Book of Jobs: A Collection of Helen Wu and Amy Dresden by M.L. Grider
Publisher: Thursday Night Press, an imprint of DX Varos Publishing (October 18, 2022) Category: Crime drama, LGBT subgenre, Short Story Collection Tour Dates October, 2022 ISBN: 978-1955065542 Available in Print and ebook, 292 pages
Description Book of Jobs by M.L. Grider
In this prequel to Bitter Vintage, M.L. Grider explores events in the lives of Helen Wu and Amy Dresden prior to their adventure in 1995. While these incidents may seem at first glance unrelated, they all contribute to what makes Amy and Helen who they are.
Some are funny, others tragic, but that all adds up to why Helen quit the LAPD in favor of a gun shop, and Amy gave up her dream of acting to become an antique dealer.
Review Book of Jobs by M.L. Grider
Guest Review by Mark
“You’re real tough when it comes to people half your size, aren’t you?” Helen’s voice was so controlled that it sent a cold shiver down O’Connor’s spine. “You try it, fat boy. You just try and put your meat hooks on me and see what happens to you.”
This was such a great collection that I went back and re-read some of the stories after I finished.
M.L. Grider’s book, ‘Bitter Vintage,’ starred both Helen Wu and Amy Dresden as two young women from different worlds who collide with each other in a spectacular way. But this book, ‘The Book of Jobs: A Collection of Helen Wu and Amy Dresden,’ contains stories from before these women met each other.
My favorite stories were, ‘New On The Job,’ which detailed one of Helen’s first days as a cop and how she helped a teenage girl after the girl had been pranked by a classmate and ‘The Paint Job,’ which was a story about Amy taking on a modeling job that she never intended to take. But there wasn’t a story in this book that I didn’t love!
Watching Amy and Helen grow both mentally and emotionally over the course of the stories was a huge treat, as a reader. Watching them come to terms with their sexuality and who they are as people was moving and really affirming.
Grider’s writing of both characters, as well as all of the side characters, was not only realistic, but relatable and entertaining. This is one of those books that makes you want to seek out something else like it to read the moment you’re finished with it, but unfortunately, I don’t think there are any other characters quite like Helen Wu and Amy Dresden! It is one of a kind, the kind of book I don’t want to end because I know I may not get the chance to read a unique book like this again! ‘The Book of Jobs’ deserves all 5 stars!
About M.L. Grider
The Book of Jobs is the second published novel to escape the twisted mind of M.L. Grider. In addition to writing, Grider is a professional photographer. He is busy at work on the next adventure in the Helen Wu series among other wild and warped stories.
This giveaway is for 3 print or ebook copies. Print is open to the U.S. only and ebook is open worldwide. This giveaway ends on November 18, 2022 midnight, pacific time. Entries accepted via Rafflecopter only.
Thanks to Steve Roth of The Quarto Group, I am giving away one print copy of ‘Elton John at 75’.
Description Elton John at 75 by Gillian G. Gaar
Few rock artists continue to gather more and more adulation with age. Sir Elton Hercules John is an exception who proves the rule. In Elton John at 75, veteran rock journalist Gillian Gaar examines the rock icon through the lens of 75 career accomplishments and life events. Key studio albums are featured, of course, as are a curated selection of his earworm singles. But Gaar delves deeper to reveal the events that helped chart the course of Elton’s career:
Key performances such as his breakthrough performance at LA’s Troubadour, and the historic Soviet Union and Dodger Stadium concerts
Legendary collaborations with the likes of George Michael, Billy Joel, and Kate Bush
His many film and television roles, including Tommy and The Muppet Show
Tireless work on behalf of AIDS research
Notable awards and honors, including knighthood
And of course, his collaboration with long-time cowriter Bernie Taupin
Beginning with his 1969 debut LP, Elton John is regarded as one of the most influential musicians and performers of the previous five decades. In examining 75 touchstones, Gaar provides a unique presentation of Elton’s career arc, from his first steps as a solo artist to the breakthrough album Goodbye Yellow Brick Road to his flamboyant stage presence, and beyond.
Every page is illustrated with stunning concert and candid offstage photography, including gig posters, 7-inch picture sleeves, and more. This incredible package also includes a gatefold Elton John timeline, a previously unpublished gatefold artwork, an 8×10-inch glossy print, and a pullout poster. The result is a stunning tribute to one of the most admired stars in rock—in a milestone year.
