Review of "Silver Sparks" by Starr Ambrose

Publisher: Pocket Books Romance
Release Date: November 29th, 2011
Buying Links: Amazon     The Book Depository

Book Blurb (from goodreads):

The Larkin sisters are used to hearing whispers behind their backs. Being raised by hippie parents in the small resort town of Barringer’s Pass, Colorado, they were always considered oddballs, and for a while, they did everything they could to earn the name. But now, older and wiser, they're discovering that it's not so great to be the wild child, and are struggling to earn a new place for themselves in town. 

When Maggie Larkin resists the come-ons of a sleazy actor in town to shoot a film, she pisses off more than a pretty boy and his manager. Turns out that Rafe DeLuca isn't just a movie star...he's possibly a killer, and Maggie's landed herself in more trouble than she could imagine. Enter Cal Drummond, cop extraordinaire, who's been trailing DeLuca himself for weeks, convinced that his recently murdered sister is one of Rafe's victims. He's determined not to let another woman be victimized by the dangerous Rafe, and if that means sticking like glue to Maggie, so be it. 


Maggie and Cal seem like perfect opposites, but as we all know...opposites attract!

Teaser:

She stuck her hands in her pockets, pausing to scan the various buildings set among towering pines and huge outcroppings of pink granite. The trees blocked his view of the snow-covered peak of Two Bears, but the cool wind reminded him it was there. It whipped over snowfields before curling down to the dense forests and sun-drenched meadows of the commune. Maggie turned her face toward the wind, letting it toss her hair into a fiery mane. Cal watched, mesmerized. This was how he'd always think of her, he realized. Not standing up to Rafe, or working happily in her store. Not even naked and hot beneath him. He'd see her here, touched by the wild freedom of the mountain. It was part of her.

My Thoughts:

"Silver Sparks" is a fast, fun, romantic romp. It wasn't quite as fluffy as I first thought but it is a light read. It's the first in a trilogy about the Larkin sisters. They had an unconventional upbringing and, in their teen years, earned reputations as wild and crazy. All grown up now, they have calmed down and settled down but their reputations cling to them. Maggie's bad reputation both hurts and helps her in this story and she finds unexpected allies. 

One thing I really liked was that, for the most part, Ambrose avoided the easy stereotypes and cliches. She does indulge in the cliche of the rich, powerful ruthless family but in the context of the story, it worked. The story of the lone cop hunting a killer on his own has been done to death but it's not the story we've come to expect. Cal is out for vengeance but he's not some misfit loner rebel cop who does things his way. He plays by the rules and he's cautious.

Cal and Maggie work well together as a couple and are very believable. Ambrose writes interesting, realistic characters and the story flows well. It's a good mix of mystery and romance and I definitely want to read the next book.

I received this paperback from the publisher for review.

Guest Post: "Why Horror?" by Author Derek Clendening

Today we have Horror author Derek Clendening joining us as part of his blog tour for his new book, "Breeding". It was released on October 26th of this year, by Mausoleum Press.

Derek is the author of adult and young adult novels. He likes to hear from his readers so drop him a line at derek.r.clendening at gmail dot com. He personally answers every e-mail.

Website: http://www.thehorrorofderekclendening.blogspot.com/

Book Blurb (from goodreads):

It began in New York. Then it spread. Zombies outnumber humans ten-to-one and they must retool the Earth to suit their needs. Capitalism has survived the Apocalypse and a billionaire zombie plans to cash in by opening a human breeding farm near Buffalo, New York. He will provide sustenance to his fellow zombies . . . at a price . . . . Remaining humans have been imprisoned, paired, made to breed and have been treated like the lower form of life that they have become. A deadly ultimatum forces their darkest family secrets and worst fears to surface. The strong will survive. The weak will perish. 

