Book Banter

The book industry faces many challenges. People seem to have less time to read and it’s tough to compete with the television and Internet. Any new or aspiring author knows how hard it is to make his or her voice heard amongst the chorus of "publish me!" "Notice me!" "Buy my books!"

In many cultures around the world, Valentine’s Day has converted the month of February into the month of love. This February, two aspiring authors are taking their love of reading and their admiration for debut authors and combining them into the "Debut a debut!" contest.

Take a first-time author for a spin on your "To Read in 2007" list and give yourself the chance to win great prizes! Gift certificates to Borders and more!

During the week of 12 Feb through 17 Feb, read a book written by a debut author and post your review by 17 February. Send Susan or Erica the permalink to your review and you will be entered in a drawing for some great prizes.

Some Rules
A debut author is an author who has had their first novel published between 01/2006 and 02/2007.

Accepted publication types are ebook and in-print novels from established royalty-paying publishers or e-publishers; if you’re not sure, e-mail us the name of the publisher. POD, vanity presses, or Publish America books are not considered for this contest.

Reviews can not be previously printed online or in print. The review of a debut author’s novel must be posted between the dates of 02/12/2007 - 02/17/2007. Prize drawing will occur 02/19/2007 and winners will be notified via email.

Multiple entries are allowed.

The Prizes
2 randomly drawn participants will receive a $20.00 Borders gift certificate. Other prizes announced closer to the contest.

How to Enter
1. Buy, find, or borrow a novel that is an author’s debut. (see list of some debut novels at WestofMars.com, West of Mars — the Meet and Greet, or Writing Aspirations)
2. Read the novel.
3. Write a review. It does not have to be a professional review. Provide a brief plot synopsis and then mention your likes or dislikes or other thoughts you had while reading.
4. Post the review online - either on a website or blog.
5. Send the permalink of the post to West of Mars — the Meet and Greet or Writing Aspirations in an email message or post a comment to the main contest post with a link to your review.

Remember, the review is to be completed and posted during the week of 02/12/2007 - 02/17/2007.

A post will be created on West of Mars and Writing Aspirations with links to all book reviews submitted.

I have to look at my spreadsheet to see what debut authors I’ve read this year.

So I get emails from the review coordinator person for Armchair Interviews because, while I’ve only done two reviews for them, I’m still clearly on their list. But anyway, she sends out this email today asking if anyone was interested in reviewing a Dafina romance from Kensington. Now, normally the custom is to send over a short blurb to help the reviewers decide if it’s something they would be interested in. This is what whoever requested the review sent over:
 

Samantha Taylor is struggling to deal with the deaths of her husband and sister. Two years prior, they were killed in an automobile accident.

While dealing with her loss, Samantha now has reason to feel guilty. She’s falling in love with her very handsome and sexy brother-in-law, Alex.

Samantha and Alex are constantly thrown together in caring for their kids. They have been both mother and father to the other’s kids.

With Alex’s busy schedule, Samantha’s niece and nephew spend more time at her house than at their own home. She’s the one who takes them to soccer practice and karate class. 

Dr. Alex Carlisle shares Samantha’s grief. He was married to Samantha’s sister and Greg Taylor was his best friend. The night of the accident, Samantha and her sister both gave birth. One child lived and one died.

Alex has always felt a bond with his nephew, Mathew. The similarities between the two of them were uncanny. The half moon birthmark they both have foiled what would have been a seamless and undetected crime.

He secretly takes Matthew for a blood test. His suspicions are confirmed when the results come back positive. He is Matthew’s father. This proved beyond a shadow of a doubt Matthew Taylor was really Michael Carlisle.

Alex enlists the help of a friend in getting to the bottom of the baby switch. While reviewing the hospital security tapes, he zooms in on the person who switched the babies. Alex is in for another shock when he recognizes the person responsible.

Samantha denies her feelings for Alex and tries to hold him at arms length. Alex calls her bluff and pulls her close for a steamy kiss. Samantha is shaken and more adamant than ever there can never be anything between them. She is not only afraid of the complications of a relationship with Alex, she is afraid of the way he makes her feel. She thought those feelings died with her husband.

Alex backs off and tries a new tactic. He sets her up on two blind dates. He knows both guys are wrong for her and she won’t like either one of them. His objective is to make himself look more appealing.

Samantha counters by setting Alex up with a woman she thinks is perfect for him. She is hurt and jealous when they become an item. Alex sees and plays on her jealousy. He throws Linda and their blossoming relationship in her face at every opportunity.

Samantha smiles on the outside, but cringes on the inside. She realizes she created the situation. She also knows one word from her and Linda would be history.

After her botched evening with bachelor number two, Samantha runs to Alex. Things heat up between them. Their evening of passion is interrupted and once again, Samantha runs from her feelings.

Samantha’s cousin sets her up on a blind date. Her date turns out to be the man she has been avoiding. After an awkward beginning, their evening goes from bad to worse as he calls her on the night they almost made love. Alex lays his cards on the table. Samantha pushes him away.

After some soul searching, she takes off her wedding rings. Sam and Alex give in to passion and make love. Their shaky relationship starts to blossom, but the truth looms over Alex like a dark cloud.

Samantha’s world comes crashing down around her as her brother confesses to her about the baby switch. Her world spins out of control when she discovers she has Alex and her sister’s son. She is torn apart when she does the right thing and gently breaks the news to Alex about the baby switch.

Alex feels guilty for keeping the truth from her. He covers his guilt with a confession of love and later a marriage proposal.

Samantha stumbles onto the truth and confronts him. They have a heated argument and she breaks off their engagement.

As they move towards reconciling, a nurse accuses Alex of sexual assault. Samantha comes to Alex’s defense. Her father warns her to stay away from the case, but she has other plans.

Samantha charges off to confront Alex’s accuser and is taken hostage. Alex risks his life to save the woman he loves.

 Is there any point in even reading it after reading all this?