Tuesday, 10 May 2016

New Release! Sabotaged Desires by Rebecca Airies





Super excited to speed the word about Rebecca Airies new release, Sabotaged Desires

Blurb:
Suz Lore thought she had everything she wanted, a job as an engineer and a position on a colony ship headed to another planet. That was before her arranged ménage marriage with Robert Smith and David Bradford turned into a disaster. She’d thought they were building more than a sizzling sexual relationship, but all they do is argue now. She isn't surprised when they're sequestered in a room in order to reignite the passion between them and learn to trust again.
Robert believes she betrayed him while David is stuck in the middle of their conflict. Getting Robert to talk about what made him angry is difficult, but they discover there's far more behind their problems than a message with misleading information. A virus has overtaken the ship's computers, put them on a different heading and cut them off from all communication. They must work together to find a way to survive and rebuild their relationship.


PG excerpt:
“Get your ass to the hatch and let us out now,” Robert yelled.
Ever the demanding Captain. Robert expected people to follow his orders immediately.  He’d behaved like an ass lately. That arrogance set her nerves on edge. His tendency to bark out commands even when on personal time made her want to rebel or strike out at him.
The argument hadn’t stayed within the confines of their quarters. Suz didn’t know how he was surprised that they’d been placed here. At the moment, his yelling was getting on her nerves.
“They won’t let us out. Not until they’re convinced our problems are solved.” She eased to the edge of the big bed. At least, she wasn’t nauseous from coming out of stasis or have a headache any longer. 
David strode to the side of the bed, sat beside her and put an arm around her shoulders. “Are you all right?”
His dark blond hair stuck up in spikes, looking delightfully mussed. She only wished she’d been the one to run her fingers through it. Concern turned the corners of his full lips down. His muscled chest was bare offering yet another lure for exploration and he wore only loose, light blue pants which most men chose to wear into the stasis pods.
“The pain has faded. I sort of expected this after our last rotation, although waking up from stasis in this room scared me and for a little while, I didn’t realize what had happened.” She relaxed against the strength of his arm for a moment. Normally, they were left in the open cryopods until they were able to walk. She’d almost panicked when she woke here. Her heart had felt as if it were going to burst through her chest.
The feel of his muscled body against hers soothed a little of the tension and worry. Between David and her, they would find a way to get through to Robert. Even though they couldn’t get out, she didn’t fool herself that this would be easy. 
“So did I. I think he’s the only one who thought things could go on as they were.” David smiled and used his free hand to brush the silver blond hair away from her face.
“They should stay out of our business.” Robert glared at her.
His dark brown eyes moved from her to David. He didn’t look mussed or even sleepy as David did, but then again, his close-cropped black hair always seemed to be in perfect order. The dark brown skin of his chest gleamed. Her eyes hungrily trailed over the expanse and down to the white shorts at his waist. Even though anger pulsed through her at his stubbornness, she hungered for his touch. Her body remembered the pleasure he’d given her.
“Our business is everyone’s concern. We’re on a colony ship. There are only married groups here. There aren’t extra women and men and our group will be the only people on the planet until more colonists are sent, which could be years. The crap you’ve been doing can’t continue.” David straightened a little and his eyes locked on Robert.
Bio:
A voracious reader since childhood, Rebecca Airies has always enjoyed getting lost in the fantastic worlds of science fiction, horror, fantasy and romance. When she began to write her own stories, they always had a romantic edge.
Rebecca currently lives in Texas and writes with the help of a couple feline critics. She’s a multi-published author whose muse loves fantasy, sci-fi and the paranormal, as well as strong heroines who are sometimes as stubborn as their heroes. She loves to here from her readers. Email her at contactme@rebeccaairies.net.