My Thoughts Elton John at 75 by Gillian G. Gaar
I had always wanted to see Elton John live however, for many reasons, I didn’t get to see him until his Farewell concert in 2019. Yes, he is still touring with his farewell concert but that is because he had to postpone while we were all in social isolation for covid. If you get the chance, do not hesitate! I have been to a lot of concerts but his is in my top 5!
Then Steve Roth of The Quarto Group sent me an email asking if I wanted to review this new book coming out about him by Gillian G. Gaar. She just happens to be my favorite Rock and Roll biographer so, of course I wanted it. I was so excited to be asked. Not only that, Steve agreed that I could offer a giveaway of one print copy to my readers! This is a $75 book, even more in Canada!
As usual, Gaar has done an exceptional job in not only writing but curating some of the best photos, memorabilia, etc. Due to my older sister being an earlier fan, I thought I had seen it all. I hadn’t! This book is packed full of amazing photos and includes an 8X10 poster!
When this book came in the mail, I absolutely geeked out. I couldn’t put it down until the last page! I have had it for about three and a half weeks now and have gone through it several times. It has a prominent spot on our coffee table with many other spectacular musicians! This would be the absolute perfect gift for Elton John lovers, I only wish my big sister was still around so I could get it for her!
Despite the price tag, I cannot recommend this book highly enough! I give it 5 plus stars!
About Gillian G. Gaar
Gillian G. Gaar has written for numerous publications, including Mojo, Rolling Stone, and Goldmine. Previous books include She’s a Rebel: The History of Women in Rock & Roll; Entertain Us: The Rise of Nirvana; Return of the King: Elvis Presley’s Great Comeback; The Doors: The Complete Illustrated History; and Boss: Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band—The Illustrated History. She lives in Seattle.
This giveaway is open to Canada and the U.S. only and ends on November 18, 2022 midnight pacific time. Entries are accepted via Rafflecopter only. a Rafflecopter giveaway
Stealing the Selkie’s Heart (The Selkie Seas, #1) by Ella Rose
Publisher: Lightning Platypus Press, (July 19, 2022) Category: Paranormal Romance Tour dates: November 3-23, 2022 ISBN: 979-8985603811 Available in Print and ebook, 286 pages
Description Stealing the Selkie’s Heart by Ella Rose
A cursed town, a kidnapped selkie…what will happen when love is on the line?
Powerful selkie warrior Ronan must negotiate with a group of local sirens before war breaks out. The last thing he needs is a desperate human who steals his sealskin, intent on forcing him to help her. He decides to seduce her, get his skin back, and fulfill his mission. But finding out she’s his True Mate changes everything…
Widow Una MacCallan is determined to save her small Scottish fishing town from the curse that fell over it twenty-four years ago, even if it means blackmailing the fierce selkie. Though she knows he is the key to breaking the spell, she doesn’t anticipate the attraction between them. She can’t afford the distraction, and she doesn’t trust that his interest is anything more than a manipulation, a bid for freedom. But she keeps finding herself tempted…
Together, they must race against time to break the curse. But as the two get closer, they find themselves asking: can they give up love to save those around them? What is the price for their newfound passion?
Stealing the Selkie’s Heart is an exciting enemies-to-lovers paranormal romance and the first book in The Selkie Seas series by Ella Rose. Let it steal your heart today!
Praise Stealing the Selkie’s Heart by Ella Rose
“A fun novel with a great HEA. I am looking forward to finishing the prequel. More fun awaits!”- John P., Amazon
“Stealing the Selkie’s Heart is a cute love story between a fisherman’s widow and a selkie warrior. One of the funniest utilizations of romance novel “logic” we’ve read in a while. It’s also fun to read along with the “whodunnit” portion of the book. If you like your PNR on the short, cute, & sweet side, this is a fun one to read.”- Meg Richmond, Reedsy Discovery
Praise Losing the Selkie’s Skin (Prequel)
“This was a really neat story about Selkies and the twists and turns they have to go through to help the Selkie Prince with his skin. I enjoyed reading it and am looking forward to reading more of the Author Ella Rose’s books.”- Jacquetta Harvey, Goodreads
“ Mythology and folklore tales are highly intriguing on their own. These stories are filled with mystique, adventure, and a sense of intrigue and fantasy that is unique to the genre. But take mythology and folklore and intertwine that with paranormal romance and you’ve got yourself a book that is difficult to put down. This book is wonderfully written and from the start, the reader will be drawn into the story, wanting and needing more. The author writes in a way that makes you feel for the characters, yearning for them to just finally get together. The reader cannot help but fall for the main characters as they journey through the book. Losing the Selkie’s Skin is a wonderful start to a thrilling series, in so many ways. I highly recommend this book for lovers of paranormal romance, mythology and folklore stories.”- Kristin, Goodreads
Interview Ella Rose
TR: Please tell us something about Stealing the Selkie’s Heart that is not in the summary. (About the book, character you particularly enjoyed writing etc.)
