Retribution, A Synopsis for Discussion

*********Note to readers...This post is for discussion purposes.. therefore many of the comments may have spoilers during the discussions. If you do not want to know them then I would suggest you not read the comments..**********

 

A great transitional book.. Usually when an author is moving her story the transitional books are heavy on details and short on character interaction.. Not Retribution.. Seriously, Sherrie took us back to the beginning with her ready wit and fantastic interactions 

Book Synopsis

Setting: Las Vegas, NV

Harm no human…

A hired gunslinger, William Jessup Brady lived his life with one foot in the grave. He believed that every life had a price. Until the day when he finally found a reason to live. In one single act of brutal betrayal, he lost everything, including his life. Brought back by a Greek goddess to be one of her Dark-Hunters, he gave his immortal soul for vengeance and swore he’d spend eternity protecting the humans he’d once considered prey.

Orphaned as a toddler, Abigail Yager was taken in by a family of vampires and raised on one belief- Dark-Hunters are the evil who prey on both their people and mankind, and they must all be destroyed. While protecting her adoptive race, she has spent her life eliminating the Dark-Hunters and training for the day when she meets the man who killed her family: Jess Brady.

A gun in the hand is worth two in the holster…

Jess has been charged with finding and terminating the creature who’s assassinating Dark-Hunters. The last thing he expects to find is a human face behind the killings, but when that face bears a striking resemblance to the one who murdered him centuries ago, he knows something evil is going on. He also knows he’s not the one who killed her parents. But Abigail refuses to believe the truth and is determined to see him dead once and for all.

Brought together by an angry god and chased by ancient enemies out to kill them both, they must find a way to overcome their mutual hatred or watch as one of the darkest of powers rises and kills both the races they’ve sworn to protect.

 

ManCandy Monday Blog Hop #9

Crystal, Lily and I plan to continue the ManCandy Monday Blog Hop.  Our Man Candy post with link will be posted Sunday night (but our links will be ready on Tuesday, just check out the side bars to find them) so you have from Tuesday until 11:59pm the following Monday to link up.






<a href="http://s174.photobucket.com/albums/w110/Shauni_45/Tea%20and%20Books/?action=view&current=handservice-1-1-2-1-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w110/Shauni_45/Blog%20Hops/ManCandyBlogHopBadge2-2-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>"</

It's Always a treat to look for just the perfect Man for ManCandy Monday...

Since we have been playing with Dark Hunters this month.. adding all of Sherrie's books on BR.. I thought I would post some of the pictures I think would make most excellent DH'rs.. tell me what you think

Wolf???

Or how about Val?

Or Z? I seriously love this one...

And of Course. Sin! I just have to use this picture every now and then. Come on don't you want to slip into some Sin and lick those abs?

Make sure you hop on over to the other blogs joining in!!

Born of Silence.... Drux's Rules for Darling

So I was perusing Sherrie's website and checking out what's new on Born of Silence and I found this..

Drux's Rules for Darling

1. If you’re afraid to fight, then you’ll never win.

2. In times of tragedy and turmoil, you’ll learn who your true friends are. Treasure them because they are few and far between.

3. Know your enemies and never become your worst one.

4. Be grateful for your enemies. They will keep you honest and ever striving to better yourself.

5. Listen to good advice, but never substitute someone else’s judgement for your own.

6. All men and women lie. But never lie to yourself.

7. Many will flatter you. Befriend the ones who don’t.

8. Never fear the truth. It’s the lies that will destroy you.

9. Your worst decisions will always be those that are made out of fear.

10. Your mistakes won’t define you, but your memories, good and bad, will.

11. Be grateful for your mistakes as they will tell you who you’re not.

12. Don’t be afraid to examine the past, it’s how you learn what you don’t want to do again.

13. There’s a lot to be said for not knowing better.

14. All men die. Not everyone lives.

15. On your deathbed, your greatest regrets will be what you didn’t do.

16. Don’t be afraid to love. Yes, it’s a weakness that can be used against you. But it’s also a source of the greatest strength you will ever know.

17. The past is history written in stone that can’t be altered. The future is transitory and never guaranteed. Today is the only thing you can change for certain. Make the most of it.

18. You can be in a crowd, surrounded by people, and still be lonely.

19. Love all, regardless of what they do. Trust only those you have to. Harm none until they harm you.

20. Never be afraid to kill or destroy your enemies. They would not hesitate to kill or destroy you.

 

Leave it to Sherrie to not miss the details...

Return of the Warrior, A Synopsis for Discussion

*********Note to readers...This post is for discussion purposes.. therefore many of the comments may have spoilers during the discussions. If you do not want to know them then I would suggest you not read the comments..**********

 Synopsis

Setting: Medieval England/Europe
Fiercely devoted to her people and her land, Queen Adara refuses to let a power-mad usurper steal her crown. But the only way to protect what is hers is to seek out the man she married in childhood.

