Critique, Review and Hatefulness Supertatee's rantings from her Soapbox

        Let me start by saying this post is MY OPINION MY THOUGHTS AND MY FEELINGS!!!!! So if you are offended, sorry it was nice knowing you.

My sister and I started this blog as a place to talk about books we have read, those we like and don’t like. As time has gone on we have been fortunate enough to work directly with some authors on reviews, releases, and promotions. It has been a lot of fun. I personally post here, on my Goodreads, Amazon, and Barnes and Noble accounts; as well as share on my Twitter and Facebook. And we try to remind the readers as well as authors that we are not professional reviewers or editors, we are just sharing our opinions. I also read reviews of other bloggers. Over time I have seen on all these sites reviews of many different people. Many just like us, people giving opinions. But there are others who seem to get great pleasure being complete and utter assholes. I am not just saying that to be mean but there isn’t another way to put it. If you don’t like a book, fine you are entitled to feel that way. And there is a way to write the review so that it helps other readers and the authors. For example if an author reads a review where someone states the book in question didn’t make sense or maybe didn’t flow well and the reviewer gives examples it actually can help the author when writing a future story. BUT there are those “reviewers” that seem to take it too far, they are hateful, rude and sometimes abusive. There is a way to explain why you didn’t like a book without being ignorant, insulting or cruel to the work or the author. I have seen so called reviews where the person writing it, who has no knowledge of the author other than what the “about the author” page in the book, has stated verbally attack the author. Why? Does it make them feel better about themselves? Personally when I see a review like that I completely dismiss it, I don’t take the advice of someone who gets off on being an asshat. What really gets me is on one of the sites I mention above there is a group of these people who are all over the place giving these kinds of reviews; each one nasty and vindictive; seems like they may need a new hobby, or a new personality.  I have seen where some of them even become aggressive with the readers that did enjoy the book and posted a reviewing saying so. Seems to me if they have the right to be mean and hateful then others have the right to write to a polite review, notice I didn’t say  a favorable one? To me a “good review” can mean the person liked the book or that they wrote a review stating why they didn’t like the book in a way that is helpful to all involved. As sad as those bad apples of reviews make me I would like to say Thank You to all the wonderful people who leave reviews both in favor of a book and those who even when they don’t enjoy a book still leave a review that is decent and helpful. 

The Vampire with the Dragon Tattoo by Kerrelyn Sparks

BLURB:

Dougal Kincaid has something to prove. After being injured in a battle with the Malcontents, he's ready for active duty protecting unsuspecting mortals from these villainous vampires who want to rule the world. But first he has to get control of himself . . . because just the sight of a certain lovely doctor has his injured hand doing some peculiar things, not to mention the sizzling sensation that burns along his dragon tattoo.

Vampires? Vampires?! As a scientist, Leah is having trouble believing that these immortal creatures exist. But there they are, standing in front of her, asking for help in solving a genetic puzzle that can save mankind. There's even one in a sexy kilt! Just one look into Dougal's gorgeous green eyes sets her pulse racing. But can she trust him—and the overwhelming desire that refuses to be ignored?

REVIEW:

SPOILERS… 

Let me start off saying this is one of my favorite book series. Kerrelyn Sparks weaves a great story with humor unlike anyone else. She can have me crying one minute and laughing out loud the next. I mean, come on half the males in this series wear kilts, how hot is that!?! Not to mention Phineas McKinney one of the funniest characters ever. ANYWAY, this is book #14 in the series, and like many books in a series this long the story line has strayed a bit from the central conflict in recent books. But I feel like she is starting to bring the conflict back to the forefront of the stories. Let’s hope she continues that in future books.

This book is about Dougal Kincaid (YES a Scotsman in a kilt!!!!) who lost his hand in the war against the Malcontents. He is struggling not only to adjust to using his prosthetic hand but fighting the demons of his past. When he meets the new doctor brought in to work at Romatech Industries not only does his past come flooding back but he has to fight his attraction for Dr. Leah Chin. Leah has been invited to help in finding a cure for the new breed of soldiers being created by Master Han for Darafer. Of course in the process she must be told of the supernatural world, big shocker is doesn’t go well at first, but in time her curiosity gets the best of her. I liked this book and was glad to see more “story” going on other than just the romance. 

