Showing posts with label Announcement. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Announcement. Show all posts

Tuesday, August 20, 2013

RIP Bea Franco, Kerouac's "Terry, the Mexican Girl"

As you may have noticed by my previous posts, at the moment I'm totally involved in reading Mañana Means Heaven by Tim Z. Hernandez, the story of Bea Franco or "Terry, the Mexican Girl" of Jack Karouac's On the Road fame. Sadly, today I received the following notification via email:
Fresno, CA. (August 19, 2013) — Beatrice Kozera, a.k.a. Bea Franco, a.k.a. “Terry” of legendary American author Jack Kerouac’s magnum opus, On the Road, died of natural causes on the morning of Thursday August 15, 2013 in Lakewood, California.

In her own words, her life was “nothing special.” Which might be true, if you do not count that her role in the author's career was important enough to include her name in over twenty biographies on Kerouac, and that she had amassed a literary cult following for the past 56 years, all unbeknownst to her and her family. In late autumn of 1947 she met the young Kerouac in Selma, California where she was living in the farmworker labor camps with her family. The two struck up a relationship that lasted fifteen days, which he chronicled in his book On the Road— a novel that sparked the counterculture generation and was recently made into a movie featuring Brazilian actress Alice Braga in the role of “Terry.” What has been largely unknown is that after six years of rejections it was the story of “Terry, the Mexican Girl” that opened the doors for the publication of Kerouac’s novel. The timing of her death was unfortunate, considering that later this month a book based on her life and written with her participation, titled, Mañana Means Heaven by author Tim Z. Hernandez is being released. “My mother hung on just long enough to see and hold the book in her hands,” her son Albert commented.

Beatrice Kozera was born Beatrice Renteria in Los Angeles, California in 1920, and spent most of the early part of her life following the seasons with her family, picking cotton, grapes and other crops. She eventually settled down in Fresno, California with her husband LeRoy Kozera, who in her own words, “Was a good man who gave me a good life.” She is survived by her son Albert Franco and her daughter Patricia Leonard, along with several grandchildren and great grandchildren.
The news of Bea Franco's death has been picked up nationally and internationally. She was 92 years old.

Sunday, May 15, 2011

Winners: Impressions... 2nd Anniversary Giveaway!

Thank You!

This last week I celebrated my second anniversary here at Impressions by hosting a giveaway.

By using Random.org, two winners were chosen from a total of fifteen participants. Each will receive a $25.00 gift card from either Amazon or Barnes and Noble (their choice).

Congratulations to the winners of Impressions' 2nd Anniversary Giveaway!


#7 - NATH

#14 - TRACY


Kindly send me an email to claim your prize.

It has been a wonderful two years. Thank you all for participating, but most of all for stopping by and for your warm wishes and congratulations.

Hilcia

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Review: My Unfair Lady by Kathryne Kennedy

A wild west heiress, Summer Wine Lee knows that she's not an acceptable bride for her fiance's knickerbocker family. She grew up in an Arizona mining town, cares more for critters than people, carries a knife under her skirts, and, worst of all, she has a highly improper secret from her past. But she also has high hopes that a real English Duke can teach her how to be a lady...

Were it not for his father's gambling debts, the Duke of Monchester would never have stooped to civilize Summer. But the more time he spends with her, and the more social scrapes he has to rescue her from, the more he finds it impossible to change her into a proper lady. How could he, when he's falling in love with her just the way she is?

This is my first book by Ms. Kennedy and one I chose to read because of my love of Pygmalion and My Fair Lady. I really wanted to see how this story would develop.

You can find my review of My Unfair Lady by Kathryne Kennedy at Musings of a Bibliophile.

My Unfair Lady releasing today December 1, 2009
Review based on an ARC received from Sourcebooks.

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Sick and Out for a While...

Hey... I haven't really disappeared, I'm just barely hanging on with that awful flu that's making the rounds. It's been well over a week and I'm still trying to get over it. I just wanted to touch base and let you all know that I'll be back soon and hope to have some write ups on my latest reads. :)

In the meantime, I'm going to leave you all with a bit of eye candy. This one's name is Jack, and a personal favorite... yes, I named him too. The Js have it!


Enjoy and read on!


Sunday, September 27, 2009

...On Winning & M/M Book Shopping!