A proud, tormented warrior, Christian of Acre owes allegiance only to the mysterious Brotherhood- and has no wish to be king over anyone but himself. Now a bold and beautiful stranger has appeared in his rooms, tempting him with an irresistible seduction and demanding he accompany her back to their kingdoms… or at the very least, provide her with an heir to her throne.

Though he cannot abandon the brave, regal lady to her enemies, Christian dares not give in to his traitorous desires. Yet how can he deny the passion that is rightfully his?

 

Magic Unchained, A Review

Jessica Andersen ROCKS the Mayan prophecy!! She has created a fantastic story based on the 2012 Mayan Calendar.. Magic Unchained is the seventh book in her Final Prophecy Series and Since this is what I like to call a climactic series, Doc Jess has her work cut out for her.. in each book she must raise the pressure on the overall story arc. She must increase the tension and take us closer and closer to the edge making us believe both that the world is doomed and that hope is there. What can I say, Doc Jess does not disappoint!

One of the things about this series, is the depth of feelings and the intensity in which it was written. When I first picked up Nightkeepers, I liked the concept. I was intrigued, then I opened the book. It was a slow start.. I would read a bit then think about it, then read some more.. gradually it sucked me in. When I finished the book, I opened my eyes and felt like I had been in a different world, it was an almost drugged feeling and every book Doc Jess has written in this series has that same pull.. Magic Unchained not the least of them.

I had a hard time writing this review not because I didn’t love the book but rather because it is so very much more than boy meets girl romance.. While the story between Cara and Sven is wonderful and I will address that there was just so much going on. Anna receives a vision, being that she was never completely trained she has to work hard on just deciphering it. She finally realizes that the team must bring back the father.. Throughout the book the Nightkeepers goal is to resurrect the First Father.. This is the main task of this book of course no way would Doc Jess allow for just one story line..

The Winikin are determined to fight on their own, fight for themselves not as indentured servants to the Nightkeepers but as relevant individuals in the fight. To this end, battle games are played and Cara has to learn how to make life and death decisions. To understand when to accept a death and when to fight for life. She is not just fighting to get the Winikin their rights but she is also fighting the “traditionalists” who insist that the old ways are the only ways. Her biggest opponent is her own father, whom I happen to think is a complete and total sleazebag to her. Total and complete lack of support and yet he all but dotes on Sven... his NightKeeper.. Yeah I hate when parents refuse to see the value in their children.. I understand the importance in the story line yet, I can never like those characters..  On top of trying to bring the Winikin into the battle, to lead them as best she can, her second in command has decided that they should pair up. So now Cara has to deal with wanting something she can’t have, having something she doesn’t want and of course a father who supports her staying in indentureland both in the way she fights the battle and the way she finds love.

Sven is the eternal lone wolf.. ok Coyote, destined to run free. He left the safety of Carlos’ ranch at an early age, partially to escape unwanted feelings for Cara and partially because he needed to roam. He has finally stepped up in the NightKeeper world and has become an integral part of the team but one thing remains the same. He still wants Cara, well he wants Cara AND he wants to roam.. He has no clue how to be more than he is and isn’t sure that he should. A Winikin and a Nightkeeper just can’t be. It is taboo in the biggest sense of the word. Sven has never been my favorite character because he always seems the most selfish. The one who puts me first. And yet he is determined to become the man he should be. To step it up for Cara.. to be there at her side. Throughout the book, he is constantly tested and tempted and has to learn how to make the right choice. It is a very intense inner battle. Obviously, I can’t tell you more because it is such an integral part of the story.

While Cara, Sven and the rest of the Nightkeeper compound are doing their best to deal with issue after issues.. Rabbit is fighting his own inner battle. Honestly, this poor kid. The only thing consistent about him is the fact that once he acts, it will probably be the wrong act. He has the heart of a champion and the self esteem of a peanut.. He is so determined to prove to them all that he has self worth.. Grrrr I seriously hate Red Boar and what that horrid, horrid man did to his son while raising him. This child needed love.. but Red Boar the self pitying scuzz ball had to worry about how his life had been destroyed instead of dealing with the gift he had been given. I am seriously hoping that when Rabbit saves the world (and I seriously hope it is Rabbit who does it) that he can in your face Red Boar.. either literally or metaphorically I don’t care.. I just want Rabbit to be able to do the right thing and be acknowledged as the amazing young man he is.

I know, this review was not in my normal style, that I discussed characters not in action and I rambled a bit more than usual. I needed to do so. To write a simple review on such an intense book would be almost criminal. I love this series. It has intrigued me since I saw it on Amazon and thought the concept was just fantastic!! November can’t come soon enough! And Doc Jess was gracious enough to get the book out with plenty of time to read before Dec 21.. Just in case the NightKeepers fail..

