Author Spotlight
Series Spotlight
Important Announcement for our Followers
To ALL our followers....It is time for Book Lovin' Mamas to make the switch from Blogger to Wordpress.
We do not want to wake up one day and notice that we cannot logon to our blog due to Blogger changing its policies.
We have worked too hard to have that happen...so it is long overdue, we have moved over to our domain.
It will make it easier for YA'LL to find us.
We have already started to post over at the new site...and August 1st will be official day we say GOODBYE to this site for good.
We would love for you to follow us over at our new site because we LOVE and appreciate you all for being with us on our Blogger site.
You can find us now at - booklovinmamas.com
You can even click our blog badge below to go to our new site -
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
We hope to see everyone of you over there and I hope you all are prepared for lots of giveaways coming in August and are prepared for Anna & I's big 30th birthday bash - August 18th-September 5th.
We have lots of stuff to giveaway to you all and we are bringing our 30th birthday in style. =)
GOODBYE Blogger - It was nice while it lasted...but it's time for a BIG change and to make it easier for our followers to find us. =)
Showing posts with label Steampunk. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Steampunk. Show all posts
Thursday, July 18, 2013
Blog Tour: "The Miss Education of Dr. Exeter" by Jillian Stone (Spotlight) + Giveaway
Welcome to our virtual tour stop of Jillian Stone's The Miss Education of Dr. Exeter brought to you by Bewitching Book Tours.
The Seduction of Phaeton Black
(Paranormal Investigator #1)
by: Jillian Stone
Publishing Date: 3/27/12
Publisher: Kensington Brava
Genre: Paranormal Romance with Steampunk elements
Purchase at Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Description:
THE YEAR IS 1889 and Queen Victoria, exemplum of decency and sobriety, is in her fifty-second year of reign. Paranormal Investigator, Phaeton Black, on the other hand, couldn’t be less interested in clean-living.
He has recently taken up residence in the basement flat of London’s most notorious brothel. A dedicated libertine with an aptitude for absinthe, he wrestles with a variety of demons both real and self-inflicted. Unfairly linked to Scotland Yard’s failure to solve the Whitechapel murders, Phaeton is offered a second chance to redeem himself. A mysterious fiend, or vampire is stalking the Strand. After a glass and a consult with the green fairy, he agrees to take on the case.
On his first surveillance, Phaeton pursues an elusive stranger and encounters several curious, horrifying beings. But the most intriguing creature of all is a Cajun beauty who captures him at knifepoint and threatens to spirit away his heart.
The Moonstone and Miss Jones
(Paranormal Investigator #2)
by: Jillian Stone
Publishing Date: 9/25/12
Publisher: Kensington Brava
Genre: Paranormal Romance with steampunk and erotic elements
ISBN-10: 075826898X
ISBN-13: 978-0758268983
Number of pages: 300
Description:
The Moonstone and Miss Jones is the dark and sexy sequel to The Seduction of Phaeton Black. Phaeton returns to England in time to help Doctor Exeter and the mysterious deadly Nightshades rescue London once again––this time from Professor Lovecraft's destructive tinkering.
As the threads of existence begin to unravel, the eccentric scientist attempts to save his son’s deteriorating condition by replacing body parts with mechanical apparatus. Ah, but how to power them? The near mad professor believes he has found a way to unleash the arcane energy inside the Moonstone and he needs Phaeton Black to help him do it.
When Phaeton is shanghaied in Shanghai, America Jones assumes the worst––that he has abandoned her in the Orient. An angry Miss Jones returns to London, where their spirited partnership takes an unexpected turn––a new business venture MOONSTONE INVESTIGATIONS. No uncommon psychical disturbance refused.
Well, why not mix business with pleasure?
The Miss Education of Dr. Exeter
(Paranormal Investigator #3)
by: Jillian Stone
Publishing Date: 6/25/13
Publisher: Kensington Brava
Genre: Paranormal Romance with steampunk and erotic elements
ISBN-10: 0758269005
ISBN-13: 978-0758269003
Number of pages: 320
Purchase at Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Description:
Plunge deeper into the curious world of the deadly Nightshades.
The Moonstone is having a destabilizing effect on the time/space membrane leaving Phaeton trapped in a parallel mirror world where everything is opposite or upside down, yet oddly the same. He is held captive by Domina Valour and tested sorely in this darkly sensual third episode of the Phaeton Black series.
Gaspar Sinclair can't go after Phaeton. His physical body is unraveling before everyone's eyes. America Jones is large with child, but only she has the preternatural ability to locate Phaeton and bring him back. And Doctor Exeter's beautiful charge, Mia, has her claws in him. Quite literally.
To accomplish Phaeton's rescue, the doctor must let loose forces he hasn't the foggiest clue how to control, including his attraction to Mia.
While in the dimension of magnetic opposites, the doctor and Miss Jones attempt to reverse polarity to retrieve Phaeton and stop Gaspar from unraveling. Can America and Phaeton find a way to return together, or will this final test rip them apart forever?