This last week the winner of the M/M Reading Romance Challenge was announced by Anesthezea/Christina of I Heart Paperbacks. Guess who won the Gift Certificate to All Romance eBooks? Me! Thank you again Anesthezea.

So, you KNOW I went shopping... here are my picks:

Don't Look Back by John Lanyon - Peter Killian, Curator at Constantine House in Los Angeles, wakes in the hospital to find himself accused of stealing a tenth century Chinese sculpture. Peter knows he's not a thief -- but that's all he knows. Why is hot and handsome Detective Mike Griffin so sure he's guilty -- and so hell-bent on seeing Peter arrested? And why is Peter having these weird dreams about an unseen lover?
This is my first Josh Lanyon book! Can you believe it? I've been meaning to pick up his Adrien English mysteries forever and still have those books on my list of books to buy. I decided to give this single title a try first before getting into a series. I'm really looking forward to it. :)


His Convenient Husband by J. L. Langley - Innamorati, Book 1 - At the tender age of seven, newly orphaned Micah Jiminez lost everything and got lucky. The Delaney family opened their hearts and their hone, treated him like one of their own. One Delaney in particular, though, became more than a brother to Micah. The handsome and protective Tucker is the man to whom he wants to give his love. But a single passionate night together, Tucker rebuffs him and hightails it to Dallas to pursue his dreams. Leaving Micha to pick up the pieces of his broken heart - and feeling like a fool.
J. L. Langley is a favorite of mine. The Tin Star is still one of my old time favorite contemporary western M/M books. So, you know I couldn't pass this one up... especially with that title, lol!


Unrequited by Abigail Roux - Vic Bronsen has a problem. He's stuck in a rut, uninspired by his job, and in love with a man who has no clue. Thinking a change of scenery and company will do his aching heart some good, he goes off on a road trip with his best friend, only to find that the answers to his problems may have been right there in front of him all along.
Hmm... unrequited love, angst, a road trip, best friends. Yeap! Had to get this one, plus I haven't read Abigail Roux's work either, so a great way to start, don't you think?



Patient Eyes by Andy Eisenberg - Jaden is in a bind: he's an eighteen-year-old college student who doesn't make enough money at his part-time job to even afford food. So when one of his house mates introduces him to gay-for-pay porn, he reluctantly agrees to take part. During his first scene, Jaden meets Brendan, and he's stunned to find himself falling in love.
Now this one? I don't know... it looked like it might be HAWT and well... I mean.. gay-for-pay porn and he falls in love after shooting the first scene? I have got to read it! *g*


Sunday, August 9, 2009

Reviews at Musings


Upcoming Reviews:

















Wicked Gentlemen by Ginn Hale is a book I've had on my TBB list ever since I saw it highlighted at the Galaxy Express last March under their 'Steampunk' recommendations. A book I looked forward to reading and saved to savor like candy for the end of the Challenge. *g*

Out of Bounds by T.A. Chase was an erotic trip through the world of sports. He addresses the prejudices still rampant in that world and the pros and cons of being "out" for an athlete -- but also the decisions that must be made by the man. I'll be reading more T.A. Chase.

Reviews Posted at Musings:



The Edge of Impropriety by Pam Rosenthal, a historical romance from a new-to-me author. I was curious about this book and just had to give it a shot. My thoughts are posted at Musings as more impressions than review mode. A book that surprised me in more ways than one.

No Limits by Alison Kent is a contemporary romance book that I won at the author's website in a contest. This is another new-to-me author and I read this book without any expectations or knowledge as to style. This book had an interesting mixture of characters and atmosphere.

Islands by Samantha Kane, a beautiful love story set in World War II with wonderful characters and atmosphere. This one made me sigh.

Summer has taken its toll and I'm not reading as much as I usually do, but I'm right on track with the M/M Challenge. One more to read, and after this week... one more to review. So, that's okay, right?

After I'm done with those... I'll have to tackle the huge TBR pile this challenge has created... all the wonderful new authors discovered and backlists to investigate. It seems I'll be overflowing with hot new reads to keep me warm come the winter. :) Plus, this second half of the year, I'm planning on reading more Fantasy / Sci-Fi Romance and Contemporary Romance.

See you at Musings!

