The Romance Groupie

Shannon K. Butcher

2008-01-23T23:35:00.000-06:00

HOT new author!!!

A book-lovin' friend told me about this author's debut book No Regrets, which was released last February. So, of course, book-hog that I am, I ran out and bought it the next day and now I'm completely enamored with this author's writing and she's going on my auto-buy list.

Here's the blurb:

NO SURRENDER
Renowned cryptologist Noelle Blanche refuses to have blood on her hands. So when the military asks for her help in a covert operation, she refuses - until masked gunmen raid her home and threaten her life. Suddenly it’s all too clear that the blood spilled may be her own. Noelle has no choice but to trust the dangerous stranger sent by the military to safeguard her. A stranger who is everything she detests, everything she fears…and everything she desires.
NO LOOKING BACK
Former Delta Force operative David Wolfe thought he left it all behind—the horror, the hurt, the guilt. But now the men who savagely murdered his wife have set their sights on a brilliant cryptologist who can lead them to the cache of weapons they prize. As passion ignites between David and the woman he’s sworn to protect, what began as just a mission escalates into the fight of his life. But can he prevent history from repeating itself?
NO REGRETS

I was totally into this book from the first. It's a great example of romantic suspense that is strong in both the romance and the suspense plot-lines with incredibly engaging characters. It did have some pacing issues at a few points where I was ready for more action to further the suspense element but that is literally my only complaint.

As much as I enjoyed No Regrets, I was totally blown away when I got my hands on No Control the next book in the series (just released).

Here's the blurb:

No Hiding
Lana Hancock knows all about danger -- and betrayal. Eighteen months ago, she was captured by a terrorist group known as the Swarm while one of its member, a rugged man with sinfully dark eyes, did nothing to help her. Now when she’s freed and desperate to put it all behind her, the unthinkable happens. The Swarm is targeting Lana once again and the man who stood silently by has become her protector. But can she trust him?
No Escape
Delta Force operative Caleb Stone will never forget the hatred shining in Lana’s eyes. Ordered to take down the Swarm by infiltrating its ranks, Caleb couldn’t blow his cover to save her -- no matter how much it haunted him. Now, gifted with a second chance, he vows to move heaven and earth to protect her…and fulfill her every desire. But the Swarm has reorganized. It’s more powerful than ever and hell-bent on revenge…
No Control

Once again, Butcher created both a strong romance and strong suspense plots and blended them together with finesse. We met the hero (one of a trio of friends including David) in the first book and I was immediately intrigued by him. He brings tortured hero to a new level and suffers immensely from the remembered horror of standing by, watching as the lives of innocents were taken and someone with such a beautiful spirit as Lana was beaten so brutally. He had to stand firm to wait for the opportunity to irradicate the entire terrorist group and save the lives of many others but, despite the fact that he would make the same choice again if he had to, it haunts him.

Lana is an amazing heroine, strong and giving. After rising to the challenge of survival and recovery, she is compelled to devote herself to her cause of helping children. Sounds too perfect? Not really, she is very realistically created. She still has a good-sized dose of survivor's guilt and has nutured her hatred for the operative that stood by and did nothing while her friends were murdered and she was brutalized beyond recognition. However, after seeing the torment burning in the eyes and soul of Caleb she discards all of her daydreams of expressing her hate for him, lets the hatred go, and gains a greater understanding of the choices forced upon him. She still gives him a hard time because not only is he a reminder of that terrible time but she has secrets that she fears could put her families safety in jeopardy.

It's really and excellent read. It also introduces more Delta Force men that I hope we'll see in the future and gives some insight on the third member of this trio of friends, Grant, who freely admits that he's waiting for his "turn" at happiness and love. Since he is so willing to embrace the future and emotions, his heroine will probably have to be the one convinced that HEA's do exist. I can only imagine what type of heroine he will be paired with and the hurdles he will have to scale to convince her that they belong together.

Learn more about Shannon K. Butcher.

Sherri L King's Horde Wars

2008-01-11T22:28:00.001-06:00

II have been devouring Sherri L. King's series The Horde Wars over the last couple of days (I'm a bit obsessive when I find an interesting series). They're paranormal erotic romances available from EC.

Ms. King built a unique world and cast of characters with interesting paranormal elements all wrapped up in this series. The basic premise is that there is a secret war taking place that the humans are unaware of - the battle between the Daemon Horde (the bad guys) and the Shikar (aka the good guys). The Horde is made up of monster-like creatures who, throughout the series, begin to evolve into slightly more intelligent and powerful creatures - much to the horror of the Shikar who are the only thing standing between the Horde and the fragile humans. The Horde literally eats humans and crave psychic humans in particular.

The Shikars are warriors (well, the males are) who have special powers (power over elements like fire, knife-like objects springing from their bodies called foils, time/space travel, etc.). They are not humans and although they do 'dally' with human women, their sperm is actually poisonous to them but we later find out that some human women can be converted to Shikar after dying from the poison. I totally loved these heroes - their abilities depend on which caste they're from but they're all dangerous, kick-ass alpha males.

In all four books the heroes are powerful Shikar warriors (although the last book is about the leader who is The Elder and not your average warrior) and the heroines are human females with psychic powers that attract the attention of the Horde and thus the attention of the Shikar who want to protect (and recruit) them. I really loved all of the characters - the females were very strong and sassy and the males are dangerous but loving. The action was really well written and was a nice foil for the romance which is the focal point (of course) and bulk of the stories. The love scenes were hot, although there was a little tongue/anal action that had an "ick" factor for me personally but overall very exciting.

The only book I didn't like as much was the last one LORD OF THE DEEP. It just felt like there was too much going on outside the main characters in this book and I didn't really connect with them. Nor did I feel like they really connected with each other - the evolution of their relationship is very quick and jerky. Also, there are a lot of loose ends left dangling in both the storyline and the character development... like it never really feels like the heroine gets control of her power (and what exactly IS her power?) which is supposed to be a major issue in the book. This one just didn't work like the rest of them did.

There are also two related "Shikar" books (I haven't read them yet) titled: Caress of Flame & Ride the Lightening.

Sherri King's website is too 'techy' and hard to navigate IMO so for more info I recommend checking out Sherri L. King’s booklist at Ellora’s Cave.

The "baddies" and some important lessons...

