I thought of writing something, but in the end, I think I’ll just show the video. Watch it, and then visit their webpage for more information.
Month: April 2012
Friday Bargains
Kobo have several very generous coupons right now:
Welcome75us – 75% OFF expires today
Welcome75ca- expires today
AND Welcome90us- 90 (!) %OFF expires… sometime.
Welcome90ca
Welcome10us- 10 dollar discount ( The book has to cost at least 10 dollar for it to work)
Welcome10ca
Welcome5us – 5 dollar discount
Welcome5ca
Welcome50us- 50 percent off (!).
Welcome50ca
I have used them all, and saved lots. At least 50 dollar. Edit: I counted, and I have bought 80 dollars worth of books, and paid less than 30 dollar for them. (I aimed for the 15 dollar plus e-books for the big discounts, and used 10 dollar off on books that cost 11 dollar. )
Johanna Lindsey’s backlist is on sale for 3.99.
For paper readers, The Bookdepository offers an additional 10% off. Add APMA12 during checkout.
Book Recommendation: Powers by James A Burton
Albert Johannson lives off the grid. He’s forgotten more than he remembers about his past, but those snippets he’s retained tell him two things: he’s lived a long, looong time and he doesn’t trust anyone, particularly gods. He’s not any too fond of demons either, particularly the one that materializes in his kitchen wanting to hire him for a special mission. It’s as deadly to cross a demon as to deal with him, so Albert reluctantly agrees to investigate, putting him in the path of a prickly arson detective named Melissa el Hajj with trust issues of her own. Clashing at a crime scene, they uncover a broken seal that seems ancient enough to have been forged by Solomon himself. The seal cries out to Albert that he must mend it or something dark and dire will happen. Albert, who has a special affinity for metal, must first discover exactly what that will do to his kind – and he’s only just beginning to understand who and what he really is.
I actually squeed when I discovered this book. I *love* James A Burton’s books. ( Or rather, I love James Hetley’s books, but they are the same person. ) This one is out in May according to Amazon, and in July according to Book Depository and BN. I encourage you to pre-order it. If you haven’t read James Hetley, he has a novelette available on Smashwords. Or you can try to get hold of his print books from a used book store.
Pre-order in at: Amazon, BN, Book Depository
Review: The Mistress of Trevelyan by Jennifer St Giles
The Particulars: Historical Romance, re-issued backlist, available as e-book.
The Source: Amazon Freebie
The Grade: B+
The Blurb:
In 1873 San Francisco, spirited Ann Lovell takes a position no one else dares — as governess to the motherless sons of the enigmatic Benedict Trevelyan. It has long been whispered that Trevelyan Manor hides dark secrets and sinister deeds — including the murder of Benedict’s wife. But Ann refuses to pay heed to spiteful rumor.
As she grows to cherish her young charges, Ann also finds herself powerfully drawn to the handsome Benedict, whose passionate persuasion introduces her to a new world of sensual pleasures. But even while falling in love with the master of Trevelyan, Ann wonders if his attentions are intended to blind her to the secrets of the past — and if Benedict holds he key to her destiny…or her destruction.
The Review:
This is another author that I have been curious about for awhile. When she offered it for free at Amazon, I decided to take the chance. And I am glad that I did.
This was an highly enjoyable historical romance. At times it felt like I was transported back to San Francisco anno 1873. From Ann’s reverence of books, to her struggle to remain proper, to the fashion styles.
But, most of all I loved the interactions between Ann and the Trevelyan family. From the moment she knocks on the door , convincing Benedict Trevelyan to hire her ( despite her lack of experience) to the last unexpected twist, Ann is open hearted and curious. I loved her patience with Robert and Justin, her struggle to over come her fear towards horses.
And then there is the romance. Oh my. I enjoyed their struggle against the attraction, and Ann’s determined attempt to keep the properity.
But, there are secrrets in Trevelyan Manor. Of course. I enjoyed Ann’s curiosity about what had happened to Francesca almost as much as I enjoyed the romance.
The past affects the household, and it obstruct Ann’s and Benedict’s happiness.
So, what I didn’t like. First, there were some formatting issues. Very minor, but I got a bit tired of them after a while.
The more major part, were that I liked the story fine. Until they became lovers. It felt… a bit predictable, and a bit against character.
Still, I am glad I downloaded it and I plan to purchase the next book in the series ( or download it as a freebie if Jennifer St Giles remains in KDP.)
Urban Fantasy Reading Challenge:Blood Song by Cat Adams
The Particulars: Urban Fantasy, Tor, available as print and e-book
The Source: Purchased from Kobo.
