Interview and Giveaway, Cheryl Brooks

Please join me in welcoming author, Cheryl Brooks to Debbie's Book Bag! Giveaway details are at the end of the post...

DEB: Cheryl, can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

CHERYL: I’m pretty normal, actually. I’m married to a wonderful sweetie, have two sons, six cats, three horses, and a dog. I’ve been a critical care nurse for more than thirty years, and now I write steamy romance novels. It’s a natural progression. ;-)

DEB: Tell us a little about The Cat Star Chronicles and what readers can expect in your latest addition to the series, Hero?

CHERYL: The Cat Star Chronicles has action, adventure, romance, suspense, delicious men, bizarre aliens, strong heroines, and a touch of humor—all set 1000 years in the future when space travel is common and aliens come in every size and shape. The series follows the lives of six Zetithian men who were captured and sold into slavery near the end of the war in which their world was destroyed. With their handsome cat-like features, amazing sexual prowess, and the ability to purr, these men are so hot that someone got jealous enough to disintegrate their planet. Hero, the new release, is the sixth book, and features Trag, the younger brother of Tychar, who was the hero of the third book, Rogue. After twenty years as a slave, Trag is now a starship pilot and is searching the galaxy for a woman who can make him forget the love he feels for his brother’s wife, Kyra. He finally finds Micayla, a young Zetithian woman who was raised on Earth, ignorant of her homeworld and even her species. She has never met a man who can arouse her passions, and when she meets Trag, all she wants to do is bite him! When they’re thrown together in the quest to bring the bane of Zetith to justice, sparks fly and an exciting adventure begins!

DEB: What was your inspiration for these books? Have you always been interested in science fiction?

CHERYL: Star Trek and Star Wars got me going on the sci-fi, but the romance was in my soul, and I’ve always wanted to combine the two. This is not to say that I haven’t written contemporary novels, because I have. But the thing I love most about science fiction is that there are virtually no limits on where your imagination can take you. I have friends who just shake their heads and wonder where all of this stuff comes from. I honestly have no idea, but since it comes from my own mind, I have to assume that I’ve got slightly different wiring.

DEB: What type of research did you do for your books?

CHERYL: Very little, actually. The most research I did was for Outcast when I looked into the climate of central Africa and researched how to grow avocadoes. I also did some research for the herbal remedies used in Warrior. Other than that, most of it comes from my own experiences or from that spot in my brain that spits out ideas.

DEB: What is your normal writing day like? Do you have things that have to be in place to write comfortably?

CHERYL: That my computer needs to behave is a given, but other than that, I don’t need a whole lot. I stop for meals, potty breaks, and trips to the barn to take care of the horses, but mostly I just write. I have to have a cup of tea or my trusty insulated Boy Scout cup full of ice water sitting right beside me at all times, along with a box of Kleenex for when things get emotional. English Breakfast tea in the morning has become an essential, though I think it’s really all in my head. I do just as well with Darjeeling.

DEB: What was it like when you got the word that your first novel would be published?

CHERYL: My husband actually took the first call from my editor when she requested the full manuscript. I was asleep and she wouldn’t let him wake me up! Then she read it and loved it, but it was too short and there were some areas that needed revision. So I rewrote it and sent it back, and I’ll have to say, I wasn’t too surprised when she called because she had been very enthusiastic about it, and I’d done what she told me to do. It was still pretty cool, though. However, I’m not one to start jumping up and down and screaming with joy. My editor was probably disappointed in my reaction, but that’s just not me.

DEB: Do have any advice for new writers?

CHERYL: Join your local RWA chapter and go to the meetings faithfully! You will learn things there that you can’t get anywhere else. Plus the kinship that chapter members feel for one another just can’t be beat. Learn the craft, write constantly, listen to your critique partners, go to RWA Nationals and pitch your ideas to agents and editors and see where it takes you. Be prepared for the reality that you will not become rich and famous overnight and that most writers do not earn enough through their writing to support themselves, let alone an entire family.

DEB: When you’re not writing, what kinds of books do you like to read? Do you have a favorite author?

