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Author Mary Morgan’s second series in the land of the Fae is every bit as good as her first with the Order of the Dragon Knights! Read my review of Book 2 of the Legends of the Fenian Warriors — OATH OF A WARRIOR

Posted on September 18, 2018 by eileendandashi

Title: Oath of a Warrior Legends of the Fenian Warriors, Book 2
Author: Mary Morgan
Genre: Fantasy, Time Travel, Historical Romance
Pages: 288
Published by: The Wild Rose Press, Inc.
Published Date: June 20, 2018
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services LLC
ASIN: B07CZSXFYN

Synopsis:

“You met them in the Order of the Dragon Knights. Now, journey to the realm of the Fae and witness their legends!”

Fenian Warrior, Rory MacGregor’s love conquests are legendary, but he has never spoken of the one mortal female who captured his heart. After his dark secret is finally revealed, he is ordered to return and seal the wounds left open by her death. Yet, he finds the timeline altered and swears an oath to rewrite fate, even if it brings about his own death.

Erina MacIntyre is known for her healing herbs and love charms. Determined to aid others, she refuses to listen to the whispers that call her a witch. When a Highlander steps forth into her path, he ignites a thread of strange familiarity and sparks a flame of desire she is unable to control.

Can the destiny of two lovers find love once more among the ashes of death and betrayal? Or will history repeat itself, leaving a scorching path of destruction for both mortals and Fae alike?

Review:

My takeaway: You truly don’t know when and where help will seek you out.

A Fenian Warrior has a special role in the realm of the Fae. They are to steer a better course for human mortals, yet not alter the timeline of their life strings. The Fenian Warriors has to tread carefully among humans, yet provide guidance without change the timeline.

Through thousands of years Rory is able to do so, until he meets Erina in 1605 in Scotland. He did what no Fenian Warrior should do. He fell in love. A Fenian Warrior must never fall in love, let alone, with a human. He hid what was in his heart and continued moving through time doing his duty. His love and denial of it festers, and herein lies his tale, Oath of a Warrior as penned by the talented Mary Morgan.

Rory has broken rules again, this time after meeting Erina. He aided the Dragon Knights of Urquhart, along with two other Fenian Warriors. This series is spawned from the previous one, where these three Warriors took it upon themselves to aid the Dragon Knights who travelled a path of redemption.

If you haven’t read the series Order of the Dragon Knights you are in for such a treat when you do. I fell in love with Mary Morgan during the reading of that series. And was delighted to find she reconnects us with the Dragon Knights in Legend of the Fenian Warriors.

Rory MacGregor is in a real pickle and just has been discovered. He has wronged another. Something Fenian Warrior cannot do and continue to retain their nobility and honor. So he must return through time to correct the wrong which was committed or forever be condemned by the demons he lives with and death from the Brotherhood.

His conflict is slowly killing him. He denies his love to Erina and is responsible for her death. But the land of the Fae with their capabilities of traveling through time, Rory is given another chance, to be as a Fenian Warrior should be, and to save the woman he gave his heart to. But can he save Erina from her death, burnt as a witch, while keeping his heart unattached the second time?

Morgan’s world building floats the reader in a magical world, fantasy, yet not. Her characters are so fleshed-out, I could touch them. Her scenes are descriptive—some being very emotional which put me to tears. Even in this second reading, I enjoyed the story to the maximum. I adore how the story is laid out. Morgan is a master at bringing all the elements together and keeping the reader with her at every step. A marvelous author to add to your reading enjoyment!

Review: A FIERCE WIND by Regan Walker

Posted on September 8, 2018 by eileendandashi

Love in the time of revolution

Title: A Fierce Wind Donet Trilogy Book 3
Author: Regan Walker
Genre: Historical Romance
Setting: France, 1794 Prologue: 1790

To Tame the Wind Book 1
Echo in the Wind Book 2

Synopsis:

Zoé Ariane Donet was in love with love until she met the commander of the royalist army fighting the revolutionaries tearing apart France. When the dashing young general is killed, she joins the royalist cause, rescuing émigrés fleeing France.

One man watches over her: Frederick West, the brother of an English earl, who has known Zoé since she was a precocious ten-year-old child. At sixteen, she promised great beauty, the flower of French womanhood about to bloom. Now, four years later, as Robespierre’s Terror seizes France by the throat, Zoé has become a beautiful temptress Freddie vows to protect with his life.

But English spies don’t live long in revolutionary France.

Review: As with all this series, author Walker builds her story with a historical setting of dynamic and volatile events. She excels in digging deep into history, extracting and making clear events most layman are not familiar with. In this, she endears me to her stories, for not only are they exciting, adrenalin-producing ones, but rich in historical intrigue. I come out of reading them more knowledgeable.

Among fictitious characters, she intertwines real historical ones, breathing life once again into who they were. Walker digs deep into the historical machinations, providing a slightly different aspect of history, coupling it with an evolving relationship between friends which will satisfy every fiber of your tendre for a love story.

Zoé worked with her uncle to help those people whose heads were targeted for the guillotine. She is a passionate woman who started down this path because her betrothed, very much involved in the resistance to the new Republic of France, had it as his dying wish. With that in mind, she pursued this path with little care for her own safety.

Unbeknownst to her was the protective streak Freddie had for her. He had loved her when she was young; they were friends, at least that was what Zoé thought. But Freddie’s heart yearned for so much more. Where she went on the mission to save lives, he followed. One day Zoé would be his wife. He just had to keep her alive until then.

Zoé worried about her friend. He didn’t have the skill to be in battle. On a mission he took a bullet and Zoé realized how much he meant to her. But little did she know of Freddie. He was very able to take care of himself as you will discover within the pages of this story.

