Wednesday, May 30, 2012

PYN's Rockin' Review Team!


Today I’m excited to share a special interview with our review team. I have the opportunity to work with this rockin’ group of women on a regular basis, and I can’t wait for our readers to get to know them better. I’m happy to introduce Gabryyl Pierce, S.J. Byrne, and C. Whetzel!

Hi, ladies! In a few sentences, can you tell everyone a little about yourselves?

Gabryyl: I'm Gabryyl Pierce, a terminally single full-time freelance writer/proofreader/reviewer from Cincinnati, Ohio. My name reflects my Welsh heritage (they do love their Y's) & is pronounced like Gabrielle. And no, it's not my real name. I made it up years ago, for a variety of reasons. You can read about them here. In addition to my freelance work I write paranormal romance/urban fantasy; you can find my novels in the many 3-ring binders in my office closet. (OK, so they're not quite finished yet.)




C. Whetzel: I am a 30ish (once you’re over 30, does age really matter? I think not.) full time (outside of the home) working mother of 2 young boys. Hoping at some point to have a girl to whom I can pass down my love of paranormal romance books. Wait, did I just really say that? I have my Ph.D. in the sciences which has absolutely nothing to do with paranormal books. In fact, it’s a little counter-intuitive, don’t ya think? However, I love to edit and review books. I’m a bit twisted in that sense. I adore editing. Do they make a 12 step program for that? I have waaaaaay too many books on my Kindle from awesome authors. I trade sleep to read. I also trade housework to read. Am tempted at times to trade my children for good books…Naw, just kidding!

SJ: Well...I’m a single mom who picked up writing after a 15 year hiatus and spent 5 years struggling before finally publishing my first book. I have a teenage daughter who is co-authoring my second book with me and I have a house full of small animals. Anyone want a bunny? hehe






I know you’re all fans of paranormal books, but what was it about this genre that made you a lifelong fan?

SJ: It allows me to suspend what we perceive as reality for just a little while. I may write stuff that is true to life, but I don’t always want to read it. I like the possibility what else might be out there just beyond our imaginings!

Gabryyl: One word – Dracula! (Vampires are my weakness.)

C. Whetzel: I love this genre because it is an escape from the everyday mundane life. I live a pretty routine, safe, and normal life. Reading helps me spice it up! I also don’t want to pick up a book and read about some crime that I can see a news report on TV that is eerily similar. I want fantasy. I want to use my imagination to create beautiful worlds to escape in to.

Along those lines, is there a paranormal story or character you’d love to read about, but haven’t found?

C. Whetzel: I’ve read so much, from so many talented people that I’d have to think about that question. You (being all the authors out there) amazeballs me all the time with the stories you come up with!

Gabryyl: There really is nothing new under the sun, but an interesting take on any story is always welcome.

SJ: Not yet, if I come across one I’ll just write about it myself! =)

What’s the hardest part about reviewing?

SJ: Being honest but positive. As an Indie Author I’ve seen a lot of really nasty reviews that were literally targeting the fact that the author wasn’t traditionally published. I always try to keep my reviews in the positive light while pointing out the things I thought could use work. I also try to remember that reading is a subjective thing, what I love someone else will hate and vice versa.

C. Whetzel: Because I’m an editor at heart, it is really hard when a manuscript comes across my desk that isn’t edited well.

Gabryyl: Phrasing criticism is a delicate balance for me -- I want to be kind as well as constructive to the author but I also have a duty to the reader to be honest about the book.

Okay, now for some fun questions. Serious readers take their reading experience to a different level. Do you have a reading routine or ritual you have to follow?

Gabryyl: No, I can read anytime, anywhere…even upside down (the book, not me).

C. Whetzel: Anywhere. Anytime. I need to design a hip holster for my Kindle. The books I love, I have a hard copy as well as a digital copy, just so that I can have them at my fingertips AT ALL TIMES. I need to read before bed.

SJ: Naw...though I admit, I love having a good glass of wine when I read, but that’s only because it enhances the experience (especially when the book is particularly difficult to get through!)

Who’s your ideal book boyfriend (by the way, I’ve already claimed Jerico Barrons from Karen Marie Moning’s Fever series)?