Edited: All reviews can be found here at Impressions. 

Sunday, July 26, 2009

...On Book Shopping!


Ohhhhh! I went book shopping this weekend. My favorite past time...well... one of my favorite past times! Some of these books have been on my list of books to buy for a while, and others are recent recommendations. There's a little bit of everything I like to read in this neat little pile and I can't wait to get my hands on them. So, here are the latest additions to my TBR pile...



Babylon Babies,  a translation of the futuristic thriller written by the French sci-fi author Maurice G. Dantec. This is one I've had on my list for a while.
 



The Outback Stars by Sandra McDonald is the first in a military Sci-Fi trilogy -- a recent addition to my list. Big Red Tequila by Rick Riordan, the first book in the Tres Navarre Mysteries, I've been wanting to read these for quite a while and decided now is the time! And could not shop for books without picking up at least one historical romance, so I chose The Promise by T.J. Bennett -- medieval romance set during the reign of Charles V that caught my attention.

A few Contemporary Romances also made my shopping cart. Just the Sexiest Man Alive by Julie James, Head Over Heels by Susan Andersen and A Little Light Magic by Joy Nash are all books I've either been meaning to buy or have been recommended highly. 

And of course, I finished my shopping by buying one Category Romance, The Rancher's Rules by Lucy Monroe. I saw a review in the bloggosphere for this book a while back and I put this book on my list. It finally went from the TBB list to the TBR pile! 

Now, to find the time to read them ALL!









Friday, July 24, 2009

Reviews at Musings


I keep forgetting to announce the books I'm reviewing at Musings of a Bibliophile! I'm almost finished reading the 20 books I set as a goal for the M/M Reading Challenge -- one to go -- but, I'm behind on posting my reviews. Surprise, surprise! I guess I've been too busy reading to write *g*... not a bad thing, I say.  I'll be all caught up by next week with my writing and then one last book to read!

This is a late post -- this week, so far, you'll find three M/M Mini Reviews and a historical romance.

M/M Romance Reading Challenge - Part Six



Dancing in the Dark by Jenna Byrnes, a love story between a vice cop and a hustler. Crime, angst, love and illicit erotic encounters all weaved into this novelette. I placed this one under the "Cops and Lovers" category and it was perfect.

Which Way to Dominance by Gavin Atlas, a short story included in the How the West was Done Anthology by Editor Adam Carpenter. A short story that was disturbing, but one that made me think. With a strong subject matter, this fit right into the "Out of the Comfort Zone" category where I placed it.

Str8te Boys by Evangeline Anderson is a straight to gay story of two college buddies. Anderson wrote one of the first M/M stories I read... "The Assignment." I placed this book under "First M/M Authors Ever Read" Category. I was very happy when I saw she had a new release and added her to my list immediately!


Don't Tempt Me by Loretta Chase


Also at Musings, you'll find a review for Don't Tempt Me by Loretta Chase. A historical romance book I was looking forward to reading and one I enjoyed. This was not only a fun book to read, but I loved writing the review as well. Loretta Chase is one of those authors whose new releases I always look forward to. This one was a good choice. 

Hope you stop by... see you at Musings!

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

July 2009 M/M Releases


July is coming and there are some great upcoming releases for Romance reading lovers. I know I'm personally looking forward to quite a few new reads within the different genres. However, there's nothing like a hot, humid July day and a hot, steamy M/M romance read. 

There are quite a few new releases coming out, but I thought I would highlight a few for you. I'm personally looking forward to both Death and Life and Nowhere Diner: Finding Love by T.A. Chase, ePistols at Dawn by Z. A. Maxfield and Conventional Wisdom, a Novella by T.C. Blue. Jet Mykles continues her ever popular Heaven Sent series with Revelations, a series I'm determined to start reading after I conclude the M/M Romance Reading Challenge. So, here are some hot reads for a hot month!

July 6 Death and Life by T. A. Chase

Noah Wiltson wants nothing more than to be left alone. His father's candidacy for Presidency forces him to have secrets. Imagine his surprise when a hired killer gives him the means to live his life without doubt or fear

The killer knows this hit is going to be his last. Whether he chooses to walk away or whether they kill him. He's never been a team player, so he ends the game on his terms.

