Colors Like Memories Blog Tour: Character Interview and Giveaway with Meradeth Houston

Please give a warm welcome to author Meradeth Houston. Houston is running an amazing blog tour for her book, Colors Like Memories, that I am reading now as we speak and it is quite the beautiful read. Meradeth has been awesome enough to share an talk-show style interview she had with her main character Julia. Meradeth is also having a great giveaway for all readers who participate, so make sure you come and join the fun. Take it away Meradeth!

*********************************************

Interview with Julia, from Colors Like Memories

Hi, my name is Meradeth Houston, author of Colors Like Memories. Thanks a million for joining me here today! I love connecting with readers :) I’m hoping to allow you all to get to know my main character, Julia, a little better. And I do have a contest running for my blog tour—all commenter’s are entered into a drawing for two copies of my book, and one person will win a $25 giftcard to Amazon or Barnes & Noble. There are more details on my home blog, if you want to check it out!

So for a little bit of fun, I’m interviewing Julia, late night talk-show style. Just picture me behind a big desk, with a mug of something that’s probably not water :) 

Julia’s the dark-haired young lady entering stage right. She’s medium height with long dark hair that she’s styled in a kind of up-do that is both stylish and retro. The bright lights are really not her style, and she keeps glancing awkwardly toward the curtains, tugging on the dress she’s wearing so that it’s a little longer.

Julia (taking a seat on the edge of her seat): Um. Hi. 

Me: Thanks so much for joining us, Julia! 

Julia (Talking a little too fast): Look, let me just say this—I can’t tell you a whole lot, okay? I could get into trouble for just being here. 

Me (nodding sagely and taking a long sip of “water”): And that’s because you’re a Sary, right?

Julia (looking horrified): …

Me: Look, there are no secrets here. Just pretend no one’s listening. No one’s going to rat you out for telling us what you are.

Julia: I don’t know…

Me: Come on. I promise nothing’s going to happen. Just start with this—have you always gone by Julia?

Julia: Uh, no. I have for a while now, but not always. I have to change my name when I’m in countries where it doesn’t fit. Or when it’s not really a common name any more. But I like it. It suits me. And it’s a pain to try and answer to another name.

Me (grinning a little now that she’s talking): Okay, great. So, tell us, how old are you?

Julia: It’s rude to ask a lady how old she is. Seriously. I’m old enough. 

Me: Okay, okay, how about telling us what a Sary is exactly?

Julia (huffing out a long breath): Fine. A Sary is basically a child that dies before taking its first breath. You know that whole “breath of life” stuff? Yeah, it’s pretty important. Without it, we’re not able to claim a body. So, I chose to become a Sary so I could get one, basically. But the price for it is to work as a guardian. I am given assignments to try and help people that are thinking about killing themselves, and I try to stop them.

Me: Sounds like a really cheerful job.

Julia: Was that supposed to be some kind of joke?

Me (blushing): Yeah, well, anyhow. Tell us, who’s your assignment now?

Julia: I’m assigned to Marcy right now. Her mom died recently, and, well, she feels responsible. Things have been rough. So I’m trying to help. 

Me: And are things going well?

Julia (sighing): I don’t know. I wish they were better. She deserves better. 

Me: You two are close?

Julia (nods): Yeah. Really close. I haven’t had a, a friend in so long. I have to help her.

Me (another long sip): Okay, so let’s talk boys.

Julia (crosses her arms): Are you kidding me?

Me: Not at all! What kind of host do you think I am? Now, tell me, is there a boy in your life?

Julia (turning all kinds of red): Maybe.

Me: Just maybe?

Julia: I’m so not getting into that here.

Me: Okay, well, then just tell us, have you ever been in a serious relationship?

Julia: Yes. I was with Derek forever. He was my companion in the Sary. He (she swallows hard), he died a long time ago. 

Me: I’m really sorry about that. I imagine that must still haunt you?