Oh and just a personal note. Many of you may know my sister Bitch, our partner in crime and I like to attend book signings, it is where we have met many of our friends/sisters. In the last few years it has become less personal with some authors and more corporate. Yes I know it is a business and they have every right to make money for the hard work I completely understand. It is just some forget that without their readers they would have nothing. Back to my point. When Kerrelyn did a signing for Vampire Mine two friends of ours attended her signing. When they went up to have their books signed they mentioned how three of us couldn’t be there and asked if she would sign one of the books marks she was giving away for us. Not only did she sign the book marks and post cards, she was sweet enough to personalize them with our names. She even let them video tape her saying hello to us as well. How awesome is that? Now she is someone I would love to meet in person. And she has a fan in me for life.

One Lucky Vampire by Lynsay Sands

BLURB:

Luck be a vampire tonight . . .

When Nicole Phillips agreed to hire a housekeeper, she pictured someone a little frumpy and almost certainly female. Instead, she gets gorgeous, unmistakably male Jake Colson. The man is proving indispensable in the kitchen—and everywhere else. Except Jake might not be a mortal man at all.

. . . and every night

Who wouldn't want to be a tall, dark, powerful vampire? Jake, for one. He's barely had time to adjust to his new state before he's roped into a family favor. Still, secretly playing bodyguard to sweet, sexy Nicole is turning out to be the wildest ride of his life. First he'll put a stop to whoever's targeting her. Then he'll prove that this kind of love, and luck, happens only once in an eternity


REVIEW:

SPOILERS!!!   This is the19th book in the Argeneau series. I have enjoyed this series over all, Lynsay Sands is a good writer. I love her unique explanation of the origins of “vampires” and their need for blood. The only problem I have is the last few books have become predictable. You meet the main two characters with in the first chapter. Then Marguerite, the matriarch of the Argeneau family, whose gift is to know when two people are life mate’s, shows up and somehow arranges for the two to meet. Then of course there is a small conflict between the characters, usually it is one of them coming to terms with the other being a vampire. Then within the story there is a problem/conflict but it is resolved in a short period of time. The End….

What happened to renegade vampires? A central villain/bad guy? I know this is a paranormal romance so the focus is on the characters and their relationship, but there has to be more to a story other than just hot sex then passing out(for those who have read the book you will know what that  means LOL). Don’t get me wrong, I love a hot sex scene as much as the next person, but for me there has to be a story as well, one that will hold my attention and have me wanting more. Have me begging for the next book. I may be in the minority about this, but this is only my opinion on the series. 

Saving Alexander by Susan Mac Nicol

What’s my favorite saying? You know it, SPOILER ALERT, like always I will try not to give too much away for those who have yet to read this book.

BLURB:

Punishing himself for a horrific past that is not his fault, bestselling author Alexander Montgomery seeks redemption and love—and perhaps he will find it. 

Famous author though he may be, Alexander Montgomery is not someone you take home to meet your mother. Seriously flawed, damaged by a horrific past, he’s trying hard to claw his way back to normality. But how can anyone respect what he truly is? His therapy involves regular sessions at Study in Scarlet, an exclusive S&M club. 

Then comes Sage. Tall, with black hair and blue eyes, an up-and-coming actor with impossible charm and boy-next-door good looks, he’s the perfect choice to play the leading man in a TV adaptation of Alex’s latest best-seller. Even more, he is a man you introduce to your family. Which Alex would do—if he weren’t taken by another man who offers the punishments Alex prays will wipe away the past and make him the person he wants to be. Yet, perhaps there is another path to redemption. If only the solution would reach out and touch him. 


MY REVIEW:

Let me start by saying I recently read Stripped Bare (see my reviews) by Susan Mac Nicol. I really liked it. I have to say I do believe Susan surpassed it with this book.

Alex has a dark painful past, one he is trying to overcome with therapy and his “sessions” with Eric. I will say this; I detested Eric from the beginning, so I wasn’t to upset about how his story goes in this book, just saying! Alex on the other hand, my heart broke for him, he is the victim of such brutality that most people would not have survived. This is one of the reasons I love him. Part of his journey is him discovering the strength within. 

Sage has had issues with relationships in the past causing him to have a hard time trusting. But as his develops feelings for Alex he does his best to be understanding about Alex’s special “needs”.

As they begin their relationship, they have to deal with some other obstacles as well; being outed as a couple by a colleague as well as mysterious accidents.  What makes the accidents even more disturbing is the come straight out of Alex’s novels. Along the way Alex begins to feel again, which helps him become less reliant on his sessions. This does not settle well with Eric, who takes it upon himself to change the rules of their arrangement. Threatening Sage in the process leaving Alex not only back at square one in his recovery but he feels he must protect Sage at the cost of ending their relationship.

