However, I’ve
discovered this is not the first time this particular scam has been played on
unsuspecting authors and it seems to be on the rise.
Therefore, I am doing what I can to spread the word so it doesn’t happen to you.
Like many romance authors, I watch for signings and events that will get me in front of readers. There are the biggies, such as RWA and RT, but as an author on a budget, I can’t always afford to travel to the large ones and am on the hunt for smaller events closer to home, ones that create a more intimate setting for authors and readers to interact. These smaller signings, with 100 authors or fewer, are popping up everywhere. You may hear of them by word of mouth, on social media, or perhaps you’ve attended one in the past. Therefore, when an opportunity a scant two-­‐hour drive away came across my computer screen, it never occurred to me to do much more than Cill out the form and pay my money to attend. I’ll admit there were red Clags early on. Approximately six months before the event was supposed to happen, two of the three organizers resigned from the event for personal reasons. It became clear, almost immediately, that the single coordinator left was over her head and needed help. The thing I love about being a romance author is how supportive I’ve found the community to be. So, when the organizer asked for help, two other authors and I raised our hands. With four people organizing it, we were 57
sure we could make this signing great. Those of us who stepped up put forth hours of our time organizing swag, rafCle baskets, promo materials, marketing, and soliciting sponsorships to make the event successful. However, about three weeks before the event, the authors received a message from the organizer about concerns over low reader attendance and suggesting the event be postponed until next year. There were authors Clying in on nonrefundable airline tickets and many had already committed to other events the following year. In the end, postponing was nixed. However, following the online discussion whether to postpone or hold it, those of us who had offered to help were concerned about what we’d been told by the coordinator regarding the hotel minimum payments. Phone calls to the hotel revealed that the minimums had not been paid. That night the coordinator sent out an email to all the authors cancelling the event. Less than two weeks later, an investigative report by the local NBC news channel revealed the organizer had been using the event’s account for personal expenses. PayPal has provided partial and full refunds to some of the authors through their dispute resolution center. However, many of us paid well out of range of PayPal’s 180-­‐day cut off for disputes, and it is unclear if we will see that money refunded.
Of course, hindsight being 20/20, there were red Clags all over this event. However, the full picture didn’t come in clearly until a number of stories were put together. Sadly, we’ve come to realize this was not the Cirst time this type of swindle has happened, where an event coordinator cancelled a signing without issuing refunds. Victims of similar scams came out of the woodwork following the news report and social media hurricane, and we are doing our best to advertise this misfortune as loudly and widely as we can so other authors don’t get duped by similar scams. To authors deciding which signings to pay your hard earned money for, here is my advice: If it is a Cirst time event, be wary and do your homework. 58
One key indicator of a well-­‐organized event is to determine how they provide communication. It shouldn’t take a coordinator days or weeks to respond to your inquiries. The event should have a website that provides clear information regarding the agenda, times, event location, and hotel information. Is the event being put on by a reputable company or PR Cirm? If it is being organized by an author, does the author have any previous event planning experience, or help from someone who does? What reader-­‐to-­‐
author turn out is expected, and how are they marketing the event to obtain that? Marketing should be multi-­‐pronged and not solely focused online. For instance, local newspapers and radio stations should be promoting the event to draw area residents. For events that are mainly signing focused, you may want to Cind out if they are highlighting a particular NY Times or USA Today bestseller. Having a bestseller at the signing is draw for readers, and should increase your attendee turn out. If the event is only in its second year, the main question should be, are the event planners the same as last year? If not, why not? Ask other authors who attended previously about their impressions. For signing focused events, make sure you understand what you get for your table fee. Some events have additional fees for nighttime receptions and parties. Ask what genre of authors will be there and what type of readers the event draws to make sure your reader base will be there. If the event is new and being organized by a professional event planner, make sure the company has a proven track record with author signings. If this is their Cirst author signing, inquire about their other events and research them to see if they were successful. Finally, listen to your gut. If you get involved in an event and it smells Cishy, it probably is. In the end, one of the authors who stepped up to help out was able to arrange another event on the same day at a local library. The event was free and approximately 30 of the original authors attended. I now consider myself a little more savvy and worldly in the writing industry and will deCinitely do my homework before signing a form and sending money. Share this story. Spread the word. Don’t let this happen to you or your fellow colleagues. 59
60
Guide to Our Reviews and
Ratings:
Our rating system is the standard 5 star rating system:
5 =
4 =
3 =
2 =
1 =
CNF
exceptional
excellent
good
fair
poor
= If the problems
in a book are such that a reviewer is unable to
finish it, the book will be given to another reviewer to read. If both
reviewers are unable to finish the book, it will receive the rating of “CNF”
or “Could Not Finish”
We also rate the "Steam" or sex factor so readers can enjoy
whatever level they are most comfortable with. The criteria is
as follows:
1 Steam Kettle = 2 Steam Kettles =
3 Steam Kettles =
4 Steam Kettles =
description
5 Steam Kettles =
description
Nothing but kisses
Passionate kissing,
Sex but the door is closed
Slightly steamy sex with some
Steamy sex with somewhat graphic
Those books receiving a 4.5 or a 5 star review will also be
awarded the "Crowned Heart" for excellence. This symbol will
be seen beside the review in the magazine.
61
Historical
minded characters, periodical accuracies from style of dress to politics, as well as a quirky town one would like to visit. The pacing of the tale lagged and events were at-­‐times predictable, but the overall enjoyment of the novella will keep the reader invested and laughing to its Cinal word. Amy Willis His Heartbroken Bride (The Brides of Paradise Ranch -­‐ Book 4)
Merry Farmer
Libby Chance Sims returns to her adoptive home in Wyoming territory with her two young sons, with the weight of the world pressing heavily on her shoulders. After her husband was killed Libby Cled her home of ten years in the dark of night, hoping to leave the ugliness of her past behind. When she returns to the last place she experienced true happiness, memories of what could have been tease her, reminding her of young love lost as well as a sense of belonging. Once settled in Haskell, Libby has her Cirst taste of happiness when Mason Montrose walks back in her life. Promise and hope swell in heart -­‐ until her dreams are threatened. Can Libby ever Cind her happily ever after?
Libby and Mason have a wagon-­‐
full of obstacles dropped at their feet from the very onset of their relationship. A couple of fragile hearts longing for their missing half, struggling to form a blended family while a stalker threatens to derail their happiness. Readers will Cind it hard not to fall for this couple! Author Merry Farmer has created a novella with many strengths -­‐ unique and open-­‐
62
Loving the Hawke (Seven Curses of London #1)
determined to actually do something about it, not simply throw money at it. Nathaniel is still Cinding his place in society and life after leaving the Navy but is a perfectly Clawed look at what a real man of the time would be going through. There is obviously a backstory not fully being told, or a previous book, but it doesn't take away from the story. As is common with many historicals, it can be slow in some places, and could stand to go a little faster in others. The relationship between Nathaniel and his brother is left wide open, possibly for another book, but is a loose thread. Nathaniel and Lettie's journey toward each other, and helping others along the way, is a heartwarming love story, reminding us we can do both.
Julie York
Lana Williams
Lettie has already had Cive Seasons, and looks forward to a life of spinsterhood—sort of. She wants to do more and be more than is allowed, and as the eldest of a large family of girls, she wants more than to be their servant as they prepare for their own Seasons. Nathaniel was injured and forced to retire from the Navy, and when an old friend discovers slavers using his ships, Nathaniel realizes he can still save people, but running into a genteel woman in the seedy parts of London is not what he had in mind.
Lettie is a complex character, and probably more accurate to 1870's ladies than other depictions. With few avenues available to be of help, Lettie sets about Cinding a way. Once she Cinds a cause, she is A Pledge of Passion, The Rules of Engagement, #2
Victoria Vane
Lady Mariah Morehaven has led a sheltered life at her family estate in the country. An heiress to a barony with extensive lands and substantial income, she worries she’ll be the target of fortune hunters. She knows she must marry, but desires love rather than convenience from her husband. Enter Mr. Nicolas Historical
Needham, a younger son with nothing to offer except himself. Even though they have fallen in love, Nick’s pride insists he better his position before ofCicially offering his hand. He pledges his love to Mariah, but begs for a year to advance in his Cield and asks that she wait for him. They say absence makes the heart grow fonder. Or does it?
If searching for a sweet-­‐with-­‐a-­‐
hint-­‐of-­‐spice historical romance with compelling characters, sneaky shenanigans and a happily ever after, then look no further! Mariah and Nick could be anyone’s friend in any era with their insecurities, pride, and self-­‐
made stumbling blocks preventing them from achieving love everlasting. Luckily for this bumbling couple they have friends who conspire for and against them in an effort to unite two people meant for each other. The only cons to this enthralling tale are the swiftness of their love declarations so soon after meeting and some editing errors, but those are minor bumps in Mariah and Nick’s rocky road to happiness. Though it may be a difCicult task to accomplish, sometimes pride must be swallowed in order to receive one’s greatest gift -­‐ love.
Carol Conley
amount of emotion. Barbara and her father have a rather interesting situation though it feels as though it was not concluded entirely yet. Ms. Sande is a reliable source, perfect to deliver tempting romance, and a heartfelt love story mixed with light regency fun.
Margaret Faria
The Caress of a Commander (The Caress of a Commander #2) Linda Rae Sande
Brothers Will and Stephen Slater have recently returned to England after their many years of service to the British Navy. Stephen, the bastard son, is accepted by his Marquess father, introduced to London's society and is quickly mistaken for his legitimate brother. Although he is enjoying himself at balls and wooing many a young lady, he quickly discovers that his heart is set on just one. But will she have him when she discovers he is not the legitimate heir? In the meantime Will searches for his long lost love Barbara Higgins, the daughter of an Earl who has disappeared. Fearing the worst he tracks her down only to Cind she believes he abandoned her all those years ago. Will she ever forgive him?
It becomes quite evident early on that there is more than meets the eye with these characters and their stories, and if the reader continues to scratch the surface and discover what lies beneath, it is a wonderful treasure to be found! Stephen is a delightful cad capturing hearts throughout while Will delivers his turbulent love story bringing just the right Love on a Train
Colleen L. Donnelly
Martha Cole met the man of her dreams while on a train, but when Raymond Haynes disappears she fears her heart will break. Pouring her soul into a novel, Martha tells the story that should have been her happily ever after; much to the dismay of her parents, who are unsupportive of such a frivolous career as a romance novelist. They encourage her to begin a relationship with David Tidwell. He is a sturdy kind of fellow with much to offer. Martha longs for Raymond and the love she knows she will never have with David. Must she sacriCice her happiness and dreams of the man from the train forever?
The dreamy, romantic quality of the story and Martha's dream man draw one in from the very beginning. Unfortunately it continues throughout the 63
Historical
book (which is played out mostly in Martha's head), leaving the reader wondering if she is ever going to let anyone else in. Raymond's fantasy-­‐like qualities are enchanting, but difCicult to truly ever connect with in a tangible way. David is unappealing and her parents are pushy for most of the story, which quashes their likability. Martha dwells much in the past and seems to lack the Cire in order to be the heroine of her own story, yet she manages to still gain some admiration from the reader. When she is ready to step into that role it makes all the difference. It’s slow to the Cinish with moments of repetitiveness; it’s an endearing story of love at Cirst sight and heartbreak which are two elements that romance readers will adore.
Margaret Faria
Lucie: Bride of Tennessee (American Mail-­‐Order Brides #16)
Heidi Vanlandingham
Lucie Croft is heading toward a new life in Tennessee as a mail-­‐
order bride. She’s nervous, but knows she has no other options if she wants to take care of her little brother properly. But when she arrives, it’s only to Cind that her groom has died. Sebastian 64
McCord and his little girl were on the train with Lucie and her brother, however, and step in to help. Widower Sebastian has his hands full, but something pulls him to Lucie and they Cind themselves in a position where they could help each other, but can they overcome their insecurities to reach for a chance at happiness?
This novella packs a lot into one story: there are dead parents, a murdered spouse, and even a dead potential spouse. Combine that with vengeful employers, difCicult children, burns, and being trapped in an abandoned building, and you are in for a bumpy ride of a love story. There is enough tension between the two main characters to keep the reader turning pages, but with so much going on sometimes the characterization and emotional pull is Clat. The storyline has several twists to it, but overall Lucie is a classic damsel-­‐in-­‐
distress character and her hero, Sebastian is the white knight always in the right place to rescue her. The secondary cast is just quirky enough to make the setting feel more real and readers will enjoy the family feel as Sebastian and Lucie navigate their unexpected journey on the way to love.
