Reviewing:Captured Prey

Late last year, I had the pleasure of reading Craig Odanovich's debut novel, The Black Widow Trainer.  I also reviewed it here, giving it a completely positive review.  Recently, I read Craig's second novel, Captured Prey, the next book in The Black Widow Trainer series.
I had really been looking forward to Captured Prey.  I had a lot of questions as to what Craig would do with the characters and their further adventures.  Captured Prey surpassed my hopes.
Writing a book review is always tricky.  I want to tell about some of the exciting stories and plot twists, but I don't want to ruin any of it for anyone.  My goal is to convey the excitement, intrigue and adventure, without spoiling any of the story.
I can say the story picks up with Misty returning from Argentina (where she spent time with her best friend Gabriella) to start a new training session and a new adventure in Texas.  Needless to say, the story does not end in Texas.  Misty even gets involved in the vicious world of politics.
I love the character growth in this book.  Misty delves into her feelings and examines her life.  Misty shows more depth and more maturity, while not losing any of her freedom.  Misty is developing into a strong, controlled woman.
New characters are added and some old ones reappear.  All of the characters are interesting and help shape who Misty is, but Misty is the star of this book (and series).
Misty is a fascinating character.  She is innocent in a way, yet very worldly.  Her lust for life is contagious and palpable.  She is completely likable, yet I found myself enjoying it when she got in a little trouble.  A good character (and good story) needs to get in (and out) of trouble at times.  It keeps everything interesting and shows that Misty isn't untouchable.  (Although once in the trouble, I rooted for Misty to get herself out of it.)
On Craig's site he states that the story "can be scandalous, racy, risque, steamy and adventurous".  I completely agree, but I also add that there is a very real element to the story and the characters.  That's what makes the series so interesting to me.
I could talk a lot more about Captured Prey, but my suggestion is for you to read it yourself.  It is now available on Amazon (book and kindle).  It is also available through Barnes and Noble.  The ebook version of The Black Widow Trainer is only $2.99 and Captured Prey is only $4.99.  Ebook, kindle, hardback...whatever format you like, just make sure you get on board with Misty and TBWT series!
Craig and Misty are going places.  Craig has already done several successful book signings for The Black Widow Trainer, along with doing several interviews, including one on Playboy radio and one here on Johngy's Beat.  It is an exciting time for Craig, but also for us readers.  I am already looking forward to the next book!

Revisiting The Black Widow Trainer

Last week I reviewed The Black Widow Trainer, Craig Odanovich's debut novel.  After reading and enjoying it, I had the chance to ask Craig a few questions.  I enjoyed Craig's analysis almost as much as I enjoyed his book
Craig talks about how he came to write TBWT, including his observations at the gym, buying helpful books on novel-writing and putting together a focus group.  I found his approach and execution interesting.
Craig's approach to the sexual content is interesting, too. Misty's encounters aren't forced or blatant.  Once again, Craig uses a good balance.
I am always impressed when someone combines common sense with a creative sense.  I think this is a key component of Craig's success here.  Craig wrote about real human relations, reactions and feelings.  I never felt like I was reading fiction.  It was more like reading about a real person.  Also, this real person with exciting adventures had real problems and concerns about herself and her life.
Finally, Craig discusses the future of TBWT and of other potential works in his head.  He even gives us a few hints about what's ahead for Misty.
This is simply my shorthand version of my Q&A with Craig.  For Craig's complete answers and insight, please click on the box at the right  Craig's answers aren't shocking.  In fact, they make perfect sense.  Maybe that is part of why I liked TBWT.  It makes sense.  It is a fictional tale with enough drama and excitement to keep me hooked, but also enough normalcy to make it believable.

Craig Odanovich and his debut novel The Black Widow Trainer

Reviewing:The Black Widow Trainer

Reviewing a book written by a friend could be a sticky situation.  How would I tell the author if I didn't like the book?  Fortunately, I don't have to worry about that after reading The Black Widow Trainer by Craig Odanovich.  I really enjoyed this book, described as an erotic adventure novel.
Misty is a physical trainer, who is in a passionless marriage.  An unexpected weekend with a stranger pushes Misty towards a new life.  After an honest discussion with her husband, Misty embarks on her new life as a high priced trainer/escort, while still maintaining the security of her marriage.  Thus the black widow trainer was born.
I don't want to give away too much of the book though.  The rest is filled with interesting new characters, unexpected plot developments, adventures and exotic locations.  Each adventure is almost a short story in itself.
Misty's husband isn't lost in the shuffle either.  He plays an important part in Misty's life and the book.  I hope to see more of him in the future.
Craig did a great job with character development.  The characters were interesting and realistic and fit in the story.  Nothing seemed forced and nothing seemed wasted.
The entire book left me wanting more, in a good way.  I want to know what happens to Misty's husband, where Misty's new life takes her and how Misty grows.  I also want to see how Craig will keep it interesting, so as not to be simply endless, pointless encounters. Basically, I want Craig to continue this series, while staying true to the original.
Ordinarily, I would not pick an "erotic adventure" novel to read.  If you think the same, I encourage all to give The Black Widow Trainer a chance.  Make no mistake, this isn't a cheap romance novel.  Misty's encounters were important both in character growth and story development.  There is still plenty of action, but there is so much more offered than just that.
The Black Widow Trainer is available through Amazon and also Barnes and Noble.  Craig has also set up a Facebook page for The Black Widow Trainer.  The FB page is full of info about the book, including the entire first chapter. Also, Craig just opened a website for The Black Widow Trainer, which has the first chapter, some reviews and additional info.
I really encourage everyone to get this book.  As the Black Widow Trainer series continues, you'll want to be able to say you were in her web from the start.

Craig Odanovich at a book signing in San Antonio, TX-October 2010.