Taste of Kiwi: Blog of Author Shelley Munro

Congratulations to Desiree R who chose the Shapeshifter bundle of ebooks as her prize in my recent contest. I hope you enjoy the books, Desi.

Announcing a new contest:

I have two more ebook bundles, and the winner can choose which of the two they’d prefer. Full details are available on my contest page, but entering is very easy. Make a comment here on my blog and you’re in the draw. The more you visit, the better your chances of winning. I’ll announce the winner on 27 August before I head out on holiday.

I’m also doing a giveaway at Good reads.

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

~ Grab your current read
~ Open to a random page
~ Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
~BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
~ Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

I’m reading The Dark Enquiry, the latest book in Deanna Raybourn’s Lady Julia Grey series. I’ve quickly become a big Deanna Raybourn fan, and just love her mysteries. Her characterization is so good–she always leaves me with writer-envy and I enjoy the historical setting. I’m about a third of the way through. In this teaser, Lady Julia is dressing up as a man in order to sneak off after her husband…

The freedom from corsets was delicious, but I found the tightness of the trousers disconcerting, and when Portia came to pass judgement, she shook her head.

“They are quite fitted,” she pronounced. “You cannot take off the coat at any point, or you will be instantly known for a woman.”

page 41, The Dark Enquiry

Blurb

Partners now in marriage and in trade, Lady Julia and Nicholas Brisbane have finally returned from abroad to set up housekeeping in London. But merging their respective collections of gadgets, pets and servants leaves little room for the harried newlyweds themselves, let alone Brisbane’s private enquiry business.
Among the more unlikely clients: Julia’s very proper brother, Lord Bellmont, who swears Brisbane to secrecy about his case. Not about to be left out of anything concerning her beloved—if eccentric—family, spirited Julia soon picks up the trail of the investigation.

It leads to the exclusive Ghost Club, where the alluring Madame Séraphine holds evening séances…and not a few powerful gentlemen in thrall. From this eerie enclave unfolds a lurid tangle of dark deeds, whose tendrils crush reputations and throttle trust.

Shocked to find their investigation spun into salacious newspaper headlines, bristling at the tension it causes between them, the Brisbanes find they must unite or fall. For Bellmont’s sake- and more- they’ll face myriad dangers born of dark secrets, the kind men kill to keep….

Purchase The Dark Enquiry

My special guest today is fellow Carina Press author, Abby Niles. She’s celebrating a new contemporary release called Defying Convention and is here today to tell us a little about her book. Abby is also giving away a copy of Defying Convention to one visitor who comments on this post. Over to Abby…

Has a Writer Ever Betrayed You?

Defying Convention adds a little geek to romance. The story takes place at the 31st Annual GalaxyCon where Emma, the heroine and journalist, is trying to save her career after completely screwing up her last undercover investigation, and Luke, the hero and bestselling author of the Farmen series, is trying to win his fans back after doing the unthinkable in his last book.

You think a woman scorned is bad? It’s nothing compared to a geek scorned, and their anger provided me with one of the best and funniest antagonist I’ve ever written.

Both Luke and Emma get to feel their wrath.

Emma can’t grasp how a person can get so attached to a fictional character that they’d actually go to extreme lengths to show their displeasure, i.e. orchestrate a LARP.

While I’ve never larped my rage out, I completely get why the larpers felt betrayed by Luke. I’ve been there. It’s not pretty.

In all my years of reading, there has only been two book series that scared me and made me worry about the direction the authors were taking the series. Thankfully, the authors didn’t go where I thought they were going. Man, if they had, there would’ve been an uproar of epic proportions and I would’ve been leading the pack.

TV series are a different ballgame. Sometimes I swear the writers are smoking crack or are completely oblivious that their decisions have a major impact on loyal fans. The most recent travesty that comes to mind is the series finale of Medium. I’d watched that series since it premiered back in 2005. I followed it when the show went from NBC to CBS. Seven. Freaking. Seasons. Seven! I was attached to Joe and Allison. When they cancelled the series, I was crushed, but everything must come to an end, so I accepted it and readied myself for the series finale. Now I won’t go into detail about what these writers did, but let me tell you, I was shaking when the credits started to roll. And I wasn’t shaking from sobs, it was pure anger. I felt so betrayed. I’d dedicated seven years to this show, didn’t miss an episode, and this was their idea of giving me closure? I’ve never written a network, but I did that night.