Kate Campbell
Enchanted Highlands: Holiday Collection
Dawn Marie Hamilton, April Holthaus, Victoria Zak
The magic of the holiday season links three novellas and three couples across space and time. Facing insurmountable odds such as death, time, and treachery, the star-­‐crossed lovers have to depend on each other while trusting in the strength of their newfound bond to Cind the object of their hearts' deepest desires -­‐ eternal love. Woven throughout each tale are the Highlands of Scotland, the mysticism of the Druids, and the Twelve Days of Yule -­‐ a Christmas-­‐like celebration. Facing impossible odds, their trust in fate and discovery of the true meaning of the season Cinds them in the arms of the one they love. The anthology of three stories follows a similar story arc: meeting the lovelorn characters, wishing upon a bundle of holly leaves and ivy, and waking to Cind their one true love in the morrow. All three authors weave the past into their creations skillfully though the Cinal tale, “Once Upon a Winter Solstice”, had the most cohesive story arc. The Cirst tale, “Twelvetide", is confusing with its frequent Clip-­‐Clopping through time from present to past and back again. The second novella, “Stars and Stones”, took a workaholic and turned his Historical
65
Historical
perfectly ordered life on his ear. Though easier to follow, his ghostly soul mate was lacking and one found it hard to root for her limp character. The third installment was by far the most cohesive, time-­‐traveling love story. Its characters embraced the spirit of the holiday and power of never-­‐ending love. Amy Willis even the manner in which people spoke back then. The characters, in particular Euan and Abigail, are Cleshed out and three dimensional, acting like real people would, and struggling with real issues. The injustice and cruelty of slavery, and the narrow-­‐minded ways people tried to rationalize this, are the red threads throughout the book, and provide an interesting backdrop for the character’s relationships. "A Shackled Inheritance” is not only entertaining, but provides the reader with a lot of new information and research while keeping a fast pace without the dreaded "info dump". A heart-­‐
wrenching love story, Abigail and Euan's story is one for the ages! Majanka Verstraete
A Shackled Inheritance
Madeleine McDonald
Upon the death of her father in Scotland, spinster Abigail Carrick discovers that she has another family in the West Indies, with two grown daughters of color – her sisters! Along with lawyer Euan Sinclair she embarks on a journey to meet her new family across the ocean. Abigail’s inheritance involves a slave plantation, and Euan is against slavery, which drives a wedge between them. Once they arrive on shore, however, they both begin to understand the true cruelty of slavery. As Abigail’s feelings for Euan grow, he’s attracted to her half-­‐sister, who has a very different attitude toward slavery than Abigail does. The author did an excellent job researching the eras of slavery, the history of plantation houses, 66
have a place of his own and to Cind the man who killed his mother. However, when he comes across the Sanchez ranch and realizes that a woman has been kidnapped, he and young lieutenant Dean Potter search for the her and in turn Cind the man responsible for his mother’s death.
While reading this novel, one is pulled into the grittiness of life in the West and the hardships both men and women had to face – both white and native Americans. The author was successful in showing that white and Native Americans became enemies due to circumstance yet were able to Cind a way to live in harmony with the land. This was despite those (from both sides) who sought to destroy this fragile relationship. However, certain parts of the story seemed rushed and not quite believable particularly Anna’s reaction when she discovered her father's identity. Nevertheless, readers of Western novels with tinges of romance will love this one! MP Ceja
Secrets on the Western Trail
Heidi Vanlandingham
All Anna Sanchez wanted to do was to help her stepfather run their cattle ranch. But when he is killed and the ranch attacked by Wade Philips, Anna is kidnapped and thrown into a situation where she has to keep her wits about her and a shotgun close by her side. The Seventh Son (Norman Conquest #4)
Ashley York
After leaving the military service, all Paul Daniels wanted was to Betrothed at birth and betrayed by secrets, Tisa O’Brien loses everything she has ever loved in a matter of minutes. Tadhg MacNaughton loses his father and gains the title of chieftain of his clan -­‐ a clan that struggles to survive since the severing of a long-­‐lasting alliance with the O’Brien clan. He must bow down to Roland O’Brien and beg for assistance, losing himself in the process in order to stop the clan Meic Lochlainn, a savage brood from the north that has plans to conquer the lands around them and conspire with others to aim at becoming the next king. A powerful and gripping tale of clan politics and the battle amongst the isles and the King, Ms. York creates a compelling tale of intrigue and deceit. The web of relationships created by the marriages of the different female characters dictates so much of the action that it draws the reader in easily. The complexity of the clan dynamics and certain story threads that seem cut short are the only slipping points in an otherwise divine romance novel. The truly complex relationship that Tisa has with her husband creates a unique plot point that is handled with a true artist’s touch. Yet, true love will always Cind a way to conquer and the seventh son of the seventh son is truly blessed. Penelope Anne Bartotto
Historical
hard work and determination. Ms. Linwood’s prose is vivid and well written. Her dialogue is appropriate to the time period and Clows effortlessly without bogging the reader down in confusing archaisms. The reader just can’t help but feel that there was more potential in this story and in this talented author that wasn’t fully realized.
Word of Honor (Knights of Valor Book 1)
Gwenellen Tarbet
Lauren Linwood
MEDIEVAL: Merryn Mantel has loved her betrothed since they were children. Geoffrey de Montfort is everything she could have wished for and more. She waited for him when he left for France to Cight in the King’s war and now, after Cive long years, they are married! The wedding night proves to the couple that they are meant to spend the rest of their lives together.
Cruel fate intervenes and Geoffrey goes missing for another seven years. The King is impatient with his subject and demands that Merryn remarry. Although her heart belongs to Geoffrey, she must Cinally acquiesce to his demands; that is, until Geoffrey mysteriously reappears without a word of explanation.
Take this book to the beach -­‐ it’s light-­‐hearted fare makes a great read in the sun with a cool drink near at hand. Unfortunately, Ms. Linwood chooses to gloss over the more substantial aspects of Merry and Geoffrey’s story: the trauma of separation, the loss of trust and the journey toward healing. Instead, Merry and Geoffrey become romantic archetypes, easily able to surmount their difCiculties through love instead of Her Scandalous Wish (A Waltz with a Rogue Novellas)
Collette Cameron
REGENCY: Philomena Pomfrett is on the fringe of society, trying to make a decent marriage for herself during her one and only season. She’s insecure about her looks after surviving a Mire -­‐ she believes her body is marred by burns. The only men who offer for her, however, are none she wants a marriage with until her Mirst love, Bradford, Minds her again. Without him knowing her true identity, she enjoys his kiss, but when they are caught in a compromising position, Philomena’s dying brother demands Bradford marry her. Can they rekindle their love if 67
Historical
they are each forced into a marriage the other may not want?
The main characters in this novella were very sympathetic. They both suffered with the lies and misunderstandings that led to the loss of the other and are trying to hide their true feelings at having been reunited. The beginning of the story is a page-­‐
turner as Philomena’s identity is revealed to Bradford, but their story stalls there as all attention is turned to the dying brother. Readers will wish for more details beyond the sentence or two of how Philomena and Bradford get reacquainted while the brother recuperates. Their story arc is eventually picked up again, however, and readers get glimpses of how their young love now has a chance to mature into something much deeper. Near the end there is a surprising twist that keeps the tension going before we get to the happily-­‐ever-­‐
after, rounding out a spirited second-­‐chance romance that readers will enjoy. Kate Campbell
Lynn-­‐Alexandria McKendrick
Knight Defender (Knight Chronicles #3)
Rue Allyn
MEDIEVAL: Having witnessed Cirst-­‐hand the poverty of his people, Baron Raeb MacKai wants nothing more than provide for his clan. When a betrothal is offered to a wealthy English woman, he sees a stable future for his clan at last. What he did not count on was having feelings for the beautiful woman who is to become his wife. Lady Jessamyn doesn’t want to get married -­‐ she would much rather train horses -­‐ but agrees in order to serve her family and King. When she develops feelings for her betrothed, it’s a surprise to her. When she discovers he’s involved in a secret plot to attack the King, she’s not sure whether to follow her loyalty to her King or her heart. Rue Allyn has certainly managed to capture the divide between Scotland and England in this gripping tale of romance, passion and deceit! Expecting a wild, unruly Scot, the readers are treated to Raeb MacKai who is just trying to do the best for his clan. Lady Jessamyn is a strong willed woman trying to obey her family and King. Well-­‐paced and smooth, the path of the story to its happy ending is very enjoyable, although the book was a little 68
short and could have beneCitted with more thorough descriptions. It would have been nice to have had more exposure to the characters. The dialogue is spot-­‐
on with regards to the Scottish slang of that era and Clows nice and accurately. Saved By My Blackguard
Dawn Brower
TIME TRAVEL: It’s 1987, and stressed-­‐out American Paul Dewitt is getting some R&R in Port Royal, Jamaica, when his walk on the beach is interrupted by a sudden storm. When a beautiful woman in eighteenth century period dress runs by, he chases her, falls, and awakens on the same beach, but 265 years earlier. In 1722 on St. Kitts, Lady Evelyn Beckett’s father puts her on a ship headed for England to marry the Duke of Southington. Mid-­‐voyage, her ship gets boarded by pirates, and she becomes the charming pirate captain’s prisoner. When a superstitious crew member pushes her overboard, Evelyn swims to the nearest shore. Paul Cinds her and they hide out in a cave, growing closer each day, tucked away in their own private paradise—until they aren’t.
This is a pleasant read for lovers of time-­‐travel fantasies. Though unremarkable in the genre, and needing some editing, the author gives enough insight to each character to keep the reader interested in their remarkable growth. Paul goes from an overly stressed, annoyingly and somewhat unlikeable character, to hero. Evelyn utilizes the strict and sometimes abusive upbringing she’s been subjected to in order to grow into a strong, independent young woman. It’s well worth sticking to this story to Cind out what happens to these two characters. Ms. Brower has given her readers a nice way to escape from our respective daily grinds with this one. Enjoyable read!
Lori Leger
A Timely Romance
LeAnn Mathis
Dressed in a historically accurate medieval costume, a young widow visits a modern-­‐day town that reenacts the days of medieval England. Rebecca and her husband, Alexander, had been married at a medieval reenactment site like this back home, and they’d been planning to renew their vows at this place. During a sudden thunderstorm, Historical
Rebecca takes shelter in the town’s cathedral. She picks up a piece of music and begins to sing the haunting lyrics that seem to mirror her own pain. She opens the door to leave and faces a young knight named Sir Goodwin that could be her dead husband’s twin. Eventually, she realizes she’s been transported into the past-­‐-­‐stranded, with no way to take care of herself. Fortunately, Sir Goodwin and his friend, Lord Merriman, vow to protect and keep her.
This is a wholesomely charming, heart-­‐warming romance Cit for ages ten to one hundred! It’s a quick read, and blossoms with the richness of how someone’s faith in God can be tested and renewed in the most unlikely ways. The locale of the “town” Rebecca journeys to remains somewhat of a mystery. Sir Goodwin speaks in Middle English, so one can assume it was somewhere in England during the Norman invasion. SpeciCics would have been better, as would more appropriate speech patterns, references, and behavior by the female protagonist. Not particularly unique for time-­‐
travel fantasy, but even so, this was a sweet, interesting and enjoyable read.
Lori Leger
A Discarded Pearl (A Marsden Romance #5) Dawn Brower
Pearla Montgomery never thought she would spend her wedding night locked up on a pirate ship! After falling in love with the Duke of Huntly, Pearla never thought her wedding would be interrupted by the arrival of the Duke’s presumed dead wife. After Cleeing London to nurse her broken heart, she foolishly signs up for the Cirst ship leaving port and Cinds herself locked in a cabin with Damian, Conte Leone. Damian didn’t expect to be locked in a cabin with the beautiful Pearla when he got into a Cight with the pirates who kidnapped his sister. But despite their circumstances, he can’t seem to stop the attraction he feels for the woman with a broken heart. With danger all around, will Pearla and Damian escape the pirates with their lives and their hearts or will more destruction follow?
A historical romance involving pirates, and London society, this is the Cifth book in the “Marsdan Romance” series and it picks up right where the previous book left off. A short, quick read, time passes rapidly in this story, with much of the conClict and danger occurring off screen and some miscommunication thrown in for 69
Historical
good measure. Some plot threads are never explained or are glossed over, making this less of a romance and more "lust at Cirst sight". Still, "A Discarded Pearl" brings back fun characters from previous books and ties up loose ends which fans of this series will appreciate, making this a good Cinish to the series.
Sarah E. Bradley
A appealing retelling of a classic tale, “Keep on Believing” is a clean fairy tale with a cute romance, and new spin on an old story. However, it lacks description of any of the settings, the characters are one dimensional, the pace is a bit slow and the plot relies on telling instead of showing to move it along. On the other hand, Christopher is an average guy who likes Ella and takes to her brother, making him a true every-­‐
day Prince Charming. With his magical sidekick Chris is very likeable. Ella is also not your average damsel in distress, and does quite a lot to protect her brother. With a bit of work, "Keep on Believing" will be a charming read with likeable characters and a bit of romance -­‐ a worthwhile way to spend a lazy afternoon.
Sarah E. Bradley
Keep On Believing (Where Dreams Come True #4)
Marie Higgins
never met. With only her father’s dying words to trust the stable boy, Ellie must decide who to trust. Alex does not know why Lady Ellington has taken an interest in him, but he cannot refuse her request. However, when helping Ellie reveals he is a duke, the truth could either cost them everything or set them free.
