Perhaps a bit presumptuous because Jen is a strange one after all and her normal Pommy good taste may be having an off day. 🙂
Anyway…
Since I’ve been doing the pimping tasting thing, I thought it might be cool, in addition to books, to try my hand at quick bites of authors. (Hehehe, I’ll never tire of how naughty that sounds.)
I’ve decided to start a ‘tasting authors’ series, with no particular scheduled day or week for posting – to be honest I hadn’t really thought that far ahead *g* so could easily change my mind (*whispers* Libran remember) – and sharing with the partially invisibles a few reasons why I like an author’s writing as well as choosing some of my fave stories from their work.
The first author on my tasting plate is… ::drum roll please:: M L Rhodes!
M L is an auto buy for many in the m/m romance crowd, including me. ::Duh!:: Go here for more info about her and her books.
The Whys I Like (1, 2, 3):
Like No. 1~ Good characterisation = reader engagement = much pleasure for the Kris’ in the world! M L’s characters are well developed and, in my opinion, written in such a way that the reader can easily identify and connect with the characters and/or their situation.
Like No. 2~ Her sex and love scenes are HOT! They are extremely believable and never disappoint the voyeurs among us. *g*
Like No. 3~ M L is terrific at building and pacing a story to a very satisfying HEA or HFN. What more can you possibly want in a romance!
The Dishes I Love (1, 2, 3):
Love Nos. 1 & 2 (I could cheat, but I won’t 🙂 )~ The Draegan Lords series
The blurb of the first book, True of Heart:
A hundred years ago, the high sorcerer of Velensperia launched a swift and deadly attack against the draegans—a race of dragon shapeshifters who’d always lived in harmony with the humans. The draegans were all but destroyed, with the few who remained, scattered and in hiding. Now, a group of them have united and begun to fight back. Their leader, Keiran Hareldson, seeks to free his people from the cruel repression the high sorcerer’s reign has imposed on them.
Gaige Rizik is captain of the sorcerer’s High Guard, and known for his lethal ability to hunt down his prey with no remorse. His orders are to infiltrate the draegan rebels’ camp, learn their plans, and identify their leader so he can be destroyed. But when Gaige joins the rebels, posing as a human sympathizer to the draegans’ cause, he discovers the shapeshifters aren’t the bloodthirsty beasts he’s been led to believe, and their leader is a passionately captivating man who only wants what’s best for his people. Keiran sparks powerful emotions in Gaige, tearing down his walls of steely control, and stirring a longing in him he can’t deny.
Torn between his duty to the high sorcerer and his growing feelings not only for Keiran, but for the draegan way of life, Gaige knows he’s damned no matter which he chooses. In a world of lies, deception, and dark secrets, one false move will bring destruction to all he’s begun to hold dear. With the fate of so many lives on his shoulders, Gaige’s only hope is to follow his heart…and pray it’s true enough to save them all.
I might have said (once or twice) how much of a fan I am of fantasy fiction. Add a strong dash of m/m romance written by an author whose work I enjoy and you have an instant Kris re-read. I’d say without a doubt this is one of the best m/m fantasy series I’ve read to date and I’m salivating at the thought of the third book coming out sometime in 2009. Kieran and Gaige sizzle together.
Love No. 3~ Falling
As the leader of an elite British group that hunts criminals of the magic world, Christian Wetherly comes to the U. S. undercover, posing as a British cop, to investigate a series of murders he suspects have been committed by a dark mage. He never expects, however, to find himself intensely attracted to the American police detective in charge of the case. Christian has long struggled with his hidden desires and hasn’t admitted them to anyone. But Alec Anderson stirs something deep within him that’s difficult to ignore.
Still…even if he could master his fear of coming out, Christian’s dedicated himself to protecting the world from magic terrors. It’s a dangerous life an ordinary human could never understand or accept. And to complicate matters, Alec’s emotionally vulnerable, still grieving the death of his previous lover, a fellow cop killed in the line of duty. So Christian’s determined to keep his true occupation and powers hidden from Alec.
Neither man can deny the powerful chemistry that burns between them, and both realize they’re falling hard for one another, yet with so many secrets and complications, a relationship seems impossible.
