Here's the whole review. 5 out of 5 Sweet
I loved this story. Once I opened the file and began reading, I found myself unable to stop until I had reached that magical part of the story: that part where you finally find out what will happen. Ms. Dale made both Darcy, with her insecurities; and Marcus, with his confidence; seem like people that you or I would meet out on the street, while we were walking around town. Being a bit overweight myself, I could truly understand where Darcy was coming from in regards to Marcus. Knowing what it is like to be tossed aside or passed over because I don't look like what society (in general) thinks a person should, I was able to empathize with her self doubt and other insecurities.
Not only would I be willing to read this story again, I intend to do so, several times. This is one of those books that will forever stay in the "To Be Read" file. As a matter of fact, I actually read it several times before I wrote this review. I intend to recommend this book to many of my friends, and when I do so, I will be quite vocal about just how much I liked it. - Alyna Couture
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Thoughts on poor reviews
Not that I have ever received a weak review myself (Yeah Right) but I wanted to remind fellow authors that reviews are subjective. One person may love your characters while another is unable to relate to them. Rather than taking this to heart and weeping into your wine about it (this too I have done) look for the good bit and use it for promotion if you need it. Most reviewers are kind enough to list a work's redeeming qualities as well as its faults.
In addition, pay attention to the identified problems and use the information to improve your writing for the next book. Negative feedback is not necessarily a bad thing - although it can kill sales - it can also make you face your weaknesses as a writer and move beyond them.
Sometimes poor reviews are just that - poor reviews. A friend of mine was once criticized because her hero had a condom in his pocket as if he were out trolling. Seriously? Many publishers expect an attempt at safe sex to be mentioned. Unless your hero is a vampire/alien/were and therefore - I assume - immune to communicable diseases, he should have a raincoat on. The exception, I have been informed, is some BDSM situations. However, my point is that comments like this are not a reflection on the author so much as the reader's personal taste/issues.
Occasionally, a review will pop up which makes an author wonder if the reviewer read the story at all. Or a book will receive a low rating with no reason or explanation attached. These types of feedback are perhaps the most difficult to handle. An author is left with a black mark on his or her work which may be undeserved and no way to address the problem. While these are disheartening, try to see past them and focus on more positive reviews. There is not really much that you can do about them except remember that even the biggest name authors have had their work trashed on occasion.
So here’s to poor reviews, the authors who receive, and the reviewers who write them. Use them, grow from them. If nothing else, they are an excuse to have a glass of wine and a bitch session with a buddy.
In addition, pay attention to the identified problems and use the information to improve your writing for the next book. Negative feedback is not necessarily a bad thing - although it can kill sales - it can also make you face your weaknesses as a writer and move beyond them.
Sometimes poor reviews are just that - poor reviews. A friend of mine was once criticized because her hero had a condom in his pocket as if he were out trolling. Seriously? Many publishers expect an attempt at safe sex to be mentioned. Unless your hero is a vampire/alien/were and therefore - I assume - immune to communicable diseases, he should have a raincoat on. The exception, I have been informed, is some BDSM situations. However, my point is that comments like this are not a reflection on the author so much as the reader's personal taste/issues.
Occasionally, a review will pop up which makes an author wonder if the reviewer read the story at all. Or a book will receive a low rating with no reason or explanation attached. These types of feedback are perhaps the most difficult to handle. An author is left with a black mark on his or her work which may be undeserved and no way to address the problem. While these are disheartening, try to see past them and focus on more positive reviews. There is not really much that you can do about them except remember that even the biggest name authors have had their work trashed on occasion.
So here’s to poor reviews, the authors who receive, and the reviewers who write them. Use them, grow from them. If nothing else, they are an excuse to have a glass of wine and a bitch session with a buddy.
Monday, May 3, 2010
Visiting with Sky Purington
I am a guest on Sky Purington's blog this week. If you haven't checked her site out before, please do so. You won't be sorry. It's a great place to visit. Offer a comment and have an opportunity to win a free Ecopy of Sweet Temptation and a $4.50 gift certificate to The Wilder Rose Press. Sky and I would love it if you stopped by.
