Capturing the Earl's Love: 5* Book Review (A FREE Novella)

This is a lovely novella from Jane Lark. (Previously published as 'Captured Love' but renamed and re-released as a FREE Novella by HarperImpulse as part of Jane's Historical series)

I read this story on a train to London. When I arrive in London I walked through Russell Square Park towards the British Museum, wondering how many romantic scenes the trees had witness. Did the huge tree on the corner have a favourite couple and is so what era were they from? How many chose the big tree on the corner in the shade to rendezvous or kissed beneath it's branches. Were initials carved into the bark that went back over a century? The reason for those thoughts were brought on by reading this short story and sent my mind back to the first in the series, where Ellen and Edward secretly met in a park. How dashing must a gentleman have looked stood underneath that tree waiting to walk beside you in a park as part of a courtship. (Swooooon)

I continued to reading the novella later that day on a bench in the London's National History Museum (it had been a long day and I was resting my feet while others went to see a Wooly Mammoth), plus it was an ideal place to read a historical romance. I finished it off on the train ride home. (Picture of it in my bag)

While it was a quick read, I would have liked it to be longer and more developed. It did seem compressed at times but I accepted it for what it was, a short look at another characters love life, Rupert, who we met in the first story of this wonderful series. (The Illicit Love of a Courtesan. Reviewed on this blog)

It tells a story of how women were used as bargaining chips by their fathers to gain higher status in society, and the pressures put on them to attain the best marriage they could to help elevate their fathers position. Conveying the snobbery where climbing the social ladder was frowned upon by those born into titles and no amount of finishing school could rub off the stigma attached to that. You would always be a polished turd. Unless you marry someone of great power, then no one would dare think it again for fear of your husband shunning them in business affairs.

Meredith's character reminded me of Brittany Murphy in Clueless. A red head who had been made over to look the part but would often giggle too loudly and seemed out of place. She foolishly set her sights on one man and falling head over heels in love for him even though she knew he would never marry anyone as low born as she.

Unfortunately for Meredith, Rupert couldn't stand to be around her. She was his sisters pet project and a thorn in his side. Her gooey eyed looks, her over tight claim on his arm when escorting them across a room, drove him crazy... but he wasn't blind to the assets she possessed and how well she used them. It irritated him that she stirred his loins and that his cousin, Edward, encouraged her advances.

The pivotal scene depicts Meredith being thrown into a desperate situation, thanks to her fathers greed in business, which results in her making a rash decision that affects not only her life, but Rupert's too. Being a noble man Rupert takes responsibility for his part, as the actions cannot be undone. His happiness will be forfeit in order to protect the family name and his honour.

For those who don't understand history and the ramifications of those actions, it can seem a little far fetched, but in reality this is what happened in society and a man's word was his honour. A man would be held accountable for his actions by his peers and mistakes were not easily brushed under the carpet.

The story is wrapped up pretty swiftly as it is novella but I don't think it matters very much as we will see more of them in the other books in this series. It had the right amount of sexual tension and historical drama, plus there was a happy ever after for not just one character in this book, but several. Along with piquing our interest in other characters who we know will be the main protagonists of other books in the series.

Rumour has it that HarperImpulse will be leaving this story as free. The only downside to that is 'Free stories' often receive low reviews by people who would never have purchased the book, are not interested in the story or era, and only want to write a review so it appears as 'verified review' and bumps up their 'reviewer rating'.

This was a lovely read, ideal for a quick train journey or Sunday lying around with your feet up. Several of my friends have read the story and enjoyed it too. Now it's your turn.

By My Side - Wendy Lou Jones - 4*'s Book Review

Ok this is a weird one for me as I loved this story... loved it... but I hated the ending and didn't see the need for the beginning either so I am awarding it 4*’s. (Contains spoilers so I can explain what did and didn't work for me)

Here are the reason why I initially gave it 5*'s.

• I sat up too late reading this story and couldn’t wait to restart it the next day, that is a 5* in my eyes. 

• I was invested in the characters, felt twinges in my heart, got offended and frustrated when they did... so 5*’s.

• The author was a doctor so her medical terminology is spot on for the times and she has insider knowledge of how fast gossip spreads around the hospital.

Why did it lose a star? 

Mainly the fact I hated the ending and that was a big sulking moment for me. I could have taken away more stars for the bits I will mention below, but seeing as I loved Katy and Adam's story it was worth 4*... if it had just been about them and not Lena or the dodgy ending, I would have given full marks. Hell I would have give it 6* out of 5* ;) Remember 4*'s is a nothing to be sniffed at!

The Author is Wendy Lou Jones, she came up with this story after seeing a redhead in a Chemist. She recently hunted her down and freaked her out by confessing she used her as a character in her book. Oh and made her pose for a photo (I am sure an injunction has been issued haha) Wendy is also obsessed with Richard Armitage so I think he is her 'Adam' in this novel, as the descriptions match.

