Reviewing Tali Spencer's Victory Portrait.

Victory Portrait (Pride of Uttor #4) by Tali Spencer 3*

BLURB: Imperial captive and former Sebboyan prince Peta Kordeun has one great wish: to meet Darius Arrento, conqueror of his country and a man he has idolized since childhood. That wish comes true the day the Uttoran emperor assigns Peta to assist the artist who will be painting the great general’s official portrait.

General Darius Arrento would rather take a crossbow bolt through his flesh than sit for a portrait, until his friend the emperor forces his hand. The notorious artist, Brazzi, uses semen and other sexual fluids to bind his colors—and Arrento is captivated by the artist’s pretty helper. Before long he is driven to possess the gorgeous young man who draws battle maps and whose naïve charm has won more hearts in Uttor than Arrento has won battles.
When Arrento learns that Peta, the slave he covets and wants for his own, is one of the despised Kordeun princes, he storms from Uttor toward a far corner of the empire—where he quickly finds himself embroiled in a plot to tear Uttor’s empire apart. His emotions and loyalties frayed, the great Arrento is in the battle of his life…and Peta may hold the key to his survival. 

My Review: I was given a copy by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Although this was the fourth in the series it was a stand alone story, which I was glad of having not read any of the previous ones (yet).  Tali writes a truly sexual story but gives it depth and meaning by adding in a lot of military action and political intrigue. I am astonished to say I actually liked one of the secondary characters almost more than the main ones. Brazzi the artist was so irreverent and licentious that you can't help but like him, plus the use of semen as a binding agent for paint was extremely interesting and makes me wonder if it would have really worked.  That isn't to say I didn't like the main characters because I did and I especially liked how the two of them reconciled. I am off now to look for the first three books to add them to my wishlist :D

Tali Spencer give us her Ten Tips for Becoming a Better Writer.

When baby writers ask me how to be a better writer—they ask me because I've been writing a long time—my first quip is likely to be that they should become a deeper person. Or a healthier one. Developing one’s craft should be a writer’s top priority, because the better we are as writers, the better we are able to tell those stories taking shape in our heads.

So if you want to write stories that move, excite, and surprise readers, here are my tips for how to do that:

1. Become a deeper person. What we imagine, understand, think and feel and can pass on to others, is based on our own lives and whatever learning we have acquired. The more you know, the more you are, the more you can write. 

2. Become a healthier person. Few writers achieve success in a state of perpetual drunkenness or other unhealthy condition. Writing by its very nature isn’t the healthiest of lifestyles to begin with. We spend way too much time inside our heads and with our asses planted in chairs. So get up, take the dog for a walk, and chances are that troublesome bit of dialogue will flow. Why? Because exercise sends oxygen to the brain and elevates your energy levels.

3. Read good writing. If all you read is lazy, uninspired, or dreadful writing, chances are good you’ll pick up some bad writing habits. Read the good stuff and your brain will pick up far better examples of how to do things.

4. Study good writing. Sure, your brain will pick up some things simply through exposure, but if you love how Amy Lane makes you feel all warm and gooey take the passage that made you feel mushy and do an autopsy. What words did she choose? How did she arrange those words to create that feeling? Why does that sentence have so much impact? There are reasons certain arrangements of words work more powerfully than others. Figure out how by studying the masters.

5. Be yourself, not a copycat. Writing that tries too hard to sound like someone else seldom succeeds in being fresh and exciting. Good writing reflects the writer’s unique voice. I challenge anyone to read To Kill A Mockingbird and say it doesn’t sound distinctive. Same with any other really good piece of writing. The writer comes through and shines. So write it your way!

6. Write a lot. Whether you’ve been writing fiction for forty years or for only a few weeks, if you don’t write something every day (not including vacations or mental health breaks…we get to have those just like everyone else) you are doing your writing a disservice. Skills can get rusty. Writing in itself is like working a muscle: it becomes easier and stronger the more we use it.

7. Learn the difference between a rough draft, a first draft, and a polished draft. A rough draft should never be seen by anyone—unless your editor or agent forces you to do so, and then you must swear them to secrecy. After revising and fixing the most glaring errors, your first draft might be worthy of seeing the light of day: aka beta readers. Better yet is to produce a polished draft, one you have let sit to cool off and have revisited with an eye to making it shine.

8. Make friends with other writers—especially if you like their work. Other writers help us become better at what we do by being advisors, supporters, and just plain good friends. Not everyone in the world can understand or empathize with the troubles and frustrations that drive writers insane. Can’t figure out how to make something happen in your story? Ask another writer. Got a touch of writer’s block? Talk it out with fellow writers.

9. Get the best beta readers possible. What you want are people whose observations about your writing you can trust. It’s also essential that their critiquing style mesh with your ability to take criticism. The “brutally honest” beta may be wonderful at what she does, but that won’t help much if her blunt tone crushes your joy in writing. The same advice goes for editors. Get the best possible, but be mindful that they are not one size fits all.

10. Write what you love. This doesn’t mean you can’t write to the market. If Belle Epoch romances are a hot sell, find something about the Belle Epoch that excites you and write a story with that kernel at its center. Your joy in writing your story will come through the words. If you hate what you’re writing, or aren’t excited by it, that comes through also and readers will notice. Always give your readers the best book or story you can deliver. That, more than anything, will make you the best writer of all.

Book Tour and Giveaway for Victory Portrait by Tali Spencer.

Author Name: Tali Spencer
Book Name: Victory Portrait
Series: Pride of Uttor
Book: Four
Release Date: April 6, 2016

Blurb:
Imperial captive and former Sebboyan prince Peta Kordeun has one great wish: to meet Darius Arrento, conqueror of his country and a man he has idolized since childhood. That wish comes true the day the Uttoran emperor assigns Peta to assist the artist who will be painting the great general’s official portrait.