This is a series for someone who likes action, adventure, history and a good old-fashion love story.

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Ah! Love with all its challenges! Audiobook Review and Narrator Review: A WITCH’S JOURNEY, book 1 from the Lobster Cove Series. Take a look at the narrator and how she begun her career. Most interesting!

Posted on May 17, 2018 by eileendandashi

Author: Tena Stetler

Narrators: Kate Tyler

Series: Lobster Cove, Book 1

Length: 9 hours 47 minutes

Publisher: The Wild Rose Press

Released: Oct. 19, 2017

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Pepper McKay comes from a long line of powerful witches. Unfortunately, magic brings her nothing but trouble. She learned the love of wildlife rescue and rehab from her Aunt Ashling. After graduating from college, Pepper works for Salem Wildlife Sanctuary and lives from paycheck to paycheck until she inherits the McKay property in Lobster Cove. With the family land and resources, she dares to dream of starting her own wildlife rescue and rehabilitation center.

Lathen Quartz, a former Navy SEAL turned handyman maintains the enchanted McKay property for the McKay estate. But someone is trying to steal the McKay magic. Lathen offers to help Pepper achieve her life-long dream of building a wildlife center. During the long hours spent together on the project, their mutual attraction can’t be denied. But each harbors a deep, dark secret. Will they overcome their demons and give love a chance?

Best-selling author, Tena Stetler, has an over-active imagination and writes award-winning paranormal romance novels. She wrote her first vampire romance as a tween, to the chagrin of her mother and the delight of her friends. Colorado is home; shared with her husband of many moons, a brilliant Chow, a spoiled parrot and a forty-five-year-old box turtle.

Her books tell stories of magical kick-ass women and mystical alpha males that dare to love them. Well, okay there are a few companion animals to round out the tales. Travel and adventure flourish in her novels. Any summer evening, you can find her curled up in front of a crackling fire with a good book, a glass of raspberry iced tea and a bowl of popcorn.

Website⎮Twitter⎮Facebook⎮Goodreads

Narrator Bio

Kate Tyler is an audiobook narrator and producer with several published audiobooks available on Audible, iTunes and Amazon. A background in drama and a successful career in voiceover, Kate lives with her family in San Diego and enjoys swimming, running, cycling and stand up paddleboard.

Website⎮Twitter⎮Facebook⎮⎮Instagram

There are some stories which are close to your heart simply because of the setting. Pepper wants to rescue wildlife. That, in itself, brings me closer to the story. I loved the detail the author surely researched to make Pepper’s journey real to the listener–with a plot most believable. Equally lovely, was the support her parents gave her.

I like the fact that Pepper learns to rely on the love her family. I also enjoy the fact that Lathen, a simple handyman (don’t you believe it!) is there for Pepper.

This is a fun story with suspense and the joy of meeting the person that zings your heart, witch or no!

The narrator used certain tone and accents that jarred my sensibilities. Of course, this is all subjective, but I feel the tone was a harsher than it should be. Perhaps, she was interested in providing the listener a voice different from the others. Of course, every listener will react to different voice portrayals. This is not to say she took away from the story, she just didn’t bring the story to full bloom.

Bottom line: I think this is a worthy listen and if you enjoy paranormal and romance, this one is certainly up your ally.

I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by Kate Tyler. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.

How did you wind up narrating audiobooks? Was it always your goal or was it something you stumbled into by chance?
- Great question! My son, Drew, was 15 and ½ last summer. That’s a tough age for a kid entering summer because it’s a little too young for a summer job, and a little too old for a summer camp. We wanted to come up with something that we could do together during the summer to keep him busy, that would be fun and interactive, where he could earn a little side-money and something that might look good on a college resume! We searched Google for something he could do and among the suggestions we found narrating audiobooks. Since he and I both have a background in stage theater and improv, we thought it might be fun. I’m an avid audiobook listener and thought it would be fun! We ordered some equipment online and it came on a Saturday from Amazon. Drew had everything set up that night and we were off and running the next day, auditioning for books!
A lot of narrators seem to have a background in theatre. Is that something you think is essential to a successful narration career?
- Yeah, that’s what most people think. Yes, I’m in theater and so is my son. It definitely helps, but it’s absolutely not essential. Since I’ve been in this world, I’ve gotten to know a lot of narrators and many of them would describe themselves as introverts. I’m an extrovert so I found that funny. But when you think about it, you’re all alone in a small room when you work, so it works well for people who are naturally introverted. Kind of cool, right?
Are you an audiobook listener? What about the audiobook format appeals to you?
- Oh yes. I love audiobooks. I listen every week if not every day to something awesome on audio. I re-listen to stuff. I even follow a few narrators when I really like their voice. If I love a voice, I’ll check out everything they’ve done and if it appeals to me, I’ll grab it. I travel a lot for business and pleasure and I listen in the car, on trains, on airplanes and so on. I definitely listen when I’m working out. Nothing can make five miles go faster than a few good chapters of a zombie thriller!
Is there a particular genre you feel unsuited for? Have you ever declined a project because you didn’t think you were right for it?
- So, yes. I’ve declined projects. Most people think it’s all acting, but there are some things I just don’t want to narrate because I just don’t believe in them. If there is a self-help book that gives advice I just disagree with, I’d turn it down. Narrating self-help is different from acting in that it’s your voice trying to convince someone of something. If you don’t believe it yourself, you’ve got two problems. One, you won’t like saying it. Two, it will come through as fake to the listener. All bad outcomes. So it’s best they find someone else. That could be true for other narrators with other touchy subjects like politics or religion too.

