Showing posts with label Review. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Review. Show all posts
Friday, March 22, 2013
Per Q's Request - A Pirate Review
Six cannonballs (out of five) ;-)
A Caribbean Spell by Maureen O. Betita
So, it ain’t normal for an author to review her own book and
make recommendations. But I figure if I do it outright and above board, I
shouldn’t stir up too much controversy. I’m not doing this with an assumed
name, I’m not going to wax poetically and pretend I’m not talking about myself –
despite the long tradition in literature for authors to do just that!
Nope, I’m gonna put it right out there.
A Caribbean Spell is a charming beginning to what is
to be a very long series. I hope to publish 30 books, but it could go
longer. It could also die if the interest does. Or if I do. Things happen.
With ACS, the reader is introduced to the main characters,
Miranda – the time traveling witch, who restores her magical energy through sex
and Jake, a wily pirate captain who really enjoys helping Miranda restore her
magic. These two will sail through every single book. Yes, one couple. Though
there is a supporting cast of hundreds over the series’ life. I promise to take
the reader places and into situations that will surprise them, thrill them,
perhaps disgust them… I’ve never been known for playing it safe. At some point,
I will kill the dog. Sorry.
Regarding this first volume. I show promise here.
Let me start by addressing the critics. Yes, you will
complain of too much passive voice. I did my best, but sometimes it just fits
into the narrative I’m creating. I know it’s there. Was I lazy about digging it
all out? Maybe. Or maybe I just didn’t want to change the character of the
book. I’m a bit old school and grew up on a writing style that is different
than what is the norm now.
But trends change and it could come back. So maybe I’m ahead
of the trends. So, there.
Yes, I do juggle POV. Even lapsing on occasion into the
deadly omniscient, or narrative, POV. I know. I did it on purpose. Really. It
fit. I’m sorry if it offends. (Not really.)
Show vs. Tell. Ah, how I long for the days when a reader
didn’t really know the difference. Because, I don’t always know the difference.
Which is why you’ll find that slipping in here and there.
Anything else I could address that would be considered
negatives?
Sometimes, there is purple prose. I think. I’m not entirely
certain.
The plus sides! Oh! Action, adventure, sex, pirates, a really
deliciously despicable villain, a side story to anchor the reader in the two
worlds Miranda and Jake will balance between; the wild seas of the Caribbean and life
aboard the pirate ship, Moonstone, and the more prim and proper world of Port
Royal, Jamaica.
Miranda is a woman of our century, but she’s been slipping
through time and space for twenty years giving her the savvy and know-how to
survive wherever she lands. She can’t control her travels. Reynard is a clever
pirate and his world holds a practical viewpoint regarding magic and commerce. Him? Well, it's all about the profit. And keeping his ship and crew flourishing.
This is not a historically accurate world
Yes, critics, it isn’t accurate. At all. In the least. It’s
made up. Totally. The world is smaller, the ships are cleaner, the people are
tolerant, the pirates are…Hollywood pirates.
We start with a standard tiny bit of back story, an arrival,
a challenge…and more challenges. Lots of challenges. Miranda appears on page
one, Jake appears at the end of the first chapter. What can I say about the
story that will convince you to read it?
It’s Maddy and Dave if they’d survived having sex. It’s Hart
to Hart on the high seas. Add in adult situations and vocabulary. Danger that
doesn’t mince words and violence that is real, and causes actual pain, sorrow
and anger. But there is also lighthearted fun and simple romping, friendships,
secret relations, the comedy of a fish out of water…and magic. Good and bad.
It’s a story that moves fast and will sweep you away. Cast a
spell upon you and invite you to come set sail in this Caribbean, on this ship,
with this series! A Caribbean Spell is book one. Red Sean’s Revenge is the
second and will be available in June. Next is The French Gambit followed by
Twice Trapped! And that is for 2013. Four more in 2014.
