Hate to Love You
by Elise Alden. Carina Press. 2014. Review copy from publisher. New Adult.
The Plot: Paisley has a "slutty reputation" (her words) but is still "technically" a virgin. Technically isn't good enough: Paisley is pregnant.
Paisley meets her sister's fiance, who is as snobby as Paisley's sister. It's mutual annoyance (but also attraction) from the start.
Which is why Paisley pretends to be her sister and sleeps with the fiance, James.
Paisley doesn't have a supportive or loving family. Which may explain why she slept with James. It also explains why Paisley decides to share the truth - she slept with James - at the wedding reception. It also explains why she decides to tell a lie -- that James is her baby's father.
All hell breaks lose, helped along by the cell phone videos of her epic announcement. In the aftermath, Paisley gives her baby to James and leaves.
It's seven years later, and Paisley is back. Determined to establish a relationship with her son. But will James forgive her?
The Good: Let's start with I LOVED THIS BOOK. If the plot sounds like twelve kinds of soap opera meets a Lifetime movie meets a Syfy show, you'd be right and that's what makes it AWESOME and AMAZING.
First, yes, it's a traditional New Adult book which means plenty of sexytimes.
Now, as I get into things, you may be saying, but Liz, you're telling me too much! Spoilers, sweetie. Actually, all the information above? The reader knows that from the start! Part of why I loved this book is even thought I knew what was going to happen, I still had to turn the pages, wanting to know why and how it was going to happen. About half of the book is explaining just how James and Paisley ended up in bed together; and half is Paisley, seven years later, trying to get her life back.
The first half: I won't go into too many details about the epic night, except to say heavy drinking and black out curtains so that the bedroom is total darkness. (I KNOW.) (And if right now you're thinking about things like logic, like "wait, how can he be so drunk that he can't tell this isn't his fiance's body, that's just not making sense," part of the answer is "Caroline is such a good girl that he wasn't getting any action before this so he didn't know.") (I KNOW.)
The kind of middle, the wedding reception where she announces she slept with James and is having his baby, is noteworthy because of the videos people take of her. Not only does the video go viral, but it inspired a lot of people to use important family occasions to announce secrets to their families. Also on video. EPIC.
In a nutshell, first-half Paisley is a bit of a mess. There's a reason why she has a "slutty reputation" (I really hate the word slut, but Paisley uses it, so it's here in quotes), and that is slowly revealed. (Semi spoilery - there is a tragic backstory AND her family is just awful.) (No, seriously, so awful that by the end, any sympathy I had for Caroline was gone.) In a way, the disaster of the wedding reception and losing her son and her family wanting nothing to do with her is the best thing to happen to Paisley. She leaves England and in the seven years (which aren't shown in the book) Paisley sobers up, continues her education, and gets her act together.
Once back in England.... let's just say this is the type of book that the only job in the entire country that Paisley can get is at the place where James works. Working for him. (I KNOW).
So the second half is Paisley trying to prove to James she's changed, yet there's the attraction with James, and FEELINGS and SEXYTIMES.
But Liz, you may be saying. I get the soap opera and Lifetime references, but Syfy?
Did I mention the kind of psychic powers that Paisley has, and the sort of psychic connection she has with James?
Yes, this book had a lot going on. But you know what? I kept turning the pages. I wanted, no, needed, to find out what happened next and why and how. Paisley was working against such a stacked deck, was such an underdog, that I was understanding of her self-destructive behavior and hopeful that she'd have a happy ending. And at the same time... this was a roller coaster of "what the hell just happened" and I really enjoy that type of book!
Other reviews:
Dear Author;
Harlequin Junkies;
Shh Moms Reading;
Confessions from Romaholics.
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© Elizabeth Burns of
A Chair, A Fireplace & A Tea Cozy
Alison Packard is celebrating the release of her new Carina Press romance, Love in the Afternoon. As a reformed soap junky, I am delighted to be able to chat with her. Please welcome her today.
[Manga Maniac Cafe] Describe yourself in 140 characters or less.
[Alison Packard] Book loving introvert, daughter, sister, aunt and author of contemporary romance.
