Review: Endless Night

Kenn Baker’s Endless Night is not the average vampire book. This is a darkly intense story of lust, greed, violence, and primal urges that refuse be ignored…..and I loved it! Filled with bloody scenes of sex and death, it is a more realistic look into what a world with vampires would be like. You won’t find any love-sick, angst-filled vampires trying to find a way to love a human in this book. In fact, there are very few humans in this book: except for the ones that end up as lunch.  When reading most vampire stories, I tend to root for the good guy. But in Endless Night, the good guy is a bad guy. Even though there was a ton of violence in the book, there is humor, too. I found myself laughing when humans were being torn apart, sometimes envisioning the characters dancing and laughing while slaughtering them (Think “A Clockwork Orange” but with vampires!).

Baker’s writing was extremely descriptive, which made the book that much more intense to read. Each and every character adds an extra level to the story with their unique personalities. I’m happy to know that the author is going to add to the series.  I’d love to see more from all of the characters and find out where their lives are going to go.

If you’re looking for a sweet romance or a happily-ever-after story with rainbows and flowers, this is not the book for you. While there is humor and a little romance, it’s a dark humor that not everyone will like. If you enjoy a little horror with your vampires, then I say this is a must-read. It really was a fantastic read that fans of gothic vampire romances will like. Endless Night is a delightfully dark walk on the wild side that was impossible to put down.

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

From the author

James is a vampire who wants to hunt, he relishes the kill. He wants to hunt openly, leaving the dead where they fall, but his pack leader Brad insists upon discretion. James is discontent with this domesticated vampire life, and does everything he can to change his life, fix his relationship, end the tyranny of Brad and avoid that pesky sun.

Endless Night is a fang-filled feeding frenzy of fornication and of course….blood.

Vampire Romance Books

Links, Fun & Games

To follow the proceedings of Digital Book World 2012, the hashtag #dbw12 is a mix of reaction and reporting. Alas, my reporting ended after lunch, as I had to take a break from the conference and go home. I am not sure if I'll be back tomorrow, but the hashtag is full of folks reporting from the different panels.

One highlight today; a full hour in the morning of the opening day devoted to lessons learned from romance ebook publishing, featuring Julie Cummings from AllRomance, Raelene Gorlinsky from Ellora's Cave, Liate Stehlik and Angela James from Carina Press.

The panelists discussed DRM, pricing, and the ways in which digital publishing has created a more adept and flexible publishing model that's better positioned to treat readers as customers and to take charge of their own customer service relationships. Two years ago, romance was part of an afternoon session – this year it was among the first sessions on the main stage. Most excellent.

From Ruth: here's a review from a reader at Amazon that takes into account many, many grammatical errors in a Carole Mortimer book published by Mills & Boon:

The story is 180 pages long. At 250 words per page, that is a total of 45,000 words which can be roughly broken down to 6,400 sentences. Out of these 6.400 sentences there are 178 sentences that end with ellipses (…); 121 sentences that end with ellipses followed by a question mark (…?); 93 sentences that end with a dash (-); 26 that end in an ellipsis followed by an exclamation mark (…!); 11 that end with a dash followed by a question mark (-?); 9 that end with an exclamation mark followed by a dash (!-) and 2 that end with dash followed by an exclamation mark (-!).

Whoa. 

Sporcle quizzes are a quiet obsession of Hubby's, but I think this is the first one I've done better on than he has! Sporcle has a new quiz all about Harlequin romance heroes.

I got all of them with 4:11 seconds left. What's your score and time?

Thanks to Matt and Catherine both for the link!

Paul Bogaards' Tumblr post about the hierarchy of book publishing received a lot of Twitter traffic – and thank you to the many folks who pointed out that Smart Bitches is #53. As Secret Agent Dan said, “You're above the Pulitzer!” Which made me laugh – that's hilariously cool. Thanks, Mr. Bogaards.

Categories: General Bitching, The Link-O-Lator

Smart Bitches, Trashy Books

Review: Embrace the Highland Warrior

Embrace the Highland Warrior is the second book in Anita Clenney’s series about a clandestine group of Highland warriors tasked with destroying demons and protecting the humans they are trying to destroy.

This book is pure enjoyment. The kilted Connor clan from Awaken the Highland Warrior is back in this second novel, along with the Demons and Vampires who both want a piece of Shay. The writing in this was great!  The plot twists and turns, along with the romance between Shay and Cody, and the all the hot guys in kilts, make this an incredible read. I seriously hope Anita keeps on writing about the Connor clan. I had to read this all in one sitting; I just could not put it down! The action in this is non-stop, along with the sizzling sex between Shay and Cody. I loved that Anita brought so much life to all of her characters in this book, and I can see many more books to come about all of these warriors. From the first page to the last sentence, Anita kept me hooked on Shay’s story, and it was nice to see the return of some old friends from the first book.