I like to picture Katy and Adam like this in my mind. ;)

THE BLURB

The blurb was a bit confusing, I was expecting to read a story about a woman who had been cheated on and how she overcame it with help from a stranger. Then there was a bit underneath where two people are mentioned 'Katy' and 'Adam' and I realise they are the love birds... so who is Lena and why do we need her in the story... let me clear it up for you. Lena is a character who had been cheated on, failed her exams and attempted to kill herself to escape it all. Despite that her mother takes her to a funeral of a stranger. There someone begins to tell her the love story of Katy and Adam, who met shortly after Katy's Grandfather funeral, and how they were destined to fall in love as they were perfect for each other... not exactly what you want to hear at a funeral, let alone when you have had your heart broken and recently tried to put yourself in a coffin because of it. It just seemed really inappropriate and insensitive, plus her mother taking her to a funeral and leaving her alone to get her ears chewed off was weird. 

My main gripe with the book blurb is that I don't think it sells this book, it is misleading as Lena is not the main character she is more like a witness or a walk on character with maybe six lines throughout the entire book. To have the blurb based on her and not 'Katy' and Adam' was a misleading in my eyes.

SHELF APPEAL

The book cover doesn’t do the story justice and I am not sure the title is right either. I would have preferred Bed Side Manner as that was mainly what was in question from the start. Katy is not happy with Adam's bedside manner and he is well known for being a grump.

By my side, doesn't sound like it is a romance novel set in a medical profession and neither does the cover. I know a number of people who look for medical romances, especially my friends who work in hospitals or the medical profession, so it is missing a marketing opportunity there. ‘Bed Side Manner’ would have been more suitable. 

The cover is a hand holding a butterfly, I have no idea what that refers to other than a soul visiting at a funeral, and whilst we start this story at a funeral, there is far more scope for a cover set in medical romance. Even something basic like a stethoscope in a heart shape on a pair of scrubs, or hanging around a doctors neck would draw in those medical romance lovers. 

Yes it is a beautiful cover but I didn't feel it was relevant to the story and to me books with covers and titles like that usually hold a depressing story about abuse or trauma. I avoid them. This had a depressing ending but the main story was a delight to read.

ENDING - WHAT WAS THE ISSUE?

I mentioned I didn’t like the ending but I won't say exactly why, as it is a huge spoiler. It is safe to say the entire Lena part of the story was a put off for me. I would have preferred the story to just be about the protagonist Katy and her love interest Adam. Set in a hospital... simple. 

I didn’t like the jumping back and forth in time like the Princess Bride meets the Note Book, to someone being told a story at a funeral and I most certainly did not like the end. In fact the words ‘are you F***ing kidding me’ were yelled at my kindle. Good on the author for making me do that but the depressing ending wasn't explained either, I was left wondering what the hell happened. Like I nodded off and missed the end of the movie.

If I had my way, I would chop the end off and get rid of the third person, Lena, as she wasn’t needed. It turned a beautiful romance into something morbid. It felt a bit like the story was being turned it into a Greek tragedy for the sake of shock tactics. In romance the whole point is to see a happy ending without the macabre side. That detachment and melancholy of having a story end with uncertainty or tragedy is not for me. I would start it where Katy is at her grandfathers funeral, cut out Lena, embellish the two of them finally admitting they love each other and give me a 'they live happily ever after but argue frequently' ending.

In the debut novel from this author I struggled with the damage inflicted on the characters health and felt it was unnecessarily grim but hey life is cruel sometimes. I was hoping for a healthier outcome in this case so to see that type of ending again, and to the extreme, made me realise I am never going to get a happy ending from this author. There will be a tragic or fragile ending. No rainbows and unicorns here.... more like life’s a bitch and it’s gunning for you so get shagging everyone before you die.

FRUSTRATION

I spent hours reading this and wishing they would hurry up and sort themselves out. Admit their feelings and have hot make up sex which ends with a marriage proposal and kids... Yep I am that soppy.  Look I even picked out a baby grow.

When I got to the sex, it faded to black... I wasn't happy. To top it off when the characters are to all intents and purposes going to have 'the talk’... it was skipped and replaced with ‘but we had tonight’. Effectively booting me, the reader, who has invested hours in this book over the space of two days, out of the story and closing the door behind me. Only to be replaced with a time jump back to Lena and an ending I could throw rocks at.

I didn’t get to see what they had to say to one another, after ten chapters of ‘will they’ or ‘won’t they’. I felt robbed. I would have preferred to leave that door open and witness what was being said. Jeeze we read romance for confessions of the heart, not narrative from a third party sometime in the future. I want to be there, in the room like a fly on the wall when they confess their love for one another and get naked.

Plus I then had to read the ending that makes your blood run cold and your mood turn from happy to ‘what was the point in reading the story’. You can’t fan the flames of passion, snuff out the light and thrown dirt on it without readers feeling like your story has been hijacked by George R Martin and turned into an episode of Game of Thrones. It was an unnecessary twist of fate for the characters, which was cruel and disappointing. I felt like it was for shock tactics, even though I had an idea it was going all Bruce Willis a few chapters in. I just hoped the author didn't take that road... boy was I disappointed.

I had envisaged the characters singing songs like this at their wedding... No such luck.

