Welcome to my world where you can dare to dream, fall in love, experience the unexpected,
share in the lives of others, and, of course, meet some of the hunkiest men!!!
First off, I want to give a big huge THANK YOU to Marie Force for writing a guest post for my blog!!!
Next, after giving some time for my weekend readers to get in on the contest...I want to announce the winner of the eBook Fatal Affair by Marie Force. (The winner was chosen by putting eveyone's name in Random.org)
LENI!!!!
I will be getting in touch with you today!!!
Again, thanks everyone for coming out and participating in my Guest Post event!!!!
It is my extreme please to announce that Marie Force is here today!! I am so excited about having her as my guest. As you all know...she is one of my favorite authors. Not only is she talking about Creating Unforgettable Characters, but she is also offering her new release Fatal Affair to one lucky commenter today. Just answer her questions and please please leave your email address so that I can get a hold of you if you happen to be the lucky winner. Without further ado...here is Marie Force...
Creating Unforgettable Characters
By: Marie Force
Thanks so much for having me today, Kara. It’s always such a pleasure to visit with such a great supporter of romance and, well, okay—my books! You are so kind in your reviews and comments, and I really appreciate your friendship. Since this is day five of the Fatal Affair launch week madness, I’m getting a little tired of myself, so I thought I’d talk about some other writing that wowed me recently.
Toy Story 3. Yep, you read that right. Just like its predecessors the movie is brilliantly animated and expertly voiced. And, even more so than the first two, it’s beautifully written: clever, poignant, funny, scary, and utterly captivating. When my son Jake was little, Buzz and Woody ruled the house. He was Buzz for Halloween one year and Woody the next. On one memorable road trip from Florida to Indiana and back again, all we watched/listened to in the car were the Toy Story movies. I remember my husband saying thank goodness there are two of them! We could’ve written a Ph.D. thesis on the deeper meaning of Toy Story by the time we got home from that trip.
One of my funniest Jake stories EVER was in a brand new church in Florida in which Jesus hung suspended over the altar rather than on the more conventional cross. Three-year-old Jake caught a glimpse of Jesus, busted loose in the middle of mass and tore down the center aisle yelling at the top of his considerable lungs, “Mommy, Mommy, it’s Buzz Lightyear!” How could a mom ever forget such a moment in which even the priest had to laugh?
Last year when the first two movies were re-released as a double feature, Jake and I went to see them and, shockingly, he had NO MEMORY of ever seeing them before. He remembered the characters but not the stories. I was astounded! How was that possible? Even years later I could still recite the lines ahead of the characters: “It’s a turilium carbonic alloy, and I can fly.”/“That’s not flying. It’s falling with style.” Classic!
Every time we clean out Jake’s room, we get to his Buzz and Woody guys, and he just shakes his head. And I breathe a silent sigh of relief. Not yet. After I posted on Facebook about how much the kids and I loved the third movie, a few of my friends said their kids do the same thing. Buzz and Woody are stashed away where visiting friends can’t see them (they live in the closet in our house), but they’re still in the room. My theory is that the kids worry they’ll be hurting their toys’ feelings if they give them away—as if the toys are, in fact, real. That, to me, is the hallmark of unforgettable characters.
Have you seen the Toy Story movies? If so, what do you think of them? What makes for an unforgettable character for you? I’ll give a copy of Fatal Affair to one respondent. Thanks so much for letting me share a few of my favorite memories with you.
About Fatal Affair
On the morning of the most important vote of Senator John O’Connor’s career he is late—again. His best friend and chief of staff, Nick Cappuano sets off to O'Connor’s apartment expecting to roust him from bed and hoping he is alone. But what Nick finds is that O’Connor, the handsome, amiable Senator from Virginia, has been brutally murdered, and Nick’s world comes crashing down around him. Complicating the disaster, the detective assigned to the case is none other than Sam Holland, Nick’s one-night stand from six years earlier, the woman who broke his heart and haunts his dreams. With six years worth of unfinished business hanging between them and more than a few scores to settle personally and professionally, Nick and Sam set out to find the senator's killer while trying—and failing—to resist the overwhelming attraction between them that seems to have only grown over the years.
It soon becomes clear that the senator’s past holds secrets that not only led to his death but now endanger Nick and Sam as well. Working together to find a killer and to rediscover the love they thought they lost long ago, they must put the past behind them and build a future that offers a world of new opportunities for both of them—including an offer from the Virginia Democrats for Nick to finish the last year of John’s term.
