Monthly Archives: January 2013

Book Review: Caught in Amber, by Cathy Pegau

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Caught in AmberCaught in Amber by Cathy Pegau

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a fantastic sci-fi romance. One of my very favourites of all time.

Reformed drug addict Sasha is out of rehab and trying to get along on her own, and trying to stay clear of amber. After all, amber’s what got her in trouble in the first place: living the high life (pun intended) with top drug dealer Guy Christiansen. Trouble is, staying clear is easier said than done. Agent Nathan Sterling (briefly seen in Pegau’s previous work, Rulebreaker) needs Sasha’s help. In exchange for releasing her from parole, deactivating the chip in her neck, and even helping her get offworld, he needs her to get him into Christiansen’s circle to save his younger sister, now an amber addict.

From the first page, I was immediately captivated by Sasha, and stayed that way for the entire story. And from reading Rulebreaker, I’d been curious about Nathan Sterling, and for him to get his own book (so to speak), I could hardly wait to read.

Even if you’re not a big fan of sci-fi, you really should read Caught in Amber. Pegau’s world building is impressive, and I can promise you that you won’t be able to put this book down.

Check out the Lesbian Fiction Appreciation Event!

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FF2013banner

It’s that time! The most excellent KT Grant is hosting her second annual Lesbian Fiction Appreciation Event! Check out at her blog: http://kbgbabbles.blogspot.com/

I’m one of the guest posts in the event, and today (Jan 9th) I’ll be talking about some of the great lesbian fiction I’ve read in the last year. Check out my post here.

Happy Birthday, David Bowie!

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I’m feeling rather happy this morning, having just heard the news that David Bowie has released a new single, and has a new album forthcoming soon. A perfect way to celebrate his 66th birthday, in my opinion. 🙂

I’ve listened to the single once, and thus far I like it. I have a feeling it’s one of those songs that will grow on me. I’m really more excited about what else is on the new album…

Articles in The Mirror, Billboard.

ETA: Bowie is even in the iTunes Canada chart! #1 in Albums! 🙂

 

These are a few of my favourite links!

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These are some of the articles and such that I have been reading recently:

Of course there are more, but these are the ones that I found the most remarkable. 🙂

 

 

 

Book Review: The SEAL’s Valentine, by Laura Marie Altom

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The SEAL's ValentineThe SEAL’s Valentine by Laura Marie Altom

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The moment off-duty navy SEAL Tristan Bartoni meets feisty yet vulnerable Brynn Langtoine, he’s a goner. He sure didn’t have plans to be attracted to a recently widowed pregnant woman who is already mother to a troubled, grieving young son. Nope, the struggling SEAL came home to Ruin Bayou, Louisiana, to finally deal with his haunting past decisions-not to start a new relationship. 

Brynn has enough problems without her hormones going crazy whenever Tristan is near. Her son, Cayden, constantly lashes out at her. Her baby will be fatherless. So…what does Tristan think he’s doing, making her life even more topsy-turvy than it already is? 

But when it comes to putting her heart on the line, who could be more trustworthy than a Navy SEAL?

My knowledge of the US military and its different branches is scant, reliant as it is on films and television dramas (i.e. Generation Kill, etc.), so I can’t really speak to that side of things. Fortunately, as it is a romance, I don’t have to. 😉

I found both main characters to be interesting, and their wounds and backstories were compelling. Brynn’s more than Tristan’s though, to be honest, as somehow I would expect a military guy often away might have marital troubles.

Truth be told, I picked up this book because I wanted a love story. And it delivered. It was easy to root for Brynn and Tristan, and I loved how their relationship grew, and how the author made sure that Brynn’s son was a strong part of the narrative. It’s a good, romantic read, especially to get you in the mood for Valentine’s Day.

(copy provided by Netgalley).

View all my reviews

2012: My Year in Review

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img_2877Lots of things this year, just like last year.

I finished a novella (The Artist’s Muse) and it’s now on submission.

I just (under the wire) finished my 1920s gangster novel, The Orpheus.

I went to Chicago in May for fun and research, including a day at the Newberry Library, taking a gangster tour and sailing the tall ship Windy, and enjoyed some great times with my parents and aunt and uncle, especially eating at some great restaurants.

In other writing news, I learned novel plotting from Michael Hauge, released my novella Prohibited Passion, and took several great courses. My story ‘Vee’ was a part of the Felt Tips: Office-Supply erotica anthology. I also attended the When Words Collide convention and spoke on a panel about historical romance.

I began working with The Author’s Red Room as an editor, and I’m so glad I’ve been able to work with so many great clients this year.

I also made a point of reading a lot of books (over 140, according to Goodreads), and watched many films. I reviewed some films on my blog: Tomboy, Shame, The Artist, In a Lonely Place, Caché, and De rouille et d’os (Rust & Bone).

And, last but not least, I met James Marsters at the Calgary Comic Expo.

I have several goals for the coming year, including writing another novel and travelling to London and Paris. I’m sure 2013 will be as great as this year.