I fell in love with Jake as I wrote him, I fell in love with
Miranda. Jake’s only complaint is he wishes he were taller, while Miranda has
forgiven me much. I believe they love me back.
So, authors, if you
could be the critic, the reviewer…what do you think will be loved or loathed
about your book? Ever read multiple reviews where the same thing one person
loves is the thing another person hates?
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
Nothing Typical about A Hometown Boy
Two months ago, our country endured a horrifying tragedy.
The unthinkable occurred. A troubled human being aimed a high-powered weapon at
innocent children (and adults), killing them in cold blood, then turned a gun on himself. Two realities
became instantly clear. Life is random, and the human brain is capable of
unspeakable deeds.
Why am I bringing up Sandy Hook today? Because I could not review of A Hometown Boy and not bring it up. Janice Kay Johnson wrote a
powerful, painful story about a very similar situation, only I imagine when she
created the fictitious events that open her book, she never imagined the real
life events yet to come.
The small town of Tucannon, Washington seems like a nice place
to live. Everyone knows everyone else. People take care of each other. But that
all changes the day a mentally ill member of the community snaps and turns a
loaded weapon on the town and eventually on himself.
The horrible event brings two people back to town. The
killer’s brother, David Owen, and a victim’s daughter, Acadia Henderson. Both
grew up in the town and were friends and neighbors once up on a time. As a
young girl, Acadia loved David, and in his own way, David cared for Acadia. The
attraction rekindles when they meet again, but the circumstances—David’s
brother having killed Acadia’s father—make any kind of relationship between
them difficult.
The first thing I want to point out is that there is nothing
political about this book. No judgments are made nor sides taken by the author.
This is not a manifesto or even a cautionary tale. It’s a love story that just
happens to start with a horrifying tragedy. An honest and interesting look is
taken at the debilitating disease that plagued the killer for most of his life.
Characters are forced to examine their own actions and beliefs, and recognize
their own failings and lack of understanding.
But the focus is squarely on the love story, which is a
lovely reunion story revealing a second chance is always possible, and
compassion may be the greatest trait we have. There is nothing black and white
about this story, and there are slow spots here and there, but I have to
applaud Ms. Johnson for crafting a difficult story with a deft hand and
balanced touch.
The characters are real. They hurt, they struggle, and they
love. You feel for them and with them and some parts of this book are tough.
Ms. Johnson did not shy away from the realities of the situation. Tucannon will
never be the same and likely neither will the rest of us after Sandy Hook. But
there is healing, hope, compassion, and love. It’s all around us and in us, if
we’re willing to embrace it. Acadia makes that choice, and gains her happily
ever after in the process.
Admittedly, if you’re looking for a light read, this is not
it. But it’s not all doom and gloom either. It’s uplifting in many places, with
a very positive ending, not just for Acadia and David, but for the rest of the
town as well. I highly recommend you give this one a try.
What do you think of romances that offer something unusual
like this? Have you read any out-of-the-ordinary romances lately? Do you like
when a book doesn’t fit the mold or prefer the tried and true?
PS: I bought this book on my Kindle thanks to Janga’s
recommendation. I was not given this book for the purpose of doing a review.
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
CRAZY LITTLE THING is a Crazy Good Read
You might have heard the rumor in recent years that the
Romantic Comedy is dead. I don’t mean movies, we all know those are painful
these days. I’m talking about books. And like most well-circulated rumors in
the publishing industry, this one is patently untrue.
Proof? CRAZY LITTLE THING by Tracy Brogan.
Sadie Turner had the house, the two kids, and the successful
husband. Unfortunately, her husband liked to have other women. That’s how Sadie
finds herself divorced and floating through life, not sure what she wants to be
when she grows up. Which isn’t good considering she’s well past the age of
grown-upness. (New word? Go with it.)
While considering her options, Sadie decides to spend the
summer at eccentric Aunt Dody’s place on the lake where she comes across a
neighbor practically sent by the gods to be the perfect summer fling. The
perfect man (doctor, HAWT, Scottish, straight) to bring Sadie’s self-esteem
back to recognizable levels.