When the two men become the target of the dark magic, however, and clues about an ancient legacy come to light that indicate Alec may not be exactly what he seems, can they find the strength to tear down all the barriers between them and risk their hearts in order to save each other’s lives?
That this is urban fantasy/paranormal is just a bonus, because I LOVE the romance between Christian and Alec. Soooo good and smexy. Here’s a peek:
Christian’s sculpted chest heaved as he drew in and let out a ragged breath. His eyes filled with emotion, he sat up, grasped the back of Alec’s head with one of his hands, and pulled him into a kiss.
“We belong together, Alec.” His breath was warm and minty against Alec’s lips.
“I know. I’m so in love with you, Chris.”
“God, I’m so in love with you.”
*wipes tear from eye* So beautiful. *sssnnniiifff*
So what sayeth you?? Have I tempted you to taste-test author M L Rhodes or are you already a fan??
Kris + Books = Good. *Sometimes*. 
You’ve tempted me. The Elf and Shoemaker which I finished last night is the first I’ve read. I’m not a huge fantasy fan so have sort of steered clear of those books your mentioned. But I did enjoy Elf and now that you’re out there pimpin’ it, I think I will check them out. (Your job is done. 🙂 )
You’re speaking to the converted now, Kris. I’m about half way through the elf book and think it’s great. I was planning on checking out her other books for my TBB pile.I’m not sure about shapeshifting dragons – but then again, I’m not a big fan of were-books. Perhaps I’ll try the first one and see.Please tell me there’s not shifted dragon/man sex. That might make me ill.
Tam: Yay! I feel complete. 🙂 If you are interested in contemporary with BFs falling in love try M L’s ‘Out of My Mind’. It’s goodo. *g*
I'm glad that you are liking 'The Elf & Shoemaker', Jen. 🙂 No shifted sex cos Dragon & Man would = ouch! It's not really weredragons. The dragons are more a cultural/ethnic thing. It's really great. Try the first one and see what you think. BTW, this is the post I was thinking about the other day. I'm all about pimping books, especially M L. Hee, hee.
Oh and thanks for dedicating the post to little ole me!It almost makes up for the large number of insults you’ve been flinging at me on other people’s blogs.Don’t think I haven’t noticed, you know. I’m just not deigning to answer, as such things are obviously beneath me.Heh, heh, heh!
‘Large’ is such an exageration, Jen. Plus, you were the one who, for all intents and purposes, requested that I stop being nice to you. I’m only complying with your request since you asked so nice. *g*
Yes, I suppose I did bring this on myself. I’m such a glutton for punishment!Hmmm. That sounded a bit kinky!
Okay, now you’re just deliberately tempting me to be nasty by making statements like that, Jen. So, I’ll be nice and wish you and your daughter a safe journey.
Kris,U know I think the “tasting” of authors is a really good idea. I havent had the chance to read any of ML Rhodes works, but I may have to try her out!
Hey Ozakie, glad you liked my idea. *g* Do try M L and let me know what you think. She gives such good romance. 🙂
M.L. Is in my top 3 authors EVAH. Love, Love, Love her. I’m beating up on her now because she told me last night that my two favourite sequels were not as close to being released as I thought — she hasn’t even started writing Fires of Ballian; and In Too Deep is probably now Mayish (her word) 🙂 Bad ML.She just sent me the sequel to the Elf book. Actually its not a sequel, it’s a new story with a character that was introduced in The Elf and Shoemaker and there’s another one coming next month, which is why the Bitch can’t write my two sequels. :DDD
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! I want my Fires of Ballian. Dammit. *sigh* Guess I gotta wait. *sigh* I s’pose I can put up with the Elf sequels. *sigh*M L is one of my faves too, if you haven’t already guessed. *g*
First….this is so cool, Kris! Thanks for…um…tasting me. I’m glad you feel I’m…tasteworthy? Tasty? I better just quit before this gets too weird. *g* How ’bout…I’m glad you like my stories! LOL! Second…Wave, Wave, Wave…I didn’t say I hadn’t started writing Fires of Ballian. I have, in fact started writing it! I said I had to *finish* it. Finish, girl!! What am I going to do with you?! 😉
Hey M L, you and/or your work – I’ll let you decide as to which is the less kinky sounding *g* – is very nommy.I think you are a terrific author so it’s a real pleasure pimping you… pimping you out… being your pimp… hmmm, now I’m stopping. LOL. I love your work and think others will also enjoy it!Wave is wrong… is that allowed???
