The Romance Reviews

The Romance Reviews

Monday, March 10, 2014

Pick Me Up Monday - Sunday was the best birthday ever and now to work!

Happy Monday! This sexy beast puts me in a great mood for the week and now that I'm finally over the flu I am ready to work.
First, I want to thank everyone who wished me a Happy Birthday on Sunday you totally made my day. You all have touched my heart and I'm a much richer person for your presence in my life.
 
Now, what the heck am I doing? Finally finishing edits for both Soul Fire and Dark Desire so I can devote the next two months to the next book in the Guardians of Drakkan, Firestorm. I'm eager to jump in with both feet on this one since I'm dealing with ancient history as in Pompeii and Rome.
Where else would a dragon be than in the middle of the freaking eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 69ad? As you can tell I'm very excited about this book and can't wait to start sharing small tidbits of it with you through Sneak Peek Sunday.
Well, that's it for now, have a wonderful week and we will chat again. 

Sunday, March 9, 2014

Dark Desire-#4 of the Dark Breed Series #SPeekSunday



It's time again! Welcome to my world and a sneak peek at my latest work Dark Desire, book 4 in the Dark Breed Enforcer series. 
 
Now a little about Dark Desire.
 
 
 
A destiny he can no longer deny
Being heir to the throne of Atlantis is not all it’s cracked up to be. Especially if you live under a world altering prophecy he is powerless to prevent. Ze’Kerhia is simply known as Zeke, the computer wizard and fighter for the branch of Enforcers lead by Marcus Valerian. He must now return to a life he walked away from in order to save a friend. Forced into a marriage to a woman he never met. Worse, she is Lemurian, a long standing enemy of Atlantis for thousands of years.
A brutal betrayal
One look at Laris Raail and Zeke knows he’s in trouble. He is captivated by her stunning dark beauty and grace, but more, he senses an intelligent and caring woman beneath which stirs his blood like no other could. With hopes high for the future he is unprepared to find a Lemurian dagger buried deep in his heart by the hand of his new bride, Laris.
A deadly plot revealed
Acting on a tip, Zeke finds Laris after seven long months of searching. Revenge his only motive. He is unprepared when he finds Laris with no memory of her past or even her name. It doesn’t take much time before Zeke realizes they are being hunted. Caught in a plot so treacherous, the dark breeds and humans alike may be unable to prevent the war it would spark. It’s up to the two of them to try and prevent more bloodshed and reveal the traitor in their midst.
Can they survive long enough to prevent the slaughter of innocent lives? Or will they too, perish before revealing who is behind a plot to enslave the world.
 
Sneak Peek:
 
He snatched one wrist attaching the cuff, then the other effectively subduing her arms, her foot slashed out, but again he maneuvered out of harm’s way by simply stepping back. She struggled to break the manacles, the chains only giving her a few precious inches of freedom.
“Let. Me. Go.” She snarled the demand feeling anger rise deep inside, burning away the paralyzing fear from only moments before.
“I don’t think so. You can scream all you want this room is soundproof.” He shook his head and walked to the door.
“Wait, what am I supposed to do if I have to go to the bathroom, you can’t just leave me like this.” She spat the words out, the taste of bitterness sharp on her tongue.
His gaze moved to the pot near her feet. “I’m sure you will find some creative way to relieve yourself. Not my problem.”
She shrieked, hurtling curse words at his retreating back and continuing long after he closed the door after him.
 
We have quite a line up for you this week so enjoy the sneak peeks coming your way. Just Click Here and you will be sent to the main page. Happy reading and have a great Sunday!
 
 


Friday, March 7, 2014

Author Spotlight on Patricia Layne

I am very pleased to have Patricia Layne on my blog today. She has a very exciting new book out and I was able to entice her to share.
So, grab your coffee and nestle in close while we get to know a bit more about this very talented author.
 
