Review: The Postmortal

The Postmortal by Drew Magary


Publication Date: August 2011
Publisher: Penguin Group USA
Genre: Science Fiction/ Dystopian/ Speculative Fiction
Pages: Paperback, 384pp
ISBN-13: 9780143119821
ISBN: 0143119826

(Received for an honest review from Penguin)


Purchase: Barnes & Noble, Book Depository, IndieBound


Drew Magary on the WEB: website, facebook, twitter


Book Trailer: Middle of the page.


Synopsis:


John Farrell is about to get "The Cure." Old age can never kill him now. The only problem is, everything else still can...


Imagine a near future where a cure for aging is discovered and - after much political and moral debate - made available to people worldwide. Immortality, however, comes with its own unique problems - including evil green people, government euthanasia programs, a disturbing new religious cult, and other horrors. Witty, eerie, and full of humanity. The Postmortal is an unforgettable thriller that envisions a pre-apocalyptic world so real that it is completely terrifying. 


Thoughts: 


Drew Magary's latest book, The Postmortal is a cross blend of science fiction, dystopian fiction and fantasy. Readers looking for something different, with a unique style and a fresh voice will find The Postmortal right up their alley. Readers are asked to consider a world where aging has become obsolete, though immortality is still out of reach. What would the consequences of such a "cure" be? How would people exploit the concept and how would it affect society? Magary has created a dark, gritty novel that poses the question... What if I didn't have to grow old?


John Farrell doesn't want to grow old and now he doesn't have to. A "cure" for old age has been developed and is being made available to the general public. But not aging has it's own set of problems. The worlds resources are only finite. Marriage becomes even more impossible to maintain. There is no reason to have children, the species does not need to be perpetuated. You may not age, but you can still die. The government provides euthanasia programs and religious groups and cults form based on the idea that you may never die. Society as a whole is changing rapidly and what John thought was would be a great decision starts to look like the worst thing that could happen.

The Postmortal is written in a very interesting style. The reader learns the story of the "cure" through blog posts and internet news items and John's first person accounts. Magary uses this format to allow the reader to see what the public in his novel was reading and seeing concerning this widespread use of the anti-aging cure. This is a technique that I haven't seen employed successfully very often, but it seems to really work for this author. Considering the authors journalistic background that stands to reason. Bloggers understand how to write for this kind of audience and I think it will appeal to internet savvy readers who get their news in this manner.

I really enjoyed the overall premise of this book. What made it seem so chilling was that I could see something like this happening in the future, with all of the medical breakthroughs in stem cell research and genetics. It was startlingly possible and that's what got my attention. Magary has come up with a concept that will resonate with a lot of readers. Who wants to get old? I can't think of too many people who wouldn't consider eternal youth a good thing, but the author is able to cast a lot of doubt on whether living forever or a really long time is in our best interest. 

I liked the fact that Magary gives the reader so many different scenarios about how this anti-aging cure could go horribly wrong. It essentially changes the entire dynamic of the world. I was fascinated by reading tidbits of the news like the fact that one woman gave her 8 month old baby the cure, causing the child to never grow up. In my mind the moral implications of that were astounding. The descriptions of the Church of Man were also, a bit disconcerting. I felt like I was reading dialogue from a cult leader at some points, the kind of stuff that makes the hair on the back of your neck stand up and visions of Guyana dance in head. Definitely scary stuff! But very realistic. Magary literally gives the reader the heebie-geebies, LOL.


The last part of the book was somewhat predictable but I still thought the author was able to balance the book very well. I liked that he used a format not often employed in novels and I think that gives it a very current and edgy kind of feel to the book. Magary is able to use the "cure" to illustrate to readers that the grass is not always greener on the other side. There is a downside or cost when it comes to situations like those described in this novel. I recommend this one to readers who love dystopian and science fiction. This novel is different and I think it will appeal to a wide range of readers. At close to 400 pages it reads easily and quickly, and would be a good weekend read.

The Postmortal is available NOW from your favorite bookseller.

I'm giving this one 4 out of 5 apples from my book bag!

Drew Magary is a writer for Deadspin, NBC, Maxim and Kissing Suzy Kolber. He's aslo written for GQ, New York Magazine, Rolling Stone, ESPN, Yahoo!, Comedy Central, Playboy, Penthouse, and various other media outlets. His first book, Men With Balls, was released in 2008. This is his first novel. He lives in Maryland with his wife and children.

Review: The Queen

The Queen (Patrick Bowers Files - Book 5) by Steven James


Publication Date: September 2011
Publisher: Baker Publishing Group
Genre: Christian Fiction/ Thriller
Pages: Paperback, 517pp
ISBN-13: 9780800733032
ISBN: 0800733037

(Received for an honest review from Revell Books)


Purchase: Barnes & Noble, Book Depository, Christianbook.com, IndieBound


Steven James on the WEB: website, blog, facebook, twitter


Excerpt from The Queen


Synopsis:


"Steven James continues to raise the bar in suspense writing. The Queen takes readers to a new level of suspense and is the best book in the Patrick Bower series hands down!"  ~ Suspense Magazine


While investigating a mysterious double homicide in an isolated northern Wisconsin town, FBI Special Agent Patrick Bowers uncovers a high-tech conspiracy that ties long-buried Cold War secrets with present-day tensions in the Middle East.