The fourth book in the “A Lady Forsaken” series, this is the story of Andrew and Lorelei’s children from book two. After the tragedies of the previous story, this tale ties up the loose ends, and provides a happier ending. However, the attraction between Alex and Ellie doesn’t really spark. The romance is a bit slow, with the main conClict centering only on miscommunication. Further, the plot tends to drag on, making the story seem to have been better suited to a novella rather than a full-­‐length novel. Still, it is nice to see characters from previous books again, and lovers of historical romance will enjoy seeing Alex’s rags to riches story.
Sarah E. Bradley
FAIRYTALE: What if Cinderella didn’t stick around after her father dies and instead disappears to another kingdom? When Ella Spencer realizes that life at the hands of her abusive and evil stepmother is more than she or her brother can bear, they steal away in the night with some of the family jewels and Cind a new home in the neighboring kingdom. Christopher Morgan is a teacher with secrets of his own, so when one of his students continues to cause trouble, he’s determined to help. When he meets his student’s older sister he discovers a family with more secrets than his own. Together and with a bit of magic, they might be able to achieve their dreams.
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Hidden No More( A Lady Forsaken #4)
Christina McKnight
REGENCY: Lady Ellington has been hidden away from high society her entire life by an abusive father who never wanted her. Only after the Marquis passes away can she become the mistress of her own house, free from his grasp -­‐ until a missive arrives from her father’s solicitor for the new Marquis, a man she’s 71
Contemporary
renovation aspect is a large and sometimes detailed part of the story, however, and those not enthusiastic with the subject matter will assuredly become bored. Still, the sweet romance grows at a believable rate and the story is one that will make the reader sigh and smile as the last page turns!
Love Under Construction
Ruth Lynn Ritter
Danyelle Ferguson
Charlie was never like most girls. She grew up loving hammers and saws and loved getting dirty to create something beautiful. So, after receiving her degree and against her family's protests, she set about building her reputation in the building renovation business. But as talented and capable as she is, her boss refuses to allow a “girl” to take the lead on the most challenging and important projects -­‐ especially when his own son, Peter, is set to advance. What to do? Take the leap and start a business of your own! Charlie soon discovers, however, that although Peter (her life-­‐long secret crush) is supportive and helpful, his father is willing to go to whatever extreme necessary to get rid of the competition. When Charlie realizes her relationship with Peter is quickly growing into something more, she must decide which part of her life is most important.
For anyone who loves those DIY home shows on television, this book will be an instant success! Charlie is sweet and fun, yet capable and courageous. Peter is every woman’s dream -­‐ supportive, kind, yet extremely capable in his own right. The 72
Live For This
is for mature audiences only. Sam is not a nice person and readers are going to struggle to feel sorry for her. Michael, though nicer and with a Cirmer grasp of reality, is no less closed off emotionally. The story is gripping and brutal and harsh and readers will not be able to put it down until it's Cinished. The level of easily understandable descriptions of medical and emotional issues which surround a paraplegic and a rape victim is unprecedented, to the point that readers will feel so intently, it may become uncomfortable for some. There is a lot of foul language, but it's appropriate for the characters and their situations. Told in dual Cirst person, anyone in a hopeless situation will Cind hope again through Sam and Michael's journey.
Julie York
Kathryn R. Biel
Samirah and Michael are both broken people. When Sam's mom died, she was left with nothing; her father put the house up for sale the day of the funeral. Sam's choice to not care about being a decent person because life sucks anyway, led to her being drugged and raped, and it's all on video. Michael had a great life, a career, a wonderful future, and on his way to propose, his spine was severed on the hood of a drunk driver's car. Three years of surgery and therapy later, he is a paraplegic, but is Cinally living life again -­‐ although with a broken body.
The steam rating is accurate, but given the content and struggles (both internal and external) of both characters and the descriptive words used, this book Valentine Bride
Shanna HatMield
Carson and Fynlee both uprooted their lives to take care of loved ones. Matilda, Fynlee's grandmother, raised her after the death of her parents, and Carson's Great-­‐Aunt Ruth never had children but gave him a second home every summer he lived on the ranch. Matilda and Ruth, best friends for years, now live in the same retirement center because Ruth sold her ranch to Carson. A laid back, normal life is no longer in the cards for Carson and Fynlee
—not with two scheming relatives, and a host of willing retirement home participants.
This sweet story is as much about loving your relatives despite their hijinks as it is about Cinding love. If awards were given for crazy ideas to push two people together, Matilda and Ruth would get 1st place. Carson and Fynlee are both well-­‐written characters, each trying to do the best they can while maintaining a life, and a bit of sanity. Fynlee is a long-­‐
suffering Cirecracker who seems staid only because of her grandmother's shenanigans. They make a great team, showing the various kinds of love in life, in all its multi-­‐facets. Carson is a kind, strong man, but too much of a pushover with his long-­‐time girlfriend, and it doesn't quite gel with the personality he's given. There is a lot of telling for such a short story, which slows the pacing of the zany actions of the retirement home crew, and stalls out the wonderful dialogue. This is a cast of lovable characters who will not soon be forgotten!
Julie York
Wind Chime Wedding (A Wind Chime Novel Book 2)
Sophie Moss
Contemporary
mother taught in, she turns to former Navy Seal Collin Foley – son of Maryland’s residing governor. Joining forces the two discover that the closure plans for Heron Island Elementary School run deeper than simple government cutbacks when a personal vendetta is revealed. As the two begin to peel away the layers of deceit, Becca’s own Ciancé comes into question. Through the turmoil, can Collin convince Becca to ditch her high school sweetheart and be his one and only? Or will Becca lose all she’s ever known and loved?
A beautifully written romance! Some readers will Cind that the moral Cidelity and betrayal lines that are broached and eventually crossed to be off-­‐putting, as the hero attempts to swoop in and steal another man’s woman; however as the story unfolds, readers will quickly reconsider their previous assumptions when the author introduces a worthy plot twist! They will also discover the author’s talent to blanket the novel with quaint, small town traditions, and vivid imagery. Broad strokes of colorful descriptiveness keep a reader both engaged and entertained. Additionally, one will Cind current and real-­‐life struggles of returning veterans, which lends a sense of realism. Those looking for a sweet and endearing romance will Cind their next summer book within the pages of Ms. Moss’ latest novel. Stephanie Lodes MILITARY: With mere weeks until her wedding, elementary school teacher Becca Haddaway discovers that her quaint school is the next on the state’s budget-­‐
cutting chopping block and is to be shut down. Determined to save the school that she and her Sweet Texas Kiss (Sweet Texas Secrets)
Monica Tillery
Gavin Cooper and his brothers are shocked when they Cind that their father has left their entire inheritance to three women with no real connection to the family. Macy Young, once an up-­‐and-­‐
coming country superstar doesn’t understand why she has been left Jack Cooper’s house, but she thinks that maybe a little time spent in her hometown just might be the break from the spotlight she needs. When she discovers that her high school rival is still living in her house she is confused and wary of the situation. Gavin tries to guard his heart while trying to Cind a way to reclaim his inheritance. Will Macy and Gavin be able to come to a compromise or will they Cind that love and compassion rule the day?
Monica Tillery has started a series that is sure to catch readers’ attention and have them reading until dawn. “Sweet Texas Kiss” is a down-­‐to-­‐earth and sweet contemporary romance that calls to the heart. While the plot is unique and endearing, there are a few places that readers might Cind themselves overrun by excessive descriptions, but it won’t slow the story down. Readers will be fascinated by the depths of the 73
Contemporary
characters and will Cind themselves torn between which character they should be rooting for. The “Sweet Texas Secrets” series promises to be a true crowd pleaser. Readers will be ready for the second book as soon as they Cinish the Cirst! Mary-­‐Nancy Smith
Her merits are revealed and she is a very likeable character. Leo, the eternal good guy that every girl should have in her life, is the kind of cliché that plays out here quite nicely. Although they do knock heads quite often, the sparks that ignite between them are just satisfactory, along with their overall appeal. They spend just as much time in love as out but their romance never really wins the reader over completely. Some interesting Russian/Soviet Union politics come into the story that may strike a chord for some, but for others, may just push away one’s overall commitment. The story is steady with continuous small peaks and is overall an enjoyable read.
Margaret Faria
Sweet Indulgence (The Silicon Beach Trilogy #2)
Jill Blake
After discovering her boyfriend's inCidelity, Becca Markham breaks off her six-­‐year relationship. In order to make a fresh start she quits her job as a software engineer to pursue her love of baking. This begins a new adventure for Becca and marks a turning point in her life. Her friend Leo Kogan has been secretly in love with Becca for some time now and with the possibility of those feelings being mutual he is willing to take a chance on love. However Becca is unsure and with many obstacles that challenge them daily she begins to doubt they will Cind love and happiness together, and wonders if it will be just one more failure to add to her current list.
Becca's initial heartbreak is conveyed with realistic emotion, drawing in the reader to her side. 74
discovers not much has changed in the small town, but she realizes that the people in Barnesville hold secrets and some might just be better left alone. Will Gillian Cind what she is looking for or will she be left heartbroken and forced to Clee her hometown once again?
Jennifer Wenn has created a contemporary romance that is true to life and is Cilled with the right amounts of love, loss, and intrigue. “A Father for Daisy” has a plot that, although not untried, has enough twists and turns to make it unique. Ms. Wenn’s characters are intricate and relatable. There are authors that Cind it difCicult to design a world that readers can understand, but the author has created a small-­‐
town community that readers will recognize and will remind them of one they know of or live in. Readers will Cind it difCicult to put down “A Father for Daisy” until they know what happens next. The “Barnesville” series promises to be a series that readers will be excited to delve into. Mary-­‐Nancy Smith
A Father for Daisy (A Barnesville Novel)
Wyatt (Men of Clifton, Montana #4) Susan Fisher-­‐Davis
Jennifer Wenn
When Gillian Crane was a senior in high school she found herself pregnant after a drunken prom night. She can’t remember who she was with, but it doesn’t really matter when her hateful mother kicks her out of the house and orders her to never return. Gillian makes a new life for herself and her daughter in New York City, but when her mother falls ill she returns to Barnesville. She WESTERN: Olivia Roberts is a woman who knows what she wants, and she’s deCinitely set her sights on Wyatt Stone. However, sexy Wyatt has had his heart crushed before and is not willing to take a chance on a heartbreaker like Olivia. In spite of that, Olivia is positive that Wyatt Cinds her attractive and secretly harbors a desire for her. Determined to have him at any cost, she sets out to seduce him. With a relentless pursuit and 75
Contemporary
determination to hold on to him after she wins him over, she just might trigger the catalyst that turns him away.
The hate-­‐to-­‐love romance is an often told tale, but this novel adds a lot of heat to ignite the pages as they are turned. With some relationship improbabilities in the constantly reoccurring, instantaneous turnarounds from hate to lust and hot to cold, plus the inclusion of God’s name while cursing, not all readers might Cind this appealing. However, the entertaining interaction between the protagonists is non-­‐stop and holds one’s attention. The fourth book in the “Montana” series, it stands alone and delights the senses with sizzling sexual chemistry, a plot that moves steadily, scorching hot bedroom scenes, and some unexpected drama. Even though this is an easy read, one needs to hold onto one’s seat because this enjoyable novel follows a bumpy path to happily ever after and has one sighing with pleasure when all is said and done.
Bygones
Compelling and engaging, “Bygones” is an emotionally rewarding read. Ms. Nielsen has penned a gripping tale with a dramatic storyline and vivid characters. Passion and suspense combine for a classic romance coupled with the drama of family secrets. Lexi’s struggle to Cind her place in the small town she believed she outgrew is certainly relatable. However, Joe’s initial pre-­‐emptive conCidence quickly erodes, causing one to become exasperated with his constant self doubt. Lexi and Joe have tremendous depth and deep affections for one another. One can’t help but cheer for this couple, losing themselves in the fantasy of their two worlds colliding. With red hot romance and suspense that never wavers, “Bygones” is an exciting story that will leave one breathless until the very end! Lisa K. Nielsen
Chantel Hardge
Janna Shay
When the death of her father brings Alexandra Hadley home to 76
settle his affairs, returning to Glenmore permanently is not part of the agenda. Meaning to stay only as long as it takes to Cind a replacement at her father's medical practice, she's anxious to leave and get back to her life. Lexi calls on her high-­‐school crush Joe Manning to remodel her father's study so that she can sell her childhood home. As Lexi and Joe’s friendship blossoms into love, she begins to see Glenmore in a different light. But when her home suffers multiple break-­‐ins, Lexi soon discovers a web of deception that stretches further than she knows. Can Lexi hold on to the tenuous romance she has with Joe while she untangles secrets from the past?
