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 J-Pop Love Song
TITLE: J-Pop Love Song
AUTHOR: Shiree
McCarver
PUBLISHER: Parker Publishing
ISBN:
978-1-60043-056-5
FORMAT: Print
RELEASE DATE: July
2008
GENRE: Contemporary Interracial
Romance
RATING: 4 1/2 Dark Angels Reviews
Charlene is a
journalist, musician, lyricist, and bestselling romance novelist.
Once married to Jason James, a Japanese hard-driven rock star who
committed suicide, Charlene wrote that segment of her life into
fiction in Blu's Diary. Now she has the opportunity to mutate the
novel into an international miniseries event, and she intends on
maintaining artistic control. However, the backers think differently
and insist on promoting Japanese pop icon Kane, a young man fifteen
years Charlene's junior, for the part of Blu. Charlie doesn't think
it will fly, assuming Kane is an upscale, well-bred, arrogant star
who became a pop idol at age twelve. Kane is more than meets the
eye, though; although he didn't have a street upbringing like the
movie's protagonist, he's had more than enough grief and abuse in
his short life to make him a shoe-in for the role.
J-POP LOVE SONG is an
astoundingly and unexpectedly deep novel. I expected something on
the order of frothy; instead I found an emphasis on character,
backstory, and plot worthy of a good mainstream novel. J-POP LOVE
SONG is truly a book worth reading, a page turner, and one that will
linger in the reader's mind. I felt throughout as if I truly knew
the characters of Charlie and Kane, not just on a surface
introductory level, but through and through. Author Shiree McCarver
peels the layers of her protagonists like an onion, and she's not
afraid to confront the multicultural issues and taboos present in
this story. Charlene is African-American, widow of a Japanese, and
Kane is also Japanese. Additionally, their romance presents as the
"older-woman, younger-man" model, as Charlie is forty-one and Kane
nearly twenty-five. Truly there are three protagonists in this
story: Charlie, Kane, and Charlie's deceased husband Jason, but even
the secondary characters such as Kane's manager, his father, and
Charlie's manager-best friend, Abe, are skillfully
and excitingly drawn.
Frost
ice_dragoness_royalty@yahoo.com
Page 81-82 of Romantic Times Magazine
August 2008 issue
**** (4) HOT
McCarver's terrific story brings
together two cultures, all the while maintaining a vivid Tokyo
setting. She deals with issues that include Charlene's past
with her deceased husband and a relationship with a significant age
difference. And Kane is one hot tamale! This terrific
read is just busy enough to keep you riveted to the
pages.
Robin
Taylor
TRRC
- Book Reviews
J-POP LOVE SONG
Shiree
McCarver
Parker Publishing
ISBN: 978-1-60043-056-5
July
2008
Romance- Multicultural
Ms. McCarver takes you on a romantic journey
that travels between Japan and the United States. Her heroine is
Charlene Alfred, an author that has a best seller that is set to
become an international movie. Charlene has written a love story
that involves a Japanese rock star and his African American love.
What people don't realize is that the story actually captures her
love life before the death of her husband. So as the search for the
star of the movie appears to be the latest rock star of Japan, she
becomes irate. She doesn't believe that Kane has the right stuff to
make her movie a success and besides he is young and a spoiled rich
kid, at least that's what she thought. Charlene soon finds out that
her beliefs are far from the truth as they meet before he is
selected for the part.
Kane is twenty-four and hot on the
music charts today. But what he really wants is a chance at being
the lead in Charlene's movie and possibly more to her. He
understands that he is not her choice for the movie but because of
vivid dreams that he has had about her he knows she is the woman for
him. She's older than Kane so in her heart and mind the two can
never be together. While trying to convince her to give him a try,
many things are uncovered about his past. What neither of them
counts on is that their pasts are mingled together through his
unscrupulous manager. With love on their side Charlene and Kane work
out their differences. But his manager isn't satisfied until he goes
too far, and nothing is the same for the two again.
The story
has a lot going on and the author has a good way of wrapping it up.
It's a good story that shows you what happens when culture and age
crosses boundaries where love is involved.
Reviewed by Lora
McDonald
Rating: 3
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 A Long Song To Experience,
July 21, 2008 Shiree McCarver brings readers a very
interesting story of romance in J-Pop Love Song. Charlene
Alfred is about to embark on a new career. She is already a
successful songwriter and best-selling romance author. Her
first book, Blu's Diary, is being made into a motion picture
and she is in the middle of screening actors for the lead male
role. However, the financial backers have already decided who
would have the role, Japanese pop star, Kane. Kane is young,
sexy and perfect for the role. But Charlene believes he is too
young and inexperienced to portray Blu's true character.