CHERYL: I’ve always enjoyed the novels of Daphne DuMaurier, Mary Stewart, and Georgette Heyer. I don’t really have a current favorite author, unless you include JK Rowling. I love the Harry Potter series and read it over and over. It helps keep me sane.

DEB: What are you working on right now?

CHERYL: Book eight of the Cat Star Chronicles series, which is currently untitled. I’m about 10,000 words into it, but I’m taking a little time off to write an erotic short story. It’s been fun writing about the Zetithians, but I needed to wrap my brain around something a bit different for a change, and it’s helped get my creative juices flowing again.

DEB: Tell us one thing that people may not know about you?

CHERYL: I’m much more shy and sensitive than most people realize. You might not think it when you read what I’ve written, but the emotions are mine, and I feel them very strongly.

GIVEAWAY DETAILS

The rules are simple:

1.) There will be two winners,U.S & Canadian entries only. These will be sent out directly from the publisher.

2.) You must be follower of this blog.

3.) You must leave a comment on this post with an e-mail address where I can contact you.

4.) Deadline for this giveaway is: Midnight EST, Tuesday September 9th.

EXTRA ENTRIES:

+ 5 for following me on Twitter @justpeachy36

+5 for being an old follower

+3 for being a new follower

+5 for entering any of the other giveaways on my sidebar

+5 adding the giveaway to your sidebar

+25 for getting the word out about this giveaway on Twitter, Facebook or other social media sites (remember to leave your links)

Review: The Brothers of Gwynedd, Pt. 4

The Brothers of Gwynedd, Pt. 4, Afterglow and Nightfall by Edith Pargeter

(For review from Sourcebooks)

Synopsis:

After his brother David’s third and worst betrayal, and the consequent disastrous defeat by Edward I, Llewelyn is left as prince of a much-reduced Gwynedd and forced to swear fealty to Edward as the price of peace (events told in The Hounds of Sunset.) The bitterness of Llewelyn’s defeat is at least partly compensated by the happiness of his marriage to the beautiful and heroic Eleanor, daughter of Simon de Montfort. But no-one with Edward I for a neighbor, or David for a brother, can expect to live peacefully for long. Edward and his officials relentlessly undermine the terms of the peace with injustice after injustice. As Welsh grievances against Edward mount, David is goaded into action. His loyalty may prove more fatal to Llewelyn than his treachery, as he strikes the blow that unleashes Edward’s wrath against the princes of Gwynedd.

Thoughts:

In the final section of, The Brothers of Gwynedd Quartet, "Afterglow and Nightfall" we learn the conclusion of what is to become of each of the 4 brothers as well as fictional narrator, Samson and his beloved Cristin. At this point in the story we veer away from much mention of the two minor brothers in the saga, Owen Goch, "Owen the Red", who ends up fighting for Edward during this time and Rhodri, who is established in England after giving up his rights in Gwynedd. The two main characters have always been, Llewelyn, the Prince and Wales and David his youngest brother.

These two characters are historical figures and Edith Pargeter tells her story from a very Welsh point of view. It stands to reason that history may not have portrayed these two brothers in quite the way Pargeter does in her novel. But, considering them as characters, Llewelyn is very strong and courageous. He is honest in his dealings with everyone and has a very clear vision of a united Wales. In this last part of the book, we see Llewelyn during the happiest point in his life and during his lowest point. His marriage to Eleanor de Montfort has finally come to fruition but, in the end they have a very short lived love, when Eleanor dies in childbirth. Llewelyn's sadness at Eleanor's death is almost palpable in the book and his character dives all the more seriously into the struggle for Wales. His death on the battlefield is certainly not what I expected. Tricked almost into captivity Llewelyn realizes that his men are in danger and races back to his camp only to find most dead or wounded and falls victim to a remaining soldier's lance.

David's character has always been the pivotal one in the story. David is charismatic and beautiful, yet he is feared beyond any other on the battlefield. He has reconciled with Llewelyn at this point in the story even though he has betrayed him almost to his death three times before. But, David has always been aware of who he was and what he was capable of. He has finally begun to understand Llewelyn's great passion for Wales at this point and brings about the final blow to Edward. Edward's rage is unbounded where David is considered as we see in David's final hours, as he is not only killed for his treason, but mutilated in satisfaction of Edwards hatred.

