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Wednesday 30 May 2012

RIGHT HAND MAGIC by Nancy A. Collins



Like most Manhattanites, aspiring artist Tate can't resist a good rental deal-even if it's in the city's strangest neighborhood, Golgotham, where for centuries werewolves, centaurs, and countless other creatures have roamed the streets.

Her new landlord is a sorcerer name Hexe, who is determined to build his reputation without using dark, left-hand magic. As Tate is drawn into Hexe's fascinating world, they both find that the right hand does not always know what the left hand is doing-and avoiding darkness is no easy trick...


I've had this book on my TBR pile for a bit, and had been itching to pick it up. Earlier this week, I decided I couldn't put it off any longer... and I'm glad I picked it up!

Tate needs a new place to live, so when she finds an ad for a room inside a boarding house in Golgotham, she decides to check it out. Golgotham is in New York, but it's an old part of town, where the Kymerans and a variety of other supernatural beings live away from the main human population. In fact, most humans stay away from there but Tate really needs a new start.

When she gets to the boarding house and meets the landlord, the alluring Hexe--who only practices right hand magic--she likes him right away. It seems to be mutual, and she moves in. It doesn't take long for her to start fitting into Golgotham and feel like it's where she belongs. But not everyone feels the same way, and when a wounded were-cat hides out in the boarding house, things only get harder...

I absolutely loved this book! I really enjoyed Tate's honest voice, as well as Hexe's good nature. Their attraction was instant, but developed at a nice pace, and the story was fantastic! There were a lot of very interesting characters in this world, and the picture the author painted of Golgotham was so vivid, I often felt as if I was walking down the narrow streets with the characters.

Yeah, this is another keeper for me. Actually, I ordered the second book as soon as I finished this one! :)        

Monday 28 May 2012

Weekend & Movie Thoughts

We had a lovely, and very sunny weekend! There was much UFC watching, working out, walking, lovely meals, some shopping, and just good times. It was so good that I didn't want it to end. :(

But here I am, on a Monday, hoping that the sun remains for the rest of the week. Even if the forecast says otherwise, lol.
Trying to keep positive thoughts, instead of the negative ones that plagued me a few weeks ago. So far, so good. I suppose that having a whole week to recharge and tidy up a lot of the stationery clutter I had around really helped. In a way, doing that also helped me get rid of some of the mind clutter. Which is always a good thing!

So, it's a new week. What have I got planned? Well, I started reading another book that I've had on my TBR pile for a while, but couldn't wait to get stuck into. And I intend to get started on brainstorming Sierra Fox #3, by pulling out all the notes I already have and putting them into some sort of coherent stream. I'm pretty much ready to get started on it next week.

The only thing/s that will stop that from happening are edits. If I receive edits for Sierra Fox #2 or The Hidden #1, then I won't be able to get stuck into the first draft. Otherwise, I can't wait! :)

We watched two movies over the weekend: The Devil Inside & Real Steel.

I'll start with Real Steel because it was so crappy. The story sounded okay--a futuristic about fighting robots and an ex-boxer dude. The actual execution was pretty bad. I just couldn't get into it. The main character was very unsympathetic. Actually, he was an a-hole. And his son wasn't any better. Put them together and I really didn't care what the hell happened to them. Not a fan.

The Devil Inside, I really enjoyed. I'm a sucker for demonic possession/exorcism stories, so I knew I'd be totally sucked into this one. I thought it was very well written, and told. The actress who played Maria Rossi was really impressive, and freaky. There were a lot of creepy scenes, and the tension kept me glued to the screen. I thought it was great! I know a lot of people had problems with the ending, but I don't know how else they expect these documentary-type movies to end. Seriously, if you sit down to watch one, you should already know that you're not going to get a concrete conclusion. Or a happy ending. I would gladly watch a sequel.

Okay, think it's time to finish off this post and look for a stationery something for my daughter, grab my notes, read a little, and possibly switch off the computer. :)

See ya!

Thursday 24 May 2012

BLACK HEART by Holly Black

The stunning conclusion to the Curseworkers series finds Cassel in the most dangerous con of all and with this life on the line he may be forced to make his biggest gamble yet...

Cassel Sharpe knows he's been used as an assassin, but he's trying to put all that behind him. He's trying to be good, even though he grew up in a family of con artists and cheating comes as easily as breathing to him. He's trying to do the right thing, even though the girl he loves is inextricably connected with crime. And he's trying to convince himself that working for the Feds is smart, even though he's been raised to believe the government is the enemy.

