by Sarah | Jun 19, 2012 | Books, Guest Authors, Reviews, Writing
If I say I got signed up for this book just because of the blurb you can take it to heart. Me and mythology? We have never mixed well.
Still, even I know of Medusa – at least the basics. Beyond that I knew nothing. I didn’t know the original mythology or the reworking by Ovid (some of those old tales disgusted me when I checked on them after reading this book), I only knew what we all knew.
Medusa. With the ‘hair’ and the turning people to stone.
Sasha Summers created out of old sexist mythology a tale that I could truly enjoy. Medusa and Ariston were characters I fell in love with and got invested in. Their love transcended duty and grew out of true affection. They could not even touch each other for the first portion of the book.
By the time I got halfway through the book I became so enraptured with the love of the two that I didn’t want to go on. Things were happy, things were beautiful – why on earth would I want to see the hell that would occur? War, betrayal, and the eventual curse?
I did push through and I’m glad I did. The ending brought everything to a satisfying conclusion and even though I still could care less for most of the Gods – the mortal beings were wonderful to behold.
Because I insist on being honest in my reviews I do have to comment on the one thing that bothered me and occasionally pulled me out of the story. The frequent hard breaks and back tracking to switch POV’s in a chapter (or in a scene) wore on me after a time. I also love to know what everyone is thinking, but not at the expense of losing the flow of what I’m reading. Sasha hints in her epilogue at another story in this mythological world and I hope that this is addressed – because books like hers may be the only way I actually manage to learn any mythology at all.
My final ruling? 4 stars out of 5.
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[amazon_link id=”B007WSV5JI” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Medusa A Love Story[/amazon_link]
By Sasha Summers
Blurb:
It’s said love can change a person. Medusa wasn’t always a monster…
Medusa is ruled by duty, to her Titan father and the Goddess Athena. She’s no room for the tenderness her warrior guard, Ariston, stirs. WhenOlympusfrees her from service, her heart leads her into the arms of the guard she loves… and curses her as the creature with serpent locks.
Ariston goes to war with a full heart… and dreadful foreboding. He learns too late of the danger Medusa faces, alone, and a Persian blade sends him into the Underworld. But death, curses, nor the wrath of the Gods will keep him from returning to her.
Poseidon will useGreece’s war to get what he wants: Medusa. He does not care that she belongs to another. He does not care that she will be damned. He is a God, an Olympian, and she will be his.
book trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=90fH7xoZiCo
Excerpt:
“You asked for an audience, you have it. Now tell me, where do you belong?” Hades’ voice was deep, emotionless.
Ariston swallowed. “Athens.” He met Hades’ gaze, but the God revealed nothing to him.
“Why? You died with honor and glory. Is that not what every soldier wants?”
“My wife…” His voice wavered.
Hades brow lifted slightly. “Lives. You do not.”
“She is in danger.”
“Earthly danger. She is no longer your concern, Ariston.”
“The danger she faces is not earthly, but far from it…” Ariston’s voice was hoarse, his desperation mounting. He took a wavering breath before he began again. “She is everything to me. I am proud of my death, but it means nothing if she is in peril. I must know.” Ariston kneeled. “I beg you. I beg you to return me toAthens.”
Ariston waited, willing himself to be strong.
“Who is this wife?” Hades asked.
“Medusa ofAthens.” He paused. “Now ofRhodes.”
Hades was silent, his dark blue eyes regarding him steadily.
“When I die—” Ariston began.
“You are dead,” Hades assured him.
“When I return…die again, I would serve as guardian to Tartarus. I am a skilled warrior, a skill I might offer you.” He spoke with confidence.
“You vex me,” Hades muttered, the slightest crease appearing between his eyes. “You offer this to me for a woman?”
Ariston nodded. “She is worthy.”
Hades was silent again, his eyes shifting to the blue-white flames in the massive
fireplace.