How closely do you prefer to work with authors?
- I like to get to know the authors and what they are looking for. It’s the dream in their head we’re trying to make happen, so I want to try to get as close to that as possible. And, selfishly, I’m a sucker for applause and encouragement. So if my author loves my voice and they are telling me how much they enjoy how I’m doing a certain character, that’s a huge bonus for me. I love working with an author who is not shy in telling me when they are loving what I bring to the book!
Has anyone ever recognized you from your voice?
- Um. No. A big no on that one. I guess it could happen, but I’ve actually gifted some of my audiobooks to friends and family and they’re like: “Are you sure that’s really you?” I think they mean it as a compliment, but with family you never can tell!
Have there been any characters that you really connected with?
- Oh sure! You spend a lot of time with a book and voicing the characters. So a lot of what you bring to it is your own personality. It happens more often than not that you are feeling the emotions right along with the character. In Witchs’ Journey there were some exciting parts and some scary parts and some dreamy parts. You end up feeling all of those as you bring voices alive.
Do you read reviews for your audiobooks?
- Absolutely! Reviews can be very important for the success of an audiobook. I encourage listeners to leave reviews. Whenever I see a book with one or two reviews I check out the reviewers page. Does it have one review or many? If there’s only one review, I tend to wonder if it was just the author’s mom who wrote something nice. Reviews from reviewers who read 30+ books a year are key. They really know what they like and the reviews are more deep than “I liked it a lot.” It’s been fun to get reviews that say things like: “I will definitely listen to Kate Tyler again!” That way I know I’ve done my job right.

What type of the review comments do you find most constructive?
- I like reading reviews that give a taste of the story. Some sort of recap of what they thought the book was about. Once they’ve done that, then I want to see their impressions about how well the story was put together, and how well the narrator did the voices or characterizations.
Who is your “dream author” that you would like to record for?
- Well, gee, I’d say Brene Brown, because I love her, but she usually does her own stuff which makes a lot of sense. If you know her, you know you want to hear her voice reading her material. And she’s very captivating to listen to. Not all authors can read their own material, but she is very talented and makes the book come alive.
What do you say to those who view listening to audiobooks as “cheating” or as inferior to “real reading”?
- Oh, no. I think listening is equally as valuable as page turning. In fact, there are statistics that show that people who buy a book has about a 10% chance of reading it cover to cover. Audiobook listeners generally listen end to end about 80% of the time. If your goal is to get your story or message into a person, audiobook wins hands down. Not only that, page-turners are usually different people than listeners. If you want to reach a larger audience, you have to consider that. Making it available in different formats makes it accessible to a larger group of people. And after all, isn’t that the point?

May 17th:

Bookworms Corner Blog Spot

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Authors’ Secrets Blog

May 18th:

Jazzy Book Reviews

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Happily Ever BookWorm

May 20th:

The Book Junkie Reads . . .

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Posted in Action/Adventure, Audiobook, Audiobook Review, Book Reviews, Interviewing authors, Paranormal, Paranormal Romance | Tagged A Witch's Journey;, Audiobook Review, Kate Tyler, Lobster Cove Series, Paranormal Romance, Tena Stetler | 4 Comments

Review post: Rebuilding a theatre with the Hudson Sisters: Book 2 — THE SUGARHOUSE BLUES has just released penned by talented author Mariah Stewart

Posted on May 16, 2018 by eileendandashi

Sugarhouse Blues, book cover

THE SUGARHOUSE BLUES

The Hudson Sisters series, Book 2

On sale May 15, 2018!

Trade Paperback • Price: $16.00 • ISBN: 9781501144929

eBook • Price: $7.99 • ISBN: 9781501144967

Publisher’s Summary:

Allie, Des, and Cara, each having her own reasons for wanting a share of their father’s estate, meet in the grand Victorian home in which he grew up, only to be greeted by another secret he purposely hid from them: his sister Bonnie. The women reluctantly band together to take on Fritz’s challenge, working with a local contractor to begin the renovations financed by an account Fritz had set up for the task. While the restoration appears to go smoothly at first, it soon becomes apparent that the work will be more extensive than originally thought, and Des, elected to handle the money, needs to find ways to stretch out the remaining savings while searching for new sources of funding.

As strangers linked only by their DNA try to become a family, the Hudson sisters also try to come to terms with the father they only thought they knew. In the process, each woman discovers her own capacity for understanding, forgiveness, love, and the true meaning of family.

About the author

Mariah Stewart is the award-winning New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author of numerous novels and several novellas and short stories. A native of Hightstown, New Jersey, she lives with her husband and two rambunctious rescue dogs amid the rolling hills of Chester County, Pennsylvania, where she savors country life and tends her gardens while she works on her next novel. Visit her website at MariahStewart.com, like her on Facebook at Facebook.com/AuthorMariahStewart, and follow her on Instagram @Mariah_Stewart_Books.

Excerpt
Dad was the late Franklin—Fritz—Hudson, Hollywood agent and father to Des and her sister, Allie, via their mother, Honora—Nora—Hudson, the actress, who’d died four years earlier. Unbeknownst to them until recently, he’d also been father to Cara, whose mother, Susa, may or may not have been Fritz’s legal wife. Things were a bit fuzzy where his marriages were concerned. Had he divorced Nora before marrying Susa? The paper trail was spotty, and Fritz’s best friend and attorney, Pete Wheeler, hadn’t been able to shed any light on the situation when it came time to sort out the legalities. After Fritz died, it had fallen to Pete to introduce Des, Allie, and Cara to each other, and to break the news to all three daughters about their father’s dual families. Once the shock had begun to subside, Pete’d dropped the other shoe: To inherit Fritz’s estate, the three women had to live together in their father’s family home in Hidden Falls, Pennsylvania, until they completed the restoration of the family’s boarded up, run-down theater. If any one of the three refused or left before the restoration was complete, the entire estate would be donated to a charity of Pete’s choice. Since Fritz’s daughters each had her own reason for needing the money, they’d agreed to the absurd terms.

