Smashwords: Nietzsche and the Downfall of Big Publishing

Smashwords: Nietzsche and the Downfall of Big Publishing: In the dark alleyways of publishing, an author uprising is brewing against Big Publishing. I’ve been thinking a lot about revolution lately...

Smashwords

I just recently discovered Smashwords. I was able to follow their e-publishing guide easily and format all three of my books to be included on their site. But what makes their site better than others I've dealt with, is that they then made the books availabe in almost all the different e-formats. All books included in the premium catalog are sent to the biggest e-publishers too (Kindle, Kobo, Sony, IBooks, etc). All of this is free. And I can keep track of how many people download samples of as well as buy my books. Love this! If you're an Indie author, I suggest you check it out!

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mark-coker/amazon-ebooks-kdp-select_b_1139260.html?ref=fb&src=sp&comm_ref=false#sb=1581825,b=facebook



Check out this article about Amazon's new KDP Select program. As an indie author, I wouldn't give anyone exclusive rights to my work. As a fan of Amazon's author program, I'm disappointed. What happened to being author friendly?

Would love to hear people's thoughts on this one.

Paradise 21

Title: Paradise 21
Author: Aubrie Dionne
Genre: Sci-Fi Romance
Length: Novel
Release Date: August 2011
ePub ISBN: 978-1-937044-02-2
Mobi ISBN: Coming soon!
Print ISBN: 978-1-937044-03-9
http://www.entangledpublishing.com/paradise-21/

Book Blurb:

Aries has lived her entire life aboard mankind’s last hope, the New Dawn, a spaceship traveling toward a planet where humanity can begin anew—a planet that won’t be reached in Aries’ lifetime. As one of the last genetically desirable women in the universe, she must marry her designated genetic match and produce the next generation for this centuries-long voyage.

But Aries has other plans.

When her desperate escape from the New Dawn strands her on a desert planet, Aries discovers the rumors about pirates—humans who escaped Earth before its demise—are true. Handsome, genetically imperfect Striker possesses the freedom Aries envies, and the two connect on a level she never thought possible. But pursued by her match from above and hunted by the planet’s native inhabitants, Aries quickly learns her freedom will come at a hefty price.

The life of the man she loves.

Excerpt:

“Might as well stay here and make camp for the night.”

His casual tone stung her composure. How could he talk of such mundane things when they’d almost been captured, when she’d touched him so tenderly?

“We’ll let them get farther away,” Striker explained, reasonable as always. “We’re going in their direction tomorrow.”

The sting of rejection grew, burning a hole in her heart. “Why?”

“Why what?”

        Her lips trembled. “Why not kiss me like you did before?”

“I can’t.” He shook his head, and the air cooled between them; so much so, Aries wondered if the desert had turned into deep space.

He’d teased her with such affection before, it was cruel to take it away. “I don’t understand,” she said, wishing she didn’t care, wishing she could stop all the emotions he’d started in her heart.

Aries caught a glimpse of pain etched in the wrinkles around his eyes. Striker turned away and started pulling supplies out of his backpack. “I can’t do this.”

“Do what?”

Striker shook his head and Aries prompted, “Can’t kiss me, can’t trust me? What?”

“I can’t allow myself to get tangled up with someone. Not again.”

The thoughts of Striker with another woman confused her. On the New Dawn, everyone had one lifemate and that was it. “You mean you loved someone before?”

Striker’s hand tightened on the backpack. “I trusted someone a long time ago, allowed myself to love, if you will. She hurt me so much I lost my entire life and ended up here. I can’t experience that kind of pain again.”

Aries clasped her hand over her heart. “I’m so sorry.”

He waved her apology off as if it meant nothing. “It’s a tough world, Aries. And it’s dangerous to love. If I were you, I’d keep my heart well-guarded, because you never know when it will affect your decisions, when it will make you weak.”

Aries couldn’t take his advice. Watching him talk about his past made her realize she’d already given up her heart.

He had it.

My Thoughts

When I first read the blurb for Paradise 21, I was struck by the unique story line. While I’m not a big fan of books about space and/or space travel, I enjoyed this book very much. It was easy to relate to Aries and her feelings. What reader hasn’t, at some point, felt that life was beyond her control? What reader hasn’t wished she had the courage to make radical changes? I found myself rooting for Aries and Striker before they even meet. There were just enough twists and turns in the plot to keep me guessing. Just enough suspense to keep me reading to see what happened next. I enjoyed the relationship between the two main characters, each one helping the other to purge the demons of their past and take a chance on another. The only thing I would change, if I could, would be to add a little more romance. I typically read contemporary romance or romantic suspense so I was looking forward to the moment when Aires and Striker came together. While I certainly got my happily-ever-after, I would have enjoyed a few romantic scenes. That said, I enjoyed reading Paradise 21. I would recommend it anyone who enjoys a nice light read. One where the good guys and even the ‘bad’ get their happy ending. I look forward to reading more from Aubrie Dionne.

Review: Howling for My Baby by Beverly Rae

From Goodreads

Sydney Skeller’s father is spitting bullets over her reluctance to join the family business as a shifter hunter. The last thing Daddy needs to know is why—she yearns for a lover who’s man enough for a relationship but animal enough to give her the wild ride of her dreams. After a treadmill mishap lands her in a tangled heap with Jason Cannon, she wonders if she’s finally found her beast, er, man. One session in bed and one bite later, she’s sure. Now if only she can keep her father from mounting Jason’s head on a wall…
Jason is all man on the surface, but wolf shifter down to the bone. He’s more than ready to stop “playing the pack” and find his one true mate, and Sydney of the luscious curves is the woman of his dreams. Finding out that she comes from a family sworn to eradicate his kind isn’t a deal-breaker. But her outrageous plan for him to masquerade as the wolf in hunter’s clothing, right under her father’s very nose, could be asking more than he ever expected to give.