Julia: Yeah. It hasn’t been easy to see past. Helping Marcy when I’m still dealing with losing Derek is so ‘the blind leading the blind.’ It’s kinda ironic, really. Or, it would be if it didn’t suck so much.

Me: I’m so sorry. But there’s another guy in your life now?

Julia: Really, I said I wasn’t getting into that!

Me: Well, well! Okay, I’m getting the signal that we have to go to a commercial break! Thanks for joining us!

Julia (waving): Bye!

And that’s Julia, well, at least a little bit! Please check out Colors Like Memories if you want to learn more about her, her world, and all that fun stuff :)

*********************************************

Info at Goodreads

Blurb courtesy of Meradeth Houston

Julia has a secret: she killed the guy she loved. It was an accident—sort of.

Julia is a Sary, the soul of a child who died before taking her first breath. Without this 'breath of life' she and others like her must help those on the verge of suicide. It's a job Julia used to enjoy, until the accident that claimed her boyfriend’s life—an accident she knows was her fault. If living with the guilt weren't enough, she's now assigned to help a girl dealing with the loss of her mother, something Julia's not exactly the best role model for. If she can't figure out a way to help her, Julia's going to lose her position in the Sary, something she swore to her boyfriend would never happen.

Release date: May 11^th 2012 from MuseItUp Publishing.

*********************************************

Meradeth Houston's Bio:

 

Meradeth’s never been a big fan of talking about herself, but if you really want to know, here are some random tidbits about her:

>She’s a Northern California girl. This generally means she talks too fast and use "like" a lot.

>She has her doctorate in molecular anthropology. Translation: she sequences dead people's DNA and is a professional lab rat.

>She’s been writing since she was 11 years old. It's her hobby, her passion, and she’s so happy to get to share her work!

>Her other passion is teaching. There's nothing more fun than getting a classroom of college kids fired up about anthropology!

>If she could have a super-power, it would totally be flying. Which is a little strange, because she’s terrified of heights.

*********************************************

Follow Meradeth Houston here:

Facebook | Goodreads | Official Blog | Official Website | Twitter

*********************************************

Don't forget to leave a comment for Meradeth about this post or any other posts listed here:

Colors Like Memories Blog Tour Schedule 

You can win a copy of her book or a $25 Amazon/B&N gift card. So don't miss out on your chance! Just leave your email in the comments so Meradeth can contact you. Good luck and thank you all.

BookWhore Book Club Week #4: Bella by Steve Piacente

Discussion announcement and info here: BookWhore

Welcome to week 4 of the BookWhore Book Club. It is not too late to join. This is quite the read. Happy reading everyone. Let's do this!

The Schedule

May 3rd Preface-3

May 10th 4-8

May 17th 9-12

May 24th 13-16

May 31st 17-21

June 7th 22-25

June14th 26-29

June 21st 30-33

June 28th 34-37

Review with Linky 29th

*********************************************

Chapters 13-16

1) What did you think about the news Danny's wife gives to him?

I wasn't surprised to be honest. I just had a feeling. I know that is weird. But like I have been saying, they are so disconnected. I am surprised it wasn't brought up sooner. And what was worse was what happened afterward.

2) In chapter 14 Danny compares marriage as a journey/race through the woods. What are your thoughts on this "journey"? Do you think that the best years are the ones early on or the ones yet to come?

I really liked that analogy. It is quite accurate. I think he did a good job with that. The second question is a good one, but I think that depends on much the two are willing to do and work for. Then again, I have never been in a relationship, so I don't have the greatest take on this.

3) Anyone else a bit thrown by Danny's reaction when his wife confesses that she's been with someone else? Especially given his thoughts towards Bella?

This was the first time I felt like he truly had feelings for his wife because he was genuinely shocked then mad. But then he threw that out the window afterward when he ran to Bella. I think he was looking for a window and it blasted right open without him having to open his mouth. I do give him credit for actually thinking it through first, but he still didn't care.