Come say Hi to Rebecca, you can find her in all the places!
My New Release Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/bRE0V9

Saturday, 30 April 2016

Review: Legacy of Dragonwand by Daniel J. Peyton


Over 1000 years ago, nearly all the ancient wizards were destroyed after the Wizard Wars. However, the one who started the War still remains, having worked his will in secret. If he can find the last Dragonwand, he will regain his powers as the dark dragon. Unaware of the Dragonwand or the betrayer, sixteen-year-old Markus is looking for a wizard who will give him a letter of recommendation for the College of Wizardry. During his journey, he stumbles upon Tolen the Wise, who sends Markus on a quest to end the darkness and find the Dragonwand before it gets into the wrong hands. As Markus discovers growing powers and makes allies, will he find what he needs to complete Tolen’s task, or will the ancient, dark wizard uncover the Dragonwand and forever change the fate of the land of Gallenor?



*****


I found Legacy of Dragonwand to be a great start to this series. It's middle-grade/YA appropriate fantasy with wands (of course), magic, evil wizards and a level headed young hero.

Markus leaves home shortly before his sixteenth birthday in the hopes of becoming a wizard. After years of dark dreams of fire and dragons, its his destiny. Much to his surprise, he finds much more than he wished for.

Legacy of Dragonwand thrives with balanced pacing, voice and observations suitable to its teen protagonist. It's a teen's story told as Markus himself would tell it which is much appreciated. Too many times I've read middle-grade/YA books that come off as the interference of a meddling parent. This one doesn't and I found it really let me, as a reader, fit in to Markus' head and his world.

I enjoyed the different races and cultures and my favourite place is the Rakki village and library. The imagery made it seem real and inviting and the behaviour details of the Rakki themselves felt appropriate for the species (dogkind) and an effective tool with which to give details of individuals' personalities.

The plot has well placed layers. Even characters we know will be trouble are themselves outmaneuvered (whether they know it or not) and the ending of the story is well positioned to move forward. It ends set to rock into the next volume and even though we don't yet (at time of posting) have a soft release date I'm confident Peyton's consistent pacing and storytelling will make it an easy transition in spite of the wait.

Legacy of Dragonwand is recommended for all ages.


Sunday, 24 April 2016

Review: Cold Stone and Ivy by H. Leighton Dickson


Jack the Ripper gave her his heart. Now he wants it back.

The year is 1888, the clockwork British Empire is crumbling, and young writer Ivy Savage has literally received a heart in the post. Terrified, her father sends her north to a strange sanitarium in Lancashire where the brilliant but unpredictable “Mad Lord of Lasingstoke” makes his home.


Here, Ivy finds the dead are as dangerous as the living, and she is immediately swept into a world of manners, mystery, and supernatural intrigue, uncovering a secret that will lead both her and the Mad Lord back to London and the dark streets of Whitechapel.

*****


So humour

      Such chills
  Very mystery

I finished reading Cold Stone and Ivy a few days ago and still have a big stress relieving sigh when I think about it. H. Leighton Dickson has brought together a clever combination of 1888 Jack the Ripper history, steampunk Victorian England, a daring heroine and four (and six) wheeled steamcars and airships and ghosts and dogs and murder and severed arms...

As with her fantastic Tales from the Upper Kingdom series, Dickson charmed me. She convinced me I'd figured out her twists and then several times, without so much as an 'if you please,' showed me I was completely and deliciously incorrect. Cold Stone and Ivy ties up a comprehensive and well engineered plot with unique characters and fascinating steampunk scenes.

My two favourite characters are Ivy, crime fiction writer and daughter of the Police Inspector, and the Mad Lord himself, Sebastien. Along with Jack the Ripper and the top hat and cloak in which he's frequently represented, I see Ivy and Sebastien in a very super-hero like way. Ivy in her very fine boots, riding breeches with pale, soft leather on the insides of the legs, a slightly oversized peacoat, read corset and her bowler, tipped slightly to the side. Sebastien in a long cloak, the hem a pack of dogs swarming dust and movement and a fine three barrelled pistol all dark wood and inlaid (with care) with swirls of copper and brass.

Cold Stone and Ivy satisfies cravings for smart humour, detailed steampunk, icy thrills and an honest to goodness who-done-it. Please, treat yourself. You really, really should.

Tuesday, 15 March 2016

Review: The Early Science Fiction of Philip K. Dick, Volume 2


"Silvia ran laughing through the night brightness, between the roses and cosmos and Shasta daisies..." leads us into Upon the Dull Earth.

