Interview & Excerpt from "The Book of Lost Fragrances" by M.J. Rose

Author M.J. Rose is here today, answering a few questions and sharing an excerpt from her newest book, "The Book of Lost Fragrances, which was released March 13th by Atria Books.

M.J. Rose, is the international bestselling author of several novels including Lip Service, In Fidelity, Flesh Tones, Sheet Music, Lying in Bed, The Halo Effect, The Delilah Complex, The Venus Fix, The Reincarnationist, The Memorist and The Hypnotist.

Rose is also the co-author with with Doug Clegg of Buzz Your Book.

She is a founding member of International Thriller Writers and the founder of the first marketing company for authors: AuthorBuzz.com. She runs the popular blog; Buzz, Balls & Hype.

Getting published has been an adventure for Rose who self-published Lip Service late in 1998 after several traditional publishers turned it down. Editors had loved it, but didn't know how to position it or market it since it didn't fit into any one genre. Frustrated, but curious and convinced that there was a readership for her work, she set up a web site where readers could download her book for $9.95 and began to seriously market the novel on the Internet.

After selling over 2500 copies (in both electronic and trade paper format) Lip Service became the first e-book and the first self-published novel chosen by the LiteraryGuild/Doubleday Book Club as well as being the first e-book to go on to be published by a mainstream New York publishing house.

Rose has been profiled in Time magazine, Forbes, The New York Times, Business 2.0, Working Woman, Newsweek and New York Magazine. She's also appeared on The Today Show, Fox News, The Jim Lehrer NewsHour, and features on her have appeared in dozens of magazines and newspapers in the U.S. and abroad, including USAToday, Stern, L'Official, Poets and Writers and Publishers Weekly.

Rose graduated from Syracuse University and spent the '80s in advertising. She was the Creative Director of Rosenfeld Sirowitz and Lawson and she has a commercial in the Museum of Modern Art in NYC.

She lives in Connecticut with Doug Scofield, a composer, and their very spoiled dog, Winka.

THE BOOK OF LOST FRAGRANCES

By M.J. Rose 

ISBN: 9781451621303

Published by: ATRIA BOOKS

Genre: FICTION, MYSTERY

Format: HARDCOVER, EBOOK, AUDIO

Length: 384 pages, 1899KB

Release Date: MARCH 13, 2012

Website

Facebook

M.J., thank you for taking the time to sit down and answer some questions.

Bea: Where do you normally write?M.J.: Wherever my laptop is

Bea: What would be your favorite meal?
M.J.: Lobster and champagne.

Bea: What was your least favorite part of The Book of Lost Fragrances to write?
M.J.: The first draft.

Bea: Do you have any advice for aspiring authors?
M.J.: Write because you love writing, not because you want to get rich or famous. It’s a big lottery so focusing on the winning ticket means you’ll lose the magical journey that writing can be.

Bea: What is your favorite perfume other than the one Joya created for the book?
M.J.: Musc Ravageur by Malle and Citrine by Olivier Durbano

Thank You M.J. And now for the excerpt.

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EXCERPT

“Perfume can evoke feelings, Papa,” L’Etoile had argued. “Imagine what a fortune we’d make if we were selling dreams and not just formulations.”

“Nonsense,” his father admonished. “We are chemists, not poets. Our job is to mask the stench of the streets, to cover the scent of the flesh and relieve the senses from the onslaught of smells that are unpleasant,vile and infected.”

“No, Father. You’re wrong. Poetry is the very essence of what we do.”

Despite his father’s opinion, L’Etoile was certain that there wasmore that scent could offer. That it had a deeper purpose. It was why he had come to Egypt. And he’d discovered that he was right. Ancient perfumers had been priests. Perfume was part of holy rituals and religious customs.

The next stop on the tour is  http://www.bethfishreads.com/

Thanks for visiting!