[Manga Maniac Cafe] Can you tell us a little about Love in the Afternoon?
[Alison Packard] Love in the Afternoon is a contemporary romance set in Hollywood where Sean Barrett and Kayla Maxwell, two actors on the country’s most popular daytime drama, fall in love when their characters are paired together on the show. Soon Sean and Kayla are living in their own soap opera, complete with a jealous co-worker, a controlling father, and a mysterious stalker who just might want Kayla dead.
[Manga Maniac Cafe] How did you come up with the concept and the characters for the story?
[Alison Packard] As a long time viewer of soaps, I’d often wondered if the actors on the shows I watched ever fell for each other in real life. And with that thought, the idea for this novel was born.
[Manga Maniac Cafe] What three words best describe Kayla?
[Alison Packard] Talented, genuine and humble
[Manga Maniac Cafe] If Sean had a theme song, what would it be?
[Alison Packard] Sean loves to surf, so I have to go with Catch a Wave, by the Beach Boys.
[Manga Maniac Cafe] Name one thing Kayla won’t leave the house without.
[Alison Packard] Sunglasses. There’s a lot of sunshine in Los Angeles.
[Manga Maniac Cafe] What three things will you never find in Sean’s bedroom?
[Alison Packard] A photograph of his father, a mirror on the ceiling, stuffed animals
[Manga Maniac Cafe] What is Sean’s greatest regret?
[Alison Packard] Sean’s biggest regret is not carrying out his mother’s last request of him.
[Manga Maniac Cafe] What are your greatest creative influences?
[Alison Packard] Probably every romance author whose books I’ve ever read! LOL. I’m a huge fan of Susan Elizabeth Phillips, Nora Roberts, Julie James and Rachel Gibson so I’d have to say these marvelous authors have most definitely been an influence.
[Manga Maniac Cafe] What three things do you need in order to write?
[Alison Packard] My computer, silence, and snacks (preferably chocolate).
[Manga Maniac Cafe] What is the last book that you read that knocked your socks off?
[Alison Packard] Wow. That’s a tough one. I haven’t had a chance to read as much as I used to, but the last book I literally couldn’t put down was T is for Trespass by Sue Grafton. I’ve read all the previous books in her Kinsey Milhone series and in my opinion this one was, by far, the best.
[Manga Maniac Cafe] If you had to pick one book that turned you on to reading, which would it be?
[Alison Packard] I’ve been turned on to reading since I was a kid so there isn’t any one book that I can give you made me think, hey, I want to do more of this reading thing. From the very beginning, reading has been one of the greatest pleasures of my life.
[Manga Maniac Cafe] What do you like to do when you aren’t writing?
[Alison Packard] Besides reading and writing, I enjoy watching movies and sports (San Francisco Giants, 2012 World Champions…just sayin’), shopping and spending time with my friends and family.
[Manga Maniac Cafe] How can readers connect with you?
[Alison Packard] Readers can connect with me at:
My website: www.alisonpackard.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Alleyfics
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Alison-Packard-Official
[Manga Maniac Cafe] Thank you!
You can order Love in the Afternoon from your favorite book seller or by clicking the link below:
About the book:
pKayla Maxwell is eager to shed her slasher-flick bimbo image—and she plans to do just that in her new role on daytime’s most popular soap. With a chance to showcase her dramatic range, Kayla will be able to wash away the lingering betrayal and public humiliation left by her controlling, philandering ex-boyfriend.
Sean Barrett, the son of an influential, award-winning actor, is the hottest soap star in the country. Paired on-screen with the talented and beautiful Kayla Maxwell, Sean is determined to keep her at arm’s length, burned before by fame-seeking actresses who had no qualms about using him to get to his famous father.
But when Kayla receives threatening letters, her past as a scream queen seems to be coming back to haunt her. Succumbing to an attraction neither one of them can deny, Sean and Kayla must face down her stalker and their own personal demons before trusting what they both feel—a love that lasts long after the cameras stop rolling.