The Grade: C
The Blurb:
Bodyguard Celia Graves has definitely accepted her share of weird assignments, both human and supernatural. But her newest job takes the cake. Guarding a Prince from terrorists and religious fundamentalists is hard enough, but it seems like the entire supernatural world is after this guy too. When she is betrayed by those she is employed to help, and everything goes horribly wrong, Celia wakes to find herself transformed.
Neither human nor vampire, Celia has become an Abomination—something that should not exist—and now both human and supernatural alike want her dead. With the help of a few loyal friends—a sexy mage, a powerful werewolf, and a psychic cop—Celia does her best to stay alive. On the run from her enemies, Celia must try to discover who is behind her transformation…before it’s too late.
The review:
Cat Adams is another author that I have wanted to read for awhile, so when Tor offered their first three books for 2.99 I bought the first one.
Once I started reading this book, I devoured it. It is set in an intriguing world, filled with a number of paranormal creatures. What I liked were the fact that Celia was already a part of it as her job.
The world felt solid, and well researched both when it comes to vampires, werewolves and demons. I loved how holy water affected demons, and the silver affected werewolves. It was based on a lot of myths, with a twists.
Set against this background is Celia’s struggle to adjust to her life as an abnomation. Which is clearly shown through the book. I liked it. I especially liked that Celia refused to enter Birchwoods, but at the same time recognized that it might be necessary.
As if this isn’t enough, she also has to deal with her ex-boyfriend, and other life issues.
This was well written, but not perfect. I think some of the issues I had with it depended on my mood. The biggest issue I had was Celia. I had trouble connecting with her. I cared about what happened to her, but not much. Part of the reason were the fact that so much happened. Sometimes it felt as if the authors had gotten an idea, and added it without connecting it to the plot.
Will I read more books by Cat Adams? Maybe.
Thoughts about: Discover a new love
If you read Dear Author and Smart Bitches, you have probably already heard about Sourcebooks new subscription service. 9.99 dollar for a six months subscription, with one book each month included in the subscription.And the other titles is at least 40 % off. And, the titles are DRM free in mobi, epub and pdf. ( That is one thing that drives me nuts with Sourcebooks. They cannot make up their minds about DRM. One book is drm’d, and the next isn’t.)
I was a bit sceptical at first, but when I heard that you can save the credits, I decided to give it a try. The only problem is that the only book I want this month, is the Grace Burrowes novel. Which I just pre-ordered from All Romance. Hmm… Oh well. I have to wait another week before signing up anyway.
One Positive effect of the “On My To check out list” blogposts::
I’ll admit it. Part of the reason I started the series was that I felt meh about reading. But recalling all ( Or at least some) of the books that I want to read, go to the authors webpages, read the blurbs, see the covers have made me stoked to start reading again.
Some of the books will probably have to wait for a bit, since I am broke. But I am stoked to start reading the Burning Sky and Omar the Immortal, both by Joseph Robert Lewis. I long for the day when I can buy Kismet’s Kiss by Cate Rowan.
And then there is all the Backlist books. Judith Tarr, Madeline Robbins, Patricia Rice that I want to check out .
Not to mention all the books I have downloaded for free. JA Konrath. Michele Lang. Julie Ortolon, Christie Craig.
It feels like my reading dry spell is over. Which is a good thing, since it means I might feel like posting reviews again.
Review: Master of the mountain by Cherise Sinclair:
The Particulars: Erotic Romance, Loose id, available as e-book and in print.
The Source: Free read from Allromance
The Grade: B+
The Blurb:
When Rebecca’s boyfriend talks her into vacationing at a mountain lodge with his swing club, she quickly learns she’s not cut out for playing musical beds. Now she has no place to sleep.
Logan, the lodge owner, finds her freezing on the porch. After hauling her inside, he warms her in his own bed, and there the experienced Dom discovers that Rebecca might not be a swinger…but she is definitely a submissive. Rebecca knows that no one can love her plump, scarred body. To her shock, Logan not only disagrees, but ties her up and shows her just how much he enjoys her curves. Under his skilled hands, Rebecca not only loses her inhibitions, but also her heart.
Damaged from the war, Logan considers himself too dangerous to be around the enticing little sub. He sends her away for her own safety, not realizing she believes she has once again been rejected because of her size. As Logan’s mountains echo with her voice long after she’s gone, he realizes she’d taken his heart with her. But when he arrives in the city to reclaim his little sub, her phone has been disconnected and her apartment is empty.
The review:
I tried to read one of Cherise Sinclairs novels a couple years ago, but I couldn’t got into it. I kept hearing good things about her, so when Allromance offered this one as a free e-book a couple of weeks ago I decided to take the chance.
I am glad I did.