Monday, June 3, 2013
ARC Review: "His Clockwork Canary" by Beth Ciotta
His Clockwork Canary
(The Glorious Victorious Darcys #2)
by: Beth Ciotta
Publishing Date: 6/4/13
Publisher: Signet
Genre: Steampunk Romance
Source: Provided by Publisher via Netgalley
Description:
History is repeating itself.
For ambitious engineer Simon Darcy, winning Queen Victoria’s competition to recover lost inventions of historical significance is a matter of pride—and redemption. After all, it was Simon’s failed monorail project that left his family destitute, and winning the tournament would surely restore the Darcys’ reputation.
Simon sets his sights high, targeting no less than the infamous time-travel device that forever changed the world by transporting scientists, engineers, and artists from the twentieth century. The Mod technology was banned and supposedly destroyed, but Simon is sure he can re-create it.
His daring plan draws the attention of Willie G., the Clockwork Canary, London’s sensationalist reporter. Simon soon discovers that Willie is a male guise for Wilhemina Goodenough, the love of his youth, who left him jilted and bitter. He questions her motives even as he falls prey to her unique charm. As the attraction between the two reignites, Simon realizes that this vixen from his past has secrets that could be the key to his future…as long as he can put their history behind him.
My Review:
I was introduced to the Steampunk genre thanks to Beth Ciotta's first book in the Glorious Victorious Darcys Series and now it has become one genre I must read more often. I was definitely looking forward to Simon Darcy's story and, who he ended up being with.
First, let me just say I have loved the covers of this series and I plan on buying these books in print soon because these books will definitely look great on my book shelves at home.
Beth Ciotta brings you yet another riveting story, and this time it is about Simon Darcy, who is determined to win Queen Victoria's competition with an invention that will definitely have him winning. Simon was one character, who was trying to find a lot of answers in this book, and he ends up hooking up with the one person he should despise due to the person telling a story about his father's demise. Willie G., otherwise known as the Clockwork Canary is known to be a famous reporter, but what people do not know is that he really is a she and she's just trying to be normal. If she does not act like a guy and look normal, she will be seen for what she really is. She is a freak due to what she is and what her parents did. She can do things normal people cannot. She has rainbow colored eyes and she never expected her next story to be her past love, Simon Darcy. She broke his heart and now she has to keep her biggest secret from him still.
Wilhemina Goodenough is definitely a favorite from His Clockwork Canary. She's strong-willed, determined, and down-right stubborn at times in the book. I just adored her. She put herself into such a big dilemma and what I loved most about her is that she ends up proving women can do what men do....and most definitely better.
She puts Simon in his place several times...and I have to say Simon puts her in her place as well. He put her in the place over one thing that I had to agree with him. Do not let family interfere with love and scare you away from what you really want.
Poor Willie was hooked with Simon for one reason and ends up doing something completely different at the end. I am so glad she did not do what she originally was supposed to do.
Beth Ciotta leaves me hanging quite a bit in this story though. I am now fascinated with Simon's twin, Jules and what he is up to. I get a little taste at the end of the previous characters Amelia and her Sky Cowboy. I loved their story. They played a significant part in this book. =)
Poor Simon and Willie G. went through a lot in this book and Willie G actually has to make adjustments to what happened to her. (I have to give her props because she saved Simon in this book) Have I said it enough, how much I adored her in this book.
I definitely liked her better than Simon. Simon had his moments where he was a pain, but he had his reasons. I feel bad for him because he found out secrets in this book that he thought he knew his twin better and his family better.
I look forward to the next installment in this series. I want to know more about Jules and several other characters.
I give this book 4.5 moons and highly recommend it to steampunk readers out there. This definitely is one book that will intrigue you from the first page to the last page.
Beth Ciotta did a fabulous job again in the second book in the Glorious Victorious Darcys books. I cannot wait for Jules story. He definitely sounds like he may become a favorite Darcy of mine due to what I found out about him in this book. =)
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Friday, May 10, 2013
Interview & Giveaway with Bec McMaster
Welcome to our stop on Bec McMaster's "Heart of Iron" Blog Tour brought to you by Sourcebooks.
(BM): 1. I would love to complete all the major treks in the world - Kilimanjaro, Everest Base Camp etc.
2. The scariest thing I've ever read was Watership Down. I was five. I never read it again.
3. I love men with dark hair but these sexy blond heroes keep popping into my mind.
4. Buffy was–and still is–one of my favorite shows.
5. There's a little bit of Spike in Blade, my hero from Kiss of Steel.
2. What does a typical writing day look for you?
(BM): I work part-time, so on those days I get up early to get a little writing in before I go to work. On my at-home days, I usually get up a bit later, walk the dog, check my emails and do all of the non-writing things you don't realize come with the job, like Facebook, Twitter, updating my website, blog pieces, interviews, answering emails etc. I usually try to get all this done by 10-11am, then it's onto the work in progress. Write until my boyfriend gets home or I remember it's time to cook tea, then go to the gym. There's a lot of staring at the wall and drinking cups of tea in there too.