“My words do not…adequately express the love I have for this woman. But I cannot leave her. She is at risk. I must return.” The words came without thought. How could he justify such emotion to a God who reviled affection or companionship? “AsOlympushas my arm and sword, she has my heart – a mortal, and perhaps weak, heart.”
The room was silent for too long. He would have to fight his way out…
“It is a weakness not reserved for mortals alone, Ariston of Rhodes.” Hades’ words were so soft Ariston feared they’d not been spoken. But Hades continued, strong and clear. “I will return you to your ship so that you may lead your men to victory. Too many have fallen from this war and I would see it end. When that is done, you may go to your wife.” He paused then added, “When you return to my realm, I will have your fealty.”
The God of the Underworld, Lord of Death, gave him mercy? Mayhap there was one God he might serve with honor.
Ariston vowed, “You have it.”
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Author Bio:
Sasha Summers is part gypsy. Her passions have always been storytelling, history, and travel. It’s no surprise that her books visit times past, set in places rich with legends and myth. Her first play, ‘Greek Gods and Goddesses’ (original title, right?), was written for her Girl Scout troupe.
She’s been writing ever since. She loves getting lost in the worlds and characters she creates; even if she frequently forgets to run the dishwasher or wash socks when she’s doing so.
Luckily, her four brilliant children and hero-inspiring hubby are super understanding and supportive.
Sasha is an active member of RWA and several Texas Chapters. A self-proclaimed movie-addict, she is full of all sorts of useless movie tidbits and trivia.
Facebook Author Page:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sasha-Summers/213036208773108
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5759214.Sasha_Summers
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/sashasummers/
Twitter: @sashawrites
Webpage: http://www.sashasummers.com
by Sarah | Jun 13, 2012 | Guest Authors, Guest Post, Writing
Today I’m happy to welcome Lilly Caine, author of The Naked Truth to Redefining Perfect.
Once a Writer…Always a Writer!
Thank you for having me here Sarah! I thought I would share today how I became an author and why I write erotic romance.
I’ve been writing for years, having joined RWA (Romance Writers of America) about ten years ago. I wanted to write, I enjoyed it, but it was a hobby for me then, something to work on while I wasn’t at a day job and needed something to entertain myself that didn’t haveSesame Streetor any version of Elmo. It was fun, and I met a fantastic group of women at the local branch – The Romance Writers of Atlantic Canada. I wrote light paranormal romance with sexy little twists. Fun. I nearly finished my first book when my life fell apart.
My husband of nearly twelve years left me, we separated when my first daughter was only five and my second daughter hadn’t yet reached one. I can’t tell you how hard it was to try to explain things to my little girl. I honestly don’t know that she ever understood. I’m not sure I did either.
For a few years, writing took a backseat. Way, way in the back. It hurt to write about love. It hurt to write about anything. Therapy took up my time and my emotional strength. And when I did write, it was dark. Vampire dark, full of broken promises and pain. And maybe a little getting even. I might have killed off someone a few times while writing that book. There was sex, lots of it, and lots about whether sex was a matter of control, if love really existed. But somehow a hero slipped in there too. A lover, and my first love after my husband. My first finished book. And it sold.
I tried to teach myself something as I wrote. My next novella was a shapechanger story. It was just as deeply centered around a couple with erotic tastes, but it was filled with hope. I felt stupid telling myself this fairy tale, but it must have worked. It sold.
And then I wrote another. And it wasn’t as dark. Let’s say it was shadowy. And it wasn’t as sappy. But it was sexy. I couldn’t help but put in a happy ending. What was really surprising was that it was set in outer space. And it made me feel better. I decided it needed to be a series. There were more stories I wanted to tell about this particular time and place. And so I created the Confederacy Treaty Series. Alien Revealed, The Naked Truth and coming June 25th, 2012, Undercover Alliance.
Writing became an escape for me. It still is. Lately, I’ve become more and more interested in this world I created, and how it reflects my life as I write the stories. When I feel emotional, my characters cry. When I am lonely, they find ways to be together. In The Naked Truth, my desire to understand my past led me to write about a man who could see into a person’s memories and weigh their innocence or guilt. What would it be like to love this kind of man, when your entire fate depended on what he might find?