5 stars

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

From Amazon.com

When the powerful demon that left Shay for dead discovers her empty grave, he comes seeking retribution, believing she possesses an ancient book he has sought for centuries. Knowing she can’t fight the demon alone, Shay returns to her clan and the Scottish Warrior who betrayed her…the only man she’s ever loved, where she discovers that betrayal isn’t always what it seems. Sometimes it’s far worse.

Vampire Romance Books

Like Downton Abbey?

Then you’ll love Laura Lee Guhrke’s AND THEN HE KISSED HER, now only $.99 on nook or kindle! Read the 2008 RITA finalist that Romantic Times called “great fun and delectable reading.”

Avon Romance

Lisa Kleypas’ Rainshadow Road: An Interview and a Giveaway!

Lisa Kleypas' Rainshadow Road comes out in February, and her publisher has offered 10 finished copies to give away. Whoo! And not only do we have books to give away, but Lisa Kleypas was kind enough to answer several inane questions from me via email. Hooray – bonus interview!

Rainshadow Road has magical realism while Friday Harbor did not. Why add it to this novel? Did you plan to go this way all along with the series? 

Well,  when I first visited Friday Harbor with Greg and the kids a couple of years ago,  I really felt a sense of “otherness” or magic in the air. It's a misty Brigadoon-type place–but you're probably too young for that reference,  unless you're a show tune queen like me. San Juan Island is unique place–a mixture of steep hills and bluffs, forests, rolling farmland, sandy beaches,  and all of it is protected by the Olympic mountain rainshadow. And I'd read and loved so much magic realism in the past,  including “Like Water For Chocolate” by Laura Esquivel,  and “Garden Spells” by Sarah Addison Allen,  that I really saw this as the chance to try something fresh in my career. 

The one glitch was that “Christmas Eve at Friday Harbor” was conceived as a Christmas novella,  to sort of gently introduce a few of the characters,  and it didn't seem right to launch into magic realism with that shorter format.  So I tried to leave possibilities open with that story,  and figuratively blow some kisses in the direction of magic,  and then I really went for it with Rainshadow Road.

How many times have you been to Friday Harbor at this point – or is that where you live now?

I think I've been about four times so far,  and I would love to have a place there!  It would be incredible to slow down and relax,  and live on island time.  But Greg and I still have school-age kids,  and they want to stay where we are,  and we all have too many friends and interests to even think about moving.  And also . . . at this point in my life I'm not very good at relaxing.

How many books do you envision setting in Friday Harbor? 

What I've got on the schedule right now is Dream Lake (about the bitter and hard-living Alex Nolan,  being haunted by the ghost of a WWII fighter pilot who wants to be reunited with the woman he once loves) . . . and Crystal Cove (about Justine Hoffman,  a free-spirited young woman who casts a spell to fight a dangerous attraction to the mysterious Jason Black).  Beyond that,  I'm not sure yet–I've been getting a lot of nudges from readers who might like to read a book featuring Joe Travis from my Texas trilogy. 

Your character, Lucy, has a number of challenging and almost unavoidable relationships with people. Which do you think was hardest for her – or for you?

I think the most difficult relationship for Lucy to deal with–and for me to ponder and write about–was the dysfunctional family system she grew up with.  Because Lucy loves her parents and her spoiled younger sister,  but the family structure is hurtful to her. Together the three of them damage her self-esteem,  and they collectively parentify her by loading a lot of responsibility and expectation on her. And that brought me to question of how Lucy might be able to change the dynamic and let her family know that the hurtful patterns have to change. What I've experienced in my own life is the discovery that the people who truly love you will listen and try to respect your needs,  and they will make an effort to change.  Whereas others will basically say, “I love you but this relationship has to be done my way, period.”

What's one thing you are really excited to share with readers in this book? Is there a scene or a character, or something you're just so very proud of, that you can't wait to share?

I had SO much fun developing the character of Sam Nolan!  Although my husband Greg has been the inspiration for many of my heroes,  I think Sam is the most like him.  Sam is cute, sexy,  and all-out geeky, and I sprinkled geekitude in every scene he's in,  including describing his nerdy tee shirts,  his love of space and science,  and his computer skills.  For example, when he and Lucy want to watch a movie,  and she points out that it will take too long to download it,  and Sam replies smugly,  “I've got a download accelerator that maximizes data delivery by initiating several simultaneous connections from multiple servers. Five minutes, tops.” So he's a different type of hero for me,  and I really loved that.