4) What was your reaction to Bella kicking Danny out in the middle of the night after they "made love"?

I think this shows she has some depth. I think she used her "assets" to get what she wanted, but couldn't handle the ending result. I think what happened between them showed that she is not over her husband yet. She still thinks about him and I believe it was through guilt. How much guilt, I can' t be sure since she did invite him in the first place. I still don't trust her, but I believe she has a lot of issues and secrets that need to come to light. I don't think this was 100% about Danny. The most surprising reaction though was with Danny. He isn't guilty in the least. He is imagining life after divorce, being a stepfather to Bella daughter. I was like, "Hold up a damn minute!" You are barely a father to your own children and are planning to be a good one to one that isn't even your blood?! I knew he was into her, but this reads more trouble than i thought. I had some respect for Danny, but now this lowered it into near extinction.

5) Any questions for the author this week? 

What Pocketful of Books said. That is a really good question.

"Do you think Danny deserved to be cheated on, considering he seemed to pay so little attention to his family and fantasied about other women? Do you think cheating can ever be justified and, if so, in what circumstances?"

Winner of the Forging Truth Giveaway!

And the winner is...

Mary Preston!!!


Rafflecopter is acting a little weird and won't show the announcement. But nonetheless, big congratulations to Mary Preston! You won a copy of Forging Truth by Raymond Masters. I just sent you an email, please respond within 3 days with your name and address or confirmation email. Thanks to all who participated and thank you so much Raymond Masters for being a part of my blog. Congratulations again Mary!

Book Review: Fifty Shades of Grey (Fifty Shades #1) by E. L. James

Author: E. L. James
Series: Fifty Shades
Number in Series: 1
Format: PDF (Library)
Release Date: May 26, 2011
Pages: 514
Publisher: The Writer's Coffee Shop Publishing House
Genre: BDSM/Contemporary Romance/Erotica

Buy here:

Amazon|  Barnes & Noble  |  The Book Depository  |  IndieBound

Synopsis from Goodreads

When literature student Anastasia Steele is drafted to interview the successful young entrepreneur Christian Grey for her campus magazine, she finds him attractive, enigmatic and intimidating. Convinced their meeting went badly, she tries to put Grey out of her mind - until he happens to turn up at the out-of-town hardware store where she works part-time.

The unworldly, innocent Ana is shocked to realize she wants this man, and when he warns her to keep her distance it only makes her more desperate to get close to him. Unable to resist Ana’s quiet beauty, wit, and independent spirit, Grey admits he wants her - but on his own terms.

Shocked yet thrilled by Grey's singular erotic tastes, Ana hesitates. For all the trappings of success – his multinational businesses, his vast wealth, his loving adoptive family – Grey is a man tormented by demons and consumed by the need to control. When the couple embarks on a passionate, physical and daring affair, Ana learns more about her own dark desires, as well as the Christian Grey hidden away from public scrutiny.

Can their relationship transcend physical passion? Will Ana find it in herself to submit to the self-indulgent Master? And if she does, will she still love what she finds?

Erotic, amusing, and deeply moving, the Fifty Shades Trilogy is a tale that will obsess you, possess you, and stay with you forever.

*********************************************

  

    This is and will probably ever be the most tricky and uncomfortable review I have ever written. Let me say, I have heard plenty of things about this book and  some of what I have heard scared the crap out of me. I have never been frightened to read a book until now. But I thought it best to get my own opinion and well...I loved it. I loved it sooooo much. I can't believe it myself. And I have no regrets.

    The characters were incredible and intense as hell. Christian is truly overwhelming. He had these massive mood swings and it was hard to keep up with him. But I honestly couldn't hate him. Anastasia (Ana) was smart and was able to take on Christian which was surprising. But I like that she just didn't do everything he asked, she fought him at every corner. I would have hated her if she didn't question him and acted like some stepford wife. She was willing to do a lot for him (I mean A LOT) and I love the journey she took not only for him but herself. And they still obviously have a long way to go. I loved Ana's best friend Kate. She seems to know something is up before everybody else knows something is up. I wish we could get more about her and Elliot, Christian's adopted brother. They definitely had a lot sparks flying between them.

