My Chat with Eileen

Hello and welcome!

Today I have a good friend from the blogging world whose opinion I respect. Her reviews of books and audio books are amazing, in-depth that give you a real insight without spoilers. What attracts me the most to her blog is her way with words that pull me in and keep me engaged.

Please welcome Eileen from BOOKTALK WITH EILEEN !

Eniko, thank you for having me on your blog. I know you’re always chatting with an author, a narrator or a character.   I’m not an author, although I love to meet and get to know them.  I’m not a character in a book, but I’ve been one thousands of times.  Today, I present myself as a reader firstly and then a reviewer.

When we spoke earlier you said you’d like to talk about POV (point of view) of a reader.  What did you mean?
I stop to read blogs about reviews, the importance of a review to an author.  I want to hear what authors have to say about reviewers.

Today, however, I’d like to talk about what readers have to say about reviews? I’ve been reading quite avidly for the last 15 years.  I read, so therefore I’m a reader.

What prompts you to read a certain book?
The cover, along with the title, are the first two items to catch my attention. It doesn’t, necessarily, keep my attention. I quickly read the synopsis on the back cover, or publisher’s summary available on Goodreads, Amazon, Noble and Barnes and the author’s website. Am I still interested?

I, then, look at genre. I’m partial to historical romance, if any of your readers who have stopped by my blog, Booktalk with Eileen or my page on FB, have seen I also like fantasy, paranormal, mysteries, time travel, and stories which are contemporary in a small town setting. I will venture outside my likes, but there are so many wonderful books to read in my chosen genres, I almost don’t have time!

You do a lot of reading. I see that from your blog.
I’m driven, or mayhap, I live to read. To live those lives I can’t live myself. That’s the beauty of finding a gifted author that does this for me. So writing style is very important. I’ll latch onto some authors and whatever they write I’ll read. Style and plot, additionally description need to transcend me outside myself, if you will.

As a reader, I must be drawn into the story, not just standing on the side. I must be emotionally connected to the characters, either with compassion, or disgust. I love to be so emotionally impacted I end up crying. And when the author makes me fall in love with her/his world they have created a fan and a forever reader. For example, I’ve followed Christine Feehan and read some of her books three or four times. She always takes me to her world over and over again, no matter how many times I’ve read the book. It is never boring. Others that come to mind: Kathryn Le Veque, Mary Morgan, Amy Jarecki, Cynthia Wright, Deborah Cooke, aka Claire DelaCroix, Diana Cosby, Lucinda Brant, Sharon Cullen, to name just a few. I’m sure as I continue exploring new authors I will add to the forever fan reads.

I get that, because I’m a reader, too. But what about reviews? Let’s say you love the book, how do you write a review?
Okay, I read a book which has me totally engaged. I think it’s terrific. My review should express my enthusiasm for the read. Perhaps mention a quote which captures a feeling of a particular character. The excerpt also helps the reader see the writing style of the author. I don’t, generally, quote a long excerpt. I like to talk about the characters, not so much tell the story, but something of the characters’ flaws, challenges and connections to each other.

But what about the elements of a great book? Things like pacing, scene structure, internal dialog, arc? Shouldn’t they be talked about?
You know, I think it’s nice to add some of that. As I read more and more about how to craft a novel, I’m learning the terminology and as I read, I will identify these parts. But are they so important in a review? But you may ask, if you don’t like a story and can identify why, shouldn’t you tell the review reader?

In this case, I would mention it. For example, I’ll mention the story didn’t totally engage me from the first page because there was little action I could react to. If the story does pick up and I’m connected, I’ll add that to. If dialog feels contrived, I’ll mention it is a bit stiff, or if I can’t stop reading – the book won’t let me put it down—I’ll mention that. Certainly, these feelings are due to the skill of crafting a story. If the author has a sluggish story, that is a question of pacing, it hampers the overall like of the book. Consequently, my gushing moment of excitement in the review will not be there.

But, as a reader of a review, I, personally, am not really interested in knowing the craft elements that make the reviewer like something, just that the book was awesome and why or conversely why not.

Now, maybe some of the readers of your blog could comment on what I just said.

I think my mission in writing a review is either to make the reader of my review say, yes, I’ve GOT to read this book or maybe this isn’t the book for me to read, because I don’t like, for example, plenty of violence, or scenes to make your toes curl, or weak women!