3. Tell us a little bit about Heart of Iron and why readers should check it out?
(BM): Heart of Iron is set in my steamy, alternate Victorian London where the blue bloods of the Echelon rule with an iron fist - and an automaton army. Blood is a form of currency and humans are seen as little more than cattle - the best outcome for a debutante is to make a thrall contract, where she will be looked after and cherished by her master for the rest of her life, for the small price of her blood.
In this world, Lena Todd has returned to the Echelon but it's not the fairytale aristocracy she remembers and after a vicious attack she's desperate to find some way to change the circumstances. Spying for the humanist movement that's haunting London's elite becomes a way for her to take some semblance of control over her life. Until Will Carver - the dangerous, handsome brute who once made it quite clear he doesn't desire her - catches her with a coded letter in hand. He knows she's up to something dangerous, and he's determined to protect her at any cost. Even if that means seducing the truth from her.
Why should readers check it out? Hot, tortured hero with a dark past? Check. Flirtatious young heroine who drives him insane? Check. An obsessive duke? Explosions? An entire horde of smoking-hot Scandinavian verwulfen clansmen? Check, check, check.
4. What was the easiest and hardest scene to write in Heart of Iron?
(BM): The easiest scene was the ballroom scene, where Lena first realizes that what she's looking for in life can't be found in the Echelon. It's my Cinderella scene, complete with her fleeing down the stairs and a gorgeous pink ball gown. No shoe however. Only a hunky verwulfen hero who wants to steal a kiss.
As for the hardest scene, that would have to be the scene where Will thinks Lena is going to die *smiles*. I love writing emotion and trying to rip a character's heart out, but it's really different writing it from a male POV, because honestly, they think differently to female characters - and therefore me. Especially coming from Will, who has no real understanding of emotions or human interactions. It was fun, but very grueling.
5. How many books do you have planned for the London Steampunk Series?
(BM): Right now I'm contracted for five and that will close out my arc for this part of the series. It's open-ended in my mind, but I always believe that you can't drag out a particular storyline for too long or readers would start getting bored. So if it went beyond five, it would feature a new series arc - and of course, that depends on the readers.
6. Every cover for the London Steampunk books are GORGEOUS! Do you have a favorite?
(BM): Every book I pray to the Cover Gods and so far they've been extremely good to me. Gene Mollica is an amazing artist and can totally take what's in my mind and put it on a book cover. How do you choose a favorite?!? I adore the colors and dark, gritty streets of London on Kiss of Steel (Paul Marron doesn't hurt either, although Blade was a blond), Heart of Iron's burning background is so perfect for what's going on in the story and My Lady Quicksilver—oh my, Mercury's dress is sheer gorgeousness.
7. What inspired you to write the London Steampunk Series?
(BM): I love vampires, but I really wanted to explore the whole vampires-as-monsters mythos to give it a darker, edgier feel. The blue bloods of the Echelon are gorgeous, silk-clad lords, but they're still violent and blood-thirsty and perfectly willing to cut a throat or two. Once the craving virus that makes them what they are evolves, so do they—into vampires. And they're not handsome, or emo or even slightly human, they are monsters. Driven solely by the crushing blood thirst and need. As a blue blood, that evolution is the only thing they – and everyone else – fears.
8. What kind of research did you have to do for the series?
(BM): There were several things that I researched specifically for this book, though not all of those facts made it into the manuscript. I was interested in Scandinavia, as my verwulfen clans came from there and they play a middling role in Heart of Iron. Most notably I wanted to know what the military looked like; their uniforms etc. and the political structure of Scandinavia (before I changed parts of it). I also did some research on bombs, the mechanics of clockworks and Viking berserkers, which should give you some ideas into the plot - or completely confuse you.
9. What is up next for Bec McMaster?
(BM): My Lady Quicksilver is out in October and features the dutiful Master of the Nighthawks, rogue bluebloods who hunt the streets of London for felons, and a certain masked revolutionary he's been charged to bring in. It's about lies and secrets and learning that the thing you thought you hated most is the one thing that will make you happy. Mercury—my revolutionary—is a very hardened, sexual heroine who walks a dubious line and I had a lot of fun bringing her to life. As for Lynch, my hero, well, let's just say capturing Mercury becomes something of an obsession for him...
10. Do you have anything specific you want to tell your readers?
(BM): Want a sneak peak of the world and the events leading up to Heart of Iron? I have a free novella available for download at my website, called Tarnished Knight and featuring a secondary couple from Kiss of Steel. Consider it “1.5” in the series, however it's only free for a limited time so get in quick!
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
Kobo
Smashwords
Fun Speed Questions:
11. Coffee or Hot Tea
(BM): Hot tea.