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Title: The Ravenous Dead
Author: Natasha Hoar
Publisher: Carina Press
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May Contain Spoilers
From Amazon:
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This time the dead are hungry…
Rachel Miller doesn’t just see dead people, she rescues them. As a member of The Order of Rescue Mediums, she spends most of her time helping stubborn spirits move on from the world. But after she learns the details of three brutal murders, she knows the culprit can only be a reaper, an undead monster that relentlessly stalks its victims to feed on their souls.
A reaper once consumed the soul of Rachel’s mentor as she watched frozen in fear. Now, Rachel is in the role of teacher to Kit Elkeles, a rodach just learning to control his wraithlike powers. After Kit and Rachel rescue a half-vampire, they work to protect him while searching for a way to stop the reaper. But when Rachel realizes who the monster is really after—and just what kind of dark magic she’ll need to stop it—will she be able to do what is necessary before it devours one of her friends…or even herself?
27,000 words
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Review:
I love this series! The pacing is fast and furious and guarantees that the pages will turn rapidly. I started The Ravenous Dead when I had a couple of free moments, but then I had to put it down because I had social obligations to attend to. All I could think about was getting back home and hunkering down with Rachel, Kit, and new guy Luke. How could they possibly out muscle a horrifying monster that literately rips the soul out of its victims? I couldn’t wait to find out!
One of the things I like best about this series is how we are given little snippets of background information about the characters and the weird, alternate Vancouver that they reside in, while chasing around with Rachel as she tries to stay alive long enough to unravel the latest mystery she’s stumbled into. Paranormal beasties try to blend in with normal humans, and when they don’t, it’s Rachel’s job to find out why, and if necessary, help put an end to any dangerous behavior. The world building is believable, without being heavy handed. It’s almost like Rachel deals with all of these nasty creatures so I don’t have to even be aware that they are standing in line next to me at Taco Bell.
The Ravenous Dead pits Rachel against a reaper, an undead being that feasts on souls. She believes that it’s the same reaper that she failed to destroy years before, causing the death of her partner. She is consumed with guilt, and she has a driving need to free the souls trapped inside the reaper. The only problem? It is a terrifying monster, fueled with the souls of its victims, and Rachel must overcome her mind-numbing fear of it, which leaves her frozen and incapable of calling on her supernatural powers.
This is a quick, exciting read with relatable characters and a paranormal world I would like to know more about. The focus is on the intense action and character interaction, with small breadcrumbs scattered throughout the narrative to help make the setting feel real and believable. Rachel is a strong, smart lead, and she’s given just enough flaws to ensure that she doesn’t have things too easy when she’s going toe to toe with a cantankerous spirit. I can’t wait for her n
Cover Shot! is a regular feature here at the Café. I love discovering new covers, and when I find them, I like to share. More than anything else, I am consumed with the mystery that each new discovery represents. There is an allure to a beautiful cover. Will the story contained under the pages live up to promise of the gorgeous cover art?
I loved The Stubborn Dead by Natasha Hoar, so I did a happy dance when I saw the cover for her next release, The Ravenous Dead. I can hardly wait to read this! If you enjoy Urban Fantasy, give Natasha’s series a try. The stories are fun and packed with a ton of action!
| This time the dead are hungry… Rachel Miller doesn’t just see dead people, she rescues them. As a member of The Order of Rescue Mediums, she spends most of her time helping stubborn spirits move on from the world. But after she learns the details of three brutal murders, she knows the culprit can only be a reaper, an undead monster that relentlessly stalks its victims to feed on their souls. A reaper once consumed the soul of Rachel’s mentor as she watched frozen in fear. Now, Rachel is in the role of teacher to Kit Elkeles, a rodach just learning to control his wraithlike powers. After Kit and Rachel rescue a half-vampire, they work to protect him while searching for a way to stop the reaper. But when Rachel realizes who the monster is really after—and just what kind of dark magic she’ll need to stop it—will she be able to do what is necessary before it devours one of her friends…or even herself? |
Available July 2012
Subscribe in a reader
Cover Shot! is a regular feature here at the Café. I love discovering new covers, and when I find them, I like to share. More than anything else, I am consumed with the mystery that each new discovery represents. There is an allure to a beautiful cover. Will the story contained under the pages live up to promise of the gorgeous cover art?
