9
Feb
Just finished reading the most recent Lara Adrian novel, Darker After Midnight.
All I can saw is: fabulous! So, so incredible.
If you haven’t had a chance to read her Midnight Breed series, you really must. I tend to lose interest in a series after a certain point, especially if I feel like each book is just a rehash of the same plot over and over. I can honestly say that I’ve never felt that way while following this series and have anxiously awaited the release of every single Midnight Breed novel.
When I finished reading Darker After Midnight, which is Book 10 in the series, I immediately flipped to the back matter to see if there was a teaser for Book 11. Sadly, there wasn’t. But Ms. Adrian’s website indicates that there is more to come. Hooray!
She’s wrapped up the plot that wove the first ten books together, so I can’t wait to see what she does next. 
*Disclaimer: In accordance with FTC Guidelines for reviews and endorsements, you should assume that every book recommended on maurabishop.com was submitted by the author/publisher or purchased via an authorized retailer. We do not accept money or favors in exchange for a good review.
3
Jan
Happy New Year! (Yeah, okay, so I’m a bit late, but it’s been a crazy couple of weeks…)
As I’ve been promising some book recommendations for a while now, I thought I’d put together a list of a few fun reads to kick off the new year. (Click on the hyperlinks to read more about the books on Amazon.com.)
1) Seeing Red by Susan Crandall – This is a fast-paced romantic suspense that will suck you in quickly and keep you turning the pages until late at night. The threat that drives the story–a man convicted of murder is mistakenly released from prison and comes after the woman who put him there–is like something you’d see on one of those true crime series that make you paranoid to go out at night alone, but there’s a plot twist that I didn’t see coming (at least not in the way it unfolded). I started this one on the way to Chicago during my infamous train adventure and was irritated as hell when I actually had to put it down to attend the conference sessions.
2) Magic Kingdom for Sale–Sold! by Terry Brooks – This is the first book in The Magic Kingdom of Landover series. Although it starts out as a little bit of a downer (the main character, Ben, is a widower/high-powered attorney whose life is falling apart), the humor soon kicks in and makes for a fun bit of fantasy. The story is definitely a journey tale, so there’s lots of going from this place to that, but the characters Ben meets along the way make the wandering worthwhile.
3) A Taste of Midnight by Lara Adrian – Part of Adrian’s Midnight Breed series, this novella is the story of Danika, one of the breedmates we met in the first book but haven’t seen much of since. It’s no secret that I’m a total junkie when it comes to Lara Adrian’s novels, but I honestly wasn’t sure how a novella would go–if it would lose some of the fabulous character development, sizzling romance, heart-pounding suspense, and engaging plot that I so admire in Adrian’s work. Well, I humbly apologize for having any doubts–it was fantastic! This is a digital-first book that can only be bought in various e-book formats at the moment, but (if I remember correctly) it will be appearing as extra material in the mass market paperback version of her upcoming release, Darker After Midnight (which comes out in hardback in a couple of weeks).
Well, folks, there are just a few books to get you started this year. I hope you enjoy them as much as I did. Happy reading!
*Disclaimer: In accordance with FTC Guidelines for reviews and endorsements, you should assume that every book recommended on maurabishop.com was submitted by the author/publisher or purchased via an authorized retailer. We do not accept money or favors in exchange for a good review.
5
Apr
When you mention “organized crime,” most people think of such well-known names as Al Capone, Bugsy Siegel, or Lucky Luciano. Or maybe “organized crime” calls to mind such iconic films as The Godfather, Goodfellas, and Casino. But what about pirates? Smuggling rings? Outlaw motorcycle gangs? In his book, Organized Crime: An Inside Guide to the World’s Most Successful Industry, Paul Lunde touches on all of these groups and then some.
If you’re curious at all about the history of organized crime, this is a great overview that hits on crime organizations all over the world, from ancient times to the present. I found it fascinating and something of an eye-opener when it comes to the complicated culture often involved in crime organizations. Whether you’re considering writing about the Triads or La Cosa Nostra, the Yakuza or Tammany Hall, this is a great little book to help you get started.
*Disclaimer: In accordance with FTC Guidelines for reviews and endorsements, you should assume that every book recommended on maurabishop.com was submitted by the author/publisher or purchased via an authorized retailer. We do not accept money or favors in exchange for a good review.