Blog Tour Interview with Romance Author Kacey Hammell

 

Romance author Kacey Hammell is here with us today for an interview. Canadian-born Kacey is a self-proclaimed book-a-holic, who began reading romances at a young age and became easily addicted.  As a Mom of three, Kacey has made certain that each of her children know the value of the written word and the adventures they could escape on by becoming book-a-holics in their own right.

A decade ago, while working for multiple review sites, Kacey quickly discovered that she was developing the writing bug. Thanks to the encouragement of her own beloved hero husband, she decided to try her hand at writing. 

With a love of contemporary settings, modern day romances and the happily ever after, as well as the excitement of suspense, Kacey creates stories in genres she's familiar with and that she loves most. She also loves vampires who nibble the necks of the heroines, ghosts who can't leave a loved one, shape-shifters who are sexier than hell and the thought of her very own werewolf or were-cat to tame makes her tremble! 

Readers can contact Kacey:

Website/Blog
Facebook
Twitter
Amazon
Email

Bea: Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions, Kacey. 

Kacey: Thank you for having me here, Bea.

Bea: You developed the writing bug while working at review sites, but did you always know that you want to write? Was there anyone who inspired you?

Kacey: My husband encouraged me to write after about three years of reviewing. It was a very nerve-wracking endeavor to jump into but I did and haven’t regretted it.

Bea: Why romance? What’s the appeal for you? Do you think you might try a different genre some time?

Kacey: Romance is just a genre that keeps people believing in love, love at first sight? I started reading it when I was about thirteen and haven’t stopped. I do have a ghost story I’m working on, as well as a paranormal (Witch & Ménage) series I’ve also started. So I’m branching into paranormal but still main focus is romance.

 

Bea: Can you tell us a little about Illusions and the series it’s part of? Do you know yet how many books it will be?

Kacey: Illusions is a contemporary romance with light paranormal (the hero is a seer) and romantic suspense interwoven. Isabella & Brady, the main characters, are friends who became lovers and fight commitment every step of the way. Neither believes that love is for them and they do everything possible to avoid it. However, as their secret relationship gets deeper, and a psychotic killer is inching his way closer to home, both of them realize they can’t control everything. No matter how much they’d like to…

Bea: Are you a planner or do you wing it when you write? Any habits or superstitions that are important to you while writing?

Kacey: I write scenes first then put it all together. Sometimes I can start with page one and just go, but I have written a couple books as scenes first. No habits or anything, just go where the characters lead.

 

Bea: What’s a typical writing day like for you? 

Kacey: Just writing, researching, writing, self-edits, write some more and edit again. Some stories I’ll just write fully then go back and edit but there are times when I’ll edit chapter by chapter.

Bea: Does your family read your books? What do they think?

Kacey: Yes, my Mom even! Bit scary to have my Mom read the stories but she’s an avid reader like I am, so I couldn’t keep her from doing so. And a lot of my friends have, as well as my Mom’s girlfriends. They’ve been some of my biggest supporters and always nagging for the next one. *g*

Bea: Are any of your heroes based on, or inspired by, your husband? You described him as your “hero husband”.

Kacey: The hero’s sensitivity and caring for the ladies is greatly inspired by my husband. He is a very open, honest man who is sensitive to who I am, what makes me tick, and takes care of me. I think my heroes are quite the same in “tapping into” their woman’s moods, feelings, and ultimately they just want to care for them.

Bea: I know you do some social media. Do you think it’s important to an author? 

Kacey: Yes, I think it is. To a point though. No one wants to see promo after promo, so I try to do a couple promo things a day, while interacting with readers/other authors.  I like to know about the reader’s lives (to a point), things we can discuss (like tv, movies, books), share fun pictures and just have some fun. It’s hard to always balance all of it with writing but the readers are very important to me and I try to make myself available, via email, blog hops, interviews, etc.

Bea: Do you prefer print books or digital? Do you have an ereader? 

Kacey: I use Kindle for PC but don’t have an eReader. I’m still very invested in print titles. I find that after writing in front of the computer every day, critiquing for others, or doing interviews and such, that I just want to curl up with a print book. I do buy many ebooks mind you as I steal my hubby’s tablet often *g*, but do prefer prints.