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A few years back, I read a rather pretentious article regarding Stephen King’s apparent inability to write (both plot and prose, I presume) and how kids who read Harry Potter books might as well have read nothing because they’ll never discover Kipling’s The Jungle Book or Just So Stories. The author’s punch line here is obvious: Stephen King novels have no literary merit. I feel that, by extension, he is making the same argument about the horror genre.  


I’m not saying that mindless hack and slash offer a tremendous amount to the world either, but I prefer to think that the horror genre is so much deeper. Horrific things happen all the time. A rule I abide by is that if it can happen in real life then it is fair game to tackle it in fiction. Given the state of the world (depending on how you view it) that leaves a broad playing field. 


 At this point I should add that I’m sometimes asked why I write horror because, as they questioner asks, ‘Isn’t there enough horror in the world?’ Well yes, there is, but it’s how we deal with it as people that matters. That’s where horror’s literary merit kicks in. The scary things that happen in a book or short story set up the situation and some of the consequences, but what follows represents how a person could or should act in such grave circumstances. 


 I wrote a long fiction piece titled The Business about a retired, crippled professional wrestler whose life literally depends on his ability to become a better person. There is some hack and slash in it, and I understand that some people get off on that, but I think enough people would miss the point. The blood and gore alone would be enough to write it off as a work of serious fiction. 


 My character’s inability to change makes his situation all the more horrific for him. I’ve written other works that I hope can be considered to be scary that involved not a hint of gore or even violence (I.e The Employer). This is where I believe literary merit in horror fiction is very prevalent. Of course, it’s definitely not just my work. Some great books by writers like Rio Youers, John Langan, Robert Dunbar, Lee Thomas and Peter Straub are great examples of how much literary merit horror has. 


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To enter to win a Kindle Fire, leave your name and e-mail address in the comment form below. You can enter once per blog stop. Visit each blog stop to increase your odds of winning. If I crack the Kindle Top 100, I will give away another Kindle Fire. E-mail me for the tour newsletter including a full listing of tour stops at derek (dot) r (dot) clendening (at) gmail (dot) com.

Review of "Legends of the DragonRealm Vol. III" by Richard A Knaak

Publisher: Gallery Books
Release Date: November 22, 2011
Series: #3 Legends of the Dragonrealm
Buying Links:  Amazon     The Book Depository

Book Blurb:
 
The epic fantasy series Legends of the Dragonrealm continues in this omnibus edition by New York Times bestselling author Richard A. Knaak...including three bonus novellas in print for the first time!

The classic Dragonrealm series comes alive once again in this heart-pounding, action-packed omnibus that features two complete novels and three bonus novellas!

In The Crystal Dragon, sinister dreams haunt the wizard Cabe Bedlam, leading him and Darkhorse to the desolate peninsula of Legar. Here a desperate band of wolf raiders, their empire in ruins, have discovered the resting place and sorcerous artifacts of the inhuman Quel. Now Cabe, Darkhorse, and the Gryphon are trapped between two hellish hordes and to defeat them, Cabe must become the willing pawn of the oldest, most enigmatic drake of all... the Crystal Dragon.

In The Dragon Crown, the young, shape-shifting drake Kyl, heir to the dragon emperor's throne, is the focus of many who seek to control the realm's destiny. Cabe most of all hopes that this new emperor will be the signal for peace among drakes and men, but knows that he might just as well prove the spark that brings the land to war. However, first Kyl must survive and in trying to assure that, Cabe will have to confront a nightmarish foe from his distant past, one who can strike at him even from within the wizard's own sanctum...

This omnibus also features three novellas, now available for the first time in print: Past Dance, Storm Lord, and The Still Lands.

Teaser:

For a brief second, she saw an expression, one that hinted at gratitude. "You always call me Tylan. Your cousin calls me Shade, just as all others do. The names I pick are always remembered, but in the end everyone calls me Shade. I strive to be more than the dark legend, to once again be the man, even if always a slightly different man." A gloved hand rose and caressed her cheek ever so slightly, then withdrew as if having presumed too much. The gratitude vanished from the warlock's voice as he finally answered her question. - From "Past Dance"


My Thoughts:

I had never read any of Knaak's stories before but I found that I had little trouble starting with this volume, which includes previously published works.  I read the new novellas and mostly enjoyed them. Knaak's language is a little stilted at times, occasionally cliched but overall it's a smooth style and my attention and interest were quickly engaged.


