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Pulp Friction 2015 #1
Drawing Dead
The world hasn't been the same since the preternaturals came out of the closet. Much to many people’s chagrin, strange beings of all kinds are making life tricky for the "normals."
Physics professor Dr. Sabine Brusilov has been obsessed with ghost hunting since he was eight years old.. He's gathered a wealth of knowledge, but can't produce a shred of scientific proof.
One hundred and seventy-five years of death haven't done riverboat gambler Barton Montoire a damn bit of good. He's still rash, impulsive, and prone to fits of temper and bouts of melancholy.
You'd think that when fate brought the two of them together, Bart's lonely spirit would be calmed, and Sabine would have the proof his heart desires.
In a world where mythical beings are real, love is still the most elusive… and treacherous myth of them all.
Physics professor Dr. Sabine Brusilov has been obsessed with ghost hunting since he was eight years old.. He's gathered a wealth of knowledge, but can't produce a shred of scientific proof.
One hundred and seventy-five years of death haven't done riverboat gambler Barton Montoire a damn bit of good. He's still rash, impulsive, and prone to fits of temper and bouts of melancholy.
You'd think that when fate brought the two of them together, Bart's lonely spirit would be calmed, and Sabine would have the proof his heart desires.
In a world where mythical beings are real, love is still the most elusive… and treacherous myth of them all.
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First published February 13, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
February 20, 2015
Hoo boy! Here we go with Pulp Friction 2015, set in a world where paranormals live right alongside the rest of us. It was in the Altered States series, by Laura Hunter and Tom Webb, that we first were introduced to the vampires and werewolves of New Orleans and the bayous beyond. Now it seems there are other beings out there, just beginning to make themselves known. Sabine is a physics professor and amateur ghost hunter who is determined to prove that ghosts are real when he stumbles on Bart, a colorful riverboat gambler who was murdered 175 years ago and spent almost two centuries sitting alone at the bottom of the Mississippi River. When Sabine is looking for treasures along the river bottom he discovers some of Bart's belongings and accidentally brings Bart home with him. In an unusual (to say the least!) partnership, Sabine and Bart fall in love and are able to have sex. Hot sex. Whew!
Sabine discovers some spirit-filled goings on in a New Orleans home and thus begins the revelation of what may be other beings than humans, vampires,and werewolves in New Orleans and elsewhere. Mr. Brazil does an amazing job of building this ghost world and setting up the rules and abilities of ghostliness, like when they can appear, where they can go, and what they can do.
Not all of these beings are kindly or sexy or interested in doing good deeds. Quite the opposite, as a matter of fact. As is the case with all of the Pulp Friction stories, these interlinked novellas are spread out over a year, with a new story every two weeks or so clearing up some matters but leaving the reader not knowing exactly what will happen next. Call it a cliffhanger, call it a serial, call it a whodunit. The fact is this mesmerizing story will capture you and make you very anxious for the next episode.
Sabine discovers some spirit-filled goings on in a New Orleans home and thus begins the revelation of what may be other beings than humans, vampires,and werewolves in New Orleans and elsewhere. Mr. Brazil does an amazing job of building this ghost world and setting up the rules and abilities of ghostliness, like when they can appear, where they can go, and what they can do.
Not all of these beings are kindly or sexy or interested in doing good deeds. Quite the opposite, as a matter of fact. As is the case with all of the Pulp Friction stories, these interlinked novellas are spread out over a year, with a new story every two weeks or so clearing up some matters but leaving the reader not knowing exactly what will happen next. Call it a cliffhanger, call it a serial, call it a whodunit. The fact is this mesmerizing story will capture you and make you very anxious for the next episode.
February 17, 2015
Well, well well, love me tender and call me Elvis! Pulp Friction's first story started the series off with a bang!
What could be better than a physics professor, Sabine Brusilov ghost hunter, living with a 175 year old ghost of a river gambler Barton Montoire. Nothing, absolutely nothing! Sabine talks Barton into helping him verify another ghost in one of the older apartments in NOLA, and the chase is on.
I could not put this down. This was cracktastic! Kudos Lee Brazil, you have set a high standard to begin this series. Once again, if you haven't given Pulp Friction a chance, you are cheating yourself out of great reading.
What could be better than a physics professor, Sabine Brusilov ghost hunter, living with a 175 year old ghost of a river gambler Barton Montoire. Nothing, absolutely nothing! Sabine talks Barton into helping him verify another ghost in one of the older apartments in NOLA, and the chase is on.