Kane has been performing on the stage since the age of
12. Eager to get from under the thumb of his manager/mentor,
Takusa, Kane would do almost anything to be a part of this
film. There is also something about Charlene that has been
haunting him since he was 16 years old and he read her book.
After convincing Charlene to come to Japan to meet him in
person, Kane realizes that he is in love with her and he sets
out to win her heart.
Set in Tokyo, McCarver
introduces readers to Japanese culture. This story is about an
African American woman and Japanese Man. It is about an older
woman and a younger man. It is about western cultures mixing
with eastern cultures. It is about forbidden love. It is about
secrets and traditions and so much more. McCarver packed a lot
in 280 pages but it was well worth reading. I cheered and
cried with Charlene and Kane as they discovered their love for
each other and struggled with secrets that tried to keep them
apart. McCarver did an excellent job of explaining the culture
and language for readers. This book is recommended for book
clubs that are looking for a different type of romance that
will spark plenty of discussion.
Reviewed by:
Priscilla C. Johnson
APOOO BookClub
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Having a pampered Japanese pop star
play the role of Japanese star of her best selling
novel isn’t what Charlene Alfred envisioned when
she started the tedious task of bringing Blu to
life on screen. Blu’s
Dairy has a special place in her heart and
having her dream dictated by a bunch of Japanese
investors is something it looks as if she will
have to take or risk all her hard work going done
the drain.
The hottest act to hit Japan in
years, Kane is a star that has been molded since
he was a young teenager into a singing sensation
that leaves women all over Asia screaming for his
next song. He’s been a huge follower of Charlene’s
for years and is adamant about playing the role of
Blu from his favorite novel.
When the two finally meet nothing
could have prepared Charlene for the instant
attraction. An attraction built over intimate
conversations about their lives has turned into a
situation that could ruin her project and destroy
Kane’s career. For in the land where culture and
background is everything what can a 41-year-old
African American woman and a 24-year-old Japanese
pop-star really have in
common?
Two people, worlds apart in culture
and years apart in age will find they have more in
common than their love for music. The night lights
of Japan has more to chance at something great,
with it comes lies, deceit and a shared past
Charlene couldn’t have couldn’t have written if
she tried.
Impressive is too light of a word to
describe the masterpiece J-Pop Love
Song turned out to be. I wouldn’t in my
wildest dreams have come up with a May-December
couple that not only pushed the age taboo but
demolished the cultural one as well. As a
successful African American in a world where black
women are not always seen as profitable, Charlene
has not only been a success but is well known in
the entertainment industry for her gift of song
and the written word. Matching her with an Asian
lead, Kane, who is the star of the dreams of
teenagers all over Asia is a risk that could have
sunk this novel quicker than the Titanic. So
imagine how enthralled I was as page after page
not only did this union seemed plausible bit it
turned out to be a perfect fit. Shiree McCarver
was able to take the two people from groups who
forever seem to be on the bottom of the dating
pools of life and turn them into a loveable
couple. A couple that was arousing and a pleasure
to experience. What really made this story one of
the best I’ve read lately is the drama and
intrigue and excitement which was just as
gratifying as the romance. You’re given the first
husband who was a hot Japanese artist that winds
up committing suicide, the sordid history of
Kane’s upbringing which has to date been
suppressed by his manager and the whispers of
something sinister at play as the soul of a dead
rocker seems intent on making its presence known.
What more can you ask for and this and the
believable love that Charlene and Kane shared is
why J-Pop Love
Song has smashed it’s way onto my
September Recommended Read list. I Joyfully
Recommend it for lovers of Interracial Romance but
also for readers who want to step outside the norm
and see there are other couples out there who
don’t fit the Hollywood mode that are just as
enticing and propelling.
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 A Satyr's Tale: Selby and
Darius
Author: Shiree
McCarver
Publisher: http://stores.lulu.com/store.php?fAcctID=1228193
Release Date: January 17 2005
Blue Ribbon Rating: 4
Format: EBOOK and print
Selby has had it rough, she
had to have a partial hysterectomy and now she is unable to have
children. Of course marriage is not in her
picture, and the last thing she needs is another lying man in her
life to deceive her. She figures she will go
through her life alone since the one thing she wants more than
anything can never be, but fate is about to give her chance at what
she wants.
Darius knows that only
one woman can bear his children and that woman is
Selby. Even though she is unable to have
children his magic will change that, but is she willing to accept
him and his lover Sylus? Sylus is his companion
and lover and he can’t leave him alone without a mate.
Would Selby be willing to give up everything she knows in
order to have the children she has always
wanted?
A SATYR’S TALE is an
interesting read and certainly one of the most fascinating books I
have read in a long time. The characters are intriguing and
keep the reader turning the pages to see what happens next.
