Did a little blog surfing last night, and I stumbled across a few reviews for the latest book in a popular series. This reminded me that I’ve read only #1 in the series and haven’t read any more. And that got me thinking–there are several series I’ve stopped reading because I’m stuck somehow.

Black Dagger Brotherhood
I read J.R. Ward’s Dark Lover and loved it. I own Lover Eternal–an autographed copy, no less–but haven’t even started it. Why? I’m not sure. I think it’s partly because I’ve seen so much written about them that I wonder whether they’ll live up to the hype. Not sure why I’m concerned, since I enjoyed Dark Lover, but oh well. There’s also the cliffhanger aspect that I’m not too fond of. I imagine I’ll get back to the series sometime. I’m just not sure when.

Harry Potter
I bought book #6 within days of its release but haven’t read it yet. At first, it was because I didn’t want one of my favorite characters to die, and I figured it was his time. Turns out I was right. I still haven’t read the book, but a coworker let that one slip. Now I’m not reading it because of the rumors that Harry will be killed off in #7. I may get to it . . . or not. We’ll see.

Troubleshooters/Team 16
I love Suzanne Brockmann’s books but stalled completely once I hit Breaking Point, Gina and Max’s story. I didn’t love the direction the couple took in Gone Too Far, so I’ve been reluctant to read Breaking Point. I’ve picked up the book half a dozen times but keep putting it back on the TBR shelf. I’ve considered skipping that book and moving on to the next one, but haven’t had luck with that, either. One of these days, I’ll start reading Breaking Point, and once I do that, I figure I won’t stop. Until then, there are so many TBR options . . .

Anyone else have a series they’ve stopped reading not because they stopped liking the series, but because they are stuck somehow?

 

I have a fondness for Diana Palmer’s books because they were among the first romances I read and loved. It’s more of a nostalgia thing than an active can’t-wait-for-her-next-release thing. I picked up Heartbreaker when I saw it at a bookstore.

J.B. Hammock played by his own rules, and rule number one was never settle down. He treated his women well, but with a no-strings detachment they all accepted. But sweet Tellie Maddox hovered about like a gossamer butterfly, always trying to take care of him, always caring about him. It was enough to make a confirmed bachelor take drastic measures.

Then Tellie lost part of her memory. She believed she was J.B.’s faithful sidekick. Even he couldn’t be so heartless as to push Tellie aside, and so he played the role of friend . . . until friendship turned to something else, something so much deeper than a heartbreaker like J.B. ever intended. He was hooked.

Then Tellie’s memory returned . . .

Heartbreaker is pretty standard Palmer fare: 2.5 out of 5. Older man rebuffs younger woman because she’s too naive and innocent to give him what he needs. The story definitely has a sense of familiarity to it, which I found both annoying and oddly comforting. It’s hard to explain. I kept thinking, “Just talk to her” at the same time it followed a familiar pattern.

There’s a lot of name dropping in this book–references to past characters. I thought there were more details in this regard than there needed to be. I don’t object to characters from past stories making an appearance, but I want them to be smoothly incorporated into the story.

I remember reading a blog entry or AAR column. The topic was about a long-time reader of an author enjoying that author’s latest book less than a new reader did. That’s a bit how I felt about Heartbreaker. Did I enjoy it? Yes. But that enjoyment stems more from remembered reading pleasure than from loving this particular book.

Now that I’ve posted an interview with Gena Showalter, it’s time to write a review for her latest book, The Nymph King. I loved it: 4.5 out of 5.

Females young and old, beautiful and plain crave Valerian’s touch. None can resist his blatant sensuality and potent allure . . . until he steals Shaye Holling from a Florida beach and holds her prisoner in his underwater kingdom.

The cynical Shaye wants nothing to do with the mighty warlord, but she’s inexplicably drawn to him. For underneath the warrior’s arrogant beauty lies a complex and powerful man. A man whose caress is like fire . . .

Now Valerian must fight for the privilege of claiming her as his own. Because there’s one thing Shaye doesn’t know . . .

That when a nymph discovers his true mate, she’s his for life.

The Nymph King includes two components I don’t necessarily love in a story: kidnapping (it’s not a secret if it’s on the back cover, right?) and the “true mate” idea. Showalter not only makes both these scenarios work, but creates an unforgettable love story.

