Sunday Salon: Romance Comes In Many Flavors

Sunday Salon - Gather around my friends, refill your cups and let’s talk books!

When it comes to placing books in genres, I’m amazed at how many sub-genres there are and just how many ways a book can be listed.

Romance is one of those genres that can cover a vast array of sub-listing. I have only 3 examples of that today and they fall into paranormal, western and historical sub-categories of romance. May we always find a little romance in everything we do.

A DEMON DOES IT BETTER by Linda Wisdom

Doctor Lili Carter is a witch healer extraordinaire with a cat familiar named Cleo. After more than a century, Lili returns to San Francisco and has taken a job at Crying Souls Hospital and Asylum, well-known to the supernatural world.

As of late, however, there is something peculiar and wicked happening at Crying Souls. Patients are disappearing and being the curious witch she is, Lili wants to know why.

In a short time, Lili finds herself undeniably attracted to perhaps the most mysterious patient of all — a demented but seriously sexy demon named Jared. What’s behind the gorgeous chameleon demon’s late-night escapades? Before long, Lili and Jared are investigating each other—and creating a whole new kind of magic. But what other dangers are around the corner for both Lili and Jared? Who has the strongest magic?

Author Linda Wisdom has a way of creating a world filled with witches and demons that seems normal and ordinary. Her characters are realistic despite their unique abilities. While her characters may be zany and a bit ‘different,’ they are filled with love, caring, loyalty and friendship (except for the evil ones, of course).

The storyline flows smoothly and quickly. Wisdom combines steamy, sexy characters with humor, adds in a dose of danger and intrigue, stirs in a few surprises and a measure of history for a spellbinding story you can’t put down.

Author Linda Wisdom’s website is www.LindaWisdom.com. 

A Demon Does It Better by Linda Wisdom, A Demon Series, Sourcebooks Casablanca, @2012, ISBN: 978-1402236723, Paperback, 352 Pages

FTC Full Disclosure - This book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.

DYLAN by C.H. Admirand

Earn some extra cash and helping out the club owner, Dylan Garahan is working as a dancer at the Lucky Star club. When he’s asked to lasso a brunette as a birthday surprise, he’s the one gets surprised. This time even his formidable strength can’t tame this filly. 

She’s wily and beautiful… and she soon becomes his new boss. Dylan’s had his heart broken before, but even an honest cowpoke has to wrestle with temptation. 

Ronnie DelVecchio had recently purchased the Guilty Pleasure store and was attempting to make a go of it when vandals struck not once but twice. Now her store needs some major repairs and a Garahan brother is suppose to be the carpenter.

While she might be fresh off the bus from New Jersey, Ronnie is a hard-edged businesswoman and has had her fill of men she can’t trust. Should she consider getting off her high horse for that big handsome rancher with a Texas drawl?

You know from the moment these two meet that it’s going to be a bumpy road to the end filled with humor and enough twists and turns to make you want to ring both of their necks while loving it all the way. Author C.H. Admirand has created characters that you feel you’ve known all your life and ones you want to get to know more.

DYLAN is the second installment in the Secret Life of Cowboys series, but is a stand alone read. There are references to the prior book (TYLER), but not so that new readers are lost. If you’re looking for a sexy cowboy to swept you off your feet as you read of ranch life, you’ve come to the right book. Looking forward to seeing what the youngest Garahan brother (JESSE) gets into next.

Author C.H. Admirand’s website is www.chadmirand.com

Dylan by C.H. Admirand, The Secret Life of Cowboys Series, Sourcebooks Casablanca, @2012, ISBN: 978-1402258077, Paperback, 384 Pages

FTC Full Disclosure - This book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.

 

IRISH LADY by Jeanette Baker

Born in the slums of Belfast, Meghann McCarthy thought she had left that life far behind. Now a successful and brilliant barriester, Meghann is a woman who has made all her childhood dreams come true - becoming a rich and living in London’s classiest district. 

Yet Meghann can never quite banish Ireland from her heart, or forget Michael Devlin, the boy from the slums she once loved with a passion that nearly tore her apart. Now Michael needs her help.

