Night Owl Reviews 3
Q & A with an Author Look into the Lives of Authors
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Fabulous Fiction An Inside Look
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Urban Fantasy and the Paranormal Hot UF / PN Releases Every Month
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Science Fiction & Fantasy A Look Inside the Books
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History Bits Travel Back in History
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Teen Reads Young Adult Reads For All
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Dark Streets Suspense at Its Best
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Inside the Cookbook Find Some Awesome Cookbooks
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Love and Romance in Color Diversity in Romance
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A Piece Of My Mind Insights for Writers
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Novel Technology The Low Down on Tech for Readers
21 Romance Stories To Make You Fall In Love
Night Owl ReviewsTM WEtap Media, LLC 2459 SE TV HWY, #153, Hillsboro, Oregon 97123 Reviews@NightOwlReviews.com Editor-In-Chief: Tammie King Director of Marketing: Tammie King Tammie.King@NightOwlReviews.com Š Night Owl Reviews 2012 2
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PAVARTI K TYLER
What was your childhood ambition? I wanted to be president. I actually met Nancy Reagan when I was eight and was afraid to tell her that. I was worried it would seem rude that I was trying to steal her husband’s job. Now, I’d prefer just about any job before being president.
Current Release: Shadow On the Wall
If you had to choose one person to have dinner with, who would it be? And why?
William Shatner. Bill fascinates me. There’s something so wonderful about him. He has a sense of humor and a constant work ethic. It may seem strange, but I’m not a trekkie, I prefer the Bill Shatner of the Denny Craig years on Boston Legal.
Describe your current release in two sentences? Controversial and daring, Shadow on the Wall details the transformation of Recai Osman from complicated man to Superhero. Forced to witness the cruelty of the Morality Police in his home city of Elih, Turkey, Recai is called upon by the power of the desert to be the vehicle of change.
What is your favorite TV show?
Right now I’m all about Being Human on SyFy. The BBC version was good, it had a certain charm which I loved, but the SyFy version is so unapologetic. It has some of the same feel as Nip/Tuck (another show I loved) did. There’s nothing taboo, nothing too far, and all the while there maintains a lightness and whimsy.
Please describe your writing environment.
What career fields have you worked in?
I write in my office. Since I run a small accounting firm from my home, I have a full set up, including a door to keep the children and dogs away when I need to focus! Next to my computer is a window which lets me gaze at my greenhouse when I need some time to daydream.
I have worked on Broadway as a Production Manager, as a legal secretary, a financial analyst and am currently a tax accountant. Author seems to fit in there perfectly. My next goal is to conquer Saturn.
What are you working on?
What are your plans for the summer? Any books you are looking forward to?
I’m a multi-tasker :)
This will be the first summer in my adult life when I’ve belonged to a pool. Both girls will be home without camps and I plan on letting them become water rats while I set up my laptop and write my heart out.
I’m currently working on Two Moons of Sera Volume Three (1 & 2 are available now) - Fantasy Romance
DEVOUR - Horror - A WIP I haven’t named yet, but am quickly becoming obsessed with.
What has been the best way for you to engage readers?
What do you feel blessed with?
My blog is all ages: http://www.fightingmonkeypress.com
Time. I remember learning in college about the advent of Art in human history. The one contributing factor across all cultures was leisure. It’s only when we aren’t fighting every moment for survival that the soul has the time to dream. I’m also lucky to have the ability to be home. I work like a wild thing, always up to something, but because I’m in charge of my own schedule I am available when my children need me. I have a 6 and 8 yo and my older daughter is on the Autism Spectrum. Having the ability to drop everything and go when she needs me is the biggest blessing of all.
I always use the same signature in emails and other correspondence. It’s something I learned as a mantra when studying Kabuki theatre: Harmony, Tranquility, Simplicity, Respect. It’s a good thing to keep in mind.
Full Interview at: http://www.nightowlreviews.com/ nor/Interviews/Tamazon-interviews-Pavarti-K-Tyler-onMay-01-2012.aspx
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Night Owl Reviews
Beach Reads from Kensington Tuesday’s Child by Fern Michaels
Summer is gearing up and publishers are putting out the much anticipated beach reads! To celebrate my favorite time of year, I will be exploring upcoming beach reads by publisher. This week’s sneak peak comes from Kensington.
If you love to dive deep into a novel and stayed submerged until the end, Tuesday’s Child is for you. In Tuesday’s Child, Michaels explores the world of the wrongfully accused and the gift of a second chance. Kala, a lawyer of thirty-five years, is about to retire when Adam Star admits to a murder he committed long ago. Now, the case that has haunted Kala from its beginnings returns her to the court room, releasing wrongly accused Sophie and locking Adam behind bars. Determined to support her clients transition into life outside the bars, Kala focuses on helping Sophie adjust to her freedom and newfound wealth. Unfortunately, there is still more in store for these two women, who learn that secrets are hidden deep within all of us. In a story full of twists, comes a set of characters that learn a lot about forgiveness, fate and redemption while keeping your toes curled in the sand.
Melt Into You by Lisa Plumley
What could be better than a sexy chocolatier for a lead male character? In Melt Into You, appropriately titled by-the-way, Natasha Jennings finds herself at a crossroads. Deciding she’s done saving her boss’s sexy ass on a regular basis and is quite fed up with the unending inconveniences he causes her. Even her crush on Damon isn’t enough to change her mind, so as hard as it is to leave her sexy chocolate creating boss; the end has come for Natasha, who’s ready to show her own wicked side for once. For Damon Torrance, owner of Torrance chocolates, life comes easy. In fact, Damon has never had to work for anything until now. When his assistant Natasha hands in her notice, Damon realizes his nothing without Natasha. But, can he get her back? Damon is forced to take on his biggest challenge to date when this playboy turns good and attempts to land the girl of his dreams, a girl who’s so done with him.
