Sunday, November 15, 2009

Dead and Gone (Sookie Stackhouse, Book 9) (Hardcover)


I've just finished reading "Dead and Gone" the 9th book in her Sookie Stackhouse series by Charlaine Harris.

Product Description

Now an HBO original series, True Blood - the New York Times bestselling Sookie Stackhouse series continues.

Except for Sookie Stackhouse, folks in Bon Temps, Louisiana, know little about vamps-and nothing about weres.

Until now. The weres and shifters have finally decided to reveal their existence to the ordinary world. At first all goes well. Then the mutilated body of a were-panther is found near the bar where Sookie works-and she feels compelled to discover who, human or otherwise, did it.

But there's a far greater danger threatening Bon Temps. A race of unhuman beings-older, more powerful, and more secretive than vampires or werewolves-is preparing for war. And Sookie finds herself an all-too human pawn in their battle.

About the Author

Charlaine Harris writes both fantasies and mysteries.

My Review:

Storyline:  I enjoyed the storyline because I'm glad one of the victims is dead that person deserved it. 

Characters: My favorite characters are Sookie, Bill, Bubba and Sam.

Romance:  Not much of a fan of Sookie & Eric.  Hmm not sure if he really loves her or not.  I really enjoyed the romance between Sookie & Bill.  I belive he's the better vamp and man for her.

Killer(s): One of the killers I never suspected and you learn a secret about them which came out of left field.  The other killers were one dimensional and you didn't really know them.

3/5

CymLowell

Friday, November 13, 2009

Storm Cycle (Hardcover)



I've just finished reading "Storm Cycle by Iris Johansen & Roy Johansen.

Product Description

Rachel Kirby is a computer genius whose personal life is hell. While she continues to climb the corporate ranks, her beloved twin sister is plagued by a chronic illness that will eventually kill her, leaving Rachel all alone.

Serendipity in the form of a mysterious email lands in Rachel’s lap one day, but not without a price. Thousands of miles away, archeologist John Tanek sits trapped inside a collapsed Egyptian tomb with a functioning laptop. He knows that Rachel is the only person who can help him, but time is quickly running out. It turns out the collapse was no accident. John has discovered something very valuable in that tomb, something that humankind has been searching for throughout history, something that Rachel could use as it may hold the key to her sister’s cure. While Rachel orchestrates his rescue, she soon finds herself trapped in a dangerous web of deceit and murder. Can she put her trust in John Tanek? She’d do anything to save her sister. Will they both live long enough to unravel the ancient mystery they’ve found inside the tomb?

With Johansen and Johansen’s fast-paced action, charismatic characters, and impeccable research, Storm Cycle will carry you away.

My Review:

Storyline: I really enjoyed the storyline because of the super computer and it had an Egyptian setting.  It has the involvement of government agencies, a pharmaceutical firm that would like to hide a possible cure, corporate hit men, Egyptian pharaohs, a dying sister, and one supercomputer that may just save the world. The story spans the globe, taking the reader from Houston to Egypt, Paris, Vegas and Russia with an entire cast of entertaining characters in each place.

Characters: The characters were well written especially Rachel, John, Allie & Hal. 

Romance: I enjoyed reading the romance between Rachel & John because you can feel the sexual tension between them.  Surprised the love scenes weren't as descriptive as previous books.

Killer(s): Some of the killers just wanted money and they were afraid of the real boss.  I'm glad they got what was coming to them.

Very fast paced read and I would recommend reading and I enjoyed this one alot more than Silent Thunder!

4/5

In the Mail (Nov 13)


I received this in the mail today for review (sent by Hachette), thanks Anna.

It Happened One Night (Mass Market Paperback)
 
Product Description

Sometimes love finds you when you least expect it.

Lana Biel has always wanted to shake the dust of Vermont off her feet and see the world, one exotic country after another. But when a lighthearted spring fling changes her life forever, she turns to the one man whose strong shoulders can lighten any burden: her best friend, Eli Ward.

Eli has always been there for Lana--after all, that's what best friends do. But Lana isn't the only one hiding something. Eli is keeping secrets of his own that threaten their relationship. Yet as summer turns to fall, new desires awaken between them, even as old fears tear them apart. Then, when another Vermont winter fills the valleys with snow, Eli and Lana are given the chance for an adventure greater than they ever dreamed possible...and a love that will last for all time.




I also received this in the mail (won on J. Kaye's Book Blog) - thanks J. Kaye!

I Can See You [AUDIOBOOK] [UNABRIDGED] (Audio CD)

Product Description

New York Times bestselling author Karen Rose delivers her latest pulse-pounding suspense novel, where the line between the virtual world and everyday reality blurs when it comes to murder.

