Interview - 2/24/2008

On February 24th I had the opportunity to interview with Regan Taylor of blogtalkradio.com. You may stream the entire show here; my interview is about 1/2 hour into the show, after the interview with Jennifer Cloud.

Or, you can download my interview here

Reviews

“Defying any easy categorizing, "Shaking off the Dust" offers an unusual and unique story line, powerful, occasionally overwhelming emotions, and and a mystery wrapped up inside it all."

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“I thoroughly enjoyed Shaking Off the Dust. If you want to be entertained, stressed, laugh, cry, or live vicariously through some of the most moving and sensual sex scenes, you will love this book.”

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Rachel C., Fallen Angel Reviews - May, 2008

5 Angels out of 5:

“Shaking Off The Dust has everything. You’re treated to a range of emotions and every new page brings another new surprise. The way Hannah is able to laugh at herself, her situation, her smart-mouthed come backs are a joy to read. From the start when she first awakens to find Tom leaning over her the exchanges between them are engaging. I found myself laughing at their bickering and delighted as the relationship between them grew.”

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TJ, Alternative-Read.com - March, 2008

“I found the mix of personalities in this truly refreshing. Hannah—witchy woman with a huge heart; Takeshi—confident, compassionate with his own penance to pay; and Tom—hard, dispassionate, yet truly longing to be loved. There is enough action to satisfy my interest, steamy sex to keep me wishing for a Takeshi of my own, but it was the emotional despair of the deceased who felt unable to walk into the light for whatever reason that kept me turning the pages. I usually don't read first person point of view, but Ms. Samuels, you did a great job.”

Reader Review, Madame Butterfly - February, 2008

B+:

“Cutting straight to the chase, Shaking Off the Dust took me on all kinds of emotional rides from giggles, to anger, to tears, to love and all in between. It has it all.”

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Faith V. Smith, Romantic Times Reviews - May, 2008

4 1/2 out of 5 Stars:

"Samuels' first-person paranormal will grab your interest and not let go until the last page. The unique plot--involving employment of ghosts, a terrorist attack and an awesome heroine and hero--makes this a book that will leap onto your keeper stack."

Linda, Simply Romance Reviews - 3-20-2008

SRR Grade A+:

"Shaking Off the Dust is Rhianna Samuels first novel and I look forward to reading more of her stories in the future. This was an amazing read. I hung on every word, feeling every emotion right along with the characters."

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Julia, Night Owl Romance - 3-19-2008

4.5/5 Hearts:

"...Shaking off the Dust is a complex, fast-paced tale that finds a unique premise and explores it well, while giving us interesting characters. If you like paranormal elements, riveting suspense, or just a good heart-felt romance, give this one a try. It’s going on my keeper shelf—I’m just not sure in which category!"

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Nicole, Manic Readers:

5/5 Stars

"...Rhianna Samuels demonstrates absolute brilliance with this story. The catchy story line grabs you from the first sentence and doesn't let go until the last word. Well balanced characters, a strong story line and beautifully written love scenes make this a must read from Samuels."

LeeAnn, Coffee Time Romance:

Rating: 5 Cups

"...This was such an amazing tale of love, mystery, murder and suspense. The author blended this story together so completely that as a reader you were drawn right in. It was funny, sad, exciting and romantic all at the same time. I fell in love with the hero in this story wishing he was mine. The characters were written so believably that you had no trouble thinking they could actually exist. This book is one you will read again and again."

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Literary Nymphs, January 19, 2008:

"...This is one of the best books I’ve read in awhile. All I can think of when I describe this book is it’s so much more. More humorous, more sexy, more emotional gripping, more action packed, I can’t recommend it enough. The author was so good I felt like the story was real; I had to keep reminding myself that this was not a true story but fiction."

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Kalyko, January 8, 2008 (eHARLEQUIN.com):

"...This is one excellent first story for Rhianna Samuels who works as an emergency room nurse. Part Paranormal Romance and part Suspense Thriller, and all wonderful escapism, this story (in eBook format) kept me absolutely glued to the computer reading it… all 300+ pages in a few hours. I just didn’t want to walk away from it ~ my dh decried the fact that he had to make dinner."

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Now for another point of view~

I have been pretty lucky that most of the reviews I have received were very encouraging and Shaking Off the Dust has been well received by those who have taken the time to read it. But…every reader is a little different and I don’t expect praise or words of encouragement from everyone. I thought about not posting "alternative views" , since I want you to buy and read the book and have your own opinion on it’s worth. One would assume the best way to do that is to post good reviews. I was even under the delusion that I could guarantee it wasn’t a waste of your time to read this book. I’m grinning, you see. It was something of a shock that someone didn’t think it was worth their time, or only worth skimming after a point. Don’t worry, I’m chiding myself, I did expect other views. In the spirit of getting different points of view I am going to post those too.

Mrs. Giggles, January, 2008

81:

“Shaking Off The Dust is technically a pretty good story. The prose is clean and readable and the story is certainly interesting enough as it is not an everyday kind of fare. But - oh yes, there is a "but", sorry - as much as I find this story interesting, I don't really feel compelled to love it to pieces.”

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