Review of She’s on Top by Susan Lyons

I decided to post a review of the book I just finished…a book I loved!

 

She’s On Top by Susan Lyons

 

Music is Rina Goldberg’s passion and she can never forget the sensual rhapsody she experienced in the arms of Giancarlo, her first lover. Ten years later, Giancarlo is sexier and more romantic than ever. His masterful fingers still know how to create the most intimate melody of pleasure and he understands every nuance of a woman’s sensuality. And Rina is the only woman he wants. Their passionate encore takes her to a glorious, unforgettable climax and there’s more where that came from. Much more.

 

WARNING:  This is a REALLY HOT book. (Sexually Explicit)

 

***

 

She’s On Top is a fabulous and HOT story filled with passion and memorable characters.

 

Musician Rina Goldberg has never forgotten her first lover, Giancarlo Mancini, a fellow musician she met as a teen.  When they reunite after 10 years she is surprised to see the changes that they have both gone through both physically and in life, but equally surprised to find that the sparks between them are still there.

 

Giancarlo is surprised but intrigued when he hears from Rina after almost 10 years and agrees to meet her while he is in town.  He is taken with the curvaceous beauty and encourages her to explore the chemistry they have between them.

 

As the two spend more time with each other, their feelings begin to grow…but Rina is not sure there could ever be anything between them because she believes they want different things from life.  Rina is focused on becoming a member of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra and having a home and family, while Giancarlo is a famous music video director who travels the world.  Rina cannot understand why Giancarlo gave up his own music to pursue a career as a music video director.  But as the two get to know each other all over again they both begin to understand one another better.

 

But can two people who live such different lives truly find love with each other?

 

She’s on Top is a wonderful story featuring a couple that was perfect for each other despite their differences.  Life may have taken them on different paths, but they still managed to find their way to each other. 

 

Giancarlo was a wonderfully sexy hero who helped Rina overcome her insecurities and become comfortable with who she is.  Rina, a curvy woman, is very self-conscious about her body and I loved how Giancarlo loved her curves and tried to make her see the beauty in them.  After spending his days around too-thin women in the entertainment industry, Rina is a breath of fresh air and he sees the beauty in her body even if she can’t see it herself.

 

It was enjoyable to watch the relationship grow between the two as they both became more comfortable with who they are around each other and as they helped one another deal with thier issues.  The chemistry between them is definitely there and the love scenes heat up the pages!  This book was definitely hot…I may never look at yogurt the same way

 

It was also interesting seeing the characters from the previous books in the Awesome Foursome series.  She’s On Top was a fabulous conclusion to the series and I am going to miss these wonderful heroines.  But I can hardly wait to see what Ms. Lyons has planned next.

Introducing…Loucinda McGary!

Please give a warm welcome to author Loucinda McGary!

Loucinda’s debut release, The Wild Sight, is being released later this year.

I first “met” Loucinda through the Romance Bandits blog and I am thrilled to have her here today!

 

Please tell us about your books.

The Wild Sight: An Irish tale of deadly deeds and forbidden love is my debut novel. It is an October 2008 release from Sourcebooks Casablanca and is a contemporary romantic suspense with paranormal elements. The hero of my story, Donovan O’Shea was born with a psychic ability he couldn’t control, so he fled to America, where his “gift” never manifested itself. As the story opens, his father’s illness has forced him to return to rural Northern Ireland and the family homestead on the edge of the fens of Lough Neagh. When Donovan was a child, his mother disappeared into those fens and was never seen again. Now the same fens are offering up secrets, both ancient and modern, and restoring a terrible legacy, which just might drive Donovan mad. And if that isn’t trouble enough, a beautiful woman walks into his life, claiming to be his half-sister.

 

What inspired the story?

The Wild Sight was actually my third contemporary romantic suspense. The previous two (both still unsold at this point in time) were set in Italy, one in Venice and the other in and around the Isle of Capri. Since I hadn’t had much luck selling an Italian setting, I decided that this time out I would set the book in Ireland. Both my DH and I are Irish, and he has relatives in Northern Ireland (I probably do too, just don’t know exactly where). I loved visiting there.

 

Anyway, I went to my local library and checked out all the books on Celtic Ireland they would allow me to take. I had a bit of everything from history to jewelry to folktales. After about three weeks of immersing myself in all things Irish, including my photos and travel journals from previous visits, the germ of an idea began to grow in my imagination.

 

I love the notion of the Irish “second sight,” though women seem to be the ones with this ability in most stories. I started thinking what if a man had it? And that’s when my hero, Donovan O’Shea was born.

 

What is your favorite part of being a writer? 