12. Summer or Winter
(BM): Winter.
13. Sunrise or Sunset
(BM): Sunset.
14. Mountains or Beach
(BM): Mountains.
15. Rock N' Roll or Country Music (or another genre of music you may like)
(BM): Alternative.
Heart of Iron
(London Steampunk #2)
by: Bec McMaster
Publishing Date: 5/7/13
Publisher: Sourcebooks
Genre: Steampunk PNR
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Books-a-Million | IndieBound | Chapters/Indigo | Discover a New Love | Sourcebooks
Description:
In the mist-shrouded streets of London’s dreaded Whitechapel district, werewolves, vampires and a clockwork army are one step away from battle…
NO ONE TO TRUST
Lena Todd is the perfect spy. Nobody suspects the flirtatious debutante could be a rebel against London’s vicious elite—not even the ruthless Will Carver, the one man she can’t twist around her little finger.
Will Carver, is more than man, he’s a verwulfen and he wants nothing to do with the dangerous beauty who drives him to the very edge of control. But when he finds Lena in possession of a coded letter, he realizes she’s in a world of trouble. To protect her, he’ll have to seduce the truth from her before it’s too late.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
“Deftly blends elements of steampunk and vampire romance with brilliantly successful results…darkly atmospheric and delectably sexy.” –Booklist, starred review for KISS OF STEEL
Award-winning author Bec McMaster lives in a small town in Australia and grew up with her nose in a book. A member of RWA, she writes sexy, dark paranormals and steampunk romance. When not writing, reading, or poring over travel brochures, she loves spending time with her very own hero or daydreaming about new worlds. The third book in the London Steampunk series, My Lady Quicksilver will be in stores in October 2013. Read more about her at www.becmcmaster.com or follow her on Twitter @BecMcMaster.
GIVEAWAY is open to U.S. and Canada Residents Only.
Winner will be announced on 5/17/13.
Winner will be announced on 5/17/13.
ARC Review: "Heart of Iron" by Bec McMaster
Heart of Iron
(London Steampunk #2)
by: Bec McMaster
Publishing Date: 5/7/13
Publisher: Sourcebooks
Genre: Steampunk PNR
Source: Netgalley
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Books-a-Million | IndieBound | Chapters/Indigo | Powell's | Book Depository
Description:
In Victorian London, if you’re not a blue blood of the Echelon then you’re nothing at all. The Great Houses rule the city with an iron fist, imposing their strict ‘blood taxes’ on the nation, and the Queen is merely a puppet on a string…
Lena Todd makes the perfect spy. Nobody suspects the flirtatious debutante could be a sympathizer for the humanist movement haunting London’s vicious blue blood elite. Not even the ruthless Will Carver, the one man she can’t twist around her little finger, and the one man whose kiss she can’t forget…
Stricken with the loupe and considered little more than a slave-without-a-collar to the blue bloods, Will wants nothing to do with the Echelon or the dangerous beauty who drives him to the very edge of control. But when he finds a coded letter on Lena—a code that matches one he saw on a fire-bombing suspect—he realizes she’s in trouble. To protect her, he must seduce the truth from her.
With the humanists looking to start a war with the Echelon, Lena and Will must race against time—and an automaton army—to stop the humanist plot before it’s too late. But as they fight to save a city on the brink of revolution, the greatest danger might just be to their hearts…
My Review:
Usually when I read out of order, I get the eye twitch and the brain telling me, YOU are in the wrong for reading out of order....but this time I did not. In fact, when I read the synopsis of Lena and Will's story I was intrigued to find out about them...and that is why I read this book before the first book.
Bec McMaster's "Heart of Iron" was so good that I found myself sleep deprived, drinking lots of coffee, and forgetting about the real world around me. My husband would try to talk to me and I would literally give him the evil eye and he would back off. (He should know by now not to mess with the red head while she is reading...but he never learns) I loved Will and Lena's story and will be reading the rest of the series...and of course going back to the first book this summer when I have some free time between college classes and moving.
Bec McMaster is a new author to me and I definitely loved her writing style. I just got an interest for the Steampunk genre and now I am officially hooked. There is no looking back for me. I am obsessed and Bec definitely helps my obsession get worst. From the first page to the very last page I was on the edge of my seat. I will not spoil the story and talk about what happened. Instead, I'm going to go over everything I loved and why I gave the story 5 full moons.
One...I loved Will...he is one male not to mess with and he has his reasons why. The poor chap had his hands full with being second-in-command of Blade and trying to avoid the beautiful Lena. He stole my heart the minute his story started to unravel and why he was so dangerous.
Lena is definitely one female character who is going on my list of FAVE kick-butt females. Here this woman went through so much in this book and she managed to get through it all, even when she put herself in those predicaments. She did not know who to trust though and I could not blame her. What happened to her in the end...she embraced it and managed to get through everything.