SJ: Darnit!!! Well, if I can’t have Jerico...then it’s gotta be Mick Macgraw from Nikita Black’s Slave to Love...yea, I know – not paranormal. But daggum he is steamy! Lol.

Gabryyl: I adore Jean-Claude from Laurell K. Hamilton’s Anita Blake series and Sinclair from MaryJanice Davidson’s Queen Betsy series. Maybe they should fight it out to see who gets to be my favorite. Shirtless. In mud. Hmmm… Sorry, what was the question?

C. Whetzel: Let’s see here. I think sparkly, obsessive vampires would get old (please don’t shoot me, I like reading about them, I just don’t think he’s for me!!!) Jace, from Mortal Instrument series can’t cook worth a lick…I’m kind of drawn to Damon from Crystal Ward’s Supernova…Elijah from Fierce Dawn is pretty bad a** and hot. See, I could just take a bit from SO MANY CHARACTERS!!!! Don’t make me choose, please!

Have you ever visited a haunted location?

C. Whetzel: On purpose? No. I like to read about it, I don’t like to experience it in real life.

Gabryyl: I’ve been to a few places near my home (Bobby Mackey’s nightclub and Waverly Hills Sanatorium) which have been featured on shows like Ghost Hunters and Unsolved Mysteries, though I’ve never seen anything exciting at either, unfortunately.

SJ: Yes!!!  There’s a castle in Scotland, on the eastern coastline – Slains Castle. Town folklore has it that during a visit there, Brahm Stoker created the idea of Dracula. I know – lots of towns have that same lore, but THIS castle has the eerie factor to back it up! It’s not protected by any historical society and is even slated to be converted into holiday apartments. If you happen to be in the Peterhead way, look up Slains Castle and see if it still stands – you won’t be disappointed.

And finally, what’s the last book you read that made you want to call in sick, order takeout, and hire a babysitter because you just *had* to finish it?

SJ: Shadowfever of course!!! Lol. Only because it was so thick! I’m a fairly fast reader when reading for pleasure – but that one I took my time with and really let it sink in. Mmmmm dreamy! Lol

Gabryyl: As I’m terminally single (and childless) and work from home I only really do one of those, but I’d have to say Blackbirds by Chuck “The Penmonkey” Wendig really kept me awake, even after I finished reading it. His style is insane and it’s not an easy book but oh, is it worth it!

C. Whetzel: City of Lost Souls by Cassandra Clare (they just got better and better as I read them, and I actually DID have the stomach flu this week which allowed me to stay home and read it! HA! But the down side is I have to wait a whole FRICKIN’ year before the next one is out…)

The Mind Thieves by Lori Brighton (a big angsty- but aren’t the middle of the trilogies always that way?)

Angel Fire by L.A. Weatherly (I hate when a series keeps me hanging…Who knows when the next one is going to be out!!!)

Of Darkness and Light by Lily Crusswell- newbie on the Indie scene- haunting scenes.

Angelfall by Susan Ee--brilliant. I can’t say enough about it.

Fierce Dawn by Amber Scott. Awaiting the sequel (ahem) any moment!

Tales of the Guardian by Brianna Merrill – Last one out in Sept! On my calendar.

Ordinary Angels by India Drummond- awaiting next one.

Anything by Amanda Hocking. Hollow Land, Hollow Men, Trylle Trilogy, My Blood Approves.

Thanks so much for letting us get to know you better! We’re looking forward to seeing more reviews from all of you, and we hope our readers will follow them. If you haven’t already, you can find us on Facebook and Twitter. We’ll have another installment of reviewer interviews coming soon!

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Review of Broods of Fenrir by Coral Moore

Broods of Fenrir by Coral Moore

Review by Gabryyl Pierce

4 1/2 of 5 stars
Brand Geirson is a five-hundred-year-old werewolf who doesn't want to be his father's son, King of the Broods of Fenrir. Brand put an end to his father’s barbaric rule -- and his father’s life -- and walked away from everything he knew. But when two women he cares for are threatened, Brand must become King and find a way to control the broods without becoming the brute his father was.

Coral Moore’s Broods of Fenrir is a werewolf saga infused with Norse mythology. There are three separate plots going on, which can be a bit much at times, but overall the story moves well and the characters are intriguing. Ingrid was particularly crazy and I couldn’t wait to see what she’d do next.

