My Review for Keta Diablo's Land of Falling Stars

Blurb for Land of Falling Stars:

Penniless, her parents and brother dead, Sophia Whitfield struggles to save her beloved childhood home during the Civil War. Another bluecoat is staggering down the hill, but before Sophia allows him to rob and pilfer like the others, she shoots him. How is she to know it is Gavin, the dark knight of her youth, carrying secrets too horrific to imagine and a passion that ignites her deepest desires?

As Sophia gradually learns Gavin's secrets-and enjoys his talents in the bedroom-she discovers how to finally know her own heart. Can she save the Land of Falling Stars, or will she lose it all to the horrors of the War and Reconstruction? And will the Southern lady and the Yankee soldier be able to recapture the bliss of their youth - this time in each other's arms?

Buy Link


Chloe Waits Review:

Okay, I have to admit, after hearing Keta Diablo's name quite a bit for erotic romance, I had to snip over to her blog, Keta's Keep, and check it out a little awhile back.

Very cool blog. I was enticed by the icons that allowed me to browse the pages of her work.

Land of Falling Stars lured me in immediately with its lyrical title, and hot cover art. I was instantly captivated by the haunting love story of Gavin and Sophie. So much so I bought it on the spot.

And, I am very glad I did. Engaging, fully realized characters, with a passionate love story that is at once steamy and tender. Gavin won me over as a intense hero fighting against his demons, and Sophie as a heroine trying to reconcile her heart and the past. Complexly layered plot and conflicts added to this poignant tale of star crossed love. Keta Diablo has created a historical romance that manages to blend all these elements with a subtle maestro's touch. I will definitely look forward to reading her work again very soon!

Rating: Five out of Five

I love and hate the Internet

Okay, so I am an admitted technophobe.

Of course, I have had to give in to my fears often and join this century. But there has been a general pattern for me with technology I've observed. Kind of like the grief process.
Denial. Anger. Bargaining. And a grudging sort of acceptance.

Growing up, my family was a step behind most. We were one of the last neighbourhood families to get cable. I think everyone had an answering machine before us, with me voting to be the very last hold out. I remember poking it suspiciously when we finally got one and plugged it in. After time I was won over, even doing impersonations for greetings on it. (My Dr Ruth Westheimer was a howler). But it was a very long process to get there.

I guess despite my Luddite tendencies, I am usually be won over by convenience in the end.

Still, I've only had a cell phone for 3 years, which I got when I needed it for work. Before this, I would argue with telemarketers offering me a free phone for a contract about the safety of microwave technology. (And no, nuking your head is not a good thing to me!). Understandably, it's not turned on, or even charged up most of the time. But I do have one.

So that brings us to the other wave of the future, the internet. I did not get on the internet until I was in my mid twenties or so. ( I am 37 now). All my friends were already on it. I would get so mad at companies offering website addresses I had no intention of visiting. But the writing was on the wall. This was the way of the future, and while I might rail against it, I would have to join or get left behind.

Of course, the grudging acceptance is actually closer to love in this case. I love what it can do. I love connecting with people and information in seconds. It confounds me and frustrates me, but when it works I love it. (And that's all it needs to do to make me happy. Work. I remember my Dad trying to show me stuff on the Mac as my eyes glazed over. Even now, I don't need to know how it works, I just want it too...lol.)

I remember my good friend author Mahalia Levey trying to coax me onto Yahoo chat, patiently explaining all the abbreviations used. So what's the problem? Now I can't get off it. Because there are too many ways to stay connected now. I have my site, my blog, myspace...don't get me started that I have my emails as me, and then ones as my writing alter ego. If I wanted to I could stay connected for 24 hours a day. And every time I turn around, there is a new exciting thing.

I can't look at Twitter yet.

So I love and hate the internet. It's part of the process I guess. A grudging sort of acceptance. I have to go and work on some blogs for Whipped Cream I have coming out in a few weeks. It's all part of it. And I like doing it, believe me. But the more I am on, the less I have time to do my romance writing.

Oh, the double edged sword! I think I will fall on it now :)

as Hales says, TTYL.