Sigo con el steampunk en Clockwork Menagerie + giveaway

Arrebatadores, ¿a quién de vosotros le gusta el género steampunk? 

Sé que hay algunos por ahí diseminados, por lo que espero que os guste esta nueva adición, en formato relato corto, al mundo de las novelas de Karen Kincy. En el pasado, leí dos novelas suyas, Shadows of Asphodel (mi opinión) y Storms of Lazarus (mi opinión). Están repletas de aventuras, zeppelines, romance y magia. De modo que, cuando me invitaron a participar en el tour de una nueva historia en esta serie, me alegré muchísimo.

Hay que empezar por el principio y leer las dos novelas antes de embarcarse en este relato, por supuesto. Me ha encantado reencontrarme con el archimago Konstantin, tan educado y absorto en la ciencia de la tecnomancia, y con el gallardo capitán de zepelín, Himmel. 

Son reclutados para "espiar" con elegancia y sin tomar cartas en el asunto como parte de una visita diplomática a Rusia. Las cosas se tuercen y Konstantin mete la pata cuando investiga más allá de la cuenta la intervención de una noble rusa en el uso ilegal de almas para dinamizar máquinas steampunk con forma de dragón.

Se trata de un relato de 85 páginas aproximadamente donde ocurren cosas sin parar, en medio de una Europa medio mágica medio en guerra, con rusos peligrosos por todas partes, un frío siberiano, máquinas tan bellas como mortales y un par de héroes a su pesar que arriesgan sus carreras en pos de la verdad. Curiosamente, me he topado con un romance chico-chico que ha resultado realista, cálido y divertido a la par, y algo sexy también. Me ha gustado muchísimo la aventura porque cambia de escenario constantemente, es muy dinámica, y tiene lugar en Rusia, cosa que me estimula un montón. Aparte, el romance prohibido supone un toque de drama y sentimiento que funciona muy bien ya que se trata de personajes que ya conozco y con quienes empatizo. El final, por supuesto, cierra la aventura pero deja abierto el camino para sus repercusiones en el frágil equilibrio de Europa y para la relación de los dos héroes.

Welcome to my tour stop for Clockwork Menagerie, a companion novellato the Shadows of Asphodel series by Karen Kincy. This is an adult historical fantasy romance and the tour runs September 1-11. Check out the tour page for more information.

Clockwork Menagerie

 (Shadows of Asphodel, #2.5), 

by Karen Kincy

Genre: Historical-fantasy romance

Publisher: Curiosity Quills Press

Date of Release: September 1, 2015

Cover Artist: Eugene Teplitsky

Find Online: Amazon US | Amazon UK | Goodreads

Description:

A companion novella to the Shadows of Asphodel series, from Konstantin's point of view.

1914. Konstantin would love to hide in his laboratory and dissect the clockwork dragon captured from Russia, but the Archmages of Vienna have other plans. He finds himself shipped off to St. Petersburg as the scientific attaché to an ambassador. His orders? Look, but don't touch. Of course, he considers this an impossible request with so much enemy technomancy to explore.

To make matters worse, Konstantin has to work with the dashing zeppelin commander Himmel, a man who should also be untouchable. They can't act on the smoldering attraction between them without risking it all. Faced with an illegal relationship and a devious rival technomancer, Konstantin might not return from this mission in Russia without conquering the forbidden.

MY OPINION

I was delighted to come back to the steampunk world of the Archmages of Vienna and their technomancy, a Europe on the brink of war, and zeppelin adventures.

Even for as short a time as this 90-page novella allows, it was so worth it. I had the chance to reacquaint myself with a couple of interesting characters such as archmage Konstantin Falkenrath and captain Himmel.

Sucked into a diplomatic venture into imposing Russia, they have to uncover the deadly secrets behind illegal use of soul magic in machines. At the same time, they deal with the perils of giving into an unlawful attraction between them. I'm not used to this kind of MM romance, but i can only confess it was sweetly exhilarating as I was fond of the characters, and their feelings and attitudes were so touchingly conveyed. And, yes, hot too.