I could not put this down. This was cracktastic! Kudos Lee Brazil, you have set a high standard to begin this series. Once again, if you haven't given Pulp Friction a chance, you are cheating yourself out of great reading.
July 19, 2015
If you've been living in a cave for the past few years, you might not have heard about the incredible series by the name of 'Pulp Friction'. It is an interconnected series, written by four talented authors, each of them writing five books within the year, and rounding it out with one grand finale book written by all four. This year's series is set in the same arena, so to speak, as Laura Harner and T.A. Webb's 'Altered States' series, and is an introduction to more of the supernatural that those two authors began. PF 2015, as it is known, is written by Lee Brazil, Havan Fellows, Parker Williams, and Laura Harner, and ultimately should be read in that order. So if, indeed, you've been away from the human world, you're forgiven for not knowing this, and not having read the other books. If you've just been lazy…well. There is no forgiveness for you.
Ghosties! Never fear, though, my friend Lee didn't give me a friendly Casper ghost. Oh, no! Instead, I got sexy Bart, a one hundred and seventy-five year dead riverboat gambler, with a bad temper and fits of melancholy. For ten years now, he's been with Dr. Sabine Brusilov, ever since Sabine found Bart's belongings on the bottom of the Mississippi, allowing Bart to come along for the ride, so to speak. However, much to Sabine's consternation, Bart refuses to share any information about the ghost world, and since the supernaturals have all come out of the closet, this is very frustrating indeed.
Mr. Brazil, you tease. You've created a fascinating world of ghosts, the physics behind their "abilities", introduced me to many promising characters, made me gasp in shock a few times, and created two stunningly interesting and sexy men, who I foresee will have a very torrid relationship before it's all said and done. Oh. My. *fanning myself* I do love a good tease. I can't wait to see what else is in store for me.
NOTE: This book was provided by the author for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews
Ghosties! Never fear, though, my friend Lee didn't give me a friendly Casper ghost. Oh, no! Instead, I got sexy Bart, a one hundred and seventy-five year dead riverboat gambler, with a bad temper and fits of melancholy. For ten years now, he's been with Dr. Sabine Brusilov, ever since Sabine found Bart's belongings on the bottom of the Mississippi, allowing Bart to come along for the ride, so to speak. However, much to Sabine's consternation, Bart refuses to share any information about the ghost world, and since the supernaturals have all come out of the closet, this is very frustrating indeed.
Mr. Brazil, you tease. You've created a fascinating world of ghosts, the physics behind their "abilities", introduced me to many promising characters, made me gasp in shock a few times, and created two stunningly interesting and sexy men, who I foresee will have a very torrid relationship before it's all said and done. Oh. My. *fanning myself* I do love a good tease. I can't wait to see what else is in store for me.
NOTE: This book was provided by the author for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews
July 5, 2018
This review is for the whole Jack of Spades set (1-5).
I really wanted to like this quintet of short stories or novellas more. I really enjoyed the world in which they were set, and the other characters intrigued me. The set up of a human and a ghost as a couple was new to me, and I found it a daring and refreshing departure from the usual paranormal mixings.
What I found frustrating was this: apparently, I've been living in a cave, because I was not aware of how these Pulp Friction series are supposed to work. I found the first book (Drawing Dead) in my library's online catalog, and checked it out. I finished it and, as it ends on a cliff-hanger, immediately checked out the second book. That's when my confusion began. It was clear that a lot of stuff had happened between the end of book 1 and the beginning of book 2 -- not just to the main characters but to all of the supporting characters as well. I caught on that the other characters had their own stories, but my library only had the Jack of Spades set. The sense of disjointedness grew as I progressed through each book. It was like watching an episode of a tv series, missing several episodes, picking the series back up, and then having to piece together what's happened in between.
Perhaps because of this unusual reading experience, I found the ending a bit of a letdown. I thought what happens is fitting, given the story, but also ridiculous and perfunctory.
Knowing what I know about the Pulp Friction series now, I'd recommend reading the whole series of stories in order, rather than just one set.
Order of Altered States Collection series:
Round One: Drawing Dead (Jack of Spades: 1)Blind Stud (King of Hearts: 1)The Devil's Bedpost (Four of Clubs: 1)Diamonds and Dust (Ace of Diamonds: 1)
Round Two: Dead Blind (Jack of Spades: 2)Stud Player (King of Hearts: 2)Up The Ante (Four of Clubs: 2)Diamond Draw (Ace of Diamonds: 2)
Round Three: Dead Button (Jack of Spades: 3)Blind Man's Bluff Playground (King of Hearts: 3)Devil's Playground (Four of Clubs: 3)Diamond Edge (Ace of Diamonds: 3)
Round Four: Dead Man's Hand (Jack of Spades: 4)Blind Hearts (King of Hearts: 4)High Stakes (Four of Clubs: 4)Diamond Flush (Ace of Diamonds: 4)
Round Five: Dead Money (Jack of Spades: 5)Under the Gun (King of Hearts: 5)The Devil's Due (Four of Clubs: 5)Diamonds Down & Dirty (Ace of Diamonds: 5).
