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Theodora Taylor

My Latest Book Is Here and My Last Freebie Promotion

November 30, 2012 in alpha male, biracial hero, black woman asian man, bwam, Christmas, ebook talk, erotic, Her Perfect Gift, steamy

I feel like I say this every time I announce a new book, but sorry, once again, for the blog silence. As you might have guessed by now, if I’m not posting regularly that means I’m working hard to get the next book up.

Can you believe it’s been an almost a year since I posted my first book, THE OWNER OF HIS HEART? Insane, right! I’ve learned a lot in that year, mostly about work/writing balance and how the cure to just about anything from diminishing sales to disgruntled readers/commenters is writing another book. And unfortunately for people who love free reads, I’ve also learned a lot about writing discipline.

What does that mean? Well, long story short, though I appreciate the KDP Select program, especially the early boost it gave OWNER and the incentive it gave me to meet my writing deadlines, my latest book will not be in this program. Why? Four reasons, really:

1. I felt I was unfairly punishing fans who didn’t have Kindles by making them wait 90 days to get my latest book.

2. October and November were hands down my busiest months in the history of me having a day job, but I still managed to stick to my writing schedule — in fact, spending regular time with the unusual couple from my latest book, HER PERFECT GIFT, was a total sanity saver. So I’m thinking if I could write through that craziness, I can probably be trusted to meet my writing goals without KDP Select’s use-it-or-lose-it freebie promotion program hanging over my head.

3. I’ve reached a plateau. As I mentioned before, I love my day job and don’t want to quit it to write full-time. However, there are only 24 hours in the day. I’m very happy with and grateful for the money I’m making at both of my jobs. I love being so busy on both fronts and I don’t want to take time away from either endeavor to promote. Hence, this is my last free promotion. I hope new readers will continue to find the 50 Loving States series, but in order to keep writing it, I don’t have time to run free promotions every three months. Or, to put it more bluntly, I’d rather be using that time to write the next book.

4. Did I mention HER PERFECT GIFT is a holiday novel? Who wants to wait 90 days to read a holiday novel?

So here’s the breakdown. THE WILD ONE will be free on Amazon this whole weekend. After that, though, all my books will go wide on all sites at around the same time (I can never guarantee the same day, since different sites have different holding times) and will never be offered for free again.

So if you haven’t read THE WILD ONE, which is the follow-up to my first book, THE OWNER OF HIS HEART, yet, click on the book widget in the right side bar to download your free copy.

And as for HER PERFECT GIFT, my latest book. Well, this one is a doozy. Here’s the description:

The fifth smoking hot interracial romance in the 50 Loving States series!

Lacey Winters has sworn off love. She’s kept her heart locked away for her own protection, and she’s vowed never to fall under a dangerous man’s spell again.

But that was all before she met Suro Nakamura, a hit man who seems bound and determined to stomp all over her pesky vows. 

He’s dangerous in more ways than one, but can Lacey resist this holiday temptation?

A story sure to set your holidays on fire, this book features a woman with a past, a hit man determined to see her in his future, and red hot Christmas chemistry.

I loved this couple (especially the hot and quiet hero) to pieces and hope you will, too.I also, love the holidays, and I’m now looking forward to writing a Christmas novel every year. Click on the pic below or the book widget in the side bar to get your copy.

Happy Holidays!

Theodora

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Theodora Taylor

THE NAUGHTY SINS OF A SAINT by Tiana Laveen

September 4, 2012 in alpha male, black woman biracial man, Book Reviews, erotic, married couple, paranormal, self-published

Description: When Saint, a dynamic, Egyptian-Asian motivational speaker meets Xenia, a popular radio show host, it’s chemistry at first sight. But can this couple clear a whole bunch of hurdles, including their often clashing strong wills, Saint’s mystical roots, Xenia’s disapproving family, and Saint’s many enemies?

The Dilemma: I’m at a lost as to how to give this novel a proper review, and I don’t even know how I’d figure out how to give it any kind of letter grade. It’s an epic, polarizing book, and it has many qualities that people will either love or hate. For example…

Saint: Saint is a fascinating hero, an engaging speaker who keeps it real and speaks his mind. Even if you don’t agree with what he has to say, you’ll pay attention. And you’re either going to love or hate the many long speeches he has throughout the book.

Xenia: This heroine is hood and crass. You’ll either find her refreshing or dislike her instantly.

Tone: The tone of the book is extremely didactic. Fans of IR blogs that preach against dating black men will love it, others might find is severely preachy and off-putting.

Structure: The structure of this novel is very episodic with an overarching thread. After you’re done, you’ll feel like you’ve watched a whole season of a night time drama.

Length: The book is really long. Readers will either feel like they got their $7.99′s worth, or that it’s going on and on.