"Past Dance" is a ghost story of sorts, complete with a haunted house. In it, we get to see a kinder, gentler side to Shade. Valea is engaging and her determination to solve the ghostly mystery that she gets dragged into was intriguing. I did guess the connection between the Wyr Stone and the Manor but overall it was a good story.
 
In "Storm Lord", we meet Aurim, Valea's brother. It's a story of forbidden love, the foolish decisions one can make and what one man, Shade in a return appearance, will do to survive. I enjoyed the love story; the battle was less interesting, maybe because I was able to predict much of what happened.

Valea returns in "The Still Lands". Valea is determined, after her encounters with Shade in "Past Dance" to confront him, once and for all. That path leads her to the realm of the dead.Naturally, things don't go as planned. Valea's entire family gets involved. The ending was a surprise, and I'm intrigued enough to want to read more and find out what happens.

Overall, it's an enjoyable collection, easily read even if you haven't read any of the prior books.

I received the paperback from the publisher for review.

Guest Post by Kat Flannery: Cowboys and Love

 

 

Romance author Kat Flannery is joining us today to talk about . Her new book, "Chasing Clovers" was released in October and is a historical romance about a mail order bride and her potential husband.

Kat has loved writing ever since she was a girl. She is often seen jotting her ideas down in a little black book. When not writing or in school, Kat enjoys snuggling on her couch with a hot chocolate and a great book. Kat has had her writing published in numerous periodicals. Her first novel, Chasing Clovers, was released by Imajin Books this Fall. She is now hard at work on her next book. When not focusing on her creative passions, Kat is busy with her three young boys and doting husband. 

You can find her online at her:

Website - http://www.katflannery-author.com/

Blog - http://www.kat-scratch.blogspot.com/

Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kat-Flannery/131065966999142

Twitter - http://twitter.com/#!/@katflannery1
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History has always fascinated me, but I am especially fond of cowboys. This could be from my parents over indulged love of John Wayne westerns. Family movie night often consisted of similar choices, Big Jake or True Grit. It wasn’t so much the gun fights and the Indian raids that intrigued me, but the characters these films were created around.

I’d stay up late watching re-runs of the Lone Ranger, and wondered if there was more to Tonto than the half hour episode every week. Just like my own characters, I explored their personalities—what their reactions would be to an action. Half way through the novel, they began to speak for themselves. Their expressions came naturally because I knew who they were. 


Chasing Clovers is a story of hope, faith and love. It is set in the west where Mail Order Bride, Livy Green is grieving the loss of her only child while running from an elusive past. I chose to write this story from an emotional perspective. I placed myself in Livy’s shoes. How would I deal with losing a child? How would I react to other children? And how would I treat a man I’ve never met who I agreed to marry? 

Livy is angry and resents those around her. She doesn’t think she deserves a second chance at life, or at love. But John Taylor changes all of that. He demands that Livy, distant and cold, fit into his family and raise his two children.  


In Chasing Clovers, Livy and John’s story is an adventure filled with laughter, sorrow, and forgiveness. It is a tender tale woven solely for you, the reader, to enjoy and fall in love with. 

Excerpt from "Chasing Clovers" by Kat Flannery: CBLS Promotions Virtual eBook Tour

Today we have an excerpt from "Chasing Clover", a historical romance, by Kat Flannery. It was released October 9th, 2011 by ImaJinn Books, as an ebook. CBLS Promotions is having a virtual launch party/end of tour party and there are prizes! There are 3 ecopies of this book up for grabs, now through midnight EST of December 4th. For more info, click here.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Kat Flannery has loved writing ever since she was a girl. She is often seen jotting her ideas down in a little black book. When not writing or in school, Kat enjoys snuggling on her couch with a hot chocolate and a great book. Kat has had her writing published in numerous periodicals. Her first novel, Chasing Clovers, was released by Imajin Books this Fall. She is now hard at work on her next book. When not focusing on her creative passions, Kat is busy with her three young boys and doting husband.