I really wanted to like this quintet of short stories or novellas more. I really enjoyed the world in which they were set, and the other characters intrigued me. The set up of a human and a ghost as a couple was new to me, and I found it a daring and refreshing departure from the usual paranormal mixings.
What I found frustrating was this: apparently, I've been living in a cave, because I was not aware of how these Pulp Friction series are supposed to work. I found the first book (Drawing Dead) in my library's online catalog, and checked it out. I finished it and, as it ends on a cliff-hanger, immediately checked out the second book. That's when my confusion began. It was clear that a lot of stuff had happened between the end of book 1 and the beginning of book 2 -- not just to the main characters but to all of the supporting characters as well. I caught on that the other characters had their own stories, but my library only had the Jack of Spades set. The sense of disjointedness grew as I progressed through each book. It was like watching an episode of a tv series, missing several episodes, picking the series back up, and then having to piece together what's happened in between.
Perhaps because of this unusual reading experience, I found the ending a bit of a letdown. I thought what happens is fitting, given the story, but also ridiculous and perfunctory.
Knowing what I know about the Pulp Friction series now, I'd recommend reading the whole series of stories in order, rather than just one set.
Order of Altered States Collection series:
Round One: Drawing Dead (Jack of Spades: 1)Blind Stud (King of Hearts: 1)The Devil's Bedpost (Four of Clubs: 1)Diamonds and Dust (Ace of Diamonds: 1)
Round Two: Dead Blind (Jack of Spades: 2)Stud Player (King of Hearts: 2)Up The Ante (Four of Clubs: 2)Diamond Draw (Ace of Diamonds: 2)
Round Three: Dead Button (Jack of Spades: 3)Blind Man's Bluff Playground (King of Hearts: 3)Devil's Playground (Four of Clubs: 3)Diamond Edge (Ace of Diamonds: 3)
Round Four: Dead Man's Hand (Jack of Spades: 4)Blind Hearts (King of Hearts: 4)High Stakes (Four of Clubs: 4)Diamond Flush (Ace of Diamonds: 4)
Round Five: Dead Money (Jack of Spades: 5)Under the Gun (King of Hearts: 5)The Devil's Due (Four of Clubs: 5)Diamonds Down & Dirty (Ace of Diamonds: 5).
July 30, 2015
'Drawing Dead' by Lee Brazil is part of the 'Pulp Friction' shared universe. Four authors—Lee Brazil, Havan Fellows, Parker Williams, and Laura Harner—each continue a part of the story with their own characters, who also show up in other books within the universe.
The 'Jack of Spades' part of this universe by Lee Brazil follows Sabine and Bart. Although the story was short, I was drawn into the story very quickly. I loved the characters and their relationship, and banter between them. The world building is great. I could imagine their surroundings very easily and a world where preternaturals are ‘out’ intrigues me. The fun part is that not all of them are out, and the existence of ghosts still needs to be proved, which is a little bit of an issue for someone who deals with ghosts but can’t prove their existence. Bart’s not much help either.
Although a fun read, the tension still racks up, especially as the case Sabine is trying to solve gets complicated very quickly. Naturally, it’s not exactly as it seems, and, being a serial, isn’t solved in this one story. But, that’s some of the appeal of the way in which this universe is written. It reminds me of the old serials that used to play at the movies. It’s just enough to whet your appetite, suck you then and then leave you waiting desperately for the next part.
I read this in one sitting, partly because of its length which is perfect for a quick read, but also because I couldn’t put it down. I got to the last page and was most miffed that that was it, and I’d have to work through the series to find out what happens next.
But that’s the point, right? A point that works extremely well.
Lee Brazil is an author I haven’t read before but I will be reading more. Lee’s style is very easy to read, and the characters feel very real, as do the settings. Although I wasn’t familiar with the original 'Altered States' universe, that didn’t detract either, and I didn’t feel as though I was missing anything although I’d to read them at some point.
I’d highly recommend 'Drawing Dead' to those who love a good urban fantasy with great characters and banter and a good dollop of action and drama. 5 out of 5.
