Keta's Keep: April 2010

Friday, April 30, 2010

Review for HOT AND STICKY - Coming May 10

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FIVE STARS for HOT AND STICKY!

Gracias, Dark Diva Reviews!

Coming to you from Amber Quill Press May 10th

Hot and Sticky, Keta Diablo

Amber Quill Press/Amber Allure line

Male/Male Contemporary

Dark Diva Reviews

Summary:
It's been extremely difficult for Hugh Landon, an up and coming lawyer in Washington, D.C., to control his sexual fantasies about his paralegal, Milan Vassar.

When his career hangs in the balance over a missing file, Hugh must call Milan at the midnight hour and plead for assistance.

Hugh's determination not to mix business with pleasure disintegrates when Milan arrives at the office not only to help him, but to confess he's held the same secret desires for his boss.

Stacey’s Review:
Wow! This was my first book by Keta Diablo and certainly will not be my last. She’s stolen my M/M virginity and I couldn’t be happier it happened with Hot and Sticky.

My expectations for character development were not high since this short is only 10,000 words long. Do not be deceived by the length! Hugh and Milan were brilliantly developed. The blend of narration, dialogue and action flowed smoothly. Keta Diablo made her characters come to life for me.

Hugh is flawed and balances many responsibilities in his career. His intense attraction to his paralegal doesn’t help. When he discovers that Milan feels the same way about him, sparks fly. The sex scenes were smokin’ hot!

I want more from Keta Diablo. Her writing voice is unique and captivating. She allowed me to become a part of her characters’ lives. I journeyed with them through their initial attraction, budding relationship, and savored the satisfying conclusion. If you are a faithful M/M romance reader, or curious to indulge for the first time, you must pick up Hot and Sticky the moment it’s released. Loved it!

Rated 5 Delightful Divas by Stacey!

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Monday, April 26, 2010

WELCOME AUTHOR KELLY HARMON!

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BLOOD SOUP, Kelly Harmon

A tale of murder, betrayal and comeuppance.

King Theodicar of Borgund needed an heir. When his wife, Queen Piacenza, became pregnant, he’d hoped for a boy. His wife, along with her nurse, Salvagia, knew it wouldn’t be so: with each cast of the runes, Salvagia’s trusted divination tools yielded the same message: “A girl child must rule or the kingdom will fall to ruin.” The women were convinced that the child would be a girl.

When the queen finally gives birth, the nurse and the king are equally surprised. The king is faced with a terrible choice, and his decision will determine the fate of his kingdom. Will he choose wisely, or will he doom Borgund to ruin?

EXCERPT:

    Almaric didn’t know what he had expected to see—what he expected to feel—once he pushed aside the curtain. But it certainly wasn’t the empty void he experienced. Surely, these two women should mean something to me, he thought. He should feel sad for their passing. Or relief at his own existence. Or anger at his sister’s senseless murder.
    But he’d never met them, and they meant nothing.
    “Mother,” he whispered, trying to feel the relationship. He touched her loose brown hair, satiny in death, as if it had been oiled. Mummified flesh clung to her skull, her mouth hung slack with decay. But he could make out her features, even in abstract.
    Piacenza’s arms crossed her chest, holding onto the baby she’d died birthing. The child lay on her stomach, her face turned out to the corridor. Smooth in death, the babe’s skin was stretched taut across her skull, her tiny mouth open as if searching for a breast. He couldn’t picture this small babe as his twin.
    “Sister,” he said, failing to convince himself of an emotional connection to the babe. He smoothed a thumb across her forehead, touched a finger to her puckered lips.
    A scowl wrinkled his forehead, and he felt a tightness behind his eyes.
    Now that he knew about them, how long would he continue to feel the emptiness that knowing them should have filled?
    Had his father confirmed his sister’s existence in order to wring sympathy from his heart? Didn’t he realize that a man who had never known the loving touch of his mother nor felt the bond of his long-deceased sister would find nothing but apathy amid these moldering bones?
    Amalric gazed at the wispy hair, the withered skin, and suddenly, he made a fist and drove it into his mother’s side. He felt her ribcage shatter beneath his knuckles, and saw his sister’s small frame sink as the bones of his mother failed to support her. A puff of dust rose above his sister’s head like a small halo in the torchlight.
    He laughed, finding sudden humor in the situation. He should be rejoicing, he thought. Perhaps he should feel some harmony with his sire—the man who removed all obstacles from his path to the throne.
    How pathetic of him, thought Amalric, if he felt any pride at all for getting rid of these women. Women! Who should be seen and not heard, who should do the bidding of their husbands without fail, who are required to take the brunt of a man’s anger and return it threefold with a submissive demeanor. Women, he thought, who are frail beyond measure and easily subdued. How pitiable that Father should take pride in such an achievement. And worse, how contemptible that he might think my seeing the mortal remains of these women would create in me a sudden change of heart.