People you only have a few more guaranteed months to read this series!! If the Nightkeepers loose you will regret not having taken the time to get these books read (yep, that is what you are going to worry about).. Seriously, this is a must read series..

Shauni

No Mercy, Synopsis for Discussion

*********Note to readers...This post is for discussion purposes.. therefore many of the comments may have spoilers during the discussions. If you do not want to know them then I would suggest you not read the comments..**********

Book Synopsis

Setting: Modern New OrleansLive fast, fight hard and if you have to die then take as many of your enemies with you as you can. That is the Amazon credo and it was one Samia lived and died by. Now in contemporary New Orleans, the immortal Amazon warrior is about to learn that there’s a worse evil coming to slaughter mankind than she’s ever faced before.

Shapeshifter Dev Peltier has stood guard at the front of Sanctuary for almost two hundred years and in that time, he’s seen it all. Or so he thought. Now their enemies have discovered a new source of power- one that makes a mockery of anything faced to date.

The war is on and Dev and Sam are guarding ground zero. But in order to win, they will have to break the most cardinal of all rules and pray it doesn’t unravel the universe as we know it.

 

Born of Ice, Synopsis for Discussion

*********Note to readers...This post is for discussion purposes.. therefore many of the comments may have spoilers during the discussions. If you do not want to know them then I would suggest you not read the comments..**********

 

Yes I know.. this is the order it was written NOT the order of the story.. If you are following the story this book is actually next generation so skip it and read it later.. 

 

Book Synopsis

Setting: Ichidian Universe

In the Ichidian Universe, the League and its ruthless assassins continue to keep rule. But at what cost? Welcome back to the future- and a whole new world.

He is an outlaw who offers no quarter…

Devyn Kell spent his life in service to the League until he learned of the double dealing and backstabbing that was costing innocent people their lives. Refusing to play those politics, he became a Runner- someone who makes sure planets get the weapons, medicine and supplies they need to survive. May the gods have mercy on any who get in his way, because he definitely won’t.

She is on the run from a past that could end her life…

Alix Garran is a woman on the run from a past she can’t escape. Signing on to work for Devyn as a System’s Engineer, she finds a cause she can fight for- and a man she can respect. But as Alix’s past catches up to her, and Devyn’s old enemies turn lethal, they have to fight together- or fall alone.

Obsidian Flame, A Review

I really get tired of saying this.. but Caris Roane has done it again!! Obsidian Flame the 5th full book in her Ascension series completely and totally ROCKS!! This book could easily have lost itself in the dynamics of Thorne and Marguerite but instead Ms Roane crafts a dynamic tale of the choices of love. It is an amazing dance of delicious delight.

Thorne, the leader of the Warriors of the Blood for over Two Thousand Years, dedicated to saving the world and the lives of his men. A true second in command to Endelle.. so close they share a mind link. Strong, loyal, determined and suddenly he walks away to follow his Breh-Hedden. He manages to block Endelle and begins a journey that I think surprised even him. For a hundred years he has lied to his Warriors, Friends and even Endelle telling them that he was celibate and yet had found release and comfort in his sister’s cellmate at the convent. Knowing he could go to her every morning after every battle has kept him sane. When she is finally freed and chooses a life of “freedom” on Mortal Earth Thorne all but looses it. Leaving it all behind he follows her trying desperately not to destroy the humans she chooses to interact with. As he observes her he discovers new powers that allow him a degree of sneakiness and the ability to keep sane.

Marguerite, the second member of the Obsidian Flame triad.. she is the strongest seer in Second Earth and she wants no part of it. After a horrid childhood, followed by 100 years of forced service in the convent all she wants is to be free!! She has strong urges and honestly wants to boink every man she can find. As she begins her journey she finds that while the body is willing the spirit, her heart, is not.. she dreams of Thorne even when she hunts and tracks other men. She has no want to accept the Breh-Hedden, she doesn’t want to use her SEER powers.. She wants to be left alone.. She wants her time to grow, to discover, to for lack of better terms find herself. And yet... she is the Red Flame of the Obsidian Flame Triad, she is the strongest Seer on Second Earth and she is the Breh-Hedden to the leader of the Warriors.. As much as she tries she can not escape those facts.

Thorne and Marguerite dance a different dance than the other Breh’s they have been lovers for a century and while she was restrained by her ankle bracelets, they were never aware of the Breh-Hedden bond. When it hit them, it hit them hard! Their choices are more about a couple that has been together for a while and find they want different things. How do they resolve their issues? It seems as much as she tries Marguerite can not escape who she is and when the time comes, she chooses to use her sight to help others. To be there for the ones who were there for her. To help those who need her strength. Together Thorne and Marguerite discover hidden sanctuaries of Seers. compounds dedicated for millennia to protect seers from the lack of rights given them on Second Earth. Besides having to decide whether or not she wants to accept her Breh, she must decide how she can help the hidden compounds and if she even wants to. Marguerite is forced, as so many of us are, to grow up. To realize that she was given gifts for a reason. She can either accept them, use them and flourish or she can deny them.