I loved Bec McMaster's take on the vampires and how they are not to be messed with, but feared. She has a whole entire new world that I cannot wait to fall in love with more.
The villain in this story had me wanting to punch his lights out for Lena, but she managed quite well to put the man in his place...with some help.
The ending of this book was a doozy. I literally was on the edge of my seat with the characters.
There is so much action in this book, you will have a hard time putting down this book. You have the blue bloods, the Norwegians, the humanists...etc.
I give this book 5 full moons and highly recommend it to steampunk romance readers and paranormal readers out there.
I have found yet another author who is going on my auto-buy list now and I look forward to the next book in the series and everything else that Bec McMaster decides to write.
If you have not checked out this series, you are missing out.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the Publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Usually when I read out of order, I get the eye twitch and the brain telling me, YOU are in the wrong for reading out of order....but this time I did not. In fact, when I read the synopsis of Lena and Will's story I was intrigued to find out about them...and that is why I read this book before the first book.
Bec McMaster's "Heart of Iron" was so good that I found myself sleep deprived, drinking lots of coffee, and forgetting about the real world around me. My husband would try to talk to me and I would literally give him the evil eye and he would back off. (He should know by now not to mess with the red head while she is reading...but he never learns) I loved Will and Lena's story and will be reading the rest of the series...and of course going back to the first book this summer when I have some free time between college classes and moving.
Bec McMaster is a new author to me and I definitely loved her writing style. I just got an interest for the Steampunk genre and now I am officially hooked. There is no looking back for me. I am obsessed and Bec definitely helps my obsession get worst. From the first page to the very last page I was on the edge of my seat. I will not spoil the story and talk about what happened. Instead, I'm going to go over everything I loved and why I gave the story 5 full moons.
One...I loved Will...he is one male not to mess with and he has his reasons why. The poor chap had his hands full with being second-in-command of Blade and trying to avoid the beautiful Lena. He stole my heart the minute his story started to unravel and why he was so dangerous.
Lena is definitely one female character who is going on my list of FAVE kick-butt females. Here this woman went through so much in this book and she managed to get through it all, even when she put herself in those predicaments. She did not know who to trust though and I could not blame her. What happened to her in the end...she embraced it and managed to get through everything.
I loved Bec McMaster's take on the vampires and how they are not to be messed with, but feared. She has a whole entire new world that I cannot wait to fall in love with more.
The villain in this story had me wanting to punch his lights out for Lena, but she managed quite well to put the man in his place...with some help.
The ending of this book was a doozy. I literally was on the edge of my seat with the characters.
There is so much action in this book, you will have a hard time putting down this book. You have the blue bloods, the Norwegians, the humanists...etc.
I give this book 5 full moons and highly recommend it to steampunk romance readers and paranormal readers out there.
I have found yet another author who is going on my auto-buy list now and I look forward to the next book in the series and everything else that Bec McMaster decides to write.
If you have not checked out this series, you are missing out.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the Publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Thursday, November 8, 2012
Interview & Giveaway with Beth Ciotta
Please give a warm welcome to Beth Ciotta to Book Lovin' Mamas today, where we got to interview her about her latest release, "Her Sky Cowboy" that just came out November 6th. =)
1. Tell us a little bit about yourself.
BC: Hmm. I have to say, I’ve been blessed and have led a pretty interesting life—well at least to me! Have I got stories! But in the interest of space, I’ll just offer some basics. My background is in entertainment. I made my living for several years as a professional performer—singing, acting, dancing—and then suddenly, due to my love of reading, the writing bug bit me and my life took a spin! I started writing and pursuing a career in publishing in 1994. It’s been a wild ride and I have loved every minute of it! Don’t get me wrong, there have been multiple disappointments along the way, but nothing that could snuff my burning desire to write romantic adventures. The good times outweigh the bad by far and nothing brings me more joy than sharing my tales with readers. Aside from writing, I now also work at my local library—a dream day gig! I live on the Jersey Shore and feel blessed that my house is still standing post Hurricane Sandy. I’m obsessed with my two dogs and cat (all shelter recuses) and I’m crazy in love with my real-life Prince Charming, my husband, Steve.