2008-01-06T20:51:00.000-06:00

I realized that I'm neglecting posting about books I really don't like so here's a rundown of some of the less-than-wonderful things I've read in the last few days.

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The Zoo by Eve Vaughn

This was WILD - pun intended. I actually purchased this e-book knowing that it probably wouldn't be to my taste but after reading the blurb I was just very curious as to how the author would write such a scenario.

It's a futuristic and the basic story is that a deaf earth-woman is taken prisoner by a group of aliens and sold to another planet as an animal attraction at their Zoo. Of course, she's humanoid and similar to the inhabitants of the planet but because it is so far removed from earth (and they don't speak the same language) they don't know that earth people are intelligent beings.

The hero of the book is one of the zookeepers and he is the best at working with difficult "animals" so he is assigned to work with the new earth creature. He realizes that she isn't a "beast" to be put on display and is extremely attracted to her but knows that in order to help her he has to keep his hands off of her because sexual relations between the two of them would be considered un-natural (since she's a zoo exhibit) and could land him in jail where he would be unable to help her at all. Finally, he realizes that the only way he can save her from living and being treated (poorly) like an animal at the zoo is to escape with her leaving - which he'll do because he loves her, of course.

Did I mention that the hero has two penises? No? well I should have. And what is the plural of penis - does anyone know? Is it peni? Penis's? Penis'? I just really don't know. I also should have mentioned that the zoo also has a male earth beast on display and the zoo hopes that the heroine will procreate with him. Sadly, their plot is doomed to fail because the male is gay. The zookeepers don't know that of course, since they don't even understand that earthlings are sentient.

Since I got it merely to satisfy my curiousity, I wasn't expecting much. The story wasn't absolutely horrible but it wasn't very good either. The characters were pretty flat and the plot needed way more developing to be any kind of decent read. But it was kind of a thought-provoking premise. What would aliens think of us? Would we be lower life-forms to them?

If you're curious too this one (and others in the series) is available from Changeling Press.

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The Dark One by Angela Knight

This is another one from Changeling Press that I got yesterday. It was actually the reason that I wandered onto the Changeling website in the first place - I was searching for more AK books. I bought it on the basis of her name but WHOA!! It is NOT the Angela Knight that I adore reading. The story was dark and brutal in regards to the sexual content (which is almost all of the content). I'm not going into details but it went way beyond my personal boundaries.

TODAY'S LESSON #1: There really is a "dark side." If you don't want to see it, be careful where you look.

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Mating Net by Rowena (Beaumont) Cherry

This is a prequel to FORCED MATE by Rowena Cherry (who evidentially uses Rowena Beaumont Cherry for her more spicy reads *snorting in disbelief*). I've read FORCED MATE and thought it was basically OK (but just OK). So when I came across this on the New Concepts website I decided to give it a try. UGH!

TODAY'S LESSON #2: A rose by any other name sometimes smells really, REALLY bad.

This book was HORRIBLE. Some of the worst crap I've ever seen published. Not because it was obscene or anything but because it was just crap! The development of the characters, the plot, heck - even the world building was non-existent. The whole damn book was absolutely pointless. Fifty-eight wasted pages containing a whole lot of NOTHING. I wish I could get both my time and money back. The only way this story should have seen the light of day is as a 'freebie' on Rowena Cherry's blog. It was so poorly written that I really can't believe they have the nerve to charge money for it. It's rubbish!

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Feline Heat by Madelaine Montague

This one was like a car accident - I just couldn't look away. Yes, I actually finished the story but who knows why.

Here's what I posted elsewhere when talking about it to a friend:
**MAJOR SPOILER ALERT!!!**
“This woman is being forced by the mob to be an exotic dancer to pay off an old boyfriend's debts. So they capture and bring in a Siberian Tiger and a Lion to be part of her act but what they've actually captured is two guys who are shape-shifters -their base forms are cats but they can shift into humans. Anyway, she's terrified but she's supposed to rub up against the animals and stuff while dancing but the shape-shifters are aroused by her even in their cat form and the tiger ends up *edited for language* having sex with her on stage - AS A CAT!! Yeah. Rips her and everything. NO *edited for language* kidding! So then, she knows she's going to be forced to perform with them again so she frees the cats - only they're men - and they take her on the run with them. And they keep randomly having unemotional (IMO) sex with her - not like menage but like who-gets-sloppy-seconds? Despite the fact that their kind isn't supposed to be mated to a human they both feel like they are. In the end, the chick ends up pregnant - which supposedly can only happen if a human REALLY loves a shifter - and, of course, it's twins. But who is the father? Nobody knows until they're born because they've both been 'seeding the field' so to speak. So the two cats (who have random bouts of challenging each other for her - cause cats don't normally share anything) decide that whoever the father is (evidentially they can tell when they're born) will be the one that gets to stay with the chick and the other will have to leave. Oh.... but it gets better. The twins are born and they're, of course, fraternal twins. And both cats are the fathers - one baby for each of them. NOT KIDDING!!! So they stay as one big happy cat-family. Oh yeah... and did I mention that the cat-shifters are foreign and English is the second language and it's actually WRITTEN with an accent with them saying everything like "I'm tinking ve vill run from the man-children wid dis veak and helpless pretty little ting" In the end, both shifters admit that they "luf" her. SERIOUSLY!””

TODAY'S LESSON #3: The instant gratification of e-books may lead to impulse buying and THERE ARE NO RETURNS!!

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This concludes today's lessons. I hope we've all learned a little something today - I know I have!

Shadow Music by Julie Garwood

2008-01-05T00:20:00.000-06:00

Shadow Music by Julie Garwood

I am a rabid Garwood fan and unlike so many others, I love both her historical AND her contemporaries. I have NEVER been disappointed by a Garwood book until the previous one -Shadow Dance - which I thought was just a little flat for such a spicy character as Noah Claybourne but I still enjoyed.

Despite the fact that the feedback about Shadow Music has been mostly negative, I was ready for another "Garwood Experience." Sadly, this book is more like a false store-front version masquerading as a Julie Garwood novel. It all just felt superficial - no real depth to the characters, the romance, or the plot.

I'm not going to go on and on because what I have to say it much like what is being said everywhere else but if you want a more in-depth review I recommend checking out the ones on Book Binge or Dear Author. I'm just too disappointed to put any effort into it right now.