But it turned out that Fritz had kept other secrets.

There was that little matter of Fritz’s sister, Bonnie—known to everyone in Hidden Falls as Barney—who’d been living in the Hudson family home. While Fritz’d never told his daughters about her, Barney had known all about them and the terms of her late brother’s will, and was waiting for them with open arms when they arrived. It had been impossible not to love Barney, and they’d all taken to her immediately. Barney was not only smart, she was wise, loving, and had a heart of gold. She’d cheerfully filled in her nieces on the family history their father had neglected to share. Des knew her life was so much richer for having Barney in it.

And the more Des got to know Cara, the more she cared about this half sister who was down-to-earth and fun, and had been blessed with common sense, a logical mind, and an abundance of heart. She and Des even looked a little alike, both having the same curly auburn hair and heart-shaped face. Together they’d studied the family portraits displayed in Barney’s front hall, trying to figure out which ancestor they resembled.

Cara was easy to get along with, certainly more so than Allie, who was the oldest of the three, and the tallest. She was slim, and her blond hair was long and straight. She had cheek bones that a model would envy, and features that guaranteed that more often than not, she’d be the most beautiful woman in the room. Allie had an innate sense of style that Des admittedly lacked. And while as a child Des had been the star of her own TV show, Des Does It All, she’d always felt invisible when Allie was around.

And now the Review:

I had the pleasure of reading Last Chance Matinee so the story had interest for me from the beginning. The dynamics of family life with its ups and downs will keep you reading, wondering just how these three sisters, aunt and other supportive men in their lives will make it turn into a happily ever after!

I just sat back and let the story unfold. The author weaves a touching story of three sisters who work to find their place in the Hudson family. Allie is the most flawed, and like her other sisters are overcoming the trauma of divorce.

The three sisters, well fleshed-out are very different and are intriguing in how they react to circumstances. Two of the sisters have the same mother, where Cara grew up in a very level-headed home. Allie and Des’s mother was actress who didn’t really succeed as one and lived her dreams through Des, who as a young girl, landed a weekly series on the television.

I like how each of the women have financial problems and couldn’t say no to sharing their father’s estate and wild plan bringing the three together. I almost think Fritz had it all planned. A sister, alone, and probably a bit lonely, is like a mother/father image none of them really had. Emotionally, the three sisters are pretty beat up, but the wonder of this small town and the spirit of accomplishing something together definitely helps heal old wounds, allowing the women realize they are smart, and stronger when they stand together.

Let’s see where book 3 leads us.

Posted in Book Reviews, New Book Release, New Book Release Tour, Women's Fiction | Tagged Mariah Stewart, New Release, Sugarhouse Blues, The Hudson Sisters Series, Women's Fiction | Leave a comment

Audiobook Blog Tour: BEYOND THE MIST by Casi Mclean, narrated by Amy Deuchler

Posted on May 15, 2018 by eileendandashi

Author: Casi McLean

Narrators: Amy Deuchler

Length: 8 hours 10 minutes

Series: Lake Lanier Mysteries, Book 2

Publisher: The Wild Rose Press

Released: Mar. 26, 2017

Genre: Time Travel Romance

Piper Taylor concedes she’ll never fall in love, until a treacherous storm spirals her into the arms of the handsome Nick Cramer. Unrelenting remorse over a past relationship haunts Nick, but he can’t deny the mysterious connection and hot desire Piper evokes.

The allure of a secret portal hidden beneath Atlanta’s Lake Lanier tempts him into seizing the opportunity to change his mistakes. But his time slip triggers consequences beyond his wildest dreams.

Can Piper avoid the international espionage and terrorism of 2001 New York, find Nick, and bring him home before he alters the fabric of time, or will the lovers drift forever Beyond the Mist?

Award winning author, Casi McLean, pens novels to stir the soul with romance, suspense, and a sprinkle of magic. Her writing crosses genres from ethereal, captivating shorts with eerie twist endings to believable time slips, mystical plots, and sensual romantic suspense, like Beneath The Lake, WINNER: 2016 Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence for BEST Romantic Suspense.

Casi’s powerful memoir, Wingless Butterfly: Healing The Broken Child Within, shares an inspirational message of courage, tenacity, and hope, and displays her unique ability to excel in nonfiction and self-help as well as fiction. Known for enchanting stories with magical description, McLean entices readers in nonfiction as well with fascinating hooks to hold them captive in storylines they can’t put down.

Her romance entwines strong, believable heroines with delicious hot heroes to tempt the deepest desires then fans the flames, sweeping readers into their innermost romantic fantasies. Ms. McLean weaves exceptional romantic mystery with suspenseful settings and lovable characters you’ll devour. You’ll see, hear, and feel the magical eeriness of one fateful night. You’ll swear her time travel could happen, be mystified by her other worldly images, and feel heat of romantic suspense, but most of all you’ll want more.

Website⎮Twitter⎮Facebook⎮Goodreads⎮Instagram

Narrator Bio

Amy is a Chicago-based voice artist and actor specializing in audiobook narration, e-learning, and radio or TV commercials. Amy is professionally trained in commercial and narration voiceover and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Theatre from Marquette University and a Master’s degree in Library and Information Science from University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. In her spare time, Amy also enjoys reading, painting, designing lights and scenery for theatre, and biking. She lives with her boyfriend and their two cats and a dog just north of Chicago.