Overall,  Broods was a quick and excellent read. I look forward to more from Moore (pun intended).


About Coral Moore

Coral Moore has always been the kind of girl who makes up stories. Fortunately, she never quite grew out of that. She writes because she loves to invent characters and the desire to find out what happens to her creations drives the tales she tells.

Prompted by a general interest in how life works, her undergraduate schooling was in biology. She follows science news and enjoys conversations about genetics and microbiology as much as those about vampires and werewolves. Coral writes speculative fiction and is pursuing a Master of Fine Arts in Writing at Albertus Magnus College.

Currently she lives in Connecticut with the love of her life, who offers both encouragement and kicks in the tail when necessary. Also in residence are two mammals of the families Canidae and Felidae.
 

Sunday, May 27, 2012

Interview with Berinn Rae, Author of Hellbound



Also join us as we talk with Berinn Rae on BlogTalk Radio this Wednesday, May 30th, at 3:30 PM PDT!

1.      Hey, Berinn, so first off, your favorite TV show is Firefly? LOL!! Mine too!!! Which was your favorite episode and why? 

Pick just one? Are you kidding me? Wow, this is going to be a tough interview. Okay, let’s see. I’ll take the easy way out and go with “Jaynestown” simply because I had a crush on him (and Mal, of course, but who wouldn’t!).  Mal… Jayne… num, num, num. Sign me up for the crew!

2.      LOL! *singing* “Jayne! The man they call...Jaaaayne!” OMW! Love it! Why don’t you tell us a bit about yourself?

When I’m not fantasizing about the return of Firefly, I’m just like any other writer in that much of my free time goes to writing (and reading). I’ve just signed a contract for a new alien trilogy, and I’ve learned quickly how demanding writing can be.  I still have a day job, but that’s boring, so I’ll talk about my hobby… I fly vintage airplanes.

WHAT?!! Really?

 Yup, like the wind-in-your-hair open cockpit biplanes from the barnstorming days. I find flying a carefree time and a perfect balance to my otherwise butt-in-chair life.  Oh, and I’m also happily married to a fellow aviator, and together we pamper our extremely spoiled Gordon Setter named Annabelle.

3.      NICE! Your book, Hellhound, is out. Tell us a bit about your book.

Hellbound is the second book in the Guardians of the Seven Seals series. The evil Dominion has fallen, but factions still exist. One of those factions is an outlaw hellhound building his own army to go after the Seven Seals himself.

This is Orion’s and Lana’s story. Orion is the Alpha of all hellhounds and host of the Third Seal. Lana was an ordinary woman until she was brutally attacked and turned into a hellhound… all without any help or guidance. She thinks she’s cursed and is hunting the hellhounds were turned her, who just so happen to be the same ones Orion’s hunting. Lana’s a tough woman, maybe tough enough to be an Alpha’s equal… but you’ll have to read their story to find out.  :)

4.      Your premise sounds intriguing. What can you tell us about your hellhound and nightmare mythology?

I’ve always been fascinated with old legends and how they came to be. When I read about the Seven Seals in the Book of Revelations, I felt that those two were a legend of sorts. I asked myself, What if the Seals were powerful marks branded on a living being, and if that being were killed, a Seal would be broken? From that premise, I blended in other legends and creatures, making sure they would tie in smoothly with biblical lore (e.g., werewolves became hellhounds). And the world built itself from there!

5.      What inspired this book? 

Rafe is the most tortured—and powerful—of the Guardians, so he’s always been my personal favorite. I’ve been excited to write his book as soon as I worked out the series idea. I’d say he’s the one providing all the inspiration for his story.

6.      Tell us something about your characters that we wouldn’t be able to figure out by reading the book. 

Orion went through a dark time (which you will learn a bit about in the novel), but he actually nearly went feral and roamed the woods as a hellhound for some time. Which, once you get to know him, doesn’t go with his rock-solid personality at all! I’m hoping to share his past as a short story sometime.

7.      What can you tell us a bit about book 3, Fireflight? 

Ooh, Fireflight will be the darkest and sexiest of the series yet. Rafe, a dragon and a Guardian, is captured by a free-spirited witch. But when her coven imprisons them both, sparks are going to fly in every direction. Oh, and all of the Guardians are going to make an appearance!