Eve Wilson's face was once scarred by a vicious assault. Terrified and ashamed, she escaped to the online realm, where she could choose the face she allowed people to see. Years later, her outer scars faded and inner scars buried, Eve has fought her way back to the real world and is determined to help others do the same. Now a graduate student moonlighting as a bartender, Eve researches the addictive powers of online communities. When her test subjects begin turning up dead as a result of apparent suicides, she doesn't know where to turn.

Homicide detective Noah Webster is one of the few people who believe the victims are connected murders. Eve becomes Noah's online guide and realizes that the handsome detective may have secret scars as painful as her own. As Eve and Noah chase a killer who is always one step ahead of them, together they try to overcome the tragedies of their pasts and learn to trust again, but they soon discover that danger is much closer than they think. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

About the Author

Karen Rose is a RITA Award-winning author who fell in love with books from the time she learned to read, with Jo from Little Women and Nancy Drew becoming close childhood friends. A former chemical engineer and high school chemistry and physics teacher, Karen lives in Florida with her husband of twenty years, their two children, and the family cat, Bella. For more information, visit her website: http://www.karenrosebooks.com/.

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Bill Walker Guest Post

I am so excited to have Bill Walker here to talk about how how he became a published author at Razlover's Book Blog.

Bill Walker is a graphic designer specializing in book and dust jacket design, and has worked on projects by Ray Bradbury, Richard Matheson, Dean Koontz and Stephen King. Between his design work and his writing, he spends his spare time reading voraciously and playing very loud guitar, much to the chagrin of his lovely wife and two sons. Bill makes his home in Los Angeles and can be reached through his web site, http://www.billwalkerdesigns.com/

Book:
A Note from an Old Acquaintance



Brian Weller is a haunted man. It's been two years since the tragic accident that left his three-year-old son dead and his wife in an irreversible coma. A popular author of mega-selling thrillers, Brian's life has reached a crossroads: his new book is stalled, his wife's prognosis is dire, and he teeters on the brink of despair.

Everything changes the morning an e-mail arrives from Boston artist Joanna Richman. Her heartfelt note brings back all the poignant memories: the night their eyes met, the fiery passion of their short-lived affair, and the agonizing moment he was forced to leave Joanna forever. Now, fifteen years later, the guilt and anger threaten to overwhelm him. Vowing to make things right, Brian arranges a book-signing tour that will take him back to Boston. He is eager to see Joanna again, but remains unsure where their reunion will lead. One thing is certain: the forces that tore their love asunder will stop at nothing to keep them apart.

Filled with tender romance and taut suspense, A Note from an Old Acquaintance is an unforgettable story about fate, honor, and the power of true love.

Please take it away, Bill!

In my journey towards becoming a published author, I worked with a few freelance editors, who were instrumental in teaching me some very valuable lessons. One of them, a retired gentleman with a very impressive résumé that included stints as an advertising and publishing executive, taught me one in particular that I thought I'd impart. During one of our sessions, he asked me a pointed question one day:

"Bill, do you like to write?"

My answer was immediate: "I love it. When I’m in the midst of a story or a novel, I can't wait to get going every morning."

He chuckled and said, "Then I would never have hired you to work as a copywriter in my agency. I always found the ones who hated to write did the best work by far."

Needless to say, I was mortified and his words festered in my mind for a long time. Was I destined to be a mediocre talent just because I happened to love telling stories? Here I was working doggedly to learn the craft and now I'm being told that in order to be truly good at it, I should hate it.

Well, here's what I have to say about that: "Bollocks!"

Sure, perhaps there were great authors who couldn't stand to face that blank page every day, but I'd be willing to bet they weren't all that prolific and no matter how great they are or were at their craft, some of that contempt has to come through onto the written page. But I've also read about many other writers who proudly profess to love it. Stephen King and Dean Koontz are two that come to mind. And their work is memorable, entertaining, and thought provoking—all the benchmarks of truly great writing.

In thinking of that editor's words, I came to realize that for myself, I've always found a way to stop doing what I don't like. For me, I have to truly love something in order to put in the time to become truly good at it. I don’t care if it's writing, guitar playing...or gardening.

My advice to budding authors out there is to ignore discouraging moments like this and let nothing stand in your way. Follow your dreams and your inspirations. Learn as much as you can by reading AND writing, for if you don't exercise those writing muscles, they will atrophy. Writing A Note from and Old Acquaintance was truly a labor of love and the culmination of all the years of hard work and rejection. To this day, I'm very glad I ignored what that elderly gentleman said. For me writing is more than just a job, it's a calling.

Bill will be visiting and answering any questions you might have so please participate, thanks!

Thanks for guest posting on my Blog, Bill I greatly appreciate it!

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Time For Eternity (Mass Market Paperback)



I've just finished reading "Time for Eternity" the 7th book in her Companion series by Susan Squires.

