#ROW80 Check-in 10/22/17

I have been not feeling the best for the past few days. I actually got carsick on Friday (I have a stomach condition that acts up sometimes when in a car if I’ve eaten right before) and today I am in a fibro flare. My first in literally years.

My mom’s having knee replacement surgery on Wednesday, and there’s a lot of prep and planning involved. She’s got an elderly dog who’s very attached to her, and he needs round-the-clock care. I am taking care of him, so there’s all these things I need to learn and remember. I suspect I am a bit stressed out.

That said, I have gotten some things done:

~Finish rewrite of Fireborn, revise it, edit it, and submit it for Dec. 1st deadline. ~Revision is coming along. I’m in the rewriting phase of things. I hope to be done by the end of the month, then I can start the final proofread/edit.
~Transfer Survivor outline to notecards, for reals this time ~Nope. I was hoping to get this done this weekend, but it’s not looking good.
~Participate in NanoWriMo with an amended goal of 30k (Survivor) ~Still planning for this.
~Begin edit of Secret Project ~Have not started.
~Decide on next project and start working on that (Covenant and When She Sleeps are the top contenders) ~Currently, it’s When She Sleeps, and I recently wrote 300 words of a new scene. I also figured out how to end the current scene which has been giving me fits.
~Finish In Flames cover or hire someone to do it  ~A writer friend generously offered to make me a cover. Cover reveal soon!

Non-writing stuffs:

~Water 5x a week 
~Read 1 book a week ~Finished reading Gutted: Beautiful Horror Stories, a horror anthology. It was okay. Not spectacular, but not a total waste of time. Also read Fool Proof Dictation by Christopher Downing.  Started on Road to Helltown by SM Reine (ARC). 
~Chocolate consumption reports, of course! ~Several slices of chocolate ice cream cake (but not all at once!) It was DIVINE.

Fiction Friday – Aug 25th edition

It’s been awhile. As usual, I am totally behind on my reading. However, I have four books for you today.

Once again, my rating system:

Yay – Great book, would recommend.
Maybe – Read at your own risk.
Nay – Was a DNF (Did Not Finish) or finished but would not recommend.

Let’s do this!

Cashing Out by SM Reine – Another solid yay. Book #3 in her new Dana McIntyre Must Die series. You would need to start at the beginning because there’s a lot of stuff that starts in previous books and is now coming to a head. Really enjoyed it. Link to my review.

Mirror Sisters by V.C. Andrews – Yay. I used to be a rabid V.C. Andrews fan back in the 80s and 90s (along with Danielle Steel). But I started moving away from her stuff and over to fantasy, paranormal romance, and sci-fi. I just never found anything else that interesting until this book. It’s about these twins that are more or less forced to be identical in every way by their neurotic (possibly mentally ill) mother. And let’s just say that one of them doesn’t like that and takes some very drastic action. It was somewhat predictable — the final twist I had figured out in two seconds — but I enjoyed it and will be getting book #2 in the trilogy.

Vile Magic by Holly Hook – #4 in her Abnormals Underground series. A yay. I liked it because it forced the main character, Alyssa, to face a pretty big revelation and things are heating up story-wise. Lots of action. There’s one more book coming, I believe.
Link to my review

Mine to Break by Joely Sue Burkhart – a solid yay. I’m a longtime fan of Joely’s and just love her stories. This one also features BDSM, but a bit lighter than she normally writes. And the romance was awesome! I loved both main characters and what they went through to get their HEA. (If you haven’t read her Connaghers series, you are missing out!) Link to my review

And that is it, unfortunately. I have a few books on my radar, including:

A Demon Bound by Debra Dunbar
Allegiance of Honor by Nalini Singh

Fiction Friday 7/21/17 – and a surprise!

Fey Touched, book #1. A queen fleeing from her people. A Hunter searching the stream of time. Forbidden love.

Today’s Fiction Friday is kind of special. It’s because my debut novel, Fey Touched, is on Amazon for FREE right now for the very first time. Don’t delay! The promo runs till Sunday, and then it will go back up to its usual price.

So what would I say about Fey Touched? A definite yay, of course, but I’m probably biased!

A reminder on my rating system:

Yay – A must read
Maybe – Read at your own risk
Nay – Do not recommend or was a DNF (Did Not Finish)

Let’s get started, shall we?

Bare Bones by Kathy Reichs – A yay. I’ve been reading her books for quite awhile, and they do not disappoint. This one had a complex mystery that had me stunned as to who was the culprit. And I love the character Tempe Brennan’s narrative voice. So much fun! (Also? The show Bones, which recently ended, is loosely based on these novels.)

Kill Game by SM Reine – A huge yay. Book 2 in her new series. Dana McIntyre is still searching for a cure for vampirism, and there’s a mystery involving imported iron into Vegas. Also, one of the villains is creepy and fascinating and I’m curious to see what her next move is. Great book!