So the question of the day is: Have you ever felt betrayed by a writer? This can be a book, movie, or TV series.

Contest: Abby is giving away a copy of Defying Convention to one randomly chosen commenter.

Blurb:

Journalist Emma Portland would do anything to save her career, even go undercover at the 31st Annual GalaxyCon in search of a story. Emma thinks she’s hit pay dirt when she meets Luke Evans, a bestselling scifi author whose readers have turned against him. She has no problem getting close to the sexy writer to get the scoop on his downfall. Except the more time she spends with Luke, the more she has a different kind of exposé in mind…

Luke can’t believe he’s found the one woman at GalaxyCon who hasn’t heard of him and can look that hot in a bikini. For the first time he’s opening up about himself…and the secret that torpedoed his writing career. Too bad his former fans are out for blood—and out to sabotage his budding relationship with Emma.

But amidst rival reporters, eager fanboys and overzealous role-players, it’s Emma’s secret that may put the brakes on their sizzling attraction for good…

Defying Convention is available at:

Carina Press
Amazon
Barnes and Noble

Abby’s Bio: Abby Niles has always loved to read. After having twins and becoming a stay-at-home mom, she started doodling stories to keep her sanity. She mixed her love for laughter in with her writing and found she had a knack for humor. Nothing makes her happier than having a LOL written beside one of her favorite lines from one of her fabulous critique partners.

Abby is also published under the name Esmerelda Bishop. Esmerelda write erotic romance and has a paranormal titled The Panther’s Lair published with Carina Press and one with Lyrical Press titled The Feline Fugitive.

When Abby’s not writing, you can find her playing ‘Just Dance’ with her kids on the Wii or trying to catch up on her never-ending to-be-read list. She also loves Zumba, and refuses to admit she looks more like Animal doing his Muppet flail than a sensual dancer while doing it.

You can find her at:
Abby Nile’s Website
Abby’s Facebook
Abby’s Twitter

This week I’ve finally managed to catch up on my blog feeds. Since I write historical romance, among other genres, I subcribe to several blogs that feature info from the past. My favorites are the posts that feature social history and little tidbits about everyday normal things. I thought I’d share some of the posts I enjoyed.

At Word Wenches, I came across the following:Keeping it Clean: Georgian and Regency Bathing Habits by Joanna Bourne. Ms. Bourne explores exactly how clean our forebears were. “…And water. They had ‘running water’ of a sort. They sent a footman to run and get it.”

A Tale of Buttons by Anne Gracie. This article brought back fond memories of playing with all the buttons in my mother’s button tin. Anne talks about buttons through the ages and there are some cool pictures of button hooks.

Over at Historical Hussies Leigh Michaels talked about The Regency Season The season was actually when parliament was in session. The men brought their wives with them to London. The women required entertainment while their men were busy, thus the season was born with its balls and other outings.

A post by Donna Hatch about Regency Fragrances caught my attention. It was exactly what I needed to work out my Gothic hero’s scent.

Now traveling to more modern times…

Author Allison Brennan wrote a wonderful post called Money Can’t Buy Love at Murder She Writes. It’s all about Self-Promotion and Word of Mouth.

CJ Redwine addresses this question – How do I raise the stakes and make the conflict matter to the reader? in her post Write a HolyCowAwesome story

And last but not least – I’m doing a giveaway over at Goodreads. Enter the draw to win one of two copies of The Bottom Line.

Do you have any favorite blog feeds that you subscribe to?

I’m really excited to introduce my guest today. Maddy Barone writes romance and has a love of all things paranormal. In her own words, “I’ve been writing since junior high. Werewolves, time travel and handsome princes who can wield magic and lead armies are my thing. Any damsel in distress that I write can darned well rescue herself and if the hero’s ego can’t take that, then he’s not a hero. I want strong men who can respect their ladies and treat them like partners, not dainty little dolls. Is there anything sexier than a tough man who finds that one perfect woman and is willing to do anything for her?”

Maddy is also a keen member of SCA, a non-profit education organization that studies the renaissance and middle ages. She gets to dress up, mainly in garb from the Italian Renaissance but she has Japanese, Viking and Byzantine garb too. Just quietly – she has a rather cool steampunk outfit that I have my eye on. I’m very tempted to launch a surprise attack from New Zealand to nab it for myself!