Unchained by CJ Barry

2008-01-03T22:49:00.000-06:00

UNCHAINED by CJ Barry
The Blurb on the author's site for this book wasn't that great - in my opinion - so I'm going to summarize.

Cidra Faulkner's entire family was killed in a brutal massacre in retaliation for a supposed wrong done by her father. She escaped notice and therefore death that night and spent the next 10 years in hiding being trained to be a Kin-Sha warrior. When her friend and mentor dies, leaving her a box containing incomplete but compelling proof of her father's innocence, Cidra is determined to fulfill her duty and gain justice for her family and regain honor for the Kin-Sha. Luckily, her mentor has left her more than leads to the truth of the past, he's also provided the perfect partner with the means to get the job done.... Grey Stone. But as they travel, research and learn more about each other Grey quickly becomes more than a means to an end.

Responding to his former Kin-Sha mentor's request, Grey arrives just in time for the burial but in plenty of time to fulfil his last request - help Cidra find the proof of truth about the millions of deaths blamed on her father. Cynical and distinctly untrusting of women - well, anyone really - Grey nevertheless makes her part of his crew knowing all the while that resisting the combination of beauty, innocence, and warrior-woman that is Cidra will be nearly impossible. And he's right, the passion between them flares so hot and the emotions so deep that Grey finds himself willing to risk everything he cares for - himself, his ship, his crew... for Cidra's mission and safety.

My Thoughts:
I really, REALLY enjoyed this story! I've read all of CJ Barry's futuristic romances... or so I thought until I ran across this one listed on the New Concepts Publishing website. It was like an undiscovered gem!

The characterizations are awesome - Cidra is strong, sassy, and kick-ass but she is also sweet, vulnerable and innocent. She's very straight-forward, speaking her mind and doing what she thinks is best. I really loved this character - Ms. Barry did an amazing job blending Cidra's almost contradictory traits into a realistic and engaging whole.

Grey is cynical and doesn't trust people in general but not to the extreme that it makes him bitter. He is hardened by life's experiences but intelligent enough not to let it block him from finding love with Cidra. Grey's a great combination of strength and tenderness with a wee bit of naughty rogue and arrogant commander in him (it must come with the territory of being a treasure hunter). I SO fell in love with him - can you tell?

The plot, which revolves not only around Grey and Cidra's relationship but also finding the truth of the past "crime" that Cidra's father allegedly committed. It is very well developed, cohesive, and perfectly paced leading the reader into the action and through various revelations and emotional (relationship) levels with precision- I absolutely couldn't put the book (OK, ebook-reader) down until the end.

Find out more about Unchained and where to buy it in its various forms (it comes in e-book or paperback).
Find out more about CJ Barry.
CJ Barry also writes romantic suspense with a paranormal twist as Samantha Graves.

A little after Christmas reading....

2007-12-27T01:47:00.000-06:00

The Christmas-rush is over - thank goodness! I love the season but every December 26th I'm a veggie lying limply on the couch all day trying to "recover". Here's what I've been reading during the after Christmas let-down...

The Accidental Vampire
by Lynsay Sands

This book was kick-ass! Then again... most of Lynsay's books are. Victor is an enforcer for the council that is sent to a small town to investigate a woman who placed an ad in the personals claiming to be a vampiress looking for a relationship with a male vampire and the rumor going through the club scene that there is a female vampire residing in a certain sea-side town. This is a big no-no according to the 'laws' because it draws attention to their kind. When he arrives, under the guise of a potential suitor who has been corresponding with said vampiress for weeks, Victor discovers that the woman, Elvi, didn't place the ad or correspond with him (or rather his friend at his behest) at all- it was her well-meaning but very meddling friends. And he is not the only immortal to respond to the personal, which results in a cast of characters that add to the opportunity for many an amusing scene.

It also becomes quickly apparent that the personal ad leading to possible exposure is the least of Elvi's offenses, the whole town knows who and what she is and she's been biting mortals. To make matters worse, because she had no Sire to train her not only is she ignorant of their laws, the very laws that my result in her losing her head... literally, but she's been sleeping in a coffin and *gasp* stopped eating real food (including cheesecake and chocolate!!) for the last 5 years due to the fact that she used the movie Dracula as her guide to living as a vampire.

When Victor realizes that she's his life mate he is torn between duty to the council and joy at finding someone to spend the rest of his days with. Then the attempts on Elvi's life begin and Victor (along with the other immortal men who answered the ad) are in a race against Elvi's independent nature to keep her from further injury.

The only issue I had with the plot is part of the ending where the threads (most of them at least) are tied off. Things were a little to conveniently wrapped up in conclusion with the people trying to kill Elvi, the threat of the council's wrath, and even the other immortal men brought to town by the personal ad. It was just a wee bit too pat.

This book has a good dose of Lynsay Sands' trademark humor mixed in with the romance, mystery, and light intrigue. I found myself laughing out loud at several points. I can't wait for the next Argeneau vampire romance to come out in February!

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Double Vision
by Fiona Brand

I was intrigued by this one because it appeared to be a romantic suspense with a bit of a psychic paranormal element - which it was... sort of. There was nothing particularly wrong with the author's writing but this book should not be classified as a romance, in my opinion. The romance was VERY poorly developed and the hero was a pretty flat character. I was highly disappointed. However, I'm betting that readers who like mystery/suspense books would find this very enjoyable. I just don't recommend it for romance readers.

Merry Christmas to all...

2007-12-24T09:39:00.000-06:00

Hope you all have a great holiday!

Random Recommendation

2007-11-29T18:10:00.000-06:00

Because we've been remodeling the kids' bedroom, I haven't had much time to read lately (I have read only two books in the last week and that is REALLY bad since I normally read 1-2 a DAY!) but one of the books I read was an oldie but goodie that is one of my favorite futuristic/paranormal romances by author Jayne Ann Krentz so I thought I'd give it a quick mention.

From the back cover:

Sariana was a cool, confident business-woman, an outcast from the East determined to regain her rightful status. Gryph was an intense mercenary respected and feared throughout the opulent cities and savage frontiers of the West. But from the moment they met, fate made them one. Was it their destiny to be bound to a powerful force that both captivated and frightened them? When Sariana and Gryph join forces in a dangerous quest to save their world, their love is tested to its limits - sweeping them into undreamed realms of shimmering, shattering ecstasy.

