I've been so busy lately, my blog's in cardiac arrest!
Like most others, I have a full time job...two actually, if you count the transcripts I'm required to prepare of court proceedings in my off time. So that leaves little time to write my current WIP, keep up with social networks, do reviews of the books I eventually read, AND keep an active blog. You can tell from the last entry, my blog has suffered the most from lack of attention.
Not sure how to rectify that other than to try (really, really hard) to meet my goal of one post a week and occasional reviews. Try is the operative word, of course...but I'm not one to give up on a challenge.
So I give everyone permission to poke me, tweet me, leave a comment, email me or just generally give me a swift kick in the...well, you get the point...to get my attention.
'Nuff said.
It's my lunch hour...that means I have chapters to edit. Got a schedule to keep! =D
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Saturday, July 2, 2011
Review: Harvest Moon by T.M. Marie
Review: Harvest Moon by T.M. Marie
By Renee Rearden
Rating: 4 Stars
Life is unpredictable. When Myra McClure rescues a man and an extraordinary horse after a car accident during a dangerous snowstorm, she has no idea the how much her life is about to change. But Myra gets an inkling the people around her are different when she places herself between the stallion and the man named Raven.
Alex Wade, head of a Wendigo clan, has been after the banished Wendigo Raven for years. He isn’t surprised Raven showed up to kill his newest racing horse. Alex manages to stop him, but the damage is done. Raven notices Myra, and now he wants her as much as the stallion.
Myra goes to Alex’s ranch, safe under his clan’s protection. But Raven’s not the only danger she faces. Alex is a threat to her heart. His gorgeous looks and rock-hard body tempt her. His love and loyalty to his clan melt her defenses. Fortunately for the reader, her strong-willed personality often clashes with his domineering commands as the clan’s leader. Human or not, she’s not about to let any man boss her around!
As Myra struggles with her own feelings of abandonment and growing connection to the Wendigos, Alex fights the pain of losing Myra when he makes her walk away—because he won’t rick her life by trying to turn her. A pair of thick-headed, animal-crossed lovers if ever there were any!
Now, there were a couple things that troubled me. I felt Alex and Myra’s connection, for all its intensity, should have happened sooner—but maybe I’m just impatient. And Myra’s biting attitude about homeless people bothered me a little. She chose to live that way, so it didn’t seem right she had such a vitriolic response about it. Of course Myra throws every ounce of passion into what she believes, so a strong response speaks to her character.
All in all, Harvest Moon is a great paranormal read with interesting twists on the werewolf myth. I truly enjoyed reading about Myra and Alex. Their struggles were entertaining and full of emotional sparks. I’m hoping we get to see more of Alex Wade’s clan as some of the other character’s search for their own path and life mate!
Monday, June 20, 2011
Lifestyles of the Fey and Dangerous by Danica Avet
Every once in a while, the first line of a book blurb grabs your attention and doesn't let go. Check this out. "It isn't every day a fairy gets an assignment with only one outcome: her death." (See what I mean? You're asking questions already!)
Raised as a noble fey and then sold into the Assassins Guild, Noelani "Shade" Fayard has become the most feared killer throughout the veil. This kind of success could go to a girl's head. Unfortunately, she's encountered a career-ending assignment. If she kills her target, she'll serve the brutal overlord demon personally. (Trust me. Nobody wants that kind of attention.) If she fails, she'll be tortured and never released. Talk about a Hobson's choice!
Shade follows her target, Malachi Cromwell, in order to study him and discover his weakness. While watching him, she realizes he's not what she expected. His behavior toward others, relationship with his family, and goal to make up for previous mistakes forces her to question her own beliefs. Could she change things? Make a difference by opening herself to love?
Danica Avet has created a fantastic new world filled with political intrigue, interesting fey, demons and halfling characters, smokin' hot sex, and enough complications to keep readers guessing just how many bad guys are there?
I read a lot of books I like, but I loved LIFESTYLES OF THE FEY AND DANGEROUS. Shade is a heroine that glides along the razor-edged lip of danger and carves her way into a reader's heart. Who wouldn't adore a character that fights her way out of hell and conquers every obstacle standing between her and true love?
And then there's Malachi. A hunky, angry, bad boy turned sexy repentant alpha male. He's ALL man, and he knows what he wants: redemption, a life filled with purpose and love, and a mate and family of his own. Once he realizes Noelani is his perfect partner, nothing stops him from making her his.
I can't wait until the next book in Danica Avet's The Veil series comes out. After you read LIFESTYLES OF THE FEY AND DANGEROUS, I bet you'll agree with me!
Rating: 5 Stars
This review originally written for The Romance Reviews
Direct Link: http://erotic.theromancereviews.com/viewbooksreview.php?bookid=2399
Raised as a noble fey and then sold into the Assassins Guild, Noelani "Shade" Fayard has become the most feared killer throughout the veil. This kind of success could go to a girl's head. Unfortunately, she's encountered a career-ending assignment. If she kills her target, she'll serve the brutal overlord demon personally. (Trust me. Nobody wants that kind of attention.) If she fails, she'll be tortured and never released. Talk about a Hobson's choice!