I’ve praised Showalter’s world-building before, but I have to say it again. In this book, she provides readers with a fascinating glimpse into Atlantis. It’s portrayed so vividly that I could easily picture it, and it also provides insight into Valerian and the other nymphs.

Valerian is wonderful. Yes, Shaye turns out to be his mate, but that doesn’t make things easier for him. In fact, he doesn’t want a mate. Once he accepts that she’s the one for him, he strives to win her–and I do mean win her. He has to work at it, and this results in some wildly romantic moments, such as the one that occurs when she asks him to tell her one thing he likes about her.

Shaye’s a slightly less memorable character, but I loved the way she made Valerian work for her love. And her anti-greeting card idea is terrific. An example: “Congratulations on your new promotion. Before you go, would you mind taking the knife out of my back? You’ll probably need it again.”

I’ve mentioned before that there is a character in this book named Alyssa because I won a contest. Her role is short but sweet. LOL! Speaking of short and sweet, there’s also a terrific secondary romance in this book.

Thirteen Questions for Gena Showalter

I’m delighted to bring you another author interview. This time, I’m interviewing Gena Showalter, author of Awaken Me Darkly, Playing with Fire, The Nymph King, and many others.

Alyssa: Hey, Gena. Thanks so much for joining us! I’ve enlisted some help with the questions, so let’s get started. Mindy wants to know when you first decided you wanted to write as a career.

Gena: I was about . . . oh, 22, I think. I had already changed my major in college three times because I couldn’t decide on a career — actually, I couldn’t see myself doing anything long term. I’d always been flaky, had never held down a job for long and was (allegedly) voted Worst Employee Ever a few times. So one day I just sat down and had a heart to heart with myself. What did I like to do? What could I do? What would I refuse to give up? There was only one answer: Writing.

Alyssa: A question from Catslady: How did you find out and how did you react when your first book was published?

Gena: It’s actually a pretty funny story. An editor at HQN faxed my agent saying the phones were down and she couldn’t call, but that she was interesting in making an offer for my book, The Stone Prince. By the time their phones were working, the editor was on vacation. And when my editor returned, my agent had just left for vacation. So I had to wait two tortuous weeks before I got the offer. When it came in, my agent called me and I screamed and laughed for about an hour straight.

Alyssa: Joye’s question: Do you make a quick outline of events you want to happen in your story or do you have an idea and then just sit down and start writing?

Gena: I get an idea and then sit down and write. I try to let the characters lead me wherever they want to go. Sometimes I’ll even be writing a scene and think, “What does this mean? Why do I need to write this? Why are you doing this?” I’ll keep writing, though, knowing I can cut it later if needed. But then, a few scenes later, the reason will reveal itself. All I can do is smile and pat my characters on the backs. I love those moments!

Alyssa: Amy S wants to know if you have a set routine that you follow when you write.

Gena: I try to write everyday, a chapter a day. Sometimes life gets in the way, but that’s usually my goal.

Alyssa: Now a question I’ve been curious about. How do you write so quickly?

Gena: One word: obsession. Sometimes it’s like I have a ghost standing over my shoulder, whispering into my ear,”Why aren’t you writing? You need to be writing. That story isn’t finished yet.” And so, the book becomes all I can think about. Also, I let the story play inside my mind like a movie as I’m writing, each scene leading into another scene so there is a constant flow of words. I don’t stop and worry if I’m using the right words or if it makes sense (during the rough draft stage, that is). I just get the bare bones down on paper, knowing I can fix it all later. That’s a huge time saver.

Alyssa: Ashley A asks if you ever get writer’s block. And if so, how do you combat it?

Gena: I feel very blessed in that I’ve never really had writer’s block. Once I’d written three chapters of a book (Catch A Mate), and the characters refused to take me to the next scene. I realized it was because I’d written the book in 1st person when it needed to be written in 3rd. I switched tenses, and boom. The story flowed. Other than that, I like to think that the words/scenes are always there, and that sometimes it’s just a matter of forcing myself to sit down and write, even when other things are calling my name.

Alyssa: A second question from Amy S: What are the best and worst things about being a writer?

Gena: I love the creativity, the possibilities, and holding the finished product in my hand, but most of all I love knowing I entertained someone. What a rush! The worst is actually a parallel of the best. Sometimes it’s crushing to learn you’ve disappointed a reader and that they’d rather eat maggots than read you again

Alyssa: Jennybrat asks if you use real life inspiration for your characters.