15
Mar
Many thanks to my friend Amy for nominating me for this blogging award! I’m glad there are some folks out there enjoying my tiny little corner of the blogosphere.
By accepting the award, I agreed to share seven things about me that you might not know. That didn’t seem like such a difficult task until I sat down and tried to think of seven factoids that might actually be interesting enough to share (and that wouldn’t in any way give out clues to passwords or security questions on accounts…).
Seeing as how this blog deals with reading, writing, romance, and all things paranormal, I figured I’d try to stick to those topics in some way or other. Here’s what I (finally!) came up with:
1) I published my first poem when I was 13. It was horrible. Truly. I only submitted it because I had to for an assignment in my 7th grade English class. Who knew it would actually be accepted? My dad kept that rotten poem posted in his cubicle at work for over twenty years. (Sweet, yes. But–ugh! Really? Of all the stuff I’ve written, you chose that poem, Dad?)
2) I’ve never read a “trashy” romance novel (you know–the ones with the really risque covers you see in the supermarket and pretend not to pick up and page through? Oh, come on, you know you do). I’m not sure why I haven’t ever read one–I’m certainly not opposed to them. Like every other type of romance novel, I’m sure there are some really fantastic ones out there that would be a lot of fun to read. I’m open to recommendations.
3) For every manuscript I mention writing, there are three that I’ve started and discarded. Sometimes an idea grabs me by the gut and won’t let go, but then I start writing and realize my head’s not in the right place for that particular story. When that happens, I shelf it to come back to later and move on to the next. The novel I’m working on at the moment was the fourth one I started in February. I’m 120 pages in and still loving it.
4) Confession time: I did not absolutely love everything I had to read as an English major in college and grad school. That big gust of wind you just felt was the collective gasp of English majors everywhere who mistakenly feel they have to pretend to be in raptures over every scrap of literature placed before them or they’ll be outed as frauds who don’t really know what they’re talking about. Here’s a newsflash, kids: Even the professors don’t always love what they’re making you read–and I guarantee you they don’t always know what they’re talking about.
5) Taking a page from real-life romance, I met my husband at a friend’s birthday party that both of us almost didn’t attend. Talk about fate, eh? 
6) No romance is without its adventures, and HH and I seem to be doubly “blessed” in this regard. I was briefly kidnapped while we were honeymooning in Mexico (long story), so to make up for that debacle, we decided to spend our first wedding anniversary in Chicago–one of my very favorite cities and a much safer destination.
Or so we thought.
When we arrived at our hotel, we found it surrounded by ATF agents. As luck would have it, there was an international conference that weekend and numerous foreign dignitaries were staying at our hotel, thus making our “safe” vacation spot a prime target for terrorists. While we were sitting in our car waiting for our turn to be searched for bombs, my husband turns to me and says, “I had normal vacations before I married you.”
It’s true. Poor guy. At least it’s never boring!
7) Zombies seriously freak me out. So do clowns. Zombie clowns are right out. The zombie clown crawling under the bathroom stall in Zombieland nearly sent me over the back of the couch. Fortunately, it was a brief appearance and I was able to watch the rest of the movie (which is freakin’ hilarious, y’all).
Well, there you have it, a few facts about me. Hope they weren’t too terribly boring! Thanks again for stopping in and sharing my adventures (and misadventures, as the case may be).
2
Nov
It started as a chuckle, grew to a giggle, and soon was a head-back, laugh-out-loud guffaw. Imagine my surprise when I discovered the source of my nine-year-old’s amusement was a Middle Grade novel titled Dragonbreath. When Professor stopped laughing long enough to tell me about the story, I was definitely intrigued.
In a nutshell, Dragonbreath is the story of a young dragon named Danny Dragonbreath who hasn’t been able to master breathing fire. When Danny gets an “F” on his science paper (because he forgot to do it and so writes the paper–sans research–on the school bus at the last minute), he gets his cousin Edward (a sea serpent) to take him and his friend Wendell (a neurotic iguana) on a tour of the Sargasso Sea to gather research on the ocean and rescue his grade. The story is told in both prose and graphic novel form, with the graphic bits usually illustrating Danny’s more ridiculous flights of fancy.