And, while I'm asking, which is your favorite scene? 

By far, the scene I enjoyed writing the most was the one with Sam and Lucy in the shower.  I won't spoil anything by revealing exactly what happened to Lucy,  but after a major turn of events,  Sam has to help Lucy shower.  And since this is still at an early point in their relationship,  he's trying desperately not to become aroused. So he's nervous and breathing heavily,  and he can't help flirting with her in spite of himself. From that point on,  I really had a handle on their relationship,  the way they constantly try to set up barriers but still just can't resist each other. I think there's a metaphor somewhere in the book where he describes their relationship as a binary star,  which is a pair of circling stars caught forever in each other's orbit.  

I really loved Sam, I confess. I think nerd geek heroes are finally getting the audience they deserve. And I think Sam's t-shirts are going to be a reader favorite – where did you find the inspiration? Do you have a favorite? 

Thank you! What's not to love about a geek?  As one of Lucy's friends says in the book,  they're great in bed because they fantasize a lot and love to play with gadgets.  As for the tees,  I was inspired by both my husband and son, who both love nerdy shirts.  My favorite was the Shrödinger's cat shirt,  not because it was funny so much as it forced me to try to understand the classic thought experiment using a hypothetical cat in a box. (The best explanation I found, incidentally, was this one  . . . and among the scientists who describe the experiment, there is a very attractive young dark-haired geek with a Scottish accent who has a nice monologue at 3:44!) I finally sort of got it,  although I discovered that I don't have the right kind of brain for quantum physics. Which was not a big shock, by the way.

One thing that struck me: Sam and Lucy meet at the worst possible moment for her, literally right after she's been dumped. And there are a lot of things lining up against them. Did you think one obstacle was the most difficult for them to overcome? 

I thought that although they were both struggling with trust issues,  for Lucy it was more a problem of trusting other people whereas for Sam it was a problem of trusting himself.  Because many children of alcoholics,  as Sam is,  grow up with this feeling that the seeds of destruction are sown at the beginning of every relationship. And if you believe that,  then the more you love someone,  the worse it's going to hurt when they inevitably abandon you or let you down.  So I felt that Sam's issue was the most challenging obstacle–and I loved it that magic eventually reflected the realization that his heart was pulling him toward. 

That's the neat part of magic realism–the magic doesn't necessarily solve the problem,  it's just part of the world the same way sunlight or flowers are.  In that sense,  ordinary things like babies and rainbows and love itself are just as magical as transforming glass. And that's very easy for a romance writer to believe!

If there's a reader of yours who loves your historicals, for example, why would they also like this book? Which of your strengths do you think most shines in this book?

I think no matter what genre or setting a romance features,  as long as it has a strong relationship and emotional appeal (and of course some spicy love scenes!) it will work for most romance readers. But here's something interesting that happened as I was writing Rainshadow Road:  As I was going through my usual process,  which is to start each day by rewriting what I did the previous day,  and then periodically revising the entire manuscript,  I found myself adding more lyrical and elaborate phrasing because it seemed to suit the story more.  Usually in my contemporary writing,  I try to keep the prose really simple and stripped-down,  but for some reason the magical elements worked better with “prettier” prose. (Wow,  look at how alliterative that sentence was,  and I wasn't even trying!*g*) So that more lyrical style is usually what I do with historical romances,  and I think it lends the book some of that “fairy-tale” feeling of a historical.

About strengths . . . I think the best thing I do is to be passionate about every book I write . . . if a writer doesn't feel that way,  it shows. There are always going to be flaws,  or scenes I would still like to revise . . . but I spend a lot of time pondering whether to use one word or another,  or trying to think of how to make a particular scene better.  Undoubtedly this makes me sound weird,  but I really love playing with words!

Want to read Rainshadow Road? I have ten to give away. Woo hoo! 

Standard disclaimers apply: I'm not being compensated for this giveaway. Your mileage may vary. Void where prohibited. Must be over 18 and driving a golf cart to win. Open to international entries. Close cover before striking. 

Just leave a comment with your favorite t-shirt slogan or saying, or your favorite goofy piece of apparel, and you're entered to win. Comments close in 48 hours. 

Categories: General Bitching, Go Ahead, Win Some Shit, Interviews & Smart Responses

Smart Bitches, Trashy Books

Review: Dark Temptations: Eden Trilogy

Dark Temptations is the first book of the Eden Trilogy. The story revolves around Eve, a college professor, who is trying to solve her parents’ murder.

