Review: Sloane Monroe Boxed Set

Sloane Monroe Series Boxed Set by Cheryl Bradshaw
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

BLACK DIAMOND DEATH
In this first book, we're introduced to the talented, independent and kick ass Sloane Monroe, as she searches for the truth behind the assumed accidental death of Charlotte Halliwell. But what is the truth and how does it all work together as one?

This story moves at a fairly good pace, allowing the reader to get sucked into the world of Sloane Monroe. Unlike the other female leads out there, Sloane isn't prone to accidents or stumbling along the mystery. Instead, we have a woman who knows how to solve a crime and sets out to do just that. She works hard to make sure that what she does is seeking truth and justice... If she steps on a few toes along the way, she's all right doing that.
We get what feels like sneak peeks into her personal life, knowing there's a mystery to be found there as well. Her friends, lovers, adversaries and clients all weave around her, helping and hindering at every step.
The answer isn't blaringly obvious and while you see all the clues, the answer doesn't appear early on, but rather you discover it along with Sloane.

SINNERMAN
Secrets of Sloane's past are finally revealed, as we discover what happened to her sister Gabrielle. Haunted by her own demons, can she solve the one case that's plagued her for three years now, or will or will Sinnerman win in the end.

Book 1 managed to ease you into the story, before taking off like a shot. Book two simple tosses you, along with Sloane, into the fray. While I greatly enjoyed the chance to see deeper into Sloane's life, elements of it felt off at times. Her relationship took a turn between book 1 and 2, and as the reader that seemed to come out of nowhere, as if we were missing something.
That however is only a small element of the story at large, which delves into the mind of a serial killer in a well-researched way, without dragging the reader into a place too dark. In this case, we know who the killer is and the mystery isn't so much discovering him as it is watching Sloane learn the truth.

I HAVE A SECRET
The little we've learned about Sloane's part pales as we return with her to the place of her birth. Take a trip into the past with her as she searches for the truth, battles demons from the past and releases the truth from its shallow grave.

For book three, we leave the safe home of Park City, Utah, and head out to Tehachapi, California. Seeking out the whole story behind an old friend's murder, the reader is pulled into a small town world, where one family has long held a grip on the truth.
For the reader, we have a chance to see Sloane broken down at times, but also able to see how much stronger she has become. Her relationship is both strong and confusing to both the reader, as well as Sloane herself. At times, the secrets behind Giovanni seem forced, leaving us unsure of him, while at the same time sure he's one of the only ones trustworthy.


I thoroughly enjoyed the books and hope that there is more to come. I would love to delve deeper into Giovanni and see how Sloane fares in that trial. My hope is to see the strong and independent PI be finally happy in her life, content with where and who she is.

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Review: Lady of the Veils, by M.L. John

Lady of the Veils by M.L. John
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Be prepared for one hell of a ride, as you go from one world and into the next, on a whirlwind trip to battle the immortal. Watch as the world that our heroine knew before is pulled out from under her, forcing her to rebuild her very being into the woman she is destined to be.

I'm a lover of Fantasy, Adventure, Romance and Young Adult books, and this book gives the reader all of those things, in a fast paced roller coaster that leaves you wanting to know what happens next.

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Review: Amber Fox Mystery Boxed Set (Books 1-3) by Sibel Hodge

Amber Fox Mystery Boxed Set by Sibel Hodge
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Amber Fox boxed set sounded interesting from the get go. Similar to Stephanie Plum, but in England, I slowly worked my way through the books.

THE FASHION POLICE
This book excited me with the promise of putting two of my favorite things together. Mystery and Fashion.

I found the characters entertaining and vibrant as Amber interacted with the good, the bad and the just plain odd ball. The story felt real, less contrived than others of a similar nature. It wasn't that we started out in something small that blew up into more, it started big and grew into more then we'd all thought.

There were a few elements of this story that I found easy to grasp and grew frustrated at how long it took for the characters to also understand what all was going on.

Beyond that one small element, I adored book one and eagerly moved into book 2.

BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU WISH FOR
Picking up only a short while after book one, you walk into Amber's life as she is struggling with the decisions made in book one.

The story was more complicated in a good way, leaving me less of a window to put things together long before the characters did. I could see growth on the writers part in that.

The danger grew more heated for our heroine, as the enemies included a few that verge on insane. At the same time, the Hi-jinks and situations that she gets into made me laugh as I pushed through the story, wanting to know how it ended.

VOODOO DEADLY
Taking a small leap after the last book, this story pulls away some from the rest of the family, but pushes Amber into making some tough choices about her own future.

Personal life and the job cross over more, as we see the good and bad of VooDoo priestesses.

The story draws you in, as you want to rescue a young woman's life and protect those so many condemn from the start. How does it all connect into one terrible story?



While I still enjoy my Stephanie Plum novels, the Amber Fox books felt like something that could happen, not just the worst of what might. I would love to see one more book, allowing the readers to see the completion of her love life and know, along with Amber, that she made the right choice in the end.