Today Maddy is taking us through the process of making our own fascinator hat. Give her a warm welcome. Over to Maddy…

How to Make a Fascinator Hat

HRH the Duchess of Cambridge (nee Kate Middleton) has made fascinators the newest rage in headwear. Appropriate for every social event from weddings to the races to cocktail parties, a fascinator can add the perfect finishing touch to any outfit. But –gulp!—have you seen the prices?! Wouldn’t it be a lot cheaper to make it yourself? I made this one for $10.00 (USD) in 40 minutes.

Do you think you need to be a milliner to be able to make a fascinator hat? Well, you don’t! All you need are a few things you already have around the house and a couple things from a craft store.

Materials:

A round base. This can be a ready-made sinamay base available from some millinery supply stores and Etsy.com, or a small plastic lid covered with fabric.

Veiling. About 12-15 inches (30-37 cm) This can be purchased from bridal supply stores, eBay, Etsy. But you can do without it too. Use tulle or take a veil off some old hat from the thrift store.

Feathers. I bought mine at JoAnn Fabric & Crafts. I used:
a half-pinwheel of black feathers
a 3 inch piece of black and white marabou feather boa
2 red feather clumps

A focal piece. I used a brooch from my grandmother. You might use a silk flower, a fancy button, a cute bow, a rhinestone earring or clip.

Fastener. I’m using an old black plastic headband. You could use a comb, a clip, a barret or elastic.

Needle and thread or glue. I sewed my items on so I could remove them and re-make the hat with other items and colors, but you could easily use a glue gun if you prefer.

Directions:
1. If you will be using veiling, gather it to a length that will go half way around your base. Stitch or glue in place along the back edge. If it looks a little wonky that’s okay. The wearer can use hair pins to put the edges in place.

2. Begin adding your feathers, layering them in whichever fashion you like best. I sewed the pinwheel on first. See what big ugly stitches I used? I plan to take this off and remake it sometime to go with a different outfit. Big stitches are easier to remove, and who is ever going to see them?

3. When the feather layer is secured by stitching or glue, add your focal piece. I used my grandmother’s brooch. I can take it off and replace it with another one to change my color scheme.

4. Stitch or glue the fascinator to the headband or whichever fastening method you chose.

5. Try on the fascinator. Pretend your hair is perfect, your eyes are dramatically made up and your lips have that 1950s red pout. Use hair pins to arrange the veil in the most flattering way.

You’re done!! Congratulations! You have a fascinator hat to wear to your next cocktail party!

Wolf’s Glory

After the Crash, Book 2

When goth-girl Glory Peterson’s plane crashes she walks to find help. What she finds are people living in teepees like it’s the Old West. Wolf’s Shadow knows Glory is his mate. Glory’s happy to take a roll in the hay with him while she’s waiting for transportation back to civilization, but when she finds out she’s gone fifty years into the future and Shadow is a bossy werewolf who thinks he owns her, her attitude changes fast. Shadow is used to giving orders that are obeyed. Glory hasn’t obeyed an order since kindergarten. When two strong-willed lovers clash, who will win?

Available from Liquid Silver Books Now

Visit Maddy Barone to learn more about Maddy and her books.

CONTEST: Book one in Maddy Barone’s series, After the Crash, is actually one of the ebooks in the ebook bundle I’m giving away. The contest closes soon. Details of how to enter are on my contest page.

“If I’d observed all the rules, I’d never have got anywhere.” ~ Marilyn Monroe (1926-1962), American actress and singer

Auckland library does an awesome monthly newsletter for romance readers. It’s one of many genre newsletters they send out each month to those who sign up for them. In the recent August one, they featured Rule Breakers i.e. a list of books that feature “rules” in the title. Thank you Auckland Libraries. Your newsletter totally rocks and you did all the ground work on this one.

Thirteen Rule Breaker Romances

1. Bending the Rules by Susan Andersen (contemporary)

2. Breaking the Rules by Suzanne Brockman (romantic suspense)

3. Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake – by Sarah MacLean (historical)

4. Aussie Rules by Jill Shalvis (contemporary)

5. When pleasure rules by J.K. Beck (urban fantasy)

6. The rules of gentility by Janet Mullany (historical)

7. Rules of an engagement by Suzanne Enoch (historical)

8. Rule’s bride by Kat Martin (historical)

9. Breaking the governess’s rules by Michelle Styles (historical)

10. Rules for being a mistress by Tamara Lejeune (historical)

11. Breaking the rules by Tawny Weber (contemporary)

12. Rules of attraction by Christina Dodd (historical)

13. When passion rules by Johanna Lindsey (historical)

When it comes to rules, I’m mostly a good person, but there are a few where I just have to break out and disobey. I’m not telling what they are…

Do you follow rules or do you like to flout convention and break them?

