Author: debra

Books

Shadow Rider by Christine Feehan

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Hey everybody,

Blurb:  Whether it’s fast cars or fast women, Stefano Ferraro gets what he wants. When he’s not fodder for the paparazzi, he commands Ferraro family businesses—both legitimate and illegitimate.

While their criminal activity is simply a rumor yet to be proven, no one knows the real truth. The Ferraros are a family of shadow riders capable of manipulating light and dark, an ability Stefano thought ran in his family alone—until now…

With little left to her name, Francesca Cappello has come to Chicago in hopes of a new life. She wasn’t expecting to attract the attention of a man with primal hunger in his eyes, driven to claim her as his to protect and to please. And if he discovers her secret, it could ruin her.

My Thoughts:  Shadow Rider is the first book in a new series by Ms. Feehan and I really enjoyed it. I found the concept of the Shadow Riders fascinating and am looking forward to learning more about them, especially the mechanics of how they travel and their early training in future books. I found the suspense in the plotline enjoyable as well. Having said that, I will comment that I felt the relationship between Francesca and Stephano happened very quickly and bordered on erotica. Now, I enjoy reading erotica also, but felt that for a contemporary paranormal romance, the sex scenes were a few too many and more inline with the erotica genre. I hope that future books in this series are as interesting as this one.

Happy Reading,

Debra

Books, fantasy, great reads, indie author, Out of the Box Blogs, paranormal romance, Romance, scifi, steampunk, Urban Fantasy

Questions on Multiple Series

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How many series can an author successfully write at one time before the series start to suffer?  When do you know it is time to let a series go?

These are questions I have been pondering for some time and I am interested in opinions that you guys may offer, especially anyone who may be an author. Please understand I am not an author so I approach this only from a reader’s viewpoint.

Can an author successfully give multiple series the attention each deserves without any of them suffering?  I have been reading an author for many years, but this author is now writing five series—the fifth series just started with book one a week ago.  I really enjoyed this book and will write my review very soon.  The series I started with is now nearing release of book number 30.  Personally, I feel this series needed to be ended some time ago, but we now have new characters whom will undoubtedly have books written for them and the overall story arc is still not finished.  It is the series that will never end!!  I also have to wonder, in the author’s defense—how much of this is the author and their muse and how much of it is the publisher continually trying to capitalize on an author’s popularity.

I read several authors who have multiple series, and it is normal for those authors in my experience to release one book a year in the series.  When we are talking about  3 or more series, how can that possibly happen?  Therefore, we are probably looking at over a year between books.   One of my favorite authors generally writes one series at a time and we get a book usually every 6 months and then they start another series.  Granted, these series usually contain 4 to 5 books.  However, the series is completed and then we get to start another one.  With the author who is on book 30, I could literally be in my mid 60s before it finishes and I am already 53!! Some of the recent books have disappointed me with much repetition—hence question 2—when do you know it is time to let go?  I have many years invested in this series and I want to see the end, but I’m tired and don’t receive the level of enjoyment that I used to.

Have any of you faced a similar dilemma and how did you decide?  Looking forward to your thoughts.

 

Books

Sweet Little Lies by Jill Shalvis

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This book starts a brand-new series–Heartbreaker Bay.  First, the blurb:

As captain of a San Francisco Bay tour boat, Pru can handle rough seas—the hard part is life on dry land. Pru loves her new apartment and her neighbors; problem is, she’s in danger of stumbling into love with Mr. Right for Anybody But Her.

Pub owner Finn O’Riley is six-foot-plus of hard-working hottie who always makes time for his friends. When Pru becomes one of them, she discovers how amazing it feels to be on the receiving end of that deep green gaze. But when a freak accident involving darts (don’t ask) leads to shirtless first aid, things rush way past the friend zone. Fast.

And then tell him the truth.

Pru only wants Finn to be happy; it’s what she wishes for at the historic fountain that’s supposed to grant her heart’s desire. But wanting him for herself is a different story—because Pru’s been keeping a secret that could change everything. . .

My Thoughts:  Jill Shalvis is one of my favorite contemporary romance authors. She writes sweet, humorous, sexy stories with characters who are sometimes a little quirky. I will always read her books. However, I don’t think this book is her best story. For me, the story was just a little too predictable. I ended up liking the character of Finn, but Pru never quite hit the “like” button for me. I thought the ending was a bit rushed. I did, however, enjoy a few of the secondary characters whose forthcoming books I am looking forward to reading. Jill is a great writer–this book just didn’t do it for me like her others.

 

Books, Reviews, Romance

A Buckhorn Bachelor by Lori Foster

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The Blurb:  Adam Sommerville always thought he had it all—great family in a close-knit community, worthwhile job as a high school gym teacher, and no shortage of women eager to be on his arm. But it seems his luck has suddenly run out. Because Buckhorn’s most renowned bachelor has decided it’s time to settle down—and the one woman he wants just put him firmly in the friend zone.

Hiding her true feelings from Adam has been a full-time job for the past five years, but librarian Isabella Presley is determined not to be the latest heart he breaks. The best way to get over her attraction is to find someone else to date—even if it means asking Adam for flirting tips to help her land the perfect guy. But when Adam sets out to convince her the perfect guy is him, will she face her fears for a chance at forever?

This is a sweet, lovely novella by Ms. Foster. She does a novella every summer as a benefits book for a couple of charities she supports and I think it is absolutely wonderful that she does this.

A Buckhorn Bachelor is the story of Adam–he is the step-son of Jordan from the original series, The Buckhorn Brothers. The kids are grown up and finding their own loves. Adam is a teacher and Isabella (Issy) is a school librarian. One day, Adam starts to see Issy in a different way and the sparks start flying! Cousin Amber (can’t wait for her book) also takes matters in hand to “help” Adam! Take the time to read this novella–it’s delightful. Of course, it is also so much fun seeing the parents from the original series.

And if you haven’t tried the original Buckhorn series, try them also. They were published originally in 2000 I believe (although the 2007 reissues have much better covers!). Their stories stand the test of time.