Upon the Dull Earth was by far my favourite story in this collection. The first paragraph pulled me in and drew me along into the story. I had no choice but to follow Sylvia past the cedars supporting the sky as they ignored her slim shape.

I loved Volume 1 in this collection as much as this one. Each story lured me in and along until I ran headlong into the dark twist at the end. Even though I knew something disturbing waited at the end, more often than not, I found myself knocked off kilter by what I found.

The other thing I enjoy about these stories is the interpersonal relationships: families, couples, coworkers and friends. Nobody is immune to finding themselves in a strange Philip K. Dick situation and having the bottom pulled out of their universe at the end.

I highly recommend you check out both volumes.

I received a copy from Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion.


Friday, 11 March 2016

Cover Reveal! Escapee by Edward Hoornaert

Escapee Cover Reveal
Escapee -- The African Queen in Outer Space
A science fiction romance by Edward Hoornaert, author of Alien Contact for Idiots. 



Cover by Eerilyfair Design

Catt Sayer, an abused peasant and a fugitive from justice on her home planet, makes a meager living flying a decrepit airship that delivers supplies to scattered military bases on an isolated, inhospitable mining moon.  When enemies invade the moon and destroy the bases, Catt rescues the lone survivor—Captain Hank Dukelsky, an upper-class army captain.  Now Hank wants her to risk her life on an impossible quest to attack the enemy headquarters…and Catt is falling in love with both the man and his magnificently quixotic ambition.

Escapee is available for pre-sale, with a release date of April 19, 2016. Rediscover the thrills and romance of one of the all-time great movies, now in a science fiction setting—reserve your copy of Escapee today.
You can find my review of The Guardian Angel of Farflung Station, part of the series here. Both books can be read stand-alone but you should enjoy them both!
When pirates conquer Farflung Space Station, security chief 'Duke' Dukelsky fights back with only two allies. One is Lockey, a kick-ass princess who lusts for Duke's body. The other is Sandrina, a mysterious and alluring waif with more secrets--and secret powers--than the rest of Farflung Station put together.

Some of Sandrina's secrets might free the station and Lockey's repressed needs--yet at the same time, enslave Duke's heart forever.







About Ed Hoornaert
What kind of guy writes romance? A guy who married his high school sweetheart a week after graduation and still lives the HEA decades later. A guy who’s a certifiable Harlequin hero—he inspired Vicki Lewis Thompson’s Rita Award finalist Mr. Valentine, which is dedicated to him.

Ed started out writing contemporary romances for Silhouette Books, but these days he concentrates on science fiction romance. He’s been a teacher, principal, technical writer, salesman, janitor, and symphonic oboist. He and wife Judi live in Tucson, Arizona. They have three sons, a daughter, a mutt, and the galaxy’s most adorable grandson. Visit him at http://eahoornaert.com.

Thursday, 10 March 2016

Review: The Guardian Angel of Farflung Station by Edward Hoornaert


When pirates conquer Farflung Space Station, security chief 'Duke' Dukelsky fights back with only two allies. One is Lockey, a kick-ass princess who lusts for Duke's body. The other is Sandrina, a mysterious and alluring waif with more secrets--and secret powers--than the rest of Farflung Station put together.

Some of Sandrina's secrets might free the station and Lockey's repressed needs--yet at the same time, enslave Duke's heart forever.

*****

Edward Hoornaert is a new-to-me romance writer. The Guardian Angel of Farflung Station works for me in many ways.

It's filled with humour (maybe I shouldn't have snort-laughed at "Greatest need: To shove his intestines back into his belly" but I did. Not sorry.) I adore Sandrina and her plarking bad (err) mouth. As a woman who can't speak, we rely on her inner dialogue and the reactions of others in order to understand her. From her inner dialogue to her body language she's completely expressive and endearing.

I found Lockey to be a pleasant surprise. The depth of her character grew as the story went on and even when she became someone unexpected, I found she stayed "in character" and new revelations about her built other existing character without turning her into someone unrecognizable. Since we don't get the impression her greatest need has ever been met, there's also an appealing innocence about her. She's never explored the joys and pitfalls.