Carina Press has a great track record for me. I have enjoyed every one of their titles that I have read, so I troll their website for upcoming releases to add to my Kindle. Gate to Kandrith by Nicole Luiken looks interesting, so I immediately added it to my wish list. I love the burst of light in the corner, and the contrast between the greens and blues on the cover.
From the author’s website:
Sarathena Remillus, daughter of the newly-elected Primus of the Republic of Temboria, has been given a mission: discover the secret of slave magic. Anxious to escape the corruption and treachery of the capital, Sara welcomes the chance to finally prove herself far away in Kandrith, the tiny nation of former slaves. Accompanying her on her journey is Lance, a Kandrithan to whom Sara owes her life. Lance despises the nobility and is determined to resist his desire for Sara and keep the secret of his magic. Soon their travels become fraught with peril, and Sara falls victim to the ultimate betrayal. To end a war between two nations, she will have to make the ultimate sacrifice… |
Expected March 2012
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Veronica Scott is the author of Priestess of the Nile, a new Carina Press release set in Ancient Egypt. I love this setting, and I enjoyed Veronica’s book. I was delighted when she dropped by the virtual offices for a chat.
[Manga Maniac Café] Describe yourself in 140 characters or less.
[Veronica Scott] I grew up in a house full of books & when I ran out of things to read, I started writing my own stories. Two daughters, one grandson, cats!
[Manga Maniac Café] Can you tell us a little about your book, Priestess of the Nile?
[Veronica Scott] My latest book is also my first published work – Priestess of the Nile, a paranormal romance novella from Carina Press, released on January 23rd as an e book. It will also be coming out as an audio book. Set in Ancient Egypt, around 1500 BC, the book tells the story of Sobek the Crocodile God. Drawn to his abandoned temple on the banks of the Nile by an enchanting song, he’s even more captivated by the sight of the singer herself. Appearing to her as a man, he learns she is Merys, a descendant of his last priestess. Though he desires her greatly, Sobek believes Merys deserves to be more than just his mistress. But the rules that govern the Egyptian pantheon forbid anything beyond a physical joining of a Great One and a human.
Merys is attracted to the handsome stranger, who arouses passions in her that no man ever has. But with no dowry and no hope of ever leaving her village, she dares not dream of the future—or love.
Sobek takes every opportunity to visit Merys, taxing his resolve to leave her pure. When he saves her life, their mutual desire must be sated. But of course in the world of paranormal romance nothing can be uncomplicated, the gods have rules about such romances, the goddess Isis is very unhappy and so the couple face many challenges along the way.
[Manga Maniac Café] How did you come up with the concept and the characters for the story?
[Veronica Scott] I used Sobek to solve a black magic issue for Pharaoh in a longer WIP set in the same universe. Then I couldn’t stop thinking about him. There were definitely interesting plot elements in his backstory. So powerful originally, yet overtaken by flashier newcomers. Subject to commands from the later arriving gods, Sobek still faithfully tended to his duties keeping the Nile navigable and flooding as it should. Did he resent his labors? Did he wish for more, for something or someone that belongs to just him?
Sobek is always depicted as either crocodile or half man/half crocodile but one day I just had the flash of insight – he was a shifter. Bingo, so therefore he could take human form if he wanted to. The ancient Egyptians just never saw him do it! But since I now knew the truth, I could write his story. And most importantly for a paranormal romance writer, he could fall in love with the right human woman. It seemed a natural to me that he’d be attracted to a woman who did her best to maintain one of his abandoned temples.
[Manga Maniac Café] What was the most challenging aspect of writing the book?
[Veronica Scott] In the editing process, I had terrific support from my Carina Press editor Alison Dasho but she challenged me in the best ways to add in some more layers of emotion for the characters, put in a few moments for the characters and the Reader to breathe, make the goddess Isis a bit more present…any time you pluck at one thread in a finished book, you disturb something else, so it all has to be done carefully. I think the end result was a much stronger work. I’m very g
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