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If you’ve read any of my reviews, you’ll know that I’m in love with time travel. This one really blows my mind and certainly gives me lots of thoughts to ponder and contemplate.

It’s an experience you need to take, speaking of it doesn’t do it justice. Piper and Nick time travel to the day of September 11, 2011 for a worthy cause. Nick feels he has instigated the death of a women, carrying his child. He returns to the past, one year before to try to correct what he feels is his error. Piper follows him in the past to prevent further change of the timeline and further injury to ‘butterflies’. This is a story of all-consuming love, danger entwined with suspense with the destruction of the Worldtrade Center and the events leading up to the catastrophe.

I loved the many possibilities which this story propels forward. What happens after the destruction of September 11? Where is the world decades in the future? It certainly grips the imagination with much to ponder about the direction of humanity!

Mesmerizing, pacing perfect with characters of depth and character worthy of the story itself– you’ll enjoy this one.

I enjoyed the way the narrator told the story. Her character portrayal helped engage me, eager to know what happens. She added texture and emotion to the tale; her male and female voices are easily distinguishable.

I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by Amy Deuchler. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.

How did you select your narrator? I compare the search to looking through a ton of oysters to find a pearl. I’m super picky about narrators. I want them to feel the passion and pain in my story and put emphasis where I have it in my mind. The narrator has to fit the tone of the book and know what makes the characters react the way they do. Not an easy task, but I know when I hear the clips.

Were there any real life inspirations behind your writing? All of my writing has a piece of me written between the lines, especially my Lake Lanier Mysteries Series. The first time I heard the eerie lore, strange occurences and supernatural settings, my muse danced. The tales told me what to write, and the pages flowed like water. Now that I live on the lake, I’m inspired every day.

Are you an audiobook listener? What about the audiobook format appeals to you? I don’t know what I’d do without audiobooks. After a long day of sitting at my computer, reading, writing, research, promo, and marketing, my eyes blur. I love to read, but my eyes just say enough is enough. Audiobooks take me into the stories I love, while my eyes rest. I listen in my car, shopping, walking, or sitting on my porch. Anytime I need a break I have my stories. I love audiobooks!

Is there a particular part of this story that you feel is more resonating in the audiobook performance than in the book format? Amy nails the tense moments. She reads with the passion and intensity that those scenes need and makes the words jump off the pages with emotion. People can’t always read what the author feels but a good narrator helps translate those feelings.

If you had the power to time travel, would you use it? If yes, when and where would you go? Obviously, as a romantic suspense time travel author, I love the concept! I would use the power in a heartbeat. I’m not sure what I’d choose as my first destination…and yet, in a sense, I’ve already experienced a time slip with each of my novels. I hope everyone feels that way when they listen to or read my books…after all, that’s the point.

In your opinion, what are the pros and cons of writing a stand-alone novel vs. writing a series? I love a series. They give me a chance to revisit characters and places I already love and, as an author, a series reconnects me to readers who loved my stories. A stand-alone is easier. One and done. In a series, you have to find a way to bring your readers up to speed without dumping too much back story on them. But a series, to me, is more rewarding. I try to make all of my series stories stand-alone, but I make sure some of the previous characters visit in smaller roles.

What’s your favorite:

Food: Lobster
Song: Everlasting Love
Book: Knight In Shining Armor by Jude Deveraux
Television: show Outlander
Movie: Déjà Vu
Band: Anything Motown
Sports: team Atlanta Braves [pro] Georgia Bulldogs [college]
City: Ashville N.C. or Charleston S.C.

Are any of those things referenced in appearance in your work? I was inspired by Outlander and Déjà Vu but they aren’t referenced in my writing.

What bits of advice would you give to aspiring authors? Learn from those who have walked the path before you, and never give up on your dreams.

What’s next for you? My current WIP is a romantic political thriller, Reign Of Fire, which is the first in my Deep State Mysteries series, and I’m also working on a new supernatural romance series, Ghosts Of Lake Lanier.

May 13th:

Happily Ever BookWorm

The Book Junkie Reads . . .

May 14th:

Notes from ‘Round the Bend

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May 16th:

May 17th:

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May 19th:

The Book Addict’s Reviews

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Posted in Audiobook, Audiobook Review, Book Reviews, Paranormal, Paranormal Romance, Romantic Suspense, Suspense, Time Travel | Tagged Audiobook Review, Beyond the Mist, Lake Lanier Mysteries, Time Travel | 8 Comments

Audiobook Review: ARCHANGEL by Kathryn Le Veque ~ prepare yourself for tragedy at its best!

Posted on April 27, 2018 by eileendandashi

Title: Archangel The de Lohr Dynasty
Author: Kathryn Le Veque
Genre: Historical Romance
Pages: 381
Published By: Dragonblade Publishing, 2 edition
Publication Date: February 21, 2014
ASIN: B0085QFAU6

Publisher’s Summary:
Gabriel “Gart” Forbes is the most powerful knight in the arsenal of David de Lohr, Baron Thornden, brother to the mighty Earl of Hereford. When Julian de Moyon, Baron Buckland, summons Thornden for critical support, Gart travels to Dunster Castle to meet with Buckland.

Upon arrival, he is set upon by three young boys who try to rob him, all sons of Baron Buckland. Gart discovers that their mother, the Lady Emberley de Moyon, is the sister of his long-dead best friend. Remembering the lovely young girl from the days of his youth, Gart quickly realizes she has grown into a woman of magnificent beauty. He also comes to realize that Julian is a monster who beats his wife.