A few months later, Noah meets Cain Packert, a man who intrigues and excites him. Only one of them knows the 
truth. Can they find love amid secrets and threats?

July 7 ePistols at Dawn by Z.A. Maxfield

Jae-sun Fields is pissed. Someone has taken the seminal coming-out, coming-of-age novel Doorways and satirized it. He's determined to use his Internet skills and his job as a reporter for the tabloid The Adversary to out the author as the fraud and no-talent hack he's sure she is.

Kelly McKay lost a bet and wrote a satire of his own novel Doorways, which as far as he can see is his own damned prerogative. He likes his anonymity and except for Will, his houseboy, factotum and all-around slut, he craves solitude. There's also that crippling case of OCD that makes it virtually impossible for him to leave the house...

Jae is always several steps ahead in their due for information. He's determined to find Kelly, but Kelly has no intention of being found. A chance meeting pushes the stakes that much higher because their magnetic mutual attraction can't be denied.

Kelly wants Jae. Jae wants Kelly. But there's Doorways to deal with, Kelly's OCD, and Jae's job as a professional stalker. So when they meet, it gets complicated...
July 8 Another Dream by Addison Albright

July 12 The Mask He Wears by Fae Sutherland and Margueritte Labbe

July 12 No One But You by KC Kendricks

July 19 Double Standard by J.M. Snyder

July 25 Conventional Wisdom by T. C. Blue

July 26 Nowhere Diner: Finding Love by T.A. Chase

July 28 Heaven Sent - Revelations by Jet Mykles (m/m/f)

(Blurb from Author's Site subject to change)

For years, Gretchen's main objective has been taking care of the boys of Heaven Sent. When her boys decide to take a year-long hiatus, she decides to do the same. Before she can begin her summer off, Gretchen has one last public commitment. There, she meets tall, mysterious, and wickedly handsome Archer Thanos. Archer's company has a video game based on Heaven Sent and he has been trying to get in touch with her to discuss it. Their first meeting quickly turns into a discussion of another type... in a nearby hotel room, sending Gretchen headlong into a whirlwind summer affair she hadn't anticipated.

Only, someone isn't exactly thrilled about Gretchen and Archer's romance. Gretchen's adorable new assistant, Owen, has been pining for his boss since he started working for her but he hasn't had the courage to assert himself and tell her he wants her. The result, Gretchen is completely blind to his feelings for her. To make matters worse, after meeting Archer, Owen knows he has no chance against the handsome devil. His own attraction to the older man is instant and overwhelming, the bisexual urges he hasn't divulged to Gretchen fully awakening.

Owen thinks he's not enough for Gretchen. Gretchen thinks Owen is far too young for her. Archer thinks they're both ridiculous. He knows the three of them are just right for each other, if they can survive the miscommunication and trials ahead.

Sunday, June 14, 2009

Reviews at Musings

My Reads
Today you can find my Weekly Reads post at Musings. It was a week with mixed results for me on the reading front. Some great finds, some disappointments -- but still reading, which is a good thing, right?

This Week's Reviews



Also at Musings you'll find my reviews for this week -- they were done as I read the books and were not scheduled.

You will find Silent Blade by Ilona Andrews, a Sci-fi Futuristic Romance short story, and Just One of the Guys by Kristan Higgins, a Contemporary Romance. Two very different stories and reactions from me. See you there!


Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Simple Wishes by Lisa Dale


Finally finished the review for Simple Wishes by Lisa Dale, you can find it today at Musings of a Bibliophile. This was one of my yearly 'random picks,' an author I never heard of before. Turned out to be an interesting pick. Hope you enjoy it... see you there!

Saturday, May 30, 2009

Upcoming Review at Musings


Dial Emmy for Murder by Eileen Davidson

Tabloids and fans are stunned when Alexis Peterson leaves her popular show for another soap, but she's too busy preparing to be a presenter at the Daytime Emmy Awards to even notice. When her co-presenter loses his life before presenting a winner, Alex realizes she has another murder mystery on her hands.

Working behind the scenes to find out how her costar could have met such an end, Alex invites handsome Detective Frank Jakes--a man she can't stop imagining having a real love scene with--back into her life. But first Alex must focus on finding the killer before she sees another one of Hollywood's brightest stars burn out.