I would recommended it, but with a warning to skip the ending as I wish I had. I even forced a friend who works in A&E to read it immediately to see if she felt the same about certain parts and 'yes,' she did. I didn't even tell her what niggled me and she sent near verbatim feedback in her email... like me she loved it, just not the Lena bits or ending. Oh and the skipping the 'talk' made her mad.

So I am going to pretend this is the ending... (the dancing bit before the shoulder tap) 

IT Girl - Nic Tatano - 5* Book Review

Anchor man meets Sex in the City - that is the best way to describe this new piece of work from the delightful Sicilian and New Yorker Nic Tantano.

Nic has vast experience in the area of Television networking to support this series. His career as a weatherman, reporter, anchor and producer for various television networks ensures he knows the real gossip from the green room which helps make this series so believable. He is confident in his approach to the subject matter and I can't help but picture him back in his weatherman dating days, looking something like this.

Although Nic knows roller skating on a first date is not as romantic as Xanadu has you believe... his real life dating traumas which he often shares with his readers have added to his witty humour which transfers well to the characters he creates for us.

I never watch morning TV, I am a press snooze till there are 20 minutes to be out the door girl, so I don't really understand the complexities of anchoring or the decisions behind who graces the screen. Nic depicts that well and had me wondering why the hell someone would find that appealing as a career. I assume that being an anchor is far more desirable in the States than here in the UK where we actually have a show called 'This Morning'. I don't think our TV presenters get paid the figures mentioned in this book and they certainly don't look like supermodels but they do have a wicked sense of humour!  (Check out this clip of Fern Cotton and Philip Schofield)

I pictured someone like Amy Adams for Nic's leading lady. A redhead who is terrified of missing out on a career opportunity or gaining weight, but most of all in losing her edge as a political journalist.

I noticed the play on the surnames with the two anchors 'Summer' and 'Winter'.. very seasonal. I also loved that the protagonist had friends, love life and balls big enough to ensure her career was not affected by whoever was in her bed. She's not afraid to kick a hottie to the curb whilst dressed in nothing but a red thong and armed with squirty cream... my kind of girl.

There were a lot of references to 'legs' so I am going to say the author has a leg fetish to go with his obvious passion for red heads whatever shade, copper top, strawberry blonde or pillar box.

You can easily forget that the author is male, which is a gift in itself. His depiction of girly feelings and gossip make the characters relatable and relevant. Not forgetting the hot males with stubble, 'long dimples' and winning smiles to melt the knickers of any sleep deprived mother. Both are made drool worthy whatever your sexuality reading this. I also made me realise that putting off shaping my eyebrows and shaving my legs would not pass in 'Anchor World'. You can't live in leggings and hide a unibrow behind a fringe or baseball cap... Oh and the camera adds 20lbs.

This is the first instalment and I would have preferred to read the entire thing. I am used to finishing a book and being left on a cliffhanger makes me sulk. Do I want to read more... yep I want to see who the love interest is and I want it now! That makes it 5*'s, along side the ability to make me give a flying fuck about morning TV.

I may even wake extra early tomorrow to watch morning TV... then again I may just set the Tivo and bash the shit out of the snooze button. 

The Illicit Love of a Courtesan - Jane Lark - BOOK REVIEW

I can't even begin to explain how much I loved this book... maybe the fact that after reading the first chapter I put my kindle down and applauded the author. Yes, I clapped! I've never done that before but I was excited by what I had just read and felt somewhat naughty for enjoying it  ;)

This is where I remind you that you can read the first chapter for free on Amazon and experience it for yourself. I promise you will not be disappointed.

The first chapter was not only beautifully written, it captured your attention, leaving you so invested in the characters there was no way you could put the book down. Add to that the 'Oh my god' moments where the author doesn't make miracles happen to save the protagonist. She is not living the fairytale, she is more like a raven haired Rapunzel kept in a town house and only allowed out for the sadistic pleasure of others. During which time you can feel the bile rise in your throat the same as the character.

The author keeps the suspense and drama moving along steadily. Depicting the scenes with historical accuracy and enthusiasm, allowing you to envisage the world they live in to the point you can smell the tobacco or feel the cold air on your cheeks.

There were so many wonderfully romantic lines to make you swoon and wish for your very own Edward. His adoration of her is obsessive and possessive but above all sexy as he knows he is head of heels in love with her. He is ready to gambol through life so long as it is with her. There is no sacrifice too big and her past is 'her past' as far as he is concerned. Even when her secrets are revealed one by one, he loves her more for them.

We all want a love like that and to read it described so well in this novel made me swoon and pine for the days when men were gallant, respectful... yes chauvinistic... but historical romances are. Even so, the line between a woman knowing her place, respecting her husband and being given the right to make decisions is evenly balanced. Ellen is self sacrificing and humble but she is no push over.

They was more nookie in 336 pages than any historical romance I've ever read. Just count yourself lucky that you can't get pregnant from reading, not that you would complain where Edward was concerned.

I enjoyed it from beginning to end and have decided I would read anything by Jane Lark... hell I'd even read her shopping list!

I am delighted that I have a several of her novels in my library including 'Capturing the Earls Love', 'The Passionate Love of a Rake' and 'The Scandalous Love of a Duke' which feature characters you meet in this novel. Also 'Capturing the Earls Love' is a free Novella so you can download it today.

