All of the Musa books I’ve read have embodied what I love about small press: fresh ideas, approaches, a passion for storytelling. I feel honored to be included with this this group of authors.
Between by Clarissa Johal (Contemporary Paranormal): A trail of paranormal bread crumbs led me gently into a refreshingly different, subtly scary, twist on the afterlife--or "between," at any rate. A wonderful read if you're in the mood for something mysterious that isn't a mystery, romantic that isn't a romance, and chilling that isn't horror.
Normalish by Margaret Lesh (Young Adult)
Tracy’s voice captured me from the first page. She reminded me (perhaps too clearly) how intense our emotions are at that age. Plenty of both drama and dry humor. Well-balanced and deeply satisfying for such an emotional read. Hard to believe it's a debut book.
Sebastian’s Poet by Keven Craig (Contemporary Fiction)
This was also an emotional read, poignant and beautifully written from the point of view of a too-old-for-his-years boy. I’m just grateful the ending was satisfying or I might seriously hate the author for pulling me in to such a degree.
A Deadly Tapestry by Jen S. Severson (Cozy Mystery)
Profoundly spiritual (yet non-religious) truths are gently revealed, wrapped in a truly cozy mystery, spiced with a sassy romance, and told with a magically charming voice. One to keep handy for re-reading.
Steeled for Murder by K.M. Rockwood (Mystery)
Relentless tension and an overpoweringly sympathetic main character put this book on my list. I dare you to read it an not feel for this guy.
The Girl Who Remembered Horses by Linda Benson (YA)
An uplifting post-apocalyptic horse story. Yes, you read that first word right. It was one of the main highlights in a setting that usually dominates such stories and depresses me. Highly recommend to horse-crazy girls of all ages.
Double Mocha, Heavy on Your Phone Number by June Kramin (Contemporary Romance/Chic Lit)
This book isn’t categorized as a Romance, perhaps because it’s more than that. The story is rich in themes of family and forgiveness. Extraordinarily well-drawn characters.
Shifting Hearts (Wiccan Haus #1) by Dominique Eastwick (Paranormal Erotic Romance novella)
I don't normally go much for shape-shifting in erotic romances, too much room for yik. No yiks here, only yum! I love the shared world-by-different-authors concept. It all starts here, and how!
A Man Worth Fighting For (Wiccan Haus #2) by Sara Daniels (Paranormal Erotic Romance novella)
Excellent follow-up with main characters who are both fully human. I appreciated the inclusion of Holly’s love and Justin’s attitude as part of the healing magic. BTW, the whole concept of healing magic is a big plus for me with this series.
Nightfire by Alyson Burdette (Horror)
Remarkably lovely prose and a refreshing treatment of the monster (the protagonist), plus having no idea which way the story would go made this a great read.
Alas, my TBR list is long and reading time has been short, thus leaving a host of of Musa books I look forward to reading in 2013.
Happy Reading!
~Rhea
Rhea Rhodan writes sensual romance. Here's a little from her latest novel.
Kidnapped by human monsters, Grace Thorne was ripped from her quiet intellectual life and left deeply scarred. She’s hidden herself for five years, but there’s no escape from the nightmares of the past, or visions of the future. When one foretells tragedy, she gambles her fragile defenses on a haunted man to prevent it—only to discover love is the biggest risk of all.
Jack Daggery doesn’t need a mirror to know why people avoid him, but he doesn’t really care. After years working deep undercover, immersed in betrayal and death, all he wants is some peace and the quiet security company he co-owns.
Dagger has no idea why the foul-mouthed little server of questionable gender bothers him. But he does know that living with the ghosts of his past was hard enough without being tormented by the mysterious thorn in his side—or finding how much he needs her.
To read an excerpt from Finding Grace, please click HERE.
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10 comments:
Well, I'm honored to be included in this list--thank you, Rhea!
Thanks Rhea! I'm in wonderful company, and I love, love, love writing for the Wiccan Haus series!
Excellent list. Thanks for sharing your picks.
I'm currently reading Sebastian's Poet and am glad you said the ending is satisfying (phew!). Like you said, it is a very emotional story and beautifully written, an instant favorite.
I felt the same way as you did about Normalish, too. Since we seem to have the same tastes I'll have to check out the rest of your list. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks so much, Rhea, for including The Girl Who Remembered Horses on this list. I feel honored!
Thank you, Rhea, for the mention. I also loved Sebastian's Poet, and The Girl Who Remembered Horses.
Finding Grace was also a favorite of mine, so anyone out there who hasn't read it yet: download it! (It's similar to Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, but better.)
Thanks for stopping by everyone (and for the mention, Margaret)! It is both my pleasure to read great books and review them for other readers. As I mentioned on FB, I'm a horrible blog writer. Thanks for the excellent fodder!
As a newly signed up author with Musa, this list is an excellent introduction to the wonderful diversity of authors that I am so very pleased to be included with. Thanks Rhea...now to start working my way through the list :)
That is a great list of books. I'm just so proud to be part of this family because the quality is so good. I don't envy your trying to limit this to 10 books.
Great list, Rhea. Love the diversity.
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