General Darius Arrento would rather take a crossbow bolt through his flesh than sit for a portrait, until his friend the emperor forces his hand. The notorious artist, Brazzi, uses semen and other sexual fluids to bind his colors—and Arrento is captivated by the artist’s pretty helper. Before long he is driven to possess the gorgeous young man who draws battle maps and whose naïve charm has won more hearts in Uttor than Arrento has won battles.

When Arrento learns that Peta, the slave he covets and wants for his own, is one of the despised Kordeun princes, he storms from Uttor toward a far corner of the empire—where he quickly finds himself embroiled in a plot to tear Uttor’s empire apart. His emotions and loyalties frayed, the great Arrento is in the battle of his life…and Peta may hold the key to his survival.

Pages or Words: 78,600 words
Categories: Alternate Universe, Fantasy, Gay Fiction, M/M Romance, Romance

Excerpt:
“You want me to assist the painter. Only that?” Peta asked.

“Yes. I just want you to understand you will be naked and…Brazzi will want you to be sexually aroused.”

“What?”

“It’s what Brazzi does. Not for himself—not unless you’re a woman—but for his method. He was tried three years ago on charges of obscenity because he uses…sexual fluids for mixing his paint. He truly is a genius. His colors are astonishing.”

“And you want Arrento to see me like that? Naked and…being used?”

“No.” Gaspar was being firm. “I want a portrait of my general. And I happen to think that the sight of you will keep his ass firmly planted for whatever sittings the painter requires. You see, Darius has one weakness—only one. He cannot resist a thing of beauty—and you, my pretty slave, are the most breathtaking young man I have ever had the privilege to look upon.”

Peta flushed. Gaspar wasn’t smiling. The man was serious.

Could he do it? Did he want to do it? Peta knew he was pretty. His looks had blessed and cursed him all his life. His beauty had attracted Kesme as a fellow cadet and was what Kesme had praised that last night when they’d made love...and Peta’s face was what Lukacz, his own father, had sought to destroy, thinking that doing so would release him from predation and unnatural desires. And now Gaspar, too, wanted only one thing…

“Just sit there and look pretty,” he said, heart sinking as he grasped what Gaspar was asking him to do.

“Only if you’re willing. I’m not completely oblivious to what this sort of service might entail. It could be rather…awkward. On the other hand, it might not be for long. Darius can be stubborn. It’s possible he won’t show up.”

And just as possible that he would.

Peta wanted to say no but he could not get his mouth to form the word. He might never get another chance to see Arrento, perhaps hear his voice. Be in the same room with him.

He’d be silent…naked…terribly exposed even in his utter worship.

But he would at least be able to say he had seen the great man.

“I’ll do it,” he said.

Buy the book:
Resplendence Publishing: http://www.resplendencepublishing.com/m8/816-201-119-942-5--victory-portrait-pride-of-uttor-book-four-by-tali-spencer.html
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Victory-Portrait-Fantasy-Romance-Spencer-ebook/dp/B01E1I7GX0/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1460397555&sr=1-1&keywords=victory+portrait+tali+spencer

ARe: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-victoryportraitprideofuttorbookfour-2017021-340.html

Meet the author:
Tali Spencer delights in erotic fantasy and adventure, creating worlds where she can explore the heights and shadows of sexual passion. A hopeful romantic and lover of all things exotic, she also writes high fantasy and science fiction. If you would like to see inspiration pictures for her characters, or glimpse how she envisions her worlds, check out her Pinterest boards.

Thanks to a restless father, she grew up as a bit of a nomad and still loves to travel whenever she can. Her longest stint in one place was Milwaukee where she went to college, enjoyed a series of interesting careers, and raised three surprisingly well-adjusted sons. She later married her true love and put down new roots in Philadelphia, where she lives in an ongoing Italian American family sitcom. At least she’s learned how make good pasta. When not writing, Tali reads everything from sweet goofy romances to medical research, manages her fantasy football team—go Gekkos!—and takes long walks with her loving, if slightly neurotic, poodle.

Tali’s other books include the three preceding Uttor books: Captive Heart, Dangerous Beauty, and Adored, all with Resplendence. Her gay male high fantasy stories, Thick as Thieves, Sorcerer’s Knot, and The Prince of Winds, are published by Dreamspinner Press. She often posts free stories and excerpts on her blog.

Where to find the author:
Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/tali.spencer
Twitter: @tali_spencer
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/talispencer/
Blog: http://talismania-brilliantdisguise.blogspot.com

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29851588-victory-portrait
Publisher: Resplendence Publishing
Cover Artist: Melody Pond

Tour Dates & Stops:

18-Apr: Prism Book Alliance
19-Apr: Decadent Delights
20-Apr: Bonkers About Books, Full Moon Dreaming
21-Apr: Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words
22-Apr: Fangirl Moments and My Two Cents
25-Apr: The Novel Approach, Happily Ever Chapter
26-Apr: BFD Book Blog
27-Apr: My Fiction Nook
28-Apr: Bayou Book Junkie, V's Reads
29-Apr: Oh My Shelves
2-May: Elisa - My Reviews and Ramblings, Book Lovers 4Ever
3-May: Kirsty Loves Books, Open Skye Book Reviews
4-May: Alpha Book Club
5-May: Wicked Faerie's Tales and Reviews
6-May: Molly Lolly
9-May: A.M. Leibowitz
10-May: Divine Magazine
11-May: Love Bytes, Man2ManTastic, The Fuzzy, Fluffy World of Chris T. Kat
12-May: Andrew Q. Gordon, Nephy Hart, Rebecca Cohen Writes
13-May: Louise Lyons, MM Good Book Reviews

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