The Good: This is a truly unique hero — trust, you have never encountered a character like Saint in an IR romance. I loved that both characters — not just the hero — had sexual histories. The sex scenes are balls to the wall, very intense, with nothing left on the table. They’re also, strangely enough, pretty instructional. So if you’re looking for tips…

The Bad: Craft issues abound: There’s egregious head hopping. Ms. Laveen habitually uses five or more sentences of dialogue to express what could be said in two. Characters often tell each other things they already know, making for really clumsy exposition.

The Naughty: Erotic. Really explicit sex. Really explicit language (ex. “Sit up for a minute and watch me tongue fuck you.”). Period sex. Anal sex. 

Editing issues: Head hopping.

Publisher: Indie

Length: 334 pages

Final Grade: n/a

Click on the book widget to buy at Amazon for $7.99.

 

Theodora Taylor writes and reviews interracial romance novels in Pittsburgh, PA.

 

 

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Theodora Taylor

CLAIMING SHAYLA (True Mates) by Zena Wynn

August 8, 2012 in alpha male, B Reviews, bi-racial heroine, Book Reviews, erotic, Loose ID, paranormal, pregnant, shifter(s), suspense, werewolf

Description: When Shayla flees Refuge, North Carolina after an intense mating session with Rory McFelan, she thought she was done with the alpha of the Sparrowhawks. But as it turns out, she has to go back for her favorite cousin’s wedding. Also, she’s pregnant. And perhaps most importantly of all, Rory isn’t at all prepared to let her go.

The Good: As always, Ms. Wynn’s excels at introducing really hot sex into unique situations. There’s a lot going on in this book plot-wise: a rip-roaring romance, a meaty family mystery, and some seriously hardcore sex. Ms. Wynn really goes there — so sensitive readers, be warned. I was worried at points by how many balls she had going up in the air, but somehow she manages to juggle them and wrap it all up with a very satisfying conclusion. There’s also a character introduction that is so crazy-intriguing, you’ll be dying for him to get his own True Mates book. Hopefully it’s coming soon!

The Bad:Shayla as a character has serious “show vs. tell” problems. She’s supposed to be a genius, we never see her use her brain. At one point she proudly proclaims, “I won’t whine, mope, or sulk in some corner like a child” after spending several pages whining and moping around in a childish funk. She claims to be traumatized by growing up different, but we never see any evidence of this. In the end she feels like a collection of stated character traits that are never proven. To this point, many readers will figure out an important component of the mystery way before Shayla does, which brings us back to the genius issue.

Also, there are so many characters and POVs, it’s hard to keep them all straight. It’s a bit like watching TRUE BLOOD. In fact, even though she’s bi-racial (black and Asian), Shayla reminds me a bit of Rutina Wesley’s character, Tara — readers are either going to love her or hate her.

The Naughty: Erotic. Physical fighting between couple. Lots of exhibition. Sex while in werewolf form. Hardcore.

Editing issues: 4 typos found.

Publisher: Loose Id

Length: 274

Final Grade: B

Click on the widget to buy at Amazon for $6.39.

 

Theodora Taylor writes and reviews in Pittsburgh, PA.

 

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SEDUCED BY THE WOLF by Zena Wynn

July 24, 2012 in A Reviews, alpha male, black woman white man, Book Reviews, bwwm, bwwm romance, paranormal, Phaze Books, shifter(s), werewolf

Description: Von Washington has a secret: she has never stopped being pen pals with Master Sergeant Sean Jacobson, the former army buddy of her controlling fiancé. But when Sean comes to town several secrets will be revealed, including that he’s a werewolf!

The Good: This is great read with exceptional storytelling, gasp-out-loud twists and turns, and hot, hot, HOT sex. I loved how the author dealt with Sean’s ongoing struggles to control his wolf. And Von’s cousin is awesome. She made me want to call up my favorite cousin for a long overdue chat.

The Bad: The epilogue feels tacked on and rushed.

The Naughty: Erotic. Women struggling with sexuality. Sexual situations depicted with two different men.

Editing issues: 7 typos found. “Misfortunate” is barely a word and not recognized by most dictionaries. I wish IR authors would stop using it.”Unfortunate” is always the better choice.

Publisher: Phaze Books

Length: 128 pages

Final Grade: A-

Click on the widget to buy at Amazon for $4.39.

 

Theodora Taylor writes and reviews in Pittsburgh, PA.

 

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Theodora Taylor

THE HICK AND THE HIPPIE by Sherrod Story

July 23, 2012 in A Reviews, alpha male, athlete, BDSM, black woman white man, Book Reviews, business man, bwwm, bwwm romance, erotic, self-published

Description: When outspoken Chicago girl, Lee Morris, gets sent down south to “do time” (once again getting in trouble for her activist ways), the last thing she expects is to become the willing submissive of Xander Crete, a hick, football player.