Here is a treat... Jane Lark reading an excerpt from 'The Illicit Love of a Courtesan'.

You can purchase them here: Amazon and leave a review. 

THE ROMAN - CAROLINE STORER (Book Review) 5*s

I loved this book. If this book cover doesn't have you reaching to read the blurb, nothing will. What a sexy Bastard! High five to the cover artist as that is shelf appeal.

Perfect for my Spartacus Hangover and fed my Dustin Clare obsession as I could easily picture him as 'The Roman'. Here he is, in all his Gladiator glory... feel free to lick the screen and picture him too.

The author of 'The Roman' depicts with ease the beauty of those times and the importance of social status but doesn't linger. We start off with the POV from the Roman as he celebrates a win Ben Hur style, which automatically makes Marcallas fearless, sexy, brave and down right desirable. 

On top of that we get an insight into the inner working of his mind, he is proud, independent, rich but like everyone else he has a heart... which someone bitch ripped out of his chest leaving him vengeful. This in turn doused the book in angst ridden sexual tension. Hurrah!

We change POV to the female Protagonist. I have to say though, I didn't like her name. Justina, seemed too modern for me, but it is a Roman name, it was just hard to settle it in the time period for me. On the plus side she was sweet, innocent, used, abused and loyal. Her life taking the path most young girls faced during that time period, but you know it could have been worse. You had to admire her, especially for someone so young. She was shrewd, intelligent and talented. 

The POV stayed with her for a vast majority of the story. It was told in a modern way so we could read it with ease and not get lost in a history lesson. Having said that it was clear the author had done her homework. I learnt a lot without even realising it and found myself squealing at the mention of Pompeii and Herculaneum as I knew what was coming. Plus for those who are missing Spartacus, there are two Hercules films out soon and Pompeii so it's an ideal time for this book release. 

As with any romance we want some nookie and were not disappointed. It was not cringe worthy, it was sweet, brave and about bloody time! The water wasn't the only hot thing.

All in all, a great read for those who love historical romance, and a lovely starter for those who are interested in the genre but don't want anything too taxing. It is not overly wordy or flooded with so many historical facts it makes it feels like homework. It is an ideal Sunday read that will have you booking a holiday to Rome or throwing a toga party. 

You can get a copy here http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Roman-HarperImpulse-Historical-Romance-ebook/dp/B00HY5ZCR0 

THE KISS BEFORE CHRISTMAS - SOPHIE PEMBROKE - BOOK REVIEW 5*

Loved it! 

You can tell the author has studied English Literature as the story is effortlessly written, which in turn makes it a pleasure to read. Also well edited which meant there were no gaps or scene jumps leaving the reader disorientated as to where the scene was taking place or whose POV they were reading. 

A story full of secrets, historical relationship dramas, spiced up with sexual tension and yummy kisses. Add a few snotty posh people, who no one really wants to spend Christmas with, as they are obnoxious, insensitive and act as though need a spring of holly removed from their Ice cold hearts!

It was a nice change to see a couple who are in their 30's and not pigeon holed into 18-25 age group like most books these days. It made it far more interesting and believable that the characters had relationships before and now they were 'love shy'. 

I enjoyed it, read it cover to cover in 2 hours and look forward to more from this author.

SANTA WORE LEATHERS - VONNIE DAVIS - BOOK REVIEW 5*

Sexy, feisty, witty and Christmassy
I love the authors ease with words. She tells the story with care, enthusiasm and more wit than you could shake a stick at. Just my type of book. She is on my favourites list. 

I was laughing my duck off in the first few pages and several chapters in I lost count of the scrotum references, whether it be the dogs bits or the hotties. All of which made me laugh. 

It's a story with a broken heart which needs to be mended, trust issues from previous shitty relationships and a 'don't judge a book by it's cover' love interest. The heart is owned by a firey, sulky, red headed protagonist who fights off the advances of her new sexy neighbour, only to have her legs knocked bandy with one 'blue steel' look. One minute she is say 'Ah, ah' and the 'Ooo aaaa'. The fact he is a fireman and knows how to handle her firey temperament as well as get her hot under the collar doesn't go a miss. 

I was a bit peeved at his waffling on throughout the naughty bits, it was like a radio presenter or sports commentators. I would yell 'Just F*** me already!' or pull my blindfold off and gag him with it.

Their relationship challenged misconceptions on who we chose to date or not, based on what the person does for a living. I for instance would never consider dating an accountant no matter how good he was with his digits (ahem). I can't save enough money to next pay day and often store it in my bra. I am an accountants worst nightmare. I have visions of them asking for a receipt after sex... not that I charge but you get my meaning... preconceived ideals. 

This book reminds us that love is a tricky, addictive and euphoric. The broken hearted avoid like the plague only to fall hard and fast just when they thought they were safe. Most of us end up with the exact opposite of what we think we are looking for and all have to surrender our hearts, as that is the price of love. Even if yours is battered and bruised, it can bounce back like Rocky and knock a guy for six.