Gena: I do. I am a people watcher/listener. I take from life, the stories I hear, the things I see people do. Things that happen to me, things that happen to others. Everything is fodder for my books, nothing is safe LOL

Alyssa: One thing I enjoy about your books is the world-building. Can you talk a little about how you create such vivid worlds and people?

Gena: It goes back to the movie-thing. The story plays in my head and I just write down what I see. And the people, well, I might be a little crazy admitting this, but they become real to me. I love spending time with them and telling their stories.

Alyssa: Chantal wants to know if there will be more Atlantis books?

Gena: Yes!! I’m actually working on Layel’s story right now. I’ve always had a soft spot for him. I’d tell you about the story, but I don’t want to give too much away! Let’s just say he needs a strong woman to whip him into shape and leave it at that

Alyssa: A question from KimW: What is the one thing you’ve always wanted to do, but never had the courage to try?

Gena: Everything that scares me, I’ve tried at least once. I don’t like fear. It drags a person down. So I try to push myself past it. However, having said that, I hate speaking in public. I’ll do it, don’t like it, but I will do it.

Alyssa: You’ve done book tours and book signings. Do you have a favorite book signing experience?

Gena: Absolutely. I had the most amazing time on a book tour through Chicago and Detroit with Levy. I met the most amazing authors. We laughed, talked shop, and just enjoyed each other.

Alyssa: Let’s close with this: tell us about the books you have coming out next.

Gena: In June I have two books. One, a contemporary romance called Catch A Mate:

Suspicious wives hire Jillian Greene to smile, flirt and prove that no man can be trusted around a pretty face. Enter Marcus Brody, who’s been hired to prove the same goes for women. And Jillian is no exception! She can’t help breaking her “never get physical” rule when the heart-stoppingly gorgeous Marcus walks into her life. But can she really overcome her cynicism about the opposite sex to trust in Marcus? And can he do the same?

The other, Red Handed, is the first in my young adult alien huntress books. July marks the release of Blacklisted, the sequel to Red Handed. Then, in September, the first in my Lords of the Underworld series will be released. I am soooo excited about that book. The Darkest Night.

Ashlyn Darrow has only to stand in one location to hear the conversations that have taken place there – no matter how many years have passed. These voices are too much, a living nightmare, driving her to Budapest for help. There she finds a man trapped in a hell of his own. A man who has been cursed to die every night in the most painful way possible, only to awaken the next morning knowing he’ll die again. All too soon the pair is caught in a dark passion that might very well destroy them both. . .

Alyssa: Oh, these sound intriguing. Thanks for answering our questions, Gena. I appreciate it!

Gena: My pleasure!

Now, as promised, I’ve selected one person who submitted questions to receive a copy of The Nymph King. I had a coworker draw a name, and the winner is . . .

. . . Amy S

Amy S, please e-mail me (the address is at the top of the left sidebar) with your address so you can get your copy.

Thanks, everyone, for participating!

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!
The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

I’ll be announcing the contest winner in the next week or so. In the meantime, I’m a little busy with this.

It’s very good so far.

I had so much fun with Sasha White’s contest and interview that I’m doing another one! This time I’m giving away a copy of Gena Showalter’s The Nymph King, in which I make an appearance. No, really!

All you have to do is comment here with a question you would like to ask Gena. I’ll compile a list of questions and will draw the name of one person who suggests questions. I’ll take questions here until February 18.

P.S. I have another couple of authors lined up for future interviews as well.

I had to switch over to the new version of Blogger today. My blog didn’t give me any choice. I’m hoping nothing broke in the switchover . . .

Thirteen Questions for Sasha White

Author Sasha White graciously agreed to help me with this week’s Thursday Thirteen. Since the contest generated so many terrific questions, she answered thirteen instead of ten (which was my original plan).

1. Linda H asked this question: Out of your books, which one was your favorite to write?

Sasha White: So far, I think it’s tie between THE CRIB, my novella in the PURE SEX anthology, and DEVIL’s JEWEL which will be in my SEXY DEVIL anthology. Both have suspense elements that made writing them a lot of fun.

2. Here’s a second question from Linda H: How did you become published? What influenced you to become a writer and what is your story about making it happen?