In his most explosive thriller yet, bestselling author Steven James delivers a pulse-pounding, multilayered storytelling tour de force that will keep you guessing. 


"The Queen is the latest Patrick Bowers thriller from the author Publisher's weekly calls a "master storyteller at the peak of his game.""


Thoughts:



Readers looking for a fast-paced, in your face, thriller need look no farther. The Queen, fifth book in the Patrick Bower Files series, by Steven James is jam packed with action, a hint or romance and more twists and turns than readers will know what to do with. This is Christian Fiction's version of the thriller and it doesn't disappoint in any way. James is able to instill his books with heart stopping action from a Christian perspective and proves that you don't have to have extreme violence or over the top sexuality to create a fantastic thriller!

Geospatial profiler Patrick Bower's is tracking down a lead on a long-standing case when he is pulled in to take a look at a double murder and suicide in Wisconsin. Bower's is normally reserved for cases involving serial killers and terrorists and is at first confused as to why the local PD could not handle the case. But as he begins to put two and two together he realizes he may have stumbled onto a conspiracy that could provide a link between the Cold War and today's terrorist activity in the Middle East. It's up to Bowers to figure out who the mysterious Valkyrie is and how he ties in with a plot to start WWIII, before it's too late. With his private life in chaos and his mind in turmoil, how will he ever find the clues in time to save the world. 

The fifth book in the Patrick Bower's Files series starts off with a bang and doesn't let up until the final pages of the novel. The Queen, like the other books in the series takes its name from the classic game of Chess and alludes to the cat and mouse game that is prevalent in most thrillers. But Steven James doesn't write a typical thriller. He uses all of the normal strategies that most thriller writers employ but that's where the comparison stops. James is able to create the same heart pounding, gritty, emotional response that you get from any thriller, but he doesn't have to use violence and sex to get there. His writing style is akin to a blend of Tom Clancy and Terry Blackstone. The action doesn't let up, but good always prevails in the end and The Queen is not exception to the rule. 

Though this is book five it not necessary to read the first four to make the book understandable or satisfying. Readers may benefit from reading the other books first in terms of back story and the development of the characters but The Queen has it's own story arch and is well able to stand on it's own. There are some elements of the story that are however carried over from previous books, like the long-standing case involving Basque and Pat's troublesome relationship with his step-daughter. The reader is easily able to pick up on what has happened and how it affects the characters in this novel. I think James gives just enough information to make the reader feel at home with the characters, but doesn't dwell on the past. 

Patrick Bowers is such an amazing character. He is very analytical and observant. He is able to pick up on things that other people seem to overlook. He isn't a perfect character though, which illustrated by all of the chaos in his private life. Readers will be just as interested in how he interacts with his brother as they are how he gets into the mind of the killer. Pat's first person point of view is interspersed with the POV's of several of the secondary characters throughout the book, which may sound confusing, but it really works within the story. It gives the reader a look into what makes Pat tick, how he is viewed by others and how his actions affect everyone else in the story. 

Steven James creates villains with the best of them. He can make the reader feel sympathy for even the worst of the bad guys. I liked the fact that he took as much time developing the character of the mastermind as he did Patrick Bowers himself. James is able to give the reader a glimpse into the tangled mind of a serial killer or the motivations that drive someone to plot a world war. Though, saving the world may seem like a cliche plot, James takes it to an extreme level. The last part of this book is so full of action that I was on the edge of my seat and I had to remember to quit holding my breath. It is just that powerful and it still astounds me that he can pull it off without gratuitous sex or overwhelming violence. I am not generally the biggest fan of heavy mysteries or thrillers, because of all the unnecessary stuff, but James proves you can still write a heart-pounding gritty novel without all the extras.

This is a great series and The Queen is anything but a let down. I recommend this one to thriller and mystery fans and to those readers who want to feel that angst and nervousness that a good thriller provides. It may be clean, but it certainly doesn't hold back. Not your typical Christian Fiction release in my opinion. Well written and tightly plotted. Don't miss it!

Available September 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

I'm giving this one 4 out of 5 apples from my book bag! 

Critically acclaimed author Steven James has written more than twenty books, including The Pawn, The Rook, The Knight, and The Bishop, all part of the bestselling thriller series The Bowers Files. The Pawn is the basis of a TV series currently in development. One of the nation's most innovative storytellers, Steven developed his skill as a performer at East Tennessee State University (MA in storytelling). He lives in Tennessee with his wife and three daughters.