SAY IT WITH SEQUINS (The Rumba) - GEORGIA HILL - BOOK REVIEW 4*

If you love Strictly Come Dancing, Dancing with the Stars etc, you will love this. Picture a Welsh Childrens TV presenter (I pictured Gethin Jones) and a West End actress both signing up for a reality Dance comp in the hope to raise their profile and get new job offers. The usual reason Stars sign up.

Throw in some sequins, dodgy revelling dresses and unwanted intimacy with your dance partner, who is a moron and only happy when he has a stick insect to throw around like pizza dough. She's the under dog who can't find her bark to defend against her trainers bite, and the comments from the judges leave her confidence in tatters. It's something we all witness on a Saturday night coming up to Christmas on these shows.

Will she find her feet? Will her new friendship with the Welsh hottie ever develop into a first kiss? Read and find out! ;)

THE FIRST CHRISTMAS WITHOUT YOU - MICHELLE BETHAM - BOOK REVIEW 5*

Any book that can have you worried for the protagonist in the first chapter, heartbroken for them in the second and hopeful in the third, has my vote!

I got interrupted several times reading this and as it is a very emotional read I contemplated whether I should risk getting arrested for assault, just so I could finish reading it in peace.

It keeps you interested, as you want to confirm your suspicions but it also allows you to suspend disbelief in some instances and pine for those who are no longer with us.

I am usually far more interested in the dialogue than the destination but reading this at Christmas time made me feel more festive than my belly full of turkey. The author captured the magic and beauty of Lapland. It was like a tour guide. I would have liked more interaction between the two love interests rather than a tour but I felt it was more about her emotional journey than the relationship. Plus it is a novella so short and sweet, just like Christmas!

ON THE SCENT - ANGELA CAMPBELL - BOOK REVIEW 5*

I will have an order of Henry Cavill inspired hunk with a side portion of cute pets in danger please.

Why 5*'s? Here is how I worked it out.

Would I sleep with Zach, Brian and Kellan... yep 1* E.J.... No. - 1* But there was three hotties, imagine the fun... add that star back! 1*

Was the protagonist a wimp... No... make that 2** 

Did I want them to 'kiss already' like back in the day of Moonlighting with Bruce Willis... yep 3***

Were the pets cute... of course 4**** However, the cat was sly and grumpy - 1* making it 3***

Was the storyline believable, full of mystery and a twitch of fiction... Yep 4****

Did they fall out and make up, then finally jump each other with more passion than the leg humping dog ... yep add a star making it 5***** 

The back story with Zach and his brother was a nice lead to the next story. Bring it on!

THE LAST KISS - BRIGID COADY - BOOK REVIEW 5*

A lovely 'short' which perfectly depicts the heartbreak and joy of the last kiss. Some kisses are branded into our soul, a wonderful memory we dust off in our later years. The kind that reminds us we were truly kissed. Perfect!

Lipstick on His Collar - Brigid Coady - Book Review 5*

Wonderful short that depicts how the temptation of a forbidden kiss can be irresistible and even if your conscience is screaming at you, you will turn a deaf ear just for a taste.

ONE KISS - LISA FOX - BOOK REVIEW 4*

A story of attraction whilst in the friend zone with a work colleague/bestie. Add to it the fear of falling in love with the risk of falling out later. Are you willing to risk losing that friendship for the sake of having someone to kiss at midnight?

I enjoyed reading this story late on a Friday night. It made me want to go out, party and kiss someone just for the hell of it. 

The chemistry and attraction between the two was realistic and had you anticipating the kiss before it happened. The kisses were wonderfully descriptive and made you miss a good old snog or grab your partner and pucker up. 

The only slight negative for me was sometimes it seemed to mood swing a bit too quickly so I got readers whiplash but it got back on track quick enough. I also found some parts overly crude for a romantic scene. I just felt that certain sentences detracted from the moment and would have been more appropriate in another scene. 

The Keepers: Archer - Rae Rivers - Book Review 4* Stars

4 STAR BOOK REVIEW

I've been intrigued by this story and its cover for a while now. I couldn't wait to read it as I love a good book series and one book is just never enough. Plus when it's got a cover and blurb this good, it makes my reading list. 

I loved that it started off with a spooky/action scene that immediately had you 'the reader' wanting someone to rescue Sienna, or for her to be 'super witch' and kick ass! You are not let down. I envisaged the scene from 'Devils Advocate' where the lawyer is running and gets jumped on by demons/homeless dudes.

This is where I would like to explain the reason I am giving 4* not 5 * (Four is great!).

I got a little confused at times e.g. between this scene for instance, where one minute she is arguing with her rescuer in the park woods and the next she is somewhere else and in trouble again (it's hard to explain without a blatant spoiler). 

Or further on in the story when 'Brogan' was introduced. He is a main character, one they all fear but all of a sudden his name is used and I was thinking 'who the hell is Brogan'... I flipped back for clarity but found he is just referenced mid sentence as Brogan, when introducing Warrick. Only when they are referred to as the 'Brogan brothers' and Warrick as 'Warrick Brogan' did I realise who he was and their relationship. 