What's It Gonna Be?: A Romantic Comedy set in Mauritius Cassandra Piat ROMANTIC COMEDY/CHICK-­‐LIT: After four years in a relationship with marriage and familial expectations looming and no engagement in sight, Lucy Evans begins to question what she should do with the rest of her life. Should she try and make it work with her boyfriend Matt, or should she pack it in and leave Mauritius for good? When Matt's inability to commit leads to their breakup, Lucy feels adrift at sea without an anchor. She leans on her best friends, Vic and Olivia for support. But when a series of blind date humiliations, boozy behavior and encounters with a creepy stalker leave her shaken, Lucy realizes that it may be harder to get Matt out of her system than she thought.
Heartwarming, quirky and honest, “What's it Gonna Be?” has just the right mix of humor and romantic tension. The author does an admirable job making the reader long for Matt and Lucy to have their happily ever after. Although the plot line seems predictable and some parts are overly long, this tale is so downright clever, funny and entertaining one can't help but become enamored with the story and its characters. The character Lucy is especially relatable. Her chaotic and Clighty manner is so endearing the reader will deCinitely be charmed by her zany antics! The story culminates in a sweet ending where everything comes together nicely. Perfect for a day at the beach, this book is a delightful read if one is in the mood for something a little bit different. Chantel Hardge
Contemporary
In “Second Chances”, Grace Sellers moves back to her old hometown along with her two children, in an effort to build a new life for herself. There, she meets her old high school crush, and the two decide to Cind out if they have a second chance after all. "T'was the Crazy Night Before Christmas" is a romantic-­‐
suspense adventure featuring Clara and Drew, strangers thrown together into a mix of desire and danger.
Fighting For Control (Against the Cage Book 3)
Melynda Price
"Kissing Santa" is the naughty tale of Anna Noel's holiday bucket list, where her dreams of Mr. Klaus don't stop at kissing.
In "The Snow Bird", single-­‐mom Lauren Cinds herself with a leaky roof about to ruin her children's Christmas until a wealthy property developer shows up in town and makes her an offer she can't refuse.
Sizzle in the Snow: A Soul Mate Christmas Collection
Beth Carter, Amy Deason, Crystal Firson, C.D. Hersh, Kim Hotzon,
Ryan Jo Summers, Tina Susedik, Cheryl Yeko, Char ChafMin
Several authors team together in a Christmas collection, offering sizzling romance stories for the season. Eight holiday romances are packed into one volume, the Cirst of which is “Santa Baby”, where we meet Brooke. Pregnant from a one-­‐night stand and due to deliver near Christmas, she is not expecting much from her baby's father. Will a Christmas delivery bring the new mother and father closer together? “Operation Santa” is a rather hilarious, but still romantic story about a husband trying to get his wife back after she left him, by sending her gifts that could backCire in embarrassing ways. In “Tamed by Christmas”, two old lovers meet each other again and try to rekindle their love at Christmas. Finally, in "Christmas Eve Surprise" Steve is hoping the Christmas spirit will help him reconcile with Amy. She's not quite sure -­‐ but for the sakes of the babies she is carrying should she try? Overall, it’s an interesting holiday collection. While there is nothing really new here in terms of storyline, but these authors share a smooth and polished style and each story is full of wit, charm and -­‐ most of all -­‐ romance. Majanka Verstraete
MMA/MILITARY: Looking to start afresh after her failed marriage, Violet Cinds herself seated next to MMA Cighter Nikko Del Toro on a Clight to Las Vegas and propositions him for a one-­‐night indoctrination in to the Mile High Club. When Nikko is ordered to therapy for punching his manager at a press party, Violet can’t believe her new client is the same man that rocked her world six months earlier. As their time together heats up, Nikko vows to protect Violet from the ugly realities of war and his service as a Marine. Can Violet pull him back from the brink without losing her career and Nikko too?
Readers will be in for the ride of their life when they crack this cover! While some may Cind some politically incorrect and racially-­‐
charged slurs off putting, the authors use of them exhibits both the realism and rawness of life in combat as well as vivid post-­‐
traumatic stress Clashbacks. That being the case, readers that suffer from combat related PTSD should be cautious of potential triggers. However, some may Cind a lack of believability that a therapist could willingly allow her professional ethics to be compromised for a 77
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passion-­‐Cilled relationship. While details are tied up and neatly packaged into an epilogue, some may Cind themselves wishing the author had used her exquisite talent for details to produce a lengthier Cinale. Those looking to fulCill their alpha male fantasies will Cind all they need with Nikko!
Stephanie Lodes wishes that they lived in Bitterly, Connecticut in order to know Benny and Dan, as well as a host of other secondary characters that give meat to the story. These characters have their own stories to tell and are not just included in the story as props. Readers will come to love August and Mrs. Fargus and get a glimpse of what life after death must be like. Their dialogue about the great beyond is as humorous as it is bittersweet. Ms. DeFino is deCinitely an author to watch!
MP Ceja
This jaunty contemporary love story takes off from the Cirst page and keeps the pages turning until the very end. With likeable characters (that could use a little more depth), one easily overlooks the unrealistic short time frame for the relationship development from dislike to love. In addition, there are a few areas where the writing style is jarring and causes some faltering in the Clow, but the charming storyline carries the reader over the rough spots and draws one in as the protagonists travel their path to Cinding true love. Dreaming August Containing sizzling attraction, romantic scenarios, and smoldering bedroom scenes, this delightful tale captures the reader and leaves one with a contented sigh and a smile in the heart when all is said and done. (Bitterly Suite #2)
Janna Shay
Terry-­‐Lynn DeFino
Passion Storm
WOMEN'S FICTION: Benedetta “Benny” Grady is a widow who continues to pine for her dead husband. She religiously visits the cemetery and plants Clowers around his grave, speaking to him and also to Mrs. Fargus and to August, each of whom died centuries ago. Benny has a secret, something that she only tells her dead husband and ghostly friends and would like to hide from one person she has fallen in love with -­‐ her husband’s best friend, Dan Greene. Dan has fallen for Benny and plans to woo her but she keeps on avoiding him until she Cinally gives in. But then Dan unearths her secret and it’s now his turn to move away. Ms. DeFino is a remarkable storyteller. Her writing style is as beautiful as it is original. One 78
Diane Escalera
Karina Valdez loves adventure, and winning a trip to the Bahamas is a dream come true. However, winning it in a dating contest she never entered is not something that makes her happy, especially when it’s a blind date with a complete stranger. When her fellow contest winner turns out to be sexy meteorologist Andrew Romano, whose playboy reputation precedes him, she’s reluctant to go. But Andrew has been unfairly labeled a lothario because of his friends and is really looking to marry and settle down with the woman of his dreams. Now, all he has to do is convince Karina she’s the one for him. Foundation (A Golden Beach Novella)
Kim Loraine
After Grace McConnell and Drew Tensley’s wedding they are ready to settle down to happily-­‐ever-­‐
after, but life doesn’t always turn out the way they expect. The ghosts of their pasts refuse to stay that way and pose problems as the new couple try to navigate 79
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everyday stresses compounded by a pregnancy and cultural differences. Will they allow their lives to be overshadowed by former relationships and complications or will they manage to form a closer bond?
A steamy, realistic glimpse into newlyweds, “Foundation” is a perfect poolside read for vacationers. A contemporary romance that plays out in England and east coast of the USA, this novella is a companion piece to the author's Golden Beach series. Drew and Grace are portrayed as deeply in love, but they've let life get in the way of their relationship. From sleeping on the couch to social media interference with face-­‐to-­‐face interactions (as so many relationships are plagued with in today’s society), it is an excellent example of true life. However, as well written and quick paced as the novella is, this installment holds elements that readers will only Cind in the original installments. One may come away scratching one’s head and be somewhat frustrated at being in the dark, therefore it’s not a standalone. This short read packs enough steam readers will avidly seek out the previous installments.
Jordyn Teel
Making It Real (Henderson Family) Synithia Williams
in Charlotte. Despite a strong business plan, the bank turns his loan application down. Neecie Baldwin, who works for Kareem, tells him she has business connections in Charlotte after her brother surprises her at the shop demanding she come home for her parents’ 30th-­‐anniversary party, after a Cive-­‐year absence. In return for her help, Kareem would have to agree to pose as her Ciancé; thereby kiboshing any attempt her family may make to reunite Neecie with her former boyfriend. The Cirst scene of this third book in the series is characteristic: descriptive passages pull the reader in without being overbearing. The story concentrates on the developing relationship between Kareem and Neecie taking place over several months; his character development is more evident than hers. Both individuals Cight against the preconceived notions of others; providing the plot’s scaffolding. Kareem’s business dealings are an integral part of it, but they are relegated to subplot status. Though unforeseen plot twists are nonexistent, the pace of this steamy love story is not to be faulted. Most important characters have suitably unique traits with a corresponding believable history; Neecie’s nephew’s age is an exception. Minor players add interest and character to the story.
A means to an end turns into a journey of discovery; expected yet satisfying to the reader looking for a straightforward romance.
Heather R. Nielsen Kareem Henderson owns Fresh Cutz in Columbia, North Carolina. He dreams of expanding the business; taking care of the grooming needs of the high-­‐end patrons he would have access to 80
Sweet on You: The Wilde Sisters Book 1
Marianne Rice
After baking the "cake of all cakes" Trent Kipson Cinds himself thrust into the spotlight. A call from The Cooking Network asking him to host a new show could bring the break he needs. Rayne wants the fairy tale: a house with kids and a dog. Trent attends her Zumba class and she puts off his advances but she’s worried that if she waits she’ll lose her chance for happiness. As they spend more time together, their secrets begin to creep to the surface and put their newfound relationship to the test. When deeper and more dangerous secrets begin to pop up, will they each run off in the opposite direction?
Marianne Rice has put together a tasty romance that will have mouths watering! Trent is an interesting character; there is much more to him than is apparent at Cirst glance, which makes for some entertaining moments between him and Rayne. As the story develops, it becomes an intense game of "will they, won’t they", which makes the book difCicult to put down. Well written and with some beautiful description, “Sweet on You” is a book that readers will enjoy and may go back to several times. Lynn-­‐Alexandria McKendrick
The Vintner and The Vixen (Vintage Love #1)
Contemporary
is very well written. Ms. Adams has a knack for quick wit and romantic banter like no other. Told from both female and male perspectives this makes for a fun ride! Readers will fall in love with the characters and appreciate the wine knowledge. Many may be left wanting more, as the end comes all too quickly, but there is also a mysterious new beginning in store for the hero and heroine, and a bit of a clifChanger. Here’s hoping book two continues to follow their next adventure and beyond. Cheers!
Viola Robbins
Alexia Adams
Maya Tessier Cinds her new home, which is a beautiful cottage located on a large French Estate with a vineyard and family winery, a welcome sight. She Cled her past in Canada and hopes it doesn't catch up anytime soon. She inherited the cottage with part of the vineyard from her grandmother. Her Grandmother was once engaged to Charles who still lives on the estate with his two grandsons; Daniel, a professional race car driver, and Jacques; a very successful businessman. The grumpy Jaques has quit women and with his painful past, who could blame him? The French Chateau with winery makes the perfect place for Maya to hide out and focus on her art. How long can she keep her bad girl image and past a secret?
The suspense of the hunt by Big Tony will keep readers glued to the pages and chuckling along the way. The sexual tension will also keep readers intrigued to the very end. “The Vintner and The Vixen” Lily (Sorority Sisters Duet #2)
Laura Lee McKellips
sparks Cly between them -­‐ despite Lily’s insistence that she’s not interested. Eric is determined to win Lily over but can he do it before the "I dos" are done and Lily moves on?
A sweet and clean contemporary romance, “Lily” is the second book in the “Sorority Sister’s Duet” series. The story involves two independent main characters, with a medium-­‐sized cast of side characters bringing more depth to the story. Lily is actually dating a nice guy she likes at the beginning of the story, and thus the love triangle starts off differently than most in that Eric has to win her away from an existing positive relationship, which could turn some readers off. However, despite the minimal conClict and slow pace the romance between Lily and Eric builds steadily through a series of creative dates that will leave any reader sighing in contentment, making this a great read for any contemporary fan.
Sarah E. Bradley
Jarod’s Heart (King Brothers Stories #2)
Elise Manion
Lily Baron is one of the most successful event planners in Atlanta, and has earned the ability to pick and choose her clients; but when her best friend’s older brother challenges her ability to plan his baby sister’s wedding, Lily can’t help but want to meet and surpass his expectations. Eric Worth wants to make sure his sister has a perfect wedding, especially since their mother is kicking up a fuss about the groom. He’s certain Lily is just using his sister to launch her own career, but as Lily proves him wrong After his ex-­‐wife left him for her drug dealer, Jarod King has sworn off relationships and generally ignored women entirely, preferring to stick to his job as sheriff and eliminate drugs from Timbisha County. Unfortunately for Jarod, his past is about to come back to haunt him and if he can stop worrying about Lauren Lockwood, his secretary and a family friend, maybe he’ll be able to handle it. Lauren has been in love with Jarod for years, and now 81
Contemporary
he seems to be waking up to her existence. However, is Jarod actually beginning to return her feelings, or is he confusing needing her help for love? And can they protect their hearts when drug dealers are determined to run their town and will do anything it takes to keep the sheriff out of the way?