With a fast pace, lots of things going on and an engaging plot of war politics, this Russian adventure packs an entertaining combination of dragon machines, heartfelt and impossible romance, deadly enemies and swashbuckling zeppelins. 

The end came too quickly as I'd hoped for a more concrete conclusion, yet I have the inkling this is the beginning of a beautiful future of stories featuring the daring couple, or maybe a well-planned link to the next full-length novel. Either way, I'm more than happy to have read this adventure with characters that feel so real and clever. I really enjoyed Himmel's stiff and loyal stance, and Konstantin's endearing inadequacy and brave morals. I hope to see more of them soon!

ABOUT THE MASTERMIND

Karen Kincy (Kirkland, Washington) can be found lurking in her writing cave, though sunshine will lure her outside. When not writing, she stays busy gardening, tinkering with aquariums, or running just one more mile. Karen has a BA in Linguistics and Literature from The Evergreen State College.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

GIVEAWAY TIME

Gold Lotus Flower Bookmark that Glows in the Dark from etsy seller Papillon9 

Open to US/CA

Ends Sept. 16th

Prizing is provided by the publisher. 
Hosts are not responsible.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This event was organized by CBB Book Promotions.

¿Habéis leído alguna novela steampunk interesante? :o)

Babel en zepelín.

Relatos basados en novelas de Jane Austen + sorteo

Buenos días, arrebatadores :o) Hace poco he descubierto una serie de relatos, o novellas, basadas en Orgullo y Prejuicio, de Jane Austen. Ver esas portadas tan tiernotas me puso una sonrisa en la cara, así que me he animado a leer una de ellas: Miss Darcy Decides, de Reina M. Williams.

Cuenta el romance entre la hermana de Darcy, Georgiana, y Camden, un hombre que perdió su razón de vivir y se dedicó a despilfarrar su vida. Ahora, más sabio y ansioso por recuperar la felicidad, trata de redimirse. Vuelve a su hogar para recoger el legado de su padre y honrarlo. Aunque conocer a Georgiana le hace desear cortejarla y atesorar su amor. Sin embargo, está plagado de dudas por su pasado y su reputación. Dudas que Georgiana comparte porque ya tuvo un encontronazo con un sinvergüenza en su juventud y no quiere repetir la experiencia. Teme también arriesgar su hogar y su vida actual por un futuro incierto.

El romance, tan dulce y elegante como la prosa de la autora, se desarrolla con exquisita lentitud, en pugna contra las dudas de los protagonistas y la oposición de Darcy, pues teme que su hermana caiga en malas manos de nuevo.

Es un relato muy optimista, tierno, deliciosamente evocador de las costumbres y personajes de Orgullo y Prejuicio, que resulta perfecto para leer en Navidades cuando te apetece conectar con el aspecto cálido y doméstico de las relaciones.

La serie de relatos:

Miss Darcy Decides INFO

Publication Date: January 21, 2014

Amazon Digital Services, Inc.

eBook; 77 pages

Heat level: Sweet

Miss Darcy Decides is a light, sweet Pride and Prejudice novella, book two in the Love at Pemberley series.

While visiting a young woman—who was not so fortunate as Miss Georgiana Darcy in escaping the persuasions of a rogue—Georgiana meets Sir Camden Sutton, whose reputation causes Georgiana to wonder as to his motives. Her wondering soon turns to a

different feeling when Sir Camden comes to stay at Pemberley, showing himself to be a very different man than was rumored. While Sir Camden struggles with his past and his commitment to his future, as well as the ill intentions of haughty Caroline Bingley, Miss

Darcy must decide whether to listen to others, or the words written on her heart.

If you want to buy the Novella

Amazon 
Barnes & Noble

Kobo Books

Virtual Book Tour Schedule

Please join Reina M. Williams

on her Love at Pemberley Series Book Blast from May 12-June 13.

My opinion of Miss Darcy Decides

MISS DARCY DECIDES is a pretty little bundle of period romance and sweet elegance. It echoes of well-known and dear names like Darcy, Lizzy, even poor Wickham. However, it's time to tell Georgiana's story. Hers is a tale of past lessons, of treasured friendships and emotional growth, but also of longing for the most tender of passions: love.

She might have encountered a fellow spirit in Camden, a man with a past who's also on the lookout for warmth and comfort for his lonely, repentant soul. What develops between them is tender, hopeful, and also filled with doubts.

With a clean, elegant writing style, the author draws characters driven by their need of companionship and redemption. Also, the customs and manners of that period are nicely evoked.

I enjoyed reading about life at Pemberly. It was nice and endearing to know what life was like for Lizzy and Fitzpatrick after they got married. As to Camden, he's a changed man, ready for a life of fulfillment and meaning. He has much to prove for he was a reckless man and as such finds opposition from honour-bound Mr. Darcy. Gaining a cautious woman's trust is not as easy as uttering of few words though. He must accomplish what he's promising with deeds, or Georgiana won't forsake her family and home for an unsure future.

The story has an air of optimism and hopeful romance that would be perfect for a comfy reading during spring time when life is blooming, or at Christmas when one's spirit is yearning for domestic bliss.

**

Most Truly

Publication Date: December 15, 2013

Amazon Digital Services, Inc. eBook

88 pages

Heat level: Sweet

Colonel James Fitzwilliam is home. The war has left him weary, battle-scarred—and a free man of fortune ready to find a wife. He travels to Pemberley, his second home. There he meets Kitty Bennet. Her unexpected charms soon have him questioning his familial duty and his expectations. A fight looms on the horizon when his aunt—Lady Catherine de Bourgh—and his parents arrive with their own plans for his future. Kitty Bennet has found happiness. At Pemberley, she has improved herself and formed true friendships with her sister Lizzy and Georgiana Darcy. Kitty is captivated by the gentlemanly Colonel Fitzwilliam. But she will not be silly over a redcoat again, and she will not risk her happiness—or his family’s displeasure—for his attentions. Colonel Fitzwilliam, Darcy, Lizzy, and Georgiana have their say, and Kitty learns a new lesson—love will find you at Pemberley.

Miss Darcy Decides 

Publication Date: January 21, 2014

Amazon Digital Services, Inc. eBook

77 pages

Heat level: Sweet

Miss Darcy Decides is a light, sweet Pride and Prejudice novella, book two in the Love at Pemberley series. While visiting a young woman—who was not so fortunate as Miss Georgiana Darcy in escaping the persuasions of a rogue—Georgiana meets Sir Camden Sutton, whose reputation causes Georgiana to wonder as to his motives. Her wondering soon turns to a different feeling when Sir Camden comes to stay at Pemberley, showing himself to be a very different man than was rumored. While Sir Camden struggles with his past and his commitment to his future, as well as the ill intentions of haughty Caroline Bingley, Miss Darcy must decide whether to listen to others, or the words written on her heart.

Miss Bennet Blooms

Publication Date: 4/25/14

Amazon Digital Services, Inc. eBook

70 pages

Heat level: Sweet

Miss Mary Bennet is the last unmarried Bennet sister. She believes she will live out her days as a maiden aunt, seeking quiet in the libraries and parlors of her father's and brother-in-laws' homes. On a visit to Pemberley, the estate of Fitzwilliam Darcy, her sister Lizzy's husband, Mary begins to feel more is possible than her planned life of solitude. Among new friends and with new confidence, Mary opens to new feelings when she meets Mr. Nathaniel Bingley. Nathaniel Bingley, at the insistence of his cousin Charles Bingley, finds himself at Pemberley. After Nathaniel's years in the West Indies studying its intense flora, he is ready to seclude himself to compile his work into a book. But Nathaniel could not say no to Charles, who was one of Nathaniel's few kind relatives after the deaths of his beloved parents. Soon, Nathaniel also finds it difficult to say no to his own feelings about the lovely Miss Mary Bennet. Can Mary and Nathaniel look beyond their plans and accept the grace of love at Pemberley? 

Amazon Barnes & Noble Kobo Books

Reina M. Williams loves period dramas, sweet reads, fairy tales, cooking and baking. She lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her two boys, who hope to someday take a research trip to England with their mom. For more information please visit Reina M. Williams's website. You can also connect with her on Twitter, Goodreads, and Pinterest.