Review: Never Been Bit

Never Been Bit (Gentleman Vampires - Book 3) by Lydia Dare


Publication Date: September 2011
Publisher: Sourcebooks Inc.
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Horror, Fantasy
Pages: Paperback, 384pp
ISBN-13: 9781402245138
ISBN: 1402245130
 
(Received for an honest review from Sourcebooks)


Purchase: Barnes & Noble, Book Depository, IndieBound


Lydia Dare on the WEB: website, facebook, twitter 


Excerpt from Never Been Bit

Synopsis:


THE GLITTERING WORLD OF HIGH SOCIETY IS THE PLAYGROUND FOR THE RICH, TITLED, AND RELUCTANTLY UNDEAD...


Alec MacQuarrie's after-life has become an endless search for pleasure in an effort to overcome his shame and despair. Wandering through the seedy world of London's demimonde, he's changed into a dark and fearsome creature even he doesn't recognize...


BUT THE TON IS NO MATCH FOR ONE INCORRIGIBLE YOUNG LADY...


After watching each of her coven sisters happily marry, Sorcha Ferguson is determined to capture a supernatural husband of her very own. Then she finds herself embroiled in an atrocious scandal and has to bring to heel more mystical gentlemen than she knows what to do with...


Over his dead body is Alec going to allow this lovely radiant innocent to throw herself away on an unworthy cad, but that leaves him responsible for her, and he's the worst monster of them all...


Thoughts:

The third book in Lydia Dare's Gentleman Vampire series, Never Been Bit is a Regency romance with a paranormal bent. Dare's ability to blend both historical and paranormal romance is unparalleled. Fans of this series as well as Dare's Westfield Wolves series, will not be disappointed in how this one ends. Full of romance, humor and action, this novel is easily the best of the series! It will leave Lydia Dare fans with a idea of the future for this writing duo and leave them with taste of what's to come.


Sorcha Ferguson is the youngest of the Coig witches. All of her coven sisters have met and married the men of their dreams. Each taking a supernatural groom that matches their fire and spirit and now Sorcha is determined to find her own soul mate who she believes is a Lycan. But a werewolf might not be in the cards for Sorcha when she becomes reacquainted with an old friend who refuses to let her go to the dogs. Alec McQuarrie's life changed on one fateful night. It was either a choice between death or becoming one of the undead. But Alec didn't truly understand his choice and the loneliness of his vampire existence threatens to put him over the edge. But when Alec and Sorcha met again the sparks begin to fly. She is determined to save Alec from himself and he is determined to protect her. Can Sorcha's love give Alec back the pieces of himself that are missing or will he drive her straight into the arms of a werewolf?


The final book in the Gentleman Vampire series is easily the best of the series. Never Been Bit is a book that ties together all the characters from this series as well as the Westfield Wolves series. Lydia Dare hit on something extraordinary when they decided to blend historical and paranormal romance. Fans of the Regency period are enthralled by the rich period details and paranormal enthusiasts love the supernatural characters that Dare is so good at writing. It's the perfect marriage of the two genres. It is no secret that Lydia Dare is one of my favorite writers. This writing duo has a knack creating interesting characters, witty and humorous dialogue and well written plots. And I'll have to say Never Been Bit is one of my favorites.


Sorcha has always been a secondary character that had a lot of potential. Her sunny disposition and innocent spirit are captivating and draws the reader like a moth to the flame. She is the youngest and most outspoken of the Scottish coven sisters and in this novel she is out to catch a Lycan, which provides a lot of comic relief as well as some interesting circumstances. Murphy's Law definitely seems to rule in Sorcha's life, as one situation after another doesn't seem to go her way. Readers will laugh at her antics, but also feel her determination and naivete. Sorcha looks at the world in joyful way that is just contagious. It's no wonder Alec is helpless against her. She is determined to save him from himself, while he is all the more determined to save her from the Lycans. 

Alec's character has changed so much over the course of both series'. He comes across first as a fool in love, when Cait jilts him for a Lycan. Then we see him as a dear friend and someone willing to fight to the death for those he loves. And now in this novel Alec comes into his own as a vampire and as a man who finds himself in love even though his heart isn't beating. I was so glad that the authors gave Alec his own story. I was waiting for this one right from the beginning and they certainly didn't disappoint.

This was such a great romantic pairing. I think the authors did an amazing job of showing why and how these two characters were meant for each other. Unlike previous books in the series, the romance between Alec and Sorcha takes center stage in this one. They have to deal with everything from interfering coven sisters to rakish werewolves and still they are drawn inexplicably to each other. The feelings between them come across to the readers as real and authentic. They genuinely care for each other, despite the obstacles that threaten to keep them apart.


I recommend this one to fans of Lydia Dare and paranormal historical fiction. I love the seamless blend that the author is able to create between the genres and I think readers will fall in love with the interesting characters and enjoy the humor and wit that the authors add to the story. I can't say enough good things about this series and all of Dare's other works. Definitely one of my favorite authors and this book is the best of the Gentleman Vampire series. I can be read as a stand alone, but all of the books together are just spectacular. I loved the fact that there is also a hint as to what's next for Dare as we are left with three very sexy Lycans and possibly a vampiress in the wings. 