~ ~ ~

Keta's Keep welcomes author Kelly A. Harmon with her latest release BLOOD SOUP.

Hi Kelly, and welcome! Your new book, BLOOD SOUP sounds fascinating. So tell us, when did you first consider yourself a writer?

I’ve always considered myself a writer, but I don’t think I had the satisfaction of proving that to the world until I had my first newspaper piece published: I was 14, working as a stringer—sort of a free-lance reporter—for one of my local papers.

Do you have a specific writing style?

I write (mostly) fantasy and science fiction.

Fantasy I like for the escapism…I like being transported to a different time and world. There’s something appealing to me about the possibility of magic and the likelihood of meeting some fantastic creature, like a dragon or satyr. Fantasy is like bedtime stories for adults.

Science Fiction appeals to my curiosity. It’s about extremes...I enjoy playing the “what if” game, taking a situation and extrapolating it to the nth degree.

What books have most influenced your life most?

Several authors were influential in forming my literary tastes: Robert Heinlein, Carole Nelson Douglas, Katherine Kurtz, Terry Brooks.   I was reading Heinlein in grade school, thanks to a librarian who steered me in that direction, and I LOVED Edward Eager’s Half Magic and Patricia Coffin’s The Gruesome Green Witch. I still re-read those.

I remember a friend handing me the hardback version of Brooks’ Sword of Shannara over the high-backed seat of the school bus. The dust jacket was missing, the black, cloth binding showed a lot of wear. Obviously, it was well-loved. I loved it, too. I can’t decide if it’s Brooks’ Shannara series, or Douglas’ Six of Swords (which I had to read with a dictionary by my side) was most influential in steering me toward a life of fantasy.

What book are you reading now?

I never read only one book at a time…currently, I’m enjoying The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger, Buy Jupiter and Other Stories by Isaac Asimov, Dangerous Visions, edited by Harlan Ellison and I’m re-reading Book 1 of the Spiderwick Chronicles by Holly Black and Tony DiTerlizzi.

Some of these are electronic, some are traditional. It all depends on where I am and what I have time to read which dictates what I pick up.

Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?

I think I’ve fallen in love with Alan Campbell. Scar Night had me fascinated from the very first page. It’s gripping. I couldn’t put it down.

Do you see writing as a career?

Eventually, but not now. I’d like to have a few books published—and more under contract—before quitting my day job. I would love to be a full-time writer, but I also like having a steady income.

If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?

If I could write Blood Soup all over again, I would take the time to make it longer: that’s the biggest complaint I’ve heard so far. People want the story expanded. (And as far as criticisms go, I think it’s a nice complaint to hear.)

I think I could have a lot of fun adding to the book. The king’s advisors and Prince Amalric’s wife offer several possibilities for subplots I hadn’t considered when I first wrote it.

Can you share a little of your current work with us?

Blood Soup is a story about murder, betrayal and comeuppance.