A cute contemporary romance, this is the second book in the “King Brothers” series. As there is some overlap with Cirst book, this series should deCinitely be read in order to avoid confusion. As the story itself goes, this is a typical "boy realizes girl is now a woman" story made entertaining by the cast of family and friends thrown in to provide laughs, love, and support. Although the conClict is somewhat predictable and the action is mostly off screen, there is a bit of danger to spice things up and some sweet clean romance thrown in, which makes this a great read for any contemporary lover.
This Cirst-­‐time author has a wonderful read in “Challenged”! The emotions of the heroine and what she had to endure as a child and an adult and those of the full cast of characters are identiCiable, and the conClicts and celebrations are realistic. The hero has his own harsh feelings which are well portrayed and when the tension and feelings of his past begin to soften, the story takes yet another turn. Suspense and sabotage are juicy and take this story to the end. Readers will enjoy the plot, and even though the concept isn’t quite unique in nature, it will leave readers very satisCied. This book begins a series and hopes would be that Sophia and Jackson make more appearances. Always My Hero (Scallop Shores #5)
Jennifer DeCuir
Kate Carley
Bree Adams is tired of being the mousy librarian and makes a New Year’s resolution to put herself out there more. Everything is going according to plan until her Cirst love, Ryan Pettridge, comes back to town and moves in next door with his adorable son. He broke her heart when he moved away years ago, just when she thought they might have found love together. But now he’s back and Bree has to face the painful secret she’s kept from him all this time. Can they fall in love again with so many unresolved issues still between them?
Sophia Lancaster does not have the stomach for her job. Getting calls at all hours to rescue children from horrible situations and placing them with children’s services is not sitting well. When a formal call from an attorney comes regarding her grandfather's death, she’s required to travel to Northern Minnesota. Although she believed her grandparents had been dead for some time, this call brings up many questions about her past. The author does a great job of setting a realistic scene in the small town of Scallop Shores and makes it easy to visualize each location. The secondary cast of characters, from the library board to the townspeople who frequent the hardware store, is well-­‐drawn and provides a great framework for the main love story. Bree and Ryan both have deep scars from the past and the author pulls the reader in with the emotion the characters face as they try to resolve what happened, while juggling the new issues they have in the present. At times, the characterization and pacing were Sarah E. Bradley
Challenged (A Changing Krysset Novel #1)
82
Her mother’s abrupt move when she was eight is one of many. Jackson, her childhood friend, is still angry that she never came home to visit. He worked for her grandfather and now has to work with Sophia to complete the challenge he came up with to keep the lakeside resort in business. Can they make it to the one-­‐year deadline?
Viola Robins
uneven, but the root-­‐worthy factor of this couple vs. the demons from the past that pop up, keep the story engaging and tension-­‐Cilled. Bree and Ryan were denied their happy ending once, but readers will cheer as this couple reaches for the second chance they’ve been given.
Kate Campbell Contemporary
eliminated right away, and a rival willing to do whatever it takes to win, hijinks quickly ensue as love meets reality TV.
A contemporary romantic comedy with plenty of real emotion on a TV set, “Marry Your Billionaire” puts a new spin on the reality TV dating shows by having both a bachelor and bachelorette who don’t want to be there. Full of drama, steam, and a bit of danger as one contestant plots her way to the top, this story has plenty to offer for any “Bachelor” fan. Although, Brody occasionally strays from Alpha to jerk, and Midge sometimes caves on her principles out of lust, the romance and laughs will keep the reader engrossed until the very end.
Sarah E. Bradley
Marry Your Billionaire
C.J. Anaya
ROMANTIC COMEDY/
FAIRYTALE: Midge Knightly knows Cirsthand that reality TV is anything but real, and the last thing she’s interested in is a phony romance based on ratings. Unfortunately, when her scholarship runs out, her father is only willing to help her pay for school if she competes in his new “Bachelor” type TV series. Brody Prescott is the CEO and owner of a successful online dating company, but after a scandal lands him in the tabloids he lets his business partner talk him into joining the show to salvage his reputation. Except, now that the initial panic is over, appearing on TV is the last thing he wants. At least, until he meets Midge. With both her father and Brody wanting to keep her on the show, and Midge wanting to be In This Life
Christine Brae
heartbroken, full of guilt, and rushing back home. Sadly, Jude doesn’t follow through with his promise of contacting her when he returns to the states, leaving her devastated and unable to let go. Dante is her rock and protector and will become so much more in the following years. Hidden secrets will rip her world apart once again, will they be able to Cind her one true love?
This international jet setting novel is Cilled with love lost and found. Ms. Brae’s writing in and of itself is beautiful throughout. However, there are numerous scenes that are vague and unCinished, leaving one scratching one’s head. In this lover’s triangle, location speciCics need to be more concise, where exactly is Anna, her apartment or Dante’s? One might also Cind some of the plot-­‐
points a bit unrealistic such as a man of God, giving in to temptation so quickly and using course language as easily as Jude does. While faith is heavily woven throughout the plots, readers may not Cind this truly uplifting. It is a heart rending journey through faith, morality, and love. One will Cind themselves praying for the deeply emotional characters and rooting for their happily ever after.
Jordyn Teel
Running away from inner family drama, Anna Dillon drags her best friend Dante Leola with her to Thailand as relief workers. Living with other aid workers from around the world she meets Jude Grayson and they spend ten glorious days together that changes their worlds forever. Anna is shaken to her core when a family member passes away unexpectedly, leaving her 83
84
Paranormal/Fantasy
The Secrets of Dargon, The Shrouded Kingdom Chronicles, #2
Ciara Knight
scantily described; characters sometimes act peculiarly, and there are editing issues. However, the largest concern stems from inadequate information and a wildly confusing conclusion. It is not enough for the characters to simply state they despise the Elders and the Queen. Without satisfactory background information the reader is left befuddled. Painting a clearer picture of the world, correcting character behavior, steadying the pace, and Cilling in plot holes would make this a magical tale Cit for a Queen.
Carol Conley
HIGH FANTASY: The Kingdom of Gremdon has won free of the Elders but Saldor, unlike the rest of his people, feels that evil is coming. Convincing the council to travel beyond the Dark Forest is impossible, but he does persuade them to check the far reaches before devoting all manpower to the harvest. His intention is to sneak away from his small group and head to Dargon where he believes the love of his life has lived these long years. Meeting Marseha at the edge of the Dark Forest is a fortuitous surprise for them both. However, evil is brewing, battle is coming, and secrets abound. Is the past destined to repeat itself or will love prevail this time?
This imaginative fantasy is full of courageous steadfast characters Cighting to free themselves from evil magical oppression and forever banishing those who smother their once beautiful world with dark magic and enslave, torture, and kill the inhabitants as they see Cit. While the plot captures the imagination, the execution of it leaves one swimming in a pool of bewilderment. The world is It is a struggle for Dentin to Cind his place in life. He encounters many obstacles to deter him. But he courageously continues his quest for love, family and loyalty. Rachel Rossano takes the reader on a fantastic journey, seen not only through Dentin's eyes, but through the other characters in the stories of the anthology. When there is a break in the middle it is explained that these stories are before his appearance in "Duty: First Novel of Rhynan and after "Honor". This is a book that is easily put down and the reader is not compelled to Cinish it all in one sitting. Yet the author somehow has the talent to make the stories adventurous enough for men and romantic enough for women without losing the integrity of the tales. Rose Mary Espinosa
The Making of a Man: A Short Story Anthology (Novels of Rhynan #2.5)
Rachel Rossano
Playing the Witch’s Game (Keepers of the Veil #3l)
MEDIEVAL FANTASY: Lord Simon Cordale is the Earl of Dentin. His family is loyal to the King, but at the same time they do not want to enter an unjust war. After his father is killed by his brother in a hunting accident, it is left to Simon to rule their land and keep the peace between his people and the King. He decides to choose men who are not only excellent warriors but who will also be loyal to him. Zoe Forward
Pleiades witch Jennifer Marcos thinks she has found her soul mate. All she has to do is Cind a “fake” boyfriend, make it onto a new reality show, and the man of her dreams will Cinally commit to her. When Jennifer becomes desperate to Cind a “fake” boyfriend she turns to ex-­‐Russian 85
Paranormal/Fantasy
spy Nikolai Jovec. Although she knows this drop-­‐dead gorgeous man, she is reluctant to spend any real time with him. He has stolen from her in the past and she doesn’t know if she can really trust him, but time isn’t on her side. The two pair up and are added to the list of contestants for the reality show and begin a journey Cilled with trials of the mind, body, and heart. Will Jennifer and Nikolai Cind a camaraderie they can live with or will they Cind love in each other’s arms?
Glyn is set to protect Lexii, but doing that also means protecting secrets, and choosing duty above her one chance at love. Zoe Forward has created a world that is both realistic and fantastic! As the third book in the “Keepers of the Veil” series “Playing the Witch’s Game” can be read as a stand-­‐alone but readers might Cind it beneCicial to read the Cirst two books previous to this one so that they can understand the entire story line. Zoe Forward’s characters are relatable and have genuine depth to them. Readers will Cind themselves rooting for the good guys and hoping the bad guys will be completely eliminated. Books like “Playing the Witch’s Game” keep readers engaged and have them coming back for more. An enjoyable fantasy read, especially for fans of dragons. The characters are complex and entertaining, Glyn in particular. She struggled a lot between duty and love. She was capable, intelligent, and brave, and seeing those qualities and her struggle made her an intriguing character. The pacing was a little off here and there, with some parts going too fast, and others slightly too slow. Despite that, the book had solid world building, and the dialogue was usually spot-­‐on. A worthy entry to the series!
Mary-­‐Nancy Smith
Hatchling’s Mate (Dragshi Chronicles #3)
Helen Henderson
FANTASY: Dragshi are humans who can exchange bodies with dragons. Talann is the son of two dragon lords but needs a twinned dragon soul for his powers to awaken. Everyone suspected this would be Lexii, but the two of them couldn’t stand each other. 86
“Hatchling’s Mate” is the third book in the Dragshi Chronicles. Not having read the previous books, it wasn’t that hard to pick up this book and dive into the story, though. The book does recap the previous books and although the reader gets the feeling of missing out on some lore and background story, it isn’t necessary to comprehend this book.
Majanka Verstraete
Abandoned Darkness (A Forest of Darkness Book 2)
Kate Wendley
Besides being the Alpha Wolf of the Atlanta pack, Sebastian also has the unfortunate “gift” of telepathy. His mind-­‐reading powers have made him an outcast, shunned by those who are supposed to be like family. He’s learned to be tough in the face of adversity and has put up walls to protect himself. Although he may appear uncaring, brash and insensitive on the surface, underneath it all is a man who yearns for someone to call his own. While he’s resigned himself to being alone he continues to fantasize about his longtime crush, Jade. Unbeknownst to him, Jade feels the same way. When Sebastian and Jade quite literally run into one another it sets off a chain reaction that neither of them anticipated. An exciting tale of danger, fear, loyalty and love, “Abandoned Darkness” is the second novel in the Forest of Darkness series. Sebastian’s chemistry with the sweet and kindhearted Jade makes for a tender love story. Readers will enjoy the interaction between them as they come to know and trust each other. Not the stereotypical vampire/shifter trope, the world created by Ms. Wendley is unique in that vampires and shifters co-­‐exist and have an almost symbiotic relationship. Although the story is generally told from Jade and Sebastian’s point of view, readers may become confused by whole chapters devoted to side characters. This book does have some unCinished threads in the plotline and ends on a bit of a clifChanger. All things considered, readers won’t be disappointed with Ms. Wendley’s latest effort!
Chantel Hardge
Paranormal/Fantasy
captured the attention of both his human side and his wolf. Truly intriguing, the story covers a web of plot lines that intersect within the scorching hot link of Alena and Enre’s wolves. Drawn to each other in the heat of danger, they cannot help but continue to intertwine their lives until they become inseparable. Action and romance, blended with emotional turmoil, sweep together to create a marvelous read! While not the Cirst in the series, this story stands alone, yet draws the reader to want to read the previous novel and those yet to come. From pack dynamics to interpersonal relationships Ms. Walsh paints a truly beautiful picture with her words. Penelope Anne Bartotto
Harper Mattox and Christian Viera are one-­‐dimensional characters in a one-­‐dimensional world whose only connection is physical. Ms. Black does not take the opportunity to develop the sexual tension between her characters and as such the reader does not get to experience the delight of two characters getting to know each other on every level. “Shifted Under Construction” needs to give Harper and Christian the time they need to make a believable and passionate bond.
Ms. Black's prose is good and she does add some unique twists in her telling of the story -­‐ there is talent galore here. Unfortunately, there is also a missed opportunity for real, creative eroticism with a compelling and believable storyline. Ms. Black should feel encouraged to give full reign to her talent and Clesh out those sexy characters with more depth and emotion.