Such an odd little story might have fallen flat if it weren’t for Ursula Vernon’s deliciously wry sense of humor. And when Professor asked me to give Dragonbreath a read, I found myself chuckling, giggling, and guffawing just as much as he did.
I confess, it’s been a long time since I’ve read something targeting the upper elementary school set, but I honestly can’t wait to read the rest of the series with Professor. With titles like Dragonbreath: Attack of the Ninja Frogs and Dragonbreath: The Curse of the Were-wiener, I’m sure we’ll have loads of fun reading these books together.
Whether you’re considering writing Middle Grade fiction or are looking for a fun series for your own kiddos between the ages of 8 and 12, Dragonbreath is definitely worth a read.
Enjoy!
*Disclaimer: In accordance with FTC Guidelines for reviews and endorsements, you should assume that every book recommended on maurabishop.com was submitted by the author/publisher or purchased via an authorized retailer. We do not accept money or favors in exchange for a good review.
17
Oct
I’m going to depart from my usual stumping of paranormal and fantasy romances to give a shout-out to my fellow MWW alum, D.E. Johnson. His first novel, The Detroit Electric Scheme: A Mystery, just came out in September, and Dan is finishing up the last few dates of his book tour this month.
I had a chance to hear Dan speak about his journey to publication at the Midwest Writers Workshop this summer and was intrigued by the premise of his book. I haven’t read The Detroit Electric Scheme yet, but it’s definitely on my To Read list!
If you’d like the chance to meet Dan and get a signed copy of his book, here are the remaining dates of the tour:
Monday, October 18 at 7:00 PM – M is for Mystery, San Mateo, CA
- Reading, Book Sales & Signing
Thursday, October 21 at 7:00 PM – The Bookman, Grand Haven, MI
- Reading, Book Sales & Signing
Friday, October 29 – Sunday, October 31 – Magna Cum Murder, Muncie, IN
- Panel participation, Book Sales & Signing
Best wishes to Dan on his debut novel — here’s hoping there are many more mysteries to follow!
7
Oct
I’m currently reading Guide to the Salem Witch Hysteria of 1692 by David C. Brown (bought for me last year by a friend who was vacationing in the infamous town), so I’ve got witches on the brain.
If you’ve never read anything on the Salem witch trials, you really should, even if you’re not particularly interested in that time in American history. There’s something chilling about how easily the denizens of Salem Village and the surrounding towns were caught up in the insanity of these events and how ridiculous were some of their superstitions and accusations. It makes me wonder what people will think about our belief systems a few hundred years from now.
If non-fiction isn’t your thing, there’s certainly no shortage of novels featuring witches. I have several books and/or series on my “To Read” list, but am having trouble choosing between them. So, here’s my challenge to all of you: Take a look at the website of each author listed below and let me know which series you think sounds like the most fun. Whichever author gets the most votes will be first up on my Witchy reading list. In exchange for your vote, when I’m finished reading the winning novel, I’ll post a review.
So, without further ado, here are the three authors from which to choose:
Mindy Klasky’s Jane Madison Series
Vicki Lewis Thompson’s The Hex Series
Linda Wisdom’s Hex Series
I can’t wait to get started on one of these fantastic reads, so cast your vote!
*Disclaimer: In accordance with FTC Guidelines for reviews and endorsements, you should assume that every book recommended on maurabishop.com was submitted by the author/publisher or purchased via an authorized retailer. We do not accept money or favors in exchange for a good review.
New York Times bestselling author, Sherrilyn Kenyon, will be reading from and signing copies of her novel, No Mercy, here in Indy this weekend. If you’re a fan of paras and haven’t yet read anything by Sherrilyn Kenyon, you should!
Here’s the info:
Borders – Indianapolis – Greenwood
Saturday, September 11th at 6:00 p.m.
7565 U.S. 31 S | Indianapolis, IN | 317.859.2949
Be sure to contact the store to make sure the date and time haven’t changed before you go. And you might want to plan to get there early so you aren’t crammed into a corner in the back of the store.
And just a bit of friendly advice: I’ve been seeing lots of discussion in articles and various newsletters about book tours and how they’re starting to fade out, so take advantage of these opportunities whenever you can.
It’s always great to hear a successful writer talk about her work and her creative process. You never know when you might learn a thing or two. And, hey, if you can pick up a few new great reads while you’re there, even better!