Bea: What do you enjoy doing when you’re not writing? 

Kacey: Long hikes, bike rides with the family. Family gatherings, spending time playing board games with the kids, just hanging out. We’re very much homebodies and enjoy the quiet moments

Thank you Kacey for taking the time to answer my questions, and for giving us an excerpt from "Illusions". 

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EXCERPT 

Knowing she would soon run out of time before his arrival, and getting more aroused by the second, Isabella hurriedly reached for her bath sponge. Soaping it up, she cleansed her body with an eagerness she was growing accustomed to feeling whenever she had plans to see him.

Sponging all suds from her clean body, Isabella pulled the plug in the drain, and stood in the tub, reaching for a thick, blue towel from the shelf.

She rubbed vigorously at her body, drying it, and reached for the strawberry body lotion that went with her bubble bath. She poured a generous amount into her palm, rubbing her hands together to coat them in the sweet smell. Then she smoothed it over her arms, her breasts, stomach, and legs. The scent of strawberries made her smile.

Humming Destiny’s Child’s ancient hit Soldier to herself, Isabella wondered how many more minutes she’d have to wait before her soldier made an appearance.

She recapped the body lotion and tucked the towel loosely around her once again. Her heart skipped a beat when she heard the sound of the front door closing.

She hazarded a glance in the mirror. With the mussed, damp tendrils of hair around her shoulders, the towel haphazardly wrapped around her, she looked like a woman eager for a man’s—her man’s—touch.

The sound of a boot hitting the floor with a thud caused her to smile, and she moved to the doorway of the bathroom.

Hearing another boot drop and the sound of heavy breathing, Isabella peered into the hallway. When he finally came into view, she was already breathless, even though she had been expecting him.

Dressed in his usual black denim, form-fitting jeans, and dark hair damp as if he too had taken a few moments to clean up, he was a sight to behold.

Isabella’s heart thudded rapidly and her legs threatened to give out. She noticed his leather jacket, undone, over a naked torso. Obviously his zealousness to be with her had him forgetting a few things.

There they were. The abs, the washboard stomach had her literally teetering on the edge of orgasm already—and he hadn’t even touched her.

Finally lifting her gaze to his face, his smoldering silver-gray eyes captured hers. She had to lean against the doorjamb for support.

He always made her speechless. His beauty, his charm oozed from him with no effort at all. How she had gone so long, so many years as friends with him and never really noticed him in such a way before? Some detective she was, not seeing what was directly in front of her.

As he moved toward her, his pace slowed, as if he knew the effect he was having on her and wanted her to crave him more desperately than ever. His face broke into a sinful grin, telling her he knew exactly what he was playing at.

Never one to let anyone, least of all this man, have the upper hand, Isabella let go of the towel she was still holding around her. It slithered downed her body, pooling at her feet. Noting his small stumble mid-stride, she relished the power she had over him.

Naked and confident, she smiled at the man she needed to feel against her. Desperate to have his hands on her, she called to him.

“Brady….”

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Kacey will be giving away a goodie package sent via snail mail (consisting of magnets, pen, notepads), plus THREE (3) ebooks of their choice from Decadent Publishing to one randomly drawn commenter during the tour and a $20 Amazon gift certificate to the host with the most comments.

You can increase your odds of winning and learn more about Kacey by following the tour and commenting; the more you comment, the better your chances of winning. The tour dates can be found here:  http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2012/01/virtual-book-tour-illusions-by-kacey.html

Review of Illusions by Kacey Hammell

Publisher: Decadent Publishing

Release Date: February 28, 2012

Series: The Arms of the Law #1

Buying Links: Decadent     Amazon    

Book Blurb (from author website):

Detective Isabella Knowles, a tough-as-nails cop, lives by the law, and knows what she wants out of life. And it doesn't include marriage or all that comes with it. Everything Isabella has ever known seems like an illusion when a new relationship makes her feel more alive than ever before.  She isn’t happy about it and fights it every step of the way.