Cloaked in Secrecy (The Wulbkin Legacy #2)
T.F. Walsh
Alena Novac lives with her father and twin brother, Nicolai, in the circus that is also home to her father’s pack. Bound by a blood curse to her brother, they must protect each other from harm. When Nicolai is arrested by the local police as a suspected murderer, the pack is forced into action to protect one of their own from the scrutiny of an Interpol agent and a stranger from the ruling family of the wulCkin, Enre Ulf. Enre comes not from the Varlac, but knows he must protect the wulCkin secrets for all of their kind. He must also protect his heart from the vixen who has book where the sex is good and hot. Unfortunately, it is also very light in the story department. Its predictable storyline means that those readers looking for substance in their romance will be disappointed. Shifted Under Construction (Bad Boy Alphas)
C.E. Black
Gwenellen Tarbet Cloaked: A Wulbkin Legacy Novella (The Wulbkin Legacy #0.5)
T.F. Walsh Harper Mattox has had enough of bad boys, but that doesn’t stop her from appreciating the rock hard abs of her new boss Christian Viera. She swears that’s as far as it will go until he focuses his dark bedroom eyes on her and unleashes his winning smile. Life at work just got very complicated.
Rock-­‐hard abs. Bedroom eyes. “Shifted Under Construction” is a SUSPENSE/THRILLER: Daciana has one year away from her shifter clan to experience the human world. Thrilled with her opportunity to work as an animal behaviorist, she is devastated when her bear cub charges are 87
Paranormal/Fantasy
88
stolen and the eyes of the law turn to her as a suspect. In this case, the sexy piercing eyes belong to Inspector Connell Lonescu. He knows that there is something that Daciana is hiding, and solving mysteries is his job. Thrown together they must work to save the cub’s lives and Cight the intense heat of passion that threatens to engulf their very souls.
“Cloaked” is a story charged with sexual tension and passion. What it lacks is a story that is complete in and of itself. It assumes that the reader is familiar with the previous novellas in the series and leaves the Cirst time reader confused as to the context in which Danciana views the world. The story takes place in Eastern Europe; a fact that can easily be missed by the reader as the dialogue and backdrop of the story could be transplanted to “Anywhere USA’” without affecting the story.
Ms. Walsh’s strengths lie in her strong characters and well-­‐
written dialogue. She understands the nature of passion and does not rely on old tired clichés to create sexual heat between the characters. She needs to be more generous with her considerable talents and give her readers a complete story.
Gwenellen Tarbet
Paranormal/Fantasy
to stand alone, even though it is the second in a series. Complex plot lines are easily melded by the author’s attention to details. It is deCinitely worth being bound to this pack in order to see what will happen next!
Penelope Anne Bartotto Bound (The Silverton Chronicles #2)
Carmen Fox Florian and Ivy are private detectives when their pack duties do not get in the way. Florian Dupree is a vampire and Ivy is a guardian, but they are bound to Parker Reeves' pack. Flo has the impressive job of negotiations for the pack, his charm being his greatest asset. When a pack of females moves onto Parker’s lands he sends Flo to make an agreement with their Alpha, a minx by the name of Keely. Keely has charms of her own that totally throw Flo off his game and his world into a tailspin. Add in chaos from the realm of Alethia seeping into the world around them and everyone has something to deal with. “Bound” is a tremendous action-­‐
packed read with a collection of developed characters that come together through Ms. Fox's tight prose. Florian is indeed a charmer that keeps the reader attracted to the tale as it progresses. However, it is the dynamic female characters of Ivy and Keely that truly pack a punch. Different, yet similar, they keep the fellas on their toes and story moving along. The back story is adeptly deCined without overwhelming the current telling, allowing this book Raining Embers (Order and Chaos Book 1) Jessica Dall
FANTASY: Palmer Tash is an acolyte in a religious order in the bustling city of Latysia, even though he’s not particularly religious. An orphan, he’s taking advantage of the free education until he can graduate and Cind a job to support himself, believing that his uncanny precognitive abilities are nothing unusual. Brier Chastain-­‐Bochard is the daughter of the State Librarian. She’s been raised in privilege, but it doesn’t protect her from a malady that causes her no small degree of discomfort. Their paths cross the Cirst time at a state function at which Brier’s engagement to her childhood friend Nico Adessi-­‐Guillroy is announced. When they both have devastating visions of either their future or the past, and are kidnapped by a mysterious group, they realize that their abilities are due to an all-­‐encompassing heritage that will change their lives forever.
"Raining Embers” is an intriguing and unusual young-­‐adult fantasy novel. The harmonious way that Palmer and Brier’s powers complement each other is just one reason why they have such good chemistry together. Palmer is thoughtful and calm to Brier’s 89
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more passionate, forthright nature. They make a good pair in ways more than just romantically. The storyline is intricate and interesting, although it is at times hard to follow and dissect the meaning of events that occur. Ultimately, the story comes to a cohesive and satisfying climax. Readers looking for young adult fantasy that takes a different path, and with an unusual mythology, will appreciate “Raining Embers”.
Danielle Hill
This paranormal romance takes a fresh approach to the demon-­‐
lover scenario with a man who sells his soul to the devil and becomes an indebted killer. Not a light-­‐hearted read by any means, this dark tale of love starts out a bit slow as the necessary background is introduced but quickly picks up speed as the story unfolds. There are a few disjointed areas that might make the reader’s focus wander, but not enough to hinder the appeal of this intriguing tale. With well-­‐
developed characters and an intense, action-­‐packed storyline, one easily gets pulled into the plot and turns the pages rapidly. However, as a prequel, the reader must continue with the series to get to the happily ever after. Notwithstanding, this enthralling novel is a must read and is sure to please romance and paranormal readers alike. Janna Shay
Flame's Dawn: A Hell to Pay Novella
Jillian David
that void gets him much more than he bargains for. Winning the affection of her parents is one of the reasons Isabela Florin joined the Caeli guard. As the only female she feels that she has a lot to prove. When she’s asked to spy on a man who awakens a lust she never knew she had, she’s caught between a rock and a hard place. Can they both Cind what they’re looking for while giving into the feelings tormenting them?
A very sexy, tormented dragon shifter and a strong, determined woman who isn’t afraid to Cight for her kind -­‐ put these two together and one has a very exciting story with a lovely romance added in! The writing is clear and concise with just the right amount of description, which puts the reader right in the middle of the story. The dialogue Clows nicely, especially in the regal sense. The sentiments and traditions created for the shifters by the author are well described and in many ways beautiful. Hot love scenes with passion radiating from the page will have readers breathless and aching for more. Lynn-­‐Alexandria McKendrick
Specialist Jane Larson and Captain Barnaby Blackstone meet in the midst of the Vietnam War and seek succor in each other’s arms from the harsh realities of warfare. Their one night of bliss gives Barnaby hope for respite from his life as an indebted killer for the devil. As the years pass, Barnaby continues to think about the woman who ignited a Cire in his soul, and his sixth sense tells him she’s in danger. When he Cinds her committed to an asylum and in the clutches of a cult leader, he must save her from the darkness that engulfs her and reveal his deepest secret.
90
Druid Warrior’s Heart: Celtic Stewards Chronicles 2
Juli D. Revezzo
Stefan of Caeli: Lords of Magic Book 2
Aurrora St. James
HISTORICAL: Stefan Baudin wants to know more about his past. A dragon shifter whose mother walked out when he was just a baby, he has been searching for answers to Cill the emptiness he feels inside. His journey to Cill HISTORICAL: Steward Ruth Macken awaits the arrival of the warrior sworn to the Celtic Gods served and worshipped by her family for time immemorial. When the warrior arrives, it will spell the beginning of a huge battle between druids and an enemy who will decide the fate of the world. Ready to Cight for the cause, Issac Connel knows what he has to do and intends to die for the cause if need be. When he sees Ruth, he is immediately captivated and cannot get her out of his mind. With this burning need to protect her, can he still do that and win the battle?
"Druid Warrior's Heart" is a gripping historical romance featuring a hot soldier hero and a beautiful heroine with an important destiny. While she is strong enough to take care of herself, Issac cannot quash his need to protect her and keep her safe. A nice personal touch was Ruth’s diary -­‐ her personal thoughts provided great insight into her character and was a lovely touch. It’s nice to see how Ruth and Issac's feelings develop along with their mission. Juli D. Revezzo has written a magical love story to take the reader on a Celtic wild ride! Lynn-­‐Alexandria McKendrick
Paranormal/Fantasy
morning, they discover they are the only Cive people left in the entire city. Aram has an encounter with a being, but it deCinitely is not human. Even the atmosphere has changed. There is no wind, just cold everywhere. They are all at a loss as to what could have happened during the night to take all the people away, leaving the city silent.
“Alignment” starts off as a distinctive story and gets more peculiar as it progresses. The Cive main characters are delightful in spite of their Claws. They each have their backstories that makes for some fun reading and helps the reader to be able to differentiate each of the characters. However, there are a few Claws in the story that keep it from Clowing smoothly. Khash is spelled as xhash half the time and wrong tenses are used, so one is never quite sure what time things are happening. The story itself gets repetitive, so this reviewer wasn’t captivated during the entire story. The novel ends as a clifChanger, so nothing is resolved, but a sequel is available. With quirky characters in an otherwise empty city, this is certainly a thought-­‐provoking read. Belinda Wilson Alignment: The Silent City
Dragon Knight’s Axe (Order of the Dragon Knights #3)
H. G. Suren
Mary Morgan
MYSTERY: Five friends are playing cards at Mark’s spare apartment, waiting for Daniel to Cinish making khash, a special Armenian dish. Everything seems to be progressing as it usually does on their card nights, but Aram senses something is different. Upon waking the next HISTORICAL: Research assistant Fiona O'Quinlan lives and breathes her job at Trinity College. She is working on a project translating a medieval tablet, upon which are written the intriguing words, “Dragon Knight”, in Gaelic. She takes a break while working on the archeological dig and when she awakens she Cinds herself in Medieval Ireland! She meets Alastair McKay and he decides the best thing is to take her to her relatives. During the voyage, Fiona realizes she loves Alistair, the gruff, brooding, Dragon Knight. Fiona makes it her mission to help Alastair take his axe to be cleansed by the Dragon. As they travel, Alastair admits to caring about Fiona. Can this modern-­‐day Irish lass adjust enough to stay in the medieval past to make a future with Alastair?
This is a fast-­‐paced novel with a plethora of fascinating characters! All of them have compelling backstories which are told as the story progresses. This in no way slows the plot, but instead enhances the tale by embellishing it with hints of other stories that are to be found in other books in the series. Mary Morgan has created beautifully strong characters in this unique offering of magical Dragon Knights, damsels in distress, and dragons. Although there were several loose ends left hanging, they are promised to be tied up in the next book -­‐ leaving this reviewer excited to catch up with the friends made in this installment and eager to see how the evil druid is Cinally conquered!
Belinda Wilson
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detail that it is easy to “see” the passages that Mira and her friends take to avoid trouble. This novel is surely one to add to the library of any vampire fancier.
Annihilation (Chronicles bit of new material to a familiar story that moves at a quick pace, involves a lot of action, and some clean but steamy romance. As an individual Jax is fairly unremarkable among urban fantasy heroines, but the rest of the cast and setting provide some hints for more interesting future books. Overall, this story has a good combination of explosive action and steam.
of the Uprising 6)
Sarah E. Bradley
Belinda Wilson K. A. Salidas
DYSTOPIAN: Mira has been both the vampire and otherkin’s only hope of peace, but she is now dead in the arena. When she fell, the uprising of the vampires and otherkin began. They are battling for peace and equality between them and the Elites, or humans. Up until now, the vampires and otherkin have been used as gladiators to Cight to the death for the amusement of the Elites. As the battle begins, Mira’s lover, a werewolf, pulls her body to safety in the hopes that she may somehow be reanimated. What will be the Cinal result of this bloody uprising?
