Martyrs and Traitors by: Marina Julia Neary

Martyrs and Traitors

By: Marina Julia Neary

This author sought me out because of her writer friend, Iryna Combs, the Author of “Black Wings”, which can be found within my blog. So to begin, allow me to thank Iryna for the referral, I totally appreciate it.

Marina sent me her info, along with her list of books, and ask me which one I wanted to read. I like that. So I looked over everything, and this one: “Martyrs and Traitors” just pulled me in. I read the other ones, and then re-read this one three times. 

I wasn’t sure if it was something my audience would get into, but I wanted to read it. Is that wrong? I thought for a minute. Why not. Let’s be selfish, and feed my reading needs. 

This amazing tale takes you into the past, 1916 to be exact. And it tells you the stories of one of Ireland’s own. 

Here you will learn of conspiracy theories, love stories, fights with then have make for a bloody messy, and so much more. 

Bulmer Hobson is the very misunderstood antihero, if you will, of this time frame. And when his captors capture him, and joke about shooting and killing him, Hobson’s terrified fiancé must try and find him.

Hobson was branded the most dangerous man in Ireland at one time. And all he was trying to do, was make a difference. 

Marina looks deeply into the real story, and gives us insight that you didn’t know, and helps you to understand the real Hobson better. She allows us to relive a bit of history through her eyes, giving us a wonderful five-star insight into the past, so that we may understand it better. This is a wonderful book, well written, and easy to understand, and wonderfully inspiring. A definite must read for anyone who loves history!

My questions for Marina:

1. What made you write this book and how long did it take you?

I was going through an Irish phase. While purging my hard drive, I found a few drafts of novels I attempted writing in college. So I decided to revisit them and see if I could complete them. The timing was perfect - a few years before 2016 - the 100th anniversary of the Easter Rising in Dublin. After selling the first novel in the series, "Brendan Malone: the Last Fenian", I started writing "Martyrs & Traitors". I wrote it in the middle of a minor family crisis, and it took me about 4 months to cough up this 450+ page beast. It was a rough time, with illness and death in the family, and general economic uncertainty. I believe my overall anxiety fueled my creative process.

2. Did you do any special research for this, I mean you did date back to 1916....

Having assisted professors with research, I already had a lot of background knowledge about the Easter Rising, so I had the general outline of the events. Of course, I had to tap into more obscure resources. Some of the historical figures I was writing about were rather controversial, and many of the primary sources pertaining to them were either destroyed or hidden from the public. I wanted to get my hands on those sources, to give my readers something they would not necessarily get from textbooks.

3. Do you have any photos or descriptions of the characters?

Oh, heavens, yes! You would not believe the legwork, the sleuthing and the stalking involved in obtaining some of the photos. I was able to get in touch with Bulmer Hobson's grandson, who was kind enough to share some photos of his grandfather. Unfortunately, I cannot share them to the rest of the world. Interestingly, Hobson was "a man of a thousand faces". He had a very bland, Northern Irish appearance, and he looked different on all photos. Some people are like that.  They have that chameleon quality.

4. What is your very favorite book of all time?

Various books are tired to various seasons in my life. As a teenager, I was absolutely infatuated with Victor Hugo and the whole French Romanticism.

5. What makes you desire to write?

I always tell my readers that it's a nervous tick. You can't shake it easily. It's an uncontrollable compulsion. As a child, I would spend a lot of time inside my head, daydreaming, imagining various scenarios and outcomes.  I would construct entire worlds inside my head. And if you don't let those ideas out, your head will explode.

6. Do you have any suggestions for aspiring writers?

It depends on what your goals are and how attainable they are. Do you aspire to spit out 10 paperbacks a year, like some established genre authors? Or do you want to write something authentic, sincere, outside of most people's comfort level?

7. Have you ever met any writers IRL?

Yes, I've been to a few author conferences. Where I live - Fairfield County - we have a large concentration of writers, so we naturally we bump into each other at book events.  There are fewer and fewer physical book shops.

8. Do you write many stories on History, or just this once?

Out of 8 novels, 6 of them are hardcore historical. 2 are set in 1980-1990s, but they still reference many historical events.

9. What are you working on now?

I am relaunching three of my novels that were released from my prior publisher and placed with a different publisher. Sometimes a book needs a bit of a face lift.