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jessewave said… Second…Wave, Wave, Wave…I didn’t say I hadn’t started writing Fires of Ballian. I have, in fact started writing it! I said I had to *finish* it. Finish, girl!! What am I going to do with you?! ;Hi ML *giggle* I knew you would see my comment which is why I left it. Did you also see the “B” word? (t was used very judiciously) *g*I just want to know when you’re going to reach the *finish* line for Fires. As I mentioned to you, my feet have become encased in ice waiting in the freezing Canadian cold, and soon it will thaw and the ice will melt and there will be a flood, all because of you. :DDDWe, the fans of The Draegan Lords petition the author. We want to see our men (well, one is HALF man) get their HEA!!!I guess this means no more free books. *sob*
I apologize for the slow response. Please don’t whack me for not answering sooner, gals. My online time’s been hit or miss the past couple of weeks, and I’m trying to play blog catch up tonight. :)Okay…I’m going to say here, in public, that I’m going to try to have Fires of Ballian done by the fall. I’m not promising mind you, so don’t hurt me if I’m not! LOL! But I do, realistically, think it will be done in the fall, and Amber Allure is awesome about getting my books out quickly when I finish them, so…That said, I’m definitely not promising that Fires is going to be the final book in the series. I may not be able to cover everything in just one more book, so there may be a fourth. I’ll have to let you know about that later. But I will try my best not to leave Fires on an awful cliffhanger if there’s going to be a fourth! *g*
MLOkay…I’m going to say here, in public, that I’m going to try to have Fires of Ballian done by the fall. I’m not promising mind you, so don’t hurt me if I’m not! LOL! But I do, realistically, think it will be done in the fall,I WILL hurt you. Did you say the FALL?? Do you know how far away that is from the originally scheduled release date?? By the time it hits I will have to reread the first two books.Not to sound ungrateful at the thought that there might be a fourth book in the series, but I just want to read the third one!!OK enough whining that Fires is now a year from the original release date I’m just happy that you committed to the fall. Thank you ML. May the goddess speed your little fingers on the keyboard. On behalf of all the fans of this series I thank you. *g*
Will someone tell the person from Down Under when the hell Fall is up there??Wave makes it sound far, far and away. It’s not is it, ML?? Please tell me it’s not. *on knees and begging*
OK Kris, here’s why I left that message. We’re still in winter … then we will have spring, Summer and lastly Fall which starts around the third week in September.
LOL! Sorry, Kris! Um, for you it would be spring? And it’ll go by before you know it, gals! How about if I even go so far as to tell you I will do my very damnedest to have it finished by the end of August? See…end of summer (er…winter for Kris). And then hopefully have it released in September or October depending on when Amber Allure can fit it in the schedule. Hey, you don’t want me skimping on Gaige and Keiran’s story, now do you? Hmmm? :)And, Wave, you’ve been bugging me about In Too Deep, so you’ll have that to tide you over in the meantime! You do want me to finish it, too, right? So let me get it done and out (in late May or early June) and then I promise I will dedicate my days to Fires of Ballian. *g*
September?!I s’pose getting In Too Deep in the interim will tide (get it!) me over. :)M L, September 30 is a good date to aim for. Fires will be a terrific b’day pressie for me. *g*
Birthday…September 30th. Check. I’ll see what I can do, Kris. *g*
*happy dance*Hmmm, I wonder if I can put one of those count down thingys on my blog. I’m sure that will help you, M L. Hee, hee.
She just scammed us. In Too Deep has been moved to June from the original date of March, then May, now late May/early June is on the horizon.*g* She’s good! I’m taking a pill and calling you in the morning.Thanks ML – I’m putting September 30 on my calendar as the RELEASE date.