Don’t miss the romance on the wilder side of the garden. Go past the hot house teas and the sweethearts, turn left and take a look at the untamed roses. You may be surprised as they take your breath away.
http://www.skypuringtonwrites.blogspot.com/
Don’t miss the romance on the wilder side of the garden. Go past the hot house teas and the sweethearts, turn left and take a look at the untamed roses. You may be surprised as they take your breath away.
http://www.skypuringtonwrites.blogspot.com/
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Blue Ribbon Review from romance junkies
Beauty is more than skin deep and Becca Dale proves that point with her story SWEET TEMPTATION. Darcy’s family has done her a grave injustice by making her feel inferior because she’s not wafer thin... Marcus stole my heart with his refusal to buy into the ‘thinner is better’ idea ... I loved the ending because Darcy finally stands up for herself – and you have to love a man who can convince you of your own worth in such a short period of time. 4.5
Seriously Reviewed
Seriously Reviewed had this to say about Sweet Temptation:
HUA!!! The only thing better than a sexy man is a HOT Marine :)
Oh the ways that I loved this story, I would count the ways but then I would just be reading you the entire book :) A winner for me from start to finish that left me with a warm feeling and damp panties :) Oh Yeah I'll take another dose and then some.
Thank you Ms Dale. *SNAPS* 18/20
HUA!!! The only thing better than a sexy man is a HOT Marine :)
Oh the ways that I loved this story, I would count the ways but then I would just be reading you the entire book :) A winner for me from start to finish that left me with a warm feeling and damp panties :) Oh Yeah I'll take another dose and then some.
Thank you Ms Dale. *SNAPS* 18/20
Friday, April 9, 2010
Review for Sweet Temptation
Here is what Sasha from Got Romance Reviews had to say about Sweet Temptation.
I'd hoped that this story could do justice to the hunky cover model and it indeed did! The author has a wonderful way of making the story flow effortlessly from word to word and I didn't look away until the end. An erotic Cinderella-type tale with a hot Marine in lieu of a dashing prince--Hooah! The foreplay starts from nearly the first page (margarita cheesecake has never looked so good) and the heat between our heroine and hero doesn't let up until the last word. Definitely amust read for anyone’s hot and spicy list. And best of all—it promises a believable happily ever after...
I'd hoped that this story could do justice to the hunky cover model and it indeed did! The author has a wonderful way of making the story flow effortlessly from word to word and I didn't look away until the end. An erotic Cinderella-type tale with a hot Marine in lieu of a dashing prince--Hooah! The foreplay starts from nearly the first page (margarita cheesecake has never looked so good) and the heat between our heroine and hero doesn't let up until the last word. Definitely amust read for anyone’s hot and spicy list. And best of all—it promises a believable happily ever after...
Thursday, April 8, 2010
What makes a modern hero attractive?
Are my heroes what today’s women want? Do you like a man who is assertive, intelligent, funny, wealthy, or laid back? Some or all of the above? Take a poll and help me out. If your choice is not listed or if you want to clarify your choices, be sure to leave a comment in the postings.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Technology and today's author
Does technological savvy really make a difference in today's market? Can it make or break an author's career if he/she does not know how to operate a webpage, blog, or other networking site? Have you been impressed more with an author's blog than with her actual writing? Does his book trailer offer more promise than his novel? Do you keep following them anyway? Does a well managed website make you want to buy a book?
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Egg-cerpt as Easter approaches
Check out Banished Scoundrel by Anita Philmar.
Banished Scoundrel
Blurb: Known scoundrel Jack Avery must earn the queen's forgiveness by rescuing her missing daughter from the human world. His sources reveal the Princess Noelani is being held by a powerful man who likes a good game of chance. So with twenty borrowed pieces of gold Jack enters the high-stakes game. Only the lady he encounters is no princess. This pretty Kitty makes him want to hear her purr.
Under a memory spell, Kitty recalls nothing before the governor bought her from her parents and offered her protection from those he claims would kill her kind. So what if, in order to control her, he forces Kitty to morph then deprives her of sexual release after transformation. But the crafty card player she is assigned to “entertain” reveals himself as a kindred spirit—a shape shifter—and unravels the lie she’s been forced to live.