Last Summer by Holly Chamberlin
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From bestselling author Holly Chamberlin comes an emotional story that showcases the impact of adolescent bullying, the strength of friendship and the bond between a mother and daughter. Last Summer takes a look at the impact of bullying on fourteen year
www.NightOwlReviews.com old Rosie Patterson as well as her family and friends. This more serious beach read sheds light on a social problem while showing the beauty of family, friendship and love. Woven deeply within the pages is the diary of Rosie, which plays a major part in the novels impact. The novel raises questions in regards to friendship and betrayal, silence or discussion and the impact of one person’s actions on a community of people. Sweet Stuff by Donna Kauffman
Delicious, sexy and irresistible, Sweet Stuff follows Riley Brown as she finds bliss on Sugarberry Island while staging a renovated beach house. From city life to island life, Riley has discovered a new career, wonderful friends and a perfect job. The only thing missing is an eligible man, until the beach house gig. Now, Riley finds herself in the presence of a six foot, blue-eyed, gorgeous man who happens to be a writer. This delectable piece of man candy has caught Riley’s eye and she’s not about to let him get away unscathed. Quinn Brannigan escaped to Sugarberry in search of peace. While attempting to finish his last novel in peace, Quinn finds himself face to face with and attractive and annoyingly easy distraction, Riley Brown. While Quinn struggles to learn that life’s recipe might include a little bit of sugar, Riley is being encouraged to let go of the sweets and embrace the spice of life. Fortunately for both, every recipe needs just the right balance to make it perfectly decadent, it’s just up to them to find the balance. Sweet, sexy and perfectly delicious, Sweet Stuff will leave you begging for more from Donna. It’s an escape you won’t want to miss this summer! Beach Season by Lisa Jackson, Cathy Lamb, Holly Chamberlin and Rosalind Noonan
From multiple authors comes four unforgettable stories of love, friendship, sun and second chances. Beach Season is a compilation of stories that is sure to keep your attention as you discover what each author has to hold. Each story brings new beginnings, a fresh start and characters you’ll find yourself rooting for. If you’re looking for variety this one has plenty to offer. Each story is about 120 pages, making them quick yet
satisfying reads. It’s the perfect addition to any beach bag, pool side table or backyard tanning excursion. The Things I Do For You by Mary Carter
Nothing says summer like a bed-and-breakfast. But what would you do if your husband bought a light house behind your back and turned it into a bed-andbreakfast? Bailey Jordan has followed her husband anywhere and everywhere, picking up the pieces of his adventures as they fall apart in front of him. From a Seattle sweater shop to a Santa Monica surf shop, Brad’s adventures have taken them all over the country. Now, it’s Bailey’s turn. The couple, who has settled in Manhattan, has finally reached a level of stability they haven’t had until now. Bailey has a successful career in real estate and is eager to start a family. Just when everything seems to be going her way, Brad is injured in a car crash, leaving him in a coma and ultimately changing their lives forever. After his near-death, Brad decides to buy a lighthouse on the Hudson River and turn it into a B&B. The beautiful lighthouse is not without its challenges. It desperately needs renovating and the only way to bring supplies is by boat. Bailey, who is grateful her husband is alive, supports him in his recent dream, doing everything possible to make it come true, even if it means doing it alone. When Bailey discovers a secret hidden deep within Brad’s past, she begins to question her marriage and exactly how far she is willing to go to keep them afloat. This story tells the tale of a married couples attempts to successfully run their newly acquired bed-andbreakfast during a turbulent time in their marriage. It is full of joy, compromise and understanding. Nestled within the pages is a story that shows the power of love. --------------------------Tiffany is an avid reader, reviewer and marketing specialist. You can connect with her via the following outlets. Website- http://www.acozyreaderscorner.com - Twitter - @cozyreadersnook – Facebook http://www. facebook.com/groups/#!/pages/A-Cozy-ReadersCorner/152514161454295
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Night Owl Reviews
May already, can you believe it? Soon it’ll be hot summer reading time. I can’t wait. I know July is FILLED with a lot of books on my must read list. But what about this month? What new hot paranormal and urban fantasy books are hitting the shelves in May? New editions to popular series include: DEADLOCKED (SOOKIE STACKHOUSE #12) by Charlaine Harris (one of these days I’m going to read this series I have a stack of the first 10 books on my shelf), IN THE COMPANY OF WITCHES (ARCANE SHOT #2) by Joey W. Hill, SPARKS FLY (LIGHT DRAGONS #3) by Katie MacAlister, UNDER SUSPICION (UNDERWORLD DETECTION AGENCY #3) by Hannah Jayne, LETHAL RIDER (LORDS OF DELIVERANCE #3) by Larissa Ione, SHADOW BOUND (UNBOUND #2) by Rachel Vincent, DARKNESS BECOMES HER (OFFSPRING #6) by Jaime Rush, SEEKER OF SHADOWS (MOONLIGHT #6) by Nancy Gideon, and I must get BLEEDING OUT (OSI #5)by Jes Battis - I really enjoy this series. There are a couple new books released this month that are the first in a new series: EMBRACE OF THE DAMNED (BROTHERHOOD OF THE DAMNED #1) by Anya Bast, NIGHTSHIFTED (NIGHTSHIFTED #1) by Cassie Alexander who is a debut author, looks promising - I’m adding this one to my wish list, I am currently reading A BLOOD SEDUCTION (VAMP CITY #1) by Pamela Palmer and so far so good. Then there’s HEART OF BRASS (WARDENS OF THE REALM #1) by Kate Cross. I am getting into steampunk and I’ve read (and adored) Kate’s YA steampunk books that she writes as Kady Cross. I also love her books written as Kathryn Smith. So I have no doubt I will love this new series. It’s going on my must buy list. What books are going on your wish list this month and which ones are automatic buys?
RR: Hello, Marsha. Thanks for joining us for a Night Owl SQAI. Let’s get started with the name of your newest release and genre/category it falls into. MM: Seeking a Scribe: Enchanted Bookstore Legend One. It is a Fantasy romance. RR: Can you describe your main character in 3 words? MM: Caring, adventurous, intelligent
RR: Can you describe your heroine in one sentence? MM: Lyra McCauley has a big heart, but meets with many disappointments in her adult life, leaving her looking for love, family, and adventure. RR: Can you describe your hero in one sentence?
MM: Cullen Drake is a wizard dedicated to serving the leadership of the Alliance’s Imperial Dragon, but once he meets Lyra, it surprises him that his priorities shift, and she becomes the center of his world. RR: What kind of paranormals or paranormal elements are in your book?
MM: My hero, Cullen, is a wizard. In fact, he is the Imperial Sorcerer of the Alliance High Council. In other words, he’s the highest level of the sorcerers in the fantasyland. He lives a double life, working as a bookstore owner on an island resort community along Michigan’s Lake Huron shore. Since he has attained high rank as a sorcerer, he has been given responsibilities in the real world that can benefit the Alliance.
This month our super quick author interviews (SQAI’s) were answered by Marsha A Moore, Linda Hadaway and Cait Lavender
RR: Without giving away details, Can you describe one interesting scene in your book in less than two sentences?