Never Been Bit is available NOW from your favorite bookseller.

I'm giving this one 5 out of 5 apples from my book bag!

Lydia Dare is the writing team of Tammy Faulkner and Jodie Pearson. Both Tammy and Jodie are active members of the Heart of Carolina Romance Writers and live near Raleigh, North Carolina. They are currently working on their next paranormal trilogy as Lydia Dare. 

Review: Tempted

Tempted (Eternal Guardians - Book 3) by Elisabeth Naughton


Publication Date: September 2011
Publisher: Sourcebooks Inc.
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Fantasy, Horror
Pages: Paperback, 416pp
ISBN-13: 9781402260469
ISBN: 1402260466
 
(Received for an honest review from Sourcebooks)


Purchase: Barnes & Noble, Book Depository, IndieBound


Elisabeth Naughton on the WEB: website, blog, facebook, twitter


Excerpt from Tempted


Synopsis:


DEMETRIUS -  He's the hulking, brooding warrior even his fellow Guardians avoid. Too dark. Too damaged. And given his heritage, he knows it's best to keep everyone at arm's length.


Isadora is missing. The words pound through his head like a frantic drumbeat. For her own protection, Demetrius did all he could to avoid the fragile princess, his soul mate. And now she's gone - kidnapped. To get her back, he'll have to go to the black place in his soul he's always shunned.

As daemons ravage the human realm and his loyalty to the Guardians is put to the ultimate test. Demetrius realizes that Isadora is stronger than anyone had thought. And finally letting her into his heart may be the only way to save them both.


Thoughts:


Greek mythology with a paranormal twist! Elisabeth Naughton's latest edition to the Eternal Guardian series, Tempted is jam packed with action, romance and the struggle of good vs. evil. Fans of the series will be blown away by this gritty, emotional story that shows Naughton's strength in character and world building. New readers to the Eternal Guardian's series will find a series that teases the mind as well as entertains. Naughton's take on the Greeks is not to be missed!


Princess Isadora has been kidnapped! The Eternal Guardians, seven warriors descended from the original Greek gods, are tasked with finding her and getting her back to Argolea. Demetrius, one of the Guardians is beside himself when he learns that Isadora has once again disappeared. He has spent many years denying his attraction to the Princess in order to save her from his dark and dangerous side, but now she's gone and he has to find her. Demetrius and Isadora find themselves in the middle of struggle that threatens their world. Demetrius has many secrets that could change everything. Their attraction to each other is unmistakable, hot and full of passion, but is it real or just another plot by Atatlanta to take over the human realm and damn the Arogleans forever?

There is so much to say about this book, that I hardly know where to begin. Elisabeth Naughton has created a series with a basis in Greek mythology, blended effortlessly with the paranormal. In a time when most paranormal romance writers are focused on vampires and werewolves, Naughton has given readers supernatural characters that go far beyond the normal paranormal scope. The Eternal Guardians are descended from the seven original Greek gods, each having their own special abilities and their own struggles. I loved the fact that Naughton drew on the Greek myths many of us grew up reading about and expanded and twisted them just enough to build an incredible world of her own. One of the things I find immensely satisfying about books of this nature is the complete blank canvas a writer has to work with. Naughton's world could have taken on any shape or character, and the one she choose is amazing!

I admit that I have not read the first two books in the series, Marked or Entwined. A problem I plan to rectify in the near future. I thought that would probably be a big disadvantage going into reading Tempted because in a series of this nature there is so much back story that is necessary to build this world in the mind of the reader. I was pleasantly surprised that after the first few chapters I had the gist of what had gone on before and why certain things were important. This book can easily be read as a stand alone but I think readers would probably benefit from reading them in order to build the suspense and their understanding of Argolea and it's inhabitants.


From the git go, the characters in Tempted really stood out to me. They are interesting and different. Their motivations and agendas are unexpected and full of potential. I could see so many different directions that the author could have taken this even from the first few pages of the book. One of the things that really stands out in this book, is the overall growth and changes in the hero and heroine. Demetrius starts out as a very dark and brooding character. He's basically a jerk with a chip on his shoulder. But as the book continues readers will see why D gives off that impression, his reasons for distancing himself from the other Guardians and Isadora. And how he comes to gradually understand himself more and let down those walls he uses to protect himself and the others. Isadora has a different arch. She comes across in the beginning as a pawn. Just another piece to the puzzle. She's a weak player and doesn't seem to have any concept of her own abilities. But as the book goes on she very slowly begins to find herself and the inner strength she needs to do what she has to do. Looking back after I had finished the book I also saw growth in the secondary characters as well. Naughton has a plan with this book, it was tightly plotted and very well written.

