I’m feeling pretty good. Apparently I still know how to
write.
J
And I might have a title to my latest WIP:
Ghostly
Protector. So far it fits, but that could all change. It’s been known to
happen before (I’ve already gone through a couple of titles on this one
alone!).
Here’s what I read the past week:
January 4:
Title: “The Surrender Gate”
Year of publication: 2015
Author: Christopher Rice
Genre: Paranormal romance
Series: Desire Exchange #1
# of Pages: 247
Paper or plastic: Paper
How obtained: Got it free at a conference (most likely RT)
Blurb from Book: Emily Blaine’s life is about to change. Arthur Benoit, the
kindly multi-millionaire who has acted as her surrogate father for years, has
just told her he’s leaving her his entire estate, and he only has a few months
to live. Soon Emily will go from being a restaurant manager with a useless
English degree to the one of the richest and most powerful women in New Orleans. There’s just
one price. Arthur has written a letter to his estranged son Ryan he hopes will
mend the rift between them, and he wants Emily to deliver the letter before
it’s too late. But finding Ryan won’t be easy. He’s been missing for years. He
was recently linked to a mysterious organization called The Desire Exchange.
But is The Desire Exchange just an urban legend? Or are the rumors true? Is it
truly a secret club where the wealthy can live out their most private sexual
fantasies?
It’s a task Emily can’t undertake alone. But there’s only one man qualified to
help her, her gorgeous and confident best friend, Jonathan Claiborne She’s
suspected Jonathan of working as a high-priced escort for months now, and she’s
willing to bet that while giving pleasure to some of the most powerful men in
New Orleans Jonathan has uncovered some possible leads to The Desire
Exchange—and to Ryan Benoit. But Emily’s attempt to uncover Jonathan’s secret
life lands the two of them in hot water. Literally. In order to escape the
clutches of one of Jonathan’s most powerful and dangerous clients, they’re
forced to act on long buried desires—for each other.
When Emily’s mission turns into an undercover operation, Jonathan insists on
going with her. He also insists they continue to explore their impossible,
reckless passion for each other. Enter Marcus Dylan, the hard-charging ex-Navy
SEAL Arthur has hired to keep Emily safe. But Marcus has been hired for another
reason. He, too, has a burning passion for Emily, a passion that might keep
Emily from being distracted and confused by a best friend who claims he might
be able to go straight just for her. But Marcus is as rough and controlling as
Jonathan is sensual and reckless. As Emily searches for a place where the rich
turn their fantasies into reality she will be forced to decide which one of her
own long-ignored fantasies should become her reality But as Emily, Jonathan,
and Marcus draw closer to The Desire Exchange itself, they find their
destination isn’t just shrouded in mystery, but in magic as well.
My thoughts: Man, that’s a long blurb, huh? This is a new-to-me
author, but not his first novel. What I didn’t like about the book: Marcus’s
point of view doesn’t show up until page 112. Before that it was mostly all
Emily’s POV and the book was easy to put down (it was kind of slow, but
interesting enough to keep reading). What I liked about the book: Marcus! Once
I was able to see into his head, I wanted to keep reading. I would have loved
for him to have shown up a little bit earlier, like maybe the first time he
noticed Emily. Certainly would have perked up those first hundred pages! As for
the paranormal/magic portion of the novel… Eh. It doesn’t evolve from the main
characters and it’s not really explained, but then it is the beginning of the
series, so maybe it will be later. Some storylines are left hanging at the end,
but not the main one, which is good (because I hate cliffhangers). It’s not all
that erotic (although some people have labeled it such), just sexy. Overall it
was an enjoyable read, but I doubt I’ll continue with the series. Not
paranormal enough for me. Besides, the next one isn’t out yet, if it’s even
written. Maybe he’s a slow writer like me. J
I almost had two books to add this week, but I thought I
would wait and finish my current read today so I would be sure to have a book
to report next week. I’m such a cheat, huh?
So… What makes you pick up a book from a new-to-you author?
The title or the cover? I’d have to go with cover. Especially if it’s sexy. I
can’t help it. My eyes are automatically drawn to it. But then the title has to
be intriguing, too, if I’m going to read what the book is about. Time is
precious. Seems the older I get, the faster time goes. Just doesn’t seem fair
now, does it?
Happy Reading!
Stacy