SORTEO /GIVEAWAY TIME

To win one of the following prizes please complete the Rafflecopter giveaway form below. Giveaway is open internationally. SORTEO INTERNACIONAL.

• 2 eBook Sets of Love at Pemberley Trilogy

• 2 Audio Books of Most Truly

Giveaway ends at 11:59pm on June 13th. You must be 18 or older to enter. Winner will be chosen via Rafflecopter on June 14th and notified via email. Winner have 48 hours to claim prize or new winner is chosen.

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Espero que participéis en el sorteo si os hacen tilín estas novelas. Son romances de época que endulzan la memoria.

Babel en otra época.

Alabaster Nights: acción paranormal en formato mini

En esta ocasión, he leído un relato paranormal con vampiros, demonios y una cazadora de armas tomar. Me ha gustado bastante no sólo por la historia, sino por el vigoroso estilo narrativo de la autora.

En resumen: Nuestro vampiro protagonista está al borde de la matanza. Lleva a la Muerte en su interior y no hay rehabilitación que le enseñe a dominarse cuando está mordiendo el cuello de una deliciosa humana. Aún así, tiene aún voluntad para no terminar la fechoría. Quizás por eso, la cazadora a cargo de la protección de la ciudad de Nashville no se lo carga cuando lo encuentra en su territorio bebiéndose a una mujer. Eso sí, él se queda prendado de la luchadora que le da una paliza. Según las leyendas, el frenesí homicida que domina a los vampiros se calma cuando encuentran a su alma gemela. Y ella podría ser la clave, si no se la ventilan antes los demonios y hechiceros que la persiguen.

Lo que ha hecho volar mi imaginación: me ha gustado mucho el estilo de la autora. Es dinámico, irónico, divertido y sexy. La trama tiene acción a porrones, pero también personajes con carisma y sobre todo un mundo paranormal en conjunción con el actual que está lleno de elementos interesantes. Por ejemplo, la Colonia, donde los vampiros se someten a tratamientos horribles para librarse de ciertas tendencias como si fueran drogadictos. La presencia de hechiceros y demonios con sus respectivas idiosincrasias, la fortaleza de la cazadora que protege la ciudad, un creador de vampiros que está tramando planes ocultos, la particularidad de la sangre de la cazadora y sus secretos por descubrir... Muchas cositas, y shhh, no lo cuentes, pero también tiene momentos hot, hot.

Temas principales: vampiros, acción, alma gemela

Apta para: los amantes del romance paranormal con misterio y acción

My opinion 

He's a vampire. A hunter with no leash but many regrets. Compelled to feed and kill at an alarming rate, he's on the verge of the point of no return. Still, something stops him from killing his victims, even though Death inside him nags him to do just that. Legend says only finding a mate can assuage the killing frenzy. And he mighst have just found this.

Snarky and fast-paced, the author's writing style creates a story full of rhythm, lively characters and a compelling world of paranormal creatures. I love the concept of vampires with abnormal traits and that mysterious sire who's concocting a plan for the world. Another fantastic element is the Colony, where vampires willingly go to get a weird kind of treatment. Loved that idea!

The Huntress is a kick-ass heroine with remarkable fighting skills she puts to good use defending Nashville from creatures of the occult. And when she somewhat reluctantly teams up with a sexy but stubborn vampire, the combination is deadly, full of mischief and action, and sparks fly high enough to leave me hungry for a full-length novel.

Alabaster Nights

(A Josie Hawk Companion Novella)

A Vampire with a soul. A Huntress with a knife.

In Nashville, Blood equals Power.

Will one taste of Josie Hawk cost Keller everything?

Amazon

Add Alabaster Nights to your Goodreads list!