Having all these wonderful stories and characters rolling around in my imagination, waiting to be told. Plus, now I’ll be able to share them with a lot of readers. I’m really looking forward to that.

 

A very close second is “meeting” and interacting with all the wonderful readers and other writers online and in person! There’s such a supportive community of romance readers and writers, and I feel so fortunate to be a part of it.

 

Least favorite?

Rejections. No matter what, they hurt.

 

Also, the hurry-up-and-wait aspects of publishing. Everything seems to take forever! But then, patience has never been one of my virtues.

 

Can you share with us “The Call” story?

Jennifer, as you and other readers of the Romance Bandits blog know, I was a finalist in the 2006 Golden Heart contest. Of course, I attended the Romance Writers of America conference and awards ceremony in Atlanta that year. One morning, I got on the elevator with a woman who introduced herself as an editor. She noticed my Golden Heart Finalist ribbon on my name badge, said she would really like to read my contest entry, and gave me her business card. When I returned home, I sent her that manuscript, which she ultimately rejected. However, she expressed an interest in my current work-in-progress and I sent her the first four chapters of what would become The Wild Sight.

 

A couple of months later, she called my house (!) and asked me to send the entire manuscript. After I stopped hyperventilating and emailed her the whole story, I convinced myself that nobody ever sells their manuscript to the very first editor who reads it. I am happy to say I was WRONG WRONG WRONG! On the morning of September 14, 2007, the editor called to say she loved my Irish book and wanted to buy it!

 

So truth really is stranger than fiction. I really did meet my editor in an elevator during a writing conference. She was the very first editor to see my book, and she bought it.

 

What would you like to tell aspiring writers?

The only way you will ever truly fail is if you stop writing and submitting.

 

Who has inspired you as a writer?

My mother loved to read the great Gothic romance writers Victoria Holt, Phyllis A. Whitney, and Mary Stewart. As a teen, when I ran out of things to read, I picked up some of Mom’s books and very soon I was hooked on those tales of a young woman in danger and a mysterious, handsome man who might or might not come to her rescue.

 

I also read a lot of fantasy novels in my teens and early twenties and especially loved the Shannara series by Terry Brooks. Romance wise, I read Rosemary Rogers and Kathleen Woodiwiss early on didn’t really read any contemporary authors. I was pretty burned out on romance until I accidentally picked up Outlander by Diana Gabaldon. That book knocked my socks off and inspired me to start writing again!

 

Nowadays, some of the best writers in the business are writing in the romance genre. In fact, there are so many great writers on the shelves (some of them I even know personally!) I just wish I had more time to read them all.

 

Describe yourself in 3 words.

Only three? Whew, that’s a tuffy for a loquacious lass like me!

1. Honest (to a fault)

2. Creative (I hope!)

3. Impatient (see above answer to least favorite)

 

If you had a time capsule to be opened 50 years in the future, what would you put in it?

Photos, clothing, and things people use everyday. Whenever I go to museums, these are the things that interest me most. I love to see how people dressed and how they lived.

 

I’d also throw in some newspaper or magazine advertisements so people could get a laugh about the items being sold and the prices. I think the prices of 50 years ago are very eye opening, like a new car for less than $2,000 or an apartment for rent for less than $100 per month. I’m sure 50 years from now, people will have the same reaction about our current prices.

 

Is there anything you’d like to ask readers?

I love a man with a brogue, how ‘bout you? It’s no surprise that I create my heroes with exotic (to me) accents because I find them irresistible.

 

What qualities or characteristics do you find most appealing in a hero?

 

I’ll have Jennifer give a prize for the answer of her choice – every romance reader and writer’s essential ingredient, CHOCOLATE!

 

Thank you Loucinda…and readers, you know what to do…leave a comment answering her question and be entered to win some chocolate!
I’ll announce the winner this Thursday!

 

And if you want to learn more about Loucinda you can find her here:

http://www.loucinda mcgary.com/
http://auntycindy. blogspot. com/
And of course the Romance Bandits blog! http://romancebandits.blogspot.com/ 

La Vida Vampire by Nancy Haddock Review

La Vida Vampire by Nancy Haddock

 

She’s Gidget with fangs?  Cowabunga! 

Cesca Marinelli is not your typical vampire.  Buried for more than 200 years in a smelly coffin under an old Victorian house, she is unearthed in a time when vampires are a protected species.  Cesca dives into her second chance at afterlife, and is soon living la vida vampire as a surfer girl, a fiend for bridge, and a ghost tour guide in St. Augustine, Florida. 