The 'Jack of Spades' part of this universe by Lee Brazil follows Sabine and Bart. Although the story was short, I was drawn into the story very quickly. I loved the characters and their relationship, and banter between them. The world building is great. I could imagine their surroundings very easily and a world where preternaturals are ‘out’ intrigues me. The fun part is that not all of them are out, and the existence of ghosts still needs to be proved, which is a little bit of an issue for someone who deals with ghosts but can’t prove their existence. Bart’s not much help either.
Although a fun read, the tension still racks up, especially as the case Sabine is trying to solve gets complicated very quickly. Naturally, it’s not exactly as it seems, and, being a serial, isn’t solved in this one story. But, that’s some of the appeal of the way in which this universe is written. It reminds me of the old serials that used to play at the movies. It’s just enough to whet your appetite, suck you then and then leave you waiting desperately for the next part.
I read this in one sitting, partly because of its length which is perfect for a quick read, but also because I couldn’t put it down. I got to the last page and was most miffed that that was it, and I’d have to work through the series to find out what happens next.
But that’s the point, right? A point that works extremely well.
Lee Brazil is an author I haven’t read before but I will be reading more. Lee’s style is very easy to read, and the characters feel very real, as do the settings. Although I wasn’t familiar with the original 'Altered States' universe, that didn’t detract either, and I didn’t feel as though I was missing anything although I’d to read them at some point.
I’d highly recommend 'Drawing Dead' to those who love a good urban fantasy with great characters and banter and a good dollop of action and drama. 5 out of 5.
April 16, 2015
OMG I am sooo excited. Pulp Friction has begun for 2015. Authors Laura Harner and Tom Webb began this for us, integrating the whole gang into their hit series Altered States. We are 2015 in NOLA baby!
With the awards and accolades from readers and reviewers for this Pulp Friction idea, the bar just was raised higher to challenge these talented people, in change giving the readers another exciting year. I just feel it.
Altered States, a series stemming from an innovative idea, caught the true addicts of paranormal readers, me included by surprise. What a thought, things that go bump in the night ‘coming out’ of the closet. The world changed as we knew it, and laws and ideas had to change. With the New Orleans Police Department losing wonderful human officers to the paranormal world, we already have a head start with a cast of characters.
Harner and Webb’s Free Falling Crimson has begun the series for us and Lee Brazil is up to bat next with the integration of the story with Jack of Spades. We have much going on in these 50 pages as the author establishes his characters.
Barton Montoire has been dead for 175 years. His ghost has been ‘found’ by Dr Sabine Brusilov owner of Dead Man’s Tales, who for the last 15 years researched Ghost Hauntings wanting to bring them out along with vamps, wolves, weres. To his frustration, he still could not prove irrefutably that ghosts exist. His relationship with the Jack Sparrow of ghosts might sound ghastly to some but Sabine and Barton had become lovers.
I loved this telling Lee Brazil, and the little snippet of Jet looking for something to help Russ did not get lost on this reader. Sorry, Can say no more….Only that .You All Rock.
With the awards and accolades from readers and reviewers for this Pulp Friction idea, the bar just was raised higher to challenge these talented people, in change giving the readers another exciting year. I just feel it.
Altered States, a series stemming from an innovative idea, caught the true addicts of paranormal readers, me included by surprise. What a thought, things that go bump in the night ‘coming out’ of the closet. The world changed as we knew it, and laws and ideas had to change. With the New Orleans Police Department losing wonderful human officers to the paranormal world, we already have a head start with a cast of characters.
Harner and Webb’s Free Falling Crimson has begun the series for us and Lee Brazil is up to bat next with the integration of the story with Jack of Spades. We have much going on in these 50 pages as the author establishes his characters.
Barton Montoire has been dead for 175 years. His ghost has been ‘found’ by Dr Sabine Brusilov owner of Dead Man’s Tales, who for the last 15 years researched Ghost Hauntings wanting to bring them out along with vamps, wolves, weres. To his frustration, he still could not prove irrefutably that ghosts exist. His relationship with the Jack Sparrow of ghosts might sound ghastly to some but Sabine and Barton had become lovers.
I loved this telling Lee Brazil, and the little snippet of Jet looking for something to help Russ did not get lost on this reader. Sorry, Can say no more….Only that .You All Rock.
May 21, 2015
Original Blog Post: Review Request: Pulp Friction 2015 Series Round One Whooooeee!