Burned by his fiancée years ago, seer and P.I., Brady Jacobs never wants another commitment in his life.  But his bachelorhood and heart are threatened when he has one of his visions and see a killer striking too close to the woman he has recently come to love.

Danger lurks close to home and neither Brady nor Isabella like that they can’t control every situation…especially matters of the heart.  

Contemporary Erotic Romance/Romantic Suspense/Paranormal(Seer)

Reviewed By: Bea

My Thoughts:

"Illusions" is the second story I've read by Hammell, and I enjoyed this one more than I did the first one. This is a quick and mostly enjoyable romantic suspense. I wish it had been a bit longer as I feel that some areas of the story could have been explored in more depth and the mystery part of the story wasn't given enough attention then BOOM! there's a crisis arising from the mystery.


I also found it unbelievable that no one in their town, not even the police, had a problem with Brady's visions and psychic ability. That just doesn't jibe with how people behave in the real world, there would be people who think he's crazy and people who would avoid him. Apart from that, I really liked the paranormal aspect of the story. I've long been a fan of stories that contain characters with psychic abilities.

Isabella had some rough times growing up and as an adult, she shies away from commitment, and doesn't believe in "happily ever after", or even in love. She hasn't had a serious relationship in a long time but she does have a friend with benefits. She keeps him a secret from her friends and family but it's obvious to the reader who it is. 


At first, Brady was content with their casual, "scratch an itch" relationship but lately, he's been wanting more. Isabella doesn't. That conflict is the focus of the story. There's a very hot sex scene early on that has me looking at door frames in a new way. :P I really liked Brady and wish I had one of my own. The secondary characters were also interesting, and I assume we'll be seeing them again. Although too short, it's a sweet story and a decent start to her new series, "The Arms of the Law".

I received a PDF from GoddessFish Promotions for review.

Giveaway & Excerpt from "The Taker" by Alma Katsu

Thanks to Simon & Schuster, I have an excerpt from "The Taker" to share with you. "The Taker" was released in hardcover in September 2011 and will be out in paperback on March 27th. The book was a sensation when it was released and generated a lot of buzz. Now, you have a chance to check it out for yourself and see what was the fuss was all about. But, wait! There's more! (Sorry, I couldn't resist, lol.)

Also, again thanks to S&S, I have one paperback copy of "The Taker" to give away to a US resident. Sorry, that's the publisher's restriction. You'll find more info at the bottom of the post, after the excerpt.

The Taker by Alma Katsu

Review of Timeless by Gail Carriger

Publisher: Orbit
Release Date: March 1, 2012
Series: The Parasol Protectorate #5
Buying Links:  Amazon     The Book Depository

***The blurb and the review contain spoilers for the previous books. The review does not contain spoilers for this book.***

Book Blurb (from goodreads):

Alexia Tarabotti, Lady Maccon, has settled into domestic bliss. Of course, being Alexia, such bliss involves integrating werewolves into London High society, living in a vampire's second best closet, and coping with a precocious toddler who is prone to turning supernatural willy-nilly. Even Ivy Tunstell's acting troupe's latest play, disastrous to say the least, cannot put a damper on Alexia's enjoyment of her new London lifestyle.


Until, that is, she receives a summons from Alexandria that cannot be ignored. With husband, child, and Tunstells in tow, Alexia boards a steamer to cross the Mediterranean. But Egypt may hold more mysteries than even the indomitable Lady Maccon can handle. What does the vampire Queen of the Alexandria Hive really want from her? Why is the God-Breaker Plague suddenly expanding? And how has Ivy Tunstell suddenly become the most popular actress in all the British Empire?

Teaser:

"This is not good. Given half a chance, she'll kill him before we extract any additional information out of him."

"Not to mention that it's a bad idea to eat one's domestic staff."

The two men looked at one another and then, by mutual accord, began to strip out of their clothes. At least, Biffy consoled himself, BUR agents were accustomed to such eccentricities.