Here is where Susan got me, just when I knew who the person behind the accidents were….BAM she throws me a curve!! I was like, wooow, what? I love when an author keeps me on my toes. So the two men find their way back to each other determined to make it works this time. That is when I got the real shocker…the big reveal….the REAL who dunnit….and it was…….Nope not going to tell!! Trust me when I say you want to read the book and go through the journey of these men. When you find out you will be glad I didn’t tell you. I was on the edge of my seat, wide eyed and completely enveloped with this story. A fantastic read great work Susan, really great.

I will add one note. For those who have not read this book, yes it does contain some BDSM scenes. They are well written and are an important part of the storyline. They aren’t too graphic; I have read other books that contain much more details and delve much deeper into this world. I know there are those who aren’t into reading about this life style, to each his own, but I think you will be surprise how well Susan handled this. 


You can find Saving Alexander at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Borough Publishing Group

Interview with author Jas T. Ward

       Hello friends Sgt Tibbs and I would like to introduce you to a new friend of ours author Jas T. Ward. Thanks for stopping by Jas. Why don’t we start by you telling us a little about yourself and what got you started writing?

Jas T. Ward:      Hello. Thanks for having me here. That is such a loaded question to answer but let me try to give the short-version. I started writing due to a very rough and painful childhood. It was my escape and to be perfectly honest, I believe it saved my life. Without that escape, I truly feel I would not be here now. To be able to lose myself in a fantasy while reality was trying to rip me apart at the young age of seven, I don't think I would have survived. It was my reality check when I was homeless. My touchstone as I survived domestic violence. 

         It's still my saving grace today.  It even helped me move on from the tragic suicide of my soul-mate. Without writing? I don't think I could function or even live. 

BOE:          What types of stories do you write? Do you tend to stick to one genre?

Jas T. Ward:          Not really. I do seem to bend to the paranormal and fantasy. But I have several projects in crime/drama/thriller as well as romance. I also have some based of true-life books in the works. I like being diverse. As long as I can toss in some of my signature twists in there, I'm happy. 

BOE:         Where do you find your inspiration? 

Jas. T. Ward:    Everywhere. I find it in songs, images, everywhere. I've had a creative spark come to me in the shower, while I'm driving. I dream in whole movies with complete stereo sound and Technicolor visual. I once got inspired to write a short-story by the sight of a plain, simple woman crossing the street at the courthouse from my office window. I think it is we that set limits on inspiration, inspiration has none. 

BOE:       What do you find is the hardest part of writing?

Jas T. Ward:      Stopping. If I had my way I would write constantly. No sleeping. No eating. No doing the things that keep me from looking like a homeless person (smile). But alas reality requires we do all those things, so I have to force myself to attend to the needs we have as humans-- work, showering, eating and sleeping. 

BOE:         I am a book junkie, I have eBooks and conventional paperback. Some of which I have in both forms. Do you have a preference?

Jas T. Ward:        Printed. Don't get me wrong, I have an e-reader and it’s packed. But there is just something about holding a book in your hand. About ear-marking a page when you're forced to and not waiting until you can curl up and find where your dive into that literary world was interrupted. To find a book on your shelf that was there when you needed it and flipping through it to get lost once again. Add to the fact when you touch those pages? You've left something of yourself behind-- a bit of your soul. And when you pass it on? You just shared a part of yourself not only with the story within the pages, but the next reader. It's why I love library books. You wonder what place in life was the last person that read it. Did it pull them out of some place rough? Did it shine a light in their personal darkness? E-books can't do that. They seem.... impersonal. 

BOE:       Do you have a favorite book and/or author?

Jas T. Ward:        I'm hoping I say this enough, the literary gods will grant me an audience. :) But my favorite author is Ken Follett and his Pillars of the Earth is by far my favorite book. The man has amazing talent to take dull, dry true history and make truly alive on the pages. 

BOE:        How do you feel about author’s who choose to self publish? 

Jas T. Ward:       I applaud them. I send accolades and cheers to any and all that take the chance of putting their work out there. In whatever form. It's by far the scariest and bravest thing anyone can do. I do however, feel they should never settle. If self-publishing is what they feel they should do...great. 

But if they think it's not good enough for traditional...they need to work harder. They need to make sure however and whatever they put out there...is the best it can be. Don't use self-publishing to put your 'not-that-good' work out there. Be proud of everything you do...work hard...write hard...and never sell yourself short. Or your book. There is no reason why self-published works should be of any less quality, less value or as epically strong as any traditionally published work.