There were a few moments that had me backtracking over what I had read, in case I had missed something. It breaks the momentum and continuity of the story to have to stop and take your bearings.

Some scenes were just a bit too descriptive for me so I found my eyes speed reading over them, as I didn't need to read about how dark or cold the woods were for a few paragraphs. That is a personal preference. I like it fast paced, quick dialogue and no loitering between scenes. I also found the dialogue could be repetitive in places and there were times when scenes had obviously been cut in the edit but referencing something I should have knowledge of.

Having said that, the author did a wonderful job creating a believable world where magic exists. It's not something you would ever question and if you found yourself dumped in the middle of it. You could quite easily shrug and accept that some people were just different, Witches, Keepers and Warlocks existed. That in itself is a gift, and something a lot of authors struggle with. Rae tackled it well and didn't make it too complex.

The romance was mainly steeped in history, and referencing troubles in the past that weren't explained in this story. It left me feeling like I had came in late to a movie. There was just enough of it 'alluded to' in order for you to easily empathise with the characters plight and hope 'love finds a way' but still it was a little stilted due to that lack of knowledge. 

There is a prequel called Sienna, which I will be reading next (as it was released after this one). I hope it answers my questions. 

I had chose to read the stories based on the publication date, as I wanted to read it in the order the publishing house released them, surely there was a reason they released this one first. I started to regret it as I had too many questions and a itchy trigger finger wanting to stop reading this and go start Sienna. I reluctantly stood by my decision and finished this first, but would recommend others read the prequel Sienna to save some frustration. 

Protagonist: 

Although it is about Archer and POV changes happen frequently, Sienna is the protagonist. She is a fiery red head which I like to see, as there are far too many blonde or brunette heroines. She is a 'reluctant' witch and has known her 'Keepers' all her life. They were raised with the knowledge that her grandmother and mother were both witches. They would play in the woods as children and she would be taught spells by her grandmother. It made me picture 'Brave', by Pixar, which coincidently has three brothers, and whilst Sienna's Keepers are not triplets, they are brothers, so that kept flashing in my mind and making me giggle.

 

The Keepers:

The brothers are described as very similar in muscle tone, hair colour and looks. Obviously due to their being brothers! Oh and Keepers are strong as an Ox, quick as a whippet and probably hung like a donkey!

Each have their own personality which is easily distinguished. Archer, who this book is based on, is a hottie. He is focused, dedicated and driven, not just because he is a Keeper but because his heart rules his mind where Sienna is concerned and that is the reason why it is 'Forbidden', he could risk destroying the balance to protect her. 

Each Keeper is a wall of muscle, has an elemental power e.g. water and they are sexy as fook! This is the picture the author released as 'Archer'... Phwoar! Makes you want to be a witch, doesn't it! 

Archer may be strong in all other areas but his weakness is Sienna. For instance, we would probably see Sienna like this... Casual, jeans and t-shirt with grass in her hair and chipped nail varnish. ---->

Archer on the other hand, would see this! 

He is besotted with her and whilst it is taboo, that is also what makes it hot! Plus knowing she feels the same way... or at least did, is enough to make the reader sexually frustrated, let alone him!

Throw in some naughty rule breaking scenes with lashings of red wine and whiskey! Douse those flames with water, on several occasions, due to the ill timed arrival of supporting characters, and I find myself hoping Sienna can survive with one Keeper, as I give Archer full permission to drown them! 

That is until I read more about his brothers, aka other Keepers. I seem to lose interest in Sienna and Archer, I want to know more about this pair, especially Declan. Cue the bad boy who skipped a few hair cuts and lives in either the bottle or a brothel! I picture him something like this but bulkier. 

He is intriguing, damaged and a man-whore. 'Declan' is the Keeper for me!

I found myself working out which character I would sleep with first.. here was the result... Declan, Warwick, Ethan and bizarrely the last was Archer. I mean Archer is hot, but he is so smitten with Sienna's that there would be no point in going there. 

The end of this story was a little chaotic and inevitable but all in all, it was well done. If you like Vampire Diaries, Secret Circles, Witches of Eastend etc, you will love this book. It is ideal Young Adult, even though there are some scenes of a sexual nature. I could see Twi-hards getting their kicks from it. 

I am looking forward to reading Sienna, and the rest of the series when they are released... especially Declan! ;) 

You can purchased this book here: The-Keepers-Archer

KISMET - THE STORY BEHIND THE SUBMISSION

I posted a status on facebook a few weeks ago where I admitted that I had sent a manuscript to a publisher back in May but have heard nothing from them. A few people messaged me saying they would never be brave enough to admit that, especially on Facebook, as they saw it as a 'failure'. I don't see why, as that is the journey all writers face and I am happy to share my failings as well as my successes...and here is why.

I submitted a story to a publisher and that is something to be proud of. Some people can't even finish a novel but I've completed 16 since October 2009 and have several in progress. My work has been read millions of times on-line, been number one in Romance, Chicklit, NonTeenFiction charts. It had received both good and bad feedback. That prepares me for the critics.

One of those stories is made it to the top 25 of Harlequins SYTYCW (So you think you can write) contest on Wattpad, where there was a chance to win a 3 book deal. Regardless of whether I 'won' or not, I still entered. I wrote the story in 23 days and designed my own book cover. People enjoyed reading it and it received over a million reads in a month.

