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.”
*~*~*~*
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
~*~*~*~
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]
*~*~*~*
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 8, 2012 | Books, Masked Hearts, Writing
[flickr id=”6270890485″ thumbnail=”small” overlay=”true” size=”small” group=”” align=”left”]Sometimes it’s love at first sight. Or, in a writer’s case, it can be love at first thought.
Sometimes there is a ‘getting to know you’ period. You meet them, ask questions – dive into their back-stories and learn what makes them tick – and that helps you see where the love is.
Today, eleven chapters in, I finally fell in love. The moment my characters fell in love – so did I.
Yes, I liked them before. Their back-stories wrenched at my heart and just added to my intense admiration for their existence. They were both strong and resilient and so very lost.
Still with all of that I still felt like I didn’t know them. Like all of our efforts were in vain because I just didn’t get them.
Today they stopped fighting their feelings and fell in love. At that moment we all relaxed and I got it.
Now I’m as in love with them as they are with each other. It’s a beautiful thing to have two characters like this.
I never thought that I’d have a Hero like him…I tend to specialize in the Alpha Male. Roy? Not quite an alpha male…but Minnie needs a lot more than that. He is a good man and perfect for her. I’m liking the not-alpha hero he’s turning out to be.
What’s your favorite ‘falling in love’ story? Was it love at first thought? Or did you have to work for your relationship?
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 | Jun 3, 2012 | All About Me, Blogging Life, Books, Changing Tracks, Indiana Family of Farmers, Indiana Fever, Indy Geek Girls, Writing
[flickr id=”5074952547″ thumbnail=”small” overlay=”true” size=”small” group=”” align=”left”]The past twenty four hours have been a whirlwind. A crazy whirlwind of amazing awesomeness that I can hardly begin to describe.
Seeing as this is blog specifically for that, I’m going to try. All of the awesomeness will see its own post (or two) this week, so for now I’m going to bullet point the awesomeness and then start prepping posts for the rest of the week to fill you up.
* First my husband and I went to Vintage Indiana (Thank you, Indiana Family of Farmers). We sampled, we walked, we ate and we bought. We discovered a winery we didn’t know about and brought home a few bottles of deliciousness.
* After that I met my friend and neighbor and went to an Indiana Fever Game. They put us up in the Legends suite and it was amazing. Good food, good drinks, good friends, good game (side note: we won!)
* The ever beautiful Casey had a phone that I could replace mine with after the loss I suffered last week. My Thunderbolt is gone, but I welcome in the Droid Bionic w/ open arms. We came this close to agreeing to a date to see Barry Manilow together…but alas she will be at Blogher. Such a shame…we could have been part-time Fanilow’s together.
* Did I mention the Fever game? Yeah, that meant I got to hang out with the awesomeness that is the Indy Geek Girls. The blogging community in Indy is Da-Bom’…and I loves me ladies.
* After all of that fun I came home and checked my email – to find an offer on my novel!!! I literally fell off the couch when I read the email. Yes, literally. Just ask Erik or Denver – they were there.
* Once I finally got to sleep – I woke up to find another requested full for my novel. I’d entered a pitch contest on a whim and a tiny prayer – & that publisher wants to see it too!
* Today I found out what was causing Erik’s phone to be painfully slow and it appears to be fixed. The man is very happy.
So today I’ve been sending out emails, fulls and updates to those that have my work. I’ve contacted a lawyer to look at the contract I received to help me make this difficult decision (I may not like the contract, or get the answers I want to my questions). Even though I’ve waited a very long time for an offer – I won’t just jump on it. There are a lot of points to weigh and I plan on weighing each of them carefully and with as clear a head as I can.
So as the week goes on, you’ll learn more about much of the events of the past 24 hours. right now I’m still a bit giddy so you get the info dump! More soon, I promise!
by Sarah | May 30, 2012 | Books, General, Masked Hearts, Writing, writing tips
[flickr id=”6065425471″ thumbnail=”small” overlay=”true” size=”small” group=”” align=”left”]Real Life has has been insane lately. So many things popping up, so many events and activities to keep me and mine busy. It seems impossible that I have all of these stories just waiting for me to write.
Out of all of them, one has stood out. Masked Hearts, even though it is a brand new idea, forced its way to the top. I started writing it just over a week ago. At first the going was incredibly slow. Unlike most of my stories this one had not sat on the ‘drawing board’ as it were. In fact I started writing within a week of getting the idea.
This never happens.
The reason why is because I’m a free-writer. 95% of the time I just sit down and write. I worry about fine tuning and editing later. In order to sit down and write I have to know where the story is going.
For Masked Hearts I only had the most vague of ideas. I didn’t know the characters beyond their initial descriptions. I had an idea of a conflict, but it was far from clear.
The day I started writing I had my first “Aha!” The MMC’s backstory came into clear view as I finished reading the history of an event during the many years of Indian Wars in the US.
Yesterday, six chapters into the story came the biggest ‘Aha!’. The entire story’s plot line became clear. I knew all the moments of conflict, all the climactic moments, and the way the ending would come about.
So I dug in deep and wrote my ass off…
Only to learn in the middle of writing a chapter that two of my characters were gay.
Wait, what? When did that happen? What the hell? Not that I mind, but a heads up a little earlier would have nice.
Oh, and by the way, those three side characters you thought were footnotes? Totally instrumental in the ending of your novel.
Ah, crap.
Now I have all these extra characters with personalities. No, they aren’t becoming MC’s – but they have a bigger part than I ever expected in this thing.
Now to keep it within my word count goal of 50k.
I’m not good with the low word counts. Think I can make this one stick?
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.