2. Tell us a little bit about "Her Sky Cowboy" and how you came up with the idea of the book?
BC: I recently saw “Her Sky Cowboy” included in a list of upcoming books that were classified as “Genre-Benders”. I never thought about the story like that, but can easily see how the term applies. “Her Sky Cowboy” and all the books that will follow in the series are a mash-up of several genres and sub-genres, including: Romance, Historical, Steampunk, Paranormal, Sci-Fi, Time Travel, Victorian England, American Wild West, and a dash of the 1960s! This ‘mash-up’ wasn’t calculated on my part. It happened naturally as the story developed in my mind and on the page. It all started with the lone phrase: The Glorious Victorious Darcys. Which is now the series title. To me, that catchy phrase suggested: Victorian England, a quirky, adventurous family, and a global treasure hunt. Everything else grew from there. Here’s my initial overall pitch. In celebration of Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee (1887), an anonymous benefactor promises fame and fortune to the first man or woman who discovers and donates a technological ‘invention’ of historical significance to her majesty’s British Museum in honor of her beloved deceased husband, Prince Albert. Jules Darcy, Simon Darcy, and unbeknownst to them, their sister, Amelia Darcy set off in search of three different ‘lost’ legendary inventions. Whilst on their quest, all three fall prey to a sizzling romance and forever love. In the end, one sibling will bring glory to the British Empire, another scandal, while the third becomes an unwitting accomplice in a plot to assassinate the Queen. Will love or technology save the day? Will the Darcys prevail or perish? Passion and adventure abound in these humorous steampunk-ish tales. “Her Sky Cowboy” is Amelia’s adventure!
3. Do you have any writing traditions when writing a book? (Do you have to listen to music, etc.)
BC: I prefer total silence when I write—which I get in my writing room. However sometimes I write at a desk downstairs and if my husband is watching TV, the ear buds go in and I listen to instrumental music—Celtic, new age, movie scores…. I also enjoy collecting photos that inspire me for whatever story I’m working on and I tack those to a memo board hanging above my desk. As a visual person, sometimes that really helps to set my mood.
4. What's the hardest part of writing for you?
BC: Writing fast enough! My process is a slow one and a little quirky. I can’t progress to the next scene until the scene I’m working on truly ‘clicks’ with me. Every word doesn’t have to be perfect, but the emotional tone and plotting point does. Also research was a major player in this story. So much that I had to learn, to know before moving ahead. Something I learn while researching often directs my next move or sheds light on an upcoming scene.
5. Finish this sentence: If I'm not writing, I'm probably...
walking or playing with my dogs.
6. How many books do you have planned for the Glorious Victorious Darcys?
BC: I have definite dates for an e-novella and another full-length novel. And I’m anticipating a third novel as well as hoping for a spin-off trilogy. For now and for sure, mark your calendars for HIS BROKEN ANGEL (May 2013) and HIS CLOCKWORK CANARY (June 2013)!
7. How long have you been writing and who or what inspired you to start?
BC: I stared writing in 1994. What inspired me? Rediscovering my love of romance novels. I read romances when I was in high school but then drifted to mysteries and thriller for quite some time. On a whim, one night, I bought a historical romance by Johanna Lindsey. I devoured that story and by the end, I burned with a new passion and desire. All I could think was: I want to do this. I want to write stories that will make people feel like I feel right now. And so it began!
8. If you could have dinner with one famous person dead or alive, who would it be and why?
BC: I started to say Shakespeare, but I think I’ll go with Elvis. I have had a mad crush on that man since I was a little girl. Aside from being so very dreamy, I think he was an amazing musician and performer. Having dinner with him, experiencing all that charisma one-on-one, well, that would be pretty darn amazing. That’s if I didn’t faint.
9. If you could travel to anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
BC: I’ve been extremely fortunate. My husband and I love to travel. Aside from various places in the United States and Canada, I have been to England, Scotland, Austria, Switzerland, France, and Italy. I loved them all. My dream spot to live is England or Scotland. A dream spot I’ve yet to visit is Alaska and Ireland.
10. Is there any specific you would like to say to the readers out there?
BC: I’m so grateful for the support of so many readers over the years, and I’m hoping everyone will come along for this fantastic “Genre-Bender” ride! For those who would like to keep in touch regarding my life and work, here’s where you can find me!
Website: www.bethciotta.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BethCiottaBooks
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BethCiotta
Blog: http://bethciotta.blogspot.com/
Quick Short Answer Questions
11. Favorite Restaurant…
Any Chinese restaurant! ☺
12. Favorite Place to Write/Read…
For writing—My writing room. It’s filled with inspiring posters, books and keepsakes. For reading—my sofa!
13. Favorite Movie…
Gah. How to choose? I’ll name two. “Shakespeare in Love” and “Braveheart”
14. Favorite Singer/Band …
Bette Midler
15. Favorite TV Show…
Right now? Downton Abbey. Classic choice? The Dick Van Dyke Show
(The Glorious Victorious Darcys #1)
by: Beth Ciotta
Publishing Date: 11/6/12
Publisher: Signet
Genre: Steampunk
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kindle | Nook | BAM
Description:
Amelia Darcy has no interest in marrying well. Her heart belongs to the sky and the dirigibles of brass and steel that swoop over Victorian England. But when her father, an eccentric inventor, dies, the Darcy siblings are left with scrap metal—and not a penny to their names. Their only hope to save the family name and fortune is to embark on a contest to discover an invention of historical importance in honor of Queen Victoria. Armed with only her father’s stories of a forgotten da Vinci workshop, a mechanically enhanced falcon, and an Italian cook, Amelia takes flight for Florence, Italy. But her quest is altered when her kitecycle crashes into the air ship of ex–Air Marshal—and scandalous dime novel hero—Tucker Gentry. Challenged by political unrest, a devious sky pirate, and their own sizzling attraction, Amelia and Tuck are dragged into an international conspiracy that could change the course of history…again.