Shade follows her target, Malachi Cromwell, in order to study him and discover his weakness. While watching him, she realizes he's not what she expected. His behavior toward others, relationship with his family, and goal to make up for previous mistakes forces her to question her own beliefs. Could she change things? Make a difference by opening herself to love?
Danica Avet has created a fantastic new world filled with political intrigue, interesting fey, demons and halfling characters, smokin' hot sex, and enough complications to keep readers guessing just how many bad guys are there?
I read a lot of books I like, but I loved LIFESTYLES OF THE FEY AND DANGEROUS. Shade is a heroine that glides along the razor-edged lip of danger and carves her way into a reader's heart. Who wouldn't adore a character that fights her way out of hell and conquers every obstacle standing between her and true love?
And then there's Malachi. A hunky, angry, bad boy turned sexy repentant alpha male. He's ALL man, and he knows what he wants: redemption, a life filled with purpose and love, and a mate and family of his own. Once he realizes Noelani is his perfect partner, nothing stops him from making her his.
I can't wait until the next book in Danica Avet's The Veil series comes out. After you read LIFESTYLES OF THE FEY AND DANGEROUS, I bet you'll agree with me!
Rating: 5 Stars
This review originally written for The Romance Reviews
Direct Link: http://erotic.theromancereviews.com/viewbooksreview.php?bookid=2399
Monday, June 13, 2011
The Sorcerer's Apprentice
I know, the movie title is an interesting label for a blog piece but there's a reason. Keep reading.
This weekend my teenage daughters flipped through the television stations until they hit a channel showing The Sorcerer's Apprentice. They both squealed in delight.
"Why are you watching this movie again? You've already seen it?" I asked.
"Because it's a good movie," was the response.
So I started watching the movie. About ten minutes in, a great magic fight scene happened. My husband walked through the living room on his way to the kitchen and stopped. Then he sat on the couch with the rest of us and stayed through the entire movie.
"That was good movie," he declared, when it ended. He stood and went on his way.
Now to be fair, I love just about everything Nicholas Cage has starred in, and The Sorcerer's Apprentice is no exception. I LOVED this movie. But my daughters' and husband's responses got me to thinking. What is it about young adult movies or books that jump the fence and capture adults' attention?
The storyline is the obvious answer, but I don't think that it's the entire answer. How many movie trailers have you watched and thought, "Wow, I want to see that movie," or read a blurb on the back of a book and thought, "This sounds interesting," and then been disappointed because the story itself didn't live up to the description or hype?
So generating interest is more than a storyline. I think the theme of a story is the real answer. Does the main idea, the goal behind the characters' motivation appeal to children and adults? If the answer is yes, well then, you've got got the makings of a great story. Add some conflict, flowing believable dialogue, great humor, and a romantic happily ever after and, Shazam...you've got a great movie or book.
I mean really, we're all adventurous at heart, we all want to be loved, and who wouldn't want to experience a bit of magic? I'm guessing most people feel the same way. Otherwise, nobody would be making movies or writing books filled with adventure, romance and a bit of magic!
This weekend my teenage daughters flipped through the television stations until they hit a channel showing The Sorcerer's Apprentice. They both squealed in delight.
"Why are you watching this movie again? You've already seen it?" I asked.
"Because it's a good movie," was the response.
So I started watching the movie. About ten minutes in, a great magic fight scene happened. My husband walked through the living room on his way to the kitchen and stopped. Then he sat on the couch with the rest of us and stayed through the entire movie.
"That was good movie," he declared, when it ended. He stood and went on his way.
Now to be fair, I love just about everything Nicholas Cage has starred in, and The Sorcerer's Apprentice is no exception. I LOVED this movie. But my daughters' and husband's responses got me to thinking. What is it about young adult movies or books that jump the fence and capture adults' attention?
The storyline is the obvious answer, but I don't think that it's the entire answer. How many movie trailers have you watched and thought, "Wow, I want to see that movie," or read a blurb on the back of a book and thought, "This sounds interesting," and then been disappointed because the story itself didn't live up to the description or hype?
So generating interest is more than a storyline. I think the theme of a story is the real answer. Does the main idea, the goal behind the characters' motivation appeal to children and adults? If the answer is yes, well then, you've got got the makings of a great story. Add some conflict, flowing believable dialogue, great humor, and a romantic happily ever after and, Shazam...you've got a great movie or book.
I mean really, we're all adventurous at heart, we all want to be loved, and who wouldn't want to experience a bit of magic? I'm guessing most people feel the same way. Otherwise, nobody would be making movies or writing books filled with adventure, romance and a bit of magic!
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Dream Walker by J.R. Thomas
Dreams—we all have them. Are they memories from our past, images of our daily experiences or visions of what's to come?