Because she has never forgotten, Meghann agrees to defend Michael — a notorious Irish nationalist — when he becomes involved in a vicious court case. She’ll risk everything to save him and she’s not the first of her family to do for a man she loves. As Meghann delves further into Michael’s case, further into the history that binds them so irrevocably, she slips into the unfolding drama of centuries before…of another woman’s desperate fight to free her rebel husband from the clutches of Queen Elizabeth.

But even as she jeopardizes her hard-won success, she at last finds the true power and spirit of the Irish heritage she has too long denied…and the courage to face her love for Michael Devlin. 

This is a tale of love and turmoil weaving with the past and present. Author Jeanette Baker places the reader in the setting with her vivid descriptions and wonderful dialect. The love and loyalty will tug at your heartstrings.

Baker beautifully transitions between the present and past making the story flow smoothly as you are caught up in the adventure. The story will captivate you and not let go until the end.

Author Jeanette Baker’s website is www.jeanettebaker.com.

Irish Lady by Jeanette Baker, Sourcebooks Casablanca, @2012, ISBN: 978-1402255922, Paperback, 336 Pages 

FTC Full Disclosure - This book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.

 

Do you enjoy a little romance in what you read? Do you like finding other genres – history, paranormal, western, etc. – in with your romance stories? Thanks for stopping by and have a safe and wonderful Sunday.

Author Linda Wisdom: Demon Tidbits And A Giveaway

It is always a pleasure to welcome author Linda Wisdom to Thoughts in Progress when she’s touring with her latest release.

Linda’s current book is A DEMON DOES IT BETTER. Here’s a brief synopsis:
A madhouse is not place for a curious witch…
After more than a century, Doctor Lili Carter, witch healer extraordinaire, has returned to San Francisco and taken a job at Crying Souls Hospital and Asylum, where something peculiar and wicked is happening. Patients are disappearing, and Lili wants to know why. 

And double dangerous for a demon…
Lili finds herself undeniably attracted to perhaps the most mysterious patient of all—a demented but seriously sexy demon named Jared. What’s behind the gorgeous chameleon demon’s late-night escapades? 

Before long, Lili and Jared are investigating each other—and creating a whole new kind of magic. 

  
Thanks to Linda and Danielle at Sourcebooks, I have 2 copies of A DEMON DOES IT BETTER to giveaway to 2 lucky visitors who comment on today’s post by 8 p.m. (EST) Saturday, Jan. 14. The giveaway is open to residents of the U.S. and Canada only. Be sure to leave your e-mail address with your comment if it’s not included in your profile.

While Linda’s books are filled with suspense and intrigue, there is always humor mixed in to keep you smiling (if not laughing out loud) while you read. With that in mind, I asked Linda some unusual questions about her characters.

Mason - Do your main 2 characters have a library or a collection of books? What would be their favorite genres to read?

Linda - Unfortunately, the only thing Jared has is what’s in his mind or what he sees when he uses the shadows to escape the asylum. Personal belongings aren’t something he’s allowed. Lili’s library is more medical, mundane and supernatural along with Greek history.

 

Mason - List 5 of their favorite books.

Linda - Jared didn’t have any while Lili wished she had more time to read.

 

Mason - Tell us one thing about each of the 2 main characters that even their friends don't know.

Linda - Ooh, that’s a toughie! Lili fainted during her first autopsy.  She claimed she was lightheaded since she hadn’t eaten lately, but that wasn’t the case. But then Ruzos are known to be incredibly smelly when they’re opened up. Jared has an addiction to French fries. Luckily, Lili’s able to help him out with that.

 

Mason - How did these main 2 characters first come to you?

Linda - Lili started out with brief scenes in Jazz’s books, 50 Ways to Hex Your Lover and Hex Appeal. She’d been fleshing herself out more as time passed and I knew it was time to write her book.

 

Mason - Do you try to include some type of meaning or message (such as enjoy life) in your story or does it just develop on its own?

Linda - I like to incorporate a bit of past history in my books. And easy to do when the witches are over 700 years old and same with the other characters. So I like to thread historical facts into the stories.

 

Linda, thanks so much for guest blogging today and sharing some background on Jared and Lili. They are both intriguing and fun characters.

Now for a bit of background on Linda. She has published more than 70 novels with 13 million copies sold worldwide including traditional, paranormal, humor, action/adventure romance, and romantic suspense. Her bestselling books have been nominated for RT Book Reviews awards and the Romance Writers of America Rita Award. 