     Now the problem with a lot of erotica/BDSM, is that they don't actually have plots. They are more just for the sex and not much else. Well we get plenty of both here. We slowly uncover that Christian has some dark past that is the reason he is the way he is and why he likes what he likes. It is unnerving to say the least and we don't even know the full story yet. But I want to know more and I want to know more now.

     The one real criticism I have is actually over the hype. I think when people heard this was a Twilight fanfict, they just started grabbing it without paying attention to what they were getting into. And that is where the hype comes in. This is where I call bullshit. Quite frankly I think that the Twilight name drop was a way to get people to read it because I don't really see a connection between the two at all. It makes no sense. If anything, this book reminds me a lot of Gabriel's Inferno by Sylvain Reynard. It is not a BDSM/erotica, but the characters, the tone, and the depth of the books are very much alike. If BDSM isn't your cup of tea or you have read this and wanted something less extreme, I say go and buy Gabriel's Inferno.

      Fifty Shades of Grey is very dark and erotic. It has its tough moments (very tough) and moments that have you laughing and giggling (I loved those emails). It is truly a mixture I haven't come across before. That is what makes it so difficult to write because I have read the complaints. On one hand I understand where people are coming from. But I also see that this comes from a dark place. It is unrealistic to expect that everyone is the same and everyone handles things the same way. And that is the whole point behind Christian Grey. I get where James is coming from here and what she is showing us. I am glad she went there. This is not the first BDSM ever written, but people are definitely acting that this is the very first BDSM ever written. This book will not be for everybody, hell probably not for maybe 50% of people that have or will read it. If BDSM/erotica isn't your thing, don't read this.

     But I have had my eyes open and my views on things have shifted. We (especially me) are use to a certain kind of romance, I am glad to be introduced to a different kind. One that has more layers that really need deciphering. The title of this book is incredibly fitting. Things are not as black and white as we want to see them. I am dying for book 2 right now because that ending almost left me in tears. Not cool Mrs. James, not cool at all. Throw the hype out the window, if anything it makes things worse. Like I said, given all that I heard and read, I was scared to read this. I am glad I ignored all of that or I would have been missing out and not have grasped the real depth of this story if I had listened. I recommend this only to those who are willing to go into some very dark territory, the other 50%. 

Rating: 

*This book belongs to the following challenge*

BCC's 100 Books In A Year Reading Challenge 2012 

 

Indie Book Review: Murderous Regrets (Prince of Darkness #0.5) by Beth Ann Masarik

Author: Beth Ann Masarik
Series: Prince of Darkness
Number in Series: 0.5
Format: ePub
Release Date: February 25, 2011
Pages: 12
Publisher: Otherworld Publications
Genre: Paranormal/Urban Fantasy

Buy here:

Amazon 

Synopsis from Goodreads

Murderous Regrets is a short story inspired by The World Among Us by Beth Ann Masarik. In The World Among Us, Hades, the god of the Underworld, plots to take over the world, and remove Gaia, the head Deity, from power. In order to do so, he plots against his own son, Damien, and cons him into killing his soul mate, the beautiful goddess of the moon, Selene.

*********************************************

     Murderous Regrets is a short story (a prequel if you will) of The World Among Us (Prince of Darkness #1). The story is super short, about maybe 7 or 8 pages, but Masarik manages to give you a very nice taste of what to expect from her world. Her main character Elise is a reporter getting information from a friend named Leon who murdered the leader of the supernatural world and his best friend Jason. Leon gives his story and we find the basics of why he did what he did.

     Even in a few pages, we learn that the human world and supernatural world are separated, but a few humans. We know that the gods play a big role in the supernatural world as well and manipulate things to work in their favor (well on god in particular). You will have questions, but those questions will raise your curiosity for sure. This is a super short story, but Masarik did a good job with getting our feet wet for The World Among Us which goes into more detail about this story. So I say start this series now. It is a great read with such an amazing world. Again this is just a taste and you will definitely want more.

