GtPGKogPYT4p61R1biicqBXsUzo" /> Google+ I Smell Sheep: October 2013

Thursday, October 31, 2013

Book Review: Jaws 5: The Meowing by Kitty Glitter


 Jaws 5: The Meowing
By Kitty Glitter
11 page short story

A thrilling tale of sharks, cats, and Krispy Kreme. 
From Kitty Glitter, the master of feline noir!

A title like this, free, and only eleven pages… how could I not read this? This is what is called bizarro fiction. I included the definition of the 
bizarro fiction at the end. The story is written in first person POV of Arn Sharcarnahan, a shark. At first I thought the story was written by someone who didn’t know English, but then I realized the author was writing the way they thought a shark would think. Arn and his friend Elio the eel are talking about getting some Krispy Kream doughnuts when they run into an acquaintance. A cat named Furry Cantag who is fishing. There is an oil rig near so Sharcarnahan and Elio take a closer look and find a young girl in trouble.

The story is alternates between the shark and eel’s attempt to help the girl and flashbacks of Shacarnahan’s life and how he met Elio. It is actually quite touching. There is a full story in these eleven pages. But be warned, this is 
bizarro which means sexually graphic, violence and a bittersweet ending. It is an interesting piece of fiction with quite a punch.If you are looking for something way out of your box give it a try. What do you have to lose? It’s free!


I tried to find information on Kitty Glitter online, but came up with so much crazy I am not sure what is real and what she made up. She has written many stories, some I can't even post on this site <G>. Here is a link to her amazon page with her titles. Sadly, it appears she committed suicide back in April 2013 (article).

*Bizarro fiction is a contemporary literary genre, which often uses elements of absurdism, satire, and the grotesque, along with pop-surrealism and genre fiction staples, in order to create subversive works that are as weird and entertaining as possible. The term was adopted in 2005 by the independent publishing companies Eraserhead Press, Raw Dog Screaming Press, and Afterbirth Books.- wikipedia

4 “best friend” Sheep





SharonStogner

About the author:
Kitty Glitter grew up on the streets of East Orange, NJ. Her husband, Champagne, is doing 15 years upstate and she is trying to raise five kids by herself. On top of working three jobs Kitty is trying to sell some ebooks.



Happy Halloween from I Smell Sheep 2 spooky giveaways

update: throwing in a box of moonpies with the shirt giveaway! Cause, duh!

We know what you're thinking. What amazingly funny thing does the flock have planned for their Halloween post and what really unusual giveaway will they have?

We made a fun matching game with Baaart's costumes! Couldn't embed the game in this post so you will have to click on the link and go play. It is pretty freaking awesome! Once you are done playing, come back here and enter how many moves and the time it took for you to complete it.

Also don't forget to come back late this evening (6:00pm EST) there will be a review of Jaws 5: The Meowing by Kitty Glitter.



what the game looks like


It isn't a party without music poison!



Here are some fun top 10 lists!


After you play you can enter to win some Halloween-y stuff! 

Prize Pack #1 one of only three (Katie and I have the others) zombie Baaart t-shirts (XL) signed by the amazing comic book writer/artist himself... Brockton McKinny! + a mouse pad 
*Brockton is the author of one of my favorite comics Ehmm Theory (review)
prize pack #`1

For our readers who love us, but not "wearing a dead Baaart" love, we have a spooky book pack for the whole family! All three books are by Scott Nicholson (and signed!).
prize pack #2
Grade school kid
(you have no idea how hard it was to part with this one! LOVE IT)
Young adult
Crystal & Bones - October Girls (the original cover)
Adult: 
Thank You for the Flowers: Stories of Suspense & Imagination


You can enter one or both giveaways. There are two different raffledudes. Due to mailing cost this is US/CAN Only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Q&A with Thea Harrison / Book Review + giveaway

Today we have PNR author Thea Harrison doing a little Q&A for you. The latest release in her Elder Dragon series, Kinked, comes out Nov 5, 2013. You get a chance to win a copy at the end! Don't forget to check out a review of Kinked at the end also.