She lives with her husband in Murrieta, California. For more information on Linda and her writing, please visit her website at www.LindaWisdom.com. 

Do you enjoy learning background on characters you’re reading about? Have you ever thought about what books your favorite character would have? Thanks so much for stopping by today. Be sure to leave a comment for a chance to win 1 of 2 copies of A DEMON DOES IT BETTER.

 

Two Reviews And A Giveaway

‘Variety’s the very spice of life, That gives it all its flavour.” ….William Cowper, THE TASK (1785)

That’s what I enjoy about books, there’s so much variety to select from. And that’s what I’m offering today - a variety of genres to whet your reading appetite. I have 2 reviews and a giveaway, all from different genres.

First up, let’s head west and take a look at a western romance novel with a slight twist.

COWBOY FEVER by Joanne Kennedy

COWBOY FEVER is your typical western romance with sexy cowboys, horses, and damsels in distress. However, this story has a couple extra layers that might surprise you and give you a different take on the genre.

Teague Treadwell has been the typical ‘bad boy’ cowboy growing up. But when a person he loved went away to better themselves, Teague decided it was time to get his act together. Taking over the ranch from his alcoholic father, Teague turned it into a profitable business raising rough stock (bucking horses and bulls). In addition, Teague has taken on the role of caring for his older brother, Troy, who has Down Syndrome.

The typical ‘girl-next-door,’ Jodi Brand enjoyed being a tomboy but used her good looks to become Miss Rodeo America. From there Jodi went East to model for six years. During that time she also studied and got a degree in special education.

Jodi returns to her hometown determined to leave the glam life behind and build a successful therapy riding program for disabled children. Troy wanting his independence inspired her.

While Jodi and Teague are drawn to each other from their childhood friendship, there are several obstacles in their way to happiness. One in particular is Courtney Skelton, a spoiled, rich want-to-be cowgirl who wants Teague all to herself.

The caring and concern Teague and Jodi feel for each other give the story depth. Author Joanne Kennedy gives a new layer to the story when she addresses the issue of children with disabilities. She shares how therapy programs work to give these individuals more independence. COWBOY FEVER is a tender love story with a lot of heart, emotion and inspiration.

Author Joanne Kennedy’s website is http://joannekennedybooks.com/

Cowboy Fever by Joanne Kennedy, Sourcebooks Casablanca, @2011, ISBN: 978-1-4022-5141-2, Paperback, 416 pages

FTC Full Disclosure - I requested this book and it was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.

Next we take a trip to see what evil underworld creatures are up to in a paranormal romance with a dose of humor.
 

DEMONS ARE A GIRL’S BEST FRIEND by Linda Wisdom

Working in law enforcement is hard work especially when the criminals are nefarious creatures.

But Maggie O’Malley is good at her job. She’s well trained and is a member of The Hellion Guard, a secret branch of law enforcement. Not to mention, she’s a 700-year-old witch.

Declan is the sexy owner of the Damnation Alley bar. It’s his responsibility to keep the creatures from coming through the bar’s portal and creating havoc for humans. He’s also a half fire demon.

Maggie and Declan must join forces to help protect Courtney, a teenager who is number one on the Maylan human sacrifice list. If Courtney is sacrificed, a major bad guy will be freed. While dealing with the teenager and trying to keep her safe, Maggie and Declan have to also deal with their growing feelings for each other. Fire demons and witches don’t mix well.

DEMONS ARE A GIRL’S BEST FRIEND is a delightful read with witty and eclectic characters. My favorite is Ella, the diamond encrusted Black Widow Spider with ruby eyes who doubles as Maggie’s tattoo.

Author Linda Wisdom has done a wonderful job of creating a fantasy world with lovable characters you’ll want to visit again and again.

Author Linda Wisdom’s website is www.lindawisdom.com

Demons Are A Girl’s Best Friend by Linda Wisdom, Sourcebooks Casablanca, @2011, ISBN: 978-1-4022-5439-0, Paperback, 384 pages

FTC Full Disclosure - I requested this book and it was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.

We end our journey today with a look at a fiction thriller that will be released on May 5 and is up for a giveaway.

TABLOID CITY by Peter Hamill

I’m able to giveaway 2 copies of Peter Hamill’s newest release, TABLOID CITY, thanks to Anna and the good folks at Little, Brown and Company.