This book isn't for the faint of heart for a lot of reasons. Naughton's ability to write a good fight or battle scene is excellent. She doesn't leave a lot to the imagination and the reader gets a powerful dose of it. Her characters aren't pansies, nor do they hold back in their actions or language. The passion is hot and undeniably satisfying. Readers who are expecting a tame book about the Greeks are in for a surprise with this one. I absolutely loved it! One of my favorite books of the year hands down. I recommend it to paranormal fans, readers who are interested in the Greeks and those who love a sexy, hot love story.

Tempted is available NOW from your favorite bookseller.

I'm giving this one 5 out of 5 apples from my book bag!

A former junior high science teacher, Elisabeth Naughton traded in her red pen and test-tube set for a laptop and research books. She now writes sexy romantic adventures and paranormal novels full-time from her home in western Oregon, where she lives with her husband and three children. Her work has been nominated for numerous awards, including the prestigious RITA Awards of Romance Writers of America, the Australian Romance Reader Awards, the Golden Leaf, and the Golden Heart. When not writing, Elisabeth can be found running, hanging out at the ballpark, or dreaming up new and exciting adventures.

Interview and Giveaway: Elisabeth Naughton

Please join me in welcoming Elisabeth Naughton to Debbie's Book Bag today. Elisabeth is her to talk about her latest release, Tempted, the third book in the Eternal Guardians series. The publisher has offered two copies of Tempted for giveaway, see details at the end of the post. 

DEB: Elizabeth, can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
EN: Thanks for inviting me to stop by during my Tempted blog tour! I’m thrilled to be here.

I get asked this question a lot, and unfortunately, my life isn’t anywhere near as exciting as the lives of my characters (I know, hard to believe, right?), so apologies to readers right from the start. (Don’t worry, we’ll talk about my characters in a bit.)  I taught middle school science for nine years before leaving teaching to try my hand at writing. I was the hard ass teacher every kid didn’t want (but had to have), and I was the teacher the principal was worried would blow up the school. (I know, even harder to believe, right?) I actually got my teaching position when the guy before me had a nervous breakdown and was later found to be purchasing supplies through the school to make bombs at home. Understandably, my principal was a tad bit nervous the next science teacher would turn out to be unstable as well (especially when she could never remember where she left her keys), but really…do I look like a menace to society?

Okay, don’t answer that question.

After leaving teaching I began writing, and while my first few books were horrendously bad, the good news is I improved…a lot. (You’re relieved, aren’t you?) I was hooked from that first book though and decided writing was the career for me. I still miss teaching, but I know watching all those hormonal middle schoolers is where I got my fascination with romance.  Drama, mystery, emotional angst…middle school is romance research to the max.

DEB: Tell us a little about your latest book, Tempted?
EN: I LOVE talking about Tempted! Tempted is the third book in the Eternal Guardians series but if you’re new to the series you don’t have to read the other two to figure out what’s going on. The Eternal Guardians are seven warriors descended from the seven greatest heroes in all of Ancient Greece. They were slated—by Zeus—to protect the mortal realm from one vengeful goddess intent on annihilation. Tempted is Demetrius’s book. He’s a descendent of Jason, the famed hero who gathered the Argonauts on the Argos and sailed in search of the Golden Fleece. During that voyage, Jason fell in love with a sorceress—Medea—and Demetrius can trace his roots back to both. In Tempted, the princess of Argolea is kidnapped and Demetrius is sent to save her. But he’s not what everyone thinks he is and things do not go as planned. There’s witchcraft, daemons, mythological monsters, deadly secrets and a smokin’ hot romance in this book. A little of something for everyone!


DEB: What was your inspiration for this book? How did the Eternal Guardians series come about?
EN: I have loved Greek mythology from the time I was a kid. I love reading about the different stories, the tragedies, the romances, the lies and betrayals. I mean, today’s soap operas can’t even compare to the ancient myths! When I was researching Stolen Fury—my debut book—I spent a lot of time studying different myths as there was a Greek artifact in that book that all the major players were searching for. Midway through that research I knew I wanted to write a series linked to that mythology, and I had a really cool idea about this otherworldly warrior who has to find a human woman who will complete a prophecy to save his world but who will die in the process. The problem? I was writing romantic suspense at the time and I wasn’t quite sure how to make that awesome idea work.

Then one day I was perusing blogs, and an author asked what type of paranormal creatures readers would like to read more of. Someone suggested the heroes from Greek mythology and suddenly…everything clicked. The idea for the Eternal Guardians hit me and made perfect sense. So I wrote the book, sent it to my agent, and it eventually became Marked, book one in the Eternal Guardians Series.

DEB: What type of research did you do for your books?
EN: I do a lot of research for each book. Research totally sucks me in. Before a book is “born”, I spend hours researching myths, locations, characters. I like to keep the mythology in my books as accurate as possible. For example, in Tempted, I mentioned that Demetrius is the descendent of Jason and Medea. In Greek mythology, Jason used Medea while he was searching for the Golden Fleece and was tricked into falling in love with her by Hera. Later, he dumped Medea in favor of a Corinthian princess, and to spite him for leaving her, Medea killed the children she had with Jason and fled. In my book, Demetrius tells this story to the heroine, but I twisted the myth so that one child survived Medea’s wrath and Demetrius descends from that line. Still keeping with the original myth, but twisting it just enough so the story works. For me, that’s a big part of the fun of writing this series. The myths are just that—myths. They aren’t historically accurate, so it’s fun (and easy) to mix them up and shape them into something that fits the world I’ve created. 