At first, Gart is protective of an old friend but soon, he cannot control the emotions he is feeling for Emberley. A beaten and emotionally starved woman, Emberley cannot help her feelings for a man she has loved most of her life. Succumbing to a forbidden love, Gart and Emberley find powerful allies in Baron Thornden and the Earl of Hereford as they plot to convince Julian to divorce his wife.

Adding to the chaos is the fact that Julian has taken up in a love affair with Queen Isabella. When the queen begins to find interest in another man, Julian is furious and wants to use Emberley to make the queen jealous. Gart, however, keeps Emberley well hidden from her husband, even as the Church seeks to intervene.

Through trickery, Julian discovers where Gart has hidden his wife and traps the woman, intending to kill her for her treachery. Gart is unable to help her, listening to her screams of terror, when aid comes from the most unexpected of sources. Divine intervention comes in many forms in this deeply passionate love story.

My Thoughts: What a performance! Between the exquisite story and the dynamic way delivered by Narrator Daniel Dorse, I am speechless! (but not so much I can’t write this review!) After the horrific event close to the end of the book, you’ll regain your equilibrium with humor and another of Le Veque’s epic happy endings.

First of all, Le Veque’s Medieval romances capture history as well as the emotions of mankind – what tie us together and what pull us apart.

The situation is this story is extreme for the heroine, Lady Emberley, with four children she loves dearly married to a crazed, on-the-verge lunatic husband. Marriage in those days didn’t leave much of a life for a woman. Equally, if not married, she may become a burdensome spinster aunt and a ‘nanny’ for life. Then again, she may end in a convent. Such poor choices which make these stories even more emotional for present-day readers.

Our hero, Gart Forbes, is a knight of chivalrous and honor intent, who falls in love with a married woman, the Lady Emberly. How can love survive in this environment? How can Gart tolerate seeing Lady Emberly brutalized by her husband? And what of his own code and that of the law?

The husband, Julian de Moyon, Baron Buckland, has his own agenda. He’s been bedding the queen for a year, but times are changing, and finds himself loosing ground with her. He intends to make the queen jealous by bringing his wife and children to London. Nothing quite works the way he wants.

The narrator’s voice totally fascinated me. I put the speed of the audio on 1.25X; otherwise it was too slow. His depiction of Julian held the overpowering moments of this tragic story. I do believe Dorse must know someone as demented as Julian, for he is totally convincing!

If you haven’t read any of Le Veque, you are in for such a treat. Her stories are full of grit, brutality, honor, greed and passion! Archangel, which tells the story of Gabriel and Emberly, is no exception.

Posted in Action/Adventure, Audiobook, Audiobook Review, Book Reviews, Historical Romance, Medieval Romance | Tagged Archangel, Audiobook Review, Daniel Dorse, Kathryn Le Veque, The de Lohr Dynasty | Leave a comment

Recently Published! A Review: HIGH WARRIOR by Kathryn Le Veque Powerfully and Boldly Told! – “A man hath no greater love than he lay down his life for his friends”

Posted on April 25, 2018 by eileendandashi

Powerfully and Boldly Told! – “A man hath no greater love than he lay down his life for his friends”

Title: High Warrior High Warrior of Rohan, Book 1
Author: Kathryn Le Veque
Genre: Historical Romance
Story Setting: 1217 A.D.Pages: 362
Published by: Dragonblade Publishing, Inc., 1 edition
Published Date: April 19, 2018
ASIN: B07998W9Y7

Publisher’s Summary:
A big Irish knight, much beloved by his English men, faces his biggest challenge when an injury nearly claims his life… and his confidence as a warrior.

The man known as the “High Warrior” is an Irish knight with an English overlord. Sir Bric MacRohan serves the House of de Winter as the head of the de Winter war machine. He is big, loud, and fearless.

Once the most aggressive, all-powerful knight in the realm, a great injury forces Bric to realize that he is, indeed, mortal. Though he recovers from the injury, it changes how he commands his men and how he handles himself in battle. Mentally, his is far more injured than he is, physically.

Enter Lady Eiselle de Gael. The daughter of a bastard of the Earls of East Anglia, Eiselle is ‘gifted’ to Bric by a very dear friend as a reward for saving the man’s life. The lady is resigned, but Bric is positively adverse. He doesn’t see it as a reward; he sees it as a punishment.

But what they didn’t expect was how much they would come to love each other.

When the greatest swordsman that England has ever seen lays down his weapon due to battle fatigue, it’s up to Eiselle and those who love Bric to help the man regain his confidence as a warrior, and to once again do what he was born to do. Men like Sean de Lara… Dashiell du Reims… and many more recognizable knights from Le Veque’s Medieval world all pull together to help Bric recover what he has lost… himself.

Medieval Romance has never been so emotional – or so romantic – as Bric and Eiselle discover the true power of their love.

(Note: This book is also related to the House of de Winter series and includes characters from the de Lohr Dynasty and Lords of de Royans series. Also note that it is a full length book, not 18 pages as indicated)

My Thoughts: Le Veque always writes a ‘meaty’ tale, and High Warrior is no different. In fact, once the tale ended, I felt completely replete and extremely satisfied with the outcome of two lovers and their heartache finding their dream.

Le Veque’s stories, with richly textured, often deeply scarred or flawed characters keep me thoroughly entrenched page after page. With all the conflict and struggle of life challenges, I have much to ponder, for I can always take away something of import from her stories – situations, although in Medieval times. They resonate deeply within my own romantic heart.