Thorne, amazes me.. He is this rock, this steady, sure source of strength. He knows he wants and loves Marguerite, he knows he will probably completely loose it if she leaves and yet.. he accepts her. For who and what she is. Oh sure he uses his whiles to convince her to see it his way but he knows in the end the decisions is hers. It’s fun to watch Marguerite realize just what she has been given and how others see him. We also get an excellent look into Thorne’s relationship with Endelle.. how much he is the Rock in that relationship as well. That she needs him as much if not more than he needs her. That without him she has no one.. Endelle, too has to grow up in some ways. She has to remember that relationships are not built on mind links.. rather the day to day being there for each other.. I cried with Endelle this time around.. She was so very lost when Thorne went to find Marguerite and left the Warriors to sorta kinda fend for themselves.

Leto, shows himself in this book as well.. oh my poor Leto.. his story is heartbreaking. I can not wait to see what Caris has in store for him. although I have a sneaking suspicion it’s not exactly what we think it is going to be.. Or if it is, then there is something more to it. Leto’s book promises to bring more gut wrenching tears...  I love the way Caris, enter twines her next book into the current one so we think we know what is going to happen.. There are so many dangling strings.. are they red herrings or important links?

The battle with the psycho little peach continues and Thorne discovers a new way to combat him.. I Know there is just so much packed into this little book.. layer after layer after layer.. This book, this series is a MUST read!

Shauni

Bad Moon Rising, A Synopsis for Discussion

*********Note to readers...This post is for discussion purposes.. therefore many of the comments may have spoilers during the discussions. If you do not want to know them then I would suggest you not read the comments..**********

 

Amy and Fang.. why is it that long awaited stories are so much better the second time you read them? This book is chock full of information and really starts the Hellchasers..  

 

 Book Synopsis

Setting: New Orleans

In the world of the Were-Hunters, like stays with like. Species don’t mix and they definitely don’t fall in love. But from the moment Aimee Peltier took in a wounded wolf, her heart wouldn’t listen to what her head told her.

However, Fang Kattalakis isn’t just a wolf; he is the brother of two of the most powerful members of the Omegrion: the ruling council that enforces the laws of the lyncanthropes. His brothers are the wolf representatives and Aimee’s mother represents the Bear clan. Aimee is the heir apparent for her species. There is no way these two can ever be together and they know it.

But when war comes to Sanctuary, the establishment run by Aimee’s family, sides must be chosen and enemies are forced into shaky alliances. Aimee is accused of betraying her people, and her only hope is the one man who believes in her. Yet in order to save her, Fang must break the law of his people, and that breech could very well spell the end of both their races

Phantom in the Night, A Synopsis for Discussion

*********Note to readers...This post is for discussion purposes.. therefore many of the comments may have spoilers during the discussions. If you do not want to know them then I would suggest you not read the comments..**********

 Book Synopsis

Setting: New OrleansTerri Mitchell dedicated her life to justice after losing her mother to a vigilante killer, but she left the DEA under a cloud of suspicion that won’t clear without finding who set her up. While working covertly for the Bureau of American Defense (BAD) agency, she’s consulting with the New Orleans Police Department to bust an organized crime ring suspected of funding terrorism when rumors surface of a phantom ghost terrorizing the very felons she’s investigating and jeopardizing BAD’s mission so Terri goes on the hunt for this unknown player.

Nathan Drake has spent his life protecting his family, the only thing that mattered to him before the most feared drug lord in the southeast took all he held dear. Now, he’s a man on a mission with nothing to lose…until meeting Terri Mitchell. Seeking a similar goal by different means, Terri and Nathan are drawn deep into an evil underbelly the cuts through all levels of society and rivals terrorism as a new threat to the world.

Two people on opposite sides of the law must risk trusting in each other or die,and if they die, a deadly attack will be unleashed on a city of innocent people.

 

Dream Hunter, A Synopsis for Discussion

*********Note to readers...This post is for discussion purposes.. therefore many of the comments may have spoilers during the discussions. If you do not want to know them then I would suggest you not read the comments..**********

 

I may actually stop talking to people who tell me that they didn't like this book! It seriously rocked!! And if anyone was paying attention there is a very important statement made at the end.. that works with Infamous.. *grins* 

Book Synopsis

Setting:  Modern New Orleans

We are the Dolophoni. Diligent. Vigilant. Fierce and inescapable. Servants of the Furies, we are the right hand of justice and no one stands before us.

The son of Warcraft and Hate, Cratus spent eternity battling for the ancient gods who birthed him. He was death to any who crossed him. Until the day he laid down his arms and was banished into exile.