DEB: What is your normal writing day like? Do you have things that have to be in place to write comfortably?
EN: I like to have my email cleaned up and all correspondences done before I sit and write. Because I’m on the West Coast, I really only have until 2pm my time to get in touch with editors. I try to get that (and promo) done in the mornings, then write in the afternoons. (And I say “try” because it doesn’t always work out that way.)

DEB: What was it like when you got the word that your first novel would be published?
EN: I was elated. Stolen Fury was a total thrill ride to write. And to this day it remains one of my favorite books, partly because there were no expectations and I wasn’t under a time crunch to get it done. The hero in that is a thief, so redeeming him wasn’t easy, but I totally fell in love with him. Readers must have, too, because it was a double RITA nominee in 2010. 

DEB: Do have any advice for new writers?
EN: The best advice I can give is don’t give up. I consider myself an organic writer. I don’t follow the “rules” writing groups say you have to follow to be successful—I never did. I wrote my first book before I even know there were such things as writers’ groups and/or organizations. That doesn’t mean I was great at it (I said before that first book sucked big green donkey whompers) but I didn’t quit. I kept writing, I improved my craft, I figured out pacing and didn’t let others’ opinions of my work sway me away from my goal. Of course, I listened to constructive criticism, but I was smart enough to know that not everyone is going to love everything you write. And that hasn’t changed today. But staying true to yourself and your goals is important in this business. If you have a passion for storytelling—and you can get the story across—everything else…the grammar, the wording, the pacing, the character development…it can all be improved upon.

DEB: When you’re not writing, what kinds of books do you like to read? Do you have a favorite author?
EN: I love a good romance with suspense elements. I fell in love with the romance genre after reading Judith McNaught’s Perfect. To this day it’s still one of my favorite books even though it breaks every “writing rule” out there. I also love a good historical now and then and Galen Foley is a writer who always succeeds in making me fall in love with her characters.  When I’m writing my paranormal series I can’t read paranormal books because I don’t want to be swayed by what other authors are doing, but some of my favorite paranormal authors (when I’m not writing) are Cynthia Eden, Juliana Stone, Larissa Ione and Christina Dodd.

DEB: What are you working on right now?
EN: Right now I’m working on book 5 in the Eternal Guardians Series—tentatively titled Unchained. It’s dark, it’s dangerous, it’s super sexy…basically it’s another awesome Eternal Guardians novel.

DEB: Tell us one thing that people may not know about you?
EN: Oh, always a hard question! Let’s see…

I have a serious brown thumb. Every plant in my house dies. I’ve finally given up and keep fake plants on the bookshelves (they take way less water). You won’t likely read any gardening tips in my books!

GIVEAWAY DETAILS:

Sourcebooks has offered two copies of Tempted by Elisabeth Naughton to two lucky winners from Debbie's Book Bag!

~ You must be a Google Friend Connect follower to participate.
~ US and Canadian addresses only! (Publisher Request)
~ The deadline to enter this giveaway is Midnight EST September 29th.


1. Please leave a comment in appreciation to the author on THIS post.
2. Please fill out the FORM. 

Review and Giveaway: The Gilded Shroud

The Gilded Shroud (Lady Fan Mystery - Book 1) by Elizabeth Bailey


Publication Date: September 2011
Publisher: Penguin Group USA
Genre: Cozy Mystery/ Historical
Pages: Paperback, 368pp
ISBN-13: 9780425242896
ISBN: 0425242897

(Received for an honest review from Berkley Prime Crime)


Purchase: Barnes & Noble, Book Depository, IndieBound

Elizabeth Bailey on the WEB: website, blog, twitter


Synopsis:


Never underestimate the resolve of a lady's companion. She's a woman of incomparable cunning and curiosity, and she is an unfailingly attentive to her duties as she is to the intricacies of murder...


Pity the lady's maid who found the body - with a bruised neck, sprawled across a disheveled four-poster bed - revealing a grim truth: Poor Emily, wife of the Marquis of Polbrook, had been strangled in the night. The last thing Emily's brother-in-law, Lord Francis Fanshawe, expects to find so soon after the crime is an adept investigator already settled comfortably in the Polbrook family circle. 


She is Ottilia Draycott, the Dowager Lady Polbrook's young new companion. Ottilia is intelligent, resourceful, and observant, and she's the family's hope for establishing the innocence of the marquis, despite a motive - he had wished Emily gone. But as Ottilia pieces together a picture of Emily's death, complications arise: The marquis has gone missing and there has been a theft of a priceless heirloom. Now Ottilia finds herself in a house of strangers, and every one of them is a suspect. And only she can unmask and outwit a killer desperate enough to replay the murderous events of that fateful night to keep a family secret buried.