Cesca is riding the wave of “perfectly normal” … until the tide turns and brings a stalker, a shifter, and a killer into the picture.  Suddenly Cesca is a murder suspect, and is forced to team up with sexy ex-slayer Deke Saber to solve the case.  Saber insists that Cesca stop passing for mortal and embrace her vamp powers.  If she doesn’t, she could be the next victim — and this time, the wipe out will be permanent.

 

***

 

La Vida Vampire is a fun and fast-paced paranormal romance with wonderful characters and an intriguing mystery.

 

After being buried for over 200 years, reluctant vampire Francesca Marinelli has decided to make the most of her afterlife once she is freed embracing all that 21^st Century St. Augustine, Florida has to offer including Wal-Mart, television, surfing, and more.  After securing a job as a ghost tour guide, Cesca’s life seems to be “normal” or as “normal” as life can get for a vampire in today’s world.

 

When a tourist from one of her tour groups turns up murdered, Cesca finds herself the prime suspect.  Suddenly her afterlife has taken an unexpected turn when she finds herself dealing with an ex-vampire slayer, a killer, the police, and a whole slew of other intriguing characters.

 

With the support of her friends, Cesca is determined to clear her name and get her life back to “normal.”  As she works to discover whodunit?, she finds a bit more than she bargained for…

 

La Vida Vampire is a light-hearted and fun paranormal full of colorful characters, intrigue, and a fascinating setting.

 

Cesca is a wonderful heroine full of spunk, grit, and determination.  With her sass and sense of humor, she quickly won me over and I couldn’t wait to see what she would do next.  With Cesca, Ms. Haddock humanizes the vampire to other characters (if that makes sense).  Gone are the images of bloodsucking killers and in their place is the image of an “underdead” (her heart beats slow) young woman struggling to find her place and live her life as she wishes rather than how others expect her to…something other characters struggle to understand about Cesca.

 

The colorful secondary characters also enhance the story.  From the diverse tourists on the ghost tours to Cesca’s fellow vampires, each character fascinated me.  Among the most intriguing secondary characters is Cesca’s friends Maggie.  Maggie is the one responsible for Cesca’s freedom and protects her like a mama bear with her cub.

 

Another intriguing character is Deke Saber, an ex-vampire killer who now investigates preternatural activities.  Saber has come to St. Augustine to assist with the murder investigation and finds himself intrigued by Cesca, as she is unlike any other vampire he has ever met. 

 

There were many other secondary characters that added to the story and made me want to know even more.  Cesca’s interactions with the other characters left me smiling as she worked to clear her name and protect herself from the danger she faced.

 

In addition to the characters, the setting of St. Augustine also enhanced the story.  A city full of rich history, I could easily see vampires roaming the streets of the lovely city. 

 

With fabulous characters and an intriguing setting and plot, La Vida Vampire was a great read! I look forward to more adventures with Cesca!

 

Don’t forget to check out my interview with Nancy below for your chance to win a copy!  Winner will be announced Thursday!

Introducing…Nancy Haddock!

 Today I welcome author Nancy Haddock!

Nancy visited my blog back in November and told us more about the inspiration behind her new release, La Vida Vampire.

Now she is back to talk more about her wonderful book and more…

 

Please tell us about your book.
LA VIDA VAMPIRE is the story of 227-year-old Cesca Marinelli, a vampire who was turned in 1800 and has been buried for over 200 years.  Maggie O’Halloran rescues Cesca during a house renovation and gets her up to speed with the 21^st Century.

 

Cesca is determined to make the most of her new lease on afterlife, and everything is peachy until she finds a body. Now she’s a murder suspect who must join forces with hunky preternatural investigator Deke Saber to find the real killer.

 

What inspired the story?

Cesca was conceived while I was watching a peanut butter commercial, but the city of St. Augustine was a huge piece of the inspiration as I built a world for the main character and her cohorts.

 

Who would you cast in a film adaptation of your book?
Wow, great question!  I’ve actually talked that over with someone in the industry, but we didn’t come up with many names.  I have adapted the book to a screenplay, and am revising that now.  The project isn’t sold, but there appears to be some general interest, which is waaaay cool!

 

What is your favorite part of being a writer?  Least favorite?

My favorite part of writing is going out to play with my characters, finding out what they’re up to, what new insights on life they have.  My least favorite?  Hmmm, as a woman who is without makeup most of the time, I’d say dressing up for an appearance is my least favorite part of being “a writer.”  Love the meeting people, not the prep for it. <g>

 

Do you have a “call story” you would like to share? Or how did you learn you would be published?
I learned I’d be published when Leis Pederson call me on February 21^st of last year.  When she said, “We want to make you an offer,” I almost fell over!  After all the years of work and hope, I was selling?  I have no idea what I said initially, but I finally allowed myself a little squeal of excitement.  Then I stood in my office absorbing the news for about two minutes before I ran up stairs to my hubby’s office to tell him the news.  I think he was more excited.  I was still stunned.