Elle J Rossi grew up in rural Indiana surrounded by great people, a huge family and more animals than she could count. But the sites and sounds of the world beckoned, so she left her small town to escape into a creative world full of music. As a full time singer she was able to lose herself in a thousand different songs in a hundred different places. After meeting the love of her life and settling down, she yearned to find a new and fulfilling creative outlet. Overly fond of the happily ever after, she wondered what it would be like to have her own characters lead her down dark and twisted paths. The very first word on the very first page sealed her fate. She’d found a new love. She’d found her escape. Now along with weaving haunting tales about the journey to love, she’s creating cover art for authors around the world and loving every second of it. For fun, she cranks country music to take her back to her roots, and sings karaoke anytime she gets a chance. Her husband, two children, and a cat that rules the roost keep her company along the way and guarantee she doesn’t get lost in the enchanted forest. She wouldn’t have it any other way.

Website – Twitter – Facebook

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¿Qué os parece, arrebatadores? ¿Os gustan las heroínas de acción y los malotes como pareja?

Babel conociendo gente loca en la Colonia.

La dulzura del primer amor

¡Buenos días, arrebatadores! Empezamos el día con mucha dulzura ;o)

JELLYBEAN KISSES, de Amy Evans, es la precuela de una novela que está a punto de ser publicada. Me atraía mucho el título y también el hecho de que tratara sobre el primer amor de una pareja que empieza siendo amigos de la infancia. 

Lo que me ha dejado loca es un juego de confianza que Jax y Jacey llevan a cabo mientras se refugian de un huracán en un hotel. Se habían distanciado debido a que a Jacey le aterra que la comparen con su hermana mayor, quien se quedó embarazada antes de casarse y el pueblo la marcó para siempre, además de que la echaron de casa. Desde entonces, a Jacey le han llovido nombres terribles y burlas en el colegio. Jax ha estado protegiéndola desde entonces de muchas maneras. La cuestión es que en el hotel empiezan a reencontrarse, yendo mucho más lejos en su vínculo emocional y aclarando algunos malentendidos entre ellos. Los dulces favoritos de Jacey son las gominolas. El juego que da nombre a la novelita resulta precioso y, aunque es de lo más inocente y poco explícito, también es deliciosamente sensual. Juegan a comer una gominola cada uno, dándose un beso según los sentimientos que asocian a cada color. Os aseguro que es hipnótico y precioso.

Jacey es una chica religiosa, necesita que su espiritualidad no se vea comprometida por una relación premarital. Además, el trauma de su hermana y del huracán que arrasa su pueblo le hace recular en su relación con Jax. Él es profundamente respetuoso y tierno con ella, pero le pesa que su noviazgo sea sólo una pretensión para proteger a Jacey del acoso social.

La autora relata las vivencias y los obstáculos emocionales de la relación romántica con sentimiento y de forma no lineal, lo que hace que saltemos del pasado al presente de una forma más complicada e intensa. Me gustaría mucho continuar con el resto de la serie.

In a nutshell:

As sweet as candy, full of longing and doubts that make for a believable couple in the throes of first love. Really cozy. And I truly feel tempted to reproduce that enchanting game with the jellybeans!

**

INTERVIEW

What was that first idea that sparked Jellybean Kisses?

A memory from being sixteen and kissing my boyfriend with jellybeans.

¿Cuál fue la primera idea de la que surgió la novela? Un recuerdo de cuando tenía dieciséis años y mi novio y yo nos besamos con gominolas.

What are the main themes in this story?

Independence, expectations, coming-of-age

¿Cuáles son los temas principales de la historia? Independencia, expectativas, transición de adolescente a adulto.

The narration jumps from present to past,

was that a conscious choice to make the story more poignant?

Yes, I wanted the readers to understand where Jax and Jacey had been so they would appreciate how poignant it was that when they finally got together, there was very little time left to enjoy it.

La novela salta del presente al pasado, ¿fue un acto consciente de tu parte para que la historia resultara más significativa? Sí, quería que los lectores comprendieran desde dónde partían Jax y Jacey para que pudieran apreciar lo que significaba que por fin estuvieran juntos cuando les quedaba muy poco tiempo para disfrutarlo.

I loved the jellybean game, is that something you've tried and tested? You should really register it ;o)

Thank you! I’ve never played it quite like that. I have had kisses with jellybeans and I highly recommend them, but I didn’t think about tying flavors to types of kisses til I was writing.