Thoughts:

Author Elizabeth Bailey brings readers a cozy mystery set in Georgian England of the late 1700s, in her latest book, The Gilded Shroud. This is the first book in a new series featuring ladies maid and amateur sleuth, Ottilia Draycroft. Readers will love Bailey's period detail and strong characterization. She gives readers a nice blend of romance and mystery that will keep those pages turning long into the night. Full of danger and intrigue this is a historical cozy that fans of the genre will not want to miss. 

Ottilia Draycott is the temporary companion to the Marchioness of Polbrook. But when the Dowager's daughter-in-law, Emily turns up dead, she puts her sleuthing skills to the test as she tries to find the killer. The Marquis, Emily's husband is missing and is the most logical suspect. But Tillie doesn't think Randall had anything to do with the crime. With the help of the Dowager's other son, Francis and her own ingenuity, Ottilia is on the case! Could it be a spurned lover? Perhaps it has something to do with a family heirloom that has also been stolen? As the whodunit heats up so does the level of attraction between Tillie and Francis. But is there a permanent place for her in this household? Maybe... if she can prove the Marquis innocent. 

Elizabeth Bailey has created a new cozy mystery series, set in Georgian England. I liked the fact that she took the cozy sub-genre to a place that we don't often expect. Most cozies involve a hero/heroine who has a day job, but does some amateur sleuthing on the side. Cozies generally also have a small town setting and deal with murder and mayhem with a little bit of a lighter touch than do thrillers and mainstream mysteries. In The Gilded Shroud, Bailey adjusts the model a to suit her story. She gives readers a female heroine in Ottilia Draycott, who is the companion the Dowager Polbrook. But that's where the similarities end. This book is set in England, notably London, a much larger setting than most cozies. The novel also has a historical romance feel to it, that readers will love. 

Bailey instills her book with rich period details and historical references. By telling the reader about the dress and customs of the day. She makes reference to the political climate and things going on within the government, which helps the reader to ground themselves in this time period. I thought the author was really able to make the scene and her characters come alive. Readers will enjoy feeling like they understand the times in which these people lived and what their daily lives may have been like.

They mystery aspect of the book was well written and fast paced. The author doesn't spend a lot of time creating drama or hiding the clues in this one, so her writing really has to stand on it's own. The mystery is very straight forward and Ottilia doesn't have to muddle through or search very hard to find out what's going on. However, that also means that it is relatively easy to figure out the outcome. When I read cozies I enjoy trying to figure out the clues right along with the heroine and I always try to make a prediction before the end and see if I'm right. This book is very relaxing and easy to follow and even though I had it figured out long before the end of the book, I still found the reading of it very enjoyable. 

I'm looking forward to reading more about the interesting characters that Bailey has created. Tillie is very engaging character and certainly a bit unconventional for her time. Francis is loyal and very dapper. He just has a way about him that is alluring. The romance between the two of them is very clean and romantic, but it still has a hint of passion that historical romance fans will love and a great mystery that cozy fans will fall for. I recommend this one to cozy mystery readers and historical romance enthusiasts that like their love stories with a murder or two thrown in. 

The Gilded Shroud is available NOW from your favorite book seller.

I'm giving this one 4 out of 5 apples from my book bag!

An avid reader from an early age, Elizabeth Bailey grew up in colonial Africa under unconventional parentage and with theatre in the blood. Back in England, she trod the boards until discovering her true metier as a writer, when she fulfilled an early addiction to Heyer by launching into historical romance with Harlequin Mills & Boon, and fueling her writing with a secondary career teaching and directing drama.

Now retired from teaching, and with eighteen romances published, she has switched to crime. Elizabeth still directs plays for a local group where she lives in West Sussex, England. She also finds time to assess novels and run a blog with tips to help new writers improve. 

GIVEAWAY DETAILS:

The publisher is offering one copy of The Gilded Shroud by Elizabeth Bailey to one lucky winner from Debbie's Book Bag!


~ You must be a Google Friend Connect follower to participate.
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~ The deadline to enter this giveaway is Midnight EST September 28th.


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Review: Never Enough

Never Enough (Brown Siblings - Book 4) by Lauren Dane

Publication Date: September 2011
Publisher: Penguin Group USA
Genre: Erotic Romance
Pages: Paperback, 320pp
ISBN-13: 9780425243008
ISBN: 0425243001

(Received for an honest review from Berkley Heat)


Purchase: Barnes & Noble, Book Depository, IndieBound

Lauren Dane on the WEB: website, blog, facebook, twitter


Excerpt from Never Enough WARNING: This excerpt is ONLY appropriate for readers over eighteen years of age.


Synopsis:


ALL THE RIGHT NOTES...


Gillian Forrester spent most of her life running form who and what she came from ... until Miles came along. The moment she held the tiny newborn her older sister didn't want, Gillian stopped running and began to build a life for herself and her adopted son. Now, thirteen years later, as Gillian's sister lies dying, she reveals the father's identity and makes Gillian promise to find him.