 

Since becoming a published author what has been your favorite moment?

My favorite moment has been an on-going one, and began when I told my mother I’d sold.  She is still so excited, it just tickles me.

 

Who has inspired you as a writer?

Oh, gosh, so very many authors have inspired me!  Lorraine Heath, Judith McNaught, Maggie Osborne, Pearl Buck, Georgette Heyer, Kathleen Givens.  There’s a huge list just of mystery authors who’ve been an inspiration!

 

What would you like to tell aspiring writers?

Be real with yourself.  If you love writing, the entire process, warts and all, then go for it with conviction, and persist in your path!

 

Describe yourself in 3 words.
Spiritual, idealistic, pragmatic.  (My hubby said beautiful, lovely and cute, but he was just after the Honey Points. <g> )

 

How do you relax?

I walk on the beach, sit on the beach, meditate on the beach, think about being on the beach … I guess you see the trend, huh?  In addition to beachy activities, I relax by reading, doing Sudoku puzzles, and watching TV or a favorite movie.

 

What do you like to read?
I read a bit of everything in fiction and nonfiction, but utterly devour mysteries and romances.  I tend to like the light tone in any entertainment, but a walk on the dark side is fun, too!

 

If you had a time capsule to be opened 50 years in the future, what would you put in it?

You know that feeling when you experience an incredible moment of joy — your heart opening wide to complete, unconditional, pure love?  That’s what I’d put in.  One moment of that joy for everyone who’s ever lived, or ever will.

 

What is next for you?

I’m doing polish revisions on Book Two in Cesca’s series, and hope to be writing more of her books in the near future.  I’m also working on a cozy mystery series, and on several screenplays.

 

What would you like to ask readers?

What is your favorite “classic” book, and what’s your favorite you’ve read recently? (If you can pick just one. <g> )

 

Thank you Nancy for that great interview!

 

Nancy is giving away a copy of LA VIDA VAMPIRE to one lucky commenter to be chosen at random by a drawing.

So how about answering her questions…

 

And do you want another chance to win … all year long?  Visit Nancy’s website, www.nancyhaddock.com, and go to the Beach Party page.  Read the center section (Where’s Cesca), and take a guess as to where Cesca is spotted each month.

 

You can also join Nancy on

My Space — http://www.myspace.com/nancyhaddock

Shelfari — http://www.shelfari.com/nancyhaddock

 

And check back tomorrow when I post my review of La Vida Vampire! 

Random Thursday

So lately I have found myself reading a lot of paranormal romance.  Over the last couple of weeks I have read about dragons, vampires, elves, psychics, etc.  I read a little of everything so the variety has been fun, but it did make me wonder…

If you read paranormals, what is your favorite paranormal theme?  Least favorite?
If you haven’t read a paranormal, which theme (and there are a lot of them out there) do you think you’d be most likely to try?  Least likely?

What are you reading?

So what is everyone reading this week?

I just finished Trace’s Psychic by Jory Strong, which I loved.  It is part of her Supernatural Bonds series (a series I read out of order since I read the third book first and I still need to get the second one).  Jory is a new-to-me author, but I have already started hunting down other books by her.

Not sure what I will read next…

What about you?  What are you reading?  Any recommendations?

Spotlight on Baby on the Billionaire’s Doorstep by Emily McKay

I “met” Emily at a chat last week and I have enjoyed her past books so I thought I would spotlight her latest release here this week. 
It sounds really good!

 

Baby on the Billionaire’s Doorstep by Emily McKay

 

Jet-setting bachelor Dex Messina thought he knew everything about women…until he met the tiny infant girl abandoned on his doorstep. One thing Dex was sure of: the gorgeous redhead who stormed back into his life, insisting she’d made a mistake, was hiding something. And uncovering her secret would be his pleasure.

To gain custody of her beloved niece, Lucy Alwin would do anything–even pose as the woman with whom Dex had shared one intimate night. But if boldly lying to the powerful billionaire was difficult, resisting their burning desire could prove impossible.

 

You can learn more about Emily at her website: http://www.emilymckay.com

 

And you can learn more about Baby on the Billionaire’s Doorstep by clicking here.

 

In stores this month!

 

I really enjoy category romances like the Silhouette Desires (and other books from Harlequin and Silhouette), what about you? 
What’s your favorite H/S book line?