Review: Unraveled: The New Adventures of Dr. Matilda Schmidt, Paranormal Psychologist by Cynthia St. Aubin

Get your copy of  Unraveled: The New Adventures of Dr. Matilda Schmidt, Paranormal Psychologist by Cynthia St. Aubin here!

Dr. Matilda Schmidt is not having a good morning. A stained blouses, messy toddler, and marital tension collide to form a perfect storm of self-doubt. 

Were the life choices she'd made the right ones?

A mysterious new supernatural patient is about to make the good doctor face those choices head-on, and give her a chance to stand on the other side of the fence. But is the grass really greener, or is it just a weedy mess of murder and hot sex?

"Before I had switched to non-human clientele, I had counseled women in my position by the dozen. Exhausted. Overwrought. Attempting to balance new motherhood with a career and a family. Of course, most of those women hadn't been married to hit men, nor did their careers involve interfacing with non-corporeal beings that could potentially end all life as we knew it. That probably meant something."


Once again, Cynthia St. Aubin is able to marry the absurdity of events with unexpected emotional depth.

On the surface, this is a post-script chapter to the Disordered series; one more crazy supernatural patient to twist our post-partum doctor in the winds of her own psyche. As a faithful reader of the series, (and admittedly, fervently Team Crixus! MatiXus 4evah!) I loved this nod to those of us that wondered, "What if...?"

The HEA we all imagined met with the reality of day-to-day life of a married couple. Matilda and Liam have their share of frustrations balancing life with work - natural / supernatural therapist and hit-man-with-a-conscience, respectively. Add a toddler to the mix, and Dr. Schmidt's frustration, resentment and lowered self-image become relatable. Doesn't everyone wonder if the choices they've made are the right ones, especially in moments of self-doubt?

Short but unerringly sweet, and funny on levels ranging from slapstick and sarcasm to wry and thoughtful, this glimpse into Dr. Schmidt's version of "What if...?" carries all the hallmarks of the previous books. The same strings that tug on your heart pull your lips into a grin, and yank a laugh from your core. St. Aubin's effortless prose brings every scene a depth of mental images that feel like you're watching in Hi-Def 3D (is that a thing?).

In a world of run-of-the-mill supernatural beings, St. Aubin once again presents us with a surprise. Her signature character-cum-plot-device, who is mysterious, yet oddly whole, blends science theory with fantasy in deft exposition that doesn't leave your mouth dry and your brain twitching. It does, however, cleverly offer Dr. Schmidt an opportunity she's not given a chance to pass up.

For reasons of personal character fandom, it did make me a little sad, but that is all my own, and has nothing to do with the quality of the work.
I love this series for its masterful blend of humor, emotion, and intelligence. And I'm happy to say, this book didn't disappoint!

Review: The Rock Season by R.L. Merrill

Get The Rock Season by R.L. Merrill here.

Stevie is a soon-to-be mother. But that doesn't stop her from rocking out! As a popular blogger, she and her concert buddy frequent the local venue to see all the great shows. When Stevie's careful plan start on a tumultuous slide, she has to find a way to deal with her broken heart. Her whole life, music has been her companion, and once again she turns to it for solace.

Aaron McShane comes from a melting pot of a family. He's given up the rat race to open a vintage vinyl store with his best friend. Everyone thinks he's crazy that he works at an amphitheater during concerts as security for pleasure in his spare time. As the oldest son in a tight-knit extended family, he takes on a lot of responsibility which has taken a toll on his previous relationships. One look at Stevie at a concert, and he's dumbstruck by the redhead blooming with motherhood.

As Stevie works on picking up the pieces of her life, she and Aaron run across each other more and more. There's a sudden vacancy when her concert buddy goes on an extended trip, and Aaron is more than happy to step in. They have music in common, Aaron's family adores Stevie, and it seems as though they might have what it takes to have real love. The tenuous bond they've forged is suddenly tested by life's unexpected smack-downs and Stevie and Aaron have to decide if they can work through the storm together, or be torn apart by it.

'It sounds stupid, but I was kind of grateful, maybe like someone who’d seen the Taj Mahal or the Grand Canyon would think, “I am better for having seen this place.” For me, I was better for having seen her face. I was fucking mental, but I was grateful.'

Quick on the heels of her first release, R.L. Merrill's The Rock Season easily sidesteps the "Sophomore Slump" many authors fall into. This story runs the spectrum of emotion very well. From the first stirrings of attraction, to deep heartbreak, to fear and love - all are painted in the relationships of the main characters whether it be family or with each other. They are seamless and flow with the speed of real life.

Stevie is that quiet, tough soul that soldiers on. She isn't dreary, but her personal sadness is sharp and clear. Rather than telling the reader how much Stevie loves music, Merrill conveys it in her habits, her hobbies, and her dialogue.

Aaron is a big sweetie that only looks intimidating. He's a poet at heart, and a deep thinker. Fiercely devoted to his family, he feels especially responsible for his two younger brothers, who seem to find trouble quite easily.

The story is told in first person, switching back and forth between Stevie and Aaron. Merrill handles this well. Instead of causing the reader confusion, it allows for a deeper understanding of the main characters' feelings and actions. The plot covers a decent span of time, with the emphasis on the busiest time of year at the venue. Despite its length, it doesn't stagnate, but offers new peaks and valleys in the roller-coaster of the relationship.