Q: What is one of your favorite Myths/legends to write about?

A: When I started to write my reply to this question, I realized it wasn’t going to be a simple or easy answer! I’ve had so much fun with the world building in the Elder Races series. It’s almost impossible to pick just one.
I really enjoyed taking the Oracle of Delphi and putting it into a modern context for Oracle’s Moon. When I turned my attention to the witches’ demesne in Louisville, I wanted to make sure it felt as rich and developed as the rest of the world building I’d done for the other demesnes and mythological creatures. That story was fun for a lot of reasons, because I also really enjoyed building the Djinn society based on Middle Eastern legends.

Another favorite has been developing the Elves, in Lord’s Fall and continued in Kinked. And a third was when I created my own version of Vampyres in Serpent’s Kiss. I have two more Vampyre stories that I’m dying to tell. When I get excited about a story, it’s hard to wait for the right time to tell it!


Q: You've been gifted (or cursed) with the ability to shift into another form by a witch. What kind of shifter are you and why? (All creatures, including mythological, apply.)
A: Awesome question! I think I have two answers for that one. If it was a gift, then I think it would have to be something winged and strong. I think there’s something to be said for being as fearless as a harpy, although I’m quite sure I wouldn’t win any popularity contests!

If the ability was a curse and meant to be nasty, the witch would probably turn me into my phobia—a spider! That would be the meanest, nastiest thing anybody could ever do to me!


Q: Since Aryal is a harpy and considered an immortal Wyr, how did you approach her character development in order to make her believable and someone that readers can identify with?
A: I’ll be honest, I was worried about writing Aryal. I really didn’t want to compromise her identity. Aryal has strong emotions but no real morals in the abstract sense, no true compulsion to do what is right for its own sake. She’s abrasive and dangerous… And I had to figure out how to also make her sympathetic.

My first decision was to not be in a hurry to write her story. I wanted to take the time to show her character from a couple of different points of view. The reader first sees Aryal from Pia’s perspective in Dragon Bound, but then in Storm’s Heart I was able to show Aryal from Tricks’ point of view, someone who loved her. I also wanted to make sure that humor came into the mix. Still, the real test came when I sat down and actually started writing Kinked. Then I had to get close enough to her to write her as a main POV character. It helped that I had so many established relationships and characters to work with—such as Grym, Dragos and Graydon—and the world-building in place. With that in place, I could concentrate on developing Aryal herself. I’m very grateful to my editor Cindy Hwang for providing such a supportive platform to write Kinked.


Q: Do you have an Elder Race Bible to help keep your facts start? If not, how the heck do you keep your facts start? 
A: So far I’ve had two things in my favor—I’ve got a bit of a freakish memory for detail when it comes to writing, and I also have fantastic beta readers who are good at spotting issues. Still, the world has become big and complicated enough that I’ve got someone working on a series bible right now. It’s over a hundred pages by now and should be done by the end of the year.

Q: Who was the harder character to write Aryal or Quentin and why?
A: Neither character was as hard as I had feared they would be when I started Kinked. Still, Quentin was easier. I felt more confident writing his character, and I felt the stakes were pretty high on getting Aryal’s character right.

Q: Was there anything about Aryal that surprised you as her story unfolded?
A: I think I probably had the same experience as a writer that several readers have had so far in reading the book—I was surprised at how much I ended up liking and enjoying her. I wouldn’t want to rush out and befriend a real-life Aryal, but I think she’s pretty cool between the pages, and I’m really looking forward to writing more about her.

Q: In the event of an apocalypses (zombie, alien, solar flare or 4 horsemen) which of your characters would you like to team up with?
A: I would absolutely like to team up with Dragos—as long as I was someone he valued, otherwise he might ditch me in a heartbeat.