 
 
 
Do you do anything to get you into the zone to write? Turn on the music. Classic rock is my go-to selection for a long writing session. Pink Floyd is always good. Or depending upon my mood, I might switch it up and throw on some John Denver.
 Which authors inspire your writing? There have been a bunch of them. (I read a lot.)  Anne McCaffey and Mercedes Lackey are among my favorites and taught me a lot about strong female characters. I also enjoy Craig Johnson, the author of the Longmire series. I started reading his books long before they got turned into a TV series.
What is your favorite book, character and why? Do I have to pick one? Okay, I'll pick Tarma in Oathbound by  Mercedes Lackey.  She is the perfect kick-ass heroine who can hold her own in a fight against just about anyone or anything but never betrays family and friendship.
 Do you prefer to write erotic or sweet? I prefer sweet with a touch of heat. Call me old-fashioned, but unless the details of the sex act are important to the story, I don't need the physical details. I trust my readers can fill in the blanks when I close the bedroom door.
Which famous person, living or dead,  are you drawn to? John Denver. His music encouraged me to move out West, and continues to inspire me. When I'm not in the mood for Classic Rock, I frequently listen to his albums. I have a large collection of his albums—on vinyl!
 Where do you see yourself in five years? Believe it not, the same place I am today. I have a good job that gives me time for writing, and I live close to where I like to spend my time–the mountains. When I get rich, maybe I’ll move into a small town way up in the mountains.
 Finish this sentence: I know I’ve made it when I develop a fan base that can't wait for my next release.
 What advice would you give aspiring writers? Write. Even if it's bad, the act of getting your thoughts written out will help you become better.
 What do you see yourself writing in the future? I'm currently working on a mystery with a strong romantic element. Some of my readers have asked me to write a sequel to my current book, Wolves' Pawn, and that's a possibility. One of the minor characters has been bugging me to write her story.
 If you could have one superpower what would it be and why? I don't know if you would consider it a superpower, but I'd love to be a healer. I've known too many people with medical issues that even our modern medicine can't fix, and I'd love to be able to help them.
 What time of the day are you at your best to write? Evenings. I work a full-time job and although I might get some writing done on my breaks, I can concentrate on my story in the evenings.
 
 
And now for something completely different…
 What do you look at first with an attractive man or woman, face, body or smile? It's the eyes. Always the eyes.  After that the smile.
 Explain your perfect day. A lazy day when I can sleep in, then get up and watch a gentle snow fall while sipping on a cup of hot chocolate. Eventually I’d start writing, and the words would flow easily. I’d finish the day reading a good book while snuggling with my hubby.
What is the most decadent desert you can’t say no to? Chocolate anything, and the more chocolate the better. So double chocolate cake with fudge frosting and a heavy drizzle of chocolate syrup. A dab of whipped cream on top won't hurt.
 Do you have a favorite holiday what is it and what makes it special to you? I don't really have a “favorite” holiday. I enjoy any holiday that gives me time to spend with my family.
 What key words describe you best? I always hate this sort of question, but I'll give it my best shot. Patient, caring and creative come to mind. But I can also be stubborn when I want to be.
 
 
There are very few ladies I've met you don't love chocolate. If they don't I start to worry lol! I love your key words to describe yourself. All authors seem to be stubborn, it must be an inbred trait for any of us who write.
Alright, the suspense is killing me and I know my readers would love to know about your book.
 
 
 
 
Blurb for Wolves' Pawn :
 
 Dot McKenzie is a lone wolf-shifter on the run, using everything available to her to stay one step ahead of her pursuers. When she is offered a chance for friendship and safety with the Fairwood pack, she accepts.
 
            Gavin Fairwood, reluctant heir for Fairwood pack leadership, is content to let life happen while he waits.  Old longings surface when he appoints himself as Dot’s protector and becomes more than a friend.
 
            Dot goes into hiding again when her presence puts the pack and her new friends at risk. When old enemies threaten the destruction of the Fairwood pack, it will take the combined efforts of Dot and Gavin to save it. But can anything save their love and Dot’s life when she becomes a pawn in a pack leader’s deadly game.
 