Now an ancient enemy has been unleashed and our dreams are his chosen battlefield. The only hope we have is the one god who swears he will never fight again.

As a Dream-Hunter, Delphine has spent eternity protecting mankind from the predators who prey on our unconscious state. But now that her allies have been turned, she knows in order to survive, the Dream-Hunters need a new leader. Someone who can train them to fight their new enemies. Cratus is her only hope. But she is a bitter reminder of why he chose to lay down his arms.

Time is running out and if she can’t win him to her cause, mankind will be slaughtered and the world we know will soon cease to exist.

 

Taming the Scotsman, A Synopsis for Discussion

*********Note to readers...This post is for discussion purposes.. therefore many of the comments may have spoilers during the discussions. If you do not want to know them then I would suggest you not read the comments..**********

 the Book

Original Publication Date: August 26, 2003

Setting: Medieval Scotland

No one can tell the hot-blooded Scottish lass whom to marry. But the much-feared man Nora runs to for protection may be more perilous to her heart than any unwanted groom…

And much more difficult to tame.

 

 

One Silent Night, A Synopsis for Discussion

*********Note to readers...This post is for discussion purposes.. therefore many of the comments may have spoilers during the discussions. If you do not want to know them then I would suggest you not read the comments..**********

 

This book just shows us that Sherrie can write a good story about any character without destroying it's character 

the Book

Original Publication Date: November 02, 2008
Setting: Modern New Orleans, Kalosis
While the world carries on unawares, Stryker, who leads an army of demons and vampires, is plotting an all out onslaught against his enemies–which, unfortunately for us, includes the entire human race.
To avenge his sister, Stryker prepares to annihilate the Dark-Hunters. But things go awry when his oldest enemy returns.
Enter his ex-wife. Zephyra. Just when he thought nothing could stop him, he’s now embroiled in a centuries old war with a shrew who gives new meaning to pain and a shrew who is the only woman he’s ever really loved.

 

 

Almost Perfect, A Review

Welcome Back to Fool's Gold!

Liz Sutton has lived nothing short of a hard life. She got pregnant right out of high school to a guy that she loved and who she thought loved her back. After finding out she was pregnant she went to tell Ethan, the love of her life, what had happened. What she found, was Ethan denying that anything was going on with them other than a pity friendship. Liz was devastated and ran away from the town of Fool's Gold and from the only man she had ever loved.

Ethan Hendrix has lived a half-life. His wife and unborn child died tragically in an accident years ago. After his father died unexpectedly he took over the family business. Now that he and his long time best friend Josh Golden have buried the hatchet and become friends once again it is hard for Ethan to see his friend so happy. At a cycling competition one day, Ethan sees that Liz is back in Fool's Gold. The old feelings of love that he once had for her are back and in full force. But why did she run away in the first place? Why is she back now? And who is the little boy that she has with her, and why does he look so familiar?

Liz finds herself back in Fool's Gold after learning that her nieces have no one to take care of them. She has one goal. Get things taken care of for her nieces and get the heck out of Fool's Gold before Ethan ever knows she's there. He made it clear that he wanted nothing to do with her or their son. The hard part is that in a small town nothing goes unnoticed. Ethan is a force to be reckoned with. Liz has to decide why Ethan is acting like he had no clue about their son, and she needs to get a handle on her hormones before her heart gets broken again.

Susan Mallery brings us this wonderful story in Almost Perfect with her second book in the Fool's Gold series. Liz and Ethan are to die for. Their pain and real and so is their love. It is an emotional read to say the least. You get more insight with the town's people. Mallery knows how to tell a story and this is a Must Read Indeed!!!!

Happy Reading!

Lisa 

ManCandy Monday Blog Hop #8

Crystal, Lily and I plan to continue the ManCandy Monday Blog Hop.  Our Man Candy post with link will be posted Sunday night (but our links will be ready on Tuesday, just check out the side bars to find them) so you have from Tuesday until 11:59pm the following Monday to link up.










<a href="http://s174.photobucket.com/albums/w110/Shauni_45/Tea%20and%20Books/?action=view&current=handservice-1-1-2-1-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w110/Shauni_45/Blog%20Hops/ManCandyBlogHopBadge2-2-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>"</
Just a couple of fun pictures for your viewing pleasure

No Rhyme no reason just well smexi men..

As though that is reason enough!!

As always make sure you visit the other participating blogs.. some of their pictures are quite delightful!! 

An Interview with Jessica Andersen

Bodice Rippers, Femme Fatales and Fantasy Is thrilled to share this wonderful interview with Jessica Andersen with you. Jessica Andersen is the writer of the Nightkeeper, Final Prophecy Series.. If you haven't had a chance to read about Ms Andersen's Nightkeepers, a group of magic filled individuals based on Mayan culture, ready to save the world from ending on Dec 21, 2012.. You definitely need to! After all you may only have a few months left!