8.      Where can readers purchase your book? 


9.      May we read an excerpt from the book and can you provide it here?

You bet! Here’s a quick excerpt from Ch. 2: 

For the first time since Lana Wolfe’s world had gone to hell in the proverbial hand basket, a spark had ignited in her soul. Hope. Hope for something beyond days of stalking and nights of killing. Hope that maybe she wouldn’t become one of the monsters that stalked the night.
Because Orion was different. He seemed like he’d been one of what she hunted for . . . well, for a long time. Yet he didn’t reek like the others. Quite the opposite. Her heightened senses drank him in like a parched sponge at an oasis.

Coming to Orion’s every night made her feel safe. There was magic on his farm. Even if for only a couple of hours each night, spending time here had been a welcome break from the hunt. The peace surrounding this place had made her believe the monsters couldn’t sully this oasis.

Except the stench in the air now warned her that hope was . . . hopeless. She was never safe. And now Orion wasn’t, either.

Her jaw clenched. She had covered her tracks. She was sure of it. There was no way the monsters could’ve tracked him from her trail. 

From the safety of the tree line, she scanned the area. Her fur bristled when she saw lizard-like shapes sprawled across the backyard.

Dead monsters. Orion's work.

She counted. Six total. Killing one monster was a feat. But six?

Arma-freaking-geddon.

10.   Where can your readers connect with you on the web?


Thanks so much for having me!!
  

About Berinn

Berinn Rae writes romantic science fiction/fantasy about extraordinary women with kickassitude. Her EPIC-award finalist Guardians of the Seven Seals series follows mythical creatures we believed in as children, only to be forgotten as we aged. When not writing, she can be found flying old airplanes, watching SciFi movies, playing RPGs, and pampering an incredibly spoiled sixty-pound lap dog.


Thursday, May 24, 2012

Review of Angel Unraveled by Tamela Buhrke


Angel Unraveled
By Tamela Buhrke

4.5 out of 5 stars
Review by Mandy G.



Andi Andreas woke up from a car accident with new abilities like being able to read minds and see ghosts.  Finally coming to terms with this she used her meager inheritance and bought Madam Sophia Psychic Readings business and duplex from her friend and Psychic Trainer Ethel.

It’s not yet summer and things are already getting hot in Arizona. She is having horrible nightmares that demons are going to destroy the world and she is the only one who can stop it. And then, Crazy Alice at the Coffee Shop tells her that she needs to stop the vampires from going to war. If that isn’t enough, she has three gorgeous men (each with his own secrets and motives) who need her help and do their best to tug at her heart strings.

Tamela Buhrke did a fantastic job bringing this story to life with her witty dialogue and colorful well-rounded characters. I couldn’t decide which hero I wanted to get the girl, I was rooting for them all. My favorite character in the book doesn’t say a word but made me giggle often and a couple times brought me close to tears. The interactions are engaging and the story moves at a delightful pace. I had a hard time putting the book down, I wanted to turn the page and find out what next.  I am looking forward to the sequel.

Buy Angel Unraveled: http://amzn.to/JF7frj
Visit Tamela Buhrke: http://tamelabuhrke.com



Monday, May 21, 2012

Interview with P.M. Terrell, Author of Vicki's Key




1.       Good grief, girl child! You are freaking AMAZING!! Readers, if you have a chance, stop by her site and just putz around. It’s a lot of fun! What was it like growing up with an FBI agent as a father?

Well, it’s just a hoot to be here, Frankie! Growing up in Mississippi during the Civil Rights Movement in the 60’s (yep, I’m old) and being the daughter of an FBI Agent to boot was quite an amazing experience. He frequently worked all night on rounding up Viet Nam War deserters and working on infiltrating and breaking up the Ku Klux Klan, and I am sure watching these events unfold shaped my interest in history, people and – crime.

2.       *rubs elbows* Now I can honestly say I’ve rubbed elbows with a computer high and mighty! Wow you really caught that wave and just rode it! And you have SO. Much. ENERGY!! LOL! How do  you do it?

You know, I always wanted to be a writer and just fell into computers. I look back now and realize how fortunate I was to be in the right place (Washington, DC) at the right time (when the Apple computer was invented, spawning the personal computer industry). I don’t know if I have any more energy than anyone else. I think it’s entirely a matter of priorities. I gave up a lot along the way (not to mention, A LIFE) to start a couple of computer companies and later, to become an author of suspense.