Storytelling comes naturally to award-winning author Beth Ciotta. Limiting herself to one sub-genre does not. Dubbed “fun and sexy” by Publisher’s Weekly, Beth specializes in writing Romantic Comedy with a Twist of Suspense and is published in contemporary, historical, and paranormal romantic fiction. “I can’t think of anything more fulfilling than writing stories where everyone (except the villain, of course) gets a happy ending!”
Beth lives in New Jersey with her husband, two zany dogs, and one crazy cat. Although writing takes up most of her time, she still performs occasionally as a singer, character actress, emcee, and storyteller. To support literacy, Beth also works at her local library.
Now here's your chance to a paperback copy of "Her Sky Cowboy" by Beth Ciotta.
Just fill out the Rafflecopter below.
Winner will be announced on 11/15
ARC Review: "Her Sky Cowboy" by Beth Ciotta
Her Sky Cowboy
(The Glorious Victorious Darcys #1)
by: Beth Ciotta
Publishing Date: 11/6/12
Publisher: Signet
Genre: Steampunk
Source: ARC Provided by Author
Description:
Amelia Darcy has no interest in marrying well. Her heart belongs to the sky and the dirigibles of brass and steel that swoop over Victorian England. But when her father, an eccentric inventor, dies, the Darcy siblings are left with scrap metal—and not a penny to their names. Their only hope to save the family name and fortune is to embark on a contest to discover an invention of historical importance in honor of Queen Victoria. Armed with only her father’s stories of a forgotten da Vinci workshop, a mechanically enhanced falcon, and an Italian cook, Amelia takes flight for Florence, Italy. But her quest is altered when her kitecycle crashes into the air ship of ex–Air Marshal—and scandalous dime novel hero—Tucker Gentry. Challenged by political unrest, a devious sky pirate, and their own sizzling attraction, Amelia and Tuck are dragged into an international conspiracy that could change the course of history…again.
Amelia Darcy has no interest in marrying well. Her heart belongs to the sky and the dirigibles of brass and steel that swoop over Victorian England. But when her father, an eccentric inventor, dies, the Darcy siblings are left with scrap metal—and not a penny to their names. Their only hope to save the family name and fortune is to embark on a contest to discover an invention of historical importance in honor of Queen Victoria. Armed with only her father’s stories of a forgotten da Vinci workshop, a mechanically enhanced falcon, and an Italian cook, Amelia takes flight for Florence, Italy. But her quest is altered when her kitecycle crashes into the air ship of ex–Air Marshal—and scandalous dime novel hero—Tucker Gentry. Challenged by political unrest, a devious sky pirate, and their own sizzling attraction, Amelia and Tuck are dragged into an international conspiracy that could change the course of history…again.
My Review:
Let me first say, this was my first ever Steampunk novel that I've read...and it definitely will not be my last. I was intrigued by the description of "Her Sky Cowboy" and looked forward to diving into this new series by Beth Ciotta. "Her Sky Cowboy" is definitely a book that will take you back in time, but with a twist of time-travel and how if the past is altered...things will definitely change and not everyone is willing to accept it. Although, there are some people who will thrive for the change and will want more to change their future.
Amelia Darcy has always had a fascination with what her father comes up with, especially when it involves the sky. Her family's world comes to a complete halt though when her father dies from one of his inventions he was working on. She blames herself on what happened to her father since she was always there to lend a hand with his inventions.
One day, she reads the newspaper on how they are looking for one person to find an invention of historical importance" to honor Queen Victoria. Amelia and her brothers are definitely wanting to win this contest since they want to save their family name and their fortune. They were deemed just like their father who always seemed to not have inventions to kept up to their standards. Amelia has her own idea on one invention that could help her family and it's in Italy, but she'll have to go on her own since her brothers are already made their minds up that Amelia needs to be home with their Mother.
Amelia of course does not listen, and instead embarks on her own journey to save the family.
She ends up almost getting killed on her invention when her kitecycle runs into the one only, Tucker Gentry, otherwise known as the Sky Cowboy. Amelia knows his stories very well and is intrigued with his airship "Maverick". She knows his past and how he is trying to right his wrongs that he never really did.
Tucker ends up taking Amelia onboard and saving her and of course his crew are not very happy about it...especially the engineer.
Tucker has no idea what Amelia was doing in the first place out in the sky with a contraption that was not meant to fly that far.
Amelia will find herself not only on an adventure to find the invention that she believes will save her family, but will find her life in endanger several times, plus several people who want to kidnap her for someone else. Someone who believes she may know something about a very significant importance.
