Devil's Tavern - Invitation - Crymsyn Hart - Book Review

Disclaimer: This book is an adult fiction ebook. Content is not suitable for persons under 18 years.

Emera runs The Denizen, a place where the wicked come to be spanked and whipped. All she longs for is someone to love. When she starts receiving gifts and strange invitations, she begins to wonder who has an interest in her. Keenan has searched for Emera for centuries. Even though he wants to barge into the Den and rescue her, he has to be sure that she is still the pure angel he remembers. If not, he will have to do the impossible. In order to free Emera from the service of her demon lord, Keenan has to slay her Master. Sebastian is on to both of them and will stop at nothing to keep Emera with him. Will Keenan be able to free his angel, or will Sebastian finally claim her soul?

EBook Review:

Pages: 85

Published: 2010

Date Finished: 29^th January 2011

Rating: 3.5 Stars

I was immediately drawn into the world of demons and fallen angels and while this novel didn’t focus deeply on mythology I did enjoy the paranormal aspect of it. However I felt that the author tried to explain the characters situations in to many different ways and that wasted a lot of reading time that could have been spent developing the world a lot more.

The characters were well developed, but there was something that I needed that only Emera [The main female character] could provide. I was drawn to Keenan and Van, but Sebastian was too arrogant for me. I liked how Keenan decided to take on many forms and could envision them clearly in my mind.

Writing Style: For the most part I loved her writing. It was engaging and very streamy, there were times when I had to put down the book to get a little loving myself. The sexual BDSM side to the story was what caught my attention and while it doesn’t go into great detail about every aspect it was written tastefully. I loved that she used less clinical language and

I would recommend Devil’s Tavern to those who enjoy BDSM, Erotica and paranormal romance as this novel had all aspects that tied well together to make an intense and delectably sensual read.

See Jane Write - A Girls Guide to Writing Chick Lit - Sarah Mlynowski and Farrin Jacobs - Book Review

Pages: 191

Published: 2006

Date Finished:29^th January 2011

Rating: 5 stars

I was very eager to read this book and it was well worth the money spent. Once I started I found it hard to stop and every page inspired me. It didn’t feel like I was reading a book, as Sarah and Farrin’s direct and friendly approach reminded me of being in a writing group where everyone is open and honest and its okay to have a laugh at yourself and with others.

What I loved about this book is that it didn’t make me feel inadequate to write a chick-lit, instead it provoked me to challenge myself even through the ideas process and while the authors made it clear it wasn’t as easy as sitting down, banging it out and enjoying the cocktails that follow publication; it gave me direction, motivation and support.

Touching on topics from developing an idea, to grammar and publication, See Jane Write offered me some valuable tips on how to outline and brainstorm clearly and when I tried it in practice I was able to effectively sort out the ideas in my brain and put them down on paper without the consistent confusion I get when I try organize my thoughts.

There are lots of diagrams, examples, pictures and other authors’ input that is not only accommodating to the beginner writer, but is simple to understand even for the more experienced novelist. There is also a list of books written by the authors who contributed their advice, offering endless reading experiences which are great for those readers seeking to try new authors.

Anyone who has ever thought about writing chick-lit can take something from this book, if not only the experience to enjoy a good laugh and to see how others have started and kept going.

Jessica's Guide To Dating On The Dark Side- Beth Fantaskey: Book Review

Pages: 354

Published: 2009

Date Finished: 27^th January 2011

Rating: 4.5

I could find hardly any fault with this novel. It was a wonderful change to read a unique young adult novel with touches of both modern and classical vampire lore.

Jessica was a realistic and believable character and I enjoyed her journey from beginning to end. Unlike a lot of novels that have the female fall immediately in love with the character, Beth Fantasky explored the old fashioned form of courtship and the ever growing tension and suspense between Jessica [Antanasia] and Lucias kept me reading, loving every moment.

Lucias while arrogant is a swoon worthy character and his courage and willingness to understand Jessica’s world was what made him a respectable character. The only two issues I had with the story were Jessica’s parent’s flakiness at the beginning and Jessica’s reactions to Faith. A lot of times I wished Jessica would grow a back bone and stand up for herself, especially when Faith was being rude to her in her own home.

The language used was exquisite and the descriptions delicious. I immediately took to Beth’s writing style, loving how it flowed effortlessly. She drew me into her world and didn’t have me comparing her style to anyone. She set a bar for me in young adult vampire fiction and is certainly up there with Richelle Mead and Melissa De La Cruz.

Don’t let the cover or the title make your final decision in picking up this book. Whether you are a fan of vampires or not, I urge you to pick it up and sate your curiosity. I am positive that you will not be disappointed. This book has no comparisons, to me it is unique and I loved that about Jessica’s Guide To Dating on The Dark Side. I will certainly be checking out Beth’s other novel; Jekyl Loves Hyde.