Website - http://www.katflannery-author.com/

Blog - http://www.kat-scratch.blogspot.com/

Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kat-Flannery/131065966999142

Twitter - http://twitter.com/#!/@katflannery1

 

Book Blurb (from the author):

Mail order bride, Livy Green, is desperate to escape the memories of her past. John Taylor will never love another woman again, but his children need a mother. Will they learn to trust each other, or will their pasts interfere?

Longing to escape the awful memories and the saloon she once sang in, Livy Green lies about her past so she can be a wife to John Taylor and mother to his two young children. Overwhelmed by the task, she struggles to put her resentment aside and love them as her own.

John loved his first wife and is still heartbroken over the loss, but he needs a mother for his children. When his distant and unfriendly mail order bride arrives, he begins to doubt his decision, though one glance into Livy's terrified green eyes tells him he can’t turn his back on her.

As Livy's past catches up with her and suspicious accidents begin to happen on the ranch, she is tempted to come clean and tell John the truth. But will he send her back if she does? Or will they forever be CHASING CLOVERS?

BUY LINKS:

Amazon - http://www.amazon.com/Chasing-Clovers-ebook/dp/B005UFQMWA

Smashwords - http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/95336

Read on for an excerpt.

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CHAPTER ONE

Calgary, 1884

The stagecoach pitched to a stop, jostling Livy Green from fitful nightmares of a past she longed to bury and the stranger she was about to marry. Her neck stiff and her back aching, she massaged her shoulders. She straightened and tried to stretch her arms, but the tiny space wouldn't allow it.

A loud sigh blew from her lips when she realized how rumpled her clothes were. Frowning, she ran her hands along her skirt. Nothing but a hot iron would get the wrinkles out. With only two other dresses in her wardrobe, and no time to change anyway, she had no choice but to meet her fiancé looking as she did.

Her stomach dropped. What if I'm not what he's expecting?

She peered out the window and wasn't surprised to see a few North West Mounted Police mingling with the other townspeople. Their bright red uniforms stood out like apples on a tree. She reached for her satchel and held it tightly before she stepped out the small door. You can do this. She squeezed the handle on her luggage. You have to.

Fort Calgary was a bustling town with two hotels on either side of the street, a small dress shop with ladies hats and fabric displayed in the window, and a red-bricked bank on the northwest corner. She watched people walking along the wooden planks and filtering in and out of the shops.

A loud squeal sounded behind her.

Livy jumped. She was almost trampled by a young boy running from his mother. Her heart lurched at the sight of the child. The familiar ache inside her soul willed her to look away. But she continued to watch mother and child until they disappeared inside the mercantile.

She took a deep breath, forced all thoughts of the past out of her mind and scanned the streets again. Her face flushed when she thought of what she was about to do.

Bag in hand, she spotted the blacksmith across the street next to the barbershop. Her stomach twisted at the sight of the saloon two buildings down. The all too familiar swinging doors waved back and forth, taunting her. Two drunken cowboys left the saloon, weaving their way down the boardwalk.

Livy clenched the satchel and tensed.

She turned away, closed her eyes, and took another deep breath. Here she would be the wife to John Taylor―a man she'd never met―and stepmother to his two children.

She took another breath. She would start over. Again.

She surveyed the busy boardwalk in search of a tall man with dark hair. Almost every man she saw fit the description he had given her, so she decided to move over to the bench in front of the mercantile and wait for Mr. Taylor to find her. Hands folded together on her lap. She tapped her toe restlessly. Where could he be?

A rough looking cowboy sauntered toward her. His brown greasy hair, and ripped denims were paired with an evil smile.