SW: Becoming published? Well I just wrote a story and submitted it. I know that sounds simple but it’s true. One thing I had going fro me when I started out was I didn’t know it was supposed to be hard to get published, so I was intimidated at all. As fro what influenced me . . . I love reading, and I often read stories that I thought could’ve been better, or where missing something so I thought I’d give it a try.

As simple as my answers are, do not make the mistake of thinking I think writing is easy. It isn’t, but I do believe if you want something, anything, all you need to do is go for it.

3. From Ali: Which of your published books do you hold close to your heart? And why?

SW: All of them, because they came from my mind, and my heart. Some were funner than others, some more emotional, some harder or easier . . . but all hold special memories for me.

4. Debby asked: Who are your favorite authors and what books are on your keeper shelves?

SW: Kelley Armstrong, Kay Hooper, Janet Evanovich, JR Ward, Cathryn Fox, Beth Williamson, JJ Massa. Keeper shelf is full of these authors . . . everything I can get from them.

5. From Amy S: Have you ever based a character on a family member or friend?

SW: I’ve given main characters the job or careers of family and friends (makes for easy research) but characters actually based on their personalities, only once or twice . . . and those are secondary characters. I did a contest once last year where I created a secondary character on a reader who won the contest. That character is BRINA JO, she’s in the first story in LUSH, my April release from Aphrodisia. :0

6. Aisling asked: What is your favourite romantic pairing of all time, e.g. Ross and Rachel, Bones and Booth, Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton.

SW: Buffy and Angel. from the first three seasons of Buffy . . . after that it sucked. *grin*

[Note from Alyssa: I thought I was the only one who felt this way! Glad to know I have company.]

7. From Caffey: Having written the futuristic books with Amber Quill Press, do you plan to write other genres besides your contemps with Kensington? If so, what genre would you like to write?

SW: I just finished a paranormal for Kensington. It should be out in December (I think) My Berkley HEAT books will always be contemporary, as far as I can think anyway . . . but who knows with the others. I don’t plan that far ahead. LOL

I enjoy the futuristics, and paranormals . . . so you never know.

8. And a second question from Caffey: If you could invite any five authors to your home to dinner, who would you invite and what would you love to ask them?

SW: Beth Williamson, JJ Massa, Kelley Armstrong, JR Ward, Sydney Croft.

My first question would be . . . What would you like to drink? *grin*

9. MD wanted to know what books are on your TBR list?

SW: Natural Law, Joey Hill
Hard Evidence, Pamela Clare
Children of the Night, Mercedes Lackey

10. From Mary J: What books did you read as a child?

SW: Archie Comics
Sweet Valley High
Har. Temptation

11. Here’s a question from Maria: When you’re writing your book, do you go out spotting male talent for inspiration, or do you use movie stars, models, etc.?

SW: Actually I do neither. LOL I’m a binge writer. I do nothing for months, then bury myself at home, I usually gain about 10-15 pounds with every book. LOL My heros are from my imagination. Once in a while a magazine ad, or actor will inspire me, but it’s not that I go looking for them, it’s just like they jump out at me . . . and I think WOW, that’s ____ !

12. LindseyAnn wanted to know: Have you experienced any of the things your heroines have experienced in those steamy love scenes you write?

SW: UHmmm Yes. Not everything, but some of them . . . definitely. *grin*

13. Debbie E asked where you get your BDSM ideas.

SW: Some are fantasies of my own. Others I get from talking to people who are either kinksters or ‘in the lifestyle’. Or just talking with my friends . . . or listening to the guys sitting at the bar when I’m at work. LOL I’m nosy, I ask all sorts of unPC questions LOL

Sasha, thanks for answering our questions. I appreciate your time and candor.

SW: Thanks Alyssa, for doing this, and thanks for the questions everyone!! This was fun!!

Now, as promised, I’ve selected one person who submitted questions to receive a copy of Kink. I had a coworker draw a name, and the winner is . . .

. . . Mary J

Mary J, please e-mail me (the address is at the top of the left sidebar) with your address so you can get your copy.

Thanks, everyone, for participating! I have another author review/interview lined up, so watch for it later this month.

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!
The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

 

I tend to read fewer historicals these days since I overdosed on them several years ago. Authors like Elizabeth Hoyt make me rethink that position: 4.5 out of 5.