Unfortunately, two cousins, two slobbering dogs, two kids,
one over-the-top aunt, one louse of an ex-husband, and a basket case of
insecurities throw all kinds of kinks into the works. This book is about a
woman overcoming the crap hand life has dealt her, finding the good in herself
and others, and finding love along the way.
Best of all, this book will make you laugh out loud. Not the
LOL! thing we all put in our emails that really means a chuckle. Literally. Laugh. Out. Loud. This book
should get an award for the best use of sarcasm ever. The heroine is flawed but
trying. Definitely relatable. The hero is dreamy but human, and there is this
one part that will absolutely break your heart.
I
HIGHLY recommend this book. Not just because this author and I share an agent
or that we’re both 2012 GH finalists (Go Firebirds!) or that we’re label mates.
I recommend this book because it’s funny, heartwarming, real, and worth your
time and money. Gets 5 whistles from this Bosun.
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Bosun Reviews THREE WEDDINGS AND A MURDER
I have to start this review with two disclaimers. First, in
one way or another I know each of the four authors involved in this anthology
but I vow what is to follow is my fair, unbiased opinion. Pirates honor. Two, I
bought and paid for this anthology all on my own. I'm honestly not sure why I
have to point that out, but there you go.
THREE
WEDDINGS AND A MURDER is a limited-time digital anthology featuring
Tessa Dare, Courtney Milan, Leigh LaValle, and Carey Baldwin. All talented
writers in their own right, these authors have put together four unique stories
for a good cause as all proceeds are being donated to the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer.
This insidious disease has impacted my family twice in the
last ten years so I'm more than happy to lend my support.
Now to the stories.
The Scandalous, Dissolute, No-Good Mr. Wright by Tessa Dare is a delectable bite of Ms. Dare's
charming, irresistible voice. Every time I read something by this author, I
feel like someone threw the curtains open and a ray of sunshine fills the room.
This one is no exception. The heroine is spunky and contrary with a deep sense
of loyalty. The title does a good job of describing the hero, but as with any
good story, the hero is rarely the man he's first portrayed to be.
Mr. Wright covers more years than I'd expect from such a
short story but the transitions are well done, the emotion and love story fully
developed, and the HEA more than satisfying.
The Misbehaving Marquess by Leigh LaValle simmers with sexual
tension. A high intensity reunion story, Cat and Jaime have been estranged for
five years when the story begins. Bad decisions, injured pride, and a giant
chasm of distrust stand between them. But love has the power to heal old wounds
and by the end of this story, you'll be swooning in your rum and looking for
some private time with your significant other. I am ashamed to report I have
yet to read Ms. LaValle's other works, but that will be rectified straight
away.
The Lady Always Wins by Courtney
Milan might be my favorite of the four. Another reunion story but this time
the heroine married someone else seven years ago, breaking the hero's heart.
Now Ginny is a widow and Simon is back to claim the only woman he's ever really
loved, by fair means or foul. This one looks sure to end badly until Ms. Milan
throws in a twist that manages to surprise and make perfect sense all at the
same time. By the end you'll have that overwhelming feeling that everything is
right with the world as these two truly do belong together.
Solomon's Wisdom by Carey
Baldwin thrusts us from the 1800s to present day and adds a dash of
fast-paced suspense to this quartet. Yet one more reunion story (I wonder if
they planned that) and again a hero and heroine with a long history and even
longer separation. Anna, affectionately known as Peaches to the hero, was
Charlie's best friend. But twelve years ago Anna declared her love at the worst
time and without a word Charlie left town. Now he's back to win the girl he
never should have left, but to reach their HEA they'll have to dodge bullets
and solve a mystery before a woman and child end up the next victims.
This one moved a little too fast for me at times but then I
read it pretty late at night (couldn't put it down) so that might have played a
part. I'll admit I didn't see that ending coming and never would have guessed
the evil that lurked so close by. Keep an extra light on while reading this
one.
