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(Posted 7:30
a.m., May 28)
Orléans author pens fantasy romance novel
By Fred Sherwin
Orléans Online
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|  Orléans
resident Debbie Mazzuca holds up her debut novel, 'Lord of the Isles', which is
the first in series of books set in the Scottish Highlands. Fred Sherwin/Photo
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Debbie
Mazzuca has been a fan of fantasy romance novels for most of her adult life. So
when the Cardinal Creek resident decided to sit down at her keyboard and write
her first novel she chose the genre she knew and loved so well. "Lord
of the Isles" has all the ingredients of a classic fantasy romance novel
-- an exotic setting, a handsome Scottish highland warrior, a heroine looking
to reignite a little passion in her life and pure unadulterated eroticism that
would curl your grandmother's toes. After
traveling to Scotland for a photo shoot, the heroine, Ali, dreams that she is
making love with a well-muscled highland warrior, but when she awakens she realizes
that it isn't a dream. The warrior is real and she has been transported back to
the 16th century, The
man whose laird she has somehow infiltrated, was recently wounded in battle and
she must nurse him back to health. Ali's
presence begins to stir up feelings in our highland hero left long dormant after
the tragic death of his former wife. Add a little Scottish magic and even the
most fearsome warrior cannot resist. As
you might be able to tell, "Lord of the Isles" has been written for
a specific audience. It is pure escapism designed for a largely female audience
looking to detach themselves from reality, if only for a few hours. If
the front cover with a half-naked, well-muscled male clutching a sword at his
side is not a dead giveaway, then this description given by the Romance Dish is.
"If
you like strong, sexy highlanders and feisty heroines in a fast-paced medieval
adventure that holds your attention from cover to cover, curl up with a copy of
Debbie Mazzuca’s delightful debut," the Dish opines. Mazzuca
comes by her talent naturally. Her grandfather, Dudley Copland, is an accomplished
author and he encouraged Mazzuca to put her thoughts on paper and develop a style
all her own. Over the years she worked on several manuscripts, but her dream of
one day becoming a published author took a back seat to her role as a wife and
mother of three children, not to mention the owner of several successful businesses. With
the children having grown up and the businesses sold, Mazzuca was able to dust
off the manuscripts and focus on completing her first novel which demonstrates
her immense writing skills. The narrative is colourful and rich, the characters
have depth and the pace is quick and lively. Take
this paragraph from the opening chapter for instance... "Five minutes later
she had to admit it wasn’t so bad. The air was fragrant with the heady aroma
of flowers, the misty rain warm and gentle on her face, and the scenery amazing.
Some of the tension eased from her shoulders, and then she heard an ominous rumble,
and a bolt of lightning crackled across the gloomy afternoon sky. Within seconds
the clouds opened up and the rain came down in buckets. Ali shook her head and
laughed. What else could she do—cry?" The
more erotic moments in the novel are also extremely well-written. So much so,
in fact, that I would highly recommend any males reading this review go out purchase
a copy of the book for their wife and then schedule a date night to coincide with
the last chapter. Afterwards, make sure you send a thank you card to Ms. Mazzuca. As
for any women out there looking to spice up there lives, "Lord of the Isles"
will certainly do just that. And once you're finished, you can look forward to
the second book in Mazzuca's highland series which isn't due out until next spring.. "Lord
of the Isles" can be found in most book stores including Coles in Place d'Orléans,
or you can order it online for just $4,99 at amazon.com
or chapters.indigo.ca. (This
story was made possible thanks to the generous support of our local
business partners.) Return
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