The same goes for my story 'Kismet'. I had a story in my head, I typed it out and let people read it for free so I could get feedback. I designed the book cover for the entire series and that is another string to my bow.

So I've decided to share this books journey in the hope you will see why anyone who submits a story should be patting themselves on the back and not hanging their heads in shame. For the record the only time I hang my head is to look at new shoes, talk to small children and animals... or when I am drunk ;)  

Where it all began:

I started posting draft work on a writing site called Booksie in October 2009. At the end of 2010 I started to write a story called 'Kismet'. It was written in the style of a soap opera and in first person so the readers could feel like they were the character and become emotionally attached. I updated it several times a week, writing a couple of chapters after work and posting them. A bit like telling a tale around a camp fire before bed. Every morning I would find comments from readers all around the world who loved it and begged for more. They started to call themselves 'Kismet Junkies'.

I wrote 4 books in the series between 2010 and 2012, along with several other stories. It became one of the most popular books on the writing site I was using. This led to the site owners contacting me and expressing an interest in publishing it. As well as owning Booksie, Booksie Silk (adult), they also own 'The Next Big Writer' and have laughed a publishing company. However, I declined as it wasn't ready yet and I didn't feel that they were the right publisher for the series. At the same time I received offers from other publishers of the same standard, who I felt were again not aiming at my target audience or offering me anything I couldn't do for myself via self publishing.

(For those who don't believe, here is proof with anything that could identify people blurred out)

Instead of accepting the offers, I started to edit the series in-between writing other stories and working full time. I wanted to be ready to publish if a deal came along worth accepting. I also started to post Kismet on another writing site called Wattpad for more feedback. I started receiving offers on that site from Independent publishers, and again I said no. I want a romance publisher as that is my target audience and the editor would be one with a passion for romance and not figures. For the record publishers are not allowed to create accounts to contact members on Wattpad, so were quickly tapped on the shoulder and asked what they were up to when I received mine. They soon disappeared which speaks volumes for their professionalism. Eeek!

In September 2012 I was given the heads up that Harper Voyager were looking for submissions. Unfortunately I was in hospital having surgery so didn't have time to meet the deadline. I hadn't finished editing Kismet and wasn't sure which of my novels they would prefer given the publisher was more sci-fi, fantasy than romance. I asked them to choose and they chose 'Marriage Made in Heaven' a Supernatural Romance. They told me not to worry if I couldn't get it through to them as a submission as they would take a look at it on Wattpad. I couldn't believe my luck. What a lovely thing to do!

Unfortunately, that didn't happen as they were inundated and obviously the submissions took priority. However, a couple of months later I received a message saying 'Just to give you the heads up, we are launching a new brand called HarperImpulse and they are looking for Romance submissions'. There was no deadline so I shared the news with all my writer friends and gave Kismet the once over.... deciding it needed more editing.

I set about editing Kismet and stopped writing anything else. I booked time off work and got my head down. Unfortunately everyone who said they would help me with editing got caught up for whatever reason, in other aspects of their life, and I was left to do it alone. The wasn't the first time that has happened so I figured 'you wrote it alone, you can edit alone,' and that is what I did.

I spent a week editing, sitting up until god knows what time in the morning. On one occasion I noticed it was 7:00am as I was going to bed but my phone alarm went off and reminded me I had a 9:00am appointment so I went without sleep that day, and was still up editing at 6:00am the following morning. I would go to bed for 4-5 hours and get up to start again. I also redesigned the book cover, and for the first time ever put my 'real name' on the front, as apparently 'Maria' is far more romantic... but I'm not sharing my full name on this blog.

Things were coming together but like most amateur writers I can't afford an editor. Plus they would need to be British, as I use English Dialogue and UK spelling. There is nothing worse than sending off a chapter and getting it back weeks later... Americanised! 

In May I finally submitted it to HarperImpulse but by this time, they were inundated with submissions from authors who were far more prepared.Some were already signed with other publishers, others were self published or ready to click submit the day submissions opened. They were 'polished' and could helped launch the brand immediately. That meant Kismet had to take a seat in the email box gathering dust in HarperImpulses office.

I was happy to leave it there and started talks with Avon Books, Harlequin, Beachwalk Press etc. The only issue was my stories were too long. They had to be 50,000 words or 65,000 max. We agreed I would write something for them instead as I didn't want to cut my current stories in half. Also Harlequin US were referring me to the UK branch but the UK branch replied saying they only accept series from their 'own' office. In the end I spent far too much time trying to get one office to talk directly to the other and gave up. I decided to focus on writing new stories to the 50K word count instead. 

The word count started to niggle at me and got me thinking about Kismet and how I wasn't happy with the end of book one. I discussed it with others and agreed a new place to end book one which would lower the word count. That meant I had to withdraw it from HarperImpulse but I didn't think they would mind, as it had been sat in their inbox for 5 months... it was now September and I'd bet a case of wine they hadn't even looked at it. 