Together Jack and Kitty risk it all, for the stakes are high and the prize is worth it...freedom, forgiveness, love.
Excerpt -
“Have you dropped off your stipend for the game
tomorrow?” She laid her finely, manicured hand on
his arm. The dainty touch sent sparks of awareness
through him, and his cock swelled. “The governor
likes to put all the money in his strongbox for
safekeeping before the party begins.”
Jack reined in his desire and reminded himself
of his primary objective—to transport the lady back
to Ardenia.
However, he liked Sloan’s clever rule. If a man
didn’t contribute the required gold coins to the game,
the governor shouldn’t waste resources entertaining
him. “No, I can’t say that I have. I arrived just a few
moments ago.”
“Then let me show you to the study, and I’ll
fetch you a drink.” She touched his arm again and
stepped into the foyer.
He bowed his head slightly and played the
unfamiliar part of a refined gentleman. “And you
are?”
She fluttered her hand over her face and
brushed a wisp of light brown hair from her brow.
“The governor calls me Kitty. It’d probably be best if
you did, too.”
“What an alluring name? It makes me think of a
cat with its lips covered by a luscious coat of cream.”
Jack stared at Kitty’s mouth, and his tongue tingled
at the idea of tasting her rich, flavorful lust.
She giggled and wove her hand through the
crook in his arm. The soft swell of her breast
bumped against his arm. “Oh, you’re naughty, but I
love the alluring image.”
“Then, I hope you’ll let me have a taste later.”
He didn’t crowd her but allowed her to step back.
She led him across the entranceway to a door on the
other side.
Remember she’s a princess.
Purchase at http://www.thewildrosepress.com/wilderroses/index.php
Learning more about Anita at her website www.anitaphilmar.com
Banished Scoundrel
Blurb: Known scoundrel Jack Avery must earn the queen's forgiveness by rescuing her missing daughter from the human world. His sources reveal the Princess Noelani is being held by a powerful man who likes a good game of chance. So with twenty borrowed pieces of gold Jack enters the high-stakes game. Only the lady he encounters is no princess. This pretty Kitty makes him want to hear her purr.
Under a memory spell, Kitty recalls nothing before the governor bought her from her parents and offered her protection from those he claims would kill her kind. So what if, in order to control her, he forces Kitty to morph then deprives her of sexual release after transformation. But the crafty card player she is assigned to “entertain” reveals himself as a kindred spirit—a shape shifter—and unravels the lie she’s been forced to live.
Together Jack and Kitty risk it all, for the stakes are high and the prize is worth it...freedom, forgiveness, love.
Excerpt -
“Have you dropped off your stipend for the game
tomorrow?” She laid her finely, manicured hand on
his arm. The dainty touch sent sparks of awareness
through him, and his cock swelled. “The governor
likes to put all the money in his strongbox for
safekeeping before the party begins.”
Jack reined in his desire and reminded himself
of his primary objective—to transport the lady back
to Ardenia.
However, he liked Sloan’s clever rule. If a man
didn’t contribute the required gold coins to the game,
the governor shouldn’t waste resources entertaining
him. “No, I can’t say that I have. I arrived just a few
moments ago.”
“Then let me show you to the study, and I’ll
fetch you a drink.” She touched his arm again and
stepped into the foyer.
He bowed his head slightly and played the
unfamiliar part of a refined gentleman. “And you
are?”
She fluttered her hand over her face and
brushed a wisp of light brown hair from her brow.
“The governor calls me Kitty. It’d probably be best if
you did, too.”
“What an alluring name? It makes me think of a
cat with its lips covered by a luscious coat of cream.”
Jack stared at Kitty’s mouth, and his tongue tingled
at the idea of tasting her rich, flavorful lust.
She giggled and wove her hand through the
crook in his arm. The soft swell of her breast
bumped against his arm. “Oh, you’re naughty, but I
love the alluring image.”
“Then, I hope you’ll let me have a taste later.”
He didn’t crowd her but allowed her to step back.
She led him across the entranceway to a door on the
other side.