Livy tucked her chin into her chest. Oh, please don't let that be him. She'd seen his type before and knew what they were capable of. The man lingered beside her for a few moments before continuing on down the boardwalk.

She sighed with relief. How am I going to do this?

No longer Angel Green, she was now Olivia Green. The past was far behind her, except on those long dark nights that would not allow her to escape it.

She chewed on her bottom lip and stared at the busy street.

Her new life would begin here. She would survive.

She blew out a shaky breath. It was all she knew how to do.

"Olivia?" a male voice asked.

A tall man stood beside her, his hat pulled low so she couldn't see his eyes. He hesitated, then extended his hand. "Olivia?" He had a polite, resonating voice.

She shaded her eyes with a hand. "Livy will do fine." She was uncomfortably aware of his presence as he towered over her.

He smiled and took off his hat. Wavy black hair curled above the collar of his coat and his skin was tanned from the sun. He looked nothing like the dirty cowboy. Thank goodness. Instead, he wore a clean flannel shirt tucked into faded denim pants.

"John Taylor. Good to finally meet you. My buckboard is over there." He pointed the way, then peered around. "Where are your trunks?"

"I only have this one."

Her cheeks reddened as she lifted her tattered brown satchel. She held it slightly behind, not wanting him to see the holes and stains on it.

Nodding, he offered his arm. She ignored it. Friendly eyes stared back at her. After what had happened to her in Great Falls, she hated being touched by men.

"Do not be insulted, Mr. Taylor," she said, staring at his boots, "but I'd rather you show me the way instead."

She headed in the direction he'd pointed out earlier. When she heard a low chuckle from behind, she pursed her lips and walked faster. I need no one, least of all a man.

In truth, she needed John Taylor more than she could admit.

As soon as she reached the buckboard, she tossed the satchel up onto the seat, gathered her skirts and climbed up. She had sat down when she noticed he was still standing on the walk.

"Uh, Miss Green?" He tipped his hat back, crossed well muscled arms and smiled at her. "That's not my buckboard."

Her face flooded with heat.

If this wasn't his wagon, why hadn't he said something earlier, instead of watching her make a fool of herself?

Her eyes misted. How had she gotten here, in this place, with a man she didn't even know? She swallowed. How could she have thought he was the answer to her problems?

Review of "True Surrender" by Tracey Cramer-Kelly

Publisher: CreateSpace
Release Date: September 29th, 2011
Buying Links: Amazon     AbeBooks


Book Blurb (from goodreads):

When Major Aaron Bricewick is rescued from Afghanistan terrorists, he thinks the worst is over. But his personal journey is just beginning... The first surprise is the amputation of one of his legs. The second is the woman he left behind, now a widow with a 4-year-old son - and his new prosthetist (artificial limb maker). He vows that losing his leg won't derail his career. But maintaining his outward appearance as a got-it-together officer becomes increasingly difficult as he faces one personal demon after another - and sees his career aspirations slipping away. And though he has no intention of expanding his life to include a woman, his heart has other ideas - and he finds himself questioning the very foundation of his personal beliefs. When violence - and unexpected redemption - touch his life again, Aaron must make a stand. Which will he choose: duty or love?

Teaser:

He tried to think of something appropriate to say. How does one address a lover they haven't seen in 12 years? And in this, of all situations? Try as he night, he could not get his brain working. The drugs, he thought. It's the drugs.

My Thoughts:

"True Surrender" is heart-breaking, tear jerker of a story. This is not a bad thing by any means. It grabbed me from the beginning and held my attention right to the end. It's about faith, love, courage, duty, and honor. Aaron Bricewick has been through a lot and his troubles are not over. He has to learn how to live, physically and emotionally, with only one leg; cope with the emotional after effects of what he and his teammates endured in captivity; and deal with the consequences to his military career. In the midst of all this, he also re-unites with a former lover, discovers God, and loses a friend.