Q: What is next for the Elder Race series?
A: I’m now contracted for books 7-9, so I’m writing Graydon’s story which will be released around August of 2014. The main characters have also been decided for books 8 and 9, and I’m eager to get to those stories!

I also wrote a self-published project, a novella entitled Dragos Takes A Holiday, which releases November 25th. I loved spending time with Dragos and Pia, and their little son Peanut gets his POV debut.

It’s been a pleasure to visit with you. Thanks for having me!



Kinked (Elder Races #6)
by Thea Harrison
Two opponents must confront the cause of their obsessive fury in the latest Novel of the Elder Races…

As a harpy, Sentinel Aryal is accustomed to dealing with hate, but Sentinel Quentin Caeravorn manages to inspire in her a burning ire unlike anything she’s ever known. Aryal believes the new Sentinel to be a criminal, and vows to take him out as soon as the opportunity arises. But the harpy’s incessant wrath has pushed Quentin to the limit, and forces him to make a deadly vow of his own.

To put an end to the conflict, Dragos, Lord of the Wyr, sends them on a reconnaissance mission to the Elven land of Numenlaur. Forced to work together, Aryal and Quentin’s mutual antagonism escalates. Each fight draws forth more passion—culminating in an explosively sexual confrontation. But when their quest reveals real danger, Aryal and Quentin must resolve their differences in ways beyond the physical, before the entire Wyr is threatened.



SHORT REVIEW
Kinked, is exactly what the title says. It's Kinky. With that kink comes some darkness from both lead characters. It gets a bit rough and raw at times, taking you down the twisty path of pleasure/pain. 

For me, it was a little too much. I like wild and rough Alpha bed-play,  but pain is not my bag. 

The meat of the story itself is pretty good overall. Well written, thought-out and takes you on that reading adventure. 

The series, as a whole, has me locked in for the long haul. I would have personally been ok missing this one BUT I love the writing style and characters too much to pass on any edition in the saga. 

Was not my cup of Chai tea, but it may be yours!  



Giving this one 3 Sheep
Katie

About the Author:
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Thea Harrison is the pen name for Teddy Harrison. Thea has traveled extensively, having lived in England and explored Europe for several years. Now she resides in Colorado. She wrote her first book, a romance, when she was nineteen and had sixteen romances published under the name Amanda Carpenter.

She took a break from writing to collect a couple of graduate degrees and a grown child. She experienced waitressing as a teenager, has worked as an activist for a non-profit consumer rights organization, has been a receptionist, an office manager, a penniless graduate student, a director of development and research, and a single mom. Her graduate degrees are in Philanthropic Studies and Library Information Science, but her first love has always been writing fiction.

Her paranormal Elder Races series began May 3, 2011 with Dragon Bound, which won RT Book Review’s Book of the Year Award, and the Romance Writer’s of America RITA in the paranormal romance category.

She adores animals and currently resides with two small dogs that have very large personalities.


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Book Review: Black and Blue by Gena Showalter + Halloween Trick or Treat book blast contest

BLACK AND BLUE
Otherworld Assassins, #2
By: Gena Showalter
Paranormal Romance
HE IS EVERY WOMAN’S FANTASY . . .

Corbin Blue is a man of many talents. One of the most powerful otherworlders ever born, he is wealthy, a professional football star, and a legend in the bedroom. But only a select few know he is also a black ops agent . . . and there is no better killer. When he and his crew are attacked and separated, he’s forced to turn to his boss’s daughter for help—a woman with even more secrets than Blue.

SHE BECOMES HIS ONLY OBSESSION . . .Evangeline Black has always been wary, guarded. No man has ever breached her walls. Until Blue. He has never been denied something he wants, and now he’s decided he wants her. As he sweeps her into his double life of seduction, intrigue, and danger, he helps her see beyond the darkness of her past. But as an enemy closes in, Blue will have to let Evie go to keep her safe—even though he’d rather die than live without her. . . .