My Thoughts

I really liked the 'idea' of this book when I read the synopsis. Unfortunately, I found the idea better than the reality. The characters are flat and lack depth, description and realism. I couldn't even find a kinship with the main characters because they continually acted as if everything was beyond their control. They allowed other characters to 'herd' them through the events of the story. The story presents almost as if it's a summary or a list of events. It quickly moves from one scene to an...moreI really liked the 'idea' of this book when I read the synopsis. Unfortunately, I found the idea better than the reality. The characters are flat and lack depth, description and realism. I couldn't even find a kinship with the main characters because they continually acted as if everything was beyond their control. They allowed other characters to 'herd' them through the events of the story. The story presents almost as if it's a summary or a list of events. It quickly moves from one scene to another without exploring the depth or emotion behind the characters' actions. To be honest, I couldn't even finish this book because I was so frustrated. I kept wanting more from the characters and story, but it just never happened. Rating

From GoodReads

In Jeanne Adams's electrifying thriller, a beautiful CIA agent and a security expert find themselves in a desperate race against time...

Hot Pursuit

Security expert Gates Bromley's number one priority is protecting art collector Dav Gianikopolis. But when he joins forces with CIA Agent Ana Burton tracing several pieces of stolen art, Gates is distracted by the leggy brunette who stirs up the raciest thoughts...

After botching an operation that cost her colleagues' lives, Ana has been reassigned to cold cases. When news gets out that she's reopened a case involving stolen art and five brutal murders, Ana is almost killed. Seeking comfort in Gates's strong embrace is easy, but surrendering trust to the sexiest man she's ever known isn't—unless Gates can show her that an attraction this hot is worth all the risks. But first, he'll have to stop a killer who's bent on keeping the past buried...


My Thoughts

I was attending a local booking signing this weekend, and while waiting in line, I was checking out the bookshelves and book tables. I wasn’t really looking for anything new. My TBR list is HUGE. But it was one of those random moments when you pick up a book, read the back cover, and something sparks. I had to buy it. No second-guessing, just had to have it. Romance, danger and a tough female lead - exactly my kind of book. But still, I was caught off guard. Once I started reading, I didn’t want to put it down! I read it straight through and then immediately downloaded the sequel. Ms. Adam’s characters leapt off the page and her plot was intelligent, unique, and exciting. It was easy to get caught up in Ana and Gates, their attraction for one another and the danger they were in. And the plot twists kept me guessing until the very end. Would I recommend this book? ABSOLUTELY! Have I already started book two? You bet!

Cold Touch by Leslie Parrish

From Amazon:

Since being gifted-or cursed-with the ability to touch a lifeless body and relive the deceased's final moments, Olivia Wainwright has died a hundred deaths. And every glimpse into this darkness draws her deeper into danger.

Though he doesn't believe in psychics, Savannah Detective Gabe Cooper offers her a glimmer of light. As their bond deepens, Olivia will have to choose between her cold gift and the warmth Gabe can provide. And Gabe can't refuse when she needs his help solving a crime that's haunted her for over a decade-her own murder.

My Thoughts:

Gotta say, I really loved this book! Paranormal romance is not usually my first choice, but when I read the back cover of this one, I was intrigued. This book is ridiculously creative, surprising and, above all, new. No vampires, werewolves, demons, angels and any of the more popular characters. Instead, well-developed and well-written men and women that the reader can believe in and connect with. Olivia was a beautiful mixture of strength and need. Gabe the strong, courageous, intelligent man little girls are taught to dream of. And when their worlds collide, they have to learn to understand and accept before they can trust and love. Woven through all of that, is danger, mystery and a desperate search for justice. I liked this book so much, I went back to read the one written before it, Cold Sight. And I look forward to more from this author!



Flynn, Avery (2011-06-13). Up a Dry Creek (The Dry Creek series) (Kindle Locations 1698-1707). Evernight Publishing. Kindle Edition.

Excerpt

His nerves taut, Jake took in the details of the situation. The stairs were at their backs. The dining room was in front of them. The gunman blocked the closest exit. It was the same nutjob from the Jeep fire, who’d been threatening Claire and more than likely killed Kendall. He’d changed his clothes and shaved his head, but Jake couldn’t mistake him or his malicious intent. Not with a 9mm Browning trained on Claire’s heart.

 “That was some scream.” The killer lifted his glassy-eyed gaze toward Jake, but kept the gun pointed at Claire. “You’ll have to share your secret with me after this is over. I can make the girls yell, but it’s never my name.”

Claire shook at his side. His protective urge stoked the fury rushing through his veins. That bastard would pay for making her life hell. The tweaker had some drug-powered aggression on his side, but Jake had no doubt he’d take the killer down. He hunched his shoulders like a lineman about to make a tackle and prepared to take out the lunatic.

The gun’s ominous click stopped him cold.

Review – CONTAINS SPOILERS

I was excited to read this book because it’s part of one of my favorite genres, romantic suspense. Lately I’ve found traditional loves stories to be too sappy and mushy for my taste. I’d rather have a little danger with my love story and Up a Dry Creek does not disappoint. With dead bodies, threatening phone calls, break-ins, assault, and fires (to name a few), this story has everything. I actually felt sorry for the characters a couple of times, thinking ‘Okay! Enough already.’ Just when I would think that Claire and Jake were in the clear, it was just another calm before another storm. Their relationship, emotional and physical, develops quickly, but that’s the nature of the genre. The love scenes were suitably spicy and explicit, but seemed a natural part of the story as a whole. The plot is fast paced, creative and continues to keep you guessing. Can’t wait to see what this author comes up with next.