Save Me, Sinners by Jess Bentley – So far, a yay. This one is actually 4 stories in one, and I still have yet to read the last one. But I will talk about the first three briefly:

Save Me, Sinners – It’s about this religious cult that has their women “claimed” by men at a certain age, and the two men to do it are the clergy. Yeah, a bit controversial if that’s not your thing. But anyway, the main character captivates both clergymen and neither want to give her up…and, well, it’s very interesting how they solve that problem. My only complaint is that it was too short! I wanted to know more!

Save Me, Daddy – A young college girl is trying to get into a sorority and has to auction off her virginity as part of the pledging process. She is saved by an unlikely hero and they develop a relationship. An interesting one. Again, a bit too short but it was a good story.

Heat – This was probably my favorite. A woman who owns a popular restaurant is in direct competition with this guy’s restaurant across the street. The guy’s father, who’s narcissistic and rich, tells him he needs to seduce the woman so he can ruin her business. The guy does what his father commands, but learns that sometimes a game can turn real.

And that’s it for today. I am now taking recommendations! So leave recommendations or thoughts in comments.

#ROW80 Check-in 3/11/15 – Covers, blurbs, and insanity, oh my!

Annnd here’s that lovely cover for your viewing pleasure. SM Reine rocks.

I’m still alive. I’ve been busy working on the Grave Touched cover (both digital and print editions). I have the basics done. (In fact, I’ve had the cover stock image bought for ~2 years now). I’m tweaking it some, as I want it to match Fey Touched’s cover so it’s obvious they are part of a series. But it’s a bit tricky because I want to show that there’s sci-fi in it, and the cover artist who did Fey Touched’s cover did such a beautiful job with it. I’m trying to recreate it, and kinda sorta teach myself how to do covers at the same time. Crazy? Nah. Actually, I am a fine art photographer and I have done a ton of digital photography but…book covers, not at all. They’re a completely different animal, and I wasn’t originally planning on doing my own covers. But then I thought, wait a sec. I’m a photographer. It can’t be that difficult.(We’ll see. Jury’s still out on that one).

And naturally along with that is the blurb. I suck at writing any kind of blurb. I think it might be because it’s so new to me. And I know the story inside and out, but what will hook the reader? That’s where I have issues. Or, things I think might be important may not be that important or worthy of note. So…it’s kinda like shooting a target I can’t actually see. And that makes it tough, too.

(Especially since the Fey Touched books are multi-POV books…so the main characters need to be at least mentioned.)

So I’m a bit frazzled, but I’ll make it through. The nice thing is I can redo stuff if it’s not working, and nothing’s in stone yet. So, I’ll try not to drive myself crazy. Much. 😉

I’ve done a huge amount of thinking about Survivor. Because the first few scenes set up the situation and one character dies, but I need it to be ambiguous. (Or else I will give away the twist in chapter 2). So I’ve been trying to figure out ways to do that. It’s first person POV — I believe it has to be, in order for this to work (and it’s more immediate IMO). I’m also considering changing a bit of the plot to bring in another character (and her machinations, winks) sooner. But because this story takes place in our world, in our time, I don’t think it’s going to work. So…still noodling.

Also been thinking about poetry, even #badpoetry. Been so inspired lately, but lose it when I want to write it down.

Had a caramel cupcake after dinner. It was SO GOOD. (And yes, I’m still eating a lot of chocolate).

WWW Wednesday, the Feeling Better Edition

it’s time for this week’s edition of WWW Wednesday.  Since I’ve been sicky these past few weeks, I’m celebrating the fact that I feel much better.

So, onward!

What book (s) are you reading right now?

That’s a trick question, right?  No?  Okay, fine.  I’m reading 3 books currently.

1) From Dead to Worse by Charlaine Harris.  My dear sweet hubby made it his life goal to get me the entire series and currently I have all but the very last one.  I’m slowing working my way through them.  I like these books because they’re fluffy and fun and not too dark or deep.  Sometimes I need that (she says with the shifty eyeballs).

2) Super Nobody by Brent Meske – In the interest of full disclosure, I’m reading this one for review, and so far, it’s really neat.  A YA novel about superheroes, and the MC is a lot of fun to read.  I’m about halfway through, and I’ve already agreed to review book 2.

3) Jessie’s Song by Eleni Papanou – I’m also reading this one for review.  This one’s very intriguing because it’s told by a jazz musician – a guy — who tried to commit suicide, and I’m not very far into it, but it’s keeping me interested.  So that’s good, right? 

What book (s) did you recently finish?