I'm a cover whore. Admitted and freely owned. I love a good cover and Black and Blue has one heck of a cover! On covers alone, I can be sold on a story  It's the girl "window shopper" in me. Call me easy like that.

You combine a slamming cover with the power house that is Gena Showalter, and I'm sold. I don't care what she's selling. I'll always buy it. Again, meet easy Katie. (Uh, that sounds bad. Let's just go with it.)

Black and Blue, as mentioned above, is the second addition to the new paranormal romance Otherworld Assassins saga. Honestly, I forgot I was reading an ongoing saga until the ending pages. This truly can be read as a stand alone. You can decide if you see that as a positive or negative. I was in the middle, didn't care either way.

What I care about is the story. Give me power males, feisty females, action, drama, romance and some witty humor. Is that too much to ask? Not for Gena. She can bring all of these qualities time and again, in all of her series. BUT, this edition was lacking that gusto and umph I've come to love.

Corbin was a little meh, kinda boring at times. Overall, he seemed like a likable character, but I just never connected. Labeled the "man whore", the dude is just trying to make a living at the one thing he's good at. Kicking ass. But again, I didn't feel either passion or contempt for the guy. He was just, down the middle for me.


Evie was a tad more compelling, but that's because she has one kickass bag of goodies in her purse! Um, want those gadgets! If she can turn Ranch dressing into something that might kill you, that's a chick I want to meet! Character wise, she was so-so. I like vanilla ice cream, but I dislike vanilla characters. She was a rich and creamy version, but vanilla nonetheless.

The story itself was enjoyable enough to keep you entertained until the end. Not every single story is going to awe the fans with fireworks. I'm sticking with the good thing Gena has going and riding this series till the end.



Getting 3 and 1/2 'rubiks cube' Sheep
KD

About the Author:
Website | Facebook 
Twitter | GoodReads
Gena Showalter is the New York Times and USA Today best-selling author of the White Rabbit Chronicles, Otherworld Assassins, Angels of the Dark, Lords of the Underworld, and several of other series. She has written over thirty novels and novellas. Her books have appeared in Cosmopolitan and Seventeen magazine, and have been translated in multiple languages.






HALLOWEEN HOP INSTRUCTIONS & RULES: 

Thank you for joining in Gena Showalter's BLACK AND BLUE Trick or Treat Halloween Hop!

The instructions and rules are easy!

1) Every day there will be 3 - 6 participating blogs. In order to enter the giveaway you must "Trick or Treat" at the participating blogs, see which candy the blog has posted and then enter the name of that candy into the Rafflecopter widget.

2) There is ONE MANDATORY blog PER DAY. In order to enter the giveaway, you must visit the mandatory blog of the day. You will receive 10 points for each mandatory blog entry.

3) Once you visit the mandatory blog of the day, you then have the choice of gaining extra points by visiting the "Optional" blogs for that day. You will get an extra 5 points for each optional blog you visit. Once you visit each blog, write down the candy you found at each blog and be sure to enter it Rafflecopter widget to get your points.

TOUR GIVEAWAY PRIZES:
At the end of the tour Gena will pick THREE (3) winners to receive: 

GRAND PRIZE: $100.00 gift card to Amazon

RUNNERS-UP: TWO (2) winners will each get an autographed copy of BLACK AND BLUE and some SWAG from Gena.




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Tuesday, October 29, 2013

49 New Releases in Speculative Fiction Oct 29

What world will you visit this week?

Favorite covers this week: Hellhound, Archangel's Legion, The Prince of Lies, '68

WTF: I don't know what I would do without the horror genre covers <G> Ravaged By the Rainbow: Alien Sex Monster, Jaws: The Meowing

This has been your friendly Sheep kindle krack attack!

disclaimer: all these covers are links to our amazon affiliate pages. I Smell Sheep will get a small percentage of all sales through these links as an advertising fee. I Smell Sheep uses the money to pay for sheep s*** and shipping <G>


If I forgot a release put it in the comments and I will add it!