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SEEKING A SCRIBE: ENCHANTED BOOKSTORE LEGEND ONE by Marsha A. Moore
Lyra McCauley is a writer and loves fantasy novels, but until she opens a selection from bookstore owner Cullen Drake, she has no idea he’s a wizard character who lives a double life inside that volume…or the story’s magic will compel her from the edge of depression to adventure, danger, and love. His gift to Lyra, the Book of Dragonspeir, was actually her copy, misplaced years ago. Lost in her pain following divorce and death, she fails to recognize him as her childhood playmate from the fantasyland. Friendship builds anew. DARK SIDE OF PURGATORY by Dark Side of Purgatory
Everyone knows Jaxon Slater. He’s the lifeof-the-party guy. He’s the fun guy we want to invite to our outdoor barbeques but not marry our daughters. He is our nephew, the next-door neighbor who drinks too much, a friend of a friend that overdosed on heroin. He’s the class clown in high school that was always in trouble from drinking and driving.
Jaxon believes he is having a terrible nightmare until he finds an old friend and recalls how he died. Reality sets in and Jaxon begins to learn the rules of the strange land. 7
Night Owl Reviews MM: When Cullen gives Lyra her lost copy of the magical Book of Dragonspeir, she opens it to remember and rediscover the fantasy world she loved as a child. Now she must serve that land since only Lyra, the newly appointed Scribe, can block the attempts of the Black Dragon from overthrowing the good and fair rule of the Imperial Dragon’s Alliance.
LH: The main character, Jaxon, is a man who struggled with his addiction to drugs/alcohol and ends up in Purgatory. He has one chance at redemption. RR: And last but not least, where can a reader purchase your book?
LH: www.wildchilpublishing.com for e book/ Amazon for e book or print.
RR: In two sentences or less can you tell readers something unique about your book?
Now it’s time for Cait Lavender’s interview
MM: It’s what many fantasy lovers dream about, being able to step into the action within the book. Readers can do just that, following Lyra on her adventures in the fantasyland of Dragonspeir.
RR: Welcome Cait, let’s start with the name of your newest release and genre/category it falls into:
RR: Please list three adjectives that describe your book as a whole:
CL: Hunter Moon a Paranormal Romance
MM: Unexpected, imaginative, magical
CL: Brave, Fiery, snarky
MM: Sweet with some spicy moments
CL: She is fiercely loyal to those she loves and disdainful of those she doesn’t.
RR: Can you describe your main character in 3 words?
RR: What’s the heat level of your book?
RR: Can you describe your heroine in one sentence?
RR: And last but not least, where can a reader purchase your book?
RR: Can you describe your hero in one sentence?
MM: It is available on Amazon for only 99 cents! http:// www.amazon.com/Seeking-Scribe-Enchanted-Bookstore-ebook/dp/B007JVYSSI/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text& ie=UTF8&qid=1331740464&sr=1-1
CL: He’s old-school chivalrous, brave, handsome funny, and not above taking any advantage he can. RR:What kind of paranormals or paranormal elements are in your book?
Now it’s Linda’s turn (she’s also known as L.J. Hadaway)
CL: Werewolves mostly, but a brujo does appear later.
RR: Hi Linda thanks for joining us. What is the name of your newest release and genre/category it falls into?
RR: Without giving away details, Can you describe one interesting scene in your book in less than two sentences?
LH: Dark Side Of Purgatory/ paranormal
CL: Shelby has to diffuse a longstanding sibling rivalry between her love and his brother. Hilarity ensues.
RR: Can you describe your main character in 3 words or less
RR: What’s the heat level of your book?
LH: He’s a lover/bad boy
CL: Probably Hot and Spicy with a dash of sweet and romantic. Readers definitely will be wanting more.
RR: What kind of paranormals or paranormal elements are in your book?
RR: And last but not least, where can a reader purchase your book?
LH: ghosts, demons
RR: In two sentences or less can you tell readers something unique about your book?
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CL: Hunter Moon is available on Smashwords, Barnes and Noble and Amazon.
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HUNTER MOON by Cait Lavender
Bawling cattle tore Shelby Flint from her bed. With lawyer fees to pay in her struggle to keep her ranch from the clutches of her greedy cousins, she couldn’t afford the loss of even one calf. When she sees a large wolf circling her cows, she aims and fires. While the wolf escapes, Shelby can’t seem to get away from her troubles when a marijuana grower sets up shop on her land, sabotaging her property and eventually coming after her. Adding to that, a handsome game warden is poking his nose into her business and working his way underneath her skin. Shelby will have to fight harder than she ever fought before to keep from losing her heart and everything she ever loved.
DEMON HIGH by Lori Devoti
Lucinda Dent never planned to call demons. She wasn’t stupid, after all. She saw what the addiction did to her mother. But her mother has been gone for ten years, sucked into hell by a demon, and all Lucinda has left is her grandmother and the house she grew up in. Who could blame her for using the only thing her mother gave her, a talent for demon calling, to save them? Lucinda teams up with an old friend and together they set up business, calling demons. But soon things go terribly wrong. 9
Night Owl Reviews
Alien Diplomacy by Gini Koch Score: 4.5 / 5 Top Pick Reviewed by: ELF “Alien Diplomacy” by Gini Koch is part of her ‘Alien/Kitty Katt’ series featuring Alpha Centaurion (A-C) Jeff Martini. A fast-moving science fiction tale with tongue firmly in cheek, this episode describes Kitty Katt-Martini as she is struggling to adapt to being a mom and ambassador surrounded by and affiliated with Armani clad aliens. No, not those from another country... those from another galaxy! Their cover as the American Centaurion diplomats seems reasonable but Kitty is finding it difficult to transition to a less physically active role, especially given her intriguing powers conferred by their precocious baby Jamie. The power games in Washington DC politics is given a new look when the maneuvering includes superbeings, world domination and backstabbing which is opposed by beings with hyperspeed, telepathy and dual hearts. The redistribution of roles has been necessarily imposed by the spate of pregnancies which tends to handicap some of the key personnel but Kitty and Jeff are learning to adapt to each other’s idiosyncrasies and revel in their relationship. Kitty’s Washington Wife class seems to do little to prepare her for moving properly within diplomatic circles and causes her to relieve the angst of high school but she little realizes that the crisis foretold as culminating in the President’s Ball will have some bearing on the lessons that she learns from her classmates. Fortunately she knows some people who know some people so she has plenty of assistance to call upon...if she lives that long. A lighthearted and entertaining parody of science fiction tales complete with fascinating weapons, intriguing entities which can morph in size and shape and mad scientists contrasted with mundane things like mommy/ child exercise classes and designer dress competitions.