I had some difficulty getting into the book in the beginning.  There were quite a few grammatical errors and sentence structure problems that I found distracting.  I didn’t really begin to settle into the book until the third chapter.

Errors aside, there were things about the book that I enjoyed.  The author gives us points of view from all three of the main characters.  I liked having the insight from each one because I felt that it gave them more depth.

After the end of the second chapter, the story started to develop.  I appreciated how the author took the time to go back and fill in the histories of both Dante and Raphael.  There were even a couple of twists in the book that I really wasn’t expecting.

Although the book follows the basic vampire book formula, I liked the premise of the story.  I found the characters likeable as well.  If book two goes in the direction I suspect it is going (I don’t want to give anything away) it should be an interesting follow-up.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

From Amazon.com

Evangeline Cass saw the man who murdered her parents, she knows he is a vampire, and she has spent her life trying to find him. A Professor in Literature she spends her time teaching the subject she is most afraid of, the Gothic, using her job as a cover for her desire to learn about vampires. But Eve’s life is more entwined with the dark and unknown world of the supernatural than she realises. When Eve meets Dante, a beautiful and intelligent young man, who sweeps her off her feet, she finds herself learning all about the real world she lives in. The secret that her neighbour and friend Rafael has kept from her for her whole life, and the reason why he holds such deep fear and hatred for Dante are one in the same.

Vampire Romance Books

Review: Winning the Highlander’s Heart

I chose Winning the Highlander’s Heart as a prize in a generous give-away Terry Spear offered on VampireRomanceBooks.com, because it was something new to me; I have read a few of Ms. Spears’ Wolf books, and figured she would do just as well with a sexy Highlander.  I was not disappointed!

The heroine of the story, Lady Anice, is a strong-minded woman, and isn’t afraid to go after what she wants, which is quite unusual during the time of King Henry I (1068-1135).  A Scottish lass, determined to find a Scottish Laird for her husband, stumbles upon Malcom, a Scottish Highlander bent on finding an English bride.  Neither one hides their intentions, making for some great banter between them.  I found myself chuckling out loud several times, enjoying their quick-witted insults.

Malcom MacNeill is the quintessential Highlander: brawny, tanned, strong and hard-headed.  He’s quite noble, and Ms. Spear makes us fall in love with him the first time we meet him.  He assists Lady Anice as she dangles from a bed sheet she’s used as a rope to escape her room and unwanted attentions from the King.  While “saving” her, he strokes her naked thigh, stealing a touch as he lowers her on to his horse.  Steam keeps building from there, for both of them, adding anticipation to the excitement of their adventure of returning to the Lady’s castle.

The story has some nice twists, and I was never bored.  Clever actions, a few good fights, and some steamy encounters are Terry’s M.O., and she doesn’t let us down with her Highlanders.  I highly recommend Ms. Spear’s Highlander series—hot men in kilts and swords!

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

From www.Terryspear.com

Determined to avoid King Henry I’s randy advances, Lady Anice of Brecken attempts escape, wishing to find a Highlander to escort her home to her castle in Glen Affric where she will rule until she can find a laird worthy of her hand.  Laird Malcolm MacNeill desires an English bride to improve his standing with those in power. But rescuing the Scottish lass from an escape attempt casts him into deadly political intrigue when the king sends Malcolm and his brothers to escort the lady home and investigate the disappearance of some of her staff. Now he must protect the king’s ward without losing his heart to the willful lass, or he could very well earn His Majesty’s wrath…and lose far more. 

Vampire Romance Books

Coupons and Sales

I have found some sales on ebooks and paperbacks, as well as coupons that totally made me grin.

So I share! Here you go!

• And Then He Kissed Her by Laura Lee Guhrke * .99 * A | BN | K | S
• Nightwalker by Jocelyn Drake * .99 * A | BN | K | S
• At the Duke's Pleasure by Tracy Anne Warren * .99 * A | BN | K | S
• Mad About the Duke by Elizabeth Boyle * .99 * A | BN | K | S