I don’t like to read a review which only says the book was great, or a fantastic read. It isn’t enough to capture my attention. It doesn’t clarify anything about the book.

So there you have it, Eniko, my POV as a reader and a reviewer. I’d love to have a discussion take place on this subject. I’d also like to know if a reader of a review on a blog doesn’t see a star review, does this make a difference to her/him?

May I ask a few more questions?
Certainly.

What is the first book you read that started your love of reading?
I loved reading from the first words I could read. (chuckling) I remember running around the house and reading my Dick and Jane book. I’d read it over and over to anyone who would listen.

By age 12, I would borrow during the summer month from the school library 40 books or so and read. I probably am the person I am through the experiencing those stories.

What started your journey in blogging/reviewing books?

I love technology, because I grew up learning to type on one of those old Underwood typewriters with round keys. I lived technology, from electric typewriters, to word processors, to my Commodore, and now desktops, laptops, iPads, smartphones, coupled with cyberspace. I’m excited to be able to live in this day and age, enjoying how quickly it all changes.

When we returned to the states in 2011 after our last 8 years in living in Lebanon and I decided to learn about blogging. I kept hearing the word. While living in Lebanon I read a lot. It was how I entertained myself. Coupled with my love of reading, I started a blog to review what I read.

But I want to take this question of yours further. I’d like to use my blog, eventually, to share what I am writing. Yes, I have the writing bug. Reviewing allows me to express myself, but personally I want more. I took the NaNoWriMo challenge back in November 2013 and wrote my first draft of my first novel. I laughed. I cried. I talked about the characters to my hubby ad nauseum, and couldn’t seem to stop. (He thought me mad.) To those authors out there, I get it when you talk about your writing. I know the elation of creating the microcosm of reality, for indeed it is your reality.
That is great! I hope I get to read what you wrote one day.

What is your advice to the readers who think they are not good at writing reviews?
My advice is what I would tell anyone who wants to learn a craft or skill. Practice, practice, practice. Learn what a good review consists of, what to avoid discussing, how to delicately parse what you don’t like, and how to express your delight in a good read. I find taking notes while reading helps me remember some moment of irony, poetic justice, a down and out calamity, a gut-wrenching moment, etc. This makes it easier to formulate your thoughts in the review process. I strongly urge you to find your creative voice, yes, even writing a review. Reviewing, as when writing a novel, painting, singing, running, etc., it’s also about you, your expression of how you react to the story experience.

Do you have a nickname?
Well, I guess I’d say yes. I lived in the Middle East close to 18 years. My name is not common there so they tended to pronounce it wrong. I took the last of my name, ‘leen’, and made a nickname, spelled Lina. It is a common name in the Middle East. I still have people from that part of the world use my nickname and I answer to it, as well.

What is one word best describes you?
Diligent.

What makes you laugh out loud?
Comical, eye-rolling situations where the initiator of a situation tries to fix it and only makes it worse! Or if I get tickled!

What is your favourite dessert?
I love dark chocolate candy, the kind that melts on your palette and is rich, creamy and smooth.

What is your favourite drink?
Red wine in winter, white in summer.

What is your favourite colour?
Teal.

What is the perfect romantic date?
Ha! I’m not sure what a date is any longer, let alone romantic. But if I were younger… I’d say dinner for two at a restaurant with plenty of ambiance. Perhaps afterwards go to a piano bar, talk and dance.

Thank you Eniko, for having me on your blog. It has been a genuine pleasure to share what I enjoy and who I am.

Eileen, the pleasure is all mine. Thank you for chatting with me.

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Thank you for joining us and I hope you enjoyed the chat and get a little insight into the blogging world and writing reviews.

Let us know your opinion about reviews, why you write them, or why not. Maybe answers some of the questions Eillen asked.

I urge you to subscribe to Eileen’s blog, if you haven’t done so. You will discover many new books, as I did.

Until next time read a book, listen to a book and don’t forget to show your love by leaving a review!

Jess’ Chat with Eden

Hello and welcome!

Remember my new feature where I invite my friends and they bring their fave characters? Today I have my very good friend Jess with her guest and guess who it is? I was surprised when she said who her guest is and I asked her why. Her response was: “Because I love her personality and what she does.”

Read on and find out who it is.