10. Please share with us your social media and book links:

My blog: http://ctcommie.blogspot.com/
My FB link: https://www.facebook.com/marina.j.neary
My Amazon page: http://www.amazon.com/Marina-Julia-Neary/e/B0030L2MK2/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_3?qid=1469277286&sr=8-3
My bio: http://www.penmorepress.com/penmore_authors_/marina-julia-neary.html

Martyrs and Traitors: A Tale of 1916 by Marina Julia Neary
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This author sought me out because of her writer friend, Iryna Combs, the Author of “Black Wings”, which can be found within my blog. So to begin, allow me to thank Iryna for the referral, I totally appreciate it.

Marina sent me her info, along with her list of books, and ask me which one I wanted to read. I like that. So I looked over everything, and this one: “Martyrs and Traitors” just pulled me in. I read the other ones, and then re-read this one three times.

I wasn’t sure if it was something my audience would get into, but I wanted to read it. Is that wrong? I thought for a minute. Why not. Let’s be selfish, and feed my reading needs.

This amazing tale takes you into the past, 1916 to be exact. And it tells you the stories of one of Ireland’s own.

Here you will learn of conspiracy theories, love stories, fights with then have make for a bloody messy, and so much more.

Bulmer Hobson is the very misunderstood antihero, if you will, of this time frame. And when his captors capture him, and joke about shooting and killing him, Hobson’s terrified fiancé must try and find him.

Hobson was branded the most dangerous man in Ireland at one time. And all he was trying to do, was make a difference.

Marina looks deeply into the real story, and gives us insight that you didn’t know, and helps you to understand the real Hobson better. She allows us to relive a bit of history through her eyes, giving us a wonderful five-star insight into the past, so that we may understand it better. This is a wonderful book, well written, and easy to understand, and wonderfully inspiring. A definite must read for anyone who loves history!

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Smart As A Whip by Judith Anderson

Smart As A Whip

By Judith Anderson

*All Kimber photos are copyright of Judith Anderson*

First to be honest, I sought out Judith myself. I read her bio, and the details of this book. I told her what I do, and offered up my services to her. The reason? Because I liked that she wrote about a voluptuous plus sized woman, and wanted to make an amazing story for and about her. I also liked how she presented herself, and I thought my readers would enjoy the insight into her work as well.

The character that Judith writes about in “Smart As A Whip” is Kimber Cassidy, and she is the beautiful woman portrayed on the cover, in her mid twenties, and someone who believes that ‘size doesn’t matter.’ 

Looking at the cover, and the title, you are probably thinking, this is going to be a story of nothing but sex and erotica, am I right? Is that what you are thinking already? Well stop thinking, and follow along with me, if you will.

Judith is going to take you into her world of BDSM where a murder was committed, and Kimber’s friend Manny was charged for the crime. 

You see, one thing that Kimber managed to pick up on from her father, was his detective skills. Unfortunately though, he was killed in the line of duty. 

During Kimber’s investigation into the provocative BDSM playplace lifestyle, Kimber will use every bit of the skills she learned from her father, to determine who killed a member of their club. Her investigation enlightens her to things she never knew, including things about her family, and herself, which totally give Kimber a shock to her system that she had never anticipated.

Once Kimber meets another member named Jeremy, she realizes there is another world within the BDSM lifestyle, such as spankings and such. She also is awakened to her own desires, learning that Jeremy is a person who prefers to be a dom. 

The fact that deep down inside of herself, Kimber can hear her father’s own words of advice, which manage to keep her focused. Otherwise, Kimber might have managed to have gotten lost in Jeremy. She had to remember, who to trust, and stay wise, otherwise a man was going to be charged for a crime he did not commit.

The book: “Smart As A Whip” is a definite five star read, I liked the fact that it wasn’t just a story of sex, it had a complete story line that you could delve into, and you wanted to solve. It was a mystery, and I have never found a story so intense that I was rooting for the characters, like I was with this one. Judith knows how to tell a story, and I am so glad that I sought her out! She is an amazing story teller!

My questions for Judith:

1. What made you write this and how long did it take you?

While I was promoting for "Nadja's Choice", one question I would get asked is what other genre besides Erotica would I consider writing. I always said Mysteries, because I always enjoyed writing mysteries and thought it would be interesting. After answering this question so many times, I figured I might as well go ahead and just write a damn mystery. It took me about 3 and half months to write "Smart As A Whip"

2. Do you have any photos of Kimber Cassidy? Or maybe a description?

I do have a few photos of how I imagine Kimber in my head. For one, she is depicted on the cover, rather well by the wonderful cover artist at Blushing Books.  She is around 5'10'', long red hair in loose curls, blue eyes, dimples and is plus size with a rather buxom and wide-hipped figure. She's very intelligent, confident, independent and believes that she is very beautiful and sexy woman.