Here’s a brief synopsis of the book:
In a stately West Village townhouse, a wealthy socialite and her secretary are murdered. In the 24 hours that follow, a flurry of activity circles around their shocking deaths: The head of one of the city's last tabloids stops the presses. A cop investigates the killing. A reporter chases the story. A disgraced hedge fund manager flees the country. An Iraq War vet seeks revenge. And an angry young extremist plots a major catastrophe.

The City is many things: a proving ground, a decadent playground, or a palimpsest of memories-- a historic metropolis eclipsed by modern times. As much a thriller as it is a gripping portrait of the city of today, TABLOID CITY is a new fiction classic from the writer who has captured it perfectly for decades.

Pete Hamill is a novelist, journalist, editor, and screenwriter. He is the author of 20 previous books including the bestselling novels FOREVER and SNOW IN AUGUST and the bestselling memoir, A DRINKING LIFE. He lives in New York City.

Click on the following link to hear an excerpt and/or video of TABLOID CITY - http://www.hachettebookgroup.com/books_9780316020756.htm

To enter this giveaway, send me an e-mail (mcbookshelf@gmail.com) with the subject line, “Win Tabloid City.” Your message should include your name and mailing address. The contest is open to residents of the U.S. and Canada only and no post office box addresses can be accepted. In addition, Hachette advises winners that they will be subject to the one copy per household rule, which means that if they win the same title in two or more contests, they will receive only one copy of the title in the mail. (Winners here have always be great about letting me know if they have already won the book somewhere else so another winner can be selected. However, this announcement is something that has to be passed along from Hachette). And, just so you know, I don’t share the mailing information or use it for any other purpose. The deadline to enter the giveaway for a chance at 1 of 2 copies of  TABLOID CITY (ISBN: 9780316020756), a 288 page hardcover editioin, is 8 p.m. (EST) on Saturday, May 7.

Do you like variety in your reading?

Sunday Salon: Hex in High Heels by Linda Wisdom

Looking for a something a little different for your reading pleasure in the New Year?

Look no further than "Hex in High Heels" for an entertaining, fantasy adventure, topped off with a hot-blooded romance and a touch of paranormal.

What’s a guy to do when his family shuns him? To make matters worse, the family wants him dead.

Deciding to leave his family and go out on his own wasn’t a difficult decision for hunky carpenter Jake Harrison. Letting the feisty shop owner, Blair Fitzpatrick, get close to him is.

The two are complete opposites. Blair is into vintage items. Jake is an outdoors-type. Blair is a witch. Jake is a Were-Border Collie.

“Hex in High Heels” is a funny, laugh-out loud magical journey. It’s a mixture of romance, suspense, humor and exploits with just the right amount of paranormal added to create a perfect blend.

Trouble begins before the Winter Carnival when Jake’s brother and mother show up followed soon by the rest of their pack. Added to the mix is an RV full of unruly elves causing chaos around town.

Can Blair convince Jake she’s on his side in time to help him save the town from his family of Werewolves? First she has to rescue him from the city pound before he’s destroyed as a killer dog.

Author Linda Wisdom weaves a story of loyalty, trust and honor while taking the reader on a magical carpet ride. Meanwhile, the sexual tension between Jake and Blair explodes on the page creating an erotic adventure for the reader.

The story is fast pace from beginning to end. The cast of zany characters adds to the enchantment. You’ll be bewitched by Horace, an eight-inch, gray-stone gargoyle; Felix, the Kit-Kat clock; and Fluff and Puff, bunny slippers who become a tattoo; along with various other witches, wizards and ghosts.

“Hex in High Heels” is the fourth installment in Ms. Wisdom’s paranormal romance series. It’s a stand alone book. However, you’ll be reaching for the other three books just to see what else has happened. The book also includes a recipe and a sneak peek at the next Hex book, “The Best Hex Ever.”

Let the magic surround you and draw you in as witches, wizards, werewolves and elves come to life. Let your imagination take you away to Moonstone Lake where life is anything but ordinary.

“Hex in High Heels” casts a spell of intrigue that will have you twitching your nose for more.

Hex in High Heels by Linda Wisdom, Sourcebooks Casablanca, @2009, ISBN: 13-978-1-4022-1819-4, 384 pages, paperback.