I think every book that becomes a favorite of both the author and the readers evolves into that favorite because it asks a question that means something to both the writer and the reader. My book asked the questions I wanted to know about myself.
Lilly
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To read more about Lilly check out her website at www.lillycain.com. Or follow her on Twitter at www.twitter.com/LillyCain or www.facebook.ca/Lilly_Cain
The Confederacy Treaty Series – Erotic sci-fi romance from Carina Press www.carinapress.com [amazon_link id=”B003NX7C0M” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Alien Revealed[/amazon_link], [amazon_link id=”B004XVSVEE” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]The Naked Truth[/amazon_link] and coming June 25th, [amazon_link id=”B007M8S3PM” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]Undercover Alliance[/amazon_link]
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The Naked Truth
The Confederacy Treaty Book Two
Carina Press
Book Blurb
Captain Susan Branscombe was the victim of brutal torture at the hands of terrorists. Though rescued, she’s now facing an equally brutal accusation: treason.
The only way she can prove her innocence is to allow Asler Kiis, a Confederacy Examiner, to delve into the depths of her mind. Asler is Inarri, the alien race that made contact with Earth just months before. His duty is to find the truth, but when he explores Susan’s mind he can’t resist drawing her into a more intimate experience.
Susan takes comfort in Asler’s heated sensuality. Their erotic sensory exploration chases away the darkness and her body aches for more. But as their desire reaches new limits Susan finds it difficult to suppress the memories she is desperate to forget.
Is the passion they share enough to let Susan push aside her fear and trust Asler, not only with her mind and body but with her ever-opening heart?
by Sarah | Jun 6, 2012 | Books, Guest Authors, Guest Post, Reviews, Wednesday Writers, Writing
[flickr id=”6030468849″ thumbnail=”small” overlay=”true” size=”small” group=”” align=”left”]A few weeks ago I had the great joy of having Rachel visit (side note: I think she’ll be back in July for her new book launch!). I love having other authors visit and reveal their awesomeness.
I also love to read. A lot. When I get in ‘the zone’ I read many books super fast. Other times I struggle to find the time to complete books. I’m in one of those times now – so to counteract I sort of signed up for something that will force me to get a few books in a month.
You may have noticed by now that lovely large button in my sidebar for “Bewitching Blog Tours”. So excited to say that I’ll be working with them, having authors stop by, or just reviewing their books. I have a few in my TBR pile already.
So I can finally do what I’d hoped to do for a couple of months now. I’m officially designating the middle of the week as “Wednesday Writers”. Whatever gets posted on Wednesday will have to do with an author or a published book. I know many of them will be linked to the BBT – but some will just be friends I’ve made along the way that I’ve asked to visit. I’m not restricting these posts to just Wednesday (sometimes there’s just too much awesomeness to keep on one day) – but I will be using every Wednesday for it. Already June is filled, and I can’t wait to see what July brings.
So keep your eyes peeled. I’ll be having some great guests – and some great book recommendations coming up!
by Sarah | May 9, 2012 | Guest Authors, Guest Post, Writing
I cannot begin to tell you all how excited I am to have Rachel Firasek here today. I stumbled upon one of her books on Goodreads, and instantly became a fan. Then I ‘met’ her on twitter and I adore her even more. Please enjoy this post as much as I did and give her lots of comment-love.
Why I Almost Dressed My Hero In Panties
Hello, everyone! Before I get started, I wanted to say a big THANK YOU to Sarah for letting me come play on her blog today. I’ve met her through Twitter and Goodreads reviews, and she’s just plain good people! 🙂
So, while devising a plan for this blog, I wanted to write about something light and funny. Then, the title just came to me. I bet you saw that and thought, What the heck?
I did, too.
And, according the Sarah’s reply email when I pitched it to her, it is snortastic.
