MBS Blogoversary SPOTLIGHT #20 Author Pauline Baird Jones

SPOTLIGHT: AUTHOR PAULINE BAIRD JONES

Pauline and I met online in late 2009.  Pauline asked me to review her Sci Fi Romance, The Key. Although Pauline sent me the print book, I ended up listening to it on Audible and loved the strong heroine and the sci fi space world. Pauline's books established me as a definite fan of sci fi romance.
Pauline defines her genre now as Sci Fi Romance. However if you check her website you will see that she also writes romantic suspense,  humorous/mystery/suspense, and even nonfiction.
Pauline has been so kind to me considering I owe her three reviews. I have made positive comments on the books around the blog community but just didn't get the reviews written/posted. I am planning to do a day devoted to the reviews and hopefully an interview with Pauline soon. Watch for that next month when I review Steamrolled which I am excited to start once July books are read.
I did post the review this morning for her novella Steam Time and the other good stories in the anthology, Dreamspell Steampunk.

If you are curious about sci fi romance this is a great series to hook you in.

In Order of Release:

(Project Universe 1) The Key

(Project Universe 2) Girl Gone Nova

(Project Universe 3) Tangled in Time

(Project Universe 4) Steamrolled

(Project Universe 5) Dreamspell Steampunk; Steam Time (short story)

Stand-alone:

Out of Time
I asked each author to answer two questions for their spotlight.
The first I asked and the second they provided.

Question #1:  Why do you write/what do you hope your readers get from your books?

A:  My third grade teacher used to read to after lunch (wise woman). I only remember one of the books she read to us. It was a story about a baby sitter who has to save her charges from a flash flood and then keep them all alive until they can be rescued. It had adventure, danger and a gentle romance. I loved it and checked it out from the library later to read again. It was the first of many books that gave me a thrill, a chill, the delight of first love. I'm a long, long, long way from third grade, and I've read a lot of books since then, but I still feel a shiver of anticipation, a flutter of hope when I open a book by a new-to-me author. And if the book delivers? I close it with a sigh of delight and little regret its over already.

As an author, that is what I hope to deliver to readers. I want my books to be a place to escape from the real world for a while. I hope to give them a thrill, a chill, a little romance and maybe a chuckle or two.

Question #2:  What made you decide to write science fiction romance?

A:  Every time I tell someone I write science fiction romance, somewhere out there my former science teachers wince--though they knew I was making up science before I did. I feel like I ought to post a warning in the front of my books: No real science was used in the writing of this book. So what happened, you ask? How does one make the move from writing romantic suspense to outer space?

My theory (notice how I slip science-like words in like I use them all the time?) is that what I really write, what I've always written is action adventure. I thought it was romantic suspense because it was contemporary. Then I wrote a book called OUT OF TIME. It is an action adventure time travel to World War II. I loved writing the action and I particularly loved writing an adventure in World War II. I "came out" as an action adventure author with that book.

Looking back, I think it is actually a rather natural progression to move my stories into space because there is so much scope for action AND adventure. To those who fear science as much as I do, let me assure you that any real science is accidental. My science IS as fictional as my stories, so no degree or science background required to read or enjoy my books. (grin)

And for those of you who just don't like space, I have a back list of humorous romantic suspense--and I never discount the possibility of a return to Earth. :-)

When I made the leap from reader to author, my main goal was to give back the delight I have felt.

Please visit Pauline at her links below.
For extra credit you can comment at one of her social links or email her to say "Hi" and "Thank you" for the support and giveaway.
Website - Perilous Pauline
Facebook
Twitter
Goodreads

Giveaway donated by Pauline:
$20Amazon Gift Card.

OPEN WORLDWIDE.
If you have trouble viewing or submitting this form, you can fill it out online:
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Book Review: Dreamspell Steampunk Anthology

Four satisfying Steampunk stories worth the very fair price!

Dreamspell Steampunk Volume 1 (Dreamspell Steampunk Anthology) 

• Format: Kindle Edition
• File Size: 221 KB
• Publisher: L&L Dreamspell (May 24, 2011)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services
• Language: English
• ASIN: B0052MOABG

    Genre: Steampunk
    My Rating: Overall 4.25

Product Description:
Enjoy four Steampunk stories:

Steam Time by Pauline B Jones

The man formerly known as Tobias Smith hadn’t planned to ride along with Dr. Everly and his Medicine Show. Grifters gave him a pain their elixirs couldn’t heal. But he was headed to Marfa, too. And Everly’s son turned out to be a really a fine looking damsel—one in distress when the ghost lights of Marfa bump them into an alternate reality complete with an automaton gang and airships. Could he be the good guy? Be the hero, save the day and get the girl?

The Prometheus Engine by Chris Samson

When an airship is shot down over the desolate Kashmir landscape, seven survivors of disparate backgrounds must band together to escape. As a swarm of marauders approaches, the survivors’ only hope lies in the untested Prometheus Engine.

Steambot Rampage by Heather Massey

On the eve of the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition, a no-nonsense secretary and an intrepid reporter join forces to battle a bizarre automaton on a rampage.

Angelina by Linda Houle

Valerie is fascinated with an antique ruby and diamond pendant. Where did it come from and why was it hidden in a makeshift wall safe? An old log cabin on her new husband’s ranch holds the answers and a lot more, but once Val goes through a secret door will she ever find her way back home.

Review: I have been trying to read more steampunk because I really like the feel of it with the older time settings and the different mechanical elements. This is a collection that I really enjoyed.  Each story has its own twists and surprises.

In Steam Time, Tobias Smith, "Joe", meets up with Dr. Everly and his quiet son.  It doesn’t take long for Joe to realize that the young fellow is really a girl, Analisse, trapped by her father’s life. Ani dubs him "Chance" because chance brought him into her life. They see in each other an escape into a new life... and that is more true than Ani realizes. Chance and Ani head into town together but mid-way there is a shift in the world around them. Chance has been here before and tells Ani - “we aren’t where we were.” Then Chance and Ani have to face down an evil Dr. Smith and a crew of automatons if they want a chance to be together in whatever time it might be. The characters are warm and the story complete with mystery, conflict and romance even though it is just a short story.  I particularly liked this one because Tobias Smith is a character from The Key and Girl Gone Nova which are two other stories of Pauline's that I really like. Rating: 4.5

The Prometheus Engine is non-stop action. The seven survivors of a downed airship each have unique responses as the are led by Veronica, a scientist’s daughter and inventor herself. They are racing to escape the marauder’s attack and the battle doesn’t go as I expected. I liked how the author was able to define each character in the short tale. One is a silent giant, one an old campaigner, one blatantly courageous, one reluctantly brave, another determined, one is surprisingly resourceful and one is a bragging coward. This short story made me want to read more adventure by Mr. Samson. Rating 4.5

Steambot Rampage has the definite feel of an older Superman crossed with an older James Bond. The intrepid reporter, Jack, is a sneak and a flirt, trying to spy information off of the desk of the mayor’s prim secretary.  An esteemed scientist is showcasing his iron man dubbed the ‘Soldier of the Future.’ Unfortunately the robot goes haywire and the Doctor/inventor is more intent on documenting the success than stopping the terror. Jack and Sophie have to risk injury to stop the rampaging monster. Can they save the community and each other?  Rating 4.0

Angelina is a light, fun drop through time. Valerie is fascinated by an antique ruby that was  found in the wall of her vampire husband, Andrew.  As Andrew sleeps away the day, Val sets out to explore an old cabin on the property.  There she finds a room jammed full of clocks and gadgets. She stumbles upon a hidden closet and an automated fortune teller that promises her a wish. Without consciously realizing it Val wishes that she knew the story of the ruby pendant. The next thing she knows her world is in a spin and she is a gypsy fortune teller in the same room but a time when the cabin was new.  In a surprising twist she does learn the history of the pendant but will she be able to return to her time and her beloved?  Rating 4.0

This anthology introduced me to three ‘new-to-me’ authors and I got to read another wonderful story by Pauline Baird Jones whose books are favorites of mine. If you haven't tried Steampunk genre I recommend this anthology as a good one to get a feel for it. If you are a fan of Steampunk then don't miss this fun read.

xxx

A copy of this eBook was provided for an unbiased review by Pauline Baird Jones.

Please learn more about Pauline in today’s Blogoversary Author Spotlight. You earn extra entries for commenting on this review.

MBS Blogoversary SPOTLIGHT #19 Author Judy Nickles

SPOTLIGHT: AUTHOR JUDY NICKLES/GWYNETH GREER

I met Judy when I was fortunate to win her book A Showboat Affair through a Wild Rose Press blog giveaway.  (See my review here.) Judy writes Contemporary Romance, Historical Romance, and Romantic Suspense.



I asked each author to answer two questions for their spotlight.
The first I asked and the second they provided.

Question #1:  Why do you write/what do you hope your readers get from your books?
My books deal with real people living real life, which puts stumbling blocks in the way of the best of us. But I like to gift my characters with some inner strength, whether they just find it when needed or perhaps pull it from a long-forgotten experience. In The Showboat Affair, both Nick and Jean have been hurt deeply, though for very different reasons. Yet they have determined to go on with their lives, not beaten down but with heads held high. Together,they find they can face circumstances they never imagined and emerge into the sunshine of joy and a deep, committed love that will last a lifetime. 