3. What made you decide to create a voluptuous plus size woman?

I wanted to make a heroine that wasn't someone you typically see in this type of format. I also thought that someone who wasn't a Barbie would be a character that my readership could relate to. Specifically, a member of my street team named Kimber Cortez, was posting some pictures of voluptuous redhead right around the time I was beginning to formulate the plot for what was to become "Smart As A Whip". They insipired my thinking and after posting what I was thinking and getting a very favorable response from my readers, that's the direction I went int.

4. What is your favorite book of all time?

"The Hitchhikers' Guide To The Galaxy" by Douglas Adams. I'm currently re-reading it now.

5. Who is/are your favorite Author(s) ?

Douglas Adams, Lawrence Block, Maren Smith, Tabitha Black and Alta Hensley

6. Have you ever met any authors IRL?

yes, Maren Smith is a local friend of mine and I've had the pleasure of meeting many Blushing Books authors at their 2015 conference, including Tabitha Black, Alta Hensley and Patty Devlin

7. What is it that makes you desire to write?

I love telling stories and I love entertaining people. I also hope to perhaps open peoples' eyes about things that perhaps they haven't thought of before.

8. Do you ever fantasize or make sure that your sexual positions and acts work before you write about them?

As a member of the BDSM community, I've either done or have witnessed and gone to workshops concerning a lot of the practices that I write about.

9. What are you working on now?

I'm working on a Kimber short story and the second Kimber Cassidy novel

10. Please provide us with your social media & book links:

Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/authorjudithanderson
Blog : http://judithanderson.blogspot.com/
Twitter : @JAndersonspank
Instagram : authorjudithanderson
email : judithandersonauthor@gmail.com

11. Anything extra to add:

I love hearing from my readers and followers, I write back!   :)

Smart As A Whip by Judith Anderson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

First to be honest, I sought out Judith myself. I read her bio, and the details of this book. I told her what I do, and offered up my services to her. The reason? Because I liked that she wrote about a voluptuous plus sized woman, and wanted to make an amazing story for and about her. I also liked how she presented herself, and I thought my readers would enjoy the insight into her work as well.

The character that Judith writes about in “Smart As A Whip” is Kimber Cassidy, and she is the beautiful woman portrayed on the cover, in her mid twenties, and someone who believes that ‘size doesn’t matter.’

Looking at the cover, and the title, you are probably thinking, this is going to be a story of nothing but sex and erotica, am I right? Is that what you are thinking already? Well stop thinking, and follow along with me, if you will.

Judith is going to take you into her world of BDSM where a murder was committed, and Kimber’s friend Manny was charged for the crime.

You see, one thing that Kimber managed to pick up on from her father, was his detective skills. Unfortunately though, he was killed in the line of duty.

During Kimber’s investigation into the provocative BDSM playplace lifestyle, Kimber will use every bit of the skills she learned from her father, to determine who killed a member of their club. Her investigation enlightens her to things she never knew, including things about her family, and herself, which totally give Kimber a shock to her system that she had never anticipated.

Once Kimber meets another member named Jeremy, she realizes there is another world within the BDSM lifestyle, such as spankings and such. She also is awakened to her own desires, learning that Jeremy is a person who prefers to be a dom.

The fact that deep down inside of herself, Kimber can hear her father’s own words of advice, which manage to keep her focused. Otherwise, Kimber might have managed to have gotten lost in Jeremy. She had to remember, who to trust, and stay wise, otherwise a man was going to be charged for a crime he did not commit.

The book: “Smart As A Whip” is a definite five star read, I liked the fact that it wasn’t just a story of sex, it had a complete story line that you could delve into, and you wanted to solve. It was a mystery, and I have never found a story so intense that I was rooting for the characters, like I was with this one. Judith knows how to tell a story, and I am so glad that I sought her out! She is an amazing story teller!



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G.P.S. By Sherry Robinson

G.P.S.

By Sherry Robinson

Do you like scary movies and books? Then you will literally and truly love this book. As I edited this book, I was trying my best to stay focused, and let me tell you what, it was truly difficult.

I was worried sick about the characters because once they arrived at their destination: the cabin, that’s when things started to get really exciting and weird.

I knew something was up right off the bat when they found a refrigerator full off food, and they thought it was meant for them, and then because the cabin was nothing like it was portrayed. This already had my attention. But we know how scary movies, and books, and young adults go. They don’t think. They just have sex and drinking on their mind.