Remember she’s a princess.
Purchase at http://www.thewildrosepress.com/wilderroses/index.php
Learning more about Anita at her website www.anitaphilmar.com
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Saturday, February 27, 2010
sad
I pulled my trailer because I discovered that pictures I thought were cool were actually not. No one asked me to do this. I did it because I would not like someone to use my work without permission so I should not do this even unintentionally. I will put it up again as soon as I revamp the pics.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Making a Trailer
Wow! This was much harder than I expected, but that was probably my own fault. I tend to over analyze everything. It was exciting though as well. I am pleased with the effort overall and would certainly do it again as well as recommend it to friends. I used the movie maker on my computer, and once I figured out how it worked, it wasn't that complicated. I would be happy to help others if you are like me and unfamiliar technology intimidates you.
I have no idea if having a trailer will boost sales at all, but making it was fun so I guess that’s what is important.
If you get a chance to watch it, let me know what you think. I would love to hear your opinions as always.
I have no idea if having a trailer will boost sales at all, but making it was fun so I guess that’s what is important.
If you get a chance to watch it, let me know what you think. I would love to hear your opinions as always.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
On behalf of Darcy
Okay my lovelies, I want an opinion. We live in a world concerned with body image, health gurus, and bizarre exercise equipment. The question is what do you think is the true body image of our times? The Twenties had the slender and straight flapper, the Forties gave us the padded shoulders and narrow waist of the working woman, the Fifties Marylyn Monroe, the Sixties 5’9” – 89 pound Twiggy. The Eighties yielded in between beauties like Madonna who has now morphed into a lean and buffed out woman, totally contrary to the – though some would say improved upon – softer beauty of her youth.
Today we have both the slender and the curvaceous – from Keira Knightley to Kim Kardashian. Country to RAP music and everything in between sing the value of a rounded backside, yet we wait on the edges of our couches to see if women like Heidi Klum will drop her baby weight or become as soft as the rest of us. Celebrities such as Tyra Banks and Jennifer Love Hewitt say they embrace the soft curves of a woman but when it comes down to it, they quickly jump on the band wagon to super slender.
Airlines kick off or double charge overweight people. Commercials scream about the latest pill, electrified belt, spinning-jumping-running-amazingly perfect piece of equipment to change your body. Health officials tout the benefits of a good diet but disagree what that is – high fat, low fat, high carb, low carb, vegetarian, vegan, or meat lovers supreme. Everywhere everything seems to be about body image even if it’s disguised as all about good health.
Men too suffer more today with body image than ever before. Once the paunch was a sign of wealth and prosperity. Now it’s as taboo as it is for women. Everywhere we look gorgeous men like David Beckham abound. Six to eight packs are a must and don’t forget to shave! On the other hand, super skinny Rusty Cartwright (Jacob Zachar) and his slightly chubby friend Dale Kettlewell (Clark Duke) have a certain undeniable appeal to young girls so someone must be looking beyond the hard body to the mind inside.
So which is it? What is the perfect body in our world? You tell me. Maybe there isn’t one. Maybe it is for each of us what we see or need. Darcy needs Marc’s super buff body to make her curves seem perfect. I’d like to think the later, that beauty really is in the eye of the beholder. If not, I am seriously screwed.
Today we have both the slender and the curvaceous – from Keira Knightley to Kim Kardashian. Country to RAP music and everything in between sing the value of a rounded backside, yet we wait on the edges of our couches to see if women like Heidi Klum will drop her baby weight or become as soft as the rest of us. Celebrities such as Tyra Banks and Jennifer Love Hewitt say they embrace the soft curves of a woman but when it comes down to it, they quickly jump on the band wagon to super slender.
Airlines kick off or double charge overweight people. Commercials scream about the latest pill, electrified belt, spinning-jumping-running-amazingly perfect piece of equipment to change your body. Health officials tout the benefits of a good diet but disagree what that is – high fat, low fat, high carb, low carb, vegetarian, vegan, or meat lovers supreme. Everywhere everything seems to be about body image even if it’s disguised as all about good health.