It doesn’t seem like they would go together, does it? A logical computer programmer and a creative suspense author? But I don’t know if I could have been one without the other. My specialty was computer intelligence and white collar computer crime (working with the good guys, of course) and that led to many of the plots in my books.

3.       Okay, well, we’re to talk about your book, Vicki’s Key. What inspired this story?

They say truth is stranger than fiction so stick with me here! One of the reviewers who consistently reviews my books is Donna Coomer. And she’s always off in a different part of the world when each book comes out. So I asked her why all the travel, and she told me she goes to a website and finds jobs where she gets free room and board in exchange for working. She’s traveled to Europe and all over this country doing jobs that last anywhere from a couple of months to a half a year. I made the comment that I could never do that because it would be just my luck the first job I’d respond to would actually be an axe murderer looking for the next victim.

Well, later that day I got sick with the flu and my doctor prescribed cough syrup (you know the kind that has narcotics in it!) And I got a teaspoon mixed up with a tablespoon. (You know where this is going, don’t you?) I laid on the couch for a day and a half, totally zonked out, and dreamed this book from beginning to end. When I came out of my stupor, I knew Vicki’s Key was a book I had to write. Apparently, the whole concept of going to a strange place and working for someone you’d never met, living in their house, got stuck in my psyche.

4.       This book is getting some pretty rave reviews! First, how do you get reviews from some of these sources? (How do you get them to take you seriously?) One of the reviews is Suspense Magazine says p.m.terrell "is getting better with each and every book she writes”! So that means they’re reading several of them!

I have been so fortunate and so blessed that several reviewers—those with Suspense Magazine, Midwest Book Reviews, Bengal Book Reviews, Between the Lines, Fresh Fiction and others—enjoy my work. Early in my career, I advertised in publications like the one Dan Poynter publishes for reviewers of suspense. Now I just build on that list from one book to the next.  I also enjoy networking with other authors and we often swap information on good reviewers and sites.

One way I get reviewers to take me seriously is through my website. You have to have a professional website if you want a professional career. And there’s something to simply hanging in there! I’ve seen a lot of authors come and go, many of them discouraged their first book didn’t catapult them to stardom, and if you’re willing to hang in there and keep writing, you get extra brownie points for that.

5.       What inspired these characters?

I’ll tell you, the book came to life when I introduced an Irish character, Dylan Maguire.  Vicki Boyd takes a job working for an elderly woman over the summer. But when she arrives, she finds Laurel Maguire has suffered a stroke and her nephew has arrived from Ireland to care for her. It was important to the storyline that Vicki think Dylan is the perfect man, so I did some in-depth research into what women think IS the perfect man. (Which was the most fun researching I’ve ever experienced!) Turns out, women love Scottish accents followed by Irish accents and then Australian accents. They also love five o’clock shadows, a man with muscle but who is oh-so-gentle with a woman… A man with boyish charm but who comes through like a man when he’s needed. Dylan is also just plain funny without intending to be, which is part of his charm.

Vicki is a “good girl” always living her life inside the box so Dylan is completely her opposite.

6.       What was your favorite part of the research to create this book?

I had some amazing experiences. Aunt Laurel’s house is a rambling historic home that lends itself well to ghosts. It was patterned after a real house in Lumberton, North Carolina, where the series is set.  Pictures are on my website at www.pmterrell.com. I took a tour of the house and heard the ghost tales that have been told of this once-abandoned property for decades.

I also toured the Carolina Civic Center’s Historic Theatre, which also has several ghosts. Vicki and Dylan are watching a play at this theatre when she sees a ghost, so being in the balcony and hearing of the ghosts who have actually pushed people down the steps was amazing.


7.       What are you writing now? Is there anything you can tell us without giving away the plot?

The next book in this series will be released in September 2012. It’s called Secrets of a Dangerous Woman. In Vicki’s Key, it’s mentioned that Vicki got separated from her sister after their parents died and they were adopted by different families.  The dangerous woman in the next book is Vicki’s sister, Brenda Carnegie, who first made her appearance in my book, Exit 22. She is everything that Vicki is not: she is a computer hacker, prefers to live on the wrong side of the law, lives outside every box, is a vixen, conniving, fearless…

And in Secrets of a Dangerous Woman, Dylan begins working for the CIA. His first assignment is to interrogate recently captured Brenda Carnegie. And he has definitely met his match. And when he discovers Brenda is actually Vicki’s sister, his first assignment just got very personal.