A:  While I don't write Christian Romance per se, I do want readers to come away with a sense of hope and to understand the power of forgiveness, reconciliation, and moving on.

Finding Papa's Shining Star 

Question 2: Do you think a Christian message can come from a so-called secular story?

A:  Absolutely--and I always try to "slip" one in! The Christian fiction genre targets a specific audience--Christian readers--but they already have the message! I grew up reading Christian author Grace Livingston Hill, but I already understood what she was saying because of the way I'd been raised. I have read criticism of the Harry Potter series because it deals with so-called witchcraft. But looking beyond that fantasy, what do we find? The importance of love, of being faithful to one's beliefs, fighting evil where it exists, and the desire to create a world of goodness and giving.

In The Showboat Affair, the message I wanted to get across was the importance--the necessity even--of forgiveness and reconciliation (as we were reconciled to God through Jesus Christ) before one can move on with one's life and enjoy the blessing of love. I try to show my characters as people really are--never all good or all bad, prone to making mistakes. We are imperfect beings striving to better ourselves and the world around us.

Where Is Papa's Shining Star?

Please visit Judy at her links below.
For extra credit you can comment at one of her blog links or email her to say "Hi" and "Thank you" for the support and giveaway.
Website
Blog: The Word Place
Someday is Here ( Fan page on Facebook)
Facebook

Giveaway donated by Judy:
eBook Copy of The Showboat Affair. OPEN INTERNATIONAL.
I am giving away the copy which I won and reviewed. OPEN US and CANADA.

If you have trouble viewing or submitting this form, you can fill it out online:
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Book Review: The Showboat Affair by Gwyneth Greer

This is a lovely, warm read with a mix of romance and suspense.

The Showboat Affair by Gwyneth Greer 

• Paperback: 326 pages
• Publisher: The Wild Rose Press (March 14, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 160154894X
• ISBN-13: 978-1601548948

     Genre: Contemporary Romance
     My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Product Description
After thirty years of marriage, Jean Kingston is freshly divorced and rediscovering the joys of being an independent woman as well a talent for interior design. Having a new man in her life is not part of the plan.
Nick Cameron, prominent attorney and long-time widower, would like to change Jean’s mind and include him in her plans.
Their adult children don’t approve of either plan, and are determined to keep Jean and Nick apart. Does their opposition include staging personal attacks against them? Could they really be desperate enough to stalk the couple on a weekend getaway? Or is there a deeper evil at work?

Review: This is an engaging story of a mature woman who gets a second chance at love - if she can survive to enjoy it.

Jean was a society wife who allowed that to define her for many years. She remained in her unhappy marriage even though she knew her husband, Rand, was openly unfaithful.  Their only daughter, Juliana, grew up as ‘Daddy’s girl’, independent and driven.  Jean’s world is shaken when Rand announces that he is divorcing her to marry a younger woman.  Although she isn’t exactly heart broken there is still pain, loss and abandonment. Jean slowly realizes that she has to establish her own self worth as an individual.

Nick is smitten the first time he sees Jean. He lost his wife twenty years before and remained single as he raised their son, Charlie. Nick has not even dated other women until he meets Jean. It is awkward for Nick but he is willing to be patient as Jean needs to find her footing.

Unfortunately neither of their children like the idea of Jean and Nick.  Juliana and Charlie are very unkind, unpleasant and selfish in their attitudes.  This creates some interesting conflict and tension that are a good part of the story.  Another long time friend, Greg, is also pursing Jean.  He seems charming but a bit pushy when Jean isn’t ready to be pushed. 

Rand has arranged for Jean to keep the marital home and receive a significant settlement in the divorce.  When Jean is attacked all the family members are suspect. Could Rand want to eliminate Jean before he has to complete the settlement? Could one of the children be so set against Jean’s new relationship that they would try to kill her? Will Jean and Nick get a chance for a future?

I really liked the well developed main and secondary characters. As difficult as it is Jean is strong enough to redefine herself. Nick is an absolutely sweet, patient man. They are very likeable while their children are quite unlikeable.

The emotional story moves along with the expected tension of the circumstances. Then the plot blends in the suspense of the attacks and stalking.  I enjoyed the romance being allowed to grow slowly and the tie in with the movie, The Showboat Affair, is fun. There is also a gentle message of forgiveness and reconciliation that is so important to finding peace and happiness in life. This is an easy flowing story with a nice blend of intrigue and romance that makes for a very satisfactory read.

xxx

I won this book and am pleased that I did!