Samson one of the fictional characters in the book has always been my favorite. He stands with Llewelyn through thick and thin and does not desert David in the end either, having great love for both brothers. As Llewelyn's clerk and dear friend he has seen both brothers in the happiest and darkest times in their life, all the while pining for the love of Cristin. In this final section of the story we find that Godred, Cristin's husband has betrayed David to his death and Samson ends up killing him in the end in retribution for his deeds. Cristin and Samson have loved each other for a long time but never betrayed her vows to her husband and her marriage. In the end we see Samson and Cristin together as they should be and happy just to be alive and together, ending the book on a slightly happier note.

This book is very long and filled with a lot of historical information about Wales and the real brothers of Gwynedd. Pargeter has done a wonderful job bringing David and Llewelyn to life and letting readers see the great passion that existed in the fight for unity in Wales. I loved the book and couldn't have been more sad to see it end. But, even as you read the story you knew the way the book had to end. Knowing history, some people were aware of the outcome before reading the story, as I was, but I was truly captivated by the way each brother was portrayed and knowing the ending didn't affect how how I viewed the story.

I have reviewed each section separately and I want wrap that all up by giving you links to my review of the other 3 sections of the book as well.

The Brothers of Gwynedd, Pt. 1: Sunrise in the West

The Brothers of Gwynedd, Pt. 2: Dragon at Noonday

The Brothers of Gwynedd, Pt. 3: The Hounds of Sunset

I truly enjoyed this book! Take the time to read it and get into it, you will begin to really get a sense of what life was like for these characters and understand their great passion for Wales. I was not very familiar with Wales when I began the book and am really interested in finding out more and learning about Wales now that I've become acquainted with it.

The Brothers of Gwynedd is available NOW from your favorite bookseller.

For the final section of the book, "Afterglow and Nightfall" as well as the entire book, I gladly give this one 5 out of 5 apples from my book bag! Definitely a favorite of mine this year.

Guest Post & Giveaway: Terry Spear author of Seduced by the Wolf

I'd like to take this time to welcome author, Terry Spear to Debbie's Book Bag! Please join me in welcoming her and stay tuned to the end of the post for giveaway details!

Why Wolves—Why Werewolves? And How They Ended up in a Series!

Thanks so much, Debbie, for having me here today!!!

To answer your question, I’m a total pantser, which means I write by the seat of my pants. And that means I don’t plot out my stories to death before I write them. Which also means, when I wrote Heart of the Wolf, my only thought was writing something really different. I had already written four vampire novels, having loved vampires since I was a teen, but selling vampire stories seemed like an impossibility since about that time, tons of already well known authors were jumping on the band wagon to write a vampire series. I had written series books before, and being unable to sell the first, I soon found that not selling one, meant I might have three I couldn’t sell, so I was better off concentrating on just that first one and seeing what might come of it.

So if vampires were out, what wasn’t being done? Werewolf romances. At least, not to my knowledge. I had fun researching wolf behavior, thought of a mystery, adventure, sexy foray into the werewolf kingdom, and the Heart of the Wolf was born.

Now, often when we’re trying to sell, it takes forever. I had a lot of interest in the book, a close, but no cigar sale to a NY publisher, and so I began a new book, Destiny of the Wolf, in the event Heart of the Wolf didn’t sell.

Then Deb Werksman of Sourcebooks fell in love with my world, bought the first book, and made my year!!! When she asked if I had anything else, I had the four vampire novels, but Destiny of the Wolf was only partially written. She said the vampire world was saturated, so no. So I went to work on Destiny of the Wolf. And while she considered it, this time, I went straight to work on another werewolf novel, To Tempt the Wolf and had the idea for Legend of the White Wolf, so proposed it also. I hadn’t written that one before she bought both books! And that was the start of the series. After that, I sold Seduced by the Wolf, Wolf Fever (December 2010), Heart of the Highland Wolf (Spring 2011), and Dreaming of the Wolf (Fall 2011) on proposal.