Ms. Salidas brilliantly spins a unique vampire tale that is riveting until the end! She has a myriad of different characters from vampires to werewolves, all of whom have deep stories of their own. This is the sixth book in a series and although “Annihilation” works well as a stand-­‐alone, it would work even better if read in order of the series. The Clow of the story is interrupted by misspelled words and missing words which is a problem throughout the work. The world upon which this story is built is described in so much 92
Payable on Death (Jax Rhodes #1)
Rachel Rawlings
Jax has lived a rough life, but somehow managed to avoid getting caught up in gangs or drugs. In an effort to save her mother from her abusive step-­‐
father, Jax makes a deal with the Devil. Everyone knows that this type of deal will cost one their soul, but Jax neglects to pay attention to the Cine print. Now she is attempting to avoid the demons dogging her footsteps and somehow earn her soul back. There’s a reason the Devil was so interested in Jax and she’s Cinally starting to Cind out why. With a handsome Sin Eater right behind her and Angels and Demons attempting to win her over will she choose the right side and save the world? A new addition to the angels and demons urban fantasy genre, Jax is a child of an angel and a human, and one of the last remaining humans able to Cight demons. The inclusion of a Sin Eater provides a 93
New Adult
La Vie en Rose (Life in Pink)
Lydia Michaels
A neatly organized plan for one's life is ideal but rarely achieved. Emma Sanders wanted the single-­‐
family home complete with husband, kids, and picket fence -­‐ all of which were within her grasp until her Ciancé dumped her. Her plans now lay in a broken pile of rubble at her feet, and she is lost and miserable. Tired of Emma monopolizing their couch, her roommate, Riley Lockhart, sets out to help her out of her funk. With a new plan in mind, Emma and Riley work to mend her battered heart. Slowly but surely, their awkward initial interactions become natural and necessary. Their feelings morph from congenial to visceral. Tested again, Emma and Riley Cind that life with one another is far more colorful than life alone. Ms. Michaels has written a book with many twists and turns. Emma goes through the emotional gamut -­‐ from heartbreak and illness to love, laughter, and hope. Michael sympathetically handles her character's fragility from the onset with her broken dreams then gently and honorably depicts the struggles of a cancer patient and survivor. Her earnest respect enables the reader to experience 94
Emma's struggles and vulnerabilities as she came to terms with her treatment and recovery. The author strays a bit midstream, however, and sections of the novel become reminiscent of a political campaign with an excess of propaganda, which detract from the Clow and magic of their romance. However, this novel gave voice to a character worthy of meeting. Amy Willis Into the Wind
Donald J. Carey
After all her attempts to keep Jordan and Kehau apart it surprises no one when Jordan’s mom takes their engagement badly, but after all their struggles to be together, they are determined to tough it out. As they juggle work and classes with the challenge of planning a wedding and trying to Cind time together, a new trial arises when Jordan’s mom suddenly becomes ill. Unsure if she is faking it to hinder the wedding or genuinely in trouble, Jordan and Kehau have to decide what they are willing to sacriCice to be together. Can the coming storm be weathered together, or is their future best faced separately?
A contemporary romance set in Hawaii, this is the sequel to “Bumpy Landings” and it picks up right where the previous book left off. It should deCinitely be read in order to prevent confusion. With emotions running high right from the start, this is a story full of conClict. Not only does this allow for tremendous character growth, but also provides plenty of drama without relying on miscommunication, despite the uneven pace and sometimes unsympathetic heroine. The romance itself is far from warm and fuzzy but the end will leave the reader satisCied as well as hoping for a book featuring one of the new characters. Overall, readers will be unable to put down this clean read, as love proves lasting even when frustrations make it difCicult.
Sarah E. Bradley
Young Adult
The Warrior Prophet (The Watcher Saga #3)
petulant child at times rather than an intelligent young woman who is trying to save her one true love. There are also many threads left hanging throughout the story such as angels being described as not having human desires and feelings yet Michael is in love, etc. Still, it is a highly entertaining and suspenseful escape that readers of all ages will enjoy.
The Halbling (The Aria Fae Series #1)
What a great beginning for a new YA series! The author creates a believable and sympathetic heroine, and then sets her up against endearing secondary characters that draw the reader in and wrap them tightly in their world! It only takes the Cirst few pages before one is cheering for Aria and her cohorts, all while reading on the edge of their seat as she Cights to keep her friends and new home safe. There are a few important points in the story that need more explanation such as Aria’s backstory, which keeps the reader from truly understanding the depth of these situations and lessens the experience overall. Still, it is the Cirst in a series, so hopefully, enlightenment will come in the next book of this very promising and enjoyable new ride! H.D. Gordon
Ruth Lynn Ritter
Ruth Lynn Ritter
Lisa Voisin
Although still just in high school, Mia Crawford has had to deal with more scary things than imaginable! As a “Prophet”, she not only sees the angels, demons and monsters that dwell among us, she also has visions of things to come. The only thing saving her from going crazy at times is the love of her lifetimes, Michael.
Michael is an angel who fell because he loved Mia more than heaven, itself. But now, after working his way out of hell and having found her again, he is sliced with an “angel killer” sword in a Cight to save her. Now Mia must make the ultimate sacriCice and go through hell (literally) to save him. In “The Warrior Prophet” Ms. Voisin has deftly penned an imaginative and highly creative story that draws on a mixture of human beliefs from Gods to angels to demons while still making it coherent and believable for teenagers. Now that is talent! It is the third in a series and really should not be read as a stand-­‐
alone, however, as it Clows with the same characters and story-­‐
line throughout the continuing books. At this point, Mia annoyingly still acts more like a becomes a secret vigilante but even the best of intentions turn lethal when those who proCit start losing their power. Desire in Frost (Crystal Frost #2)
URBAN FANTASY: As a “HaCling” (part fae, part human) Aria grew up knowing her life was set as a warrior. But at only 17 years old she is cast out of the supernatural organization that trained her entire life and is now left on her own in the human world. With no means to support herself, she Cinds a job in a Clower shop, rents a run-­‐down apartment and signs up for high school, where she soon meets friends and learns to adapt to her new life.
Still, she knows her abilities are far under-­‐used in this human world but it doesn’t take long before danger catches up. Using her enhanced abilities, Aria Alicia Rades
PARANORMAL: Crystal Frost has just recently learned that she has inherited her mother’s psychic abilities, and just in time to help her mother’s Ciancé track down a little girl who has been kidnapped. Yet, as a novice psychic Crystal can’t seem to make sense of the visions of Hope’s abduction she sees in her dreams or understand what the ghosts appearing to her want. As her family travels to Florida for Thanksgiving, Crystal’s visions become stronger, and while she 95
Young Adult
struggles to sort out her abilities, she also has to decide whether or not to trust her soon-­‐to-­‐be-­‐step cousin Robin -­‐ not only with her secret but also her budding feelings. Can she rely on her family to track down Hope or will her self-­‐doubt cause them to fail and Hope to be lost forever?
A striking paranormal YA novel of self-­‐discovery and mystery, "Desire in Frost" has Crystal juggling her new talents with the odd mystery of Hopes abduction. Between the mystery and sweet romance, this is a great read for teens. Crystal is very relatable with her doubts and Cirst love, and has a supportive mom who is unusually present for a parent in a YA novel. Robin is a nice guy with his own insecurities and concerns but is more conCident in his actions, which makes him a great opposite to Crystal. Although the book lacks any "stand out" factor, this is a good story about realistic characters with some paranormal abilities which makes it fun read for any paranormal YA lover.
Sarah E. Bradley
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Suspense/Thriller
important to the story have only a sentence or two—making it, at times, choppy, as if readers should know more than they do. This is a good gumshoe story, with an ending you don't see coming.
Julie York
Assassin P.I.
Elizabeth Janette
Jack is a middle-­‐aged former cop turned PI. When a Clame from the past, Angie, turns up to hire him to Cind her husband's killer, against his better—and sober—
judgment, he takes the case. The ten thousand cash up front didn't hurt either. Jack is already caught up in things he can't unwind from, and though he has a solid plan for tropical beaches, he's a sucker for tying up loose ends and Cinding the truth behind lies in a corrupt city. With no real friends and a tenuous tie to the police, sticking around was probably not his smartest choice.
Jack is a throwback to Dick Tracy's character; albeit one with a severe alcohol problem and a very foul-­‐mouthed bird. The twists and turns will keep readers guessing, and even as he seems to stumble from one point to the next, there is a method to his madness—though it is not always shared with readers. Jack and Angie's relationship is a focal point, and a reason behind so much. It's all kinds of messed up, which is expected, but not written well enough, with a solid base, to handle the Cluctuations of hot/
cold and push/pull tension between them. It's confusing. Some secondary characters are fully Cleshed out, but others just as Still Life (Randi Lassiter #1) DB Kennison
the author weaves twists and turns into the plot line until the very end! This novel has been thoroughly researched; one can easily search out the locations and discover their true-­‐life locations. The author exquisitely demonstrates her talent with descriptions that produce rich and vibrant imagery. Readers will also discover amusingly blunt attributes that will make them laugh out loud. Great care is also taken to decode police and investigative jargon and the acronyms are well deCined and Cluidly written. While the author excels in keeping a reader on the edge of their seat with climactic suspense, some may feel abandoned as the ending Cizzles out. Overall, Ms. Kennison is a wizard at combining suspense and character chemistry!
Stephanie Lodes Private Investigator/Real Estate agent Randi Lassiter was just performing her normal night job: snapping pictures of cheating spouses at a local seedy motel, until she stumbled upon a mutilated corpse. Now the number one suspect, she has to convince new Detective Jon Bricksen otherwise. Determined to prove herself innocent and also solve the murder, Randi begins to uncover multiple details about the dead woman’s life. Annoyed with the intrusion into his case, but unexplainably attracted to the beautiful sleuth, Jon Cinds himself joining forces with Randi in more ways than one. Just as they presume they’ve cracked the case, more women begin to surface as victims. Can the two solve the mystery for good before another casualty arises?
Just as reader thinks they know “who did it,” they will Cind themselves to be kept guessing, as Deadline
Jessica James
The truth shall set you free! At least, that’s Caitlin Sparks’ mantra after the seasoned reporter stumbles upon a murder scene, and sets out to be the lead scoop with the only behind the scenes access. However, former Seal turned detective Blake Madison has a new set of rules… no media. As the two butt heads to solve the 97
Suspense/Thriller
multiple homicides that keep stacking up they discover that “sparks” isn’t just a surname, but the description of their building relationship. Can they solve the crime before more bodies are added to the coroner's table, or will they be the next in line for an autopsy?
A brilliant start for a new mystery series! While hidden political agendas are not new, this is an original tale of deceit and lies embroiled in state, federal and local law enforcement and the never-­‐ending job for journalists to capture the truth and share it. This is an excellent presentation of a whodunit with an easy to follow Clow that keeps this installment moving forward. The details give this book a wonderful feel of detailed research and the author’s ability to paint multiple layers that give the depth needed. Readers will Cind themselves turning pages and not wanting to put the book down. Both Caitlin and Blake are solid characters with exceptional complexity that will have readers sighing with contentment at the intricacy of both the plot as well as their relationship. Readers will not be disappointed with the purchase of this smart romance/mystery series.
Jordyn Teel
novel that is difCicult to set down once begun.
Belinda Wilson
Out of the Zoo
Susan Zoe Bella
Pulse: When Gravity Fails
Lilah was born into the sex slave trade at a place known only as “The Zoo”. She is determined to escape and help all the others get away from the depraved men who run the organization. But she must Cirst venture out into a world she has never known. She is helped by a missionary group that promises to get her on her feet and help to liberate the others at the zoo. They approach Shade, who always works alone. He refuses the missionaries, but can’t Cind it in his heart to say no to Lilah. She insists on coming with him to expose the men running the zoo and to free the women who have been exploited. In spite of his better judgment, he agrees and their adventure begins.
This is a well-­‐crafted story about a real crisis. The characters are realistic and come to life in this gritty romance. Due to the reality and nature of the sex scenes in the zoo, this novel is recommended for adults over the age of eighteen. “Out of the Zoo” is action-­‐packed and will keep the reader perched on the edge of their seat as they try to anticipate what comes next. Good versus evil is a recurring theme in this novel and the Cight as to which will win goes on till the very end. This is an excellent 98
John Freitas
For CireCighter Sean Grayson, things are going haywire. After being told to evacuate a building where Cire is raging, he discovers a little boy still trapped in the inferno. As he makes his way to the trapped boy he runs through the kitchen and sees a cup suspended in the air, spinning. When he Cinally gets to the boy he is able to free him from the debris covering him as though it were paper, then saves the boy and himself. He vows to never mention the strange events -­‐ no one would ever believe him. Except for Dr. Paulo Restrepo, who knows that the Alpha Centauri star system is collapsing and is wreaking havoc on Earth’s gravity.
This fast-­‐moving novella is Cilled with scientiCic fact, unlike most Science Fiction. It is based on Einstein’s Theory of Relativity, only the effects of the gravitational pulse are exaggerated. The rich characters that Mr. Freitas has developed makes this work a delight to read. There are a few problems, Suspense/Thriller
however: some awkward wording appears throughout the piece, interrupting the Clow of the story and there are missing and misspelled words and incorrect punctuation. In spite of that, it is a very enjoyable story with a thought-­‐provoking premise. It has a good ending, but for those who wish to read more, there are three more books in this enticing series.
Belinda Wilson Winter Austin has written a fantastic book that has just the perfect mix of action and romance that will leave the reader begging for more! The storyline is fantastic and the characters well developed and portrayed throughout. Boyce is a strong male character with a troubled past and Cassie is his ex who has her own set of issues to deal with. The history of the characters is easy to gauge from their dialogue and while the reader will want the characters to catch the bad guy, they’ll also be rooting for the lovers to get together in the end. The description and suspense is edge-­‐of-­‐the-­‐seat stuff which adds to the book to make it a great read. "Born to Die" will leave readers breathlessly awaiting the next installment in this series. Lynn-­‐Alexandria McKendrick
Born To Die (McIntire County #2)
Winter Austin
When a fellow ofCicer is brutally murdered, Deputy Cassie Rivers is determined to Cind the killers -­‐ even if that means working with the man who left her broken hearted. Still suffering from her own issues, Cassie must put the past behind her and focus on tracking down the people responsible. FBI Agent Boyce Hunt left Cassie behind to protect her from his mother but he’s never forgotten her. Now, he must work with the woman he once loved to track down a modern day version of Bonnie and Clyde. Can they get over their differences and work through the case while keeping their feelings in check?