For a chance to win this fine story, please visit the Blogoversary Author's Spotlight.

Sourcebooks Men in Kilts eBook Promotion!

There’s just something about kilts…

Scottish Highlanders are among historical romance fans’ favorite heroes, and Sourcebooks has its own batch of tough warriors (with a soft side, of course) for readers to enjoy! This week Sourcebooks has a FABULOUS eBook deal: 5 of our readers’ favorite men in kilts, for ONLY $0.99!!!

As always, please be patient as the online retailers get the titles uploaded to 99 cents, but the promotion is set to start tomorrow, July 12 and lasts until July 18.

Thanks to Danielle Jackson for sending along this news to share.

DANIELLE L. JACKSON | Publicist
Sourcebooks, Inc. www.sourcebooks.com | @SourcebooksCasa

 Men in Kilts – eBooks for $0.99! (7/12/2011 – 7/18/2011)

Awaken the Highland Warrior by Anita Clenney

A man from another time…

Faelan is from an ancient clan of Scottish Highland warriors, charged with shielding humanity from demonic forces. Betrayed and locked in a time vault, he has been sleeping for nearly two centuries when spunky historian Bree Kirkland inadvertently wakes him. She’s more fearsome than the demon trying to kill him, and if he’s not careful, she’ll uncover the secrets his clan has bled and died to protect…

Could be the treasure she’s been seeking all her life…

When Bree inherits an old treasure map, she discovers a warrior buried in her backyard. But the warrior isn’t dead. Bree shocks Faelan with her modern dress and her boldness, and he infuriates Bree every time he tries to protect her.

With demons suddenly on the move, Bree discovers that Faelan’s duty as protector is in his blood, and that her part in this fight was destined before she was born. But nothing is ever what it seems…

Highland Hellcat by Mary Wine

He wants a wife he can control…

Connor Lindsey is a Highland laird, but his clan’s loyalty is hard won and he takes nothing for granted. He’ll do whatever it takes to find a virtuous wife, even if he has to kidnap her…

She has a spirit that can’t be tamed…

Brina Chattan has always defied convention. She sees no reason to be docile now that she’s been captured by a powerful laird and taken to his storm-tossed castle in the Highlands, far from her home.

When a rival laird’s interference nearly tears them apart, Connor discovers that a woman with a wild streak suits him much better than he’d ever imagined…

The Highlander’s Sword by Amanda Forester

A quiet, flame-haired beauty with secrets of her own…

Lady Aila Graham is destined for the convent, until her brother’s death leaves her an heiress. Soon she is caught between hastily arranged marriage with a Highland warrior, the Abbot’s insistence that she take her vows, the Scottish Laird who kidnaps her, and the traitor from within who betrays them all.

She’s nothing he expected and everything he really needs…

Padyn MacLaren, a battled-hardened knight, returns home to the Highlands after years of fighting the English in France. MacLaren bears the physical scars of battle, but it is the deeper wounds of betrayal that have rocked his faith. Arriving with only a band of war-weary knights, MacLaren finds his land pillaged and his clan scattered. Determined to restore his clan, he sees Aila’s fortune as the answer to his problems…but maybe it’s the woman herself.

Wild Highland Magic by Kendra Leigh Castle

She's a Scottish Highlands werewolf, but no one's ever shown her how to use her powers…

Growing up in America with a father who hates his own nature, Catrionna MacInnes has always tried desperately to control her powers and pretend to be normal. Now her father has brought her and her sisters to Scotland to reunite with the pack they fled years ago…

He's a wizard prince with a devastating secret…

Bastian an Morgaine has found sanctuary among the MacInnes werewolf clan but no relief from the soul-searing curse that haunts him. The minute Cat lays eyes on Bastian, she knows she's met her destiny. In their first encounter, she unwittingly binds him to her for life, and now they're both targets for the evil enemies that are out to destroy their very souls…

Highland Rebel by Judith James

Amidst the upheaval of Cromwell's Britain, Jamie Sinclair's wit and military prowess have served him well. Leading a troop in Scotland, he impetuously marries a captured maiden, saving her from a grim fate.

A Highlands heiress to title and fortune, Catherine Drummond is not the woman Jamie believes her to be. When her people effect her rescue, and he cannot annul the marriage, Jamie goes to recapture his hellcat of a new wife...

In a world where family and creed cannot be trusted, where faith fuels intolerance and war, Catherine and Jamie test the bounds of loyalty, friendship, and trust...