 
Except:
        Dot waited for instinct to scream at her, but it stayed silent. She didn’t have the energy to run any more anyway. He held out his hand to help her up. “The Jeep is just on the other side of the hill. Do you think you can make it or do you need to rest more? We’re good for now, but I still want to get out of here as soon as possible.”
            She grasped his hand and pulled herself up. He gently put his arm around her waist to support her while she found her balance. His nearness proved comforting and disturbing at the same time, but her legs were still rubbery and she clung to him. “Do you want me to carry you?” he asked.
            She studied him. With his build, he probably could carry her without a problem. Suddenly shy, she pulled away from him. “Give me a minute. I will be all right.”  
            “We have water in the Jeep and a blanket. It’s getting late, and I don’t want you to get a chill. We’ll head down the road and meet up with Dmitri and take you someplace safe.”
            Things were happening too fast. If she closed her eyes and shut him out she might be able to think clearly. “Who are you, and why should I go with you?”
            “Sorry, we haven’t been officially introduced.” She opened her eyes to a sparkling smile. The self-control she was fighting for rushed away again. “I’m Gavin Fairwood and if I’m correct you’re Dot McKenzie. The rest we can talk about later.”
 
 
Where can we buy your book?
Wolves' Pawn is available only on Amazon for now. The US buy link is http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HVDD1G4

 


Thursday, March 6, 2014

Guest Spotlight on Guy Ogan-Plus giveaway!

I am happy to introduce Guy Ogan author of  the Immortal Relations series. He is giving one commenter a choice of one of his books. 
But first let's get to know a little about Gary so grab your coffee cup and enjoy the interview.
 
Do you do anything to get you into the zone to write? My problem is that the stories keep bouncing around in my head all the time so it is only finding the time to sit down and write. If I had all the time to write I’d have 100 books out instead of just three. 

 Which authors inspire your writing? Now that is a tough question, there are so very many…I guess for the action part of me it is the late Tom Clancy (I miss him terribly, his death was so unexpected). For passion, it was clearly Lisa Renee Jones (OMG she is the master of passionate sex). For vampires, Jeaniene Frost and her series including “This Side of the Grave” mirrors my own belief that vampires can be good and that the true evil of this world comes from politicians and their lust for absolute power.  

What is your favorite book, character and why? “The Bear and The Dragon” by Tom Clancy is a story about a future conflict between Communist China and post-soviet Russia. Jack Ryan is the major character in most of Tom Clancy’s works. He doesn’t have a “six-pack” with bulging muscles; he is the mild mannered hero who uses his brains to solve problems of historic importance. I consider his “Debt of Honor,” “The Bear and the Dragon” and “Executive Orders” to be required reading for anyone who wishes to see how the United States should conduct itself and how a true leader behaves (and Jack Ryan exemplifies the character of what a President SHOULD be).

Do you prefer to write erotic or sweet? My writing is passionate in the relationship between characters and my love for freedom…that sometimes equates to being erotic.

Which famous person, living or dead, are you drawn to? Without a doubt my hero for all times is Sir Winston Churchill, if there was a leader for his time he was it. Without him and R. J. Mitchell, designer of the Spitfire, I doubt England would have survived Hitler’s onslaught and if England had fallen I hate to think of what the world would have looked like today.

Where do you see yourself in five years? At my age I’ll likely be pushing up daisies in five years. However, if the Good Lord sees fit to allow me to roam the Earth I’d like to think SOMEONE will find my series of books worthy of films or television. That seems to be the only way an author has of “making it.” Although I certainly don’t write for the money, I’ll likely never make back what it has cost me to get my books published. The main thing for me was to get the stories out for people to read and understand what I am all about: Passion and love for freedom and liberty. I’m so NOT “politically correct” that leftist Hollywood wouldn’t dare produce my second and third novels into film.

Finish this sentence: I know I’ve made it when the movie of “Immortal Relations” is released.

What advice would you give aspiring writers? You will hear a lot of negatives about your writing style, content, ideas, sentence structure, ad nauseam, listen politely then write it the way you feel it so that YOU are happy with the story. You are unlikely to become rich as an author anyway so just write what you enjoy.

What do you see yourself writing in the future? I’m in the process of writing a little story for my soon to be six year old granddaughter who loves dinosaurs about her and her “pop-pop” (that is me) helping a friend build a time-travel machine and going back to look at the dinosaurs. I may not have it published as it is just something I’m doing for her. After that, I’d like to continue on with my series, Good Lord willing. I already have the cover (a close-up of an eye with a Red Iris (we all know what that means) and the title is to be, “Immortal Relations, Revenge.” If you read my third book, “Immortal Relations Coming Out” you’ll know one of those who will be seeking revenge, but there are others as well. There is your hint of what the forth book will be. 