Professor Lyall gave up about halfway through and simply sacrificed his wardrobe to the cause. Biffy watched him run after the Alpha...However, Biffy did spare a few moments to divest himself of his favorite waistcoat and cravat before shifting form. The trousers and shirt could be replaced, but not that waistcoat; it was a real pip.

Reviewed By: Bea

My Thoughts:

The first third or so of this book was light on plot but funny as heck, I could hardly stop laughing. But as the action picked up, so did the pace and we got some meat to the story, without losing the humor. The book wraps up some loose threads, sets up new story lines should Carriger decide to return to this series (it's the last one, though two spin-offs are planned) and is a good end to the series.

Carriger takes some intriguing twists and turns, with only a few predictable moments. I wish we had seen more of Akeldama but I loved the interactions between he and toddler Prudence. Alexia has mellowed slightly, even to the point of relaxing standards a tiny bit where young children are concerned. Despite that slight mellowing, Carriger still gives us the comedy of manners that we've come to expect. Conall is, well, Conall. The two of them have a big misunderstanding, every romance needs one you know, but this one had been brewing for a bit and arises naturally from events in previous books so I didn't mind it too much.

I loved seeing the changes in Biffy and Lyall, although I didn't completely buy into what Carriger did with Biffy. I haven't read the other books in a while but it seems to me that Carriger didn't sufficiently set up what happens with him in this book. We learn more about Floote, and about Alexia's father in this book, and Ivy has occasional moments of brilliance.

While not an excellent book, it was very very good, and nicely concluded the series.

I received a paperback from the publisher for review.

Mike Mullin Signing

I arrived right at the start time and Mike was chatting with some of the audience. The audience was a mix of students, who seemed to range in age from 10 or 12 (I'm rotten at estimating ages) to about 14 or 15, and adults. The adults were mostly the parents or guardians of those kids, some librarians, and maybe one other adult who, like myself, was there to hear Mike talk. Mike was energetic, dynamic, and bopped all over the place; the only time he slowed down was when he sat to autograph books at the end of the night. His energy level was especially impressive considering he drove from Indianapolis, with a tour stop in New York state, and had a high school presentation earlier in the day.

"Ashfall" is the first book in a trilogy; book two, "Ashen Winter", comes out in October of this year.

For the first part of the presentation, Mike talked about writing the book, research he had done, the process of writing, different types of volcanoes, and how he came up with the idea of "Ashfall". He focuses his attention on the students and engaged them all throughout his talk; he didn't neglect the adults but the students were his focus, which was appropriate since he's a YA author. Mike is a tae kwan do practitioner and part of his appearance included a demonstration. At the beginning of the presentation, he invited anyone who was interested to try breaking a practice board. It appeared to be made of plastic and hinged in the middle. In order to separate the two halves, you had to hit it just right. Mike demonstrated a method (there are several) and explained why he chose that one (basically, it's a safe method, especially for non-practitioners). At the end of the night, he passed around a concrete block so people could examine it and verify that  it really was made of concrete. He then placed it on top of two large concrete blocks, placed a washcloth on top (to protect the skin on his hand) and, with one chop, broke it clean in half. I've seen it done in movies but this was the first time I saw it live and it was impressive.

Mike was engaging, funny, smart and enjoyable. He never talked down to his audience, but treated them with respect, and seemed to enjoy being there. After his talk, and the tae kwan do demonstration, he sat and signed books, chatting with each person. I held back until all of the students had a chance to get their books or event fliers signed, then got in line. I had told Mike on Twitter that I would be there so he knew who I was when it was my turn and I got a big bear hug. A few other adults had also held back and he chatted with us and showed us some pics of real ash fall on his laptop.

My cell phone battery died before I could get any pix at the signing; one of the librarians at the library where the event was held offered to send me pics; when she does I'll add them in. She also arranged the signing after she was contacted by a patron, Cindy, who had read Mike's book, "Ashfall" and saw that he was coming to Massachusetts. So, BIG THANKS to Ellen and Cindy for setting things up. :)

It was an enjoyable evening, well worth the drive. If Mike comes your way, even if you haven't read his book,  go. You won't regret going to see him.