The Good: This book is H!O!T! from the beginning and really compelling. I couldn’t read it fast enough. The situation was fascinating, and I loved that the author actually deals with the emotional fallout of a young, budding dom/sub relationship. Lee really struggles with her desires, and you can’t blame her for doing so. The author seems very interested in the psychology of the situation, and the result is a really well-drawn heroine, who is likable without being run-of-the-mill.  Check out this line: “Lee liked being smart. She thought it was fun to work things out.”

THE HICK AND THE HIPPIE turned me into a total fan girl for Sherrod Story. This author has a ton of raw talent, and the potential to get even better with age. At a price point of $2.99, this story is well worth the chance, so please give one, and leave a review if you love it as much as I did.

The Bad: The story mostly revolves around Lee’s and Xander’s relationship in high school, and while that is strongly written, their grown up relationship gets short shrift in comparison. The structure of the novel could be much tighter, and the transitions between past and present are pretty clumsy. If you don’t like controlling alpha males, you’ll want to leave this book alone. Also, Ms. Story employs an omniscient voice that might irk readers who can’t abide head hopping. But now that we’ve gotten that out of the way, let me restate how highly I’m recommending this book. Overall, one gets the sense that this is an author who is doing her very best and will do even better next time.

The Naughty: Erotic. Sex in public. Sex in cars. Spanking. Light BDSM.

Editing issues: 3 typos. Weird indents on Kindle Fire.

Publisher: Indie

Length: 168 pages

Final Grade: A-

Click on the book widget to buy at Amazon for $2.99.

 

Theodora Taylor writes and reviews interracial romance novels in Pittsburgh, PA.

 

 

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Theodora Taylor

SNATCHED by Sharon Cullars

July 17, 2012 in alpha male, B Reviews, black woman white man, Book Reviews, bwwm, bwwm romance, cop, self-published, sensual, suspense

Description: Who knew that a love of short ribs could get one character into so much trouble? But when an angry Nailah throws a short rib at a group of dangerous bikers, the person she hits, Dele — who just so happens to be an undercover cop disguised as one them — is forced to kidnap her. Now all he has to do is figure out how to keep both of them alive and solve the case.

The Good: I bought this, no sample needed, because Sharon Cullars has proven herself to be an amazing storyteller with a strong writing voice. The stakes are extremely high — I mean through the roof. Just when you think they’re as high as they can go, they jump up another level. This makes SNATCHED a burning page-turner, which will keep you on the edge of your seat. I couldn’t read it fast enough.

The Bad: As a character, Nailah is like a bad episode of “when keeping it real goes wrong.” Though I eventually came to accept her throwing a rib at a biker in a moment of pique, her continued hotheadness in the face of true danger made her frustrating and hard to root for at times. And though her complete inability to follow instructions or keep her mouth shut at crucial moments, eventually comes in handy in the overall story arc, it flatlines the heroine’s own arc.

The Naughty: Sensual. Sex in a hostage situation. Implied rape.

Editing issues: N/A

Publisher: Indie

Length: 129 pages

Final Grade: B

Click on the book widget to buy at Amazon for $3.99.

 

Theodora Taylor lives, writes, and reviews books in Pittsburgh.  

 

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Theodora Taylor

HARMONY by Sienna Mynx

June 19, 2012 in A Reviews, alpha male, black woman white man, Book Reviews, bwwm romance, historical, self-published, steamy

Description: When Harmony’s brother, a small-time bootlegger goes missing, the Harlem-Renaissance-era jazz singer turns to Sicilian mob boss, Vinnie Romano for help. Cue the epic romance.

The Good: This is going to be a pretty short review, because I really, really loved this novel. It’s a ton of story for your buck, and it reads fast. Most importantly, it fully displays Ms. Mynx’s growth as a writer. This is really epic storytelling, and Ms. Mynx has done some terrific character work with Harmony. She’s smart, sassy, and realistically conflicted. There are no two-dimensional characters in this novel, and even the side characters are rather fascinating.

The Bad: History buffs might thirst for even more Harlem Renaissance details.

The Naughty: Steamy. More sex than one might expect from a historical. Violence.

Editing issues: 3 typos found. Missing commas.

Publisher: The Diva’s Pen LLC (Indie)

Length: 236 pages

Final Grade: A

Click on the widget to buy at Amazon for $4.99.

 

Love IR romance as much as I do? Then pick up the first three Amazon bestselling books in my 50 Loving States series, THE OWNER OF HIS HEART , HER RUSSIAN BILLIONAIRE, and HER VIKING WOLF, as eBooks or in paperback!