Rating:

*This book belongs to the following challenges*

BCC's 100 Books In A Year Reading Challenge 2012

BCC's Horror & Urban Fantasy Reading Challenge 2012

Dead Book Darling's The 2012 Short Story Challenge!

BookWhore Book Club Week #3: Bella by Steve Piacente

Discussion announcement and info here: BookWhore

Blurb from BookWhore

Hello Everyone! Hope you all had a happy reading week. Here are the answers to the questions from the author some of you asked.

The Schedule

May 3rd Preface-3

May 10th 4-8

May 17th 9-12

May 24th 13-16

May 31st 17-21

June 7th 22-25

June14th 26-29

June 21st 30-33

June 28th 34-37

Review with Linky 29th

*********************************************

Chapters 9-12

1) What did you think of Danny's humble description of himself?

I liked his description. He knows what he is and knows his effect on people. It made me respect him because at least he isn't delusional like some guys are.

2) What do you think about Bella the obvious physical contact Bella keeps making with Danny?

This makes me trust her even less. Some widow you are. Your husband is dead, you suspect it was murder, and you are rubbing knees with the guy trying to help you? She is definitely manipulative and uses her "assets" in her favor. I don't know what game she is playing at, but I don't feel this is 100% for her dead husband.

3) Do you think Danny is going to be capable of remaining objective towards Bella while working on the story about her husband?

Absolutely not. He has already thought it all out in the first place. He has got to be the world's worst husband. Like I said last week, he doesn't treat Ellie like his other half, just his other. Bella knows how she is and she is exploiting that to her best advantage and Danny is falling right in.  

4) My favorite time in Book Club!! Celeb Match up!!! Leave names of which celebrity actors you picture to be Bella and Danny. You can leave picture links or just the names. 

Oh I love these. Well for me, I imagine Bella as a real Italian, so I see Monica Belluci as Isabel. She is absolutely stunning and always plays a smart woman who goes after what she wants. She is my perfect choice.

I see Michael Gladis as Danny. When I first imagined him, I thought of someone who can pull off the noir look and who wasn't supermodel good-looking, but still attractive. I think Michael is perfect for that. He use to play Paul on Mad Men. 

5) Do you have any questions for the author this week?

Do you play Tennis? You seem to know a lot about it. Was there an aspiration to play it on a professional level? 

Night Sky Blog Tour - Book Review: Night Sky by Jolene Perry

Author: Jolene Perry
Format: ePub
Release Date: March 1, 2012
Pages: 247
Publisher: Tribute Books
Genre:Young Adult/Contemporary Romance

Buy here: 

Amazon|  Barnes & Noble  |  Night Sky Blog

Synopsis from Goodreads

Girl I’ve loved, girl I’m falling for. Now that they’re both in view, the problem is clear.

After losing Sarah, the friend he’s loved, to some other guy, Jameson meets Sky. Her Native American roots, fluid movements, and need for brutal honesty become addictive fast. This is good. Jameson needs distraction – his dad leaves for another woman, his mom’s walking around like a zombie, and Sarah’s new boyfriend can’t keep his hands off of her.

As he spends time with Sky and learns about her village, her totems, and her friends with drums - she's way more than distraction. Jameson's falling for her fast.

But Sky’s need for honesty somehow doesn’t extend to her life story – and Jameson just may need more than his new girl to keep him distracted from the disaster of his senior year.

*********************************************

    Now contemporary romance isn't the first genre I gravitate towards. Hell, it isn't my second or third especially when teens are involved. But I must say, this was quite exceptional. Perry has written a great coming of age story that felt very real, romantic and mysterious.