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References to occurrences from past books in the series whet one’s appetite for more information but this book can be read as a whirlwind stand alone. The romance displayed between the main characters is enhanced by the outrageous situations that Kitty finds herself in (or causes) and the self-deprecating humor displayed by the plucky heroine makes this a delightful read. The Girl in the Clockwork Collar The Steampunk Chronicles, #2 by Kady Cross Score: 4 Reviewed by: Sarah Dizon
Kady Cross does an amazing job of providing historical insight and steampunk attractions. The Girl in the Clockwork Collar picks up shortly after where The Girl in the Steel Corset ends. Instead of taking place in England, this sequel takes place in New York. Jasper was taken back to New York at the end of the first book in this series, Griffin and the Gang decide that they should try to save him. They have no idea what is in store for them once they arrive, but they know that whatever Jasper is accused of, he didn’t do it. The characters are all very well written, even the villains. They have dimension and aspects that could be applied to real people even if some have super-human abilities. There is a lot more insight into Jasper, especially the history he shares with the new characters. Jasper opens up as a person and I think he has become one of my favorites out of the group. There is more development of Sam and Emily’s relationship as well as Finley and Griffin, with a few bumps in the road. Nothing is ever easy for these guys. The pace of the novel was fairly quick, it was hard to put down once I got into it. I’m excited to see what Kady Cross has in store next for this group.
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April is finished and May has come along with some more holidays. There is May Day (May 1), Cinco de Mayo (May 5), on May 8 there is VE Day and World Red Cross Day, Mother’s Day in the U.S. (May 13), International Day of Families (May 15), Armed Forces Day (May 19), Victoria Day in Canada (May 21), and Memorial Day on May 28. Some other, perhaps lesser known, holidays and observances are: World Asthma Day on May 1, Robert’s Rules of Order Day on May 2, World Press Freedom Day on May 3, Children’s Day in Japan on May 5, Ascension Day on the 17th, Shavout on May 26 and Whit Monday on May 28. Some books that might be of interest include the following:
America’s Forgotten Holiday: May Day and Nationalism, 1867-1960 by Donna T. Haverty-Stacke According to the Amazon.com description, America’s Forgotten Holiday takes a look at how May Day celebrants “contributed to the construction of their own radical American identities and publicized alternative social and political models for the nation” through the author’s research into contemporary newspapers, party and union records, oral histories, photographs, and rare film footage. (Of note, May 1 is considered to be International Workers’ Day and various countries around the world have May 1 as a holiday. There are also older traditions that include celebrations featuring maypoles and, I believe, traditions regarding spring. In the U.S., this day is celebrated on the first Monday in September as Labor Day.)
El Cinco de Mayo: An American Tradition by David E. Hayes-Bautista
In his book, per the Amazon.com page, Mr. Hayes-Bautista explains how the holiday is an American one that was created by Latinos in California during the mid-nineteenth century, how the meaning of the date (a holiday commemorating a Mexican victory over the French at Puebla in 1862) has shifted over time from its embodiment of immigrant nostalgia in the 1930s to U.S. patriotism during World War II to Chicano Power in the 1960s and 70s to its more commercial intentions during the 1980s and 90s. A Day in the Life of the United States Armed Forces by Lewis J. Korman and Matthew Naythons On October 22, 2002 approximately 125 photographers (both civilian and military), working with the Department of Defense, chronicled
the daily life of members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard over a 24 hour period. A Day in the Life... documents a single day in the life of not only elite units and fresh recruits, but cadets, generals, firefighters, medics, and MPs. It shows remote outposts and strategic bases, life in the cockpit, on a submarine, in an underground silo, and patrols on borders, in jungles, mountains and harbors. Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised, 11th Edition by Henry M. III Robert*, Daniel Honemann, Thomas J. Balch, Daniel E. Seabold, Shmuel Gerber Considered to be “the” book on parliamentary procedure. Does not apply only to parliamenterians - it is for anyone that is involved in any kind of organization, association, club, or group and is a guide to having “smooth, orderly, and fairly conducted meetings and assemblies.” This edition has been updated under a program of review established by General Henry M. Robert and addresses common inquiries and incorporates new rules, interpretations and procedures that have come about based on the evolution in parliamentary procedure. Includes new material that relates to electronic communication and electronic/virtual meetings. *That is how it was listed on the Amazon.com page perhaps it is Henry M. Robert III? Memorial Day by Robert Haven Schauffler (editor)
“You of the North have had drawn for you with a master’s hand the picture of your returning armies. You have heard how, in the pomp and circumstance of war, they came back to you, marching with proud and victorious tread, reading their glory in a nation’s eyes. Will you bear with me while I tell you of another army that sought its home at the close of the late war-an army that marched home in defeat and not in victory, in pathos and not in splendor?” excerpt from “The Southern Solder” by Henry W. Grady posted in the Memorial Day description section on Amazon.com. This book contains a collection of poetry, essays, and speeches commemorating Memorial Day (which started following the American Civil War when those lost family members on the Confederate side went to battlefields and graveyards and scattered flowers on the resting places of not only their dead, but those of the Northern dead as well). The authors contained within this collection (first published in 1911) include Walt Whitman, Theodore Roosevelt, Oliver Wendell Holmes, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, William Tecumseh Sherman, and Herman Melville. Hopefully something may have piqued someone’s interest and come back next month for more holiday reading fun!
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Night Owl Reviews
this summer are:
This month we are going to delve into the young adult world of Harper Collins. This publisher has a few imprints that publish young adult fiction novels. The main ones are: Balzer & Bray, Greewillow Books, HarperTeen and Katherine Tegen Books. Harper Collins turns out numerous books per quarter and releases some of the top young adult
Insurgent by: Veronica Roth, this is the much anticipated sequel to her debut novel Divergent. The novels are set in a dystopian alternate world that separates people based on personality. The Selection by: Kiera Cass, the cover copy says this
book each year. One of the newer novels released only a short time ago was “Masque of the Red Death” by Bethany Griffin. This novel combines the macabre of Edgar Allan Poe with the invention and imagination of the steampunk genre. The juxtaposition of old and new in the novel is a
book is Cinderella meets The Bachelor. A group of teens are chosen to compete to win a crown and a prince. Hemlock by: Kathleen Peacock, this novel is suspense, mystery, and paranormal all wrapped into one. Stunning by: Sara Shepard, the anticipated eleventh novel in the Pretty Little Liars series features a “new” A.
treat to read. Ms. Griffin knows how to suck a reader into her story and hold them there until the very end. The ending is a cliff-hanger unfortunately, but it is the first in a series so there will be more to read as the series progresses.
Something Strange and Deadly by: Susan Dennard is a book with the undead and parasols. You can’t beat that!
Some of the books to look out for from Harper Collins
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SPY STAYCATION, ANYONE? Take a walk on the wild side with author Gina Robinson. In this challenging economy, more and more people are opting for “staycations”, or, loosely translated, staying put at home and letting your vivid imaginations take you far and beyond. Hey, why not have a Staycation with a great book that can take you to an exotic island – how about Hawaii, perhaps? I visited Maui about five years ago and it was an experience that I will always remember. Alas, in this challenging economy it seems that memories of that beautiful island are indeed all I’ll have…for awhile, anyway. But in the meantime…. Why not read a good book with Hawaii as the backdrop? Interested? Sure you are…and I have just the book…. THE SPY WHO LEFT ME, the first in the Agent Ex series by Gina Robinson, uses Hawaii as its backdrop for this tale of a gal seeking to divorce her James Bond-ish husband. Hawaii, for many of us, is the ideal vacation setting and why not? With its tropical lure, endless beaches, and native charm, who wouldn’t love to getaway to Hawaii for a day, a week, a month? And reading THE SPY WHO LEFT ME can transport you!
In a nutshell, here’s the gist of SPY: Treflee Miller, recently dumped by her husband, travels to Maui’s Big Auau Sugar Plantation, where her cousin Carrie, having ditched her own fiancé a week before the wedding, is celebrating with a bridesmaidsonly vacation bash. Treflee’s anger and hormones boil together when she discovers her ex is on the island as well – on an undercover mission. Treflee’s head wants to avoid him, but her heart and body crave something else, and when she’s attacked while searching his room finds herself smack dab in the middle of a spy caper. When the duo isn’t involved in downhill car and bike chases and near death surfing parties, the sexual tension mounts; particularly so because one of the other bridesmaids feels she has a “claim” on Ty. Can these two star-crossed lovers find their way back to each other? Well, being in Hawaii certainly helps. This was a light comedy-drama in the style of the old “Get Smart” or ‘Hart to Hart” series. And the backdrop of Hawaii is perfect for imagining the spy duo in sexy situations. One can almost feel the lush tropical breezes playing over half-naked bodies….even the fictional “hotspots” evoke images of palm trees swaying and hula girls undulating. For example, while Gina’s Big Auau Sugar Plantation is fictional, there actually is a HC&S SUGAR PLANTATION who operates Hawaii’s last large sugar plantation
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Night Owl Reviews on Maui. It farms 35,000 acres (14,200 Hectares.) HC&S produces about 8% of Maui’s electricity, generating steam by burning bagasse, a waste product of its sugar mill. It is in the big central valley. There are many beautiful hotels in Hawaii one can imagine as the backdrop for Treflee and Ty’s adventures as well…the Four Seasons Maui, the Grand Wailea Resort, Hyatt Regency Maui to name just a few. And who wouldn’t want to stay in a room with a view as lovely as Maui! Besides evoking im-
ages of lush tropical settings, the story itself is a light and entertaining romp that will certainly make anyone forget their troubles for awhile and sweep them off to the magical island of Maui…it certainly worked for me – and it can for you, too! If you can’t afford $3,000 plus right now (and let’s face it, not many of us can) take heart - you can be swept away for $7.99! It’s a definite no-brainer, I say. I’m also looking forward to the next book in this series. Diamonds Are Truly Forever debuts in May, 2012 from St. Martin’s and I, for one, can’t wait to see where this one takes us……Say, Gina! How about Tahiti!
Pavarti K Tyler
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By Toni LoTempio – admin by day, writer by night, Toni is the author of several paperback and e-books of romantic and paranormal suspense – check out her website at www.tonilotempio.webs.com and her cat’s blog! www.catsbooksmorecats.blogspot.com Check out her YA fantasy, MY SUPERHERO SISTER and her paranormal romances, NO REST FOR THE WICCA and RAVEN’S KISS. She is also featured in the paranormal romance anthology, KISS ME KILL ME, available at Amazon and Barnes and Noble.
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Robin Takes 5 Chicken
I had never heard of Robin Miller until I received this cookbook in the mail. Apparently she has several cookbooks out. I love finding new views on cooking and when recipes are involved it makes it that much better. The premise of this cookbook is fantastic. The cover boasts that 500 recipes are included, using 5 ingredients or less, 500 calories or less, 5 nights a week at 5:00 PM. I detest eating out so this blurb hooked me right away. The table of contents in this cookbook lists types of foods by chapters. The colors are easy to read and well organized. You’ll find the usual headings with one extra that intrigues me- Pizzas, flatbreads, calzones and strudels. Yum! I like all of those things so a chapter dedicated to those things in particular makes me smile. The grilled cheese pizza was delicious. Pretty, glossy pictures are included, but I don’t like the fact that they’re grouped together. There are only a few pictures so every recipe doesn’t have one and the ones that are there list a page number for you to flip back and forth to. I’m a huge fan of pictures placed close to the actual recipe they depict and you won’t find that in this cookbook. One recipe, one picture seems to work well for most cooks. There is a place in the back devoted to metric conversions. I’ve never seen a recipe yet that had metric measurements used (including this one), but I’m sure they’re out there. If that is something you would find useful, I highly recommend this cookbook.
4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves (about 5 ounces each) 4 tablespoons honey mustard 1 cup crushed pretzels (any pretzel variety works) Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Coat a baking sheet with cooking spray. Place the chicken in a large freezer bag or between 2 pieces of plastic wrap and pound to a 1-inch thickness. Transfer the chicken to the prepared baking sheet and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Brush the honey mustard all over the top of the chicken and top with the crushed pretzel. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through.
***Overall, this cookbook delivers what it promises and there aren’t many things that holds true for. There are 500 recipes using 5 ingredients or less. They list the serving size and nutrition information, which I like, and the 500 calories or less holds true. I believe this is a great resource for busy cooks everywhere. *** Looking forward: Next month I’ll be reviewing the book Lard.
Featured Recipe: Pretzel-Crusted Honey Mustard
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Pamela Reviewer/Freelance Writer www.thefantasticfoodie.wordpress.com
Night Owl Reviews
The BDSM Lifestyle With the worldwide popularity of E.L. James’ book Fifty Shades of Grey, I thought I’d venture into the world of BDSM this month. I don’t pretend to know much about the lifestyle, but a quick search of the internet provides a wealth of information. What exactly is BDSM? In a nutshell, it’s an erotic relationship between consenting adults which involves bondage, submission, dominance, and sadomasochism. The Top or Dominant (aka Dom/Domme for females) is the controlling party. The Bottom or Submissive (aka Sub) is the party who is physically and/ or mentally controlled. Safety and consent are important aspects, so much so that “contracts” are often signed between the parties to ensure a clear understanding of each person’s role and the dynamics of the relationship. There are BDSM clubs, conventions, and websites devoted to exploring the lifestyle. One such website is Collar N Cuffs, which provides information on everything from techniques for bondage and restraints to the various types of equipment and sex toys you can use. Though the lifestyle hasn’t attained social acceptance, romance novels containing the theme sell very well, indicating that at least the fantasy of it is very popular. So, indulge your fantasy with the list of novels below which contain characters of color living the lifestyle—and loving it.
Punished by Her Sheik by Nicole L. Pierce Sheik Bandar (Ben) Zaldana, an ex-secret agent, is wrapping up his boring day as a P.I. when a stunning woman pops out of the closet holding a gun on him. Intrigued by her beauty, her courage, and her misguided story, he allows her to kidnap him. He finds amusement and arousal motivating his actions as he contemplates what it would be like to love his captor in every way. Abigail is teaching Ben a lesson for standing her sister up at the altar. Her sister may be over the hurt and humiliation, but Abigail wants Ben to know what happens when the people she loves are hurt. To her dismay the type of “punishment” she’s considering has nothing to do with revenge and everything to do with lust. Konnichiwa Cowboy by Tilly Greene
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One of Matt Wilson’s earliest sexual fantasies growing up on a ranch in Montana came from his history books. His stroke material involved the mysterious women from far away who wore silky robes, had stark white faces, elaborate hair, and the sexiest painted lips he’d ever seen. As he grew older and his sexual identity was established, Matt never forgot that original fantasy, but it changed to reflect how he wanted that same woman on her knees, eager to submit and serve his pleasure. A business trip to Japan opens the door to his satisfying the long held fantasy, only there’s a slight hiccup called
www.NightOwlReviews.com Sakura Nakamura. Sakura is smart, funny and gorgeous, everything he wants in a woman, but can’t have, not if he wants to do business with her father. Cuffed Again by Mia Jae
The Chief Financial Officer of the non-profit Cerise Thacker runs has been cooking her books. The DA fears the CFO’s deep family roots will come after Cerise, particularly after the CFO states he will “see to her death.” So she’s whisked away in a Yellow Cab into a short term police protection program to keep her safe. The cabbie? Isaac Walker, undercover cop. For the duration, Isaac will be her protector, even though she doesn’t want protection. Thing is Cerise and Isaac are not strangers. They’d shared a role play domme/sub encounter about a year earlier—neither of them revealing who they really were. Now they are thrust together in a situation of extreme danger and passion where Isaac must remain in control of the situation at all costs, even though he so very much wants to give it up to Cerise. Seduction by the Fae by Raquel Taylor
Saphira Morgan has had a very tough year. Her husband has cheated on her with his secretary. Ransom Morgan doesn’t know why his wife is becoming more and more distant toward him. He is running for Mayor. He wants his wife back! Ransom purchased Rousseau Manor for his wife because of the paintings of the faeries inside the house. While Saphira enjoys painting the faeries it also helps her forget the envelopes full of pictures of his affair. One evening at the manor, Saphira is attacked by an escaped convict. The faeries help her escape by bringing the two into the world in which they’ve been trapped for years
by the owner of the house, Vincent Rousseau. Ransom goes to the manor when Saphira doesn’t come home. He, too, is taken into the faeries’ room. Inside this world is also the jealous mistress, a pack of horny satyrs, and a murderous madman--and nothing will be the same again. Bound for Pleasure by Ann Mayburn
Football star Tycen Preston has everything he could want, everything but the healing release of subspace that he desperately needs. After four years of searching for the right woman, he finally has the opportunity to indulge in all the dark, forbidden desires that would ruin his carefully crafted image if anyone ever found out. Lara Hernandez is tired of the weak submissive men that offer her no challenge. She yearns for a strong Alpha male to tame and call her own. A blind date arranged by the mysterious Madam Eve seems to be the perfect arrangement for fulfilling both of their decadent cravings.
To Have and to Hold by Yvette Hines
Kelli Delaney spent the last year planning for the perfect wedding. What she didn’t plan for was getting to the altar and not having a groom there waiting for her. Dumped and pissed, Kelli decides she’s still going to have her honeymoon and eat her cake too. When she meets up with her college crush, Will Robertson, she finds herself submitting to a passionate weekend she couldn’t have arranged for in her wildest dreams. ---------------------------------------------Delaney Diamond is the best-selling author of African-American and interracial romance. Her first release in the Hawthorne Family series, The Temptation of a Good Man, and her first sweet interracial romance, Worth Waiting For, are now available. Enjoy free reads on her website at www. delaneydiamond.com.
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Night Owl Reviews
A Writer’s Tool Kit Writer’s rock. No matter where you are on the spectrum of beginner to advanced, no matter what medium you use, you have the brain cells and creativity required to shape words into stories. You are one of the lucky people born with this natural tool kit. Let that sink in a moment--- Diana Hurwitz *************************
A mother of a young teenaged writer once asked me at a workshop “Is there some sort of a beginners writer’s tool kit that I can buy for my son to start him off as a writer?” If there was, I bet there would be great infomercial on television at two am in the morning offering this great tool kit for $29.95 not including shipping and handling, if there was one. I pondered this idea. I wasn’t thinking a money making venture, but thought what I would include if I was going to make a writer’s tool kit for a new author. Let’s say this; there are so many books of the subject on how to write, including a few books for dummies. I know none of us are really dummies...so I wonder why the title. Funny, I have been asked numerous times in emails and in workshops the question of “What books would I suggest to a writer who is just starting out?” In my opinion, there are so many I would suggest, I could write a book of my suggestions of good books about writing. I could suggest the whole public library. However, since the question is asked of me a heck of a lot... if I needed to mention a few books I refer back to time and again (they are highlighted and marked up a lot with notes in the margins)…let me leave you a few of my favorites selections from my library shelf. You would be surprised at my choices. I have listed the audio versions as well as the books for those who rather listen during their spare time. My favorite books on the craft of writing are Telling
Lies for Fun & Profit: A Manual for Fiction Writers by Lawrence Block (He wrote many mystery novels)(available on download from audible.com), On Writing by Stephen King (also on audio by Simon & Schuster audio), The Successful Novelist: A Lifetime of Lessons about Writing and Publishing By David Morrell (if the author name looks familiar, he created Rambo)(this is also on CD/mp3 formats from Brilliance audio), Zen in the Art of Writing by Ray Bradbury, How I Write: Secrets of a Bestselling Author by Janet Evanovich & Ina Yalof (on audio from Macmillan Audio), and Writing down the Bones by Natalie Goldberg (also available on audio from Sounds True audio publishers). These books are my holy grail of writing gurus. These are the ones I go back to time after time...all are available on Amazon for CHEAP! I must say there are many books on the craft of putting pen to paper. So if these favorite books of mine don’t suit your fancy, find those authors you will like. Excuse me, I digress. Back to the beginners writer’s tool kit idea... start any writer with a few yellow legal pads (or a few spiral note books). This may seem like giving someone socks at Christmas time, but it is a starter kit. Before you say why legal pads, many modern day authors have written (some still do on legal pads). Before I get this collective “WHO?”. The few I know of, off the top of my head, who use legal pads are Stephen King (who wrote a part of the Green Mile during a Baseball game rainout), Jackie Collins (the author of Lucky, Hollywood Wives, etc), and Jeffrey Archer (Cain and Abel, Not a Penny More). And since you are getting paper, don’t forget to get pens too. I would not suggest something I have not done. I wrote the Forwards of Nightwolf and Silent Angel (which was just re-released in a revised edition this month), both written by Melody Ravert (MJR Publications) One tool I use is The Associated Press Style-book and Libel Manual. That is the brand I use, you can find an
Another item you need for a writer’s tool kit is a dictionary.