 

 

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HAVEN by Nia K. Foxx

June 18, 2012 in alpha male, B Reviews, black woman white man, Book Reviews, bwwm, bwwm romance, cop, doctor, Loose ID, older woman younger man, paranormal, steamy, werewolf

Description: As a shifter, who can’t shift, Ashlei Preen has pretty much given up on love — that is, until the new sexy shifter sheriff catches her scent.

The Good: I really liked the premise of a shifter who couldn’t shift living in a town of shifters. The sex was very hot, and fans of shifter romances will appreciate the primal details. There were also some really funny comedic moments and the town’s residents are a hoot.

The Bad: As much as I loved the premise, the story was weighed down by a really resistant, really insecure heroine, who isn’t given believable motivation. Her stubborn refusal to believe that the hero was truly interested in her was baffling and made for a frustrating read. I also didn’t understand the class system among these werewolves. At one point, it seemed that some conflict might arise out of the fact that the hero and heroine were from two different breeds, but nothing ever came of it, leaving me to wonder why this story detail had been introduced in the first place. Also, there is a great mystery that’s introduced way too late in the story and isn’t resolved. Overall, the novel needed a tighter structure, and a clearer emotional through line, especially for the heroine.

The Naughty: Steamy. Rough, animalistic sex.

Editing issues: One typo found.

Publisher: Loose Id LLC

Length: 171 pages

Final Grade: B-

Click on the book widget to buy at Amazon for $5.94.

 

Love IR romance as much as I do? Then pick up THE OWNER OF HIS HEART , HER RUSSIAN BILLIONAIRE, and HER VIKING WOLF, the first three books in my 50 Loving States series!

 

 

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SLIGHTLY SINFUL by Yvette Hines

June 14, 2012 in alpha male, B Reviews, bi-racial heroine, black woman hispanic man, Book Reviews, business man, bwlm, erotic, Hispanic, Hispanic hero, self-published

Description: While waiting to hear back about a lucrative contract, Delilah Reynolds, decides to accept her friend’s invitation to a risqué weekend in the Bahamas. She ends up have the mind-blowing sex experience of a lifetime with a mysterious stranger, but what will happen when they meet again in the real world?

The Good: This book was scorching hot with wonderfully naughty situations and sex. Not for the faint-of-heart reader. This isn’t your walks-on-the-beach sort of book. Whoo, boy!

The Bad: The resolution comes a bit too quickly, squandering much of the great conflict that’s been built up. Also, the last sex scene feels more like a one more scene, than a culmination or even a confirmation of love.

The Naughty: Erotic. Multiple partners. Orgy. Anal.

Editing issues: 6 typos found.

Publisher: Indie

Length: 79 pages

Final Grade: B

Click on the widget to buy at Amazon for $2.99.

 

Love IR romance as much as I do? Then pick up the first three Amazon bestselling books in my 50 Loving States series, THE OWNER OF HIS HEART , HER RUSSIAN BILLIONAIRE, and HER VIKING WOLF, as eBooks or in paperback!

 

 

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Theodora Taylor

RESCUE ME by Shara Azod

June 12, 2012 in alpha male, B Reviews, black woman white man, Book Reviews, business man, bwwm romance, Novella, self-published, steamy

Description: When Dieter inadvertently rescues Deja from the Croatian mafia, he plans to make her his mistress, but his heart, soon has him demanding more from the beautiful woman than just sex.

The Good: I really loved that the hero hailed from Germany. Ms. Azod did a wonderful job of building up to the sex, and she created really great villains with nice, specific details. The stakes are also well set. It is impossible for the reader not to want to see Deja truly rescued from the life that awaits her.

The Bad: The great premise is hindered by a lack of character and story development. Dieter’s characterization suffers from excessive interior dialogue. And Deja, in particular, is so underwritten that it’s hard to get a good read on her.

Almost every man she encounters instantly likes her and they’re willing to go through extremes to protect her or get her back, but the author fails to present us with a character who would believably inspire such commitments. One can’t just say that a character exudes light and innocence, she has to be shown doing so — and though Deja’s situation is lamentable, at no point does she come across as “light and innocent.”

The mother-daughter relationship is also way undercooked, which is a bit strange, since it ends up becoming a thing over the course of the story. In the end, this felt like a novella written too quickly and made up of instant connections, none of which were earned. Lastly, anyone who has ever been any kind of office assistant will hate the disrespectful way Dieter treats his own assistant.

The Naughty: Steamy. Lots and lots of sexual tension.

Editing issues: 6 typos found. Weird indentation. Clunky grammar in places.

Publisher: Indie

Length: 72 pages

Final Grade: B-

Click on the widget to buy at Amazon for $4.99.

 

Love IR romance as much as I do? Then pick up the first three Amazon bestselling books in my 50 Loving States series, THE OWNER OF HIS HEART , HER RUSSIAN BILLIONAIRE, and HER VIKING WOLF, as eBooks or in paperback!

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