Jess: What is your full name?
Eden Eagle Claw

Jess: Do you have a nickname?
Eden: Some refer to me as The Tratchar, others call me Tratchar Eden.

Jess: What is one word best describes you?
Eden: I tend to be a bit of a free spirit and maybe just a little dangerous. So, in one word? I am Tratchar.

Jess: Describe what you are wearing now to our readers.
Eden: I am wearing a green velvet gown with golden trim. I thought it would be better than my tunic and boots that I usually wear.

Jess: Do you think the author portrayed you accurately?
Eden: She tried to brush over the fact that all these changes are rather overwhelming. I am learning how to deal with them through.

Jess: What makes you laugh out loud?
Eden: My children, they are my treasures, and I am very proud of them.

Jess: What is your favourite dessert?
Eden: Anything with a touch of mint in it.

Jess: What is your favourite drink?
Eden: There is nothing more refreshing than cool water from a mountain stream.

Jess: What is your greatest fear?
Eden: That the Demons will get their hands on my Gabriel or our children one day. I admit, it would hunt each and every one down personally if they ever touched my family.

Jess: What is your favourite colour?
Eden: I love the colour of the leaves as they break out of their buds in spring, it is such a fresh look and makes you feel so alive.

Jess: What do you wear when you go to sleep?
Eden: When you are raising six curious, and very rambunctious children, you make sure you are covered, not that that can’t be changed very quickly, being an Elf has its moments.

Jess: What is the perfect romantic date?
Eden: Anywhere Gabriel and I can find to spend a little time together, relaxing, so we can indulge in a little cuddling. I will go to any lengths to be held in his arms.

Jess: How ticklish are you? Where are you ticklish?
Eden: We will ignore this question, if you don’t mind. Eden blushes profusely

Jess: What’s your favourite smell? What does it remind you of?
Eden: I love the smell of pine, it reminds me of the deep forest and our hideaway. Eden sighs dreamily

Jess: When you look at a man what catches your interest?
Eden: I only have eyes for my Gabriel.

Jess: Do you have somebody in your life now?
Eden: As I said, Gabriel is my world, outside of our children. He is the High Lord General Gabriel Eagle Claw, Chief Commander of the Elven Armed Forces.

Jess: What is one word best describes him?
Eden: Gabriel is powerful and in many ways he is larger than life. There is no Elf better than my Gabriel.

Jess: Is your book part of a series? What does the future hold for the readers of the series?
Eden: I am one of the main characters in the Elven Chronicles and the series will be ready to evolve within the next two years. In the meantime, we continue to fight the Demon Hordes and the Drazon. We will prevail at some point and our people will finally know what it is like to live in a time of true, lasting peace. It has been eons since we have known that.

Thank you Eden for taking the time to stop by, I know the situation is escalating in the war with the Demons. Sending my warmest greetings to everybody, especially Loth… and Eöl of course. Thank you Jess for inviting Eden for a chat.

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Thank you for stopping by and I hope you enjoyed the chat.

Check out Jess’ review of “Gabriel”. My review is there too, a few pages back, just look for seelk 😉

If you are new to the Elven Chronicles, Eden is one of the major players in the series and we come to meet her in book 1 of the series, “Gabriel”.

He is a living legend, a master swordsman, and a hero of the Elven Empire. He had led his Warriors home in victory from a war that had lasted centuries. He is the High Lord General Gabriel Eagle Claw, Supreme Commander of the Combined Elven Forces, and his word is law.

She is a force of nature, an Elven maiden trained in the art of survival by a Fae Warrior and she is just coming into the knowledge of her powerful talent. All of her life she has been able to converse with the forests about her. The leaves rustled their news into her ears, and the life force of the trees transmit their needs to her, for she is an Elf with a gift lost in legend. She is Eden, Guardian of the light of the Elven forests. TRATCHAR. The trees shout her title. Her people whisper it in awe.

“Catch,” the warning comes just in time to alert General Gabriel to attention and warrior that he is he is quick to react just as an arrow knocks a young Elven maiden from a tree branch that he has chosen to stand under, and he catches her as she falls. When blue eyes meet silver each know they have met their life mate, but such things as not as quickly accepted as they are recognized. He would have order in his ranks; she must be free to mark her own trail; he would bind her, tie her, control her. She would test his patience and will to the limit, and challenge his rights to own what she would not give freely.