Doc Jess has generously offered an autographed copy of Magic Unchained to one lucky reader! How to win? As always.. be a follower of Bodice Rippers, Femme Fatales and Fantasy and leave a comment!! This contest is open to US residents only

Doc Jess,

BR: First off I would like to thank you for taking the time to answer my questions.

DocJ: Thanks so much for inviting me to join you, and for the great interview!

BR: While I fell in love with your Final Prophecy Series, I realize you write several different sub genres.. how do you keep them all separate?

DocJ: I know it seems silly, but the answer is DIFFERENT FONTS. LOL. I’ve trained my brain to think paranormal when it sees Times New Roman, and romantic suspense when it sees Courier.

BR: Your intrigue and Urban Fantasy books are so far apart in concept which style do you prefer writing? If you could only write in one style, which would you choose?

DocJ: Interestingly, while the medical romantic suspense books and the Nightkeeper books come from different genres, Ithink the writing style is pretty similar—they’re both high action,high impact types of stories, with the romance intertwined with lots of running-and-screaming scenes. I’d hate to have to choose between them. I really like being able to write in multiple genres, as I think it keeps me from getting stale. If I had to drop one series, I would probably try to write another one, so I’ve always got two genres going. In fact, I’ve always wanted to write a comedy … LOL.

BR: You wrote the Royal House of Shadows with Nalini Singh, Gena Showalter and Jill Monroe.. I know you worked well together would you consider doing another group write?

DocJ: If our schedules ever matched up again, definitely! They’re great ladies, fabulous authors, and a ton of fun to brainstorm with. It was really cool to collaborate in building a world,then each write our own connected stories. If folks want more info on the RHOS books, they can check out the dedicated website: http://paranormalromanceblog.com/royalhouseofshadows/

BR: In the Royal House of Shadows Series you based yours on the Little Red Riding Hood Fairytale, did you get to choose which fairytale you wanted to use? And if so,how did you decide upon Little Red Riding Hood?

DocJ: Yep, I got to choose it, and I was psyched by the opportunity. I’ve always wanted to write a take on RRH with the big bad wolf as the hero. There’s something about a sexy werewolf … Yum!

BR: Do you find yourself using any of your geneticist training when creating a character, plot or story arc?

DocJ: Not so much in the characters, plot or arc, but I definitely use my science background when I’m doing the research and deciding how much of that research should go in the book. In a scientific paper, you try to give enough background information that anon-expert reader can follow your experiments, while not giving so much info that it just turns into static. I try to do the same when I write. I won’t claim I always get it right (the balance can be tricky, especially in the Nightkeeper books, where there’s so much cool info I want to include on the Maya), but I’m trying!

BR: Which leads us to your Final Prophecy Series.. However did you come up with such a brilliant concept?

DocJ: It was more that the concept found me, so I claim zero brilliance. I was doing research for another book when I came across a reference to the end of the Maya calendar on 12/21/2012, and thought ‘wow, cool!’ (This was back in ’06, when it wasn’t really in pop culture yet.) I did some digging, and the more I learned about it, the more I knew it would make an awesome backdrop for a series about a group of men and women with supernatural powers trying to save us from the Mayan doomsday.

BR: I have read reviews and comments from people who really dislike Anna and her decision to leave, did you intend to write her as an unsympathetic character?

DocJ: I intended to write her as a ‘real’ character, in that she makes the decisions that are right for her, even if they may not always seem right to the people around her. I’m betting lots of us have a friend or family member who is like that? We might look at them and shake our heads, but their choices make sense to them. Heck, I know some of my family members still don’t get why I left science to become a romance writer. Besides, lots of the time (as with Anna), people learn and maybe grow into someone they wouldn’t have been without those experiences. Which isa long winded way of saying that I think readers will really like where Anna winds up by the time they get to the last book in the series!

BR: Final Prophecy has evil in it but it is more the evil of the gods, have you considered creating a human evil? Or is that just not a good fit for this series?

DocJ: Well, there’s human evil in Rincon, Iago, and the demon-possessed human characters, but I get your point that all of those evils ultimately stem from the gods and demons, not human failings. To me, human evil doesn’t really have a central place in these stories because they’re about saving humanity (as a whole) from extinction. While it’s all too true that humans can be really evil on a case-by-case basis, and we can do bad things as groups, I think that human kind deserves to be saved.

BR: Do you have plans to continue the series after Spellfire? (I know this will be different if the world ends but....)

DocJ: I really like series with defined endpoints, like LOST and BATTLESTAR GALACTICA. I think it lets fans really follow the story from beginning to end in a marathon, which is cool. So I really went into the Nightkeeper books planning on there being a definite end to the series, for better or worse, at the end of 2012.