My Rating: 3 of 4 Stars (Based on Short&Light Read Category)
The story of Sabine and Barton is the one that gave me most trouble. Maybe because the cast of characters are just being introduced for the first time and the time frame jumps from past to present to something else. This opens with Sabine in an established relationship with the ghost Bart who is still coming to terms with who he is and controlling his physical form which is unbalanced and uncontrollable at best. The two men struggle with their own problems but come together when they can.
Why did I struggle with this book? It is because it introduces everything all at once and the world is complicated. However, by the second half of the story, I got the flow of things and settled.
My Rating: 3 of 4 Stars (Based on Short&Light Read Category)
The story of Sabine and Barton is the one that gave me most trouble. Maybe because the cast of characters are just being introduced for the first time and the time frame jumps from past to present to something else. This opens with Sabine in an established relationship with the ghost Bart who is still coming to terms with who he is and controlling his physical form which is unbalanced and uncontrollable at best. The two men struggle with their own problems but come together when they can.
Why did I struggle with this book? It is because it introduces everything all at once and the world is complicated. However, by the second half of the story, I got the flow of things and settled.
June 5, 2015
Original review on Molly Lolly
Four and a half stars!
Oh my gosh! I really enjoyed this story. It’s the perfect start to the new Pulp Friction series. You get to meet some great characters that I can’t wait to learn more about. Sabine is so interesting with his fascination of ghosts, the hold out of paranormal “coming out” much to his annoyance. The relationship between Sabine and Barton, aka Bart, is unconventional as has been going for some time at the start of the story. However, you can tell they both have deep feelings for each other. However, the ending. AUGH! Total cliffhanger and I have to find out what happens next. Good thing I’ve got the next book in the Pulp Friction series to start right away!
Four and a half stars!
Oh my gosh! I really enjoyed this story. It’s the perfect start to the new Pulp Friction series. You get to meet some great characters that I can’t wait to learn more about. Sabine is so interesting with his fascination of ghosts, the hold out of paranormal “coming out” much to his annoyance. The relationship between Sabine and Barton, aka Bart, is unconventional as has been going for some time at the start of the story. However, you can tell they both have deep feelings for each other. However, the ending. AUGH! Total cliffhanger and I have to find out what happens next. Good thing I’ve got the next book in the Pulp Friction series to start right away!
February 16, 2015
What an awesome start to a new series and introduction to the new Pulp Friction 2015! Jack of Spades is a fresh take on the paranormal, set in New Orleans.
There is a lot going on, lots of characters introduced and I felt the mystery swirling through the story. I loved the relationship between Sabine and Bart, a ghost.
With such a lineup of unique characters, the interesting storyline of a world within our world and all the suspense and intrigue this is set up to be the best year yet for this collection.
I will say the twists and shocking ending has be begging for the next!
If you are looking for a paranormal that’s not your usual shifters and vampires, a story full of mystery, intrigues and twists and turns, and some hot and sexy men, you want to grab this one
There is a lot going on, lots of characters introduced and I felt the mystery swirling through the story. I loved the relationship between Sabine and Bart, a ghost.
With such a lineup of unique characters, the interesting storyline of a world within our world and all the suspense and intrigue this is set up to be the best year yet for this collection.
I will say the twists and shocking ending has be begging for the next!
If you are looking for a paranormal that’s not your usual shifters and vampires, a story full of mystery, intrigues and twists and turns, and some hot and sexy men, you want to grab this one
February 20, 2015
Great start to Pulp Friction 2015. I love the concept of different authors sharing a world and protagonists. This time around our authors are in New Orleans (one of my favorite places ever) in the world first visited in Altered States. Sabine is a professor trying to prove the existence of ghosts and Bart is his boyfriend and also one of those ghosts. Jet & Danny from Altered States make an appearance and of course there is a cliff hanger ending. All in all this looks to be a fun ride, I can'this wait to meet the rest of the cast of PF 2015!
July 9, 2015
Fun first story in the Pulp Friction series. Sabine finally has his shot at scientifically proving that there are ghosts. Sabine's lover is a ghost 175 years dead. Barton was a riverboat gambler who provides Sabine with a lot of proof that ghosts do exist but nothing scientific or empirical. Hot sex with a ghost was a bit difficult to believe
April 13, 2015
Thought I'd already finished this one. 4 stars for this tale of ghostly card sharps, demonic jewellery, inquisitive professors and members of the Odd Squad. Welcome to the start of Pulp Friction 2015.
January 1, 2016
Oh, a ghost called Bart and a ghost-hunter called Sabine - only Pulp Friction could come up with this scenario.
Great fun, so well written - as always :)
Great fun, so well written - as always :)
October 20, 2016
3.5 interesting start to the collection
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews