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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Indie Pub It The Whys, Whats and Hows
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Urban Fantasy and the Paranormal Hot UF / PN Releases Every Month
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History Bits Travel Back in History
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Inside the Cookbook Find Some Awesome Cookbooks
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Novel Technology The Low Down on Tech for Readers
14 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 2012-13 2
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Dark Streets Suspense at Its Best
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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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Anna DeStefano by Tamazon of Night Owl Reviews
Current Release: Christmas on Mimosa Lane / October 23, 2012 What have you had to give up to pursue your writing career? Sleep ;o) I’ve given up sleep as anything but a hobby. And hobbies. I’ve given them up, too.
I have some interests that I pursue like a lifeline (participating in my teen’s life and interests as much as he’ll let me; hiking and waterfall hunting in my North Georgia mountains; teaching other writers how to make their books the best they can be), I’ve had to give up a lot of the day-to-day things that used to pass time in my life. But the rewards--they’re more than worth it. I wouldn’t have any other job in the world! What are you working on?
I’m working on Sweet Summer Sunrise, the summer-themed Book 2 in my Montlake Seasons of the Heart series. I can’t wait to bring you Samantha Perry’s story. You’ll meet her in Christmas on Mimosa Lane, and you’ll love her as she fights for her marriage and her family and to battle back from the PTSD that’s kept her in emotional chains since 9/11. Look for Sweet Summer Sunrise from Montlake Romance in June! I’m also writing a novella I plan to release indie in early 2013--Father of the Year. It’s the first book in a novella series that expands the Harlequin Superromance story I wrote a few year ago, Baby Steps--part of their Mothers of the Year anthology. These are my foster family stories--the first generation kids of an amazing, small-town foster family return to Sweetbrooke, GA, when their father’s heart begins to fail, to help raise their youngest brothers and sisters. Can you tell I LOVE writing southern-set family dramas? LOL! Do you have a comfort food? What is it?
Potatoes. Any way. Any how. Whip it, fry it, boil it, bake it, make soup out of it... I used to feel guilty about this. But did I mention I have no real hobbies. Potatoes. They’re my distraction. My vice. My guilty secret. Buy me fresh-cut fries, and I’m your slave ;o) How was your road to publication?
Charmed. I’ve been blessed with wonderful professionals and friends who’ve helped me every step of the way. I’ve had an amazing experience with all my publishers and feel lucky to have had the early success I have in both romance and sci-fi/fantasy. And working with Amazon Montlake now, on this series of my heart, has been a dream. That’s why I work so hard to teach and coach other writers. Every time I do, I’m hoping to give back just a speck of the help and generosity and opportunity that’s come my way. Full Online at: http://www.nightowlreviews.com/nor/Interviews/Tamazoninterviews-Anna-Destefano-on-Oct-17-2012.aspx
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Night Owl Reviews
Tis the Season We have entered the final months of 2012 and now that the elections are over, Americans have turned their attention to the holidays, spreading their many reasons for being thankful through status updates on Facebook. In addition to a cheerful and thankful spirited season, is an active shopping season that will only increase from now until the New Year. As children make their list, hoping Santa will forget to check their name twice; adults are busy fulfilling the wishes of others during this gift giving season that celebrates love, peace, joy, and faith of all kinds. In toast of thankfulness, giving and resolutions for the New Year, I give you the ultimate book guide, a two part series that will direct you to the best reads of 2012, perfect for the book lover on your shopping list.
ability to forgive.
Ninepins, Rosy Thornton Laura lives alone with her 12-year-old daughter Beth in an old tollhouse known as Ninepins. When Vince, a social worker, convinces Laura to rent out the pump house to Willow, a 17-year-old with a dubious past, things get tense. Unsure if Willow is a dangerous threat or vulnerable target, Laura struggles with the out of control direction her normally carefully ordered world has taken. Willow, who was once suspected of arson and has a mother with a sinister past, complicates the relationship between Laura and her daughter Beth. Reader’s who’ve read Rosy Thornton’s works will instantly connect to her use of place and landscape to bring the story alive. Unlike some of her previous works this one holds a strong suspense element that will keep you glued to the pages.
On the 7th Day, T.D. Jakes
When David and Kari’s daughter Mikayla is abducted from their gated community in New Orleans, the police immediately start an investigation to their child. A high profile couple, David Ames is a respected college professor and the couple is by appearance the perfect, prosperous life. When reports of a serial kidnapper with a pattern of killing his victims on the seventh day emerge, the couple’s marriage of commitment and love is put to the ultimate test. With no time to waste, the pursuit of information leads to secrets about Kari’s past and temptation to David’s fidelity that threaten their marriage challenges their
Reunion, Lauraine Snelling
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When Keira Johnson, a 50-yearold mother of two sons discovers a life changing secret, kept hidden from her by from her by her late mother, her world is tipped upside down. Meanwhile, Kiera’s 17-year-old niece discovers she is pregnant, an unwanted situation since her boyfriend Jose is college
www.NightOwlReviews.com bound. When the family gets together for a reunion, the two women struggle with their unexpected past and uncertain present as they discover the peace that truth and honesty bring, even in the hardest of circumstances. Reunion is a novel of discovering self as the foundation of your life crumbles beneath you. ‘Twas the Night After Christmas, Sabrina Jeffries
Who doesn’t love a book by Sabrina Jeffries? In this touching romance, Pierce Waverly, Earl of Devonmont, is summoned by letter to Montcliff, his parents’ home, with a final chance to make peace with his ailing mother. However, upon arrival he discovers two surprises that lead him to discover the truth of his past and the startling revelations it will bring, making this Christmas one he won’t soon forget. This book holds mystery, romance, forgiveness and the magic of Christmas for all those willing to read it. Forgotten, Catherine McKenzie
Emma, a dedicated lawyer, has a bright future ahead of her, when she decides to take a six month leave of absence to go on an African vacation. After falling ill and spending six months trapped in a remote village due to a horrible earthquake, Emma returns home to discover her friends, boyfriend and co-workers thought she was dead and life has moved on without her. Now, Emma struggles with the unexpected, as she tries to recreate her old life by throwing herself into solving a big case and trying to reclaim her beloved apartment from the dashing photographer who assumed her lease. Forgotten is the story of a woman who discovers who she is in the midst of losing it all. A Winter Wonderland, Fern Michaels, Holly Chamberlin, Leslie Meier, Kristina McMorris
A Winter Wonderland is perfect for readers who enjoy compilations of shorter stories by best-selling authors.
In A Winter Wonderland, Fern Michaels introduces her character, Angelica as she leaves New York for a Christmas in Colorado with the intention of relaxation. However, when Angelica is nearly killed and finds herself laid up in a hospital with only the memory of her handsome hero, things take an interesting turn. The compilation also includes The Joy of Christmas, the story of a woman who comes face to face with her past over the holidays, the Christmas Thief, a mystery surrounding missing jewels and a handsome stranger and The Christmas Collector, the tale of Jenna Matthews, a young woman whose grandmother’s keepsakes suggest a secret life, unwrapping a mystery and the truth surrounding the heart of the holiday. Blackberry Winter, Sarah Jio
In Seattle, 1933, a single mother kisses her threeyear-old son goodnight and departs for her night-shift at a local hotel. She emerges to discover a May snow storm has blanketed the city and that her son has vanished. Outside her home she discovers his favorite teddy bear lying face down on the cold street, the snow covering any trace of his path. Fast forward to Seattle, 2010, a reporter is assigned to cover the May 1 snowstorm, known as blackberry winter, and its twin storm of 1933. When she discovers the unsolved abduction of a little boy, she is committed to finding out what happened to the boy and his mother, discovering she may very well be linked to the story in unexpected ways. Blackberry Winter is a love story, a mystery, and a book that will keep the reader in your life turning the pages faster than ever before. It is simply a must read. -------------------------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
Pros and Cons of Indie Publishing – A Top Ten List. Part 1. Last month I proposed that an author should indie publish because of the (almost total) control it gave her over her own career and product. But there are some major drawbacks and advantages to doing it yourself despite that mega bonus. This month I want to outline the Top Ten hit list. I will eventually examine all of these in-depth and a lot more besides. Let’s get the unpleasant news out of the way first.
Legacy published authors turn in their manuscripts, write a synopsis, and then wait for release day so they can promote their title. Finishing a manuscript is the tip of an iceberg for indie authors. Even if you’re contracting the work of covers, formatting and more, you still have to supervise your contractors, coordinate your release dates on the retail outlets, and a myriad other small and large tasks that don’t exist for the traditional author.
#5 You are 100% responsible…for everything.
#3 You have to pay all up-front costs yourself
Welcome to the dark side of total control. Being free to do anything you want sounds heavenly, but there is a price. For instance, if the cover sucks, that’s on you. Even if you hire a cover artist, you need to know enough about cover design to know if the cover they make will sell books, or will work as an ebook when reduced to an inch across. It pays to know the basic principles of good design, page layout, typography, editing, book production, book distribution…basically, every facet of the book publishing industry.
Depending on how much of the publishing process you contract out, you will have either a small or large investment of hard cash to make before the book can be released. It is possible to publish for zero dollars if you do everything yourself, including the cover. However, the end product would have limited distribution and it’s doubtful the book will be of a professional quality in every facet. No one is that multi-talented. Limiting the up-front investment is always a compromise. In order to save the money, you have to do the work yourself. If you don’t have those skills (be honest!) you need to pay the money.
#2 There are still plenty of sites, people and media that won’t touch indie-published anything
#4 You have to do all the work yourself
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www.NightOwlReviews.com This is not the same as #1. Review and book sites are often using the “no indie” rule as a way of cutting down the overwhelming barrage of review requests and books that flood them on a daily basis. Readers who won’t touch indie are simply doing so because they’re being loyal to their legacy publishers – they’ve never tried indie books and have no intention of doing so. They’ll keep reading their favourite lines and imprints until they stop publishing. The media that report on publishing with a bewildering black hole where indie is supposed to exist are possibly aligned with a legacy publisher, somewhere in their company’s family tree. There is also fear among some traditional journalists and media, whose own paper-based news organizations are increasingly threatened by ebooks and Internet news media. They have a vested interested in the status quo and tend to favour legacy publish because it fits inside their own comfort zone. [I must point out that there are traditionally-based media personnel who are opened minded despite the uncertainty of their own industry, who report on the exploding indie publishing industry with fair and wellbalanced articles and posts.]
decision. And abruptly, you’re back to a legacy publishing situation where a handful of gatekeepers (editors, agents) are getting to decide what we, the reading public, should or should not get to read. Readers should decide what we should or should not get to read – and with indie publishing, they do decide: with their wallets. They buy what they want to read and they don’t buy what they don’t want to read. If they don’t like the book, they return it. It is the most market-driven publishing system devised since moveable type was invented. Instead of decrying the existence of thunkers, we need to celebrate them. They assure us the system is working as it should. But in the meantime, indie publishing will be universally cloaked with the reputation that these thunkers give out. It is very slowly changing as more and more indie authors hit the high profile best seller lists like the New York Times and receive media coverage for their runaway sales figures and movie deals. But for now, it is a prejudice that lingers. Next month: The positives (yeah!) ____________
Tracy Cooper-Posey writes erotic vampire romance series and hot romantic suspense. She has been nominated for 5 CAPAs including Favourite Author, and won the Emma Darcy Award. She published 35 titles via legacy publishers before switching to indie publishing in March 2011. She has published 13 indie titles to date. Her indie books have made her an Amazon #1 Best Selling Author and have been nominated three times for Book Of The Year. Tracy has been a national magazine editor and for a decade she taught romance writing at Grant MacEwan University. An Australian, she lives in Edmonton, Canada with her husband, a professional wrestler, where she moved in 1996 after meeting him on-line. Her website can be found at http://TracyCooperPosey.com
#1 Indie books and authors are considered inferior
This is the biggest bug-bear about indie publishing today. Review sites, readers, agents, editors, and most certainly the legacy publishing side of the industry, think that most of what is published by indie authors is crud. I’ll let you into a secret: There is a lot of crap out there in indie land. I start reading about twenty indie titles a week. I don’t finish all of them. I don’t expect to. So yes, there’s crap out there. That’s because of the open door policy of the industry: Anyone can publish anything. This fact is the biggest single boon to readers and authors and defines indie publishing. I’ve heard a lot of people say “They should get rid of all those thunkers, and that would help clean up indie publishing’s reputation,” but they’re dead wrong. Getting rid of the thunkers would kill indie publishing stone dead. For a start, getting rid of the thunkers involves some sort of judgement process: Deciding which books are good enough to be published and which ones aren’t. Does that sound familiar? Then…who decides? And what makes them qualified to decide? Well…an editor or an agent or someone who knows the market would probably be able to make that
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Night Owl Reviews
Bounty Hunter by Kate Lynd Dare to fall in love. Dare to change the world. Logan Mitchell doesn’t like to mess around when it comes to business. He is a rarity, a half-breed human/alien who has survived the purge. The product of an illicit affair between a charismatic human rebel and a sympathetic female alien from the planet Lonegal he is an outsider. He is a bounty hunter, and he is the best at what he does. Enslaved from the age of fifteen, Alabama Newsome is a half-breed who’s managed to escape once and exact her revenge on the killer of her human mother and Lonegal father. Labeled a terrorist she was recaptured, tortured, and made to suffer for her actions. With the help of Logan’s imprisoned father she escapes once again and General Runyon wants her back. She’s pregnant with his child and he’s sure she’ll abort it. When her case file comes across Logan’s desk he’s forced to deal with the truth mixed in with the lies. And he must decide, bring her in, or risk everything just to save her life. Demon City Blues by Jonathan Lister War is coming to Demos City -- in more ways than one. Leon Gray struggles to balance a new job with helping his daughter Shauna navigate the landmine life of a full werewolf. Further complicating matters, a new Alpha has arrived in Demos, laying claim to the territory as her own -- including Leon. Meanwhile, the political information David Hastings unearthed may reveal a much darker truth than anyone expected. Demos City’s corruption has deep roots, older than the bones of the town itself. Can Gray and Hastings keep the city from tearing itself apart long enough to discover the source? Can it wait until Leon sees Shauna’s high school play? As the first snow falls, the flakes may only have bloody footprints to greet them on the earth below. One Plus One by Kay Dee Royal
Coerced by her friend, Lacinda, a woman crushed by love, winds up on a three week singles cruise. Blade, a man of means, discovers Miss Right under the guise of a singles cruise set up by his business partner. Once Blade focuses his efforts he always gets what he’s after, until Lacinda throws his arrogant reputation back in his face. Can Blade break through Lacinda’s angry barriers? Will she ever see him as anything more than a player? 8
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interesting scene in your book in less than two sentences?
Halloween is over and the winter holidays are coming…and books make fabulous gifts. So do gift cards for book stores. I know I have a wish list a mile long with books I want. Some are being released this month. Like; River Road (Sentinels of New Orleans Book 2) by Suzanne Johnson which is touring with Bewitching Book Tours this month. Other books on my wish list include: Kept: A Coveted Novel (Book 2) by Shawntelle Madison, Shadow’s Claim: The Dacians by Kresley Cole, Wild About You (Love at Stake) by Kerrelyn Sparks, Wolfishly Yours (Westfield Wolves Book 6) by Lydia Dare, Darkness Hunts: A Dark Angels Novel (book 5) by Keri Arthur, Bitter Blood (Morganville Vampires, Book 13) by Rachel Caine, and Days of Blood & Starlight (Daughter of Smoke and Bone Book 2) by Laini Taylor. What books will be on your holiday wish list this year?
KL: The meeting of the heroine and hero.
RR: In two sentences or less can you tell readers something unique about your book? KL: It examines how society treats those unlike the majority and cruel and bigoted it can be. RR: How about three adjectives that describe your book as a whole? KL: Romantic, thrilling, and mind-opening. RR: What’s the heat level of your book?
Now it’s time for the Super Quick Author Interviews. This month we have Kate Lynd, Jonathan Lister and Kay Dee Royal.
KL: hot and spicy
RR: We’ll start with Kate. What is the name of your newest release and genre/category it falls into?
RR: And last but not least, where can a reader purchase your book?
KL: Bounty Hunter, Sci-Fi erotic romance
KL: On Amazon.com
KL: Tortured. Strong. Honorable.
RR: Now it’s time to put JONATHAN LISTER in the hot seat.
RR: Can you describe your main character in 3 words?
RR: Thanks Kate, those details made me want to pick up a copy of Bounty Hunter and read it immediately.
RR: Can you describe your heroine in one sentence?
RR: Let’s start by getting the name of your newest release and genre/category it falls into?
KL: Tortured for what she is, she is resourceful and will stop at nothing to make things right.
JL: Demos City Blues – urban fantasy
RR: Can you describe your hero in one sentence?
RR: Can you describe your main character in 3 words?
KL: An outcast as a half-breed meeting the heroine forever changes him.
JL: Leon is stubborn, gruff, and loyal.
RR: What kind of paranormals or paranormal elements are in your book?
RR: What kind of paranormals or paranormal elements are in your book?
KL: They are half-breed human-aliens and there are science fiction elements that borrow heavily from the fantasy elemental world. RR: Without giving away details, Can you describe one
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JL: Almost exclusively werewolves, though I do throw some sorcery into the mix. I tried to create wolves as kind of an ethnicity, so I couldn’t see myself trying to explain vampires or other supernatural creatures as branching off from humans. The math would get too complicated very fast, and math was never
Night Owl Reviews my strongest subject.
How To Marry Series
RR: Without giving away details, Can you describe one interesting scene in your book in less than two sentences? JL: A stuffed fox, animated with the soul of a bad guy henchman, bemoans the fact that this new body – while it has a mouth – has no useful naughty bits. If he wasn’t so damn useful, our heroes might throw him in a closet and forget he ever existed. RR: In two sentences or less can you tell readers something unique about your book? JL: My characters are real people stuck in extraordinary circumstances. Sure, some of them are werewolves, but that’s only an aspect of the puzzle – not the main attraction.
RR: And last but not least, where can a reader purchase your book? JL: Exclusively on Amazon with Kindle and Kindle-enabled devices.
RR: Thank you Jonathan, the book sounds like a fabulous werewolf book with some great humor thrown in. RR: Now we’re moving on to interview Kay Dee Royal. RR: What’s the name of your newest release and genre/ category it falls into?
Series Paranormal
KDR: One Plus One, contemporary erotic romance – scorch your panties hot RR: Can you describe your heroine in one sentence?
KDR: Lacinda is a twenty-six year-old care-taker of four-legged friends, lost her husband-to-be two years ago on his way to the wedding, and never wants to feel that hurt again. RR: Can you describe your hero in one sentence?
KDR: Blade owns a prestigious hotel chain, a cruise line, and wants for nothing, with the exception of a lasting relationship with a female that isn’t all about his money.
RR: In two sentences or less can you tell readers something unique about your book? KDR: A stone cottage owned by Blade on a deserted tropical island. It comes complete with Jacuzzi, sunken living room, and a fireplace. RR: And last but not least, where can a reader purchase your book? KDR: Muse It Up Publishing and Amazon
RR: Thank you Kay Dee Royal, One Plus One sounds like a steamy erotic romance to escape into. And thank you to all of the authors who joined us this month for the SQAI.
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Such A Busy Month! November sees a variety of different holidays from All Saint’s and All Soul’s Days (November 1 and 2), to King Tut Day on November 4, to Gunpowder Day and Guy Fawkes Day on November 5. November 11 is Veteran’s/Remembrance Day and November 14 is Operating Room Nurse Day while November 22 finds the US celebrating Thanksgiving Day. It also sees a couple more “lighthearted” holidays on November 28 and 29 with Red Planet Day and Square Dance Day, respectively. A couple of books that might be of interest for the month of November include the following:
An overview of why veterans wear flowers on this day, what happens on the eleventh hour of November 11, and who the Axis Powers were. This is geared towards younger readers. 1621: A New Look at Thanksgiving (I Am American) by Catherine O’Neill Grace
This is a National Geographic book done in cooperation with the living history museum at Plimoth Plantation, Massachusetts. Takes a look at the real history of what might have been like at that first Thanksgiving as opposed to the myth and includes the ‘voices’ of all the participants. Features of this book include: foreword, section on the reenactment at the museum and the concept of living history, a chronology, index, bibliography and photographs taken by National Geographic photographers at Plimoth Plantation. ------------------------------------About Lilyraines
All Saints, All Souls and Halloween (World of Holidays Series) by Catherine Chambers
The book takes a look at what celebrations and traditions occur in different parts of the world in late October and early November, with a focus on Halloween and All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days. All Saints: Daily Reflections on Saints, Prophets, and Witnesses for Our Time by Robert Ellsberg According to the description provided on Amazon.com, this is an inter-faith look at 365 saints and spiritual masters that includes biographies of Mary Magdalene, Thomas Aquinas, Moses, Martin Luther, and Gandhi.
The Life, Death, and Modern Discovery of Tutankhamun: A Brief Historical Narrative by B. Scott Christmas A short book (about 37 pages) with only four chapters, it takes a look into the life of Tutankhamun (starting with his predecessor, Akhenaten), the 1920’s discovery of his tomb, and a look at recent (as of the book’s printing in November 2011) scientific conclusions regarding his death. Veterans Day (Holiday Histories) by Mir Tamim Ansary
Lilyraines has worked as a freelance editor, proofreader, and ghost writer. In a past incarnation, she worked as a technical secretary for an engineering firm after receiving a Bachelor’s degree in Legal Studies with a Political Science minor. Both experiences have come in handy for some of the proofreading she has done. And, of course, she is working on writing something that is currently in bits and pieces as it comes to mind. When not working or reviewing, she can usually be found knitting, cross-stitching, cooking, avoiding housework as much as possible and in a couple places online. She usually lurks at the following places: http://www.facebook.com/gabbylily.raines http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/1458806-gabby-lilyraines
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Night Owl Reviews
Love of Cooking Vol. 1 by Maggie Brooks Maggie Brooks’ Love of Cooking is a compilation of good food recipes a mother daughter team has put together over the years. Anytime family works together it can be stressful so I commend both of these ladies for finding something fun to do as a joint endeavor. This alone will connect with many readers. Yvonne and Brooke have a website (www. loveofcookingonline. com) where they post recipes and respond to readers. This cookbook was actually formed, first, on the website in ‘chunks’. By buying this book you get all of those separate smaller books in one place. I’ll have to say that at first glance I was not at all impressed by this cookbook. The quality of printing is average, the cover is not very appealing and there isn’t one picture of food inside. That said there are some fantastic recipes in this book. I found an Asian coleslaw recipe that I’ve been searching for and green tomato pie recipe that I’d forgotten how good it is. As I read through the rest of this book I found several great family recipes that many
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cooks will appreciate having on hand. This is a great basic recipe book for any kitchen. There is a suggestion of more volumes to come in the future. I hope some of the kinks get worked out so these recipes will appeal to a bigger audience. As is this cookbook comes in at 3.5 Stars. Purchase on Amazon - http:// tinyurl.com/Love-of-CookingVol1
------------------------------------------About Pamela Robinson: Pamela (www.thefantasticfoodie.com) is a thirty-year-old woman living in a small university town. She loves to cook and come up with new spins to old recipes, mainly her southern grandmother’s. She has a small budget but that doesn’t mean she can’t live large. Along with her fiance she just bought their first house. They have a five month old Boston Terrier, Burton Guster, named after Dulé Hill’s character on the show “Psyche.” They have recently added another Boston to the mix named Shawn. And then a foster they saved from euthanasia at a shelter named Penny Layne. The five of them are learning to make a life together on their own. She is a reviewer and freelance writer.
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Black Friday Wish List Guide Halloween has come and gone, though we still have a load of candy to eat. Incredulously we notice that leaves are falling softly from the trees and there is a chill in the air. I guess it’s time to get ready for the biggest shopping day of the holiday season. Yes, I am talking about “Black Friday”! The day when our entire shopping wish lists items become a reality. Leading the charge into the stores and online are 2012’s mobile computing devices. It looks like the 2012 holiday shopping season is going to have the biggest offerings of e-readers, tablets, laptops and hybrids to date. Oh! Did I forget to mention that there’s a new OS (operating system) out by Microsoft, called Windows 8. So what’s on your wish list this year?
have added to the top of my wish list. While the unit sports a starting price of $329 for the 16GB version Wi-Fi model, it packs a lot of punch. Even though it lacks the luster and vivid display of Apple’s “Retina Display” feature, the device does provide the same functionality and use of as the iPad 2. Owners of the original iPad will be able to take advantage of the 200+ features included in the latest IOS 6 release. So, if you have been salivating over an iPad or looking to upgrade, the iPad mini may be the device for you. Now I know everyone is not looking to jump on the Apple bandwagon. Other Options: Nexus 7”, Ideapad, Kindle Fire HD, Nook HD
Windows 8: reimagined
Microsoft has redesigned the way we use and play on our desktops, laptops, tablets and smartphones. Windows 8 makes it easy to share content with one swipe and click without switching between apps. It lets a user pin important websites and apps as tiles on the START screen. The new Windows lets you view all your apps at a glance. Windows 8’s new touchscreen integration stretches the boundaries of how we use our laptops and All-in-one desktops. The operating system is available as Windows 8, Windows 8 Pro and Windows RT. Also available are the Windows 8 based tablets/Hybrids including the Microsoft Surface with Windows RT and the Asus Vivo Tab RT. Windows 8’s new touchscreen technology for laptops and desktops is available on the HP Envy x2 and the Acer Aspire s7 respectively. I have had the opportunity to test the touchscreen feature and I must say it’s like stepping into the world of “Star Trek” or “the Minority Report”. As you can see Microsoft has been hard at work and has brought a new and innovative way of computing to our everyday busy lives. Find out more about Windows 8 at www.microsoft.com. Apple: iPad Mini
In the tablet holiday shopping category, the newest device to hit the streets is the new Apple iPad Min; I must admit this is the one that I
For those of you looking for an alternative device, there are a number of 7” units that have been released in the last few months, including the Nexus 7” by Google & Asus, the 7 Ideapad by Lenovo (formerly a division of IBM), the new Kindle Fire/Kindle Fire HD and the Nook HD by Barnes and Noble. Here’s the thing, regardless of what device you choose to use, the possibilities are endless as you enter the digital age. Read, play and be productive anytime, anyplace, and anywhere. It’s up to you! Look forward to Victoria’s next article “Holiday Roundup: I got a new _____________, now what do I do? Managing Your Digital Content”
---------------------------------------------------About Victoria: Victoria currently owns 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, while the iPod touch is that on the go reading in line at the bank and waiting for a movie to start device. The iPad is used for long term review reading and annotating. She still purchases many of her favorite authors in print, but her library has grown exponentially since she embraced eBook technology.
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Night Owl Reviews
Thankful for So Many Things … Including Great Romance Hi, I’m Cathryn Cade, your Night Owl Reviews Romance Columnist. Back to share my love of the genre with you. In the USA, it’s time to give thanks. The year is winding down, summer has turned to fall. And up here in the northern tier of states, winter is letting us know it’s not far behind. Halloween décor has been stored away. Fat turkeys fill up the freezer cases at the local groceries. Pickup trucks groan under the weight of firewood. Time to gather up, gather in and be ready to stay warm. For many of us, it’s been a year we’re not sorry to see end. The weather, the economy—yikes. As a woman, a mother and a wife, I work hard to help give my family what they need. I’m grateful for my husband and my sons, and for the bride our oldest has brought to our family. But sometimes … I just need to get away. I know you understand. If there is one thing that’s universal in a woman’s life, it’s trouble. An inescapable part of existence, no matter who or where
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we are. I wouldn’t dream of running away from my problems … in body, at least. But when life kicks me in the patootie, I can make my escape for a little while. Curled up in a cozy chair, I open a book or my e-reader and lose myself in a fabulous, sexy romance. A medieval castle, a ranch on the Montana prairies, a hightech outpost on some planet far away, or even the golden sands of a Hawaiian beach with the surf pounding at my feet. I can go anywhere, dare any kind of sexual thrill, wield paranormal powers and high tech weapons. I can kick some ass myself, sistahs! Of course as a romance author, I’m lucky enough to invent some of those worlds. I spent last winter driving home from my job as an elementary school librarian in the dark and cold of winter, walking into my house, kissing my husband hello and then … disappearing off to the tropical beauty of Hawaii’s Big Island. Not a bad deal, huh? I invented the Ho’omalu family and their private
www.NightOwlReviews.com enclave of Nawea Bay so you could escape with me to a place where palm trees sway, where the air is heavy with the scent of plumeria and the surf washes at your feet. Where there is excitement and danger everywhere, from the live volcanoes towering overhead to the depths of the turquoise sea, alive with dolphins, sea turtles and even sharks. Where vicious drug smugglers scheme to bring their deadly drugs ashore and Pele, goddess of the volcanoes, tasks her own Hawaiian heroes with special powers to keep her islands safe. Where those heroes find very sexy passion and eventually true love. Some of my heroes are heroines, of course. It wouldn’t be right for the guys to get to have all the adventures! In real life, I will never be called on to protect a space ship with my laser weapon and fighting skills, never be asked to use my paranormal powers to bring a volcano to life, or summon deadly sharks. Not gonna happen. But I am asked to confront problems a plenty. When life hands me illness, job loss or misfortune beyond my control, I need a world I can control. I find it in a great romance—my own or someone else’s. We are so fortunate to be reading romance now, when the variety is endless. From sweet to heat, dark to comedy, traditional to ménage and beyond, there are few boundaries to genre-bending in romance today. How about you, readers? What genre of romance is your favorite escape? What kind of story sends you to
that special place where all your troubles disappear, and you emerge feeling better, stronger, ready to take life on once again? See you next month, Cathryn Cade
---------------------------------------Cathryn Cade writes red hot romance for Samhain Publishing. Her erotic paranormal romances will take you from Hawaii to galaxies far away, with heroes who are more than men and heroines who are woman enough for any adventure. She loves to hear from readers, and can be found on
Facebook, Twitter and email. Stop by her website at http://www.cathryncade. com for these links, and to see her complete book list, read excerpts and sign up for her newsletter.
UNTAMED by Sara Humphreys
HER WORST NIGHTMARE IS COMING TRUE...
Layla Nickelsen has spent years hiding from her Amoveo mate and guarding a devastating secret. But Layla’s worst fear is realized when the man who haunts her dreams shows up in person ... HE HAS FINALLY FOUND HER...
William Fleury is as stoic as they come, until he finds Layla and his feelings overwhelm him. She won’t let him get close, but then an unknown enemy erupts in violence and threatens everything Layla holds dear... 15
Night Owl Reviews
Vicki Lewis Thompson I recently discovered Vicki Lewis Thompson via her “Werewolf” series, and I’m so glad I did! Vicki’s been around quite a while. She lives in one of my favorite states, Arizona (that lucky dog!) and she has both a BA and an MA in English from the University of Arizona. She previously worked as both a journalist and a High School English Teacher (quick – can you say Jessica Fletcher???) before she decided to try her hand at romance novels. She’s also been a RITA finalist more times than one can count! Vicki has many, many, single novels, and quite a few series to her credit, including the Nerds Series and the Sons of Chance series. One of her most popular is her “Wild About You” werewolf series, the most recent of which is WEREWOLF IN DENVER. This successful series began with WEREWOLF IN MANHATTAN (and my personal favorite) synopsis below: Emma Gavin writes bestselling novels about werewolves, but that doesn’t mean she believes in them -- and she certainly doesn’t think she’ll meet one. But that’s exactly what happens when her books catch the attention of a rich and powerful pack of Manhattan Weres, who have kept their existence hidden for centuries. Alarmed by the accuracy of her novels, they’re determined to find out if a renegade is acting as her informant. Aidan Wallace, the pack leader’s son and heir, knows he’s the wolf for the job, but when he gets close
to Emma, they are both surprised by an attraction too strong to deny. To surrender to it, Aidan will have to risk everything--- including the security of the pack he’s sworn to protect... If that doesn’t drip suspense, I don’t know what does. :) This was followed by WEREWOLF IN THE NORTH WOODS:
When she used to walk around her grandfather’s property outside Portland, Abby Winchell loved the idea that Bigfoot was somewhere out there too. Now her grandfather swears he’s seen two creatures that fit the legendary description—and he has evidence. Sort of. Grandpa Earl may be a bit dotty, but when his neighbors invite a renowned anthropologist to disprove his theory, Abby decides to send the man packing...until she sees how hot he is. Anthropology professor Roark Wallace can’t risk news being made of a Bigfoot sighting in the north woods— not with a local pack of werewolves to protect. Disproving the evidence should be easy, but ignoring Abby is not. Her fiery red hair makes him want to sit up and beg, and this obvious attraction is making the pack suspicious... AND BY WEREWOLF IN SEATTLE:
Luna Reynaud has always been a lone wolf—because she’s half human. Afraid she’ll be rejected by both communities, she’s kept her secret from everyone, even the Weres she’s found a home with working on an estate in the San Juan Islands. But when her boss suddenly dies and the heir arrives, she discovers some
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www.NightOwlReviews.com secrets aren’t meant to be kept. As the head of the most powerful werewolf clan in Scotland, Colin MacDowell isn’t eager to take on the responsibility of his great aunt’s estate—until he meets her sexy assistant, Luna. He thinks she’s the Were of his dreams, until he finds out she’s not. Highly opposed to bringing even half-humans into the pack, Colin knows he must resist this powerful attraction. But once aroused, a wolf’s instincts are not so easily subdued.
Denver
Honest – who doesn’t love a sexy Scot?
Her most recent in this series debuted last month: WEREWOLF IN DENVER. Here’s ROCCO’s Night Owl review:
Human mate versus Were mate? That’s the hotly debated topic at Werecon 2012, where a star-studded list of attendees from all over the globe have been invited to Stillman Lodge n Denver to debate the conference theme, “Our future in a changing environment.” Denver based Kate Stillman promotes her dating site for weres and weres as the only way to go, while the dashing Duncan McDowell wants all that to change – not only does he promote weres openly revealing their shifting abilities, he wants them to partner with humans in business and – you guessed it – date and marry humans! Can Kate change his mind? The fourth Wild About You werewolf romance doesn’t disappoint. Vicki Lewis Thompson is at her best writing snappy dialogue and pitting her main characters against one another in romantic entanglements. The story moves along at a nice pace and the characters are likeable. Plus who can resist a Scottish werewolf? The book is sexy, funny and pure escapism, a triple threat for Thompson’s loyal legion of fans and makes this outing a must-read, even for those who haven’t already been indoctrinated into the series. Four and a half paws. Sound good? You bet – so whether you’re a werewolf lover or not, trust me – you will LOVE these! For more info on Vicki and ALL of her books and series, visit her website at: www.vickilewisthompson.com Besides, she’s a cat lover – what more could anyone ask?
About Toni LoTempio – admin by day, writer by night! In addition to writing the suspense column for Nigh Owl, Toni writes paranormal suspense and mysteries, among them, Raven’s Kiss ,MY SUPERHERO SISTER , Raven’s Quest and NO REST FOR THE WICCA available at Amazon.com and B&N.com. Toni’s cat, ROCCO, occasionally lets her on his blog, www.catsbooksmorecats.blogspot.com, which features interviews with authors and giveaways each month. Toni and her blogging cat ROCCO also do work for Nathan Fillion’s charity, KIDS NEED TO READ, (Rocco is its official spokescat!) and Toni is featured in the paranormal anthology, EVERY WITCH WAY BUT WICKED, available at Amazon and Barnes and Noble, whose proceeds benefit the charity!
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Seattle
Night Owl Reviews
Asian Heroes and Heroines This year, Pew Research Center statistics revealed that Asians are the fastest growing racial group in the United States (they’ve surpassed Hispanics), but they seem to be woefully underrepresented in romance novels. Asian heroes even more so than Asian heroines. So where are all the Asian leads? Well, they’re everywhere and in lots of books. Sometimes it’s obvious, other times, not so much. They’re so prevalent, I had a hard time choosing which ones to include in this month’s column. Asian leads are featured in genres from historical to contemporary to paranormal. Personally, I especially enjoy reading stories about this group that incorporate their culture into the storytelling. As a lover of epic films like Curse of the Golden Flower, I’m particularly intrigued by the historicals. So the market for Asian romance is huge and growing. Even Harlequin got in on the action by running a contest in 2011 to find the next great Indian romance author. The first release, His Monsoon Bride, features an Indian couple going through the same drama as the other category romance characters. Where can you find these books? Honestly, a quick Google search for Asian romance novels and you’ll find a bunch of goodies – including some long, varied lists. I’ve compiled a short list for you to get started with. Enjoy!
The worse part is she can’t stop fantasizing about stirring up the passion hidden under that stoic exterior. When Ja-hun escaped the slums of OldEarth, stowed away on a transport and landed on NewEarth, he never imagined he’d eventually become the bodyguard of the President’s daughter. He’s finding Leelah his most challenging job ever, mostly because he can’t stop
daydreaming about her. Can Ja-hun protect Leelah when he’s off balance and distracted by sex? And can sex become love when two people are so very different? A Long Slow Surrender by Stephanie Morris
Michelle Lewis has always been attracted to handsome, easygoing Connor Sakuma. There is only one obstacle in her way—Theodore Sakuma, Connor’s younger straitlaced brother. Connor Sakuma is astonished when Michelle approaches him for help in thwarting his younger brother’s attraction to her. He has no idea how a fake relationship between him and Michelle is going to help the situation. But it could be the perfect opportunity to act on his own secret attraction to Michelle.
Rock Hard by Bonnie Dee
As the daughter of the President of the Free Worlds, Leelah has spent her life protected by a security force. But no one has ever cramped her style like her new bodyguard Ja-hun, a stonefaced, cold-eyed block of a man.
Hatsept Heat by T.J. Michaels
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www.NightOwlReviews.com Kenoe Hatsept is in a quandary. The handsome elite Seeker spent years training for a single burning goal: Revenge. Now that the object of his attention has been brought to justice, what’s next? Japan, the one place that has always called to him, sounds like the perfect place to relax, search his soul and plan out the rest of his life. Instead he finds his head, and his hands, full of a woman who’s sharper than she appears on the surface-in more ways than one. And she’s hip deep in trouble. Shinju Maruyama just wants to keep her profile low and go about her business. But the long-toothed people just don’t want to let her keep her family secrets. It’ll take all her skill with her brain and her blades to change their minds. There’s something strange and irresistible about Kenoe, and it scares the hell out of her. But she just can’t seem to shake him. The River God’s Bride by Tysche Dwai
Mei Lin longs for love and adventure, trapped like a dove in the prison of her father’s house. But under the moon bridge in the garden she discovers a mysterious dragon who teaches her that sometimes wishes do come true… and in his arms she will become The River God’s Bride. Protection for Hire by Camy Tang
Tessa Lancaster’s skills first earned her a position as an enforcer in her Uncle Teruo’s Japanese Mafia gang. Then they landed her in prison for a crime she didn’t commit. Now, three months after her release, Tessa’s abilities have gained her a job as bodyguard for wealthy socialite Elizabeth St. Amant and her three-year-old son. There’s Elizabeth’s abusive husband; there’s Uncle Teruo, who doesn’t understand why Tessa’s new faith as a Christian prevents her from returning to the yakuza; and then there’s Elizabeth’s lawyer, Charles Britton, who Tessa doesn’t know is the one who ensured that she did maximum time behind bars. Factor in both Tessa’s and Charles’s families and
you’ve got an action-packed, romantic read as Tessa and Charles discover the reality of being made new in Christ. An Illicit Temptation by Jeannie Lin
Dao was raised as a servant, but when her half-sister flees an arranged marriage to a chieftain, Dao is sent in her place as Princess An-Ming. Such a future is better than she could have hoped for, yet she dreads a passionless union with a stranger. Taken as a virtual hostage to the Imperial court, Kwan-Li is torn between his people and his duty to the emperor. He is bound by honor to escort the princess safely across the wild and untamed steppe, but the greatest danger they face on the long journey may be the forbidden temptation of each other… Love Comes Later by Mohanalakshmi Rajakumar
Hind is granted a temporary reprieve from her impending marriage to Abdulla, her cousin. Little does anyone suspect that the presence of Sangita, her Indian roommate, may shake a carefully constructed future. Torn between loyalties to Hind and a growing attraction to Abdulla, Sangita must choose between friendship and a burgeoning love. A modern quest for the right to pursue love and happiness, even when it comes in an unconventional package, Love Comes Later explores similarities between the South Asian and Arab cultures while exposing how cultural expectations affect both men and women. ---------------------------About Delaney: Delaney Diamond is the bestselling author of African-American and interracial romance. Her next interracial romance, Second Chances, will be available in October. Enjoy free reads on her website at www. delaneydiamond.com.
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Night Owl Reviews
Computer Down!!! “Computers are useless. They can only give you answers.” --- Pablo Picasso.
“To err is human, but to really foul things up you need a computer.” ---Paul Ehrlich.
I got an e-mail from one of my readers, “I heard you talk on a blog talk radio show that writers should save their work every few hours on flash drives or floppy disks, but not the hard drive. Have you ever had a system crash yourself?” The answer is YES, and I did not like it. For that reason, I am devoting a column to this issue, as a fair warning to all writers. Just realize, as writers, we are on our computers all the time. We live on them, play on them, send messages on them, share pictures on them, keep up with news on them and social media ourselves to death on them. I get files for review, PDF’s and audio production downloads. So it is important to have some security and back-up work. This article is a wakeup call to those who aren’t doing this and might not have had a major system crash. When a
catastrophic computer event happens it’s time to panic, but much easier if not everything is saved to your computer hard drive…so save often and keep copies. The amazing computer age goes to a grinding halt when most writers have a computer failure. It does not matter if it is a crash, a hard drive issue or, dare I say it, A VIRUS. It is not that we are reckless with our computers. IT HAPPENS. That does not mean you need to buy two or three computers so you have a spare when one crashes. It means you need to save and back-up your work on a drive other than your hard drive. Always back up your information all the time. Two places are better than one! Let me explain my computer story. I was working on To Be or What (one of my newspaper columns...SHAMELESS PLUG I know) about auto safety. I had just saved what I had. I left my computer on my first screen, my lovely wallpaper of the classic Starship Enterprise sailing against a multi-hued sky (YES, I am STAR TREK fan). Leaving the computer up, I went to lunch. When I returned, my screen was blue. There was a bank of text on my screen. To sum it up, it stated an error had occurred. I rebooted my computer. Suddenly, after rebooting, I had no internet. I checked my windows protector and it told me my system was not protected. I had limited keyboard control. In
“Always save your stuff onto flash drives and floppy disks, not the hard drive. You never know when it can crash for any reason.”
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www.NightOwlReviews.com simple terms, my system had CRASHED. I thank G-d I saved my article on a flash drive before lunch. As much as I write, I have a computer guy on call. A small monthly fee and you can have the security of having one as well. I am not saying it is needed, but it gives me great piece of mind to know some person knows my system and is skilled to fix it. It is like a family doctor who knows your health. You know how the doctor will tell you to get annual check-ups, blood work, and health assessment. Well an annual computer tune up should be scheduled. I schedule mine every six months. Most business supply places like Staples and Office Max usually offer these computer checks and scans for about $30 (don’t quote me on the price), however it’s a great bargain at any price. And YES, I know most of you are doing daily systems scans. I did too, and my computer still went down. Mike, my computer guy, eased my fears. He told me this is happening a lot lately. He told me that I could read an online article and the article itself may have a virus embedded in it. So he borrowed my system, he wiped the hard drive clean, and put everything back after he cleaned up the mess. He explained to me what was wrong, it was not a virus, it was only a hard drive malfunction. Now he also said “Some computer problems and malfunctions can lay dormant for years, until one day it springs up and rear’s its ugly head”. So dear writers, heed this column as a strong warning. Even with all the work you are doing on the net you also need to be aware and secure. Computers are the playground of play…and work… (and don’t lie to me and say you don’t play...we ALL play something on our computer-even if it’s Puzzle Hearts on Facebook). Just know the computer problems are out there and lurking to strike. I know it sounds like a broken record, but always save your stuff onto flash drives and floppy disks, not the hard drive. You never know when it can crash for any reason.
The Nasty Little Writing Book
Writing Book
***************** On a side note, have you supported your libraries lately? The libraries in this country are having their budgets and funds cut to bare bones. We need to make sure the public libraries stay open and active. If you can, help them. Many have workshops and they always need volunteers. If you can donate, do it! *************** Reach for the Stars
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