Friday, March 30, 2012

Book Beginnings and Friday 56 - Cinnamon Roll Murder


Book Beginnings is a weekly meme hosted by Rose City Reader.  To play along, please do the following:

  • Share the first line (or two) of the book you are currently reading on your blog or in the comments.
  • Make sure to share the name of the book and the author so we know what you're reading.
  • Feel free to share your first impressions with us based on the first line.
  • Link your post at Rose City Reader, or if you don't have a blog, leave it in the comments below.




 "The only problem with leaving four car lengths in front of you is that four cars come in to fill up the space!"  Hannah Swenson complained to her sister Michelle, who was riding in the passenger seat of her cookie truck. 


My Thoughts: 

I've always enjoyed this series and Hannah is one of my favorite characters with her sense of humor and her outspoken manner. 


 
The Friday 56 is a weekly meme hosted by Freda at Freda's Voice. To play along:

  • Grab the book closest to you, any book will do.
  • Turn to page 56.
  • Choose the fifth (5th) sentence or a few more (just don't spoil it too much).
  • Post it on your blog, or if you don't have a blog, post it in the comments below.

My Friday 56 is also from Cinnamon Roll Murder by Joanne Fluke 

     These same thoughts had been running through Hannah's mind lately, but she didn't want to talk about it now.  It was too late.  The die was cast.  

So what's your Friday Book Beginning and 56?  



Tuesday, March 20, 2012

VBT Interview and Contest- The Reluctant Marquess



Today I am featuring The Reluctant Marquess on it's Virtual Blog Tour.  The author, Maggie Andersen, will be awarding two $10 Amazon Gift Cards to two random commenters during the tour so please make sure to leave a comment.




Book Blurb:  

Charity Barlow wished to marry for love.

The rakish Lord Robert wishes only to tuck her away in the country once an heir is produced.


And here is an excerpt: 

 “I see we understand each other perfectly. So … do you agree?”

What was wrong with this man? Slowly, Charity released a heavy sigh. She could barely contemplate such a thing as this, and yet he acted as though he’d solved all the problems of the world with fashion accessories.

She had hoped for a small stipend, but marriage! And to a complete stranger. She couldn’t!
Not for all the gowns and hats on earth. She straightened up in her chair and lifted her chin. Her words were clipped and precise, and she hoped beyond hope he would accept her decision gracefully. “I say no, Lord St Malin.”

“No? Really?”

“Yes, really.”

“How disappointing,” he said quietly.

She gulped as his heavy-lidded eyes continued to study her from head to foot. She was uncomfortably aware that the mist had sent her hair into a riot of untidy curls, and she smoothed it away from her face with both hands as she glanced around the room. She tucked a muddy shoe out of sight beneath her gown and then forced herself to meet his gaze. Might he like anything of what he saw? Her father loved that she had inherited her mother’s tiny waist, and she thought her hands pretty. His lordship’s gaze strayed to her breasts and remained there rather long. She sucked in a breath as her heart beat faster. When their eyes met did she detect a gleam of approval? It only made her more nervous.



I also had the oppportunity to ask the author some questions for a mini interview:  

Me:  Which of the three different time periods you write historical romance in is truly your favorite or the one you think you would be most comfortable living in yourself?

Maggie:  I enjoy writing in the Georgian, Regency and Victorian eras, but it would have to be the Regency era. The Regency was quite special. With the influence of the aesthete, the Prince of Wales, it was an elegant Society, with a capital ‘S’, with beautiful clothes and houses. The ton prided themselves on their manners, customs and conversation. But only if I was a member of the gentry or upper ten thousand, because I doubt the lower classes enjoyed it so much.

Me:  Why do you think "The Rake" is such a popular type of character in historical romance even now when women are so independent?

Maggie: This is a difficult question to answer. For some of us it might be a primitive response to an alpha male. Some would be intrigued by a rogue and like the challenge to try and tame him. Others might just enjoy a charmer who knows how to make a woman feel special. Rakes are so often tamed in books though, that I suspect it’s the former. They were also rich, titled and powerful. Even an independent woman would find that enticing, I suspect. 

Me: Now that you've written a dozen or so historical romances, how much research do you continue to do? Is there a favorite reference book you find yourself using more than others?