The story opens with a heavily pregnant Queen Piacenza. Her husband, King Theodicar naturally hopes for a male heir. The Queen is from Omera, where the first born rules, no matter the sex of the child. This causes no end of friction between them.

The Queen’s nursemaid, Salvagia, casts runes about the birth. Over and over, they yield the same message: “A girl child must rule or the kingdom will fall to ruin.” The women are convinced the baby will be a girl.

When the queen finally gives birth, the nurse and the king are equally surprised, and Theodicar is faced with a terrible choice. His decision will determine the fate of his kingdom. Will he choose wisely, or will he doom Borgund to ruin?

Here’s an excerpt:

    Theodicar looked down at the mewling infant in his arms, and felt the anger rise up. Even in death his wife defied him, the nurse ensuring her success. Women did not rule. He would not allow it. They had created a male child, and that child would take the throne upon his death.

    “You can save the boy,” he said to Salvagia.

    She slitted her eyes at him, her stare mutinous. Her words were loud and hard in the wake of Pia’s death. “I have the power to save one at the expense of the other, Sire. The girl is stronger. And eldest. She was born to rule.”

    Theodicar watched the girl curl up in his arms, her birth fluids staining a brown patch on the dyed-yellow wool of his tunic. She burrowed into the crook of his elbow, trying to achieve the comfort of the womb.

    “I will not hear those words again,” he said. “That absurd idea died with my wife. My son will rule.” He reached for the boy, thrusting the girl child back into the nurse’s hands. “There’s no need for a daughter. And no need for anyone to know of her.”

    “So be it,” Salvagia said, wrapping the weary girl in a square of wool, covering her face. She reached for her basket.

    “Kill her now,” said Theodicar.

    Salvagia looked stricken.

    “Sire, if we kill her now, she will be of no use to her brother. Once dead, the blood won’t flow, and we need her blood to strengthen his.

    “Then drain her now,” he snapped. “I will not have her crying out when we call the witnesses back to cut the boy’s cord.”

Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?

I find the final editing tedious. I like the first draft, even the second…the one where I work out all the kinks and plot holes before I send it off to my critique group for advice. After that, I’m done with the story: there’s nothing left for me to discover, nothing new I can add.

Once the critiques come back, the hard work begins. I’d rather be writing the next project, because as this point, I’m bored with the story. I really have to be disciplined to finish the work.

Do you have any advice for other writers?

I think all writers should belong to a critique group, even experienced writers…it’s always good to have someone to bounce ideas off of or read a story for clarity. I believe a critique group sharpens skills more than any organization can.

Organizations can help with networking, job placement, leads, etc., but some, like SFWA, won’t let you join until you have qualifying sales. This can be a Catch-22 for writers just starting out.

Look at local, regional or state-wide writing associations. Before joining up, check out a few meetings to see if it meets expectations or desires. Don’t join for the sake of joining.

For women who write speculative fiction, I always recommend Broad Universe. There are opportunities for writers of all levels and interests in BU. The message boards alone are worth the dues.

Advice? Don’t go it alone. Writing is inherently solitary, but the business of it doesn’t have to be. Network, make friendships, and go to conventions. Opportunity will come knocking.

Tell us your latest news?

My story “Selk-Skin Deep” is being published in May in the Bad Ass Fairies 3 anthology: In all Their Glory. I’ve written an alternate history about the Vietnam War. My hero, Cade Owen is a selke (a Scottish faerie who is a seal, but can shed his skin become human) who is also a Navy SEAL. He’s assigned to an aircraft carrier in the Gulf of Tonkin and has to...well, you’ll have to read it to find out.

I’ll be at Balticon over Memorial Day weekend for the launch party. I’m also teaching a seminar during the convention on Submitting Short Work for Submission.

And, I have a non-fiction chapter coming out later this year in the book “The Complete Guide to Writing Paranormal: Undead, Cursed and Inhuman.” It’s a piece about joining or forming a critique group, and how to give a good critique.