Love scenes are intense and full of passion and heat, and the plot
is unforgettable. Readers will certainly find
themselves looking for more of this author’s work.
This is the first book I have read by Shiree McCarver and I
will be on the lookout for more of her writing in the
future.
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By Romance Junkies Reviewer: Angel
Click here to Buy this Book Now!
VISIT ROMANCE JUNKIES for more Great
Reviews!
Links to Other Reviews:
http://www.erotic-escapades.com/SelbyandDarius.html
http://www.fallenangelreviews.com/2006/February/Jean-ASatyrsTale_SelbyandDarius.htm
*** Great book to read
Title: A Satyr's
Tale: Selby and Darius
Author: Shiree
McCarver
ISBN:
Release date: 2005
Publisher:
Lulu
Publisher's
website:http://stores.lulu.com/store.php?fAcctID=1228193
Form: E-Book and Print
Genre:
Contemporary/Rubenesque
Cover Art by Shiree
McCarver
SELBY MAISON has worked her way up from an
orphan to a successful recording star. Only to find at
thirty-five her career is fading, she has a failed marriage,
and now can never have children. What's a girl to
do?
DARIUS ANDROS is a shape-shifting Satyr from Ancient
Greece. He is searching for a soul mate that can give him a
family he so longs for. With one catch she must be a
descendant of the Nymphs for it to work.
Can Selby
accept the offer of undying love from Darius? To be immortal
and be able to have children that would be half Satyr?
Together they must face fears they both have and make a
decision of life immortal or human.
I enjoyed the
connection that Darius and Selby have. Like two lost souls
found. Ms. McCarver has written an exciting love story that
is part fiction part mythology that makes for an
attention-grabbing story.
Christy @ MayReviews.com
http://www.mayreviews.20m.com/custom.html |
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Title: The Lord and the
Scorpion
Category: Historical
Reviewer: Angel
Reviewer e-mail: angelbrewer@romancejunkies.com
Authors: Shiree McCarver
Publisher: New Concepts Publishing
Release Date: March 2006
ISBN:1-58608-858-0
Author Homepage: http://www.shireemccarver.com
Blue Ribbon Rating: 4.5
Format: EBOOK and print
In a time when their love is forbidden, two people will join
together and find a passion unlike any other.
Ethan Clare wants the woman from the second he runs into her. He
can’t explain the strong attraction he feels for the Moor woman, but
knows that he must see her again. When she saves the Queen’s life,
Ethan finds the perfect opportunity to get to know who this
remarkable woman is. Of course she hides secrets that he longs to
uncover. When he is asked to help find out the assassin who tried to
kill the queen he eagerly agrees knowing he will be working with
Sauda. In a time where their love is forbidden, can they find a way
to be together?
Sauda Mauri knows the sparks have flown from the second Ethan
stepped on her dress. It doesn’t help that he is so handsome and
seems unwilling to give up trying to find out who she is. When she
gets hurt protecting the Queen, she awakens to find him at her
bedside. She knows she is in trouble by the look in his eyes and
determines that she needs to make a quick getaway. However, Ethan is
asked to help uncover who the culprits are that is behind the
attempt on the Queen’s life. Is a life with Ethan possible or just a
dream?
THE LORD AND THE SCORPION is an awesome tale and readers will
find themselves hooked until the last page. Sauda is a courageous
and strong woman who does what is necessary. Ethan has had to deal
with much in his past, but finding Sauda is a stroke of luck for
him. Together this couple is hotter than hot and the sparks fly at
every interaction. Shiree McCarver is a new talent who is proving
that she has what it takes to create intriguing and clever plots
that readers won’t soon forget. I look forward to seeing what her
next book brings.
http://www.romancejunkies.com/artman/publish/article_4819.shtml
FALLEN ANGEL
REVIEW
The Lord and The Scorpion
Lord Ethan Clare is his own man although his
family and Queen are forcing him to do his duty and marry once
again. He lost his first wife in childbirth and he really does not
want to marry again. Ethan will do as he is asked even though he
has fallen for another. He has made many enemies while working for
his Queen. Now he has found the one for him and they are both
tangled in a web of intrigue and deceit. Ethan has his hands full
with the mysterious Sauda, his family duties and trying to
discover who the leader of the Knights of Darkness is. Ethan is
different from the rest of his family and he does not know why.
Sauda is like no one he has ever met and he is willing to give
everything up for their forbidden love.
Sauda Mauri is a
trained assassin. She has been a slave and an assassin for many
years and now she has a chance of freedom if she can complete her
mission. She has run away from her master and is traveling under
the disguise of Lady Francis’s nursemaid so she can get her
assignments and earn her freedom. She does not need a complication
and Lord Ethan is more than determined to be just that. She will
not let her emotions get the better of her; she has a job to do.