Maggie: I have many research books and each story requires more study. I collect them, and have quite a library. It’s a hobby of mine. The Prince of Pleasure and his Regency by J.B. Priestley is very good.

Me: Who is your favorite historical writer? Greatest influences in the genre? 

Maggie: Favorite historical would be C.S. Harris’ Regency mysteries and M.M.Bennetts, who wrote Of Honest Fame a novel about Regency spies. Favorite historical romance writers, Joanna Bourne, Eloisa James and Julia Quinn. 

Me: Do you read contemporary fiction and if you do, who is your favorite in contemporary writers? 


Maggie: Nicci French, but at the moment I’m enjoying Pam Jenoff.

Me:  You've also written some contemporary books, how difficult is for you to switch from writing a historical book to a contemporary book?


Maggie: I don’t find it very difficult. I still have the same concerns; characterization, structure, plot, and a certain amount of research, because my books are seldom set in Australia.


Me: Is there a genre you haven't tried but want to?

Maggie: I plan to write a historical young adult when I get time.


Me: When you are writing, do you write in total silence or have music/television in the background? 

Maggie: The television is generally on the news, or I’ll put on music tailored to the scene I’m writing. It might be contemporary with a good beat if I need more energy in the scene, or classical music for a romantic tryst.  

Me: Can you tell us what we can expect from you next?

Maggie: I’m writing THE SPIES OF MAYFAIR which is a new series. A BARON IN HER BED is Book One. That’s released on September 6th. The other two books will be out next year. And THE FOLLY AT FALCONBRIDGE HALL, a Victorian romantic suspense novel is released on December 6th. 


Me: If you were able to have dinner with 5 famous people (living or deceased), who would you want to have at the table? 


Maggie: Oscar Wilde, because he was so witty and entertaining; Marilyn Monroe because she was a mesmerizing beauty and possibly smarter than she acted; Johnny Depp because he’s handsome and quixotic, and finally Jon Hamm, because I enjoyed him so much in Mad Men. 






AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Maggi Andersen is an Australian author. She lives in the beautiful Southern Highlands of New South Wales with her lawyer husband, their cat and the demanding wildlife. Maggi has two degrees, a BA in English and an MA in Creative Writing. Georgette Heyer, Victoria Holt and Mary Stewart were strong influences on her writing. She began her career when her children left the nest and writes in a variety of genres. Her historical romances are set in the Georgian, Regency and Victorian era.


TWITTER: @maggiandersen


PRIZE INFORMATION

Maggi will be giving away a $10 Amazon GC to two randomly drawn commenters during the tour. So don't forget to leave a comment below.  You can follow the rest of Maggie's tour here.


Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Waiting on Wednesday - The Seduction Of Phaeton Black




"Waiting on" Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine which highlights upcoming releases we're eagerly anticipating.




This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:  The Seduction of Phaeton Black of Jillian Stone




In the gas lit streets of Victorian London, phantoms rule the night, demons dance till dawn, and one supernatural detective dares to be seduced by the greatest power of all…


He’s The Man With The Magic Touch
A master of deduction, seduction and other midnight maneuvers, Phaeton Black is Scotland Yard’s secret weapon against things that go bump in the night. His prodigious gifts as a paranormal investigator are as legendary as his skills as a lover, his weakness for wicked women as notorious as his affection for absinthe. But when he’s asked to hunt down a fanged femme fatale who drains her victims of blood, he walks right into the arms of the most dangerous woman he’s ever known…

She’s The Devilish Miss Jones

Pressing a knife to his throat—and demanding he make love to her—Miss America Jones uses Phaeton as a willing shield against the gang of pirates chasing her. As deadly as she is, with a derringer tucked in her garter, Miss Jones is not the vampiric killer he’s been staking out—but she may be just what Phaeton needs to crack the case. As the daughter of a Cajun witch, she possesses uncanny powers. As a fearless fighter, she can handle anything from Egyptian mummies to Jack the Ripper. But when an ancient evil is unleashed on the world, she could be his only salvation…or ultimate sacrifice.







What's your "waiting on" pick this week?


Want to participate? Grab the logo, post your own WoW entry on your blog, and leave your link below! Or if you don't have a blog, leave your WoW entry in the comments.




Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Teaser Tuesday - A Seal in Wolf's Clothing





Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following: 


  • Grab your current read 
  • Open to a random page 
  • Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
  • BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!) 
  • Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers! 