This description doesn't really touch on the paranormal elements... Amazon has a good review/description of the book posted though.

Now... back to work for me! Although the room itself is now finished I'm still dealing with the fall-out (messy and disorganized) that it caused in the rest of the house. *sigh*

Contests... contests... and more contests....

2007-11-14T22:21:00.000-06:00

Here's a rundown of some of the interesting contests I found during my recent search:

My top contest pick.... *keeping my fingers crossed*
For November, Angela Knight is giving away a signed Advanced Reading Copy of BEYOND THE DARK, which contains her novella, Dragon Dance.
Enter Contest Here!

Win a copy of Shelly Laurenston's THE MANE EVENT and PACK CHALLENGE along with a Shelly Laurenston carry-all bag.
Enter Contest Here!

Enter Meljean Brooks' contest for an Advance Copy of the 5th book in her Guardian series DEMON NIGHT.
Enter Meljean’s Contest Here!

Win a bounty of books from Kathryn Caskie.
Enter Contest Here!

Enter Linda Conrad's to win a $30.00 gift certificate to Walmart, a box of Godiva, and the entire six book set of Linda’s Night Guardian series! I won one of Linda's contests for the whole Night Guardian series previously so I'm not entering this one but I thought I'd let y'all know about it - the series is interesting and well-written.
Enter Linda’s Contest Here!

Starting November 10th and going through Dec. 22nd, you can enter for a chance to win a signed copy of Julie Miller's AT YOUR COMMAND, along with one backlist title--winner's choice! All you have to do is email her your answer to a multiple-choice question about which cover is HOTTEST. This one was my choice...

Is this smokin' or what???
Enter Contest Here!

Win a signed ARC of Gemma Halliday’s upcoming release UNDERCOVER IN HIGH HEELS and some High Heels goodies.
Enter Contest Here!

And finally, Bertrice Small is giving away a $50 gift certificate to Borders Books this month.
Enter Contest Here!

Happy Entering!!!!

Savage by Lila Dubois

2007-11-09T17:33:00.001-06:00

SAVAGE
Book 2 of the Zinah
by Lila Dubois

Savage, the second story in the Zinah series, is the story of Anleeh, the ex-Zinah called "Lord Justice." Anleeh is tasked by the King and Queen to facilitate agreements between the people of his homeland, the Den, and the new monarchy. His companion for this venture, Siara, is the Headmistress of the Temple College who longs for adventure. But adventure is not the only reason Siara is eager for the journey - the chance to explore her great attraction and long-denied feelings for the former Zinah is an opportunity she can't pass up.

The Den are brutal and raw in their passions. The mixture of submission and wildness is highly prized (and expected) in the women and at first Anleeh is reluctant to subject a female, any female, let alone a sheltered, plain pigeon like Siara to such conditions. He also harbors a secret fear that returning to his homeland will trigger his "beast", the one that made him the pride of the Den but which he has learned to control during his years of service as a Zinah.

As they journey through the lands and Anleeh begins Siara's training in the ways of Den culture and sexuality, he soon learns that Siara, though not of the Den, has her own "beast" and it is a powerful match for his. But can she accept and love him once she sees the reality of his beast in all its brutal glory in action?

I loved Savage even more than Forbidden (book 1) – which was a major emotional rollercoaster that I think we (as readers) and the characters had to experience before we could get to this point and move on in the series. I was completely absorbed in Savage by page 10 and couldn’t tear myself away from it long enough to even put the laundry in the dryer. I HAD to know what happened next!

Both Anleeh and Siara are well-rounded and realistic characters (for a paranormal-type book). They both have their own insecurities and flaws - they are not perfect cookie-cutter characters but rather a mixture of vulnerability and strength. Anleeh is alpha and a dominant male although not in a “me say, you do” sort of way – not even during the ‘training’ sessions but he is vulnerable to his need for control of his beast and his desire for acceptance of that same beast. Siara is highly intelligent, which often causes her to examine the world around her in a methodical, analytical way, but she also a woman who longs to explore her passions but only with the warrior she secretly fell in love with at first site so many years ago. The fact that she is not the average ‘perfect-body hottie heroine’ makes her even more interesting to me – although Anleeh (and the other warriors of the Den) think she’s pretty damn sexy!

The story was well-paced and moves forward in both the action and the emotion at a steady pace to the climax of the storyline. Most of the story takes place on the journey and revolves around the budding emotions of the two and Anleeh preparing Siara for Den life. In that part, I actually felt most connected to Anleeh but the most emotional scenes (IMO) come once they reach the land of the Den and then I felt more connected to Siara because of her experiences and emotions related to the cultural differences, specifically the violence and public expression of sexuality and because of her new awareness of self and power that she gained from being ‘trained’ on the trip there.

Overall, I rate Savage as a KEEPER. Not only is it highly erotic, it’s emotionally engrossing and actually rather intellectually stimulating – I see the author’s anthropological background shining through Siara in some parts of the story.

Learn more about the author, Lila Dubois.

Buy Savage, now available from Liquid Silver Books.

Update & some randomness

2007-11-08T21:05:00.000-06:00

Savage is here (YAY!) and I forgot to post that it was available now on Monday. Actually, when I posted that it was only "two more days 'till Savage" on Sunday I was off by about a day... I seem to be in a time-warp right now and can't figure out what freaking day it is. *sigh* I downloaded it late Monday night but haven't had time to read it yet.

I did re-read Ritual of Proof by Dara Joy in random bits of free time this week. I enjoy the book but it's such an alternate warped reality from what we are used to in romance novels. I can't help but be TOTALLY fascinated with any writer who can create such a story and make it enjoyable. Still, whenever I read it I feel a vague internal sense of wrongness throughout because it is so opposite of the what society considers the "norm" - it really is an interesting piece of romance literature.

I'm in the middle of reading Atlantis Awakening by Alyssa Day right now (because Savage on my PDA and a hot bath just don't mix - so I had to choose a regular book to start instead). Atlantis Awakening is KICKING BUTT and takin' names so far.

So, what is everyone else reading?

Only 2 more days 'till SAVAGE!!!!!!!!

2007-11-04T00:19:00.000-05:00

Find out more about Lovely Lila's contest HERE!

Find out more about Book 1 of the Zinahs HERE!

Which Zinah is your Match?