For the last year, Jay Gibbs has been wrestling with the meanings of his odd dreams. They're full of wolves, the voice of the Ancient one, and a beautiful, young woman that's captured his attention.
Jay's dreams become stranger and more intense once he graduates from high school and moves to his grandfather's ranch. He begins feeling others' emotions, and develops an uncanny connection with the wolves on the mountain. When things he's dreamed start to happen, he's convinced his dreams are really visions.
As Jay learns more about the wolves, his Cherokee background, and his family's connection to the land, he discovers he must choose between a life in the modern world he's grown up in or follow a different path and protect a timeless secret his family has safeguarded for centuries.
I enjoyed reading this paranormal, young adult story. Though the beginning was a bit confusing as to time and place, a touch of adventure and romance marked the characters' journey and led to a satisfying conclusion.
My only real frustrations with the novel were the adults treating Jay as if he were a young boy instead of a man, and some of Jay's language/dialogue seemed stilted or uncommon for an 18-year old to say.
Those frustrations aside, this is a great novel about the love of a family supporting a young man as he comes of age and faces difficult choices that require character, strength and integrity.
Rating: 3 Stars
This review originally written for The Romance Reviews
Direct link: http://www.theromancereviews.com/viewbooksreview.php?bookid=2070
For the last year, Jay Gibbs has been wrestling with the meanings of his odd dreams. They're full of wolves, the voice of the Ancient one, and a beautiful, young woman that's captured his attention.
Jay's dreams become stranger and more intense once he graduates from high school and moves to his grandfather's ranch. He begins feeling others' emotions, and develops an uncanny connection with the wolves on the mountain. When things he's dreamed start to happen, he's convinced his dreams are really visions.
As Jay learns more about the wolves, his Cherokee background, and his family's connection to the land, he discovers he must choose between a life in the modern world he's grown up in or follow a different path and protect a timeless secret his family has safeguarded for centuries.
I enjoyed reading this paranormal, young adult story. Though the beginning was a bit confusing as to time and place, a touch of adventure and romance marked the characters' journey and led to a satisfying conclusion.
My only real frustrations with the novel were the adults treating Jay as if he were a young boy instead of a man, and some of Jay's language/dialogue seemed stilted or uncommon for an 18-year old to say.
Those frustrations aside, this is a great novel about the love of a family supporting a young man as he comes of age and faces difficult choices that require character, strength and integrity.
Rating: 3 Stars
This review originally written for The Romance Reviews
Direct link: http://www.theromancereviews.com/viewbooksreview.php?bookid=2070
Friday, June 3, 2011
WINNER of Memorial Day Weekend Bash~!
Memorial Day Weekend blog tour ~!
(Stop #11)
******* AND THE WINNER IS?*******
MINDY JANICKE
Won: A striped tote with everything necessary for a relaxing afternoon at the beach: A water bottle, sunscreen, a beach towel, and an autographed copy of Moonlight Bleu!
Monday, May 30, 2011
Memorial Day
I've been following the Blog Tour De Troops all weekend (Fri-Mon) and am humbled by the stories shared by authors and readers alike. So many of us have either served in the military or had family members, relatives, or friends that have served. What an amazing example of pride in our country and strength in our beliefs.
We, as American citizens, are blessed to live in a country with the freedom to live our lives any way we choose. Freedom of Religion allows the belief of any religion without persecution. As an author,I have the Freedom of Speech. I can write on any subject I choose without fear of reprisal. As a citizen, I have the right to Life, Liberty, and Justice. Our United States Constitution guarantees these rights.
We hear these phrases through education in school, through church, and even through pop culture. Hearing these words is NOT the same as living them. I know what these words mean, but I've not felt the power and impact of these words as keenly as the soldiers, past and present, that have lived them.
For those now actively serving, THANK YOU for protecting the life I'm blessed to have. For those that have died serving our country, THANK YOU for making the ultimate sacrifice in the name of freedom and love. To the families behind these phenomenal men and women, THANK YOU for supporting them in following a higher calling.
Wihtout all of you, America wouldn't be the country it is today!
We, as American citizens, are blessed to live in a country with the freedom to live our lives any way we choose. Freedom of Religion allows the belief of any religion without persecution. As an author,I have the Freedom of Speech. I can write on any subject I choose without fear of reprisal. As a citizen, I have the right to Life, Liberty, and Justice. Our United States Constitution guarantees these rights.
We hear these phrases through education in school, through church, and even through pop culture. Hearing these words is NOT the same as living them. I know what these words mean, but I've not felt the power and impact of these words as keenly as the soldiers, past and present, that have lived them.
For those now actively serving, THANK YOU for protecting the life I'm blessed to have. For those that have died serving our country, THANK YOU for making the ultimate sacrifice in the name of freedom and love. To the families behind these phenomenal men and women, THANK YOU for supporting them in following a higher calling.
Wihtout all of you, America wouldn't be the country it is today!
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