If you could have one superpower what would it be and why? Immortality, if you wish to call it a superpower. I’m very passionate and would like to share my passions, writing and otherwise, with many throughout time.

What time of the day are you at your best to write? Anytime I can get free to write I do, as for what time I’m at my best, I guess it is early morning.

And now for something completely different…

What do you look at first with an attractive man or woman, face, body or smile? With my eyesight I see larger objects first so a person’s whole body is visible first followed by their face and smile. Most people I see these days are not smiling and with what is happening in this country I fully understand why!

Explain your perfect day. Get up, kiss my wife, play with our four Pomeranians, my wife and I fix breakfast, then she plays her games on her I-Pad and I go in and write.  

What is the most decadent desert you can’t say no to? There is a bakery here called McKay’s and they make a Chocolate Cake that is to die for. One version has coconut in between layers as well as on top in the center, but my wife hates coconut so she just eats around it. We both enjoy the chocolate parts. 
 
 
I just love coconut with anything myself lol! Now, can you tell us a bit about your books?
 
 
The first book, "Immortal Relations" http://amzn.com/B006ZCBT6G starts with the true story that caused me to write the book and the series. It contains "explicit togetherness" (sex), not meant to be salacious but to show the good vampires don't have hang-ups about intimacy (frankly some of what Gary gets drawn into is rather humorous). Gary's military experience helps protect the coven from evil vampires seeking revenge. When Gary's full vampire son matures and gains his father's knowledge he helps the Czechs as well as the British Army and Royal Marines to deal with “terrorist” seeking to gain access to nuclear weapons. Later, Adam is joined by Gary in helping the Russian Federation defend old Soviet Era stores of Biological Weapons from the same group.
 

 
"Immortal Relations, Love and War" http://amzn.com/B00A4IEHL6 is the second book and takes the action to a whole new level. An old friend is dying, his only chance is to accept the change the good vampires offer. Terrorists are already in place beating them to the punch, decapitating Russia’s government as a prelude to the invasion of Siberia by Communist China. Only swift action by our good vamps can prevent this conflict from turning into a nuclear war threatening the entire world. Angry at Russia's lower oil prices OPEC ministers hire terrorists to use a "suitcase nuke" to destroy Russian production. Added to these dangers are the real world deterioration of the 25 year old Chernobyl reactor’s cap that would cause release of deadly radiation over Europe and much of the world and the potential Extinction Level Event of Fukushima, Japan’s Reactor collapse. Who or what can solve these many catastrophic problems? This novel has far less sex, yet both Eviana and surprisingly Magdalena give birth to full vampire children.

 
The third book, “Immortal Relations Coming Out” http://amzn.com/B00G5BQS18 has a discussion of possible benefits vs. challenges of coming out to the human world with the goal of forming a strong symbiotic relationship to protect humans from evil vampires, criminals and power-mad politicians, but there may be too many negatives to approach the humans at this time as not all would be receptive to the overture. But love in the air as Gary’s hybrid granddaughter meets a young, shape-shifter werewolf who, realizing these vampires are not his enemies is willing to help them hide their existence. But the Marxist regime in Washington seeks to learn who it was that foiled the invasion which would have gained better terms for their massive debt to China. To monitor the Marxist regime in Washington’s efforts to do away with the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights, a new coven is formed in Canada. Soon love develops between Victor, a Canadian Police Officer and Eviana, one of Gary’s children, but the group is threatened by those seeking revenge and by the humans learning that there are vampires in their midst, even if seen as non-threatening. How will the locals react to the knowledge, will it be a replay of the Bram Stoker type novel where locals “storm the castle” with pitchforks and fire-brands or will the revelation lead to the hoped for symbiotic human-vampire relationship?
 
 
 
 Here is an excerpt from "Immortal Relations Coming Out." It is the scene from the wedding of the vampire daughter of Magdalena and Gary whose name is Eviana (named for her aunt Eviana, her aunt is called Evy in the book to prevent confusion). Young Eviana is marrying Victor, a human (he knows she and the rest of her family are vampires – but GOOD VAMPIRES). This is from Gary’s point of view of the events of the wedding:

We boarded several limousines which whisked us over to where the marriage ceremony would be held and there we saw many of our old friends who had been there the day Magdalena and I had wed at the same location. Our daughter Eviana had on the same dress Magdalena had worn the day she and I were married. It had a few minor alterations since Eviana was not quite as tall but had an ample bust and wanted the neckline plunging to show off one of her best features. Aside from these modifications, and the dazzling white color, it had the same haut-couture cut as the light blue, lacy, scalloped, and layered, shape-hugging dress Magdalena wore the first time we met.