AnleehThat sexy fun exterior hides a dark and dominant side. Want to know more? Check out Anleeh's story, Savage, available November 5.http://www.liquidsilverbooks.com/books/savage.htm
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HURRY!!! for Gena Showalter's ARC contest.

2007-10-30T01:58:00.000-05:00

The party has started over on Gena Showalter's blog. This author of awesome paranormal romances is having a blog-party to celebrate this week's release of books from other great authors. Today (MONDAY), she is having a contest on her blog for a signed ARC of Savor Me Slowly - she'll be drawing on Tuesday morning, I think, so enter quick!

ENTER HERE!

If you don't make it in time for this contest, pop on over to her blog anyway - she'll be running new contests everyday (M-F) this week. Woohoo! Contests!

Embrace The Darkness by Alexandra Ivy

2007-10-28T16:43:00.000-05:00

Release Date: October 30, 2007

The Blurb:
Lady Shay is the last of her kind. Half human, half Shalott, her blood is a precious aphrodisiac to vampires, who consider it more precious than gold. Though Shalotts are renowned assassins, a curse held over Shay lands her on the slave auction block, where her fate is uncertain...
Viper, the beguiling chief of a deadly vampire clan, can't explain his longing to possess the beautiful Shalott who once saved his life, but now he is free to do anything he wants with her. Strangely, while he desires both Shay's blood and body, he wants her to surrender willingly.
A hidden evil has been stalking Shay since she left the slave market with Viper. It is an evil that endangers the very existence of Viper's kind, and there's no reason he should court such danger just to protect a Shalott. But the love he feels for Shay is enough to make him willing to go to hell and back if it means spending an eternity with her in his arms...

My Thoughts:
It's been less than a year since the first book in Alexandra Ivy’s (aka Deborah Raleigh) Guardians of Eternity series came out but I (and many others that I know) have been EAGERLY awaiting book two. It's finally here! For those who may not have read the first book yet, Embrace the Darkness is about two interesting secondary characters that we met in Book 1.

I LOVED THIS BOOK! Yep, you heard me. Looooooovvvveeeed it! The characterizations are fabulous - I really felt like I connected with both Viper and Shay. The storyline was exciting, well written, and kept me glued to the book until the very last page.

Viper is a great hero. Although he buys Shay from from the slave auction, he is not quite sure why he buys her or what exactly he's going to do with her, but he knows that he must have her with him - he has been unable to shake the memory of her from his mind since they fought the witches together (in book 1). In fact, before 'buying' her he spent weeks setting up the bedroom and things she would need (or want) to be comfortable in his house. He finds Shay to be exotically beautiful, exciting and a little dangerous with a core of honor and courage and it isn't long before he finally realizes what it is he wants - her... forever.

Shay is totally pissed that Viper buys her after she saved his life and although he calls her "pet" (which I find so sexy but he kinda does it to rile her up) as a nickname, he takes her home and essentially treasures her. He is strong, sexy, tender and he leaves Shay feeling TOTALLY confused. She's never had a 'master' treat her like Viper does and to top it off he is a vampire whom she would normally distrust and despise after her father was murdered by one and she has been in danger of becoming a delicious vampire snack (because of her Shallot blood) since birth. She can't bring herself to hate him though, the attraction is too strong and she begins to see much to admire and love in her vampire 'owner' who doesn't act like he owns her at all but rather like an equal and willing lover.

The big conflict/suspense of the storyline is that someone else wants Shay - bad enough to attack and kill anyone or anything in their way. This element is very well plotted and ties up very nicely in the end. Ms. Ivy also started the set up for the next book (Styx's) enough to make me hunger for his book without giving too much away or getting in the way of Viper and Shay's story. The next book in this awesome new series, Darkness Everlasting will be out in May 2008 - I can't wait!

I highly recommend this book for readers who love parnormal and vampire romance! It's an excellent example of the paranormal sub-genre that balances the paranormal, the romance, and the suspense elements to create a riveting effect on the reader. It's not essential to read the first book in the series to get into this one (it's pretty stand-alone) but I recommend reading When Darkness Comes anyway just because it was so good.

My Rating for Embrace the Darkness:

True Deception by Patricia Waddell

2007-10-26T18:37:00.000-05:00

The Blurb:
A man who lives for revenge and a woman who clings to hope. Together they fight a common enemy . . . and discover a passion neither one dreamed could exist.

Aedon Rawn’s world died the day his wife and child were murdered by Conglomerate pirates. Now, his only reason for living is to avenge their deaths. The Directorate gives him that opportunity when he’s selected to become their first undercover agent. His mission: infiltrate and destroy the oppressive government of an outer region colony.

Kala Char’ari is a woman in need of a miracle. She’s dedicated her life to freeing her people, but they're on the edge of extinction. Risking everything, she dares to trust a dark stranger with the hardened heart of a warrior.

My thoughts:
The storyline of True Deception is pretty basic and one familiar to lovers of futuristic romance. The people of Hachyn are being oppressed and abused by the government and Kala is the second-in-command to (and being trained to be the next) the leader of the resistance. When her mentor is killed she has to put her trust in Korcian undercover agent, Aedon Rawn (although she doesn't KNOW he's an undercover agent). She's attracted to him and despite the fact that their first sexual encounter seems to be more of a result of her grief over the loss of her father-figure/mentor than true lust, she falls in love with the man that she knows is keeping secrets but cannot resist following her instincts and believing he means to help them fight the Conglomerate.

Aedon's wife and daughter were killed by the Conglomerate (the same gov't responsible for oppressing the people of Hachyn, and he wants revenge - his assignment is to assist the freedom fighters of Hachyn in overthrowing the conglomerate reps there and destroying factories that the Directorate (the good guys) believe may be producing weapons. When Aedon meets Kala he begins to feel emotions he thought he'd never feel again after the loss of his family

I really liked the first book in this series, True Blood. It was a wonderful futuristic romance - the perfect blend of romance, danger, and suspense.

This second book was a bit of a disappointment though. It was not bad, it was actually an OK read but I felt the story itself was kind of blah and the attraction between the H/h didn't feel very 'sparky' or real. I wasn't pulled into the story -probably because is was heavily detailed on the suspense side and not developed enough in the romance - I didn't really get to know enough about the main characters' "inner" selves enough to care or feel connected. But the part that took this book from a "Keeper" to a "Library" rating was that the ending felt somewhat incomplete and there were several random threads in the story that were never resolved, had no discernable purpose but seemed important at the time they were introduced, or were resolved too easily - that frustrates me because I have such a curiosity problem.