1) Sacrificed in Shadow by SM Reine – Book 1 of her Ascension series, which is a crossover between her Seasons of the Moon/Cain Chronicles and her Descent series.  Holy Mother of God, this book is fucking amazing.  And for those of us who have read every single book she’s ever published (and then some), you will love the connections in this.  It’s just…I’ve run out of words.  Go forth and buy it. (I don’t think you actually need to read the other series, but you’ll probably be more amazed and astounded if you did.  Ahem.

2) All Together Dead by Charlaine Harris – So picked because I was going on vacation and wanted something light to tear through (that might be a bit of an oxymoron, but whatever).  I enjoyed it.  And the excerpt of From Dead to Worse caused me to abandon all plans of reading other books and dive into that one (I don’t, as a rule, read a series straight through.  I’m funny like that).

What book (s) will you be reading soon?

1) With All My Soul by Rachel Vincent – Yep, that’s the one that got bumped.  Soon, my precious, soon.

And I am drawing a blank and zomg this is evidence that the universe is collapsing on itself and — yeah, um, I had some lined up, but I can’t for the life of me remember what they are.  Oops?  It’ll come to me.  Stay tuned.

And also, I’m a bit miffed that the Royal Baby was deemed more important than General Hospital yesterday.  I’ve been following it myself, and I’ve been intrigued by Royal-anything, but please.  We are not British!  But whatever.  I shall live.  I think.  But they do make a lovely family, don’t they?  Love those accents.

Review: Damnation Marked by SM Reine

HOLY CRAP.

Damnation Marked is the 3rd book in SM Reine’s Descent series.

This book is amazing. It’s the darkest one so far in the series, and there is a lot of action and suspense. It never really slows down. It’s one thing after
another and grabs you by the throat and won’t let you go.

The thing that got me the most was a HUGE revelation for one of the characters — it’s so huge, I didn’t believe my eyes. It will definitely complicate things for sure.

We’re told more of Elise and James’s backstory, which is always good.

And the end…a word of warning: get ready to freak out. It’s amazing, it’s great, but it will absolutely slay you. And yes, there’s a big honking cliffhanger, so be prepared to wait till the next installment.

I had the pleasure of reading an early draft of what was to become Death’s Hand. I’ve seen the series progress, and I have to say: SM Reine is one hell of a
writer, and this series just keeps getting better and better. I’m constantly astounded by the plot twists, revelations, and life-changing things that happen
to the characters. Reine puts her characters through the wringer, and puts them through it again several times for good measure.

I also love her take on angels.

Very, very well done. And scary, did I mention that? Now I must keep myself from going crazy waiting for the next book…

Fey Touched Cover Reveal

My plan was to wait a bit longer to draw out the suspense.  But I just can’t keep it to myself.  I want to share it with the world, so here goes.  Huge thanks to SM Reine.  She is the amazing, talented person who put this beautiful cover together.   I love it madly.

And here is the blurb:

Fallon is one of the Fey Touched, a Hunter of the immortal Fey–their enemy. After having mysterious dreams about a woman who seems eerily familiar, Fallon tracks the history of her bloodline, using an addictive drug to search the stream of time. In the process, she discovers she’s adopted and the woman from her dreams may be her sister.

Her whole world turned upside down, Fallon races to unravel the puzzle of her life before the withdrawals — or her enemies — kill her.

She must also find a cure for the mysterious illness that has struck her fellow Hunters down before any more of them die. Torn between duty and desire, Fallon struggles to find an answer, never suspecting that her long-lost kin may be the key to saving the Hunters… and time is running out.

Fey Touched releases August 1st through Turtleduck Press.  It is the first in a series.

Review: Gray Moon Rising by SM Reine

Before I start the review, I just wanted to mention that I have a cover reveal coming for Fey Touched.  So stay tuned.

I’ve never ended a series before, so I can’t say for certain what it’s like.  But I imagine it would be difficult — not only to wrap up everything in a satisfying manner, but to give your characters and world an unforgettable send-off.  I imagine it’s hard to say goodbye to the characters that have lived in your head for a year, sometimes longer (well, if you’re me….).

SM Reine nailed it with Gray Moon Rising.  She not only wrapped everything up, but she gave us a truly epic end to her amazing Seasons of the Moon series.

This is a spoiler-free review, so I can’t get into too much detail.  What I can say is that everything — and I mean everything — heats up and explodes.  In a good way, of course.

There’s a mystery as to why the wolves are called to specific location.  If you’ve read the other books, it will be very familiar.  But it’s a bit darker this go around (and the other books are very dark) and poor Rylie and Seth have their hands full dealing with the hunters.  There’s a madperson on the loose, which threatens everything.  There’s the reason why they’re called and what results.  Rylie plays a big role in this, and what happens to her is amazing.

The mythology and worldbuilding in this series is very unique and cool, which makes this series different from what’s out there.