Me ha encantado el juego de las gominolas. ¿Lo has puesto a prueba? Deberías patentarlo ;o) ¡Gracias! No he jugado exactamente así, pero sí he dado besos con gominolas y lo recomiendo encarecidamente. Aunque no llegué a asociar sabores a tipos de besos hasta que me puse a escribir.

How can a couple cope with spiritual concerns and

 be free to explore first love?

It can be tricky, but I think communication is the key. It’s really hard to talk about sex, even on its own, but if you can’t talk about it, then you shouldn’t be doing it. When you factor in the belief element, it gets more complicated, but you need to be able to know how you actually feel before you can talk to your partner, or else it can be too easy to let go of what’s in your own heart.

¿Puede una pareja respetar sus convicciones religiosas al mismo tiempo que explora el primer amor? No es fácil, pero creo que la clave está en la comunicación. Es muy complicado hablar de la sexualidad, pero si no puedes hablar de ello, entonces no deberías estar haciéndolo. Cuando tomas en cuenta el factor de las creencias, se complica aún más, pero es necesario saber de antemano lo que sientes para poder hablar con tu pareja. De lo contrario es muy sencillo olvidar lo que sientes de verdad.

When can we expect a follow-up of this first taste

of Jellybean Kisses?

This prequel is the set up, and then the full novel comes out later this month.

¿Cuándo podemos esperar una continuación de este primer encuentro con Besos de gominola? Esta precuela es la preparación, la novela completa se publica este mismo mes.

Did you celebrate in any special way when you finished writing it?

I started the next book.

¿Celebraste de alguna forma la finalización del libro? Empecé el siguiente.

What would you like to see in a review?

I like to know how reviewers feel about the characters, Jax and Jacey and their friends and family. I like knowing where reviewers get caught off guard with the story – where things shifted a bit.

¿Qué te gustaría ver en una reseña? Me gusta saber qué sienten los lectores hacia los personajes, Jax y Jacey y sus amigos y familia. Me gusta saber qué les sorprende, dónde se sacude la historia.

What's your favourite place for writing?

In my kitchen. It gets great light and the wifi doesn’t reach back there.

¿Cuál es tu sitio favorito para escribir? En la cocina. Está muy bien iluminada y no tiene conexión inalámbrica.

What are your writing goals for 2014?

I hope to release the next three books in my Dolphin Prophecy series, in addition to the novel of JELLYBEAN KISSES. The prequel is available now.

¿Cuáles son tus metas literarias para 2014? Espero publicar los próximos tres libros en mi serie Dolphin Prophecy, además de la novela Jellybean Kisses ya que la precuela está disponible en estos momentos.

**

First love is the sweetest....

Jax and Jacey are everyone's favorite couple, even though they've barely ever kissed.

In kindergarten, Jax pulled out a chair for Jacey and swept the play dough off so that she would sit down next to him and he's been carving out ways for them to stick together ever since. Though everyone in their conservative, small beach town sees them as a couple, they're not, exactly. Because while they both want more, they've agreed to wait.

 Jacey works hard, respects her elders and follows every spoken and silent rule about fitting in and doing the ‘right’ thing. She doesn't dare give the gossips more fodder from her family, so she's kept Jax firmly in the friendzone. It takes a hurricane for her to realize timing is everything, but months later she’s still too afraid to put her heart on the line and tell him how she feels. Then plans change – hers for summer and his for college, and Jacey needs to make the most of the time she and Jax have left, or stay stuck in the land of missed beginnings forever

 

     

About The Author

Website  Facebook  Twitter

Amy Evans is a wife, mother, ocean lover and storyteller. She's created multi-platform mobile apps, social media games, and interactive story worlds for HIPnTASTY, a company she co-founded in 2001.

She serves an Advisor to Immersedition and a host of the NAlitchat on Twitter. She loves dolphins, aliens and pugs, and sometimes writes for so long they all look like the same thing. Clicks is her debut novel.

Babel con ganas de probar el juego de las gominolas.