    I love our lead character Jameson or Jay. I wish I found a guy like him in high school. The story is told from his point of view and i loved that. Perry did a great job telling this from a guy's perspective. Jay is so crushed because the girl he is in love with, Sarah, is with some jerky jock. He then meets this beautiful girl named Sky. She is a college freshman who is very outgoing and knows what she wants. I love that her boldness and laying-it-on-the-table attitude helps Jameson become more of his own. He made a great transition in this book and I really like that. This book reminds you that you should be with someone that brings out the better in you and not leave you sulking (*cough* Sarah *cough*)

    But even though he is falling for Sky, he still has feelings for Sarah. Sky knows this and wants to make sure he understands what he wants first. I love that she never acted like some crazy, jealous school girl. Made me like and respect her more. I was unsure of her at first given how they met, but her views on the world and overall personality will make you love her. But while Jameson is dealing with these new and exciting feelings, he is also dealing with the new feeling of abandonment. His mother and father aren't speaking anymore and his dad moved out. Jameson, of course, takes this blow very hard. Jameson, his mother and father were so close and seeing this huge wedge his dad left between them all was so heartbreaking.

    I love that Perry didn't add in the love triangle which always seems inevitable with YA books. Like I said Sky was amazing. But while reading, I didn't understand why Jameson loved Sarah in the first place. Honestly, I thought she was a bit of a flake. And there is a part in the end of the book that proves my point. She doesn't give Jay the respect he deserves and she sort of threw hers out the window. It is sad their friendship was going down the drain, but it was a good thing when you get down to it.

    What got me most was the twist near the end. I never would have seen that coming at all. We find out that Sky has a very painful past and she is still trying to break out of it. She is Native American from a tribe in Alaska that does things a little differently. She is fighting her family throughout this book because of her past. But it turns out it is a bit bigger than we thought. I think this book would have been just as amazing if it were told from Sky's point-of-view because she definitely has a lot of depth and character.

     If you are like me and you live and breathe Sci-fi, I would still recommend this to you. This book really did grab my attention and went beyond the realm of contemporary romance. Perry is definitely going on my list of authors to watch. It is a book full of love lost and found. A book about life and the curve balls it throws at your guts. A book that demonstrates how easy it is for any of us to fall, but where we do is completely up to us. A beautifully written book for teens and adults alike. Highly recommended! 

Rating: 

*This book belongs to the following challenge*  

BCC's 100 Books In A Year Reading Challenge 2012 

Forging Truth Blog Tour: Interview/Excerpt and Giveaway with Raymond Masters!

Hello again my wonderful OBVB readers. Today I have author Raymond Masters with me. He is the author of the new Forging Truth, an exciting new book full of superheroes and mystery. Join us and find out what superpower Masters would love to master and for a chance to win this exciting new book.

OBVB: Welcome to Offbeat Vagabond Mr. Masters! To start things off, can you tell us a bit about yourself?

RM: Thanks for having me. Let's see… In a nutshell, I'm a superhero, a good friend, a cool geek, just a guy, and a writer.

OBVB: When did you realize you wanted to be a writer?

RM: When I was a fetus, probably. I'm sure my mom was reading some Stephen King or Dean Koontz that piqued my interest and/or warped me in the womb.

OBVB: Any authors that inspired you?

RM: There have been a few, but the most prominent of these is King. I know, that's kind of a cliché, but that's what happens when you're the Big Guy in the business. There are other mainstream and Indy novelists that have grabbed me, as well as some comic writers like Geoff Johns, Mark Waid, Gail Simone – just to name a few.

OBVB: I know you are a huge comic book fan. Which comic book is your absolute favorite?

RM: Oh great, now I have to be cliché again: The Death of Superman collection was my first comic of note and it's my favorite for a few reasons. It was an awesome read and as a kid, I had no idea Superman would be back someday. I read most of it in the back of an old, blue station wagon during a trip to Texas with my folks.

OBVB: If you can have any superpower, what would it be and why?

RM: Different days might yield varying answers here. Today, I'd probably choose time travel to go back to the start of the weekend. Normally, though, I answer flight.