Product Description

Once, Frankie Suchet loved Henri Foucault—and it cost her everything. For two centuries, she has cursed the French duke who gave her his blood and then disappeared forever. Today, this sexy vampire is a bartender living in San Francisco. Now Frankie has been granted a chance to go back in time…and kill the man who made her what she is. But becoming “Francoise” again means losing all memory of the risk Henri poses to her future…and her heart.

France, 1794. The Reign of Terror is in full swing. From the first, Henri is an enigma, saving Francoise from an angry Parisian mob. Drawn to his seductive vitality, Francoise discovers there is much more to him than she once knew. Henri’s devotion to rescuing innocents from the guillotine is his sole passion—until he encounters Francoise’s intoxicating blend of innocence and warmth. And as their attraction explodes to dangerous desire, the only way to save each other may be to sacrifice their timeless love…

My Review:

Storyline: I enjoyed reading this book because I'm fan of this series and I like Frankie/Francoise & Henri.

Characters: The characters were well written especially Frankie/Francoise & Henri.  Henri isn't really the bad-ass you believe he is and Francoise isn't the innocent girl you believe she is!

Romance: I enjoyed reading the romance between Francoise & Henri because you see how much they truly love each other and a different perspective when Frankie's personality is combined with Francoise's.

Killer: The killer was quite vile and a sick freak!  Just felt like killing because of revenge and what happened to them!

5/5

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Virtual Tour - Tracey Cramer-Kelly Q & A






I am so excited to have Tracey Cramer-Kelly here to talk about her latest Last Chance Rescue in a Q & A here at Razlover's Book Blog.




Tracey Cramer-Kelly is currrently touring to promote her newest release Last Chance Rescue.

Book Description:

When Brad Sievers runs into his old friend Jessie Van Dyke at his high school reunion, little does he know how much it will change his life. When his high-powered advertising career fizzles, he falls into a most unlikely career opportunity -- becoming a member of Jessie's search-and-rescue team. Nothing in his life has prepared Brad for this, but he finds it more fulfilling than a dozen advertising campaigns.

Through dangerous rescues and personal trials, Brad and Jessie become close friends. They share in the birth of her first colt from her rescued horse; Jessie helps Brad when one of his first rescues doesn't make it. When one of their rescue victims turns out to be a fellow soldier from Jessie's Iraq War days, Brad almost loses her to old demons. But when Brad is severely injured in a training accident, Jessie nurses him back to health as only she can. And when she goes missing one night, Brad realizes just how important she has become to him.

Both Brad and Jessie must fight their own defenses to finally let down the walls that will allow them to rescue each other. This is a story about breath-taking action and adventurous lives, and the heart that is behind it

BOOK EXCERPT

Despite three blankets and a roaring fire only two feet away from him, Brad couldn’t stop shivering. Even the hot shower he’d had only thirty minutes before was a distant memory. A warm mug appeared in his hands.

“What is it?”

“Hot toddy with herbs.” Jessie sat in the easy chair across from him. “It’ll help warm you.”

The bourbon burned the back of his throat but the herbs left a pleasant aftertaste.

“You might start feeling warmer in a week or so,” Ryan teased, sipping on his own. The younger man sat next to Brad, nearly as wrapped as he was. Micah had been soaked as well, but he didn’t seem as affected by it. He and Tony—who had performed CPR with Jessie during the medevac flight—sat on the sofa, engaged in a conversation about fishing, of all things.

They fell silent when the phone rang. Every eye watched Jessie as she spoke a few short words into the phone and hung up. She shook her head. “I’m sorry,” she addressed Brad specifically. “He didn’t make it.”

Brad sat staring into the fire long after Tony, Micah, and Jessie had left. He wasn’t prepared for the impact of her words. Although he knew it to be true, he didn’t want to believe it. When? he demanded silently. When had the man died? Had he been dead when Brad had held him in his arms? Had everything he’d done been meaningless after all?

For more information about the book please visit
 
http://www.lastchancerescuebook.com/
 
Thanks so much Goddessfish.com for connecting us on this blog tour!




1. Why did you become a writer?

I kept having dreams that I felt compelled to write about in the morning. Eventually I had a half-dozen novels (or, more specifically, parts and pieces of). There were stories inside me that just had to be told.

2. What is your book(s) about?

Last Chance Rescue, a 2009 Indie Awards finalist, is about two people who must fight their own defenses to finally let down the walls that will allow them to rescue each other. It is a story about breath-taking search-and-rescue action and adventurous lives—and the heart that is behind it all.

3. Who are your favorite authors or genres?

I like books with complex, more adult characters (Nicolas Sparks comes to mind); I am particularly fascinated by how a male character may change/be changed by events/situations (a major theme in Last Chance Rescue as well). I like unusual settings, but not to the point of unbelievability (which is why I did ride-alongs with a medevac team before I finished writing Last Chance Rescue). My ‘pet peeve’ is a book with too much ‘headhopping’ (constantly changing points of view).