M. A. Abraham is one of my top 5 authors, I am her #1 Elfanatic. If you missed my chat with her last January, click on this link. You can also find many of her characters chatting with me. The Elves usually hijack my chat and it is sooooo much fun 😀

To check out all the books by M. A. Abraham, keep up with news, check the links below.

• website • Facebook Author Page • Amazon • Barnes & Noble
• Goodreads • blog • Twitter

Ms. Abraham is gifting one reader chosen by Sexy Mr. Random from all those who comment on this post an ebook, winner’s choice, from the Elven Chronicles. The comments will stay open until 3pm on Monday, January 18, 2016. Good luck!

Until next time read a book, listen to a book and don’t forget to show your love by leaving a review!

Al’s Chat with Cynthia

Hello and welcome!

Please welcome my awesome friend Al who brought one of her book girlfriends.

Al: What is your full name?
Cynthia Leighton

Al: Do you have a nickname?
Cynthia: Cyn, or some people just call me Leighton

Al: What is one word that best describes you?
Cyn laughs  That’s sort of an invitation for ego, isn’t it? But I’ll play … um, smart.

Al: Describe what you are wearing now to our readers.
Cynthia: Black, bootcut, stretch jeans; black, crewneck, long-sleeve sweater; Frye harness boots

source

me: I looooove those boots, I’ve been looking for a pair for myself in chocolate brown.

Al: Do you think the author portrayed you accurately?
Cynthia: Absolutely. She says I’m beautiful and strong, and that I fight for the people I love, and for myself. And that I’m basically a kickass chick with a sense of humor. I’ll take that!
Al: And don’t forget, a true role model to all the women out there. Girl, you are an inspiration!

Al: What makes you laugh out loud?
Cynthia: I’m a cynic, so dry, sometimes sarcastic, humor is my thing. And I do love teasing Raphael. He’s still trying to keep up with me.
Al: You are perfect for him and this is a first time I’m actually taking a woman’s side and meaning it.

Al: What is your favourite dessert?
Cynthia: Chocolate anything. No nuts.

source

me: Then you will love these chocolate truffles I made for you with Irish Cream.

Al: What is your favourite drink?
Cynthia: Vodka. Mostly on the rocks.

Al: What is your greatest fear?
Cynthia: Losing Raphael, especially if I lose him because I couldn’t save him. It’s my nightmare.
Al: You and me girl.

Al: What is your favourite colour?
Cynthia: Black, really. But let’s say green, because it looks good on me, and Raphael likes it.

Al: What do you wear when you go to sleep?
Cynthia: Nothing. Unless I’m pissed at Raphael, then I’ll wear panties or a short nightgown. But it never lasts. He strips it away as soon as he wakes up, whether I’m pissed or not. He’s pushy that way.

Al: What is the perfect romantic date?
Cynthia: Just the two of us—Raphael and me—on a moonlit patio overlooking the water, sharing a big cushioned lounge chair, with a fire in the fire pit. No phones, no bodyguards, no one to call him away from me.

Al: How ticklish are you? Where are you ticklish?
Cynthia: I’m not very ticklish. My ribs a little, the bottoms of my feet. But not really.

Al: What’s your favourite smell? What does it remind you of?
Cynthia: The briney, wet scent of the ocean. Because it means “home” to me.

Al: When you look at a man what catches your interest?
Cynthia: Intellect is the most important quality for me. That look in a man’s eye that tells you there’s a good brain in there. And then, I like them tall, dark, and handsome. Which pretty much describes Raphael.

Al: Do you have somebody in your life now?
Cynthia: Raphael, of course! He’s the love of my life, the only guy I’ll ever need. The only one I’ve ever wanted.
Al: He is one of a kind! Love your man and so obsessed with him.

Al: What one word best describes him?
Cynthia: Mine. laughing But seriously, one word could never been enough to describe Raphael. He’s larger than life. He sucks the air out of a room. He’s beautiful, brilliant, strong and sexy.
Al with a dreamy sigh I agree.
me: I really have to meet him now.

Al: Is your book part of a series? What does the future hold for the readers of the series?
Cynthia: My story really covers all of the books, since Raphael is the center of the North American vampire community, and that’s what the books are about. But the first two books are the story of how Raphael and I met, and finally got together. The series is Vampires in America, and the 10th book will release on November 30th. In the 9th book, the European vampires launched their first strike against us, trying to take out Raphael, because he’s the strongest vampire on the continent. In Book #10, the vampire wars continue with an invasion from inside Mexico. It introduces a new, powerful vampire, Christian Duvall, who wants to be the new Lord of the South.
Al: I’m excited for the South! Hope to see you and Raphael in Mexico!

me: Thank you Al for introducing Cynthia to us and thank you Cynthia for visiting my corner of the blogging world. Looking forward to reading the stories.

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Thanks for dropping by today and I hope you enjoyed the chat. I would like to thank Al for introducing Cynthia to us and Ms. Reynolds for writing the stories.

Cynthia Leighton hails from the Vampires of America series by D. B. Reynolds.

Check out this video for the series:

Raphael blurb:

Malibu, California-home to rock-and-roll gods and movie stars, the beautiful, the rich . . . and vampires.

Powerful and charismatic, Raphael is a Vampire Lord, one of the few who hold the power of life and death over every vampire in existence. Thousands call him Master and have pledged absolute loyalty on their very lives. But when, in a brazen and deadly daylight attack, a gang of human killers kidnaps the one female vampire he’d give his life for, Raphael turns to a human investigator to find his enemies before it’s too late.

Cynthia Leighton is smart, tough and sexy, a private investigator and former cop who’s tired of spying on cheating spouses and digging out old bank accounts. When Raphael asks for her help in tracking down the kidnappers, Cyn’s happy to accept. But she soon realizes her greatest danger comes not from the humans, but from Raphael himself.

Battling Russian mobsters and treacherous vampires, and betrayed by those they trusted, Cyn and Raphael find themselves fighting for their lives while caught up in a passion of blood and violence that is destined to destroy them both.

website • Facebook • Twitter • Amazon • B&N • Kobo • Goodreads

Author Bio

D. B. Reynolds is the award-winning author of the popular Vampires in America series, as well as other paranormal fiction. She lives with her husband of many years in a flammable canyon near Los Angeles, and when she’s not writing her own books, she can usually be found reading someone else’s.

To start you on the journey into her book world, Ms. Reynolds is offering one ebook from her backlist, winner’s choice. The lucky reader will be chosen by Sexy Mr. Random from the comments after 3pm EST Monday, November 9, 2015. GOOD LUCK!

Until next time read a book, listen to a book and don’t forget to show your love by leaving a review!

Liz’s Chat with Alastair

Hello and welcome!

Today I have another one of my awesome friends, Liz, who invited her book boyfriend for a chat.

Read on and find out more.

Thank you Liz for coming today and for bringing your … 😮 I know I am supposed to say something… DAYUM he is fine…

Liz: AHEM

Me: Yes Liz? … oh yes… your book boyfriend I feel my face is bright pink

Liz, turning to the hunk: Let’s get started. What is your full name?
Alastair Colum MacKay.

Liz: Do you have a nickname?
Alastair: Aye, ’tis the Beast.

Liz: What is one word best describes you?
Alastair: It would depend on whom ye asked. Yet, since my brothers are nae nearby, I would say, honorable.

Liz: Describe what you are wearing now to our readers.
Alastair: Trews, boots, tunic belted with leather, and a wolf-skin cloak presented to me recently by the Fianna.

Liz: Do you think the author portrayed you accurately?
Alastair: Aye, she kens me well.

Liz: What makes you laugh out loud?
Alastair: Tormenting my brothers, Duncan and Stephen.

Liz: What is your favourite dessert?
A slow sensuous smile appears on Alastair’s face Fiona, my wife.

Liz: What is your favourite drink?
Alastair: Mead.

Liz: What is your greatest fear?
Alastair: ’Tis only one. Losing Fiona.

Liz: What is your favourite colour?
Alastair: The rose blush on my lovely wife’s face.

Liz: What do you wear when you go to sleep?
Alastair snorts Naught.

Liz: What is the perfect romantic date?
Alastair: Holding Fiona in my arms spread out among the heather on a warm summer night as we watch the stars.

Liz: How ticklish are you? Where are you ticklish?
Alastair: Me? Never.

Liz: What’s your favourite smell? What does it remind you of?
Alastair: The scent of wildflowers in spring—reminding me of Fiona.

Liz: When you look at a woman what catches your interest?
Alastair: There is only one woman that captures my attention—Fiona, and ’tis her smile.

Liz: Do you have somebody in your life now?
Alistair crosses his arms across his chest Have I not stated this already?

Liz: What is one word best describes her?
Alastair: Home.

Liz: Is your book part of a series? What does the future hold for the readers of the series?
Alastair: Aye, ’tis a series. Ye will read my oldest brother, Angus’s story soon. ’Tis called, “Dragon Knight’s Shield.” Be prepared for the Fire Dragon.

Me: I am looking forward to read your story Alastair. Thank you for coming for a chat.

Liz: Thank you Alastair!

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Thanks for dropping by today and I hope you enjoyed the chat, I most surely did. I would like to thank Liz for sharing Alistair with us and Ms. Morgan for dreaming him up for us to enjoy. I am looking forward to reading his story.

Alastair MacKay hails from DRAGON KNIGHT’S AXE, book 3 in the Order of the Dragon Knights series by Mary Morgan.

Battled scarred, Dragon Knight, Alastair MacKay, has fled to the seas to separate himself from his powers that are connected to the land. Yet, when he rescues a woman from a slave trader in Ireland, he steps back inadvertently into a world filled with magic—taking on the role of protector and leading him on a journey to confront his greatest fears.

Research assistant, Fiona O’Quinlan loves translating ancient artifacts at Trinity College. When she falls asleep on an archeological dig, she awakens in another time. She soon discovers a Dragon Knight’s relic has been entrusted into her care. Determined to return the artifact to the Great Glen, Fiona is unprepared for the danger ahead—losing her heart and soul to Alastair “Beast” MacKay.

Will their love be strong enough to soothe the beast and heal the man? Or will Death swing its axe, leaving them lost for all eternity?

Excerpt
Copyright © 2015 Mary Morgan

He would get the truth out of her. She was now his. Bought and paid for.

His anger simmered just below the surface, and he allowed his eyes to flash with the fire of the dragon. Hearing her gasp, he smiled. Good, little bird. Fear me. Without giving her time to react, he swept her up and dumped her over his left shoulder, and strode to the ship.

He heard her sharp intake of breath, and then she started to pound against his back. “Put…me down,” she demanded.

“Nae.”

She started to kick, and he clenched his jaw in frustration. The little bird had talons. He responded with a smack to her bottom, but instead of removing his hand, he kept it against her soft curves. “I will put ye down when we are on my ship.”

She went completely still, and then she screamed.

Alastair dumped her onto the ground. “For the love of Brigid, did ye have to yell into my ear?”

Fiona rubbed at her bottom and then stood. “You beast,” she spat out at him. Jumping onto a nearby boulder, she looked directly into his eyes. “Don’t you ever touch me like that again.”

Alastair yanked her to his chest by her arms, his face mere inches from hers. “And what are ye going to do?” He watched as her eyes widened in alarm. Blue eyes that reminded him of the sky on warm summer days. Then his gaze traveled down to her lips, red as berries.

Instantly, his beast roared to life. Claim one kiss, Alastair.

“I will slit your throat,” she whispered.

Releasing his hold, his beast laughed, mocking him. He stared at her for a few moments before turning away. Stalking over to the ship, he climbed up the ladder.

Buy links: Amazon • B&N • iTunes • The Wild Rose Press

You can read Liz’s 5-star review here.

website • Facebook • Twitter • Pinterest • Goodreads

Author Bio

I am a constant daydreamer and have been told quite often to remove my head from the clouds. Yet, this is where I find the magic to write my stories. Not only do I love to weave a good tale, but I have a voracious appetite for reading. I worked for Borders Books for almost fourteen years. Imagine my delight to be surrounded by so many books, talking to others about them, and getting paid.

Pure bliss!

I have traveled to England, Scotland, Ireland, and France. There are those who know me well when I say, “My heart is in the Highlands.” I believe I have left it there or maybe in Ireland.

When not writing, I enjoy playing in my garden—another place where magic grows. Of course, there is time spent with my family. They are the ones that keep me grounded.

To start you on the journey into her book world, Ms. Morgan has graciously giving away Alastair’s story, 1 signed book for the US and 1 ebook for international.

The 2 lucky readers will be chosen by Sexy Mr. Random from the comments after 3pm EST Monday, November 2, 2015. GOOD LUCK!

Until next time read a book, listen to a book and don’t forget to show your love by leaving a review!

Julie’s Chat with Christian

Hello and welcome!

This is the first of many to come where I invited my friends to chat with their book boyfriends.

Today my awesome friend Julie brought her book boyfriend. Read on and see who he is 😉

Thank you Julie for coming today and bringing your… OMG Julie! YUM

ahem… Now where were we? Ah yes!

Take it from here, Julie! I’ll stop talking now 😉 I’ll just ogle a bit

Julie: Thanks for agreeing to answer some questions today, Cristian!
Cristian’s ice blue eyes look wary I suppose.

Julie:  Great.  Chocolate or vanilla?
Cristian: Vanilla.

Julie: Boxers or briefs?
Cristian: The readers really want to know that?
Julie: Oh, yes.
Cristian scowls Neither.

Julie: They definitely want to know that.
I nod in agreement, we definitely want to know THAT 😉

Julie: What’s your favorite color?
Cristian quirks a dark brow Red.

Julie smiles The color of Alana’s hair.
a smile ghosts past Christian’s sculpted lips, but he remains silent

Julie: Since you brought up your lovely wife, where did you meet her?
Cristian: On a private island off the coast of Nicaragua.  I was there on a job.  Alana was living there with a tribe of Indians.  She saved my life.

Julie: What was your first thought when you saw her?
Cristian: That she had been sent to kill me.

Julie: Well, I’m going to let the readers stew over that one.  Curiosity peaked ladies? You will have to read the book to find out the rest of the story.  One more question.  Fast or slow?
Cristian rises from his chair and leans over to speak softly in Julie’s ear Both.

This book is definitely going into my TBR list.

Thank you Julie! Thank you Christian!

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Thanks for dropping by today and I hope you enjoyed the chat, I most surely did. I would like to thank Julie for sharing Christian with us and Ms. Lowery for dreaming him up for us to enjoy. I am looking forward to reading his story.

Christian Slate hails from “Hard Core”, book 1 in the Romantic Suspense series Onyx Group by Jennifer Lowery.

He takes lives. She saves them.

A supposedly hassle-free job for mercenary Cristian Slade becomes a mission of mercy when he saves a life instead of taking one. Slade’s new mission might be his most dangerous yet, because the danger is to his heart.

Tragedy has sent esteemed surgeon Alana O’Grady to a remote a remote Nicaraguan island where she immerses herself in the lives of a native tribe, using her talents for goodwill instead of wealth and prestige. But life turns upside down when her work requires she protect a rugged mercenary who commands her attention when she’s awake and dominates her dreams while she sleeps.

Doctoring Cristian puts her entire tribe in danger from the man who’s hunting him. Is it her professional oath or her unprofessional attraction to him keeping her from sending him away to heal on his own? Alana’s fire warms Cristian’s heart, but he’s a hardened assassin and has no business falling for someone like her. Can they fight hard enough to keep what they might have together?

Content Warning: Sexual content.

Excerpt
Copyright © 2014, Jennifer Lowery

Prepared to start an IV, she picked up a needle. She had it in position when his other arm shot out and he clamped her wrist in a bone-crushing grip. Startled, she met his panicked gaze.

“I said no needles.”

Her heart banged against her ribcage as she let the needle slip out of her hand. It hit the floor with a small ting. Alana opened her hands in surrender, her patient’s fingers digging into her flesh. For a man half-dead, he had amazing strength.

“Okay,” she said to placate him. “Relax, I don’t have it anymore. It’s your choice, but I recommend you let me start an IV for meds.”

“No. Just fix me.”

Alana pinned him with a no nonsense stare. “I’m not impressed with Superman heroics.”

Face pale and drawn, he said gruffly, “I’m not Superman. Learned not to trust people with needles.”

Her fingers were going numb. “If I remove the bullet without pain medication or anesthetic, you’re going to be sorry.”

He studied her. “You’re really a doctor?”

Alana bristled. “Technically, yes.”

“Technically?”

She didn’t have time to explain herself with the amount of blood seeping from his gunshot wound. “I went to med school. You can let go of my arm now. I won’t use any needles.”

He looked down and immediately released his grip. She rubbed her wrist to soothe away the ache. “Can I get to work now, or do you want to question me more about my credentials while you bleed to death? I don’t have a blood bank, so you’re screwed if you lose too much.”

Her blunt statement received a curt nod. She normally didn’t talk to her patients like that. Her patients didn’t normally countermand her either.

“Do it,” he said.

“Without anesthetics?”

“I don’t need them. Just get it over with.”

Stubborn, stupid, or both? Insane, yes, but there wasn’t time to argue with him.

“Okay. The offer stands if you change your mind.”

“I won’t.”

She doubted that, but didn’t comment. Instead, wiped her forehead with her forearm, and picked up gauze pads to clean the wound.

“Here goes,” she warned and dabbed his skin.

Her patient didn’t move or even wince as she cleaned the angry wound. Either he had a will of steel or he’d passed out again. Hopefully, the latter. Sweat rolled down her back as she finished cleansing the area around the bullet entry. Red flesh puckered with the first signs of infection. In this environment infection was guaranteed.

With a steady hand that would have made her father proud, she picked up her instruments and took a deep breath.

“You still with me?”

He murmured a response, turning his head slightly so he could see her. The stark beauty of his profile, despite the bruises, struck her again. The lines of his face were chiseled, unforgiving. The kind of man she’d glance at twice if she passed him on the street.

A man associated with a criminal.

“Still here, Doc. What are you waiting for?” Husky with pain, his deep voice brought her out of her thoughts.

She gave herself a mental shake. “Want something to bite down on?”

A small, wry smile touched his lips and his lids closed. “You won’t hear a peep out of me. Just fix me, Doc.”

“I can hit you so you’ll sleep through it,” she muttered.

That drew a low chuckle from him. She didn’t expect him to have a sense of humor. He seemed too…hard. His chuckle turned into a grunt of pain. “You probably hit like a girl.”

Alana grinned. “Yes, I do. Rest assured it won’t feel like it.”

“Appreciate the offer, but, no.” His words slurred together, his muscles tense as he fought his body’s demands.

“You got a name, Superman?”

His head rolled to the side, his chest rose and fell slowly. She thought he was out but he murmured, “Cristian.”

“Nice to meet you, Cristian.”

Then she dug into the wound for the bullet.

Buy Hard Core: Amazon •  Barnes & Noble • Kobo • iTunes

You can read Julie’s 5-star review here.

website • Facebook • Twitter • Romance Recipes • Pinterest (you got to check out her ‘Heroes’ board *sigh*)

Author Bio: 

NY Times & USA Today bestselling author, Jennifer Lowery grew up reading romance novels in the back of her math book and on the bus to school, and never wanted to be anything but a writer.  Her summers were spent sitting at the kitchen table with her sisters spinning tales of romance and intrigue and always with a tall glass of ice tea at their side.

Today, Jennifer is living that dream and she couldn’t be happier to share her passion with her readers.  She loves everything there is about romance.  Her stories feature alpha heroes who meet their match with strong, independent heroines.  She believes that happily ever after is only the beginning of her stories. And the road to that happy ending is paved with action, adventure, and romance. As her characters find out when they face danger, overcome fears, and are forced to look deep within themselves to discover love.

Jennifer lives in Michigan with her husband and two children.  When she isn’t writing she enjoys reading and spending time with her family.

Note from Jennifer Lowery:

Hi all you fabulous readers out there *waves* Thank you so much for having me today! I’m very excited to introduce you all to Cristian Slade, the hero from my debut novel, “Hard Core”. I hope you enjoy meeting him as much as I did writing him.

In honor of my release I am giving away an e-book copy of any one of my books, go to my WEBSITE to choose, to one lucky commenter.

***BONUS***

For everyone who signs up for my NEWSLETTER you will receive an e-book copy of my short story, Taking Chances ($.99 value) for FREE!

Thank you for having me today, Eniko! Thank you Julie for loving Cristian! I just want to send out a big THANK YOU to all my readers out there! Without you I wouldn’t be here. My wish is to one day meet each and every one of you so I can personally thank you for your generosity and support! 
All my best, 
Jennifer

The lucky reader will be chosen by Sexy Mr. Random from the comments after 3pm EST Monday, September 7, 2015. GOOD LUCK!

Until next time read a book, listen to a book and don’t forget to show your love by leaving a review!