Links to Purchase Blood Soup:

Blood Soup is now available on AMAZON KINDLE

Or PDF from the publisher, ETERNAL PRESS

It can also be purchased as a paperback from AMAZON

AUTHOR WEB SITE

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Saturday, April 24, 2010

The Devil's Heel Rocks!

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Posted by Keta Diablo |

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The Devil's Heel Here: NOBLE ROMANCE

Diablo's done it again with the engaging characters of Rogan and Drew. From the moment they meet again to the very end, I couldn't put the book down. The story was exciting and the love between the two men was compelling.

The descriptions put me at the Governor's Ball and on "The Devil's Heel," right down to the rocking of ship during the storm.

Kudos to a fine author, whose books I look forward to reading long before they ever come out. Hats off to another winner!

~ Tina Ordone ~

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Thursday, April 22, 2010

~FIVE STARS FOR THE DEVIL'S HEEL~

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SIZZLE . . . SIZZLE

The Devil’s Heel, Keta Diablo
Male/Male – MORE INFORMATION HERE: NOBLE ROMANCE

FIVE STARS!

Rogan Brockport is entitled to the rage he feels for being pushed out and left by his lover, Drew Hibbard. When word comes from higher authority that the young widower may very well be in peril on a suicidal mission to avenge his dead wife, Rogan accepts money and embroils himself in the situation. Hurt and resentment flow from him, though not as much as the physical attraction he still can’t deny for Drew. His only question is why, and he’s demanding that question be answered.

Drew Hibbard loved Rogan until he witnessed something that tore his heart from his chest, and sent him running to wed the opposite sex. When his eyes fell upon his lover once again, the present ceased to exist and all he could remember was the past they shared.

On the ship The Devil’s Heel the two are forced to come to terms with their split. Unresolved personal issues between Drew and Rogan were placed on hold, and those guilty of transgressions paid for their deeds.

When the truth came to light, only forgiveness and a healing love could hold them together and save them from uncertain danger lurking around the bend. The importance of life and seizing every opportunity of a future came to light.

The Devils Heel by Keta Diablo took me for a ride on the rough seas. I entered the lives of Rogan and Drew and held my breath for the fast paced ride of my life. Revenge mixed with passion and miscommunication endeared me to the two men struggling to find their way back to one another. I hoped they’d find a way to communicate in and out of the sheets. Holding my breath wasn’t in vain. I give this scorching read FIVE stars and a recommended read, and will be picking it up again.

Hales3000, Goodreads

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Sunday, April 18, 2010

Read Chapter of Holding On To Heaven!

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BUY AT AMAZON (KINDLE) HOLDING ON TO HEAVEN

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Labels: civil war, erotic romance, erotic romance historical, holding on to heaven |

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Monday, April 12, 2010

Holding On To Heaven Available at Amazon this week!

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HOLDING ON TO HEAVEN

Available NOW at Amazon

BUY HERE: HOLDING ON TO HEAVEN

When the blazing fires of revolt ravage the countryside, Lauren and Sage McCain are trapped amid the flames of destiny. The Civil War has crumbled a Nation, and the Dakota Sioux uprising has turned southern Minnesota into a violent battlefield.

Holding On To Heaven is a story of love between two men and a woman, love between siblings, and love that crosses all boundaries and forges all cultures.

Reviews:

What an outstanding book! Keta Diablo has penned the most amazing story! Five Roses! A Romance Review

Holding On To Heaven is a moving adventure about love, passion, revenge and family honor. Keta Diablo has created a story with characters as rich and adventurous as the Wagon's West Series, The North & South trilogy, and Donati's Wilderness epic." Fresh Fiction

Holding On To Heaven ends on a cliffhanger; surely there will be a sequel to the story of Lauren and Sage. A solid historical novel with attractive characters and a strong sense of place. RoundUp Magazine