And about me:
Marie Force’s first romantic suspense, FATAL AFFAIR, will be out June 21, 2010 from Carina Press. Book 2 in the Fatal Series, FATAL JUSTICE, is coming soon from Carina. She is also the author of LINE OF SCRIMMAGE and LOVE AT FIRST FLIGHT. Of LINE OF SCRIMMAGE, Booklist said, “With its humor and endearing characters, Force’s charming novel will appeal to a broad spectrum of readers, reaching far beyond sports fans.” Wild on Books said, “LOVE AT FIRST FLIGHT by Marie Force is most definitely a keeper. It is an astounding book. I loved every single word!” A third contemporary, EVERYBODY LOVES A HERO, is due out Feb. 1, 2011. Since 1996, Marie has been the communications director for a national organization similar to the Romance Writers of America. She is a member of RWA’s New England, From the Heart and Published Author Special Interest Chapters. While her husband was in the Navy, Marie lived in Spain, Maryland and Florida, and is now settled in her home state of Rhode Island. She is the mother of two children and a feisty dog named Brandy. Find her at www.mariesullivanforce.com, on her blog at http://mariesullivanforce.blogspot.com, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/pages/Marie-Force/248130827909 and on Twitter at twitter.com/MarieForce. Marie loves to hear from readers. Contact her at marie@marieforce.com.
ARGH!!!! Where in the world have I been...I started this book and by the time I was hooked, I realized that this is part of a series. Book 4 to be exact. Why didn't I know this?? Well, it was too late to stop reading...I was hooked after the first page...so now I just have to grin and bear it and read the first book next. I absolutely hate that...starting a series in the middle. But I do have to admit, it did not in any way take away from the book...it really can be read as a standalone...however, it would have been nice to have read the secondary characters' books first...I would have gotten a better feel about their relationships.
Pamela Clare is a new author for me....I know, I know...again, where have I been?? LOL. I absolutely love her writing. It is gritty, drawing the reader into the story and not letting them go until the very end. She is a fabulous storyteller. Her characters are real and they invoke a roller coaster ride of emotions. The suspense will keep you on the edge of your seat, and the surprise ending will truly entertain you. I love reading about Native American traditions, and Pamela Clare has done her research.You really get a feel for the culture and she delves deep into the whys of the traditions.
Kat is a heroine that I really would like to have as a friend. She is part of an investigative journalism team that is the subject of the I-Team series. She is true to her beliefs and is a strong, capable woman who has gone through some tragic events only to grow stronger at the outcome. Yet, she is not overbearing or boastful...it is a quiet strength that you see by her actions and her truthfulness.
Gabe is a different story...after losing what he thought was the love of his life...he is unable to form any kind of attachment to women...in short, he uses them for sex only. However, things begin to change inside of him after he saves Kat's life on more than one occasion. He can't resist the big beautiful eyes and long dark hair or the way she has the ability to see into his heart the things he has kept hidden away from everyone. Some of the reviews I have read...people seem to have a problem with Gabe and his womanizing ways...saying he was a hard hero to learn to love. Yet, I didn't have that problem. After hearing his story, seeing the way he was with Kat, getting many glimpses of his wounded heart, watching how Kat's love begins to thaw him...he really became the type of hero that I like. Without Kat, I think Gabe would have been lost to himself forever...it takes her unconditional love, heartfelt truth, and strength to pull Gabe into the world of the living.
This is truly a romantic suspense...with a surprise ending that keeps you guessing as to who is the villain. It is spine-tingling, tragic, and moved me to tears. I never saw the ending coming...and that is what I love about Pamela Clare's writing. To keep me that captivated and moved...wow.
Well, I finally joined the ranks of the eReaders!!! A couple of weeks ago, I purchased a nook from Barnes & Noble and have had a fantastic time reading on it. There were several reasons why I chose the nook...
I have been purchasing eBooks since 2007 and most of my eBooks are in eReader format because I could read them on my laptop and on my Palm PDA. Since this is one of the formats that the nook supports, this was the main reason for the purchase...no converting my books!!!
They were running a special at Barnes & Noble that if you purchase a nook you get a $50 GC to help with the purchase of eBooks (or anything else in the store).
They also had another special where you could get a designated free eBook...this ran for about 5 weeks, but I think it has ended with Father's Day.
Memory expansion - to hold even more books!!!
Ability to sit in Barnes & Noble and read for free (for about an hour each time).
I also purchased a beautiful cover and light for it from M-Edge. Here are a couple of pictures...
This is my nook in its cover with the light. This is one of the many screen savers on the nook. The cover allows storage of the light right next to the nook. See the nice little pockets on the left side for the extra memory expansion cards??