So there you have it. Four well-written stories to devour
one at a time or all in one sitting. All worth the effort and a cause worthy of
your money. And really, you could probably find $2.99 in your couch cushions.
Available in all digital formats, give this one a go today.
Since I'm not usually
an anthology reader, anyone have any others they'd like to recommend? Oh and
I'd like to add that though the first three authors have other works available,
Ms. Baldwin celebrated her debut release just last month. First
Do No Evil is available now! (I'd give one away but I don't know how to
gift e-books. *sigh*)
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Bo'sun Reviews: RAINSHADOW ROAD by Lisa Kleypas
I've read both the Historical and Contemporary works of LisaKleypas and though all are excellent, I prefer her Contemporaries. Once again,
her latest release, RAINSHADOW ROAD, does not disappoint.
The blurb from Amazon:
Lucy Marinn is a glass artist living in mystical, beautiful, Friday Harbor, Washington. She is stunned and blindsided by the most bitter kind of betrayal: her fiancé Kevin has left her. His new lover is Lucy’s own sister. Lucy's bitterness over being dumped is multiplied by the fact that she has constantly made the wrong choices in her romantic life. Facing the severe disapproval of Lucy's parents, Kevin asks his friend Sam Nolan, a local vineyard owner on San Juan Island, to "romance" Lucy and hopefully loosen her up and get her over her anger. Complications ensue when Sam and Lucy begin to fall in love, Kevin has second thoughts, and Lucy discovers that the new relationship in her life began under false pretenses. Questions about love, loyalty, old patterns, mistakes, and new beginnings are explored as Lucy learns that some things in life—even after being broken—can be made into something new and beautiful.
This blurb (and the
one included on the back of the book) is misleading. To me, this gives the
impression that the greatest obstacle to the romance is nothing but a big
misunderstanding and if the hero had been a better man, he'd never have created
this mess.
Because I love this book and don't want readers to NOT read it for that reason, I want to state loud and clear that there is no false pretense. The hero is not a jerk who takes his friend up on an offer to pass off his girlfriend like used goods. In fact, Kevin and Sam aren't even friends. Sam grew up with Kevin, who was a jerk when they were kids and remains one as an adult. Just in case that "I'm leaving you for your sister" wasn't a big enough clue.
RAINSHADOW ROAD begins when Lucy Marinn is a child. We see
the shift that happens in her family, the long-term negative effects that
result, and the moment magic enters Lucy's life. Leap ahead to the moment Kevin
breaks the news that he's fallen in love with her sister. You can't help but
feel bad for Lucy. In addition to losing her boyfriend to her sister, she's kicked
out of the home she's built with Kevin and injured in an accident.
This book is a perfect example of the old adage "Make
your character's life miserable and then make it worse." Thankfully, Ms.
Kleypas gives our beaten and bruised heroine a sweet, charming, hot geek with a
little magic of his own. Sam Nolan comes from a broken family, growing up with
two alcoholic parents. He likes and respects women and is faithful when dating,
but anything that smells remotely of long-term or hints at commitment sends him
running.
As expected, there's something different about Lucy. Which
scares Sam half to death. He's determined to avoid her, but fate steps in. This
book is about healing old wounds and new ones, forgiveness and acceptance, love
and magic. If you haven't picked this one up, I highly recommend doing so
today.
PS: Though this is the second in a series, I read it without
having read the first and had no problems. But if you want to start at the
beginning, start with CHRISTMAS EVE AT FRIDAY HARBOR. Just be warned, these
books will have you booking your next vacation to San Juan Island. And you
might lose a few hours sleep. I know I did.
PPS: The next in the series, DREAM LAKE, will be out in August. I am very much looking forward to this one. A tortured here dealing with a ghost. What's not to love?
PPS: The next in the series, DREAM LAKE, will be out in August. I am very much looking forward to this one. A tortured here dealing with a ghost. What's not to love?
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