High Warrior goes beyond just another historical romance, our hero fights the effects of PSTD, a mental condition not accepted with compassion as we have come to understand presently, nor understood as anything other than weakness.

Our hero warrior is Bric MacRohan, revered for his mighty strength and unquestioning fearlessness on the battle field, and loved by his men. He is a man of little emotion, the men are used to that.

However, a talisman given him long ago holds much wisdom in the words inscribed upon it. He carries it always, often taking it out and kissing it during battles. The words, “A man hath no greater love than he lay down his life for his friends” a knight understands. Their brotherhood and protective spirit to bring them all home is paramount.

Bric has been instrumental in saving many lives. His close friend, Dashiell, is in a position to pay him back, but with a gift Bric does not want—Lady Eiselle. Bric is coerced into marriage; he must marry as his liege, Daveigh De Lohr, commands.

After being wounded in battle, the fearless, no emotional man who is feared as he cuts heads off on the battlefield, does the unthinkable. He runs. He’s confused. He isn’t able to understand his fear. He’s never been afraid. Is it because he has a wife and he is beginning to love her? Is she his weakness?

Lady Eiselle learns much about herself. She had been resigned to this marriage as most women are during this period in history. She finds inner-strength she knows not she has. The depth of love she finds with her warrior knight will just plain curl your toes and seal your fate!

You will experience a great love affair, shed tears of sorrow, and share the pain that Bric fears of swords and arrow. The story moves along with a fast-clip, secondary characters whom are friends of Bric support him and his wife is awesome in her support and love.

You will not be able to put this one down. I can’t wait until it comes out in audiobook. Le Veque’s books can be enjoyed over and over – so moving, so emotional and so inspiring.

Posted in Action/Adventure, Historical Romance, Medieval Romance, New Book Release | Tagged Dragonblade Publishing, High Warrior, High Warrior of Rohan, Kathryn Le Veque | Leave a comment

Audiobook Review: HELL TO PAY a Detective Kay Hunter Crime Thriller, Book 4

Posted on April 25, 2018 by eileendandashi

Author: Rachel Amphlett

Narrator: Alison Campbell

Length: 7 hours 14 minutes

Series: Detective Kay Hunter, Book 4

Publisher: Saxon Publishing

Genre: Mystery, Police Procedural

When a road traffic accident on a dark autumn night uncovers a disturbing conspiracy, Detective Sergeant Kay Hunter’s investigation exposes a ruthless serial killer exploiting vulnerable young women.

With her enemies unmasked and her career spiraling out of control, Kay’s determination to seek vengeance for the victims brings her dangerously close to those who want to silence her.

Undeterred, she uncovers the real reason behind a plot to destroy her career and sets in motion a terrifying chain of events.

RachelAmphlett.com

Before turning to writing, Rachel Amphlett played guitar in bands, worked as a TV and film extra, dabbled in radio as a presenter and freelance producer for the BBC, and worked in publishing as a sub-editor and editorial assistant.

She now wields a pen instead of a plectrum and writes crime fiction and spy novels, including the Dan Taylor espionage novels and the Detective Kay Hunter series.

Originally from the UK and currently based in Brisbane, Australia, Rachel cites her writing influences as Michael Connelly, Lee Child, and Robert Ludlum. She’s also a huge fan of Peter James, Val McDermid, Robert Crais, Stuart MacBride, and many more.

She’s a member of International Thriller Writers and the Crime Writers Association, with the Italian foreign rights for her debut novel, White Gold sold to Fanucci Editore’s TIMECrime imprint, and the first four books in the Dan Taylor espionage series contracted to Germany’s Luzifer Verlag.

Website⎮Twitter⎮Facebook⎮Goodreads⎮Instagram

First off, make sure you read or listen to the first three books of this series. Every book will give you goose bumps, and Hell to Pay is right up there with the rest.

There are so many likes to this series. With this particular book I liked the subject very much — again something that is happening in real life, so the story is very believable. The subject, human trafficking, is frightening, even and of itself, but the author really does a superb job coiling the tension ever tighter as Detective Kay comes closer to discover who is behind the woman found in the trunk of a car.

I also enjoyed the way the plot isn’t singular in its direction, but spreads to other subplots, and of course the situation Kay has with her problems at work.

Here’s a story which will have you doubting much of what you see and assuming people’s motivation behind what they do. Along side this sentiment, you’ll also find the camaraderie of co-workers who are truly loyal and friends–supporting each other through tough times. It certainly warmed my heart!

If you enjoy trying to second guess what is really happening, you won’t be able to unravel this twisted story and how it all finally comes together. Author Amphlett, my hat off to you.

The narrator does her usual phenomenal job, breathing more horror into some really well-written scenes, and emotions of support and concern from Kay’s police team.

I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by Rachel Amphlett. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.

Book 4

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Posted in Action/Adventure, Mystery, Thriller | Tagged A Detective Kay Hunter Novel, Alison Campbell, Hell to Pay, Rachel Amphlett, Thriller | Leave a comment

Review: FORBIDDEN VOW by Diana Cosby ~ trudge through the border lands and Scotland with Cosby to discover the hearts of Knights Templar

Posted on April 21, 2018 by eileendandashi

Title: Forbidden Vow The Forbidden Series, Book 3
Author: Diana Cosby
Genre: Historical Romance
Published by: Lyrical Press
Publication Date: May 15, 2018
Sold by: Penguin Random House Publisher Services
ASIN: B074YM4LF8

Publisher’s Summary:

In battle-torn Scotland, a castle’s mistress awaits her groom, a warrior she has never met . . .