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www.NightOwlReviews.com assortment in your local college book store. I have used my style-book since I was in college English and have never ever not used it after that. This is a book I go to as a proper word usage when typing an article. For example, when you write about the archbishop of Canterbury, you do not capitalize the word archbishop...many make that mistake. So if you are making this tool kit for the young writer is in High School or college, put this in your tool kit for him or her. Another item you need for a writer’s tool kit is a dictionary. In regards to Dictionaries, the age old question, is there a right or wrong one? Well NO...I don’t care if its Oxford English dictionary, American Heritage or Webster’s who help with your spelling needs...neither should you. A dictionary is a dictionary. It’s good as long as you can look up words and spell them right. You shouldn’t really shouldn’t care if the dictionary edition is paperback or hardcover. Some have extra features like a slang dictionary section as in the Webster’s version. For example the term Rachel Ray’s favorite term, EVOO (extra Virgin Olive Oil) is in Webster’s and not in Oxfords. So if it has extras you want in a dictionary, that’s great. As long as you use it, there is no right or wrong version of a dictionary...just find one that suits your tastes. Earlier, I said get PENS when you buy paper. It does not matter what kind of pen you use. A gel point pen works as easy as a ball point or a fountain pen. It doesn’t matter if the tip is medium or fine point. If you like one type over another and you will write, GREAT. Always remember your pens are not for show most of the time. One Christmas season,
I received a beautiful pen set from Louise Snead at Affaire De Couer magazine with the magazine name and my name boldly engraved in silver. That one I do have for show and in the display case. Well, the question is “Will I ever write with it?” NAH! It is a gift I treasure and it humbles me. I been working for that magazine since 1988 as their audio columnist…so the pen means a heck of a lot to me. So other than that special pen, a pen is just a pen. If I was inventing this tool kit, I would throw it a dozen pictures for the writer to inspire themselves to write. I remember watching a picture of Christmas lights blurred from a mall. It inspired me to pen the short story “Christmas in Hell” that was in a Christmas collection last year, edited by Lynn Pinder, one of the heads of the Christian Authors on Tour. So would I put anything else in the tool kit? Well maybe a big eraser, a book of quotations and a framed picture of your family (SO, Girlfriend, spouse, etc.), so the writer knows who he or she is writing for. Now if any of you have any other suggestions for the Writer’s Tool Kit, I want to hear your ideas. Anything from other writer’s tools to books to add to the tool kit would be welcomed. Please Email them to me to AUDIOWORLD@ YAHOO.COM with the words Tool kit in the subject line (NO ATTACTMENTS PLEASE). I would love to hear all your ideas. I may use them in a future column with your idea and your name listed So until next time, reach for the stars
CATCH ME by Lisa Gardner
IN FOUR DAYS, SOMEONE IS GOING TO KILL ME… At 8pm on 21st January, twenty-eight year old Charlie Grant believes she is going to be murdered and she wants Boston’s top homicide detective, D.D. Warren, to handle her death investigation.
Confronting D.D. at her latest crime scene, Charlie lays her cards on the table. For each of the last two years, one of her childhood friends has been murdered leaving Charlie as the only one of the three friends to remain alive. 19
Night Owl Reviews
E-Book Prices & the DOJ’s Anti-Trust Suit Could the U. S. Department of Justice’s Anti-Trust Suit against Apple, Penguin, Macmillan, Hachette, HarperCollins, and Simon & Schuster mean the temporary demise of the “Agency Five” e-book pricing! In April 2012 the DOJ filed an Anti-trust case against Apple, Penguin, Macmillan, Hachette, HarperCollins, Simon & Schuster ) for collusion in e-book pricing. As an avid e-book reader, this is great news for the short term. Many of you have been reading e-books like me since the days of the desktop e-reading software and the emergence of the PDA. I am sure like me most you have been doing most of your e-book shopping based on the best price. I use to use fictionwise.com for my e-book e-retailer of choice. They had one of the best buyer’s incentive programs; pay full price for an e-book (discounted) and get Micropay bucks back to purchase a future e-book. BooksonBoard.com is another e-retailer with great buying incentives. Although Amazon.com did not and still does not offer buying incentives, its discounted prices proved to be a driving force behind consumers embracing its Kindle e-reader. Well those days may be back before the end of the summer; Hachette, HarperCollins, and Simon & Schuster have settled out of court. Although this maybe a victory of sorts, we will still have to wait awhile on the verdict for Apple, Penguin, Macmillan; who have chosen to go to trial. Dear Author has an outstanding recap of what the Anti-Trust Suit entails and what the settlement means for the consumer. The Bloomberg.com was first to report the suit and John Sargent of Macmillan responded to the suit on the Tor.com site. A little background on the whole affair goes something like this. In April of 2010 Penguin, Macmillan, Hachette, HarperCollins, Simon & Schuster devised an e-book pricing model, “Agency Five”, that would allow Apple to enter the ebook market via its iBooks app on an even keel with existing e-book retailers. The “Agency Five” e-book pricing model effectively arrested control of e-book pricing away from the retailers and back into the hands of the publisher. This move allowed publishers to reap the rewards of the grow-
ing consumer demand for e-books. Yet it also created an e-book buying atmosphere with higher e-book prices and no competitive competition for consumer dollars. Many of our favorite incentive programs were discontinued or severely limited in there application. So what does all this mean for the e-reading consumer? Well in this tight economy many have curtailed the number e-books that they normal would purchase. The higher cost of e-books has surely slowed my reading down. Not to mention the strain the higher costs have put on the public libraries throughout the Country. Bringing back competition and choices, I believe will spur a frenzy of buying that will continue to boost the popularity of e-books. Some would say that by lowering the price of an e-book the value of the work as a whole is diminished. I disagree; it is not that as a reader I do not value the work. It as a consumer that we feel a non-physical book should cost somewhat less than a physical one, yet still allow for a profit. Now the price points for the e-books are an entirely different kettle of worms. Who is to say what is fair pricing, the publisher, the retailer or the consumer? I believe fair pricing comes with competitive choices, Incentive programs and consumer loyalty. So when those e-book prices start to fall, I suggest we jump in with both feet and shop like there is now tomorrow. I currently own a classic nook wifi-3G, an iPod Touch 4th Gen and an iPad wifi-3G. You would probably ask why so many, the nook is more for indoor reading for me, while the iPod touch is that on the go reading in line at the bank, waiting for a movie to start etc and the iPad is used for long term review reading and annotating. I still purchase my favorite authors in Imprint books, but my library has grown exponentially since I have embraced the eBook technology. Novel Technology “E-books and Technology Made Simple” next month’s article “Tablet Wars: IPad or Android?”