But with a mother on the lam, the girl he loves about to take her place in the Mob and new secrets coming to light, the line between what's right and what's wrong becomes increasingly blurred. When the Feds ask Cassel to do the one thing he said he would never do again, he needs to sort out what's a con and what's truth. In a dangerous game and with his life on the line, Cassel may have to make his biggest gamble yet - this time on love.

After reading WHITE CAT and RED GLOVE--and absolutely loving both of them--I couldn't wait to get stuck into the last book in the Curse Workers trilogy.

Cassel Sharpe doesn't lead the easiest life. He lives in a world where everyone wears gloves because some people can affect others with a simple touch of their hand. These people are called Workers, and he comes from a family who happen to be just that. They're also con artists, masters of manipulation, and compulsive liars. Actually, his brothers used him as an assassin without his knowledge for years. And now, he's working for the Feds.

Well, he's decided he'll sign up with them after he graduates from Wallingford Preparatory. As much as he's trying to be a good member of society, the poor guy keeps getting dragged into messy situations. So when he finds out his mother is being kept by Zacharov until the Ressurection Diamond she stole from him is found, he's got no choice but to investigate.

Then there's the issue of his brother, Barron, who's already working for the Feds and is toying with the emotions of a high school girl, Cassel's friend. And of course, Lila Zacharov. The love of his life is now part of her father's crime family, but he can't forget about her...

When the Feds need his special kind of power to be used on a governor who is making too much noise about controlling workers, his life is put on the line because he knows he can't trust anyone. After so many cons and lies, will the biggest stunt end up being the death of him?

Black Heart was another heart-stopping, brilliant book that had me on the edge of my seat--especially towards the end--because I couldn't wait to see how it would all turn out. It's another amazing installment to this intriguing trilogy, which reaches a very satisfying end, but made me sad when it was over. I'm going to miss Cassel and his easy manner of unintentionally slipping from one lie to another, waiting for the next con, and still trying to be different from the rest of his family.

I absolutely LOVED this book, and recommend the trilogy to anyone who enjoys a great story!

Black Heart, May 2012, ISBN 9780575096806, Gollancz

Wednesday 23 May 2012

Just, stuff

Wish I was doing what this kitty's doing right now. I had a hard time getting out of bed this morning, because it was so cold.
It's not  even winter yet, and the mornings and nights are already super cold.

I have to admit that I was hoping for a warmish winter. Y'know, since we kinda missed out on summer and all.

This climate change thing really sucks. :/

So, this is what I said at the beginning of the week:

"..this week is going to be all about resting my brain, catching up on some reading, brainstorming, thinking, and getting my head into gear for Sierra Fox #3."

And I have to admit that I've been sticking to it. On Monday, I had to get some X-rays taken on my left arm (forearm, near elbow) because I have what feels like a small lump, but looks like it's actually a piece of bone that's sticking out. Not sure why, but the tech didn't think it was anything serious. I'll call my doctor today to double check what the specialist said after taking a closer look. Fingers crossed that it really is just another anomaly of mine. I seem to have a few of those. LOL.

I'm actually enjoying this week, and have caught up on a lot of dusting, cleaning, and even organising of my stationery, books, notes, etc. At the same time, my brain's resting, but my creative wheels are turning, getting me ready for what I'd like to tackle very soon: Sierra Fox #3.

But for today, I'd like to squeeze in a bit more reading than I've managed so far. I'm reading BLACK HEART by Holly Black, and it's so good! I just need to set more time aside for sitting on the couch to read...

Hubby's got an RDO tomorrow, so we'll be spending the day together. Yay. Can't wait. Love spending time with him. :)

Well, I better get going. I've got clothes to put out on the line, need to get my daughter's breakfast, plus get her lunch ready. She needs to get to school a little earlier today. It's school photo day!

Have a great one!

Monday 21 May 2012

I'm back to blogging!

Wow! I didn't realise it had been so long since I last posted a real blog post over here. But I've been all over the place during the last few weeks.

See the pic on the left? It's a lovely coaster my daughter made for me at school. For Mother's Day. I think it's awesome. Though I won't be putting any drinks on it. I've put it on one of my bookshelves. Love it! :)

I hope you enjoyed the Sierra Fox Blog Book Tour, especially the post with character pics. ;)

Still can't believe that Sierra, her world, and all the other characters are finally out there. Looking forward to hearing what readers think...