     He was the only one of the Seal team who had let his hair grow long, and the windswept coffee-colored strands hanging to his collar softened his stern look.  But his eyes, normally dark brown, were nearly black as he waited for Finn to make an appearance.  


Sounds interesting doesn't it?  I have this on my pile and grabbed it first thing this morning.      



PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT with either the link to your own Teaser Tuesdays post, or share your ‘teasers’ in a comment here (if you don’t have a blog). Thanks!

Friday, March 9, 2012

BLOOD RITE BLOG TOUR





Today I have the pleasure of being the stop on the Blood Rite Blog Tour.  The author, Melanie Atkins will be giving away a $25 Amazon Gift Card to one randomly drawn commenter throughout this tour.  Please make sure to leave a comment and follow the tour.  The more you comment, the better your chances are to win.  

You can find all of the tour stops here.






BLOOD RITE Back Cover Blurb:


Women in New Orleans are dying; women New Orleans Police detective Nick Marconi has dated. To make matters worse, they have all been found with vials of his murdered sister’s blood in their throats. Nick is walking a tightrope between depression and rage. His superiors are worried about his mental health, so they send him to see psychiatrist Gracie Simmons.

Gracie is walking a tightrope of her own. She became a psychiatrist because she wants to help people, and in addition to private practice, she also treats police and parolees. The extra work gives her flashbacks about her father, however, a bad cop arrested when she was fifteen. Then a former flame harasses her, and her best friend turns up dead. Desperate for a distraction, she makes Nick her special project. Only… he doesn’t want to be saved.

Sounds interesting doesn't it?  

Here's our first excerpt:




     The crime scene was awash in blood, its warm, coppery scent mixing with the fresh odor of rain that had fallen during the night.

     New Orleans Police Department Detective Nick Marconi pulled on a pair of latex gloves and popped a square of mint gum into his mouth. Weary resignation set in as he sidestepped the overturned trash receptacle serving the far corner of the tiny park. 

     Crime scene techs swarmed the scene, taking pictures and eyeing the rain-dimpled sand for any evidence, no matter how small, the murderer may have left behind.

     Even with the icy tang of gum cleansing his palate, the stench of death made Nick’s stomach buck. He cursed himself for not getting the jar of menthol salve out of the sedan.

    “Mornin’, Marconi. Got a grisly one for you.” Orleans Parish Medical Examiner, Pal Stewart, bobbed his thick gray head in greeting. “She’s cut from ear to ear and exsanguinated.”

    “Well, hell. That explains all the blood.” Nick looked at Pal, who raised his eyebrows.

     Then he steeled himself and looked down at the nude corpse. The woman lay on her side facing away from him, her pale hips cocked at an odd angle. Blood had crusted in her spiky blond hair, and a bright silver hoop earring stood out in stark contrast to her purplish right earlobe. The sand beneath her was stained a dull red, made pale by the rain.

     “It’s a lot, but not enough.”

     “What do you mean?” Nick frowned. “The ground’s saturated with it.”

     Pal walked around the body. “He drained her blood here—” He turned and acknowledged a row of metal swing sets behind them. “And took it with him.”

I love how descriptive that was, don't you?

Here's a second excerpt:

     Gracie Simmons stepped around her desk and rechecked her appointment book for the fifth time that day. Since lunch, she’d dealt with a woman with bi-polar disorder, an obsessive-compulsive fireman, and a shy teenager trying to find herself. Next up was a burned out cop.

     Not the best way to wind up the day. She rubbed her tense neck. Her nerves had been on edge ever since this morning, when she’d met with him. She closed her eyes and pictured her nurse’s neat handwriting on the crisp new folder. Thirty-nine year old white male. Presenting with non-specific complaints of depression and anxiety. The description didn’t even come close.

     She was afraid he was deeply disturbed. His cool, calculated answers to her questions had scared the hell out of her. 

     “Dr. Simmons?” Ashley, her part-time twenty-something receptionist, stuck her head in the door. Her long brown hair gleamed in the muted light. “Would you like some coffee before your four o’clock arrives?”