On the other hand, Ms. Waddell did an excellent job portraying Aedon's need for revenge and sorrow over the murder of his wife and child without it becoming an overblown conflict or letting it detract from the relationship between the H/h. While I don't highly recommend True Deception, it was a decent read - I have definitely NOT given up on this author or this series. I do highly recommend the first book True Blood though - it was a total keeper!

My rating for TRUE DECEPTION by Patricia Waddell:

What I've been reading

2007-10-25T17:28:00.001-05:00

Just to get caught up since I was MIA for so long here are some recommendations for GREAT books that I read earlier this month but won't be going back to review:

Wicked Pleasure & Wicked Fantasy by Nina Bangs - paranormal

Unmasked by CJ Barry - futuristic

Bloodfever by Karen Marie Moning - paranormal (it's written in first person though *gag*)

An Enchanted Season Anthology (I recommend Nalini Singh's contribution only - the rest were pretty blah) - Paranormal

The Sword, The Wolf, The Master by Joan Johnson - Paranormal (this is a FABULOUS series!)

Planet X by Evangeline Anderson - Futuristic

I discovered a couple of AWESOME new authors and read a bunch of their books I highly recommend:

Joanna Wylde (her books are available at EC) - futuristic

Lisa Renee Jones paranormal

Here an ARC, there an ARC, everywhere an ARC ARC

2007-10-25T01:13:00.000-05:00

Alright.... y'all will have to rush on some of these but here are some of the interesting ARC contests happening this month:

Alexis Morgan (*sigh* Paladins make me HOT!) is having a contest for an ARC of her upcoming book Redeemed in Darkness. It's real easy to enter.
http://www.alexismorgan.com/contest.html

Enter Sarah McCarty's contest for an ARC of Caine's Reckoning at http://www.sarahmccarty.net/contest.html

Win and Advanced Reading Copy of Lucy Monroe's upcoming book Deal With This.
http://www.lucymonroe.com/contest.htm

Now, I've never read this author (she looks a little too tame for me) but just in case any of you are interested: Lauren Willig is offering an ARC of The Seduction of the Crimson Rose.
http://www.laurenwillig.com/diversions/contest.html

Cynthia Eden has a Halloween giveaway on the Bradford Bunch blog for an ARC of A Red Hot New Year. http://www.thebradfordbunch.com/cynthia/arc-giveaway-and-another-contest-too/

There were more great contests but my fever is back and I'm going to bed now. Damn cold! But I do want to make mention of a contest that Casee posted over at Book Binge for an autographed set of Robyn Carr's trilogy. Check it out! http://thebookbinge.blogspot.com/ This one ends Friday so BE QUICK!

On the upside, at the bookstore today I got:
Star Shadows by Colby Hodge
True Deception by Patricia Waddell
Embrace the Darkness by Alexandra Ivy
Highland Guardian by Melissa Mayhue
Howl at the Moon by Christine Warren (who has her website updated now and it looks GREAT!)

YAY!!

Alive

2007-10-22T14:09:00.000-05:00

Yes, I'm alive (thanks for checking on me, Casee. You're a sweetie!). I hope everyone hasn't crossed me off of their blog-destinations since it's been so long. I had an express college course that was kicking my butt plus it seems like the kids have been in a perpetual state of illness. I swear I've spent more time in various doctor's offices with the kids in the last month than I did for the entire year of 2006. It's been a WILD time!

Anyway, I'm back. In fact, I'm going out to the bookstore today and, book-gods willing, they'll hopefully have some of the new releases that I'm looking for in stock and I'll be blogging about them soon and I have at least 3 great ARC contests to tell you all about.

Here's a little something as a reward for coming back to see me even though I've been MIA for OVER a month!

And for my friend Y:

The Contest Scoop - September

2007-09-12T01:37:00.000-05:00

Hey everyone!

Here are some of the more interesting results to my recent contest-hunting expedition.

Vicki Lewis Thompson is counting down until the release of Over Hexed her upcomoing paranormal romance (a new direction for Thompson) and she's got a WHOPPER of a contest going on! It's a two-month contest with three tiers of prizes. All winners will be drawn on October 1st (the day before Over Hexed arrives in stores).
First prize is a $300 gift certificate to Barnes and Noble and your choice of six books from Vicki's backlist.
Second prize is a $200 gift certificate to Barnes and Noble and your choice of four books from Vicki's backlist.
Third prize is a $100 gift certificate to Barnes and Noble and your choice of two books from Vicki's backlist.
More Info: http://www.vickilewisthompson.com/contest.html

WooHoo!! The fun that I could have with one of those gift certificates!!!!!

I'm a JAK fan.... are you? Jayne Ann Krentz (aka Jayne Castle; aka Amanda Quick) is having a contest! The prize: a Sizzle and Burn ARC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
More Info: http://www.jayneannkrentz.com/drawing.html

Bloodfever - due out Oct. 16 - by Karen Marie Moning is giving away and ARC (advance copy) on her website.
More Info.: http://www.karenmoning.com/news/contest.html

Here's one that I'm pretty excited about! The second book by Alexandra Ivy (aka Deborah Raleigh) is due out in November. Her September contest winner will receive an Advance Review Copy (ARC) of Embrace the Darkness!!! YAY!
More Info: http://www.deborah-raleigh.com/contest.html

No Rest for the Witches is on my "Buy" list for October Lori Handeland is having a contest for an ARC of this anthology with stories from her and 3 other bestselling authors.
More Info: http://www.lorihandeland.com/contest.html

Marianne Stillings is offering up TWO ARC's of her upcoming release (book 2 in the Darling Detective trilogy) "Satisfaction".
More Info.: http://www.mariannestillings.com/index.htm

This one is ending the 25th so hurry! Shana Galen's contest is for an ARC of Blackthorne's Bride which is due out at the end of October.
More Info.: http://www.shanebolks.com/contests.html

Here's another one ending the 25th. Sydney Somers has ARCs (e-books) of her upcoming release Unbreakable for TWO lucky winners.
More Info: http://www.sydneysomers.com/