All of the supporting characters have wonderful depth, and there are quite a few here. Stevie's friend, Maryland is lively and amusing. Aaron's whole family and even his friends are all different and memorable. But, of all the supporting characters, music plays the biggest supporting role. Its presence is felt in every chapter, woven in with a deft hand.

If you love a hero with a sensitive soul and a heroine with enough strength to face down life's challenges, The Rock Season will become one of your favorites. I highly recommend this book for anyone that loves a good romance.

Cover Reveal And Author Spotlight: Unexpecting by Cynthia St. Aubin, out December 19th.

In honor of the beautiful cover reveal for the final chapter of The Case Files of Dr. Mathilda Schmidt, Paranormal Psychologist: Unexpecting, I've featured Cynthia St. Aubin as my first author spotlight post.  (The orange links in the post are direct to the referenced material but, the blue are advertisements not placed by me.)

Unexpecting by Cynthia St. Aubin:
coming December 19th!

Cynthia St. Aubin has had one hell of a year as a debut author.

In less than twelve short months, she's completed seven novellas in The Case Files of Dr. Mathilda Schmidt, Paranormal Psychologist.  The first three of the series are available in a paperback collection called Dysfunctional.  Each of the six chapters are also available separately, in a rainbow of paperbacks with fresh, original covers.  The last of which is due (pun intended) on December 19th.

In October, she and three other writers released a tightly written collaboration called Which Witch is Which?  "Anthology" is not a term that applies to this book. Hours upon hours must have been spent with her fellow writers to create such a seamless flow from one author's portion of the book to the next.

Cynthia St. Aubin

Since February, St. Aubin has garnered a very loyal following on Facebook. Her author page is rolling up to the 3000 likes mark.  And her street team, Cyn's Minions is an impressive ten percent of those "likers", at almost 300 members.

Three must be her lucky number. Recently, a popular blog held a reader's choice competition.  Cynthia St. Aubin's books outran one author by 300% of the votes, and came in second only to J.R. Ward's Black Dagger Brotherhood® series. Even that defeat was a win...she had fully half the amount of votes that Ward did. Toe to toe with the accepted (and beloved) Queen of the Paranormal Romance Kingdom, and St. Aubin came away with more than a respectable number of votes.

Cynthia is a very reader-friendly author. Her on-line accessibility is welcoming -  exuding warmth and graciousness to her Minions and fans.  Her gratitude for their purchases and participation in events is sincere, and sparkles with true delight at readers' responses.

Cynthia has a sharp, and smart sense of humor that is couched in silliness.  She often posts about things occurring around the books, and sometimes, about her life. The overlying humor makes just about anyone giggle with the picture she paints.  Once you've stopped laughing, take a deeper look at what's written.  The verbiage, analogies, and structure of her posts reveal comedy genius at work.

At such a pace, her books should have had some lag. However, neither the writing quality, nor the plot lines suffer from any inconsistencies.  St. Aubin is deft with character arcs, mood changes, and the ability to give just enough information away to raise more questions.  All of this would be enough to solidify her name as a "must-read" in the genre, but St. Aubin gilds the lily with vivid analogies, and highlighter worthy prose.

Unexpecting is the last chapter of this wild ride.  Already, Cynthia St. Aubin's fans are lamenting the loss of Dr. Mathilda Schmidt and her adventures.  On social media sites, St. Aubin has hinted at a new writing project for 2015.

If you haven't read her books, truly, you're missing out on a ground-floor opportunity to witness the growth of an author that has enough talent and savvy to take her career to best-seller status.  

**FIRST POST** Why? Because I can!

Photo Courtesy of Patti Reimer

I  have a reputation.  I'm a little easy. When an author wants to give it to me, I'm almost always willing to take it. Because they know.  

I GIVE REALLY GOOD... REVIEW.

That doesn't mean all my reviews are 5-stars.
It means I treat every book, regardless of length, girth, (*snerk*)  style or genre the same.  

To that end, I've decided to collect my reviews and keep them in one place.  (Hint: this blog) I'll still post future reviews to Amazon, Goodreads, etc to the nth degree...because that's what's good for the writers. Happy writers means more books. More books means more time I can waste vicariously living the lives of characters I obsess over anyway. Having a blog just makes it appear more...productive.

In between reviews, I'll add other thought nuggets and news about authors.

Most of the reviews will focus on the genres of romance, eg. Para-Rom, Erotica, Contemporary, Historical, and all the niches in between.  I generally do not read YA (I live with a teenager. I don't need to read any more angst, thanks!) unless the author really wows me with the description and I can get past the first chapter. I do read just about anything, and you'll occasionally see reviews for other stuff pop up. I promise to do my best to label the genres clearly.

My reviews usually follow a form:
1) My own synopsis (without spoilers - because I'm wicked, but not mean)
2) A short quote
3) The review
4) Whether or not I recommend it, or to whom I'd recommend it.

If I'm presented with an ARC, I state clearly in the review that the book was given freely for an honest review.
Gentle and fair criticism, and honest praise is what you'll get.

NOTE: You are always welcome to quote my reviews as long as the verbiage is not taken out of context.  If you really really love me for the goddess I am, you'll include my name. (I'm an author, too! <3)

If you'd like to request a review, please use the contact form on the top right of the page.

READY?! BREAK!