An ARC review from a new-to-me author, a soap opera mystery written by a real Emmy-nominated soap opera star--sounds interesting and fun, right? 

I'll be reviewing Dial Emmy for Murder by Eileen Davidson at Musings of a Bibliophile on Monday, June 1st.  So, come by and read all about Alexis, Jakes and the soaps... see you there!




Friday, May 22, 2009

Upcoming Reviews at Musings


I'll be reviewing three books for Musings of a Bibliophile next week. 



You can expect to find Vision in White by Nora Roberts, her latest contemporary romance. Nora is one of my all time favorite romance writers and I'm more than happy to see her return to writing good old fashioned romance.

For my M/M Review I'll be featuring Crossroads by Keta Diablo an M/M Erotic/Suspense. This was not a book from my M/M Challenge list, but a separate read. I didn't manage to read any for the Challenge this week.  Diablo is a new-to-me author and I do enjoy those!

And speaking of new-to-me authors, I'll be finishing off with Simple Wishes by Lisa Dale. I've been in the mood for contemporaries, so I picked this book at random, just to see how I liked the author. This is Dale's first contemporary romance and I think a good pick. 

So, stop by Musings next week... see you there!





Tuesday, May 19, 2009

New Cover: Skin Game by Ava Gray



A beautiful fugitive—wanted dead or alive.
Kyra is a con woman and a particular kind of thief. She steals with a touch, but she only takes one thing: her target’s strongest skill. Which means she can be a fighter, an athlete, a musician, an artist—anything she wants… for a limited time. Heartbroken, she turns her gift toward avenging her father’s murder; with deadly patience, Kyra works her way into casino owner Gerard Serrano’s inner circle. After pulling off the ultimate con, she flees with his money and his pride.
A hit man who never misses the mark.
Reyes has nothing but his work. Pity for Kyra, he’s the best and mercy never sways him once he takes a job. He’s been hired to find out where Kyra hid the cash—and bring her back to face Serrano’s “justice.” Dead will do, if he can’t locate the loot. He’s never failed to complete a contract, but Kyra tempts him with her fierce heat and her outlaw heart. So Reyes has a hell of a choice: forsake his word or kill the woman he might love.


Ann Aguirre posted on her blog the cover and description for Skin Game. She's writing this Paranormal Romance under the name Ava Gray.  So, do you like it? I first heard about this book last Fall and I've been waiting for it ever since. 

I love Ann Aguirre's Jax, Sci-Fi series and am waiting impatiently for the next installment, Doubleblind, which releases September 29, 2009. But, a Paranormal Romance?  You know I'll be reading this one when it releases in November '09!

You can read an excerpt for Skin Game here

So, are you looking forward to this one?  I am!



Thursday, May 14, 2009

Upcoming Reviews at Musings



Mini Reviews: M/M Romance Reading Challenge



Continuing with the M/M Romance Reading Challenge, next week I'll be posting only one M/M review at Musings of a Bibliophile.


Country Boys: Wild Gay Erotica by Richard Labonte deserves to get the spotlight all on its own and it's getting it. Hope you enjoy it, I know I did.






At Last Comes Love by Mary Balogh

Also coming soon, I'll be posting a review of At Last Comes Love by Mary Balogh.


The third installment in the Huxtable series, this is one that I could not miss. Ms. Balogh is one of my favorite historical romance writers and one whose books I look forward to reading, always. Stop by next week... see you there!

Saturday, May 9, 2009

Upcoming Reviews at Musings





Mini Reviews: M/M Romance Reading Challenge - Part Two





I'm continuing with the M/M Romance Reading Challenge. I'll be sharing my impressions on three books this week: Beautiful C*ocsucker by Barbara Sheridan, Bound by Love by T. A. Chase and Animal Attraction 2 Edited by Vincent Diamond.


To Beguile a Beast by Elizabeth Hoyt



I love Historical Romances and Elizabeth Hoyt's books have become automatic buys for me in a very short period of time. I've yet to read a book by her that I haven't either liked or loved.

Brie and I will be doing a joint review of To Beguile a Beast by Elizabeth Hoyt, third book in the Four Soldiers series at Musings. These are always lots of fun, I love discussing books with someone else and exchanging points of view. Look for it, I hope you enjoy it as well. See you there!