This is the outside of the cover. The only thing I don't like about it is that the light hangs a little lower than the bottom of the cover. But it hasn't caused a problem.
I have read several eBooks on it already...Fatal Affair by Marie Force; Wild Heat by Bella Andre; and am currently reading Extreme Exposure by Pamela Clare. I love it!!! I don't have all my eBooks loaded on it yet...wanted to get to the reading part of it to see how I liked it!! My son has even played Sudoku on it. I want to find some time to go to Barnes & Noble, sit with a cup of coffee, and try their free reading for an hour. Sounds like fun.
How about you? Do you have an eReader...looking to get one?
Title: Fatal Affair Author: Marie Force Publisher: Carina Press Published: June 21, 2010 Pages: 406 (eBook) Genre: Romantic Suspense Series: Fatal Series - Book #1
Superb!!! (Definition: Of unusually high quality; excellent). That is what comes to mind if someone were to ask me what I thought about this book. Marie Force does it again. Her writing is flawless; her suspense is gripping; her romance is passionate; her characters are real; and the surprise twists in the storyline are some of the book's greatest strengths. What I love about her writing is her ability to draw the reader into the book as if they were part of the story. She grabs a hold of you and doesn't let you go until the very last page.
Fatal Affair is a riveting tale about Detective Sergeant Sam Holland and Nick Cappuano, Chief of Staff to Senator O'Connor. After discovering Senator O'Connor's dead body, Nick is plunged into a world of deception, intrigue, and passion beyond his wildest dreams. And heading the investigation is Sam, the woman he had a one night stand with six years earlier. Circumstances kept them apart six years ago, and now an malevolent murderer is determined to see that they remain apart.
I really enjoyed the character of Sam Holland. She is dedicated to her job, devoted to her family, and faces her flaws with courage. She wants to remain distant from Nick, but the passion that flares between them is just too strong. And, of course, Nick's pursuit of her doesn't make it any easier. I loved the witty banter between Sam and her partner, as well as the teasing dialogue she has with Nick.
Nick is my kind of hero. He isn't afraid to love even with his own broken background. I love his faults...being OCD in his own unique way, and just a little protective of Sam but not in an overbearing way. He falls in love with her and has to learn to let her be who she is...first and foremost a detective. He is not so alpha that he can't apologize when it is needed. And the support he gives to Sam is genuine. He truly wants her to succeed and is willing to go to any lengths to see that they get their Happily Ever After. Devoted not only to Sam but also to those close to him, he is devastated by his friend's death and is determined to help find who murdered him.
What more can I say about this truly amazing book without giving away any details that would take away from the enjoyment of the book. (I hate spoilers...LOL). If you want a thrill ride filled with twists and turns, suspense that keeps you on the edge of your seat, and sensual passion...then Fatal Affair is the book for you.
Thank you so much, Marie, for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book before the release date!!! You took me on a roller coaster ride of emotions and made me fall in love with Nick and Sam. I am so looking forward to the next book in the series!! You have definitely penned another winner!!
Once again, I have to praise Shiloh Walker's writing in the Romantic Suspense genre. Her storylines are captivating, and the intrigue keeps the pages turning until the very end. Broken is no exception. It will take you on an exhilarating ride!! Her characters are ones that stay with you long after the last page has been read. The suspense has twists and turns that you don't see coming. And the passion that ignites between the two main characters is smokin' hawt!!!
Quinn Rafferty works his way into your heart without you even knowing it. He is a tortured hero, tormented by his past both as a child and as a Ranger...yet, he has a strength of character that shines through. You just want to wrap him up in your arms and show him what love is all about. He is protective of Sara, but he doesn't overpower her with possessiveness. After leaving the Rangers, he started working as a bounty hunter for a private detective agency. Knowing he has his "own soul to mend" before he can worry about anyone else...he still can't help but be drawn to Sara and her secrets.
Sara is a strong character also. She is not portrayed as one of those "damsels in distress." Yes, she is on the run...but, she has taken care of herself...not leaning on anyone. Her secrets are hers alone...no matter how attracted she is to her neighbor Quinn. But Quinn must get closer to her and find out what those secrets are when he discovers that she is the target of his next missing persons case. Will their fragile hearts and their love survive?
I loved the development of Quinn's and Sara's relationship. It was quite desperate in the beginning, with both of them pulling back, not sure of the passion that flared between them. But when it ignites, the pages start to burn and your fingers will get scorched!! Get out that fan and cool drink because you are sure going to need it.