In My Mailbox #22

In My Mailbox was started by The Story Siren. It's a way to share and highlight all the books we receive, even if we don't review them. l share books that I buy, that I receive for review, get from the library, borrow from a friend, etc.

I looked at my TBR shelf on goodreads, and it's now up to 469 books; the list keeps growing.

Click on the covers to see the goodreads descriptions.

Kindle Freebies

Bought

I got an egalley of this book last summer and really enjoyed it (my review) but only got around to buying a hardcover when the author, Mike Mullin, came to my area for an appearance. It's now signed. :)

This was originally released as part of an anthology and Kelley just released it as a single ebook. I pre-ordered it months ago and it finally downloaded this past week.

 I've loved Cary Grant for years, I couldn't pass this up.

Another book I had to have. I'm a longtime Seuss fan and this is a collection of stories printed in magazines back in the early fifties and then forgotten about. It will be well used in my classroom.

Library

 Review

So, another very good book week. I'll be busy for a while, reading. How was your week, what did you get?

Upcoming Book Signing & Campaign to Save Wild Horses

A friend of mine emailed me this flyer for an event this weekend in New Hampshire. When I was growing up, a favorite book of mine was "Mustang: Wild Spirit of the West" by Margaret Henry about Wild Horse Annie, who was successful in saving herds of mustangs. Today, though they have some protection, they're still in danger. If you want to help save the mustangs, and you're in the New Hampshire region, why not go and show your support? It should be a fun, and educational, family event. The signing is Sunday the 18th at NHSPCA from 11AM-4PM.


Some additional information:
 
Horses are no longer a necessity for work or transportation as they were in the days of the Wild West. Unwanted horses are often abused, abandoned, or worse. A new book by illustrator Denise Brown takes on these controversial practices. Wind, Wild Horse Rescue is an adventure about the plight of America's wild mustangs and the fight to prevent from being eliminated on
public lands. 

Wind focuses on the handling and management of the wild herds. The book also takes on the inhumanity of the slaughterhouse and the debate over what to do with wild horses. It also reveals many of the challenges faced by wild horses through the eyes, ears, and senses of a young colt named "Wind". Wind
is chased by a helicopter and captured during a round-up. The names here are fictitious, but the events are real.

The author hopes the world will realize wild mustangs should be treated humanely and should be allowed to live on the public lands that have been set aside for them. Working together, Brown says, informed Americans can ensure that future generations will be able to enjoy these beautiful creatures -- and not just in the movies.

Author and illustrator Denise F. Brown grew up next to several horse farms. Her love for horses and animals, and her talent as an equine artist, gave her the courage to write and illustrate this book. Wind has over 100 beautiful equine sketches and paintings. Click here for more info.
 

Brown grew up in New Hampshire, took riding lessons, and has sketched and painted horses all my 

her life. She's never had her own horse, but became an equine artist in order to stay in touch with horses and horse people. During her research for WIND she discovered that hundreds of thousands of wild mustangs and burros are being legally harvested, chased, or harassed each year. Mustangers and helicopter pilots ³hot shot,² brand, and place wild horses in holding pens with no shelter, often for years. Only a few are given the opportunity to be adopted. If not adopted, they are sold and transported in crammed trailers to slaughterhouses in Canada and Mexico. There they are killed and processed into horse meat that is sold for human consumption in Europe and Japan.

Some horses are poisoned by cattle ranchers. Others are abused and neglected by owners who cannot afford to care for them. Rescue shelters and organizations across the country have joined the fight to help save them. Brown believes that stronger legislation and enforcement is needed to protect the wild mustangs and burros from a terrible fate.You can help too. Share the story of Wind with your friends and family. Write a letter asking your Congressperson to vote to protect these horses from a slaughterhouse. Volunteer at or donate to an animal rescue center, or adopt a wild horse or burro if you have a farm or ranch.