Brenda Joyce is giving away a ROMANTIC WEEKEND GETAWAY for two. The winner will also have the opportunity to be involved in the production of the book promo video. This contest ends October 31st.
More Info: http://mastersoftimebooks/contest..htm

Angela Knight is giving away a signed copy of her latest anthology "Warlord".
More Info: http://angelasknights.com/contest.htm

I've already posted about this one but it's not too late to enter!
Access Romance's quarterly ROMANCE GALORE contest for a box of 55 autographed romance novels ends September 30th.
More Info: http://www.accessromance.com/galore/index.php

From my latest reading 'obsession', Denise A. Agnew, you can win a download of her out of print historical MIDNIGHT ROSE.
More Info: http://www.deniseagnew.com/contest.html

Also of interest: http://www.joynash.com/contest.htm where Joy Nash is having a contest that offers the chance to win an autographed copy of the award-winning first installment in her Druids of Avalon series, THE GRAIL KING, plus a chance to win an Advanced Reading Copy of DEEP MAGIC later this year.

Happy Entering!

New Rating System

2007-09-09T23:58:00.000-05:00

So I've finalized a 'rating' system - & created corresponding graphics - for the books that I read and talk about here. Here are the 4 categories:

My VERY top rating: "Absolutely Amazing!" - these are the books that I ADORE and will highly recommend to EVERYONE. This will be used VERY RARELY. It would be for books like Nalini Singh's Psy/Changeling books, for example

"Keeper" is my rating for books that are.... you guessed it... going on my keeper shelf. These are books that I love - ones that I will re-read again and again. I think these books are worth buying and recommend them.

Rating a book as "Library" means that it was an OK book but not worth the money. These are the books that I wish I had gotten it (or am glad that I DID get it) from the library. They're not a recommended read but not a total stinker either.

Finally, this rating is for books that I "wish I'd passed on..." These are books that I REALLY didn't enjoy - basically, the books that I thought sucked.

What do you guys think... good system?

Is this the HOTTEST Nathan Kamp cover?

2007-09-03T10:40:00.000-05:00

I've blogged about Nathan Kamp being on SO MANY covers a couple of times. And I continue to find more and more (older) books with him as the model. Now that I've noticed it's like I became hyper-aware and I'm seeing him EVERYWHERE! I just can't escape.

Yesterday, I read Truly, Madly, Dangerously by Linda Winstead Jones (good book, by the way) and I kept thinking to myself... that cover is SMOKIN' HOT!

Then I looked closer.... guess who the male model is? Yep. Nathan Kamp. So I'm voting this the HOTTEST Nathan Kamp cover I've come across.

What do you guys think? Is this the hottest? Or do you have another NK favorite?

If you post the title of the book with your favorite Nathan Kamp cover on it I'll find it and add it to this post so we can see what everyone thinks.

Caressed by Ice out TUESDAY!

2007-09-01T15:56:00.000-05:00

Nalini Singh continues her amazing PSY/CHANGELING series with yet another AWESOME story.

Judd is the ultimate weapon, a Psy so deadly that the existence of his kind has been reduced to myth & legends. He left his life and his position as an elite soldier for the Psy Council and brought his family to the SnowDancer den to protect them from the Council's order for their rehabilitation - a life worse than death as a living zombie. Although his other psy family members have found a place for themselves in the pack Judd, the most dangerous, is still looked upon with suspicion by most. However, only Brenna is a threat. Judd needs the emotionless existence of Silence in his mind to prevent himself from losing control of his talent and causing the death of the innocents around him and the sensual wolf-changeling woman is a danger to his control.
Brenna is recovering from the torment of being at the mercy of a twisted serial-killer Psy. The experience of having her mind raped by a sadistic monster has left her with shattered-looking eyes and powers no changeling should possess. The attraction and safety Brenna feels with the coldly-beautiful psy male seems inconceivable but the pull is strong and she turns to Judd when her life and sanity is threatened again.

The body of a packmember, whose death Brenna saw in a ‘dream’, is discovered with marks similar to the ones left by the serial-killer Psy who brutalized Brenna. That mad Psy is dead so who is this new killer… and how is it connected to Brenna?

I absolutely ADORED Caressed by Ice! This is the best book I’ve read since… well, since Visions of Heat was released earlier this year.

I was the tiniest bit afraid that Brenna would be a helpless-victim type of heroine but in reality she is beautifully strong and capable. And Judd is an amazing alpha hero. Ms. Singh did a wonderful job showing us the truth of the man beyond the Psy training, buried under the layers of Silence. I never felt that Judd was truly cold or emotionless and despite the fact that he was an assassin and had done bad things in the past, I saw him as a strong, and noble man doing what he believed was best to protect others.

The progression of the relationship between the characters was captivating, as was the change in Judd. Even as he struggled to maintain Silence for the safety of others, his emotions and connection with Brenna are a painful/pleasure that he can’t refuse. And the love scenes were steamy… who knew that a man from a race of emotionless, sexless people could be that HOT?!? Can you tell that I totally fell in love with him? LOL!

The storyline flowed really well with a great balance of romance & suspense. Ms. Singh included more secondary character scenes (which I ended up skimming the second and third time I read it) than in the previous books but they add necessary background information.

***SPOILER ALERT***
I loved that Brenna kicked ass in the climax of the suspense plot. After being victimized previously, it was awesome that she defended herself and didn’t totally have to be ‘rescued’ again. It was very well-done and reinforced the strength of character and determination of Brenna while still allowing Judd to do the ‘hero’ thing too.
***END SPOILER***

I didn’t want this story to ever end! Nalini Singh has created an extraordinary world & vivid characters for her PSY/CHANGELING series. This is the third book and it’s as fabulous as the first! I seem to fall in love with the first book of a series and then subsequent books are never quite as good as the first to me but so far I am loving every book – it would be too hard to pick a favorite.

Rating: DEFINITELY A KEEPER!!!

Visit Nalini Singh’s website: www.nalinisingh.com
Behind the scenes info about the PSY/CHANGELING series
Buy Caressed by Ice

If you haven’t read them be sure to check out
Slave to Sensation and Visions of Heat

PIMPING: Sealed with a Kiss by Lila Dubois

2007-08-31T01:25:00.000-05:00

It's 1:21 am Friday morning here. That means that Samhain's August 31st releases are up and available. Why is this cause for celebration you ask? *snort* as if you need to ask... helloooooo NEW BOOKS! Always cause for celebration.