  We as authors need to ensure that our best is always shown to the reader, regardless of the venue. So as long as it’s the best it can be...the avenue in which it reaches the reader is not the most important thing. 

BOE: Would you like to tell us about your upcoming book?

Jas T. Ward:        I'd love to. Madness, which is the first book in the Shadow-Keepers Series, is a paranormal/romance/horror/thriller. Yeah, all of those. Some are surprised it’s a romance and others are surprised that romance could happen in such twisted horror. I like surprising people. Twists are my thing. 

It's the story of Reno Sundown, who started out as a creative role-playing character and nothing more than a voice in a hero's head. The fans took to Reno instantly and its through their encouragement and support, Reno got his own life.

The book is the love-child of that fan support. He is granted his own life and purpose with the simple warning of staying away from the woman both he and the hero fell in love with- Emma Devenmore. A woman that caused him to stop helping the hero (he was the split personality- the dark side of the hero) and almost caused both of them to be ended. 

He fails in following that simple directive and finally has the woman he loves. But destiny had other plans for Reno and you are shown that inspite of love, not all happy ending happen as they should. Nor is love and compassion enough to keep one's path with destiny at bay. Especially when there are so many dark secrets that have a sway in it all.

It's release date is December 4th of 2013 to both print and eBook from Dead Bound Publishing. I'm really excited about it. The pre-release reviews have been incredible and very humbling. 

BOE: Wow I can’t wait to read this, it sounds exciting. Where can readers find you and your books?

Jas T. Ward:        My first book Bits and Pieces: Tales and Sonnetts (Volume I) can be found on Amazon and Barnes & Noble as well as the publisher's website: www. DeadBoundPublishing.com. 

The same goes for Madness, which is also slated to be on the shelves of fine book retailers. As well as in eBook form. 

My links are:
Facebook
Blog

         We want to thank you again Jas, for stopping by and chatting with us. Sgt Tibbs and I would love to have you back again. And friends don’t forget to check out all of Jas T. Wards works, and mark your calenders for December 4th.

Crimson Reign by JT Cheyanne and VL Moon

         What’s my favorite word? SPOILERS, and yes every time I say it I say it in my best River Song voice (shout out to my fellow Whovians!!).  Back to the subject at hand…

Synopsis:

        A pulse of light preceded the gift of life breathed into the coldest and darkest of souls. Bathed in the glow of celestial love and swathed in a blanket of black satin wings nestled a king among kings, a vampire born to destroy the decay threatening to eradicate the race he was destined to save.

      An angelic heart torn by yearning, suffering and pain throbbed to the rhythm of the life he created; a life prophesied in the scriptures by the Creator’s own hand. A vow of servitude given in blood sealed the fate of a Seraphim's heart and tied it eternally to the creation he craves, protects…loves. 

       Ancient treaties are lost and reborn, rising from the ashes as the Nephilim ravage the vampire race. The deviant desire that soared in Malachi Denali's blood threatens to bring Rome to its knees when Malachi's world, his soul and his heart are brutally shattered and torn apart. 

       Will purity born of an angel's love be enough to calm the savage mind of Malachi Denali? Or will Laziel be doomed to a life of purgatory for loving the life he was gifted to create…

        This is not a HEA, or even a HFN....Who knows what will happen to seal their fate...only time will tell. Vampires, angels, demons and wolves together with love, betrayal, sadness and yearning make up the ongoing story that is... 

The Crimson Nights Saga.



REVIEW:

I, like many others, have loved Lachi and Laz for a very long time. When I found out we were finally going to get to read their story I was thrilled! Then when I got my hands on Crimson Reign and I devoured it. Each word pulling me further and further into this world. From the moment the angel breathed life into Malachi, watching their relationship touched my heart for so many reasons. Several times this book brought me to tears; I actually had to stop and walk away in order to catch my breath. 

There is a lot going on in this story, but JT and VL write it so well I never felt overwhelmed. They effortlessly blend the many characters and story lines so that we the reader have no problem keeping up.

Let’s talk about just a few of the character’s for a moment; Darklon LOVE to hate this guy! Roman, I was sure at first I would chalk up right next to Darklon, but I was pleasantly surprised. There is the fallen Arial, tortured soul, whose story I can’t wait to dive into. Tobias, a wolf thrust into the vampire world, and the human Kimberly. She has been used as a pawn by those who seek the King’s downfall. Also in the book are Copi and Vischeral; two policemen in Alaska one of whom as a connection to the King’s past. 