Lady Gwendolyn Murphy’s fiancé has finally arrived at Latharn Castle, but she expects no joy in their introduction. Gwendolyn is well aware of Bróccín MacRaith’s cold reputation. Yet from first glance, she is drawn to the intimidating stranger. Impossible! How could she be dazzled by such a callous man?

Little does she know, Bróccín is dead. The man Gwendolyn believes to be her intended is actually Sir Aiden MacConnell, a member of the Knights Templar and her enemy, masquerading as the earl to gain access to the castle. His soul is dedicated to God and war; he has no time for luxuries of the flesh. But Gwendolyn’s intoxicating beauty, intellect, and fortitude lures him to want the forbidden.

With the wedding date quickly approaching and the future of Scotland at stake, Aiden gathers critical intelligence and steels himself for his departure, vowing to avoid an illicit liaison. But a twist of fate forces him to choose–move forward with a life built on a lie, or risk everything for the heart of one woman?

My Thoughts: Author Cosby takes us into a world of turmoil, danger and passion. Lady Gwendolyn expects to be just a pawn in a man’s world, but surprisingly finds her betrothed doesn’t seem to live up to his reputation of being cold and ruthless.

Before either can catch their breaths, they are married. Sir Aiden never meant for his ruse to go so far. He is, after all, a Knight Templar, a man who lives his life of honor.

Lady Gwendolyn knows she must acquiesce to the marriage, but she doesn’t have to like it. She’s a strong-willed, determined woman, very capable of fending for herself. Yet, this man simply attracts her and shows a side of himself she can’t reconcile with her previous understanding of the man she was to marry.

Sir Aiden, impersonating Bróccín MacRaith, is good and stuck with the marriage. He figures he can at least keep her innocence intact, until he is lost in battle and ‘dies’. That’s his plan, at least.

When Latharn Castle is overtaken by the English shortly after Sir Aiden gets married, she and Sir Aiden escape together. Both of them are in a perilous situation, at the same time, very drawn to each other.

The situation gets more convoluted as the author very eloquently takes us into the wilds, hiding from the pursuing English. The couple fight the urge for intimacy, at least Sir Aiden does! Lady Gwendolyn thinks she’s married, but she isn’t because Sir Aiden falsely uses Bróccín MacRiath’s name and timely death to his advantage to gain entry to Latharn Castle and marries under a false name. Lady Gwendolyn wants him to bed her and can’t understand why he keeps avoiding it. This is eye-rolling stuff!

Although lots of suspense, there is considerable humor to the situation. Sir Aiden is taking them to Robert Bruce who we found out in the previous book of the series, he, too, is a Knight Templar, as well as King of Scotland. However, he is Gwendolyn’s enemy. Yes, it is convoluted, but it makes such an exciting tale. You will like the surprises!

I’ve really enjoyed this series. I like how Cosby takes the event of the escape of the Knights Templar from France’s history providing us how they must have felt and what had to be done for the treasures they kept safe. Take time to discover this author, an author who loves Scotland, and who provides just plain good entertainment.

Posted in Action/Adventure, Diana Cosby, Highland Romance, Highland Stories, Historical Romance, New Book Release, Romance | Tagged Diana Cosby, Forbidden Vow, historical romance, Scottish romance, The Forbidden Series | 1 Comment

Audiobook Review from a wonderful mystery series: ONE TO WATCH, a Detective Kay Hunter Novel by Rachel Amphlett

Posted on April 17, 2018 by eileendandashi

Author: Rachel Amplett

Narrator: Alison Campbell

Length: 7 hours 27 minutes

Series: Detective Kay Hunter, Book 3

Publisher: Saxon Publishing

Genre: Mystery, Police Procedural

Sophie Whittaker shared a terrifying secret. Hours later, she was dead.

Detective Kay Hunter and her colleagues are shocked by the vicious murder of a teenage girl at a private party in the Kentish countryside.

A tangled web of dark secrets is exposed as twisted motives point to a history of greed and corruption within the tight-knit community.

Confronted by a growing number of suspects and her own enemies who are waging a vendetta against her, Kay makes a shocking discovery that will make her question her trust in everyone she knows.

One to Watch is a gripping murder mystery thriller, and the third in the Detective Kay Hunter series. A whodunit for fans of Jeffery Deaver, Peter James, David Baldacci, and James Patterson.

RachelAmphlett.com

Website⎮Twitter⎮Facebook⎮Goodreads⎮Instagram

Here’s a series that only gets better. Detective Kay Hunter is warm, compassionate, intelligent and a great heroine to this series.

Each book deals with a police case, as well as tightening the coils on ongoing danger to Kay, while the main characters take our attention in a different direction, no less intriguing and suspenseful.

Kay is finding her boss Sharp is one to be trusted as well as a friend. He watches her back when his superior lays in on Kay — her professionalism and anything he can do to break down her self-esteem. Sharp also believes in her. He’s a boss we all wish we had!

In this story, leaks become known about things few know about Kay. How are they getting out? Can she trust her inner-team?

Adam, her husband, is ever-present as her support and love. He plays a subordinate role in the story.

I truly enjoyed the many possibilities of who could have murdered a sixteen-year-old girl at an interesting ceremony — a girl’s vow taken to remain pure and untouched until she marries her husband. I also found the police’s efforts in unraveling the crime scene and finding the one who committed the murder, most interesting and well-written. I had my suspicion close to the end of the story about ‘who dun’ it’, so was delighted I was right. Author Amphlett does a great job laying out the facts of the murder, encouraging the reader to ‘guess’ just what happened. The narrator is admirable in retelling the story, keeping me focused on the intrigue and facts.