The “G.P.S.” was not wrong, and it was not the “G.P.S.’s” fault like you might think, that they arrived at the destination where they were. Somewhere in the back woods, alone, in a cabin that was supposed to have a pool, and be romantic, and beautiful. Nothing was as they had hoped and planned.

The best part? Guess what! These kids told no one where they were going. Yes, you read that right. Not a soul truly knew where they were.

Sherry Robinson, when she has a story to tell, you will want to sit down and read it all at once, because if you don’t you’re going to worry about the characters just as soon as you set the book down! She knows how to hook you, and keep you hooked.

This book “G.P.S.” is a definite five star read. Freaky as all get out, and sure to keep you on your toes. You will worry about each character until the last minute. Will they survive? Will they kill the crazy guy who made up the fake ad and took their money, and seduced them into coming to a hideaway that is simply meant to be a killing spree for him? And trust me, this is not the crazy guys first time doing this, as you will learn while reading.

It’s time to get your own copy of this five star read: “G.P.S.” and learn what all the huff is about. Be sure to have time, because once you pick it up and start reading, you won’t be putting it down.

My questions for Sherry:

1.    1. What made you write this book and how long did it take you?

I wrote this book because someone gave me a title, and suggested I come up with a creative storyline which I did.

2.    2. Which of your own personal books you've written is your favorite?

My favorite book I have written so far would be "Outbreak: A government experiment gone wrong", because it makes people think and put everything we had been questioning about these different name viruses, as well as diseases under a microscope.

3.    3. What inspires you to write?

What inspired me to become a writer is my love of reading, and just my ability to make up some interesting stories.

4.    4. What are you working on now?

I recently finished writing a book called "Mommy's dirty little secret, and now I am in the middle of writing a book called "The double mint twins: A twisted tale of horror".

5.    5. Who designed your book cover?

Pro_designx is the company that designed my book cover for G.P.S.

6.    6. Do you have any photos or description of any of these characters in GPS?

I don't have any photos of the characters in this book.  These are characters that I made up as I wrote my story.

7.    7. Have you ever met any other writers?

I have never met any other writers face to face, but I have talked to some on FB.

8.Your links:

https://www.facebook.com/sherry.robinson.102

https://www.facebook.com/sherryrobinsonmeettheauthor/

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/380536.Sherry_Robinson

https://www.amazon.com/G-P-S-Sherry-Robinson-ebook/dp/B01GG9DR76/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1466605366&sr=1-1&keywords=g.p.s.+by+sherry+robinson

8.    Anything to add:  Overall this is a great book with a great storyline the reviews have been awesome. I just hope everyone gets an opportunity to read the book for themselves, and as always make sure you leave a review for any authors books you have read....

G. P. S. by Sherry Robinson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Do you like scary movies and books? Then you will literally and truly love this book. As I edited this book, I was trying my best to stay focused, and let me tell you what, it was truly difficult.

I was worried sick about the characters because once they arrived at their destination: the cabin, that’s when things started to get really exciting and weird.

I knew something was up right off the bat when they found a refrigerator full off food, and they thought it was meant for them, and then because the cabin was nothing like it was portrayed. This already had my attention. But we know how scary movies, and books, and young adults go. They don’t think. They just have sex and drinking on their mind.

The “G.P.S.” was not wrong, and it was not the “G.P.S.’s” fault like you might think, that they arrived at the destination where they were. Somewhere in the back woods, alone, in a cabin that was supposed to have a pool, and be romantic, and beautiful. Nothing was as they had hoped and planned.

The best part? Guess what! These kids told no one where they were going. Yes, you read that right. Not a soul truly knew where they were.

Sherry Robinson, when she has a story to tell, you will want to sit down and read it all at once, because if you don’t you’re going to worry about the characters just as soon as you set the book down! She knows how to hook you, and keep you hooked.

This book “G.P.S.” is a definite five star read. Freaky as all get out, and sure to keep you on your toes. You will worry about each character until the last minute. Will they survive? Will they kill the crazy guy who made up the fake ad and took their money, and seduced them into coming to a hideaway that is simply meant to be a killing spree for him? And trust me, this is not the crazy guys first time doing this, as you will learn while reading.

It’s time to get your own copy of this five star read: “G.P.S.” and learn what all the huff is about. Be sure to have time, because once you pick it up and start reading, you won’t be putting it down.


View all my reviews