Ever since reading Jack London’s tales—Call of the Wild and White Fang—I’d been fascinated with wolves. I didn’t even realize that was where I’d first fallen in love with wolves until I began interviews for Heart of the Wolf and the question was asked so many times that I finally had to look deeper and discover when my very first interest in wolves came about. I have always been an avid reader of everything from true story adventures to the historical past and one of the books I enjoyed reading was about early man, and how they eventually domesticated the first “dogs.” So from a very early time, I didn’t see wolves as evil beasts, but as companions to men who raised them in the wilderness, or who in early times began to have “camp followers” who eventually became domesticated dogs.

What I love about wolves is how they choose a mate for life, and family and offspring mean everything to them. I loved using that concept to create my werewolves. But I also loved giving them human thought processes while they’re wolves, and enhanced wolf senses when they’re humans. When they take of their wolf coats, they’re still a wolf at heart.

I enjoy having them make fun of werewolf legends, or even giving the other side of the story in children’s tales about the big bad wolf. You know, there are always two sides to every story!

Thanks again for having me, Debbie! It’s been fun.

If you had a chance to be a werewolf, what would you love most about it?

Terry

“Giving new meaning to the term alpha male.”

www.terryspear.com

GIVEAWAY DETAILS

Sourcebooks has graciously allowed me the opportunity to give away two copies of Seduced by the Wolf by Terry Spear!

The rules are simple:

1.) There will be two winners, U.S & Canadian entries only. These will be sent out directly from the publisher.

2.) You must be follower of this blog.

3.) You must leave a comment on this post with an e-mail address where I can contact you.

4.) Deadline for this giveaway is: Midnight EST, Tuesday September 7th.

EXTRA ENTRIES:

+ 5 for following me on Twitter @justpeachy36

+5 for being an old follower

+3 for being a new follower

+5 for entering any of the other giveaways on my sidebar

+5 adding the giveaway to your sidebar

+25 for getting the word out about this giveaway on Twitter, Facebook or other social media sites (remember to leave your links)

It is really important to get the word out about the giveaway! It allows new followers to find out blog which increases the traffic and allows us to have more giveaways, Soooooo let's get the info out there!

Review: Seduced by the Wolf

Seduced by the Wolf (Heart of the Wolf series - Book 5) by Terry Spear

(For review from Sourcebooks)

Synopsis:

His first priority is to protect his pack...
Werewolf pack leader Leidolf Wildhaven has just taken over a demoralized pack. With rogue wolves on the loose causing havoc and the authorities from the zoo suddenly zeroing in on the local wolf population, the last thing he needs in his territory is a do-gooder female, no matter how beautiful and enticing she is...

She'll do anything to help wolves...
Biologist Cassie Roux has dedicated her life to protecting wolves in the wild. On a desperate mission to help a she-wolf with newborn pups, the last thing Cassie needs right now is a nosy and entirely too attractive werewolf pack leader trying to track her down...

With rogue wolves and hunters threatening at every turn, Cassie and Leidolf may find their attraction the most dangerous force of all...

Thoughts:

One of the things that I think is so special about Terry Spears' Heart of the Wolf series is her attention to detail where wolves are concerned. In the 5th book in the series, Seduced by the Wolf, Terry is true to form and gives us the benefit of her many years of research of wolf behavior. In this book we learn some of the in's and out's of a real wolf pack including the problems that occur in the wild. Spears' great knowledge of wolves in their natural habitat lends a real authenticity to her work.

Cassie Roux is one of the main characters in Seduced by the Wolf. She is a red lupus garou, a werewolf who lost her own pack and was raised by real wolves. She is now a biologist who is bent on proving to the world at large that wolves are not the dangerous predator's that they have been led to believe. When she meets Leidolf Wildhaven the sparks fly. Leidolf is a red lupus garou pack leader. A werewolf with attitude. Cassie is a great character. She's strong but allows herself to be vulnerable to where Leidolf is concerned. She is after the preservation of wolves in general and Leidolf is after preserving his pack from extinction. She proves to be quite difficult to handle though and that makes for a great chemistry between them.