OBVB: Your book Forging Truth came out in December. Can you tell us what it is about? And where did the idea come from?

RM: The idea for Forging Truth evolved in phases over the course of 10 years. I've wanted to be a writer forever and loved superheroes forever. So, I put both desires in a tumbler, shook them up, and out popped Forging Truth. It's funny to think that some of the coolest elements and characters never even existed in the book's original conception.

The Truth Saga is one guy's quest to discover why he's been so drastically altered. What will he do with these powers now that he has them? Kade Truth is an everyman that screws up as much as the rest of us, but he has a pretty good head on his shoulders. He doesn't always save the day, but he's learning just what being a hero – super or otherwise – is all about.

OBVB: If your book was to be made into a movie, what actors would you like to play your characters and why?     

RM: I really don't have any lined out. Maybe some unknown would be better suited to some of these guys. I'm really too close to the characters to ask, but… Hmm… Okay, I just did some searching. These are just off the top of my head.

Kade Truth: Zac Efron

Caduceus: Stone Cold Steve Austin (But not quite!)

Meow Fang: Reila Aphrodite

Jessie: Elisha Cuthbert (24)

Stephen Marks: Jansen Ackles (Supernatural)

Richard Van Parsen: Mark Pellegrino (Lost)

Donald Bishop: Michael Emerson (Lost)

 

OBVB: Any books coming out or have already been out that you want to add to your bookshelf?

RM: I wish I could lock myself in a room with all of Jim Butcher's Dresden Files books. I've listened to the first two on audiobook, but I just would love to read them, beginning to current, in one caffeinated frenzy.

OBVB: Last but not least, are there any upcoming projects coming up that you can tell us about?

  

RM: Absolutely. I'm working on book two of The Truth Saga. Corrupting Truth starts off a couple of weeks after the events of Forging Truth. It's the next step in Kade's journey. Corrupting Truth picks up threads from the end of book one and deals with a certain prophesy. Sshhh!

OBVB: Thank you so much for visiting Offbeat Vagabond. It was amazing having you.

RM: Hey, I appreciate it. Hope everyone enjoys the book. I'm including some links to my blog, etc. You're definitely invited to drop me a line there and say hi. Let me know your thoughts.

Thanks,

Raymond

  

*********************************************

More on Raymond Masters and his work here:   

Kickstarter Fundraiser  | Official Blog  |  Twitter   

*********************************************

Excerpt & Giveaway Time!!!

Kindle  |  Paperback

Excerpt:

Set up to Chapter 5: In Training

“Good morning, sunshine. Are we ready to get a start, then?” Caduceus was dressed in one of his customary t-shirts and cut-off shorts. These were of the homemade variety, with strings dangling down his legs. “C’mon, up and at ‘em.”

            “Just a few more minutes. Go have some coffee or something,” I said in full-on sleep murmur.

            “Oh, that’s a great idea. I’ll have some coffee. Why, I hadn’t thought of that. A few more minutes, then. See you in a bit.” With that, he turned and went out of the room. I was just about to nod off, again, when I smelt the ozone smell of a thunderstorm. This was followed, in short order, by an arc of electricity from the hall to where I lay. I was lying facedown in the pillow, and was, thus, highly prone to a sneak attack from behind. The lightning struck me square in my left buttocks. “Yeow,” I screeched, “What was that for?”

            “Oh, that? That was my friendly way of reminding you I had already had my morning’s coffee during the third and fourth time I tried to wake your sorry lump up! Now, GET UP AND FIX MY ROOF! Stop by the kitchen and grab ya some breakfast on your way out. I made my five-pepper omelet, and I’m eager to see if you can stomach it.”

            “Sure, that sounds lovely, C. Just what I need, in fact: might as well have both the inside and outside of my butt burning because of you.”

*********************************************

One winner will win a Kindle (International) or Paperback (US) copy of Forging Truth by Raymond Masters. All you have to do is fill out the Rafflecopter form below. Good luck!