Men too suffer more today with body image than ever before. Once the paunch was a sign of wealth and prosperity. Now it’s as taboo as it is for women. Everywhere we look gorgeous men like David Beckham abound. Six to eight packs are a must and don’t forget to shave! On the other hand, super skinny Rusty Cartwright (Jacob Zachar) and his slightly chubby friend Dale Kettlewell (Clark Duke) have a certain undeniable appeal to young girls so someone must be looking beyond the hard body to the mind inside.
So which is it? What is the perfect body in our world? You tell me. Maybe there isn’t one. Maybe it is for each of us what we see or need. Darcy needs Marc’s super buff body to make her curves seem perfect. I’d like to think the later, that beauty really is in the eye of the beholder. If not, I am seriously screwed.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
First Contest winners
Olivia Stark won the best/worst romantic gesture prize, and robynl won the random drawing for a copy of Tied Up with Green or Sweet Temptation. Now I just have to figure out how to find robynl. A friend told me that most people ask for an email address as part of entry - unfortunately, she mentioned that after the contest ended. ;-) Thanks Val!
I actually enjoyed hosting a contest. It made me feel like I write for more than my own pleasure, which had an interesting effect on me that I had not expected. Has anyone else had a similar experience? Something that shifted your view of how or why you do something? I am constantly amazed by the way my mind shifts, bobs, and weaves. Tell me I am not alone - please.
I actually enjoyed hosting a contest. It made me feel like I write for more than my own pleasure, which had an interesting effect on me that I had not expected. Has anyone else had a similar experience? Something that shifted your view of how or why you do something? I am constantly amazed by the way my mind shifts, bobs, and weaves. Tell me I am not alone - please.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
New Cover Love
I am in love with the cover for Sweet Temptations. It's simple but the artist did an excellent job. It is simply hot in my opinion. Getting a cover, an image of your story or character is always fun, but this one is special. I LOVE IT! Silly I know, to get so worked up about a simple picture of a hot guy, but it's what the cover represents that makes it special.
Friday, February 5, 2010
Valentine's contest prizes
Random drawing winner will win a copy of Tied Up With Green or a copy of my upcoming release, Sweet Temptation. Winner's choice.
Best story - to be selected by myself and a few objective judges - prize depends on the number of entries. If fewer than five respond the prize will be Lindt chocolates. for every additional five entries I will add to the prize. Encourage your friends to join in. Let's see how big we can make this.
Remember the deadline is February 10, 2010.
Best story - to be selected by myself and a few objective judges - prize depends on the number of entries. If fewer than five respond the prize will be Lindt chocolates. for every additional five entries I will add to the prize. Encourage your friends to join in. Let's see how big we can make this.
Remember the deadline is February 10, 2010.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Valentine's Day Contest
What was the best or worst romantic gesture a boy/girlfriend, spouse, or lover ever made for you? What made it special, odd, or otherwise?
My hubby has not a romantic bone in his body. He tried to slip my engagement ring on while I slept, and although it was probably the least inspiring way to handle a proposal, his face when I woke up and caught him was beyond endearing. I've learned to find romance not in his words but in the way he takes my hand for no reason at all, the way he does the dishes or deals with a problem without hesitation, or the way he's always there when I need a shoulder. Though my heroes are usually outspoken, I would never trade my DH’s quiet love for fancy words or roses.
So what’s your story? Share it here and you’ll be entered into a random drawing for a copy of Tied Up With Green to be given away on February 10, 2010.
In addition, a winner will be selected from among the entries to receive a special prize. (Prize to be determined by the number of entries but it will be cool. I promise! More entries = bigger prize.)
My hubby has not a romantic bone in his body. He tried to slip my engagement ring on while I slept, and although it was probably the least inspiring way to handle a proposal, his face when I woke up and caught him was beyond endearing. I've learned to find romance not in his words but in the way he takes my hand for no reason at all, the way he does the dishes or deals with a problem without hesitation, or the way he's always there when I need a shoulder. Though my heroes are usually outspoken, I would never trade my DH’s quiet love for fancy words or roses.