Sometimes I look at my to-read pile and not a single book grabs my attention. Yes, a reading funk! While other readers turn to their keeper shelf and pull out a copy of their favorite book, I’m not a big rereader. I pass my print books on to my sister and don’t keep a single one.

I do have comfort authors I turn to such as JR Ward, Ilona Andrews, Lorelei James and Deanna Raybourn. These are authors I know will produce a book to keep me enthralled and fulfil my reader expectations. If the stars are in alignment, I can download a book written by a comfort author. Instant gratification. You’ve got to love it.

I’m currently reading Magic Slays by Ilona Andrews, one of my comfort authors. This made me think. I wondered what other people do when they get in a reading funk.

So here are my questions for you. I look forward to your replies.

1. What do you do when you hit a reading funk?
2. Do you have comfort reads that you pull off your keeper shelf and periodically reread?
3. What are they?
4. How many books do you have on your keeper shelf?
5. Do you have comfort authors?
6. Are you like me in that you don’t reread books?

Don’t forget about my current contest. Full details are on my contest page.

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

~ Grab your current read
~ Open to a random page
~ Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
~BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
~ Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

My teaser this week comes from JR Ward’s Lover Unleashed. I finished reading this book last night and enjoyed parts of it, although I still prefer the earlier books in the series.

“I would do anything for you. Anything.”

With that, he pushed his way out…and as the door eased shut, she realized that I love you could indeed be said without actually uttering the phrase.

Actions did mean more than words.

page 175, Lover Unleashed

Blurb:

Payne, twin sister of Vishous, is cut from the same dark, warrior cloth as her brother: A fighter by nature, and a maverick when it comes to the traditional role of Chosen females, there is no place for her on the Far Side… and no role for her on the front lines of the war, either.

When she suffers a paralyzing injury, human surgeon Dr. Manuel Manello is called in to treat her as only he can- and he soon gets sucked into her dangerous, secret world. Although he never before believed in things that go bump in the night- like vampires- he finds himself more than willing to be seduced by the powerful female who marks both his body and his soul.

As the two find so much more than an erotic connection, the human and vampire worlds collide … just as a centuries old score catches up with Payne and puts both her love and her life in deadly jeopardy.

Purchase Lover Unleashed

Today I started polishing/editing the new gothic romance I finished last month. Part of my day was spent surfing the web and consulting my collection of reference books. One of the points I needed to check on was 18th century cosmetics.

Last week during my blog hopping, I visited Carol Dunford’s blog, Les Femmes d’Ecriture. Author Brinda Berry was visiting and discussing the use of podcasts for research. Brinda said she finds podcasts an excellent way to research various topics. You can read her post here.

The idea of using podcasts struck me as brilliant. I spend a lot of time walking the dog and often wear my iPod. Sometimes I listen to RWA workshops but hadn’t thought of checking out podcasts for research purposes. Today I came across the perfect podcast at the Colonial Williamsburg website, which answered all my 18th century cosmetic questions. It was called The Art of Beauty. For those who are interested in history or who write historical novels some of the other podcasts look exciting too. Topics vary from The Art of Cut (about men’s tailoring) to Music and Dance and Animals.

So what did I learn about cosmetics?

1. Pale is good and tans were frowned upon. A hat was a woman’s best friend.
2. Dark eyes and hair were preferred because both set off a pale skin.
3. Most people of the time bore scars and smallpox marks on their faces and many had hollowed cheeks after losing teeth.
4. Things like lead and other harmful substances were used to make the skin appear pale.
5. Patches in the shape of moons, stars and other shapes were very popular. They were perfect to disguise smallpox marks.
6. Mouse fur was used to make eye brows appear thicker and darker. Yuck!

Armed with this information, I’ll be able to make my heroine appear more authentic. If I suddenly time traveled back to the 18th century the other women would laugh for sure. Each summer my freckles join hands, go forth and multiply. A hat and suntan lotion don’t seem to help much!

What do you think of the beauty ideals of the time? Pale skin and dark hair? Do you listen to podcasts? Do you have any favorites that you subscribe to and would recommend?