I advised them that I wanted to change the end of the first book and transfer it to the beginning of the second. This would lower the word count. They agreed, I fixed it, formatted it with the help of another author and sent it back. I also had 4 other stories ready to go. I wasn't sure if they wanted them so asked and they said 'Ooo yes please'. I got them ready and sent a quick email asking if they needed to be one email or separate. They were 'excited' to receive them and each was sent separately. I felt better about this submission... until my laptop connection went 'tits up' and I wasn't sure they received them. Lucky for me I received email confirmation. Job done... move on!

It has been 8 months since my initial submission and 4 months since my resubmission, with the 4 additional works. I have not heard anything from HarperImpulse other than the automatic email response. I haven't sat back and worried about it or convince myself they don't like it, as I know they will. That is not to say they would ever publish it, just that I have confidence that should they take the time to read it they would probably wonder why they left it there so long. 

Kismet is realistically still sat in an email box with a pile of other stories... 4 of which are mine, and the chances of it being read this year, zero.  I know authors who HarperImpulse have already published, who have sent through their next novel as requested and been told don't expect to hear back for a few weeks as they are a small team and very busy. I know other who have been given 'the call' and are busy working with the publisher to get their novel released. 

KISMET will have it's day! (As will my other stories), at the moment it is 'my friends' day. 

I don't sit on my bum worrying about it. During Kismet's stay in the HarperImpulse inbox I've wrote three new books, finished two others, carried out reviews and entered writing competitions for the first time in my life. I've met hundreds of other authors on line and built wonderful friendships. Been given advice to help me becoming a better writer and been read millions of times. 

HarperImpulse have published some great stories this year. To do that they have had to read countless submissions, agreeing offers, cover art design, editing, marketing, attending lush award etc. I bet there are days when they don't want to see another bloody submission. They want to go get drunk and talk about anything so long as it isn't 'Romance Novels'. 

I am not sitting waiting on them to open my email and read my story. That would be foolish and unambitious. I am carrying on as normal. Writing, editing, cover designing, entering competitions, researching other publishers so when they are looking for submissions I am ready like the others were before. Not forgetting my personal and work life that demands attention and isn't as easily sated by 'wifi' as my writing life.

I am not putting all my eggs in one basket either. Next week I have two more stories going to a publisher one of which took me a weekend to write and is about to be featured on a writing site, it is called 'Love In Bloom'. I wrote it in the space of one weekend. 

A few weeks ago Harlequin asked for the full MS of 'Do Not Touch' for SYTYCW which took me 23 days to write. I let readers chose the names etc... all except one. Annie, as the book is dedicated to my aunt who passed away a short time before I started to write it. The story didn't win SYTYCW but Harlequin are going to send me 'feedback' and were impressed with the high standard. That in itself makes it worth the submission.

I also participated in NaNo again this year and won with over 70k word count, despite a late start due to SYTYCW and designing covers for others who were taking part in NaNo. Wattpad have a competition where you can win £2k for being part of NaNo and sharing your story on their site :) I'll have some of that thank you.

So as you can see there is nothing for me to feel a failure about. Plus I have received this from Wattpad! Mae Day has achieved a 'milestone' as one of their 'Most Read' in 2013 with nearly two million reads. I didn't even know there was such a thing but I still screamed and clapped like a sea-lion when I read it. It made my day! 

Then I received another email from them announcing I had achieved another Milestone. 'Love is in the Heir' was also one of their Most Read of 2013. It has over two million reads and was used to celebrate the Royal Birth, which made me one proud Brit!

I was so proud of my stories success that when I received the next email congratulating me on being one of Wattpads Most Active Members e.g. Followed, posting stories and interacting with users via comments sections on my stories etc, I was stoked!

In reflection, Kismet may be sat in that 'Inbox' waiting to be read but it is also on Wattpad users phones, tablets, Laptop etc all over the world. It is being read at this very moment by someone who doesn't care if it is sat waiting in a publisher inbox. They are just happy to read it for free as some of them don't have access to libraries or money to buy books. That is why I post on writing sites like Wattpad because now I can truly say I have been read by millions of people, worldwide from every background. At present I have nearly 12,000 followers (fans) and that is the best focus group any writer can ask for. :)

Here is to another successful year! (Pats self on back and holds head high!)

UPDATE: I still hadn't heard anything by the end of January 2014. As such I figured it's been 9 months and that is long enough to leave a story in an email box, let alone the 4 other stories. I didn't receive a reply to three emails asking if they had been received ok. Also enquiring if the time to hear back was still 3 months', one in November, December and January.

I spent a sleepless night pondering over a decision I had wanted to make the previous week but held off as I didn't want it to be 'knee Jerk' reaction. The next morning I was absolutely positive I wanted to do it and withdrew my submissions.  I've had no reply to my email to withdraw them either.

I felt much better for the decision. I was taking the power back instead of waiting and waiting... it was like exam results. Was your work up to scratch? When I made the decision I shared it on my social network, several authors congratulated me on being brave enough to do it. Some even shared their own experiences and it confirmed I have made the right choice.

I am now going to use my time to edit and consider serial publishing. It is far more productive than waiting in an email box. Wish me luck!