 
     When my friends had thrown us our surprise wedding I’d been so overwhelmed I hadn’t really noticed all the white flowers that I now saw and which smelled so very sweet…I think they were Gardenias arranged hanging in twists around and down the polls placed alongside as well as in the back and in front of the wedding venue. As I walked Eviana down the aisle, I could hear her thoughts of overwhelming love for Victor and the beauty of it was so intense that it was all I could do to keep from crying. I could also hear Victor’s concern that he might faint due to the picture of loveliness walking toward him and prepared to be his bride. I sent him my thoughts; Steady on young man, the ceremony will be over before you know it and you’ll have a long time to enjoy your life with this wonderful lady. If you can’t read her thoughts right now, I can and I’ll confirm her deep love for you. I am so very proud to welcome you into the family as my son-in-law! What is it the Brits say, something about keeping a stiff upper-lip? Well, just keep SOMETHING stiff for a little bit longer. Then I smiled at him and he smiled back, or maybe he was smiling as his future bride drew nigh. Whatever it was, he seemed to take courage in the stars he saw in her eyes. At this realization I could feel tears on my own cheeks.  

 
     Once again, Vladimir had a gift of a dazzling five carat Red Ruby mounted in a Gold ring. This looked to be a twin to the one he had provided when I wed Magdalena. I was sure this was also from the Hermitage collection for Victor, the groom, to place on the finger of Eviana, his bride.

 
     There was a reception held afterwards; however I only got a parting glance of Victor and Eviana as food evidently wasn’t on their minds. Vladimir had arranged for them to stay in the bedroom at the Menshikov Palace which was completed in 1721 and was the most luxurious building during the time of Peter the Great.

 
     Soon, Vladimir had corralled us and we were transported to the same palace where we entered a private suite of rooms that had been prepared for us. There we found Vlad, Grandmother and Roger and after hugs and kisses we sat down to discuss the wedding and what we had accomplished at the new coven we’d set up in Canadian.

I’m sure the readers have surmised the wedding of Victor, a (human) Police Inspector in Canada’s Ontario Provence to my (full vampire) daughter Eviana (named for her Aunt Evy) took place at the world famous Hermitage Museum at the behest of Vladimir Kolukov, President of the Russian Federation and close personal friend to Gary and other good vampires. There’s a lot of information on the development of the various human-vampire relationships throughout all three novels.
 
 
Thanks for sharing your books with us today. Where can we buy them?
 
All three novels in the series are available on Amazon and Kindle:

 
“Immortal Relations” http://amzn.com/B006ZCBT6G is the first of the series.

 
“Immortal Relations, Love and War” http://amzn.com/B00A4IEHL6 is the second book.

 
“Immortal Relations Coming Out” http://amzn.com/B00G5BQS18 is third in my series.
 
Where can readers find you?


I have a blog at: http://immortalrelations.blogspot.com/ and am also listed on http://amazon.com/author/guyogan while I seldom am on “social media” I am most active on MARSocial (a forum for authors and those interested in our works). I am vampwriter on MARSocial. My Facebook is http://facebook.com/writervampire and on Twitter http://twitter.com/thecarphotoguy1 (I used to write for an automotive magazine).
 
Well readers, remember to leave a comment and your email address right here for Guy and he will contact the winner on March 17th. Good luck and thank you so much for being my guest Guy.

Wednesday, March 5, 2014

Beloved Wizard-Book 1 Knights of Excalibur Trilogy #BHooks

 MFRW Authors Blog
 
Welcome to another installment of Beloved Wizard.
 