BR: Would you consider a sequel to the Final Prophecy Series?

DocJ: I might check back in on Patience and Brandt’s twins at some point in the future, but that would probably be a short story or two for fans, not a full-length published novel.

BR: I know you started writing when you were working on your doctorate.. or at least that is when you admitted it.. did you always have a secret need to write?

DocJ: Nope. I truly started writing fiction in grad school, as something fun I could do on the train and during my lunch break or whatnot. I was gradually realizing that while I’m fascinated by science, I wasn’t really passionate about being a lab researcher. So I asked myself what I was truly passionate about, and one of the answers was reading, specifically reading action-packed books that have guaranteed happily-ever-after romances in them. So I set out to see if I could learn to write them!

Now for the fun part..SPEED ROUND.. these are quick word association, one or two word questions...

BR: Boxers orBriefs? 

DocJ: Boxers, definitely. Give the equipment some air!

BR: Wine or Water  

DocJ: They both have their time and place. Though I’m not a fan of watered wine!

BR: Oceans or Mountains  

DocJ: Am I bass fishing or biking?

BR: Alpha Male orSexy Nerd? A sexy nerd, but one who can stand upfor himself and others.

BR: Who do you wannabe when you grow up? 

 DocJ: Dipped in chocolate.

BR: Roses or Daisies?  

DocJ: Daisies, I guess, though I’m not much of a flower person. I kill houseplants, weed whack landscaping, and feel sad when cut flowers die.

BR: Motorcycle or Bicycle? 

 DocJ: Mountain bike! My hubby is a gear wonk, so I’ve gota sweet ride with far more bells and whistles than I really need. I love it,though.

BR: Have to ask,Pacific or Atlantic? 

 DocJ: I’m an Atlantic girl, but give props to the Pacific for having gray whales, sea lions, and orca.

BR: Roaring Rapids or a gentle stream?  

DocJ: Am Iswimming or kayaking? 

BR: Thank you so very much for taking the time to read and answer my questions.. 

DocJ: Thank you so much for having me!

Doc Jess can be found:
On her Website 
On Facebook 
On GoodReads 

Shauni

Infinity, A Synopsis for DIscussion

*********Note to readers...This post is for discussion purposes.. therefore many of the comments may have spoilers during the discussions. If you do not want to know them then I would suggest you not read the comments..**********

Yes I did this series backwards.. this is book 1 and I started posting with book 3.. just wanted to keep you all on your toes! 

 Book Synopsis

Setting: Modern New Orleans

At 14, Nick Gautier is an average kid who runs with the wrong crowd. But on the night he decides to go straight and refuses to mug an innocent tourist, his crew turns on him and just as he thinks his life is over… a new one begins.

Kyrian of Thrace isn’t just a vampire slayer, he’s a Dark-Hunter and he introduces Nick to a world that he never imagined.

With new enemies who make his old ones look like wimps, Nick must either measure up or get sized for a body bag. It’s kill or be killed and this kid who was born on the wrong side finds a strength inside him that he never knew existed.

Now if he can only find someone to help battle the demons that don’t reside inside him.

**Note to Dark-Hunter fans

The Chronicles of Nick *is* Nick’s real and true past. There is a huge surprise (several actually) in the book that I don’t want to spoil, but when you read the book, everything you think is an inconsistency will make perfect sense to you. More than that, you will understand exactly why Nick is the way he is and why he continues to hate Acheron the way he does. But you have to be patient. All will be clear on May 25, 2010.

Nick’s series will run until it intersects with Night Pleasures and then Nick will have his own novel in the Dark-Hunter world.

Book one, Infinity, begins when Nick meets Kyrian.
Book two will pick up the next day after Infinity ends and will be out Feb 2011.

Remember the one promise that I try to keep in every book: Just when you think you know the truth about a character or event, you find out that things are seldom what they seem. Nick is one of those characters. There’s a lot more to our little Cajun than what you’ve seen to date. That’s why it takes 12 books to tell his story.

There are many, many secrets you’ll learn about a lot of characters, including Cherise and especially Jaden and Jared. Just hold on… you ain’t seen nothing yet :)

Chasing Perfect, A Review

Fool's Gold, California is a beautiful small town at the foothills of the Sierra Nevada. Fool's Gold is a wonderful town where everybody knows everybody and you feel safe enough to leave your doors unlocked at night. It is known for a few things; It's wonderful festivals that seem to happen almost monthly, and it's lack of men. That's right, Fool's Gold suffers from a man shortage, which leaves the more "traditional" male jobs to women. This is girl power at its finest! Come on visit the wonderful town of Fool's Gold and tell all of your friends about it.