8.       Where can readers purchase your book? (I may have already done that, but share with the class.)

Well, every book store worth their bookmarks carries it. It’s also available at www.amazon.com and other online book stores. Right now on my website at www.pmterrell.com, we’re offering free shipping.

9.       May we read an excerpt from the book and can you provide it here? 

Here’s an excerpt for the reader who likes things that go bump in the night:
 
 
Vicki continued into the bathroom and groggily brushed her teeth. Grabbing a washcloth and splashing water over her face, she leaned into the sink to soak up the cool water.
She turned off the tap and tried to fully awaken as the water dripped off her face. Rising, she reached for the hand towel along the wall, catching a glimpse of her profile in the bathroom mirror.
Her eyes caught a shadow rippling in the mirror and she froze, her arm suspended in mid-air as she watched the shadowy figure undulating against the shower curtain just behind her. It was thin—far thinner than a human being; perhaps only four feet tall and just inches wide. Yet, two arms extended past the body, moving jerkily like a creature walking and yet it remained fixed in the center of the tub. The torso parted into two legs that were stick-like and lurching.
Then the shadow stopped and turned toward her, as though just realizing she was watching. The head emerged from the body like a person jutting his neck forward, growing as it neared the shower curtain. It swelled in a black intensity while two pits where eyes should have been grew more prominent.
She whipped around to face the shower curtain, her heart pounding, and her breath shallow.
There was nothing there.
She swung back toward the mirror. Her own face stared back at her, her eyes wide and chest heaving. The curtain hung behind her, motionless.



10.   Where can your readers connect with you on the web?

I love to hear from readers! My website is www.pmterrell.com . I am on Twitter @pmterrell and on Facebook under Patricia M. Terrell, Author. I also have an historical site, www.maryneely.com, for my true books about my ancestor Mary Neely who was captured by Shawnee warriors. Please drop by and chat with me!

Thank you so much, Frankie, for allowing me to chat with your followers about my books!

   About P.M. Terrell

P.M.Terrell is the award-winning, internationally acclaimed author of more than 13 books. Her newest series, Black Swamp Mysteries, involves a CIA psychic spy (based on the real project) and includes Exit 22 and Vicki's Key. Prior to becoming a full-time writer in 2000, she founded and operated two computer companies in the Washington, DC area. Her clients included the CIA, Secret Service and Department of Defense as well as local law enforcement agencies. She now lives in North Carolina with her family and plenty of ghosts. For more information about her, visit www.pmterrell.com. You can also follow her on Twitter @pmterrell and Facebook under Patricia M. Terrell, Author.

Saturday, May 19, 2012

Review of Hellbound by Berinn Rae

Hellbound by Berinn Rae
Review by Gabryyl Pierce
5 of 5 stars
Seven Seals. Borne on the skin of seven immortals.
Seven Seals. Protected by Guardians, pursued by the Dominion.
Seven Seals. Standing between humanity and hell.

Orion. Alpha of the Hellhounds and bearer of the Seal of Understanding.
Lana Wolfe. The first female Hellhound seen for centuries,
The Dominion. Former Guardians bent on unleashing Hell on Earth.
Hellbound, the second novel in the Guardians of the Seven Seals series by Berinn Rae, is an action-packed ride with great characters and a fast moving story.  The characters and their actions are believable and entertaining, the plotting is tight and the story was so well-written I immediately bought the first book in the series, Knightfall, to catch up. I look forward to the next book from Rae, a talented author definitely worth watching.
About Berinn
Berinn Rae writes romantic science fiction/fantasy about extraordinary women with kickassitude. Her EPIC-award finalist Guardians of the Seven Seals series follows mythical creatures we believed in as children, only to be forgotten as we aged. When not writing, she can be found flying old airplanes, watching SciFi movies, playing RPGs, and pampering an incredibly spoiled sixty-pound lap dog.

You can find Hellbound here:

B&N: http://tinyurl.com/7lv7u82