I can't really say that I loved this book more than I did Fragile...they both were fantastic reads in their own unique ways. I think I did have more of a "love crush" on Quinn, but I think that was due to the fact of his own loveless past. I recommend these two books to all the romantic suspense lovers out there who like their books fast-paced, with twists and turns, and hot and steamy. I also recommend that you read Fragile first to get the most enjoyment out of the two books.
Well, it is the finish line of the Bloggiesta Event, and I have to say that I didn't get accomplished everything I set out to do...but I did put a dent into some of my reviews. I had a fantastic time and want to shout out a big
to Natasha at Maw Books, all the mini-challenge hosts, all the people that took the time to comment, and a special Thank-You to my kids who left me alone to work on my blog!!! I love this event and will definitely be participating the next go-around.
Here are my final stats:
Hours working on my blog: 15 hours Mini-challenges completed: 3 (RSS feed, commenting, Google Analytics) Comments: 40+ comments left
Here is what I completed:
Wrote 5 book reviews to be posted this week (for World According to Books).
Wrote a post about all the books I bought at the Library Book Sale
Added RSS Feed to World According to Books
Added both my blogs to Google Analytics
Designed and ordered a business card for my blog World According to Books
Day Three of Bloggiesta!!! I did pretty good yesterday with getting things accomplished. Today, it is so hot that I am taking my kids swimming...however, I will have my notebook with me so that I can write some more reviews today and try to get some other housekeeping things down around the blog.
Here are my stats from yesterday:
Hours worked on blog: 7 Hours Mini-Challenges Completed: 2 (Comments and Google Analytics) Reviews written: 2 (for World According to Books) Visiting blogs and commenting: 20+
There are a few other things that I accomplished:
Wrote a post about the Library Book Sale (this took awhile). Designed and ordered a business card (take a look below)
Here is the business card I designed for the blog:
Day Two in Bloggiesta land and I am moving right along. I was soooo tired from my journey through the library tables and boxes (yes, I am one of those people that dig through the boxes of books too). My back and knees were killing me last night....LOL!! So my stats for yesterday are a little low...however, I plan to work most of the day today on my blog.
Here's yesterdays totals:
Hours worked on blog: 4 Mini-challenges completed: 1 (RSS Feed) Reviews written: 2 (for World According to Books) Visiting blogs and commenting: 5 blogs
I really want to work on reviews and my business cards today. I would also like to do some more visiting of other blogs and commenting so that I can expand my network of friends, find new blogs to follow (like I need more...LOL.), and see what other great ideas people come up with to improve their blogs.
So, that's what I hope to accomplish today!! Hope everyone is having a great time with the fiesta!!
Time to start the PARTY...I am a little late today, but once you know my reason, book lovers will definitely understand!! You see, our library has been having a book sale all week...this is a super huge one downtown at our main library. Well, today was the last day, and it was bag day. This is where you buy a huge bag for $10 and fill it up with as many books as you can!!! I bought two bags and have a fantastically huge pile of books to add to my overflowing TBR shelves. I will blog on the treasures I found in another post. I just couldn't pass this opportunity up...LOL.
Right now I an going to start writing some of the 10+ reviews that I want to complete this weekend. My list of other tasks to accomplish can be found here.
So pass the margaritas, salsa and chips...I am ready to party!!!
Wow, I can't believe it has been since the end of May since I posted!!! It hasn't been because I haven't been reading...have quite a few good books under my belt that need to be reviewed. Which is why I am going to participate in the Bloggiesta Event hosted by Maw Books Blog.
I participated in this event back in January and had great fun meeting new bloggers and doing some cleaning up on my blog. The event is for any type of blog...not just book blogs..."In short, it’s a blogging marathon. A opportunity to cross those nagging items off of your to-do list and improve your blog while in the good company of other awesome bloggers doing the same thing."
Head on over to Maw Books Blog and see the list of tasks that can be accomplished during the marathon.
Here are some of the tasks that I hope to accomplish:
Write up the 10+ reviews I have waiting on my table.
Create some business cards...because eventually I would love to go to a book bloggers' convention.
Clean up and update my challenge lists over on my Challenges Blog.
And anything else I can fit into the 76 hours time frame of the event.
I am late posting this...but the event runs from June 11th 8am (your time) till 8am Monday morning the 14th. The hours you put into it don't have to be consecutive...it is just how much time you want to put into it over the three day period.
So, head on over to Maws Books Blog and read up on the rules, suggestions for improvements, and get signed up!!! Should be a great party.
With my love of vampire books - how could I not post this link. Michele Hauf has created the Ultimate Vampire Book List with over 4000 titles.
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