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Indulge the Fantasy Do you have any guilty pleasures? Some place reading romance into the niche of an activity that needs to be hidden away, tucked within a book jacket or e-reader so people don’t really know what you’re reading. With the blockbuster success of 50 Shades of Grey, people have bandied about the term “Mommy porn,” and suddenly reading material that’s a little bit racy got a whole lot more out in the open. There’s something magical about the phenomenon of many people reading the same books. We’re talking Harry Potter, The DaVinci Code, Twilight, The Hunger Games. Suddenly, a common unity forms. In addition to being a writer, I also teach college classes in a subject such as popular culture. Pop Culture doesn’t have to be following the latest styles set by J. Lo on American Idol. Instead, when a mainstream novel makes it on the cover of Entertainment Weekly magazine, that’s popular culture. It crosses demographics. Recently, I asked my younger cousin if she had read a particular novel yet. As soon as I mentioned the title, she said, “I heard about that book. One of my clients recommended it, and I have it on my Kindle.” As a hairdresser, one topic that regular comes up is what people are reading. No, I’m not going to give any more print time to 50 Shades. Instead, have you heard of the little book that could: The Marriage Bargain by Jennifer Probst?
topped USA Today’s bestsellers list for multiple weeks. And you know what? The book is totally worth all the hype. When Alexandria McKenzie’s family goes into debt and risks losing their family home, she resorts to desperation – calling upon the love gods to bring her the perfect man. A man with an extra $150,000. What Alexa gets is a not-soperfect-on-paper mate with deep pockets and a need to get married in order to inherit. For Nick Ryan, the perfect wife would be presentable, unemotional and he definitely can’t be attracted to her because, you know, physical attraction causes messy ties. While reading The Marriage Bargain, I seriously laughed out loud, enough so that my husband had to question what I was reading. The scene where Nick stumbles upon the hidden dogs is a literary delight, and it made me wish I wrote comedy better. At the same time, Probst pulls upon the reader’s heartstrings. After a childhood of rejection, Nick’s hardened his heart, and we so want those walls to come down. Probst offers a satisfying conclusion on all points. Even better news, there’s more. Coming in June, The Marriage Trap. (As a disclaimer, I also edit for Entangled Publishing; however, Probst is not one of my authors and I actually purchased a copy of the book myself.) Senator, Mine Kerry Adrienne 1Night Stand Decadent Publishing
The Marriage Bargain Jennifer Probst Entangled Publishing
In its first month of release, Jennifer Probst’s contemporary romance The Marriage Bargain earned more than $50,000 in royalties. For a new line, Indulgence, with a relatively new publishing company, Entangled, that’s fantastic. She’s
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New writer Kerry Adrienne tackles one of my favorite short reads with Senator, Mine, a 1Night Stand release from Decadent Publishing. Adrienne draws readers to New Pompeii, Italy, where Eleanor wants to get over her failed relationship. Rather than getting engaged, she’s hooking up
Night Owl Reviews for a night of debauchery. As a senator in ancient Rome, Darius can have his choice of any servant girl in his bed. When Eleanor purchases a ring with a special connection, she’s in for the night of a lifetime. Senator, Mine features some delicious time travel, and Adrienne’s writing adds a richness to the intriguing tale: “The scent of age hung in the shop. Dust and dirt—once a king’s ransom—and tithes to long-forgotten gods circulated in the cool air.” I definitely look forward to more from this author.
While Peter obviously sports a “straight-man crush” on Chris, the straight-man fights his own attraction: “In clothes, Peter seemed skinny. But topless, he was strapped with ropey muscle that ridged along his sides. Maybe it was because he was mostly naked, but his walk was sort of a strut. And—was that a nipple piercing?” Although Holsum is known as a small, liberal college, unfortunately, homophobia exists. Chris fights against it in the opening chapters and tackles it head-on later. Along the way, he questions his own sexuality but doesn’t dishonor Peter. The minute Harris explains the thin, makeshift wall separating the two dorm rooms, I immediately waited for the scene when the wall comes down. She not quite that overt, but the story definitely pays out – in a subtle, growing romance to full-on physical contact. Harris delicately and artfully captures the intricacies within life and the hearts of readers with these college boys.
College Boys Men of Holsum College 1 Daisy Harris Siren Publishing
With the new slogan, “50 Shades of Gay,” erotic romance author Daisy Harris enjoys taking readers on new excursions, whether it’s with her wet and wild Urban Merman, the LoveBots or her retelling of M/M mythology. Now, it’s time to go back to school with College Boys, Men of Holsum College 1. In the opening chapter, Harris writes the syllabus for a misaligned romance: Wanting a bit more privacy after the death of his mom, Chris moves into a single dorm in a new residency. He ends up neighbors with Peter, who is gay and the guy Chris woke cuddled against in a tent.
Until next month,
Louisa Bacio Coming soon, Book 3 The Vampire, The Witch & The Werewolf: The Voodoo King http://louisabacio.blogspot.com
11TH HOUR
Your best friend
Lindsay Boxer is pregnant at last! But her work doesn’t slow for a second. When millionaire Chaz Smith is mercilessly gunned down, she discovers that the murder weapon is linked to the deaths of four of San Francisco’s most untouchable criminals. And it was taken from her own department’s evidence locker. Anyone could be the killer—even her closest friends. Or a vicious killer?
Lindsay is called next to the most bizarre crime scene she’s ever seen: two bodiless heads elaborately displayed in the garden of a world-famous actor. Another head is unearthed in the garden, and Lindsay realizes that the ground could hide hundreds of victims. 22