Leidolf has a lot to contend with. A ranch, a business, a wolf pack on the brink of extinction and now a beautiful answer to all his worries. But, is she more trouble than shes worth. Leidolf is one of those greek god type of characters, LOL. Very handsome, sexy and with lots of confidence. You would think Cassie would just swoon and that would be the end of it, but this wolf isn't quite so docile. The romance between the two sizzles off the pages and the reader will be taken along for the wild ride.

Most of you know, I love paranormal romance and this one is right up there with the best. Check back tomorrow for a great guest post and giveaway for Seduced by the Wolf!

Seduced by the Wolf is available NOW from your favorite bookseller.

5 out of 5 apples from my book bag on this one!

Here is some additional information about Terry Spear.

A retired lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army Reserves, Terry Spear has an MBA from Monmouth College. An eclectic writer, she dabbles in the paranormal as well as writing historical and true life stories for both teen and adult audiences. Spear lives in Crawford, Texas.

Simply Marvelous Monday (35)

Shelia at, One Person's Journey Through a World of Books, gets all the credit for this one...

On Simply Marvelous Monday's here at Debbie's Book Bag, we want to know... What are you reading?

FINISHED LAST WEEK:

The Wolf of Tebron (The Gates of Heaven series - Book 1) by C.S. Lakin (For review from Phenix)

Drawn to the Land: The Romance of Farming by Elizabeth J. Cockey and Barton M. Cockey (For review from Phenix)

The Winner's Brain: 8 Strategies Great Minds Use to Achieve Success by Jeff Brown, Liz Neporent and Mark Fenske (For review from Phenix)

Third Times a Charm (Sister to Sister series - Book 3) by Virginia Smith (For review from Kathy Willis Communications)

Amish Proverbs: Words of Wisdom from the Simple Life by Suzanne Woods Fisher (For review from Revell)

Code 15 by Gary Birken (For review from Goldberg McDuffie)

Had a great reading week. Third Time's a Charm was a great story about sisters. Amish Proverbs was a beautiful little book full of great insights into the life of the Amish people. I'm also having a giveaway for that one. Code 15 was a great medical thriller and The Wolf of Tebron is already one of my favorites.

READING OR LISTENING TO THIS WEEK:

Seduced by The Wolf (Heart of the Wolf series - Book 5) by Terry Spear (For review from Sourcebooks)

The Brothers of Gwynedd, Pt. 4: Afterglow and Nightfall by Edith Pargeter (For review from Sourcebooks)

Hero (The Cat Star Chronicles - Book 6) by Cheryl Brooks (For review from Sourcebooks)

The Truth About Lord Stoneville (Hellions of Halstead Hall series - Book 1) by Sabrina Jefferies (For review from the Author)

A bit of a lighter schedule this week, since I have an interview, a guest post and two giveaways to offer. I also have a couple of other things in the works so I'll take it bit easier this week and see what happens.

UP NEXT:

Foresight (The Gods of Fate series - Book 1) by Sherry D. Ficklin (E-ARC for review from the author)

Gerry Tales: How I Lived Happily Ever After, Despite Stabbing Myself in the Back, Scalding my Cojones, and Really Pissing Off My Wife During Childbirth by Gerry Boylan (For review from Phenix Publicity)

Letters From Sweetwater by Dale Garland (For review from Phenix Publicity)

Almost to Die For: A Vampire Princess Novel (The Vampire Princess of St. Paul series - Book 1) by Tate Hallaway (For review from Penguin)

Choosing to See: A Journey of Struggle of Hope by Mary Beth Chapman (For review from Revell)

Radiant Daughter by Patricia Grossman (For review from Ollie Media)

To Tame a Dangerous Lord (The Courtship Wars series - Book 5) by Nicole Jordan (For review from the author)

Quite the title on that second one LOL... Looks like a great book though. Choosing to See is written by Christian recording artist, Steven Curtis Chapman's wife, so I can't wait to share that one with you. And there are lots of other goodies there as well.

Reminders!

I just wanted to remind everyone about the Amish Proverbs giveaway that I have going on right now. This giveaway is international and will end at Midnight EST on September 3rd!

Review: Code 15

Code 15 by Gary Birken

(For review from Goldberg McDuffie)

Synopsis:

In the tradition of the novels of Patricia Cornwell and Robin Cook, pediatric surgeon Dr. Gary Birken's medical thrillers shed light on timely medical issues as they entertain readers with their gripping plots and engrossing characters.

In the novel Code 15, Dr. Morgan Connolly is the Chief of Emergency Medicine at Dade Presbyterian Hospital. She calls the shots and makes the tough decisions about her patients' care and safety. So when two brothers, Jason and Andy Kaine, die under her care as a result of advanced cases of meningitis, and their father, Mason Kaine, threatens the hospital and Morgan specifically, she is devastated but determined to continue to do her good work.

Months later, Morgan's beloved father is inexplicably murdered, and a seemingly unconnected string of deaths by Code 15's, or preventable medical errors, occur throughout the hospital. Grieving, pregnant and estranged from her gambling husband, Morgan seems to have lost her grip, and her supervisors are convinced she needs time off to deal with her personal issues. But Morgan is convinced that the Code 15's were not accidental; that someone is out to get her and is planning these medical errors to ruin her career and take the hospital down with her. What ensues is a riveting game of cat and mouse as Morgan seeks to identify the madman behind the plot, save her reputation, and prove her case - putting herself, her unborn child, and those closest to her in grave danger.

Thoughts:

If you like medical thrillers this one should be right up your alley! Dr. Gary Birken uses his experience as a pediatric surgeon to add credibility and authenticity to this novel. The descriptions of the hospital and it's workings are very believable. Birken takes a page right out of the headlines with this novel. The problem of patient safety should be foremost in the minds of the administrators in most hospitals, unfortunately in today's world, national issues with healthcare reform and insurance concerns have taken precedent. Birken's novel Code 15 takes us back to the right priorities; making sure patients are cared for in the best possible way.

According to Florida law, a Code 15, requires hospitals to report serious medical errors within 15 days of occurrence. Birken's book centers around a series of Code 15 errors that occur at Dade Presbyterian Hospital, where Chief of Emergency, Morgan Connolly is responsible for the safety of her patients.

Morgan is a spunky character that has a lot to deal with in this book. She separated from her husband, she's expecting a baby, her father has been brutally murdered and now her reputation as well as that of the hospital is in jeopardy. She doesn't really have anyone to rely on other than herself and her own instincts. Now, that's a strong woman! I love female characters that are able to stand up under distressing circumstances and Morgan certainly fits that description.

This book puts me in the mind of medical thrillers from Robin Cook, who I consider one of the best in this genre. It's very riveting and the ending is a real shocker. You'll be on the edge of your seat and you'll be stunned, you might even have to go back and read that last part again it's soooo good! LOL...

Code 15 is available NOW from your favorite bookseller.

This one gets 5 out of 5 apples from my book bag!

Here is additional information about the author, in his own words from www.garybirken.com

Before I first set pen to paper as a novel writer, I was a fulltime pediatric surgeon. Nine years and five novels later, I am still a busy pediatric surgeon. The question I'm asked most often is; how do you find time to do both? The simplest answer is that when you spend every waking hour pursuing your life's passions, you can always find time. Practically speaking, I try to arrange my surgical schedule to leave some time for writing. But even with the best intentions and planning, it's not always possible to write every day. It's the price one pays for having a day job. Fortunately, vacations and weekends off offer a wonderful opportunity to write. When I'm not in the operating room or writing, I utilize whatever time remains to play tennis and basketball. I also hold a black belt in martial arts and try to spend as much time as I can in the dojo.

I was born and raised in New York. After completing my undergraduate studies in Ohio, I was fortunate enough to spend two years studying in Paris. The opportunity to absorb another country's language and culture is one that I will always cherish and one that I have encouraged my own children to pursue. All of my training in general and pediatric surgery took place in Columbus, Ohio at the Ohio State University Hospital and Columbus Children's. Upon completion of my fellowship in pediatric surgery, I moved to Hollywood, Florida where I have spent my entire professional career. Presently, I serve as the Surgeon-in-Chief of the Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital. I am also the immediate Past Chairman of the Children's Hospital Charitable Foundation and the Director of Pediatric Trauma Center.