This book sizzled. Yes, there were a lot of sex scenes. Normally, I have a lot of problems with that since they often feel like fillers and doesn’t add anything to the book. Not this time. Each sex scene felt like they had an intent. But, I appreciated the non-sex scenes as much as I appreciated the sex scenes.
And the reason for that is the characters. The Swingers… well.. I didn’t like Max. Actually, I thought he was a jerk. I wanted to strangle him when he hurt Rebecca’s feelings. I digress. Back to the review.
The point is that Both Logan and Rebecca has scars. Physically and on their souls. Gradually, they work through the scars through the book.
I admired Rebecca for having the guts to leaving after Logan behaves like a jerk. But, it was something they both needed. They needed to know that it was they that had the chemistry. Not the BDSM aspects.
There weren’t anything that I specifically disliked with it, but I didn’t feel the tug I feel with really good, really memorable stories. Still I’ll buy the sequel the next time Fictionwise has a good discount ( since a 170 pages story isn’t worth 5 dollar. Sorry, Loose Id.)
Review: Kismet’s Kiss by Cate Rowan
The Particulars: Fantasy Romance, indie, available as e-book and in print.
The Source: Purchased at Allromance
The Grade: B
The blurb:
In the desert realm of Kad, a deadly epidemic strikes the palace of Sultan Kuramos. Only a magical healer from an enemy land has the skill to save his royal household, but Kuramos never imagined the healer would be a woman.
Healer Varene finds her own surprises in Kad. She expects the sultan’s arrogance, but not his courage or his selfless care of the ill—or the possibility that the epidemic is the curse of a vengeful goddess.
Kuramos’s culture condemns Varene’s mystical talents. Her presence triggers an insurrection, yet as he and the healer toil for a cure, he loses his heart to her. She falls for him as well, but how can she relinquish her homeland and her principles—especially when he already has a harem and his family may be cursed?
The review:
I purchased this one when Allromance had its 50% rebate campaign recently. And I am glad I did.
I fell in love, with Varenne and Kuranos, also with the world of Alaia. Or more correctly, the country of Kad. Each detail fit my image of live in a palace. From the reverence of the servants, to the camaderie between the Sultanas
What made me grit my teeth were the fact that women were viewed as subservient. Which made it an extra interesting to watch their reaction when they discover that a woman ( gasp!) is the Royal Healer of Teganne. I admired Varenne’s courage for coming, yet it is one of many signs that she is a healer to the heart. From the start of the book Varenne and Kuranos butts head regularily. Varenne being to much of a Teg to give Kuranos the deferrence he is used to. Not to mention giving in to her attraction, and becoming a member of his harem.
What I loved, were that the first part of the novel focused on the cure. And everyone around her, from the other Physicians to the courtiers are suspicious of her. Even the sultan.
One thing I appreciated, were the fact that the cure weren’t something mysterious that only magic could solve. Yes, Varenne used her gifts, but to ease the suffering. She couldn’t cure it with a snap of her fingers. But, she does find out a cure, using her common sense.
The events in the first part, eased the way to their HEA. In fact, I appreciated the later half more. Seeing the camaderie between the wives. The smiling children.
And scenes between Varenne and Kuranos. How she gently convince him to start living again.
The combined result of this, is that Varenne grows used to Kad, and that Kad gets used to Varenne.
I’ll admit that at times I wondered if the obstacles were to great for them to give them a Happily ever after. I admire Kurannos wives for stepping forward, for making the offer. And, fittingly, it was the most ambitious of them who found a way.
So, what I didn’t like.
The one thing that I had most trouble with were the fact that people in Aiaia live much longer than humans on earth. I started the first time I read that someone were 100 years old.
Then there were the supporting characters. They felt… shallow. On the other hand, this were Varenne and Kuranos story, and having the other wives taking to much place would have been wrong.
That said, I look forward to reading more tales by Cate Rowan.
Some Do’s and Don’ts for indie authors ( Part One)
I have had this post brewing for awhile, but reading Deadly Engagement made me finally write it.
Do: Have excerpts. I love getting sneak peeks on the upcoming books, since it whets my appertite.
Don’t: Have 200 pages of excerpts (!). Less is more.
Do: Follow the Terms of Service. They are there for a reason.
Don’t: Obviously break the terms of service. It looks unprofessional to find an Smashwords disclaimer in a KDP book. ( Yes, I have found that.)
Do: Set a reasonable price, that reflect the length.
Don’t: Overprice your stories ( I.e don’t set a 2.99 price on a 15 000 words short story)
Do: Have an informative blurb ( this goes for both indies, and publishers)
Don’t: Post spoilers in the blurb, or replace the blurb with praise for previous books.