Here’s the story behind the title. I’ve been working on an Indie Pub project with several other published authors and we created this series about the Greek Fates. In my story, I’m sharing Chloe’s (Clotho) tale of love and heartache. Well, she falls for an undercover agent. Long story short, our hunky-hero Dane is hiding out with Chloe in a motel. Their clothes are wet and dirty. While they wait for them to dry, I have a wicked hot love scene that never completely gets fulfilled—at the time—and Dane’s left with all kinds of needs.
He decides to sleep off his body’s demands in the bathroom, but all of their clothes are wet and the driest thing in there is Chloe’s panties.
*Rubs evil hands together* I almost…for a fraction of a moment…took the path of having him shrug on these little wisps of lace and satin. Almost. But, I know that in order to make my hero really hero-worthy, I’d have to keep him all masculine and hard. *snickers*
So, I gave him a delicious alone scene instead to fill his time when he should have been sleeping or making love to Chloe. But, you’ll have to read the book when it comes out to see it. J
Why didn’t you go there?
I’m so glad you asked. I didn’t, because for some reason, even though I would think this the funniest thing ever, other readers aren’t so excited about a cross-dressing hero—even if it is innocent.
But, I’ll let you weigh in. Do you like to keep your heroes alpha? Hard? Hawt? Or, would you see the humor in this situation and continue to read without feeling like your hunk was emasculated?
I look forward to reading your comments.
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The Fates are said to control our destinies. From our first breath to our dying gasp, these creatures of legend weave the courses of our lives. Even the gods are subject to their decrees. Spinners of dark secrets, the Fates have been feared for the tragedies they weave. No man dared confront the Relentless Ones . . . until now.
Title: Creating Fate
(An Unspun Novella, #1)
Author: Rachel Firasek
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Length: Novella
Release Date: July 10, 2012
Book 2 coming July 24, 2012!
She gave away her heart…
Giving her heart to a mortal wasn’t something the First Fate planned. Losing him nearly shattered her soul. Upon his death, Clothos swore never to love—or weave life—again.Hoping she’ll change her mind before it’s too late, Zeus commands the spinner of life to take a much needed vacation from her immortal responsibilities.
He had to hide his…
Dane is close to cracking the drug ring he’s spent the last two years infiltrating, but needs to perform one last heist to meet the head man and prevent an impending war. An undercover agent, he’s now on the run from drug lords, thieves and with the very woman whose tears make him forget his purpose.
Together they’ll find a way back from the dark.
Chloe will have to put her trust in the man she believes may have killed her fiance, or face an eternity on Earth. Without the desire for life, hope could slip through the cracks of time if he doesn’t love away her sorrow.
ADD TO CREATING FATE TO YOUR GOODREADS TBR HERE!
About the Author:
Rachel Firasek grew up in the south and despite the gentle pace, she harassed life at full steam. Her curiosity about mythology, human nature, and the chemical imbalance we call love led her to writing. Her stories began with macabre war poems and shifted to enchanted fairytales, before she settled on a blending of the two.
Today you’ll find her tucked on a small parcel of land, surrounded by bleating sheep and barking dogs, with her husband and children. She entertains them all with her wacky sense of humor or animated reenactments of bad 80’s dance moves.
She’s intrigued by anything unexplained and seeks the answers to this crazy thing we call life. You can find her where the heart twists the soul and lights the shadows… or atwww.rachelfirasek.com .
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If you can’t wait for Creating Fate to be released (I hardly can) to read more humor and wit from Rachel, check out one of her other books. I adore her Phoenix series and you will too. Check out [amazon_link id=”B005L92H56″ target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]The Last Rising[/amazon_link], [amazon_link id=”B006D9SVD0″ target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]The Last Awakening[/amazon_link], and [amazon_link id=”B0076L73UQ” target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ]The Last Beginning[/amazon_link]. They’re short, fun, quick reads that will have you terminally hooked on Rachel’s writing.
If I say I got signed up for this book just because of the blurb you can take it to heart. Me and mythology? We have never mixed well.