     “Yes, thank you.” Although it would take a hell of a lot more than a brimming mug of high-octane java to get her through her next appointment. She never should have volunteered to handle cases for the police department while their regular psychiatrist was on military leave. Her dad had been a cop. A bad cop. And her childhood had been hell because of it. She certainly had no love for law enforcement professionals, especially those with problems on the job. If Dr. Myers wasn’t a good friend, she’d call him back and tell him she’d changed her mind.

     Her head pounded. She reached into her drawer for an oversized bottle of ibuprofen.

     Ashley came in and set a brimming cup of cream and sugar laced coffee on her desk. 

     “Your patient’s in the waiting room.”

     “Already?” Gracie eyed the sunburst clock on the wall in surprise. She’d expected this guy to balk. “He’s ten minutes early.”

     Ashley shrugged. “At least you’ll get out of here on time today.”

     “True.” 

     “Shall I send him in?”

     “Give me five minutes, okay?” Gracie picked up her coffee cup and took a small sip. “I need to do some deep breathing exercises.”

“Sure.” Ashley smiled. “Yoga’s great when you’re feeling tense.”

     Gracie had to agree. She downed another mouthful of steaming coffee, set down her cup, and leaned back in her chair. If only she had time to get out her mat and do some simple stretches. Her body was as tight as a bow string. 

     She rested her hands in her lap, palms up, and closed her eyes. After a few seconds, she drew in a long breath, careful to fill her lungs and expand her ribcage. The stretch relaxed her. She held the breath for another long moment, and then slowly released a slow, steady breath.

     A sense of calm enveloped her. 

      She repeated the action three more times, growing more relaxed with each extended breath. Her neck grew less taut. Breath in, she told herself. Breathe out.

     Her cell phone rang. She muttered an ugly word. 

      After two more rings, she yanked it from her purse and stared down at the display. 
Jerry Howard. The annoying guy she had dated for a while, and was now trying to blow off. There was no chemistry between them. No attachment, at least on her part. Why wouldn’t he take no for an answer? 

     A brisk knock rattled the door. Gracie blinked, and struggled to orient herself.
The knock rang out again.

     “Come in,” she said, quickly putting the phone on silent and dumping it back into her purse. She sat up straight in her chair. 

     The door opened and Ashley appeared, followed by the most handsome man Gracie had ever seen. At least, he would be handsome if he got some sleep and maybe shaved once in a while. He was tall and rugged, with short jet-black hair and glacial blue eyes. Inky stubble rimmed his taut jaw. His gray suit fit him, but his coat looked like it had been worn for a week. 

     “This is your four o’clock,” Ashley said, her eyes glued to the strapping man beside her despite his dishevelment. “Detective Nick Marconi.”

     She stood there as if rooted to the floor. 

     “Thank you, Ashley.” Gracie said, rising. Her mouth was as dry as river sand.
Ashley didn’t move.

     Nick’s full lips curved in a weary, knowing smile that conveyed a world of information to Gracie. Namely, that he was arrogant, smug, and didn’t want to be in her office. 

I really liked that scene, I feel it really lets us get to know Gracie better and lets us get to know her assistant Ashley a little too:)

 
 
Melanie Atkins is a multi-published author of romantic suspense. Writing is more than an escape for her—it’s a way of life. She grew up in the Deep South listening to tall tales and penning stories about her cats. Now she writes gripping stories of love, suspense, and mystery with the help of her furry little feline muses.

She is an active member of Romance Writers of America®, the Magnolia State Romance Writers (MSRW), the Published Author Network (PAN), the Electronically Published Internet Connection (EPIC), Sisters in Crime (SinC), the Red Dog Writers, The Gulf Coast Writers Association (GCWA), Southern Writers, the Mississippi Writers Guild and the Byram Writers’ Group. She currently serves as Past President of MSRW.

Website/blog/social networking links:
Website:  http://www.melanieatkins.com
Blog:  http://melanieatkins.wordpress.com
Facebook:  http://www.face-book.com/melanie.atkins
Twitter:  http://twitter.com/melanie_atkins
  

Don't forget to leave a comment to be entered in Melanie's contest or to follow her tour for more chances to win!  