This month has been a crazy-busy one for me. I finished the never-ending SFR re-write/revision and finally subbed it. Then I got through editing Sierra Fox #2, and got that sent back early last week. And of course, the promo cycle for A PATCH OF DARKNESS was very time consuming, but fun.

Now, it's time to have a small mental holiday. LOL. I really need it.

So this week is going to be all about resting my brain, catching up on some reading, brainstorming, thinking, and getting my head into gear for Sierra Fox #3. I would love to get started on the next book real soon, but don't want to rush into it. I have outlines for the next three books--it's going to be a 5-book series--but still need to get my head wrapped around each one, before throwing myself in.

2012 has not been an easy writing year so far, and I'm hoping the second half turns out to be a whole lot better! Fingers crossed.

Well, that's it for now.

Have a great day!

DEADLOCKED by Charlaine Harris


Sookie has a murder investigation on her hands. A young girl has died at a vampire party - and it looks as though her lover, Eric, might be responsible. Eric swears he didn't do it, the police don't believe him, and even Sookie isn't so sure. Nor is she inclined to take his word for it, not having caught him enjoying the victim's blood minutes before she was killed. But something strange is going on. Why had Sookie been asked to come to the fateful party a few minutes early - just to catch Eric in the act? And why had the victim spiked her blood before approaching Eric? Was it simply because she wanted to be irresistible, or was it something more sinister? Sookie will have to find out . . . but it's the worst moment to investigate, as her Fae family are having troubles of their own and Sookie is, inevitably, drawn in. And there is one last complication. The cluviel dor her grandmother left her. It will grant her one wish, which could fulfil Sookie's heart's desire. The only problem is, she still doesn't know what - or who - her heart truly desires . . .

This is the latest Sookie Stackhouse book, so I couldn't wait to get stuck into it. And it starts out in a very jovial place, with Sookie and several of her girlfriends having a good time during Ladies Only night at Hooligans. Surely nothing can go wrong in a strip club... Um, we're talking about Sookie's world, so yeah, something strange happens. :)

When her great-grandfather, Niall, pays her a visit and starts asking her questions about why Claude and Dermot are living with her, she starts to wonder what the hell is going on. As he continues to dodge her question of why he's visiting, Sookie finds herself in the middle of a heated fae discussion that ends with Niall taking Claude back to Faery with him, to try and figure out who cursed Dermot.

As if that's not enough, she also has to attend a vampire party to answer a few questions the King of Nevada, Arkansas, and Louisiana has about what happened to Victor. She doesn't want to be there, but knows she needs to. And things get worse when she finds Eric drinking from another woman. A strange woman who then ends up dead in the front yard, and the focus of a human police investigation.

All of a sudden, she doesn't know who to trust--there were plenty of people who had a reason to want the girl dead, and each had the time to do it. Still, there are a lot of other issues she has to focus on. Like her lack of relationship time with Eric and how he keeps leaving her out of a very important proposal he's facing, Bill continuously hanging around to remind her he still loves her, a serious Were situation she gets herself caught up in, and the cluviel dor. The item so many desire, but Sookie's determined to keep safe.

She knows it holds great power, and is strong enough to attract the Fae her way... So how will she use it? And what is her true heart's desire? Will using the cluviel dor make her realise what/who is really important to her? I loved how it all worked out.

Deadlocked is the second last book in Sookie's series, and I absolutely loved every minute of it! It's once again filled with unseen danger, multiple threats, a complicated love life that seems to get more entangled with every book, good and lasting friendships, as well as one of the deepest betrayals she's faced. I felt so bad for her, but have to admit that I loved the way the book ended.

Now, I can't wait to read the last book. Of course, it'll also be very sad when I finish it. This series is one of my favourites!

Deadlocked, May 2012, ISBN 9780575096585, Gollancz

Friday 18 May 2012

The Blog Tour might be over...


But I've stopped by Naomi Clark's blog to weigh in on the Vampire versus Werewolf Debate.

I'm actually a fan of all supernatural creatures, but today I'm taking the werewolf side. ;)

(And there's a Joe Manganiello pic included. You're welcome!) LOL.

Happy Friday, everyone!

Wednesday 16 May 2012

It's release day!


All it takes is one weak seam for everything to fall apart.