Author Interview: Suzanne Supplee

I was blessed to be able to have an interview with author Suzanne Supplee and to chat about one of my favorite books so far in 2011- Artichoke's Heart.



1.What message of hope or inspiration would you give to younger women who are trying to get into better health and shape?

Take things one day at a time. Today I am going for a run. Or, I had too much at lunch, but I'll scale back a little at dinner. We are so apt to beat ourselves up about things, but that NEVER works. Be kind to yourself.

2. Did you have a soundtrack when writing this novel. A favorite song that inspired you or one you thought fit the character of Rosemary? Or do you prefer writing in silence?

Lots of songs inspire me always, and while I'm writing music usually factors into the story somehow. But there wasn't one particular song that really reminded me of Rosie.


3. I admire the way you chose to approach Rosemary’s mother illness. Was it always in your mind to tackle the experience with love, compassion and a touch of humor? Was the experience one of your own or one of many? What made you decide to give Rosemary’s mother the illness?

I had just spent the summer working on an early draft of A.H., and when I went back to reread it, I was disappointed. Rosie's biggest issue was her weight, and while certainly this was important, it lacked impact. Toward the end of that summer, my own mother was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Bam! It hit me right away. Cancer was the perfect way to give Rosie some perspective. It gave Rose Warren some insight into her daughter's weight struggle, as well.


4. What was your first initial thought that provoked or inspired you to write Artichoke’s Heart?

I was sitting in the beauty salon having my hair colored. Now I HATE this. I hate the way I look with glop on my head. So unattractive. And it occurred to me: What must it be like to have to stand in front of this mirror all day if you hate the way you look? Thus, Rosie was born in a beauty shop. Appropriate, don't you think?

5. Can you share with us your writing process?
Torture. Obsession. Constant worry. And then bliss. Just when you think you never want to write another word and you totally suck and you should've studied harder in math because maybe then you could've gotten a REAL JOB, something magical happens—an unexpected character, a clever subplot, something, and suddenly you can't imagine doing anything else. Plus, I hated math anyway.


6. Kyle is a wonderful character. He really stands out from the recurring male characters in modern young adult novels. Where did Kyle’s character stem from?

My imagination. There are plenty of boys like Kyle in high school, although most of them are ignored until they're about 30 because they aren't "bad" enough or "wild" enough or extremely goodlooking. In other words, they are just nice, regular guys who don't crash cars or mistreat girls or torment their teachers. They're those guys who show up at the ten year reunion, and every woman there is thinking Now why didn't I date him in high school?


7. Do you think it’s important that young women learn to value themselves for who they are and not what they look like?

Yes, of course! But sometimes I think the way we look is a symptom of how we feel inside. Take smoking. It's unhealthy. It's disgusting. It smells, and it will kill you, yet many people do this. And it gives you wrinkles and yellow teeth and fingers. Well, what makes people do something that will kill them and give them yellow teeth? A kind of self-hatred, I think. At some point we have to remember to be good to ourselves.

8. Is there any advice or tips you would give to anyone starting to discover writing?

It's the same thing every writer says: Read! Read everything all the time. Read some trashy stuff, too. If you find a writer you admire, read everything he/she has written. And write. Every day. Write like it's your job and you have to show up.

9. Have you, or do you keep a journal and is so what does it look like?

I know most writers have journals. I do not. I prefer fiction to my own reality. Not that my life is bad or anything. It's just that I'm busy, and I already know what's happening in my life. I'd much rather invest that time in my characters and setting and plot. Or, I'd rather read before bed.

10. Do you have a favorite Beverage or food you like to enjoy while you are writing?
Diet Coke. There's a can on my desk right now.





Photo taken by Jodi Otte- Reference : http://www.suzannesupplee.com

Writing Book Review : Creative Journal Writing- Stephanie Dowrick

Pages: 259
Published: 2007
Date Finished: 19 January 2011
Rating: 4 stars

If you are interested in starting a journal or already know the love and passion that comes from writing one, I recommend picking up Stephanie Dowrick’s non-fiction book ‘Creative Journal Writing- the art and heart of reflection.’

Each section is divided into smaller chapters that are not only easy to devour, but are inspirational and loaded with exercises, tips, prompts and stories from Stephanie and other Journal writers from all walks of life.

You will never have nothing to write about after reading this insightful book [there is even a topic about writing and exploring nothing] and I’m guaranteed that you will take at least one helpful exercise from Stephanie’s suggestions to kick start or provoke your journal writing habits into a healthy way to communicate with your inner self.

With plenty of quotes, it was easy to relate to the joy and curiosity that comes from the mind and onto the blank page and I found myself unable to contain the desire to write with each passing page. This book is definitely one for the bookshelf. A valuable reference book and a treasure chest of future muse.