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On Sale Now!
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Mystery
to build the setting without bogging down the story. There is an excellent cast, some humor, some drama, and an edge of danger. Lacking only a more detailed description of Kit herself and some steam in the romance department, this is an excellent read for any mystery or chick-­‐lit fan.
Sarah E. Bradley
Homicide in the House (Washington Whodunit #2)
Colleen J. Shogan
Clow better between Elizabeth and China and it was easy to see the connection between those characters. While the relationship between Elizabeth and Martinez develops throughout the story, it comes to a peak and sort of levels off at friends rather than developing into a romantic relationship. It was very difCicult to imagine them becoming more than that as the story progressed. With tighter editing and more character development, this book would be a very good and detailed read. Lynn-­‐Alexandria McKendrick
After the trouble with her previous boss Kit Marshall is grateful to have landed a job working for freshman congresswoman Maeve Dixon. Now her focus is on Ciguring out how to put Maeve in the spotlight as a government shutdown occurs, discovering what has her boyfriend Doug distracted, and helping her dog win the Capital Canine contest -­‐ until Maeve is found standing over the dead body of Jack Drysdale, the Speaker of the House’s top staffer. With only a short window before Maeve’s name is splashed on the front pages or on the Hill Rat blog and her career is ended, Kit is determined to prove that her boss is innocent. With one investigation under her belt and a few friends willing to help, Kit will have to think and work quickly as the shutdown continues and time and clues run out.
Book two of the “Washington Whodunit” series, “Homicide in the House” is a chick-­‐lit mystery combining the ups and downs of a long-­‐term relationship with the mystery of who killed the Speaker’s aide. Ms. Shogan has created a well-­‐written mystery, with some political info mixed in Satin Doll (Jana Lane Mystery #3)
Joe Cosentino
Strong Motive
K.C. Turner
Victim advocate Elizabeth Strong is used to being the one who helps those affected by crime. What she isn’t prepared for is becoming a victim herself. When Detective Angel Martinez is assigned to the case, he makes it his mission to keep Elizabeth safe and solve the crime. When Elizabeth’s past comes back with a vengeance it’s up to Martinez to reassure her that they will Cind whoever is trying to hurt her while keeping his feelings in check.
While it is clear that K.C. Turner has done her research with regards to police procedure etc, there are many aspects of this novel that need to be improved. There is a lot of telling rather than showing and it feels like reading a lot of information -­‐ the "info dump". The dialogue seemed to The year is 1983. Jana Lane is a former child star and now a bankable Hollywood actress who shadows a female senator in preparation for Cilming her upcoming movie. While in Washington DC with her family, she is exposed to political lobbying in Congress, scandal and murder. She teams up with Detective Bove in order to Cind out who the murderer is lest she and her family become the next victims.
The plot is no different from other political thrillers where there is murder, scandal, and intrigue. One is also given a glimpse of the difCiculties same sex-­‐couples face when adopting children in a time where the conservatives dominate the political landscape. However, the chapters do not exactly propel the story forward. The dialogue between two male characters made one think that they were more like petulant 101
Mystery
juveniles than adult. Jana’s continuous stream of thought after almost every scene detracted from the Clow of the story. There was also more description about what she or the other characters wore than how the investigation was proceeding. It would appear that while the author wanted to highlight the mood of that time and the issues that society had to face, such as the rights of gay couples and the rise of those suffering from anorexia nervosa, there was, unfortunately no depth to the story. It would have been a more interesting read if the stream of consciousness was used sparingly and that there was more attention paid to solving the murder. MP Ceja
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her own business. She’s secure in her long-­‐distance relationship with her attorney boyfriend, until her high school cowboy crush starts laying on the charm. Things take a mysterious turn with several local incidents of arson. Wedding Day
Erin Bevan
Dallas Day is a famous rodeo bull rider, temporarily hampered by a broken wrist. He’s recuperating at the family home in Frisbee, Texas, along with his parents and his brother. He’s a bit bored with the downtime, until his brother bets him he can’t get the new animal vet in town to date him. When the old vet retires in her hometown, former high school wallClower Cassandra Bailey relocates from Austin with her adopted daughter, Briana, eager to operate This quick, enjoyable read is equally laced with healthy doses of sexual tension and suspense. A few problems: no respectable cattle rancher would call themselves cattle farmers, especially in a Texas setting. Also, as entertaining as this storyline is, it’s typical contemporary cowboy fare. Dallas is the stereotypical line-­‐spouting, womanizing, bull-­‐
riding cowboy whose idea of the perfect woman reads right from a country song. Even with this lack of originality, it’s thrilling to see his character develop into something so much more by the end of this heartwarming story. Cassie’s role is admirable and the adopted daughter’s previous plight is woven in nicely, adding a little mystery, as well as a few tender moments to this delightful story. Nicely done! Lori Leger
Inspirational
(The Women of Merryton #2)
through is felt deeply by readers but her actions betray those feeings. From the minute she sees her ex-­‐husband, she is saying yes to everything he asks! What begins as perplexing behavior, progresses to just plain infuriating as the story continues. Unfortunately it stunts the character’s growth and leaves the believability and her forgiveness suspect. Even so, one cannot miss the beautiful writing style and warmth of the story. With a little more back-­‐bone, “Taylor Lynne” could have warranted an easy 5 stars!
Jennifer Peel
Ruth Lynn Ritter
Taylor Lynne Taylor Lynne took her toddler and left her cheating husband 14 years ago. In that time he has had very little to do with either of them, but now he is divorced and asking her to move her 16 year-­‐
old daughter back so she can get to know him and his second daughter. There is nothing in the world Taylor wants less but she Cinally agrees for her daughter's sake.
Once back in her hometown the reality of having to deal with him every day hits home and Taylor must Cigure out a way of dealing with the hurt and betrayal without ruining her daughter’s chances of loving the father she never knew.
What an emotional ride of a book! Ms. Peel is an extremely gifted author at tapping into the emotions of a character and drawing out the universal feelings we all experience. This gift makes for some incredibly great reading. Unfortunately, it can also be a great drawback if the character’s actions don’t coincide believably. That happens with Taylor. The hurt and struggle she goes Losing Lincoln (The Liberator Series #2)
the swipe of a quill, their adventures have not ended.
Set in the chaos of the Civil War, and using real people from history as characters, this is Book Two of a trilogy and covers only a short time period, ending the night of Lincoln’s assassination. This journey encompasses putting families back together, Cinding lost family, and love, all amidst one of the bloodiest times in American history. Even Civil War history buffs are going to learn things from this story! The richness of the setting and descriptions are amazing. Being the second book, there is background missing, but it isn’t Cilled in quite properly; missing elements from previous happenings need to be close to the front, not in the middle. Although the history and characters are well written, the Bad Guys read as pure caricatures, not as men intelligent enough to pull off an assassination. This is a decent story -­‐ one readers will want to go back to Book One for, and then continue on to the end.
Julie York
Stephenia H. McGee
HISTORICAL: Matthew and Annabelle are in Elmira, NY, looking down into a prison camp trying to Cind his brother George. With so many Confederate prisoners, Cinding him seems impossible. Once they have him, they journey to her maternal Grandparents’ home farther north, not knowing if a Southern belle, two Confederate deserters, and a farmer—all with knowledge of plots against President Lincoln
—will be welcome. As those who plot evil catch up with them, and the end of the war happens with 103
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duo. When Deborah became pregnant shortly afterward they reacted as some young marrieds do -­‐ they made the best of it. When their daughter Tina was born everything changed. Dean reacted as hardly any father would do -­‐ he abused his daughter. For years.
Broken & Damaged Love
T.L. Clark
Dean and Deborah had whirlwind romance and married just six months after meeting, surprising everyone who knew the analytical When Tina was Cifteen she learned in school that virtually everything about her relationship with her father was wrong. It was a gut-­‐wrenching and heartbreaking new reality. How could she move on from being a victim after this breach of her love and trust?
professor Beau Walker becomes part of a scientiCic team tasked with discovering the cause of the destruction and a way to prevent it from happening again.
Alan Joshua
SCI-­‐FI/PARANORMAL/THRILLER: Something horriCic has happened to the small Russian city of Podolsk and the potential for the same fate to befall the rest of the planet grows exponentially as time goes by. Disgraced research 104
Rose Mary Espinoza
Author T.L. Clark tackles the subject of incest and child sexual abuse head on -­‐ and from the Science Fiction
The Shiva Syndrome
perspective of the child herself, who knows nothing other than her family's version of "normal". The novel is graphic and uncomfortable to read, as it should be given the subject. Sadly, the novel has issues other than the subject matter affecting it. The writing itself doesn't Clow; it is very stilted and choppy. The author's excessive use of clichés leaves the reader wanting more substantive writing. A thorough edit would help readers Cind the power in Clark's story.
“The Shiva Syndrome” is a riveting, page-­‐turner, right from the start! The story draws from diverse sources such as science, parapsychology, and theology and fuses them into a cohesive narrative that is as thought provoking as it is exciting. It boggles the reader’s mind to consider all the careful research that went into this novel. DeCinitely a labor of love, Mr. Joshua considers the story from multiple perspectives of opposing dogmas and fuses them in a beautifully coherent original theism.
The complexity of this story is its one downfall. Characters often go to great lengths to debate differing viewpoints and perspectives, which slows the pace of the story. Important as this information may be to the reader, the sometimes seemingly endless debates become tiresome. Additionally, the characters are often referred to by more than one name, which can make following the storyline confusing.
Brilliantly written and researched, fans of science Ciction and the paranormal will Cind “The Shiva Syndrome” a fantastic read. Readers who love a story with multiple twists and turns and turn-­‐the-­‐page excitement will also love this book.
Gwenellen Tarbet
Other
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Other
Mission Trip
John Theo Jr. trying to Cind. It is a clifChanger, so reader beware that when falling in love with this story of faith and healing, it isn’t over.
Julie York
CHRISTIAN/DYSTOPIAN: Nearly thirty years after the fall of the worlds’ governments, most of the planet has been reduced to roving bands of savages -­‐ some simply trying to survive, others out to kill. The few governments still standing are only interested in acquiring control over the technology owned by an constantly moving undersea world, which houses all the Christians who survived the end of civilization. Landon is a Captain and Senator on the undersea world. He remembers Earth as the place that killed his wife. He has little hope of any change.
Set in the not too distant future, it’s not a true dystopian—Landon is not Cighting against the “utopian” rules of his own civilization—but it’s a post-­‐
apocalyptic sci-­‐Ci story, and not truly a romance. Some on the undersea world want to reconnect with those on land and want to begin healing mankind. Landon’s son is one of them, making the traditional Christian father/son arc pivotal. The pacing and action are fast, moving the story at a quick clip while still allowing readers to absorb everything. The background of how everything on Earth collapsed is sprinkled in seamlessly, never dumping. Christian readers who are not of an evangelical bent could be turned off by the acerbic anti-­‐
government slant in the backstory. Lessening that, making it less divisive, would lose nothing of the pure Christianity in it, nor upset the storyline—which has the beginnings of Landon’s journey of the lost faith he is 106
Snowdrops in Summer
Helen Duggan
determination shining through. However, most villains are introduced early in a story thread and this plot did not follow that formula, inserting the catalyst late in the book. This factor is a bit frustrating, and readers may feel it causes the conClict to be somewhat stilted. There are several editing issues that another copy edit should catch. The most glaring errors are those that change the meaning, for example referring to a character's “Latino” looks then later stating it as “Italian” looks, as well as a cup of coffee changing into a cup of tea. The plot twist in this tale will leave readers breathless, teary eyed, and reeling, as the Cinal scenes cannot be anticipated. Jordyn Teel
WOMEN'S FICTION: Angelica, Lisa and Claire are three friends from the not-­‐so-­‐good side of the tracks near South Wales. Pulling together to help a friend with a personal mystery which starts as a simple investigation but spins their adventure into more clients than they expected. Personally, the ladies are struggling with their own past misfortunes, ungrateful children and dead-­‐end jobs while the dream of steady work has them aspiring to a better station in life. Can they manage their new-­‐found income and live a better life, or will fate step in to bar their new found freedom?
An epic, bittersweet, happily-­‐
ever-­‐after, "Snowdrops in Summer" is an original sedate tale of best friends. Slow to start, readers may ponder what the dynamics are and how this plot evolves. It’s only several chapters in that one realizes all three are the focal. All are strongly portrayed with their Claws and 107
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