Sierra Fox, Book 1

In a perfect world, Sierra Fox would have stayed away from the Council she left years ago. But in this world—where spirits have the right to walk among the living—it’s her job to round up troublesome spooks and bring them before that very same Council.

Though her desk is piled high with open cases, she can’t resist an anonymous summons to a mysterious late-night meeting with a bunch of other hunters, each of whom seems to have a unique specialty. The news is dire: something is tearing at the fabric of the universe. If the hunters can’t find who or why in time, something’s going to give in a very messy way.

As current cases, family secrets, new clues and her tangled love life slowly wind themselves into an impossible knot, Sierra finds herself the target of a power-sucking duo intent on stealing her mojo. And realizing she holds the key to the last hope of sealing the widening rift.


Product Warnings
Spook catching: may contain traces of ectoplasm and otherworldly nasties. Not recommended for those with allergies to ghosts, demons, and with boyfriends who think your power is theirs. While reading, avoid dark patches and stay to the light.



I'm so excited!

I also stopped by The Romance Studio.

Tuesday 15 May 2012

Casting My Characters @


 
This was a really fun post because it's got pictures of who I cast as the main characters in the first Sierra Fox book.

I hope you check it out!

Monday 14 May 2012

I'm visiting the Pixies today...


This was a really fun interview, with some very cool questions.

Also, WLP were the first ones to post a review of A PATCH OF DARKNESS. Thanks Sara!



Friday 11 May 2012

Guest blogging at...



Today, I'm talking about 'The Importance of a Series Bible'.


Hope you enjoy my post!

CHOSEN by Jeanne C. Stein

Anna Strong's primitive vampire instincts are getting harder to control. And a new enemy wants to take advantage of that fact, for Anna has been chosen to shape the destiny of all vampires-and all humans.


The Anna Strong, Vampire series is one of my favourite, and I've actually fallen behind. So, I decided it was time to change that by getting stuck into the sixth book. And I have to say, it was awesome getting back into her very dangerous and rough world.

Anna's a vampire, but she's also a bounty hunter and is very headstrong. Trouble always finds her and this time, someone's trying to kill her. So to avoid the danger, she takes off with Lance and finds out a few things about his past. Mainly, that his maker is just another vamp who wants to get his greedy paws on Anna. It seems like everyone's convinced she's the Chosen One and will do whatever they can to control, or defeat her.

I always love the tone of these books and how her strongest friendships are either strengthened or someone ends up betraying her. This was another excellent installment. :)

Today I'm visiting...

... the lovely, Ren Thompson.

I've stopped by her blog to chat a little about urban fantasy, and why I love it so much!


Tuesday 8 May 2012

Double stops!

That's right! Today I'm at two places at once. ;)

You can read an interview at MY BOOKISH WAYS.

And a guest blog post at:

I hope you drop in to say "Hi!" :D


Saturday 5 May 2012

Next stop!

I'm guest blogging at...

All Things Urban Fantasy

It's just a little post about Living with Spirits.

So exciting! :)


It's done!

OMGosh. I can't believe it's done!

I spent this week working on the final--really, really final--draft of the SFR R&R novella I've been working on (but mostly off) since the beginning of this year. It was hard work, but well worth it. I haven't been excited about this story for so long that I thought I'd lost the spark. But last week, after I spent some long hours on the couch with the characters, something happened, and I fell in love with the story all over again.

And I think it shows. Not only because everything fits in so much better, but because I actually couldn't wait to get back into it and get it finished.

Everything is so different. This ended up being a total hack-and-slash re-rewrite. I threw away a big chunk of the original story. Actually, this (much better) version is about 8k less than the one before it. This draft ended up being 41,482 words. There was a lot of essential cutting. A lot of adding, and just general making-the-story betterer. :D

Anyway. It's now done and in the hands of my editor.

Though I have to make sure I re-write the synopsis, too. Might get that done this morning as well...

Wow. Although I'm nervous about it, I'm not going to dwell on it. I'm finally able to move onto other projects, without remembering that I still have 'the never-ending revision' to tackle. LOL.

It feels like a weight off my shoulder. Now I can enjoy the rest of the weekend.

Have a good one!

Friday 4 May 2012

Next stop:

Romancing the Book

This time it's another interview + a contest!

As part of the:



And there's more to come... :)

Thursday 3 May 2012

@The Romance Studio...

I'm one of their Featured Authors this month.




This continues the...


Be sure to check out the other dates.

:)
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