 
Arthur and his Knights are back and ready to kick ass!
Merci Tramaine is not happy to be called back into service by her old boss Arthur, especially when she is charged to find her missing ex-lover. Drake Monroe is Merlin reincarnated, with his powers bound by the Goddess Nimue he has become a skilled fighter, but no match for Nimue who kidnapped him determined to destroy him forever.
The bloodline of Morgan Le Fey taints Merci keeping her on the edge between light and dark, the Goddess’s wicked trap springs shut leaving both Drake and Merci racing against the clock. Passions ignite once again, but are they too late to plan a future or will they be torn from each other?
This time for eternity.
 

Book Hook 
Merci took a deep breath, leveling her gaze on his. “If we can’t…find a way out of this, promise me you will do the right thing.”
He scowled, eyes darkening to a stormy grey. “Not talking about this.”
Merci glared back at him. “Yeah, we are. You have to kill me if I turn dark. I’d be too dangerous to keep alive and you damn well know it.”
“Leave. It. Alone,” he snarled.
“Promise.”
“Goddess, damn it, no!”
 
 
AVAILABLE AT:
Barns and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/beloved-wizard-shannan-albright/1107903918

 

Monday, March 3, 2014

#Dark Hunter -Eggcerpt Exchange


Dark Hunter-A Dark Breed Enforcers novella- part of the Eggcerpt Exchange.




Blurb:

Vampire Mari Ankamunan struggles to pick up the pieces of her life after her bar The Asp becomes a war zone between the Enforcers and members of the Preservation Society, who want all dark breeds wiped out. The sudden appearance of the only man she ever loved brings her world to a crashing halt, for she witnessed his brutal murder two thousand years ago.

Navar’s spoken oaths to his Sire cost him Mari. Torn from her side by the sidhe queen, he is her Hunter, delivering justice for crimes against the breeds. Now freed he returns to his lovers side only to be caught in a dark plot where Mari is targeted for death.

The stakes are high, can they uncover a deadly plot against the Enforcers or will Navar lose Mari, forever by an assassin’s hand?
Eggcerpt:


“I will do everything in my power to protect her, even lay down my life if it comes to that.” Navar’s words rang in the still air, spoken as an oath.

“Marcus will be relieved to find out Mari is well protected. I know after the incident with the Preservation Society, he has been concerned for her safety. Someday you must tell me how you secured your release.”

Mari blinked at the two men, feeling left out of the loop in the XY-chromosome chat. Males. Can’t live without them and can’t kill them. Irritation spiked into the red zone, her patience threadbare for the bullshit. Placing her diminutive self between the two towering males, she gave them both a fearless glare and fisted her hands on her hips.

All conversation stopped as they stared down at her with surprise. Good, now she had their attention. “I’ve been alive since the time of Cleopatra. I didn’t survive all those centuries by being a fucking weak female. I can fight, strategize, and I damn well have enough intellect in this ‘girly’ brain to figure out what I need to do to save my own hide, thank you very much. Now, if you don’t mind talking to me, not about me, it would be appreciated and might save your ball sacs from relocating somewhere north on your body. Are we clear, boys?”

Adrian threw his head back and roared a large rolling laugh that reverberated throughout the room. She blinked in surprise. She’d never once seen any enforcer laugh. Sure, they smiled, chuckled, and even smirked, but never laughed. She found it…disconcerting.

“Point taken. You will have your hands full with this little hellion, hunter. I don’t envy you.”

“Little hellion indeed. Yet well worth the extra trouble,” Navar agreed, his pale eyes darkening with hunger.
BUY LINKS:
Available at:
 

Pick Me Up Monday - Getting back on my feet

Happy Monday all!
I'm struggling a bit since I've been down with the flu last week. Reminder to me: Don't try to write, edit or make ANY decisions when running a fever! I had to undo all that I've written and edited. What a mess! Then I tried to upgrade my cell phone? Ugly is the best word I can use for that fiasco.
Thankfully, I got a flu shot, it could have been much worse if I didn't.
So I don't have much to report when it comes to accomplishing anything last week, except getting a lot of much needed sleep, and hearing from my friends and family how I must stop burning the candle at both ends.
Unfortunately, I've never been good at being idle and the more I have on my plate the happier I seem to be.
Yeah, I'm a sick twisted puppy lol!
I sure hope everyone had a better week than I did. I am planning on some serious catch up this week so will have much more to report next week. Pinkie promise :)
Until next week have a great one!