So what’s your story? Share it here and you’ll be entered into a random drawing for a copy of Tied Up With Green to be given away on February 10, 2010.
In addition, a winner will be selected from among the entries to receive a special prize. (Prize to be determined by the number of entries but it will be cool. I promise! More entries = bigger prize.)
Monday, February 1, 2010
Excerpt from Sweet Temptation
He scowled. “You don’t buy into the crap your mother fed you out there, do you?”
So much for maintaining any sort of dignity. “Mom never feeds me anything.”
“Then she’s a fool.”
An involuntary smile tugged at her mouth. His comment did wonders for her self-esteem, but he didn’t need to know that. “Didn’t anyone ever tell you not to insult a woman’s mother?”
Marc set the plate of cheesecake aside and caught her hand in his. “I’m not worried about her feelings.”
He stroked her fingers, his touch tender, as if he cared. Impossible. Hot guys with killer smiles and muscles for days did not worry about overweight women who wore conservative wardrobes and worked at the public library. She tugged her hand free, scolding herself for thinking the sexual sparks shooting from him were anything beyond her imagination. “Can I get you some coffee or iced tea?”
“Quit changing the subject, Darcy.”
“I’m not. It’s just—you make me uncomfortable.”
He smiled. “Is that a bad thing?”
“Maybe.”
Marc scooped up another bite of cheesecake and held the loaded fork toward her. “Live dangerously.” When she hesitated, he brushed the rounded tines over her lips. “Come on, Darcy, let the tart creaminess melt in your mouth. Let it slide down your throat. No one’s here but you and me.”
She couldn’t resist. The pretzel crust hit her tongue, crisp and salty, moments before the smooth filling spread across her taste buds in a burst of lime and subtle orange liquor. The tangy citrus, combined with his presence, had an aphrodisiac quality. “Mmm.” Her eyes closed of their own accord. Her nipples tightened. Sensual pleasure swirled in her stomach then swept downward.
He leaned closer. So close his warm breath tickled over her lips. “Another?”
Her eyes flew open. God! What kind of person practically had an orgasm over a bite of dessert?
So much for maintaining any sort of dignity. “Mom never feeds me anything.”
“Then she’s a fool.”
An involuntary smile tugged at her mouth. His comment did wonders for her self-esteem, but he didn’t need to know that. “Didn’t anyone ever tell you not to insult a woman’s mother?”
Marc set the plate of cheesecake aside and caught her hand in his. “I’m not worried about her feelings.”
He stroked her fingers, his touch tender, as if he cared. Impossible. Hot guys with killer smiles and muscles for days did not worry about overweight women who wore conservative wardrobes and worked at the public library. She tugged her hand free, scolding herself for thinking the sexual sparks shooting from him were anything beyond her imagination. “Can I get you some coffee or iced tea?”
“Quit changing the subject, Darcy.”
“I’m not. It’s just—you make me uncomfortable.”
He smiled. “Is that a bad thing?”
“Maybe.”
Marc scooped up another bite of cheesecake and held the loaded fork toward her. “Live dangerously.” When she hesitated, he brushed the rounded tines over her lips. “Come on, Darcy, let the tart creaminess melt in your mouth. Let it slide down your throat. No one’s here but you and me.”
She couldn’t resist. The pretzel crust hit her tongue, crisp and salty, moments before the smooth filling spread across her taste buds in a burst of lime and subtle orange liquor. The tangy citrus, combined with his presence, had an aphrodisiac quality. “Mmm.” Her eyes closed of their own accord. Her nipples tightened. Sensual pleasure swirled in her stomach then swept downward.
He leaned closer. So close his warm breath tickled over her lips. “Another?”
Her eyes flew open. God! What kind of person practically had an orgasm over a bite of dessert?
Friday, January 22, 2010
Joys of Editing
I have read through Sweet Temptations more times than I can count even though I know I need to step back a bit to actually see it. Am I alone in this? What do you do when the editor demon on your shoulder won't shut up?
Thursday, January 21, 2010
In love with my character
Editing Sweet Temptations and all I can think about is what a sweet guy Marc is. Is it strange to be that distracted by a man who lives only in my mind? Should I seek help?
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