Widowed Anna Wren is having a wretched day. After an arrogant male on horseback nearly squashes her, she arrives home to learn that she is in dire financial straits. What is a gently bred lady to do?

The Earl of Swartingham is in a quandary. Having frightened off two secretaries, Edward de Raaf needs someone who can withstand his bad temper and boorish behavior.

When Anna becomes the earl’s secretary, it would seem that both their problems are solved. Then she discovers he plans to visit the most notorious brothel in London for his “manly” needs. Well! Anna sees red–and decides to assuage her “womanly” desires . . . with the earl as her unknowing lover.

Many bloggers have already written about The Raven Prince, so I’m not sure what I can add to the discussion. If I had to sum it up, I would say that this book is one of the best debut books I remember reading. The characterization is fresh and complex, with none of those, “Why did (s)he do that?” moments. And wow, did I ever love Edward. He’s far from the perfect hero, and that just makes him all the more compelling to read about.

The hidden identity ruse is one I’ve seen in other books. Given the context, I didn’t find it at all strange that Edward didn’t immediately recognize Anna, and I loved the way the physical relationship was both part of and distinct from their interpersonal relationship. As I reread the last sentence, I’m not sure I explain it well. Let me try again. There’s one scene where Anna thinks that while she is enjoying the sexual relationship, she also recognizes that it’s a purely physical one at that point, and she wants something more. She has more with her emotional relationship with Edward, and I loved seeing these two characters bring the two relationships together.

The language and sex scenes in The Raven Prince are richly sensual, and I loved the book. I’m excited to read Hoyt’s next one.

 

I mentioned in a previous blog entry that I would be reviewing Kink. Well, here it is! Kink is a two-author anthology with novellas from Sasha White and Saskia Walker.

Watch Me
Some people have coffee. Some have tea. But the only thing that really wakes Bethany Mack up in the morning is sex. Too bad marriage to Grant has settled into a sex-starved routine. That is, until she spies a hot roofer next door. Broad, sexy shoulders: check. A muscular chest you could nuzzle all day: check. And under those jeans, well, the thought just makes her weak. So she puts on a little show for him through the window, letting her inhibitions loose, and discovers a naughty new addiction. But how will her husband react when he discovers just how far a desperate housewife will go for some lov’n from him?

Sex, Lies, and Bondage Tape
Clayton’s one hunk of a musician. A pin-up hottie for squealing teens everywhere. And he’s gay, Kelly Burton discovers when she sneaks into his dressing room for an autograph, but gets a peep show instead. . . . But Kelly’s soon distracted: a bouncer has found her. A bouncer with pecs of steel, a six-pack, and sinewy arms. After a scolding, the bouncer decides to have his wicked way with the naughty-but-eager groupie. And what follows is a night of passion, hard-rock-style . . .

Kink is a great title for this book, because the stories are a little kinky. Not too much, I’d say, but this is not a book for readers who want fade-to-black sex scenes. The love scenes in both novellas are lush, with no holds barred. The fact that these scenes are also emotionally compelling just makes it better.

In “Watch Me,” readers needn’t worry that Bethany has an affair with another man. She doesn’t. She isn’t a woman who wants to look elsewhere for excitement; she simply wants her relationship with Grant to be different. She gets exactly that, and the relationship plays out in intriguing ways.

There is an issue, though, and I like the way that White brings it up and makes it part of the story. It helped answer the niggling voice in my head that kept asking, “But what about . . .?” I wasn’t sure the issue was completely resolved–I wish this section was expanded a little–but when I finished the story, I was confident Bethany and Grant had established a relationship that works for them.

Walker’s story takes place in a short space of time but it feels like longer because of the connections she creates between Kelly and Tommy. I loved the scene where he confronted her about spying on Clayton–it was hot and interesting. Once I read it, I wasn’t stopping until the end.

One scene went a little past my comfort threshold but it’s to Walker’s credit that she makes it work for the characters. I did wish that part of the conflict hadn’t hinged on a misunderstanding, and Kelly does something that seems a little cold. The action is set up, however, in a way that makes it believable under the circumstances. And I loved the way Tommy resolved it.

My rating for Kink is 4 out of 5–a solid, enjoyable read.

Watch for the interview with Sasha soon!