It sounds like a lot to deal with and it is, but it's a fast read, and an absorbing one. Despite the seriousness of the topics, it doesn't beat you over the head with them and it's ultimately a story of hope and love. I questioned, at times, the behavior of Bricewick's superiors and what was happening with his career. As it turned out, those questions were crucial to the story and played into the ending. Unfortunately, I felt like the resolution to those questions and how they played was melodramatic and over the top. The book was a four star read for me until about 80% in when it turned melodramatic and then it became a three star read. Despite that, I recommend this book, it was a good read.


Some quotes:

"Leaders can only make the best decisions they can, with the information they have at their disposal at that time-however limited that information may be."

"My point exactly," she said. "And how can leaders not make mistakes when they are forced to work with less than optimal information? They're only human after all."

Scott knew. Knew that he'd shut God out, even while needing Him more than anything. But could he let go of his anger?

 

I  received a PDF for review.

Review of "Ashes of a Black Frost" by Chris Evans

Publisher: Gallery Books
Release Date: October 18, 2011
Series: #3 Iron Elves
Buying Links: Amazon     The Book Depository

Book Blurb (from goodreads):

In the bestselling traditions of Terry Brooks, J.R.R. Tolkien, and Bernard Cornwell comes the third novel in the acclaimed epic fantasy series following The Light of Burning Shadows.

Musket and cannon, bow and arrow, and magic and diplomacy vie for supremacy once again in this all-new epic adventure from acclaimed author Chris Evans. As the human-dominated Calahrian Empire struggles to maintain its hold on power in the face of armed rebellion from within, the Iron Elves’ perilous quest to defeat the power-hungry elf witch, the Shadow Monarch, now takes on greater urgency....

Packed with wit, high adventure, and political intrigue, Ashes of Black Frost will hook readers on this bold and exciting series.

Teaser:

He turned his attention back to Feylan, watching where he put each foot. Feylan's right boot raised, and started to swing forward to the next step, but then he paused in midair and came back down. Konowa tensed and put up his hand to signal to Pimmer behind him to stop. Feylan crouched down and brought his musket to rest on his hip, the bayonet pointing straight ahead. after several seconds, he quarter-turned so that Konowa could see the side of his face. His jaw was clenched as he whispered out the side of his mouth.

My Thoughts: 

This is another book that I would probably not have picked up without encouragement and I'm glad I read it.  That's been happening to me a lot lately; clearly I need to be more open-minded about my choices. I resisted at first because I'm not a fan of military stories, I hadn't read the first two books, and I read very little traditional fantasy lately, preferring urban fantasy and paranormal stories.

The description compares the books to Tolkien and Brooks, and I have to say, that's dead on. (The Cornwell I've read was a contemporary so I can't really judge). Evans' style and some of his beings remind me of both Brooks and Tolkien but not in any derivative fashion. He takes traditional mythological and faery tale beings and puts his own spin on them but not changing them so much that they are unrecognizable. (The back of the book contains a glossary, which I found very useful). There's a lot of fighting and some military strategy but they're not as frequent or as dense as in Tolkien. There's action, adventure, humor, politics, romance, and a solid, engaging story. There's also a lot of character growth in this story and Evans plays with reader expectations concerning certain characters, going the unexpected route. I enjoyed seeing them change and loved that Evans was willing to go beyond stereotypes and cliches. He also doesn't hesitate to kill off characters, I teared up several times.

The story dragged a bit at times, a little trimming would have been good, but it's a well done ending to the trilogy. In my opinion, you could read it without having read the first two and only be mildly confused. Still, you would better appreciate the story and the character changes if you read in order.

I received a hardcover from the publisher for review.

Crafting with Cat Hair

A few weeks ago, I did a post entitled "I NEED This Book!". It was about using your cat's fur to make projects. The publicist for the book saw my excited post and offered to send me the book. It arrived today and I've been having fun looking at it. I've identified several projects That I want to try. Once I've done a couple, I will post a review.

Sent from my Verizon Wireless Android Phone