4. If you weren't an author what would you be?

I would be what I already am: a wife and mother (my children are 2 and 6), a daughter and a sister. A business owner (my husband and I own a motorcycle accessories business, www.LeaderMotorcycle.com). A pilot, a skier, a singer, a taiko drummer … in short, I wouldn’t trade the fullness of my real life for what is admittedly a full ‘fantasy’ life!

5. What's your daily schedule like?

Weekday mornings are about the only predictable time: getting children up, fed, and off to daycare and school. I usually put in 6-7 hours for our motorcycle business (which might entail off-site meetings or errands), and sneak in tasks related to marketing Last Chance Rescue whenever I can. Chores, church commitments/Bible study, childrens’ activities (like soccer or swim lessons) or my monthly writers’ group meeting may occupy my evenings (although I try to have a family dinner). My writing time is usually 9-11 pm (after the kids are in bed) a couple nights a week, and a stolen hour here and there at a café or coffee shop.

6. What's on your next to do list?

I just started taking lessons to obtain my fixed-wing pilot license (I already have my helicopter rating), which is getting in the way of my next writing goal: my next novel!

Thank you Tracey Cramer-Kelly for being here today to talk about "Last Chance Rescue, I greatly appreciate it!

Tracey will be giving away an autographed copy of her book "Last Chance Rescue" to one randomly drawn commenter from the tour and an autographed copy of her book to the tour host with the most comments, excluding duplicates or Tracey’s responses.

Please follow the rest of Tracy Cramer-Kelly's blog tour here:

http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2009/10/virtual-book-tour-last-chance-rescue.html

Monday, November 9, 2009

In the Mail (Nov 9)



I received this in the mail today for review (sent by publisher), thanks Robyn from Carol Fass Publicity & Public Relations, Inc.

The Cost of Dreams (Paperback)

Product Description

A Novel: Flora Enriquez trusts that she has found safe haven for her young family in the remote U.S. Southwest, after fleeing the murderous environs of Central America where her parents were slain in a civil war. Only to find that all of her life's greatest challenges, by far, still lie before her.

About the Author

The author is a retired physician residing in the northern Midwestern U.S. with his family. THE COST OF DREAMS is the first of five novels to which Decent Hearts Press is committed.

Servant: The Kindred (Mass Market Paperback)



I've just finished reading "Servant:  The Kindred" the last book in her Servant trilogy by L.L. Foster.

Product Description

Gabrielle Cody is a paladin-God's enforcer on earth. But she's not sure she can endure the life of a holy warrior. Her relationship with Detective Luther Cross is under constant strain already, and its going to get worse.

There is a monster feeding off of human blood, flesh, and souls and Gaby must stop him. But her passion for Luther distracts her from the terrible connection she has with her quarry-and the creature's desire to devour her.

My Review:

Storyline: I enjoyed reading this book because I'm fan of this series and I like Gaby & Luther.  You learn a secret about Gaby near the end of the book!

Characters: The characters were okay and I do Gaby, Luther, Bliss & Mort.

Romance: I enjoyed reading the romance between Gaby & Luther because it shows how far they have come in their relationship from the first book and Luther accepts her.

For Cecile:  Hot door, car and police station sex!

Killer: The killer was quite vile and a sick freak!

The pic of Luther reminds me of someone but I can't think who at the moment!

3/5

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? (Nov 9)



What Are You Reading is a weekly Monday Meme hosted that J. Kaye Book Blog hosts on her blog here: http://j-kaye-book-blog.blogspot.com/

Post the books you read last week, book currently being read and books you plan on finishing this week.

Last week I read:

1. Dark Lover - Brenda Joyce
2. Kiss of the Phantom - Julie Leto
3. Darkness Revealed - Alexandra Ivy
4. Hunting Ground - Patricia Briggs

I’m currently reading:

1. Time for Eternity - Susan Squires

Books I’m planning on reading this week:

1. Storm Cycle - Iris Johansen
2. Dead & Gone - Charlaine Harris
3. Sins of the Flesh - Caridad Pineiro

Here’s the links:

http://j-kaye-book-blog.blogspot.com/2009/11/its-monday-what-are-you-reading_09.html
http://j-kaye-book-blog.blogspot.com/2009/03/new-

Sunday, November 8, 2009

Library Haul (Nov 8 - 14)







Here's the list of books I picked up from the library this week:

1. Storm Cycle - Iris Johansen
2. Dead & Gone - Charlaine Harris
3. Heart Fate - Robin D. Owens
4. The House on Tradd St. - Karen White
5. Rapture - Jacquelyn Frank
6. Speak of the Devil - Jenna Black
7. Dark Warrior  Unbroken - Alexis Morgan
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