I liked how Duke looks after Farflung Station and everyone on it yet he seems desperately incomplete. He gravitates to Sandrina and recognizes her strengths. He doesn't let anything minimize her abilities. He's the heart of Farflung Station as much as she is.

Hoornaert makes Farflung Station real in both its scope and culture. It's a great setting and he lets us discover it through his characters eyes.

I enjoyed this action filled SFR with a sweet HEA. The followup, Escapee, comes out on April 19. It's based in the same SF world and can be read standalone.





Monday, 8 February 2016

Review: Pico's Crush by Carol Van Natta



Whoever wrote the guidebook description of the planet of Nila Marbela must have a very different meaning for the word "paradise." When ex-military sniper and current personal security specialist Jerzi Adams visits his daughter Pico's quiet college, he doesn’t expect emergency evacuations and rogue robots. Nor does he expect to renew a friendship with former squadmate, Andra DeLuna. Explosions, sabotage, and assaults used to be her routine, but she gave it up for a professorship at a prestigious university. 



When the hunt for a cunning serial killer leads Jerzi's old friends Luka and Mairwen (Overload Flux) to town, trouble in paradise is the least of anyone's worries when the body count starts to rise. Either the world of academia has gone from merely cutthroat to downright deadly, or more sinister forces in conflict, with the campus as a battleground. It's going to take an improvised miracle or two for everyone to make it out alive. 



Pico's Crush is space opera, adventure, and romance that give new meaning to the old curse, "may you live in interesting times." 


*****


Pico's Crush is the third full novel in Carol Van Natta's Central Galactic Concordance series. I feel it can be read as a stand-alone even though it centers on some characters we've met in books one and two. As with book two, Van Natta builds on the previous book to satisfy the world building needs of anyone following the series without overburdening us with back story. She balances her seamless continuity of the series with new places and scenes.

Pico's Crush teams up two romance arc's with Jerzi Adams (from Overload Flux) and his old military friend Andra DeLuna along with Jerzi's daughter Pico and summer-camp crush Sojaire. Sojaire visits along with Luka and Mairwen also from Overload Flux. Together they face all sorts of suspicious activity and villains on Pico's tropical college campus.

Van Natta keeps up her infectious humour which she puts to good use showing us the past camaraderie between Jerzi and Andra. It not only brings them together, but welcomes us in to the easy and comfortable friendship they're both resistant to give up.

Pico and Sojaire have a history together as well but very different from Andra and Jerzi. In contrast to Jerzi and Andra where their past is an anchor, Pico and Sojaire's pasts act as an obstacle keeping them apart.

I also love how the growth of Pico, Sojaire, Andra and Jerzi is grounded with the stable and familiar relationship between Luka and Mairwen. Van Natta keeps all the plates spinning, so to speak. I've found her novels contain a well rounded combination of contrasts and balance.

For me, the big surprise was the next-level crop of bad guys. I thought the Citizen Protection Service (aka CPS or capital A Antagonists) in book two, Minder Rising, sufficiently demonstrated the nasty subversiveness of the CPS but Pico's Crush pushes even harder. This batch of CPS no-gooders could be considered terrifying. In spite of their gory, co-dependent and evil natures they're enlightened with enough humanity to make them endearing in an uncomfortably dark yet relatable way.

In all honesty, I found this to be a challenging review to put together. I don't do spoilers and so much of my enjoyment came Van Natta's good grasp of who her characters are. Little things they do and say advance my understanding of them and their world. I feel like I know them. They stay in character, not only doing what I expect but in ways that move the plot, build their relationships and improve the richness of who I feel they are. I loved so much detail of the story, it wasn't easy to step back and articulate how I feel about the novel as a whole. (Loved it if you didn't guess that already.)

My Galactic Concordance Top (in no particular order) Five Wants and Wows:

1. Stylish gold percomp for the back of my hand
2. Flitter (my kindergarten teacher said I'd have one by now so I experience owning one vicariously through the fiction of others)
3. Autotailor
4.*totally creepy villains* achievement unlocked
5. Explosions

If you love character driven sci-fi with gadgets, superpowers and tons of action, Pico's Crush will hit all the targets.