*Possible spoilers below* (I couldn’t help myself)

Rylie and Seth get their HEA.  My only quibble is Abel — it appeared that SM Reine had a possible love triangle going on.  That got me excited, because I’m a huge fan of character torture.  But it wasn’t meant to be.  I suppose it might have taken away from the main action, so I forgive her for that. *winks*

*End possible spoilers*

The story was amazing.  I mean, she kept ramping up the tension until I couldn’t STOP reading.  I was incapable of stopping.

As for the endend,it was great, satisfying, and happy.  I will miss Rylie, Seth, and Abel.  I’ll miss them a lot.  But it’s time they got their happily ever after.

Thanks, Sara, for bringing these incredible stories and characters into our lives.  We’ll never forget them.

Cover Reveal and Blurb for Gray Moon Rising by SM Reine

I am so excited about this book, guys.  This is the final installment in SM Reine’s Seasons of the Moon series, and I am dying to know how it all ends.  This series is AMAZING, so if you haven’t checked it out yet, what are you waiting for?  The first book is Six Moon Summer, followed by All Hallows’ Moon and Long Night Moon.  All amazing.

So, without further adieu, here’s the lovely cover for Gray Moon Rising:

And here’s the blurb:

It’s been almost a year since Rylie Gresham was bitten by a werewolf on Gray Mountain. Now something is beckoning her back to the place she was attacked, along with every other werewolf in the world. But they aren’t the only ones heeding the call. A group of hunters notices them gathering and sees it as their chance to wipe out the entire species.

 

Seth is about to graduate high school when he learns of the final hunt. He secretly plans to save Rylie and his werewolf brother even though he has to play along with the hunters to do it. But Rylie doesn’t want to be saved. She’s  already decided to solve her problems with a silver bullet if answers aren’t waiting on Gray Mountain.

 

One way or another, everything is about to end—whether it means Rylie’s liberation or the end of her life…

Doesn’t that sound intriguing?  Well, it’s releasing July 5th so be sure to grab one!

Review: Death’s Hand by SM Reine

This is a seriously wicked book by a very talented writer, SM Reine.  And I’m not just saying this because she’s my friend!  The book is awesome.  Go forth and buy it.

…..You didn’t think that was the end, did you?

All kidding aside, you really need to read this book.  I have been fortunate to see its evolution pretty much from the beginning (several years ago) to the end.  And it’s gotten better and darker and cooler with each incarnation.

I’m going for non-spoilery, so bear with me here.  Okay, it starts with a bang — a scene in the past with the two main characters, Elise and James, who were powerful hunters of evil.  Something horrific happened and they retired.  We are thrust into the present time, where Elise and James are living out their very normal lives.  That is until they end up trying to exorcise a little girl.

It gets worse.

As an aside, I have to say: I’m not familiar with actual exorcism or demonology.  I believe there are some elements in Elise’s exorcisms that are taken from true exorcism.  I was impressed with it.  It was simple, clean, and rang true for me whether or not it’s actually real.  But most importantly, it made perfect sense within the context of the world Reine created in Death’s Hand.  Also something else I liked was the bond between Elise and James.  It’s actually a magical bond.  I don’t believe they are in love or anything like that, but are close friends that would die for each other.  I thought it was refreshing to see something other than a soulmate/mating-type bond between a man and a woman.

Okay, back to the story.  There’s this goddess of death that Elise encountered before who swore she’d come back for Elise.  And she’s in an object that is wielded by a powerful witch/necromancer.  You’ll never guess who it is (I knew from reading a previous draft, but the way it’s laid out will surprise you).  *winks* So between the possessed girl, the workings of the death goddess, the newly-risen dead (zombies?), Elise and James have their hands full.  They’re forced out of retirement.

What happens is twisty and dark and awful, but it ends happily, I assure you.  But you’ll have issues putting it down.  The last 100 pages flew for me, and I was technically proofreading, except I kinda forgot to keep an eye out at that point. I admit that.  It completely riveted me to the point where I was sitting at work counting down the hours until I could go home and read more.  It’s nuts.

Another thing, too.  This is a very unique take on demons, exorcism, witches, necromancers.  There is a lot of that out there, but you’ll find Death’s Hand refreshingly different.  I like the elements of the paranormal and the grittiness of dark fantasy.  It really, really works.

So, whatcha waitin’ for?  Check it out.

Also, this is the first book in SM Reine’s Descent series.  It is a complete story, but there is one teeny tiny little thing at the end that will flow into the next book, which I believe is called The Darkest Gate.  I can’t wait to read that.  I’m kind of addicted — uh, actually I am addicted to these stories.  ….Yeah.

Red Iris Publishing is new to the game and I believe they will become one of the finest publishers out there.  With writers like SM Reine, it’s a certainty.  So check them out.