Sauda will not be his mistress and can never be his wife. Will
Sauda follow her heart or will she settle for being Ethan’s
mistress? Will Ethan forget family duties and take a chance with
his forbidden love?
Shiree McCarver has got this
reviewer’s attention with The Lord and The Scorpion. Ms.
McCarver has done an awesome job of telling this story of
romance, suspense, and lots of mystery for the reader to enjoy.
The Lord and The Scorpion has everything a reader is
looking for and so much more. Ms. McCarver hooks you from
the beginning with love at first sight and keeps you hooked to the
very end with the mystery of the Knights of Darkness. The Lord
and The Scorpion is a fabulous historical romance with a lot
of spice to turn up the heat. Sauda is one powerful heroine that
will keep you on your toes and Ethan is one alpha hero that
everyone can fall in love with. I truly enjoyed reading The
Lord and The Scorpion and I cannot wait to get Ms.
McCarver’s next book.
Reviewed by:
Sonya
http://www.fallenangelreviews.com/2006/August/Sonya-TheLordAndTheScorpion.htm
 Title: Forever Moonlight
Author: Shiree
McCarver
Length: Novel
Publisher: Lulu
Rating: 
Wolf biologist
Sera Tibbs is attractive, smart, and respected in her field.
She is also dying. When she decides to relocate to Lake
Tahoe to complete her research, she never dreamt she would
encounter her soul mate in the midst of taking her last
breathe.
Impotent and
colorblind, Lykian born werewolf, Justus Apollon has been
tracking a serial killer for two centuries. Never, has he
disregarded his duties; until, he unexpectedly encounters his
‘weakness', Sera. In love, Justus discovers a world, of
colors and passion, only to leave himself vulnerable to his
enemy. Will Justus seduce Sera into becoming a she-wolf so she
may live? Will Sera choose immortality with Justus, only to
risk dying in the vengeful hands of his adversary, once known as
Jack the
Ripper?
Shiree McCarver
is a genius! She has managed to bring history together with the
present mixed with fiction and truth. Not only that, but Ms.
McCarver has managed to turn this reviewer into a Lykan reading
woman.
Her story
Forever Moonlight is a beautifully haunting story of the
immortality, strength and perfection of true love and darkest depth
that owns evil. With the same breath, the main characters, Justus
and Sera, brought a teasingly sensual air to the story that is
weaved so magically.
Ms.
McCarver’s spin on who Jack the Ripper was
brings a fresh twist to the life of the infamous serial killer and
with stunning ease she managed to shock me at every turn. Forever
Moonlight
is wonderfully written, thoroughly researched and therefore brings
Forever
Moonlight will take you on a
fantastic journey and leaves you feeling the satisfaction of reading
a great work of fiction. For her wonderful words and for
making coming out of a coma cool, Forever
Moonlight receives four and a half roses from the
REC.
Reviewed by
Tigra-Luna LeMar
FOREVER
MOONLIGHT GOT 4 ANGELS FROM FALLEN ANGELS
REVIEW!
http://www.fallenangelreviews.com/2007/February/Rachelle-ForeverMoonlight.htm
Forever Moonlight
A top researcher of wolves with everything to
live for, Sera Tibbs has been given a death sentence when she is
diagnosed with a fatal illness. Angry, upset and losing hope, Sera
decides to live her last days secluded and alone. Providence
always has a habit of stepping in and does so with a 6’4 virgin
shifter who swears he is her fated lover and able to save her from
the illness ravishing her body. Lykian, Justus Apollon has been
roaming the world for over a century trying to capture a killer
who has eluded him and his powerful skills. His chance meeting
with his mate makes him see the world in a new light and brings
hope. Justus will do anything in his power to keep Sera safe as he
helps her come to grip with her role in his life.
Forever Moonlight started off a little slow and
bumpy for me. With a couple parts of the beginning not quite
connecting, I was a little concerned on how the rest of the story
would pan out. I’m happy to say as I continued to read the story
it started to grab hold and soon I was enjoying an interesting
relationship between a talented academic who connected with wolves
and her Lykian lover and protector. I really enjoyed how Shiree
McCarver added almost childlike glee to her hero at times,
which offset the beast within him. Sera, was your typical
scientist, so enamored with Justus and the chance to learn and
help his kind; she took the knowledge of his world and people with
class. Ms. McCarver has a great story here and I hope to
see a story out soon showcasing Justus’ brother and his mate. That
should be a doozie and one I don’t want to miss.
Reviewed
by: Rachelle
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