Susan Mallery introduces us to  Fool's Gold with her first book in the series, Chasing Perfect. Charity Jones has moved around her entire life. So when she is offered the job of City Planner in the blissfully small town of Fool's Gold she could not be happier. She has finally found a place that fits her idea of perfect. A place to call home and to start planting roots. The last thing she wants is to have to deal with a the local bad boy who happens to be the famous cyclist Josh Golden.

After enduring a terrible accident during his last competition Josh has been spooked away from the world of competitive cycling. He is back at Fool's Gold, the town that helped raise him, and is teaching cycling classes to young people. He seems to be content with the way his life has turned out until Charity sweeps into town. She sees right through all of his bull and she calls him on it too. Josh is now forced to look at his life and how things have turned out. Charity challenges him at every turn and he can't get enough of her.

The chemistry is electrifying. The romance is hot! The story is lovely. There are twists that you never see coming. The writing is witty and smooth. A fun read and it leaves you happy and wanting more stories about the other town members. A must read indeed!

Happy reading!

Lisa

Acheron, A Synopsis for Discussion

*********Note to readers...This post is for discussion purposes.. therefore many of the comments may have spoilers during the discussions. If you do not want to know them then I would suggest you not read the comments..**********

According to Sherrie Acheron is the final book in the "Acheron" Arc of this series.. There are four Arcs

• Acheron
• Savitar
• Jaden
• Unknown.

I am still not sure if we are in the Jaden Arc or the Savitar Arc or if Sherrie is twisting them together.. I does seem like she has pulled the Dark Hunters out of the main story and let them have their own again.. just like initially the Dream Hunters and Were Hunters were separate series..Although this is just my opinion. For those who haven't read this book, beware it is the most intense, emotional book of the series thus far and you will require at the very least tissues as you cry your way through it.

Book Synopsis

Setting: Ancient Greece, Atlantis, Modern New Orleans, Nashville

From the World of the Dark-Hunters comes the most anticipated book to date…

Eleven thousand years ago a god was born. Cursed into the body of a human, Acheron endured a lifetime of hatred. His human death unleashed an unspeakable horror that almost destroyed the earth. Brought back against his will, he became the sole defender of mankind.

Only it was never that simple…

For centuries, he has fought for our survival and hidden a past he never wants revealed.

Now his survival, and ours, hinges on the very woman who threatens him. Old enemies reawaken and unite to kill them both.

War has never been deadlier… or more fun.

Born of Fire, A Synopsis for DIscussion

*********Note to readers...This post is for discussion purposes.. therefore many of the comments may have spoilers during the discussions. If you do not want to know them then I would suggest you not read the comments..**********

Book Synopsis

Setting: Ichidian Universe

In a universe where assassins make the law, everyone lives in fear- except for Syn. Born of an illicit scandal that once rocked a dynasty, he always knew how to survive on the bloodthirsty streets. But that was then, and the future is now.

He takes no prisoners…

Syn was raised as a tech-thief until his livelihood uncovered a truth that could end his life. He tried to destroy the evidence and has been on the run ever since. Now trained as an assassin, he allows no one to threaten him. Ever. He is the darkness that swallows his enemies whole.

She offers no escape…

Shahara Dagan is the best bounty hunter in the universe. When Syn comes back on the radar, she’s the only one who can bring him to justice. There’s only one problem: Syn is a close family friend who’s helped out her brother countless times. Is Syn’s protection worth the risk? The only hope Shahara has is to find the evidence he buried long ago.

Now it’s kill or be killed- and they, the predators, have just become the hunted.

 

Sneak Peak into Caris Roane's Obsidian Flame

Another favorite author sending out teasers.. I love this one for a number of reasons.. mostly because Caris posted it on facebook with the following quote..

"Hey, long-suffering fans! I don't know if this will help get you through until the release of OBSIDIAN FLAME in 5 days, but I went through the manuscript and plucked out a description from page 114. I hope this helps... Caris"

Seriously, page 114? She didn't mention the paragraph.. she is such a slacker..

Here's the quote

"Thorne had his long hair pulled back in the cadroen so that the sharp lines of his cheekbones stood out. He had a strong face, a warrior’s face, a way of holding his head and putting his gaze on another person that commanded attention. He was stripped down to just his kilt and battle sandals. Sweat glistened on his golden skin, his ridiculously broad shoulders, the breadth of his back and as he turned to face the cabin, his nipples were hard pebbles. 

He was magnificent, like something Biblical that would ride in with enormous wings, his flaming sword held aloft, his hair flowing back in long waves, gilded by the sun. Marguerite had the strangest sensation that she had just seen exactly who he was and this vision of him thrilled her, striking a chord deep within."

She said she had the scene pretty much stuck in her mind and knows.. oh well here is her response to my mocking her..

"Shauni, love that you're giggling...but I knew that scene inside and out and I knew where it was in the book! It was the first time Marguerite really saw Thorne as other women would see him...it was such a fun scene to write!"

 I seriously LOVE Caris.. she is just so much fun..