She'll also have to deal with falling in love with the Sky Cowboy, which she never thought would happen.
Bring on flying horses, pirates, people who can control the weather, and the past & the future mingling together...and you will have one extravagant adventure with the beautiful Amelia and her very handsome, Sky Cowboy, Tucker, and his crew.
You'll have a hard time putting down this book that mingles the Victorian Era and the 1960s era together. You'll also find out some things that no one thought possible. New Inventions popping up that not even the 21st century has had yet.
Be prepared to be blown away in this intriguing new series by Beth Ciotta.
I definitely loved this world that Beth created and I cannot wait to read the next one. I want to know more about the Darcy family and maybe hopefully the crew onboard the "Maverick".
There is a lot going on this book and I recommend when you do read it, pay attention, otherwise you will get lost. There is so much going on, you'll be fascinated from page 1 to the very end.
What did I think about the actual characters...Amelia was stubborn at times, but she was one strong-willed woman who just wanted to prove to everyone she could help her family. Tucker, Amelia's Sky Cowboy, was very strong for putting up with Amelia and he had his own baggage to take care of.
I would also like to say, I loved all of Tucker's crews names; Doc Blue, Axel, Starman...and so many others that I loved.
I recommend this book to anyone who loves the steampunk genre, or anyone who loves time travel and adventure. You'll definitely want more after you read this book.
It was one addicting book that made me wish I could time travel (but of course just observe...)
I was provided a complimentary copy of "Her Sky Cowboy" from the Author in exchange for an honest review.
Let me first say, this was my first ever Steampunk novel that I've read...and it definitely will not be my last. I was intrigued by the description of "Her Sky Cowboy" and looked forward to diving into this new series by Beth Ciotta. "Her Sky Cowboy" is definitely a book that will take you back in time, but with a twist of time-travel and how if the past is altered...things will definitely change and not everyone is willing to accept it. Although, there are some people who will thrive for the change and will want more to change their future.
Amelia Darcy has always had a fascination with what her father comes up with, especially when it involves the sky. Her family's world comes to a complete halt though when her father dies from one of his inventions he was working on. She blames herself on what happened to her father since she was always there to lend a hand with his inventions.
One day, she reads the newspaper on how they are looking for one person to find an invention of historical importance" to honor Queen Victoria. Amelia and her brothers are definitely wanting to win this contest since they want to save their family name and their fortune. They were deemed just like their father who always seemed to not have inventions to kept up to their standards. Amelia has her own idea on one invention that could help her family and it's in Italy, but she'll have to go on her own since her brothers are already made their minds up that Amelia needs to be home with their Mother.
Amelia of course does not listen, and instead embarks on her own journey to save the family.
She ends up almost getting killed on her invention when her kitecycle runs into the one only, Tucker Gentry, otherwise known as the Sky Cowboy. Amelia knows his stories very well and is intrigued with his airship "Maverick". She knows his past and how he is trying to right his wrongs that he never really did.
Tucker ends up taking Amelia onboard and saving her and of course his crew are not very happy about it...especially the engineer.
Tucker has no idea what Amelia was doing in the first place out in the sky with a contraption that was not meant to fly that far.
Amelia will find herself not only on an adventure to find the invention that she believes will save her family, but will find her life in endanger several times, plus several people who want to kidnap her for someone else. Someone who believes she may know something about a very significant importance.
She'll also have to deal with falling in love with the Sky Cowboy, which she never thought would happen.
Bring on flying horses, pirates, people who can control the weather, and the past & the future mingling together...and you will have one extravagant adventure with the beautiful Amelia and her very handsome, Sky Cowboy, Tucker, and his crew.
You'll have a hard time putting down this book that mingles the Victorian Era and the 1960s era together. You'll also find out some things that no one thought possible. New Inventions popping up that not even the 21st century has had yet.
Be prepared to be blown away in this intriguing new series by Beth Ciotta.
I definitely loved this world that Beth created and I cannot wait to read the next one. I want to know more about the Darcy family and maybe hopefully the crew onboard the "Maverick".
There is a lot going on this book and I recommend when you do read it, pay attention, otherwise you will get lost. There is so much going on, you'll be fascinated from page 1 to the very end.
What did I think about the actual characters...Amelia was stubborn at times, but she was one strong-willed woman who just wanted to prove to everyone she could help her family. Tucker, Amelia's Sky Cowboy, was very strong for putting up with Amelia and he had his own baggage to take care of.
I would also like to say, I loved all of Tucker's crews names; Doc Blue, Axel, Starman...and so many others that I loved.
I recommend this book to anyone who loves the steampunk genre, or anyone who loves time travel and adventure. You'll definitely want more after you read this book.
It was one addicting book that made me wish I could time travel (but of course just observe...)
I was provided a complimentary copy of "Her Sky Cowboy" from the Author in exchange for an honest review.
Subscribe to:
Posts
(Atom)