Book Beginnings and Friday 56- True Highland Spirit


Book Beginnings is a weekly meme hosted by Katy at A Few More Pages. To play along, please do the following:

1. Share the first line (or two) of the book you are currently reading on your blog or in the comments.

2. Make sure to share the name of the book and the author so we know what you're reading.
3. Feel free to share your first impressions with us based on the first line.
4. Link your post at A Few More Pages ( or if you don't have a blog, leave it in the comments below)

Today I'm starting True Highland Spirit by Amanda Forester :      




Scotland, 1355

Morrigan McNab silently drew her short sword, careful to remain hidden from the road. She checked to ensure her black head-scarf was in place, concealing her nose and mouth. The target of today’s villainy clopped toward them through the thick mud. Twelve men were in the mounted party, their rich robes identifying them as wealthy, above the common concerns of daily sustenance… in other words, perfect marks.

My Thoughts:  Clearly Morrigan McNab is not a timid or fearful woman. This is interesting.











Friday Fifty Six (56)

The Friday 56 is a weekly meme hosted by Freda at Freda's Voice. To play along:


1. Grab the book closest to you, any book will do.
2. Turn to page 56.
3. Choose the fifth (5th) sentence or a few more (just don't spoil it too much).
4. Post it on your blog, or if you don't have a blog, post it in the comments below.
5. Link your post to Freda's Voice.


This week my Friday 56 will also be from True Highland Spirit:


She should not feel desire toward anyone, especially not some French minstrel, spy, knight.......hell she did not even know what he was.  

So, what's on your Friday meme post?


Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Waiting on Wednesday - Barefoot Season by Susan Mallery



"Waiting on" Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine which highlights upcoming releases we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication "can't wait to read" pick is Blackberry Season by Susan Mallery.


From Amazon:

Michelle Sanderson may appear to be a strong, independent woman, but on the inside, she's still the wounded girl who fled home years ago. A young army vet, Michelle returns to the quaint Blackberry Island Inn to claim her inheritance and recover from the perils of war. Instead, she finds the owner's suite occupied by the last person she wants to see.



Carly Williams and Michelle were once inseparable, until a shocking betrayal destroyed their friendship. And now Carly is implicated in the financial disaster lurking behind the inn's cheerful veneer.



Single mother Carly has weathered rumors, lies and secrets for a lifetime, and is finally starting to move forward with love and life. But if the Blackberry Island Inn goes under, Carly and her daughter will go with it.



To save their livelihoods, Carly and Michelle will undertake a turbulent truce. It'll take more than a successful season to move beyond their devastating past, but with a little luck and a beautiful summer, they may just rediscover the friendship of a lifetime.

What's your "waiting on" pick this week?

Want to participate? Grab the logo, post your own WoW entry on your blog, and leave your link below!  Or if you don't have a blog, leave your WoW entry in the comments.

Friday, March 2, 2012

Book Beginnings and Friday 56- Tempted by Her Innocent Kiss

Book Beginnings is a weekly meme hosted by Katy at A Few More Pages.  To play along, please do the following:

1. Share the first line (or two) of the book you are currently reading on your blog or in the comments.
2. Make sure to share the name of the book and the author so we know what you're reading.    
3. Feel free to share your first impressions with us based on the first line.
4. Link your post at A Few More Pages ( or if you don't have a blog, leave it in the comments below)

My first line is from Tempted by Her Innocent Kiss by Maya Banks                    

                       


There was a time in a man's life when he knew he was well and truly caught.  Devon Carter started down at the brilliant diamond solitaire ring nestled in velvet and acknowledged that this was one such time.  He snapped the lid closed and shoved the box into the breast pocket of his suit.


This really tells me Devon is not happy about the situation he's finding himself in if he's thinking of himself in terms of being "well and truly caught".  This is a bad way to go into any relationship. 









The Friday 56 is a weekly meme hosted by Freda at Freda's Voice.  To play along:


1. Grab the book closest to you, any book will do.
2. Turn to page 56.
3. Choose the fifth (5th) sentence or a few more (just don't spoil it too much).
4. Post it on your blog, or if you don't have a blog, post it in the comments below.
5. Link your post to Freda's Voice.


This week my Friday 56 will also be from Tempted by Her Innocent Kiss by Maya Banks.  Since I'm using the Kindle version - I'm estimating as to where page 56 is:)


     She gaped at him.  "Forget it?  You want me to just forget I saw an email from my father basically admitting he bought me a husband?  Or at least manipulated you somehow into marrying me?  This is my wedding night, Devon.  Am I supposed to pretend I didn't see the email?".   



So what's your Friday meme post?