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Dangerous Frame of Mind...

Or, how much to tell young people?

When I was small and got cavities, even though I took care of my teeth, the dentists would quiz me and made me feel as if I wasn't doing enough.  So I kinda... Gave up.  If I could do all the work, only to have them be bad... Then why try?

I think that... If I'd been told as a kid, 'Just keep at it.  Sometimes, they happen.  But you just have to keep at it and as an adult, you'll have great teeth.' I'd have better teeth.  But part of how I'm wired holds this... 'If I can't ever be good enough, why am I bothering?' and so, I give up.

Now at almost 30, I struggle to see things from start to finish.  The fact that I'm nearly finished with school is a MAJOR accomplishment for me.  I haven't given up after 4 months... Same with my jewelry business.  I've finally reached a point where I'm actually finishing what I start... 75% of the time.


I still struggle with 'why bother?' times... And with times of feeling worthless or useless, which also come from the same mind set.


It might not be an obvious jump, but think of it a little differently...


Told your not doing a good enough job, its not enough, your imperfect.  Seldom told that you did a good job, always 'it could be better.'  Really leads to a feeling of inadequacy and a doubt that your ever are going to be good enough...


Sadly, it took the time after my mother died, to realize this in myself.  And, I do wish I could have had time to talk and strength to her about it.  To share where I felt lost and hurt.


I'm nearly 30, watching my life both crumble around me and actually start... I feel like I should have done this when I was 18-22, not now.


So, I'll start moving forward, slowly... Haltingly, as things alter around me and shape my for the future... A future that as of now, is blank after April... I'll build what I have until then.


Ok... Mindless ramble is finished.

So...

Over the last few months, I've struggled to post anything at this blog.  I love the idea of having two blogs, of being able to post something more personal here and using the other one for my business.  The drawback is, I don't know what to post over here... So... Yeah, this is where we're at.

This one will be updated, I want to keep at it, but I can't promise how or what or when.


I do however have a question for any readers I do have out there.

How do you Brand Yourself?

I think its an interesting question to consider.  As a writer and small business person, I know that half of what I sell, is myself.  I am my business.  Separation hasn't really happened, so the business and I are pretty much one in the same.

Yes, I could create a new FB just for the business, perhaps even use a Pen Name [which I've concidered for the more adult stories I'd like to epublish], or work to create something for YOU and something for THE BUSINESS.

But I wonder, when the goal of branding is to be Great, to Know Itself, Invent or Reinvent an Entire Category, Taps into Emotions, Tells a Never Ending Story and is Relevant... Is that something you can so easily tear out of yourself and give its own life?  Is it really possible, when the truth of the matter is, you are your brand?  For that matter, is it something we should all strive for?

Ok, I'll admit it... There aren't answers to those questions.  At least, general ones.  Each person will need to choose how to go about branding themselves.  The only question that should be a no brainier, is Are you branding yourself?

Everytime I make a post to FaceBook, G+ and Twitter, I am making a post that people in both my personal and professional world see.  When I walk out the door for a day of shopping, meetings or just to grab a quick bite, I am representing my brand.

I don't want you to think I'm implying that you have to dress to the nines [where does that come from.. Always wondered], lay on the hair and make up styling and wear your formal dress... But, what if you bump into someone while your out there, and your dressed in your pajama's?  This is the first impression you get to make.  Yes, writers have a sort of... Myth about them, stay up late, are slobs, drink tons of coffee, that kind of thing.  But is that a myth about new writers climbing up in the world or established writers?  Which are you?  Do you think they always look and act that way?  And a Jewelry Designer... What are they?  Egotisitcal?  Dressed in the best labels?  Often gay?  Or are they old, often seen grumpy and wearing their jewelers eye and smock.  Once again, perhaps, but at some point they weren't.

And don't think I'm telling you that, you've lost all ability to have a down day or get sick or just, hang out with your friends.  I'm not.  You can't cease to live.  But, you do have to remember when you are the brand, every 'Hello' could be a contact.  Every waitress or waiter is a potential client.  You are always ON.

You have to decide how best to handle everything.  Create a secondary Facebook account, something you use only for business.   Set up a circle or group, and when you need to share something more personal, post only to them.  Use a pen name, create an account under that name and keep yourself private.

However you choose to do it, the important thing is that you remember it early on.  I'm not sure how I managed it, and I'm far from famous by any standard... I'm far from KNOWN to most of the world.  But when I started preparing myself to sell Jewelry last year, I walked out knowing I was going to make sure it was branded.  When I make posts and comments to FB, in the back of my head I keep reminding myself that its now filled with Old Friends, New Friends, Business Partners, Connections and Clients.  When I like something or wish to say something I'm not sure I should, I actually have a place to do all that and keep it out of the 'public' eye.  I work hard to put people on lists, so that if I wanted to, I could actually only speak to some of them.

Take a moment and stop to think about how you've branded yourself, then think of how you might want to be seen by the public at large.  For the most part, it shouldn't be a huge change.  You are you.  And you is who your trying to sell.