Adrian Brown is the epitome of the successful rock star. He's seen and done it all, with no regrets. It takes a lot of to shock him - but the bombshell that he has a thirteen-year-old rocks his world. And Adrian is even more surprised when the butttoned-up, elegant woman who's raising Miles snags his erotic and romantic attention. 


The last thing Gillian expected was to find herself getting hot and heavy with a person like Adrian. But as much as she wants to open up and give herself fully to this amazing man, she's afraid the secrets of her past and Adrian's problems with trusting people may keep them apart for good. If love isn't enough, can they find the trust they need?


Thoughts:

Author Lauren Dane brings readers the final book in the Brown Siblings series, Never Enough. Readers who caught glimpses of Adrian in the first three books in the series, will love reading about his rock star life and the people who make up his inner circle of family and friends. Dane's ability to create characters that readers want to know more about is in full swing in this novel. Gillian is a heroine that readers can identify with and Adrian's bad boy image is more than satisfying. A hot and steamy end of the summer read for readers who are looking for more than just happy ever after!

Gillian Forester's childhood would make anyone cringe and more than a few turn away. She has spent her life trying to rise above what happened to her. But in an instant her life changes so dramatically that she hardly recognizes it. When her sister Tina calls to tell her she is giving birth to a baby she doesn't want, Gillian is forced to decide what matter's most to her. Taking the baby, Miles as her own son, Gillian forges a life for them that she is proud of. But her sister isn't done, changing the rules. On her deathbed she finally tells Gillian who the father of her son really is. Adrian Brown, bad boy, rock star, who has been with so many women he probably wouldn't even remember her. Gillian feels compelled to tell Adrian about Miles whatever the consequences might be... but she didn't plan on being attracted to him. 


Lauren Dane once again pushes the envelope with her latest book, Never Enough. This is the final book in the Brown siblings series that has focused on family and the bonds of friendship. Fans of the series have gotten to know a little bit about Adrian Brown in previous books, but this book is ultimately his story. I liked the fact that Dane allows readers to build on the foundation of what they already know about Adrian. He is such an interesting and multidimensional character.

Adrian is an alpha male with trust issues and finding out he has a thirteen- year-old son is more than a little shocking to him. Dane portrays Adrian as a man who has seen and done it all with no regrets, yet he has a soft inner core that is at times both touching and frustrating. He is by no means a perfect hero, but his flaws tend to illustrate clearly all the other amazing facets of his personality. Dane's ability to make even a rock star seem accessible and real to her readers is unparalleled in erotic romance. Her characters have an essence of life that is often missing in the genre. She allows her characters to lead her stories, not their libido's.


Gillian Forrester is a welcome addition to the series. She is a character that readers will connect to. She comes from a horrific past that would have jaded most women. But instead of burying her head in the sand, Gillian takes charge and takes on a child that she loves and cares for so much, she would allow him to have a relationship with a father who may want to take him from her. One of the things I really loved about this character was the fact that she is able to present herself as a lady with sophistication and elegance, but when she is behind closed doors, she can let loose and really explore her sexuality. Her relationship with Adrian is beyond hot and steamy. Dane causes the sparks to really fly between these two characters and readers will be grabbing a cold drink or a fan to be able to continue reading... 

I thought that the author did an amazing job of showcasing how important family and friends were to these characters. Adrian's family is close and caring. We see the character who has practically everything want what his siblings have... love and family. It was touching and came across as very heart-felt and when Adrian finds out he has a son, he is incredibly tender and understanding with Miles. Gillian has had terrible problems with her family yet she has created a wonderful group of friends who are her support system. The fact that relationships and bonds don't always require blood is a strong theme in the book. From Gillian's quirky group of pals to her deep love for Miles. I thought this was a very fitting end to a great series.

Never Enough is an erotic romance. It isn't meant for young readers because of the language, situations and adult themes. It's very graphic and doesn't hold back, nor do I think it should. Dane is well known for erotic writing and most people who pick up one of her books expect her stories to be filled with raw almost primal sexuality. It may be a little too much for some, but I thought Dane did an excellent job creating the tension needed to pull off a story between a bad boy rocker and an intelligent, sexy woman. This book has both depth and sensuality. A great combination! I recommend this one to erotic romance fans.

Never Enough is available NOW from your favorite bookseller. 


I'm giving this one 4 out of 5 apples from my book bag. 

Lauren Dane is a suburban mom with a lurid imagination that she's put to good use with her writing. Her favorite thing is when people tell her that she doesn't look like "someone who'd write those books." She lives in the Northwest with her husband and three very rambunctious kids. She writes everything from paranormals to contemporary BDSM books and develops terrible crushes on all of her heroes. Even though she lives in her head a lot, she does venture outside from time to time to collaborate with other authors - two great examples are Erotic Romance Authors and Maverick Authors.