ER: I really enjoyed writing the female MC, Una. She’s sassy and smart and has no idea how lonely she is until the male MC, Ronan, comes along. She’s passionate about her village and willing to do whatever it takes to keep it safe. Multiple times someone asks her why she doesn’t just leave, and each question seems to reaffirm her desire to make her environment suite her rather than the other way around.
TR: I always enjoy looking at the names that authors choose to give their characters. Where do you derive the names of your characters? Are they based on real people you knew or now know in real life? How do you create names for your characters?
ER: My selkie main character names always come from some Gaelic base. Ceannas is derived from the Gaelic word for “leader”. Ronan is based off the word for “little seal.” Prion is derived from the Gaelic for “prince.” The names are usually based not off people that I know, but rather emotions or personality landmarks that spring to my mind when I think about the character.
TR: Where did you get the inspiration for your cover?
ER: I was lucky to find a gem in Deranged Doctors Design, who did all the covers for my books. I told them a few small details of what I wanted, from the clothes worn by Ronan and the character that depicts Una, plus some of the necessary background elements, and D3 ran with it and made the beautiful cover I went with. They brought my vision to life, even when I didn’t exactly know what I wanted.
TR: What is your favorite scene in the book? Why?
ER: My favorite scene in the book is when Ronan first kisses Una outside the Town Hall. He tells her they’re being watched and steals a kiss. She threatens to break his hand if he tries that again, and he cheekily retorts that it would be worth it. I love it because it’s such a microcosm of their relationship and it shows that both characters have some bite to them.
TR: What kind of messages do you try to instill in your writing?
ER: I favor hard-won romances. I feel like situations where each MC believes themselves to be just fine on their own brings out the best in my characters since they must learn that they need the other person to be whole. I feel like that’s also true in real life—we are social creatures and need love in our lives. And the way it takes the MCs a while to figure this out about each other parallels my own experiences in love, as well.
TR: What draws you to this genre?
ER: I love happy endings and angst and stolen kisses and fierce-burning relationships. So, it was a natural joining.
TR: Will Ronan have more to tell readers in the future?
ER: Not directly, but tangentially throughout the next few books. He doesn’t disappear entirely.
TR: Do you have any writing projects that you are currently working on?
ER: Saving the Selkie’s Heart, Book 2 in The Selkie Seas series. It follows Ceannas and Lyall’s relationship.
TR: Is there a question/s that you would have liked me or another blogger to ask but didn’t? If so, please ask and answer.
ER: If there is a reading order between this and the prequel novella, Losing the Selkie’s Skin. I very much want readers to find Stealing the Selkie’s Heart first and then supplement with Prion’s story in Losing the Selkie’s Skin.
About Ella Rose
Ella Rose is a paranormal romance author who loves kink, ink, and cake, and hopes you do too. She is a bi-sexual author writing through a Bi-Polar Disorder lens and thinks representation and mental health matter. She is the author of The Selkie Seas series, which includes Losing the Selkie’s Skin and Stealing the Selkie’s Heart.
Her latest selkie short stories will appear in Dark Rose Press’s Worlds Apart and Dragon Soul Press’s Beyond Atlantis anthologies. She is a member of Romance Writers of America and the Paranormal Romance Guild.
This giveaway is for 2 print or ebook copies. Print is open to Canada and the U.S. only and ebook is open worldwide. This giveaway ends on November 24, 2022 midnight, pacific time. Entries accepted via Rafflecopter only.
Book of Jobs: A Collection of Helen Wu and Amy Dresden by M.L. Grider
Elton John at 75 by Gillian G. Gaar