*Must be a Follower to win
*One winner will be chosen by Rafflecopter
*Contest ends May 21st
*Kindle version is International, Paperback is US only
*Book provided by Raymond Masters

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Review: Eternal Hunger (Mark of the Vampire #1) by Laura Wright

Author: Laura Wright
Series: Mark of the Vampire
Number in Series: 1
Format: Paperback
Release Date: October 05, 2010
Pages: 366
Publisher: Signet Eclipse
Genre: Paranormal Romance/Urban Fantasy/Erotic Romance

Buy here:

Amazon|  Barnes & Noble  |  BetterWorldBooks  |  The Book Depository  |  IndieBound

Synopsis from Goodreads

A dark and sexy debut paranormal romance

In the dark, fear and desire are one...

Alexander Roman wants nothing to do with those of his vampire breed. Fate places him at the door of Dr. Sara Donohue, who is dedicated to removing patients' traumatic memories. But as their world's collide, Sara and Alexander are bound by something even stronger as one becomes hunter and the other, prey. And Sara's only chance of survival is to surrender to the final-and most unimaginable-desire of her life.

*********************************************

     Wow, what a story this was. I have been hearing about this series for a while and since I am nuts for sexy vampires, I gave it a go. I love finding books that do something a little different with vampire mythology and this was no exception. Wright and her sexy vamps are going to fit nicely on my bookshelf.

      I am a huge fan of Alexander. I was thrown off by him at first because I thought he was possessed or something. The guy was scary as hell. But he grows on you quickly. Him and his brothers have been through a lot and they are very close. Alex is the oldest and he does his best to protect them from a life they fought tooth and nail to escape. I love these sort of family stories, ever since starting the Black Dagger Brotherhood, I have been on the hunt for them. And this was a great one. The woman that saved Alex, Sara, is a doctor who is very determined and curious. She really fights for what she wants and that is clear when she spends her life trying to save her brother Gray who has mentally checked out.

      I love Alex's brothers Nicholas and Lucian. Nicholas has his head on straight and is the peacemaker out of the three. I love that Wright gave us a little glimpse into his past and it is very bleak and destructive. I am bouncing up and down for his book. Already added in my library queue. Then there's Lucian. Oh Lucian. He is the bad seed out of the three. He is mean, wild and unpredictable. But he was also likable. He has a very dark sense of humor and I can't wait for more from him either.

      I was very invested in this story. I love the idea of PureBlood and Impure vampires. Pureblood vampires are born and are privileged. Impure are the ones that were turned and are treated like servants. One Impure named Ethan didn't like that. He is an Impure with the power of a PureBlood from a superior vamp. He wants to create an army of Impures to take out the PureBlood vampires. He is kidnapping both kinds of vamps and humans alike and having them impregnated. I love where this story went and how badass it was. Man, I love a good gun fight. I am dying for more. Someone is betraying the PureBloods and I want to know who.

      As much as I love the plot however, it did take me a bit to get into it. The book has its information overload moments and things were a bit confusing at first. I just wish things were explained a little quicker because you do feel left in the dark a few times. Also, the language for some of the sex scenes might throw you off, they did for me. I already had the discussion on how I am not a fan of the "C" word, but luckily, the story was rich and intriguing enough for me to look past that.

       Besides that, this was a great read. It was very sexy and suspenseful. I loved the ending, quite a bit comes to light that put a smile on my face while others leave your mouth hanging open. The characters are so incredible. I want more of Dillon, her and Sara definitely have a dynamic that is pretty interesting. Also Gray and Bronwyn who may give Lucian a run for his money. Overall, don't miss out on this one. This is a series worth devouring. 

Rating: 

*This book belongs to the following challenges*

BCC's 100 Books In A Year Reading Challenge 2012 

BCC's Horror & Urban Fantasy Reading Challenge 2012 

BCC's Speculative Romance Challenge 2012