But there was one character, one that I was so moved by; they broke my heart. There are a couple of scenes that really had me sobbing. I don’t want to say too much, that way those who haven’t read this book yet (So go read it NOW) won’t have it spoiled, but I was torn about them as well. I love this character, yet at the same time I almost felt as if I were betraying another by doing so. If you read the book you will understand.

Let me finish by saying JT and VL are two of my favorite author’s for a reason. They create such beauty with their words, move me, and have me fall in love with these characters till I feel I will burst waiting for the next book, hint hint Ladies,* Winks*


To keep up to date with JT Cheyanne and VL Moon at their website or on Facebook at VL Moon or JT Cheyanne


Buy this book at Amazon or All Romance 

Blog Tour- Double Full by Kindle Alexander

SYNOPSIS:

Up and coming football hero, Colton Michaels, makes a Hail Mary pass one night in the college locker room that results in the hottest, sexiest five days of his young life. However, interference after the play has him hiding his past and burying his future in the bottom of a bottle. While Colt seems to have it all, looks can be deceiving, especially when you’re trapped so far in a closet that you can’t see your way out. When ten years of living his expected fast-lane lifestyle lands him engaged to his manipulative Russian supermodel girlfriend, he decides it’s time to call a new play.

Jace Montgomery single-handily built the largest all-star cheerleading gym in the world, driven by a need to forget a life-altering encounter with a handsome quarterback a decade ago. His reputation as an excellent coach, hard-nosed business man, and savvy entrepreneur earned him respect in the sometimes catty world of competitive cheerleading. When Jace learns of his ex-lover’s plans to marry, his heart executes a barrel roll and his carefully-placed resolve tumbles down without a mat to absorb the shock. Can his island escape help him to finally let go of the past and move his life forward?



QUOTES:


“I’ve never gotten over you. Ever. Not one day passed that I didn’t think about you. For
me, you’re the love of my life. Wherever you are is exactly where I want to be"


"You were made for me, Jace Montgomery"



“Let me tell you what I am sure of, what I want. I want you to fuck me tonight. I want
you inside me. It’s my first time, but I know I liked your finger in my ass when we made out in
the locker room. How do you feel about that?”





"I just know what it’s like to have to deal with a heart broken by you...” Jace said quietly, looking over at Colt with deep, unguarded pain in his eyes. God, he hated that look"


"Last one in bed has to clean us up afterward,” Jace called out and took off running"


"I love you,” Colt declared against Jace’s lips. He truly meant those three little words.
There had never been any doubt in his mind Jace was the only man for him.
      “I love you, too.” Jace made Colt smile. He’d waited so long to hear those words from this man. Too long





Review:   LOTS OF SPOILERS!!!

Let’s just start by saying from the VERY beginning of the book it grabs your attention, and gives you the need for a cold shower!! *fans self* Yes there is smokin’ hot sex in this book, but it isn’t what it is all about.  At start of the story Colton Michaels is college football hero, on his way to the NFL when he decides to finally admit to himself what he truly wants, Jace Montgomery. Jace is a member of the cheerleading squad, but unlike Colt does not hide who he is. After a whirlwind spring break vacation, our guys hit a massive road block, namely Larry Michaels, Colts vicious homophobic father. Who not only beats his own son but threatens the same treatment for Jace as well. In order to protect the man he has fallen in love with, Colt sacrifices his hopes and dreams by severing ties with Jace. 
 
           Over the next ten years both men lived separate very different lives. Jace opened his own cheerleading gym, becoming one of the most sought after coaches in the world. With all his success Jace could never fill the void left by Colt. 

After being first pick in the NFL draft Colt spent years trying to numb the pain of what had lost by sinking into a life of alcohol. Spending years surrounded by a blackmailing succubus a.k.a. fiancé and his money grubbing leech of a father he finally decides to get the help he desperately needs.

       Thanks to fate, and an ESPN interview the men finally make their way back to each other, when the unthinkable happens. Want to know what? Buy the book, ha-ha, sorry I won’t ruin it for you! Let’s just say these two will not let anything come between them again. 

We are also introduced to a very interesting character, Mitch Knox. Who I hope to learn more about, Hint Hint Kindle!! Overall another great accomplishment for one of my favorite author’s Kindle Alexander. Who once again had me falling in love with her characters.

Buy this and other books by Kindle Alexander on Amazon or on Barnes and Noble
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And keep up to date with all things Kindle at her website, Facebook, or Twitter 



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