• Never Dare a Duke by Gayle Callen * .99 * A | BN | K | S
• Untamed by Elizabeth Lowell * .99 * A | BN | K | S
• A Duke of Her Own by Lorraine Heath * .99 * A | BN | K | S
• Lady Amelia's Secret Lover by Victoria Alexander * .99 * A | BN | K | S
• Beauty and the Duke by Melody Thomas * .99 * A | BN | K | S
• The Lost Duke of Wyndham by Julia Quinn * .99 * A | BN | K | S
• Sins of a Duke by Suzanne Enoch * .99 * A | BN | K | S
• Sins of a Wicked Duke by Sophie Jordan * .99 * A | BN | K | S
• The Duke's Night of Sin by Kathryn Caskie * .99 * A | BN | K | S
• Alluring Tales – Awaken the Fantasy by Vivi Anna, Sylvia Day, Delilah Devlin, Cathryn Fox * .99 * A | BN | K | S
• Forbidden by Elizabeth Lowell * .99 * A | BN | K | S
• Duke of Sin by Adele Ashworth * .99 * A | BN | K | S
• Enchanted by Elizabeth Lowell * .99 * A | BN | K | S
• Desire Untamed by Pamela Palmer * .99 * A | BN | K | S
• The Untamed Bride by Stephanie Laurens * .99 * A | BN | K | S
• You Send Me by Toni Blake * .99 * A | BN | K | S
• Swept Away by a Kiss by Katharine Ashe * .99 * A | BN | K | S
• Lord of Scoundrels by Loretta Chase * .99 * A | BN | K | S

Also: shopping coupons for fun and enjoyment: 

• Spend or more and get OFF your order on Harlequin eBooks! Use Code SAVE5DOLLARS Expires 03/31/12.
   
• 25% Off Favorite Fisher Price Toys at BarnesandNoble.com
   
• Preorder Downton Abbey Season 2 and receive a eGift Card at BN.com
   
• Many hardcover and paperback romances at deep discounts at BN – some of these would make lovely Valentine's gifts, or get-well gifts (can you tell being sick is on my mind? I'm so over having pneumonia I can't even tell you).
   
• And finally – this just made me smile: 30% Off Select Harry Potter Wands & Collectibles at BN.com Need a magic wand? Like Harry Potter or know someone who does? SWISH AND FLICK PEOPLE! SWISH AND FLICK! 

Categories: Ebooks, Free or Cheap Ebooks, General Bitching

Smart Bitches, Trashy Books

Links and News and a few Coupons

Author Jim C. Hines has recreated several UF covers. This is so awesome, I don't know where to put my eyeballs first!

The insulin pump site is what makes it extra more awesome. High fives to you, sir!

I am waiting for the 'oops my ballgown is falling off my shoulders and is totally open in the back' pose. When's that coming, Jim?

What poses would you like to see Jim recreate?

In May 2011, a reader asked me about author Alison Richardson, who wrote a series of Spice Briefs. I was contacted by Ms. Richardson, who was very flattered that readers were looking for her. I have a message for you on the original entry from Ms. Richardson.

Unraveled by Courtney Milan is this month's book club pick, and it's after rebate at AllRomance – but only until the 15th, so if you're thinking about it, the rebate period is running out soon!

I'm a media sponsor for the 2012 Tools of Change in Publishing conerence, which will be held February 13-15 at the New York Marriott Marquis. As a media sponsor, I have a 15% off coupon code for anyone who is thinking of registering: toc12sbtb. This is a Big Conference, and often leaves my brain full of ideas and amazing things to think about. I look forward to it each year. It's an intersection of those who technically and digitally create books and those who market them – it's a meeting of many brains, basically. 

Later this month, I'll also have a pass for the whole conference to raffle off here, so stay tuned. 

DocTurtle's first two chapters of The Iron Duke are going up on Tuesday, so if you're reading along, get ready! More shall be arriving from the doc soon. 

And finally, I found a few coupons for Kobo and Harlequin: 

• Get off an eligible Kobo book. (That means Not Agency).
   
• Save an EXTRA 10% on all Harlequin Ebooks with coupon code SAVE10AFFO. Ebooks only, until 3/31/2012.
   
• Spend or more and get OFF your order on Harlequin eBooks with code SAVE5DOLLARS. Expires 03/31/12. Jane also reported a coupon SPEND4E11. 
   
• Bathing while you read? LUSH is having a 2-for-1 sale on any product made before November 2011. Everything eligible is marked on the website – including the Sex Bomb for the bath, which is among my favorites. 
   
• Devil's Bride is still on sale for .99, and is, for me, still as addictive a book as ever. I picked up my paper copy while cleaning the room it lives in, and half an hour later people came looking for me. Pick up your own addictive .99c digital copy at Amazon | BN | Sony | Kobo. 

Categories: Ebooks, Free or Cheap Ebooks, General Bitching, The Link-O-Lator

Smart Bitches, Trashy Books

Friday Videos Love Bookshops With Videocameras

Jan Oda sent this video, from a bookshop, Type, in Toronto, Canada. It is adorable. 

Link! 

Yes, I wish the final frame was about a “real” book, though I understand what they're saying there. 

I hope your weekend is filled with curious books in whatever format you want to read them. 

Categories: Friday Videos, General Bitching

Smart Bitches, Trashy Books