But today it's special because my friend, erotic romance author, and all-around kick-ass chick Lila Dubois has a short-story - SEALED WITH A KISS -available at Samhain.The BLURB:
When a man who isn’t human is accidentally enslaved by a woman who has no idea what he is, the result is magical.

A Midsummer Night’s Steam story

Signing up for a one-week adventure vacation, Helena expects to be kayaking in the Pacific, not having every sexual fantasy fulfilled in her guide’s bed.

Ocean is more than he seems, his kayaking business a cover for his deepest secret.

When Helena accidentally enacts old magic, enslaving Ocean, he doesn’t know if she is the luckiest girl on earth, or an enemy of his kind, bent on imprisoning him forever. Ocean’s strange behavior worries Helena but she’s distracted by the mind-blowing sex.

After the truth is revealed, will their budding love be Sealed with a Kiss?

OK, I don't like the cover but this story is really good! SEALED WITH A KISS is a sexy, vivid, and unique paranormal romance. How do I know? I got to be a.... beta reader, I think it's called. Is that right, Lila? Basically, I got to read an early version of it and then analyze the crap out of it (which we all know I love to do). I've got the final version now and it's just CALLING to me. I can't wait to re-visit Ocean (the sexy hero). Oh, yeah... and that heroine-type chick too.... what's her name? Well, it doesn't really matter since I'm going to have to kick her butt to keep Ocean for myself. *sigh* He's so FINE. Then I'm going to get the bungee cords from the back of my mom-mobile (aka minivan) and tie him naked to the.... oh, wait.... did I type that aloud?

Lila is in the process of changing and updating her website so be sure to check it out. In the BOOKS section you can find more information about the first book in Lila's wildly erotic paranormal romance series about the Zinahs. (not related to Sealed with a Kiss) There is also a FREE anthology available on the page.

Anyway, off to read now....

CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR NEW BOOK, LILA!!

My Immortal by Erin McCarthy

2007-08-30T23:36:00.000-05:00

The BLURB:
In the late eighteenth century, plantation owner Damien du Bourg struck an unholy bargain with a fallen angel: an eternity of inspiring lust in others for the gift of immortality. But when Marley Turner stumbles upon Damien's plantation searching for her missing sister, for the first time in two hundred years it's Damien who can't resist the lure of a woman. But his past sins aren't so easily forgotten-or forgiven.

My Thoughts:
This book starts off on a sour note for me. The hero is a selfish bastard and I hated him.... in the beginning. For all of you who have picked up this book and abandoned it after reading the first little bit that focuses on Damien (I have a friend who did this) then pick it back up and keep slogging through the crap.... it does get better. It took me about 15 minutes and revealing a TON of spoilers to convince my friend of this fact but it REALLY does get better.

The storyline is pretty simple, and one that we romance-readers have seen about a hundred thousand times but rarely get tired of:

Older sister (aka THE MARTYR) rushes to the aid of younger sister (aka THE IRRESPONSIBLE SELFISH BRAT) because she feels it's her responsibility to 'rescue' said younger sister. Of course, the rescue doesn't go as planned because younger sister has taken off to party somewhere else but big sister doesn't know where and is horribly worried so she goes to the 'last known' location and tries to track her down.

Enter the big, bad, immortal (aka THE misunderstood BAD BOY). Immortal demon meets older sister and is wholly fascinated and entranced by her beauty and goodness as well as the fact that she is the ONLY woman who can resist him. Demon tries to stonewall older sister so that she will go away "for her own good" because he is BAD and dangerous but demon realizes that he wants her too much to let her go. Demon then says that he'll help older sister because he wants to get into her pants. Then he gets into her pants and finds love there (*snicker* - I couldn't resist) and revelations are made that help us readers (and later big sister) understand that demon isn't as bad as he seems. Of course, about this time irresponsible little sister shows up, is a vicious brat to older sister, then toddles off to 'play' again without regard for anyone else. Older sister's trip was a useless endeavor but she can't be THAT upset because she met the immortal demon. Oh, Yeah.... but she doesn't KNOW that he's a demon.... yet.

And last, but certainly not least, add in a big helping of "EVIL PLOT" which only older sister can save bad-boy demon from, with a dash of "EVIL DEMON LORD-type" character, and a smidge of "SEMI-EVIL DAUGHTER OF EVIL DEMON LORD-type" and you get.....

TA DA!

My Immortal by Erin McCarthy

OK... so I'm in a silly mood. I think the brain is fried from studying. LOL!

Seriously now, while this book wasn't a fabulous read it was decent enough despite the rocky start with the hero. The plot flowed well and was enjoyable, if overly familiar, as were the characters. I had heard that it was supposed to be a new 'darker' direction for for her books but I REALLY don't think it was a dark book. Actually, in that respect I thought it was more equal to Katie Macallister's paranormal books. The writing style isn't the same and McCarthy's books don't have the humor that is normally an element of McAllister's writing, but I would recommend My Immortal to people who enjoy Katie MacAllister.

RATING: Library (I'm starting a new 'rating system' so I'll post next about what this means).

I've read all of McCarthy's books but my favorite continues to be Mouth to Mouth which is being re-released with a nice new cover in November.

Here's the cover of my copy:

Here's the NEW cover:

I like the new cover better but if I remember correctly the woman's hair color is wrong.... hmmmmmmm.... I think I need to re-read it but I thought she was blond-ish.

What do you all thing. Is the new cover hotter or is the more plain, first one better? Is it irritating when pubishers re-issue with a different cover? I've heard (and voiced) many a complaint about being foold by a new cover into thinking that it's a new book and buying it before realizing that it's a re-issue. Doesn't happen so much since I began keeping a database but every once in a while I get caught that way.

Tuesday is the day for HUNTING THE DEMON!

2007-08-26T22:19:00.000-05:00

I'm book-pimping today......

Hunting the Demon
by Jaci Burton

The BLURB:
IN A WILDERNESS SEETHING WITH SIN AND SEDUCTION, THE CHASE IS ON.
Hunting demons for a living can have its moments. Especially when Shay Pearson’s latest quarry is the gorgeous bronzed surfer who just stepped out of the sea. Uncovering Nic Diavolo’s devilish side could prove Shay’s toughest assignment yet. Because while she’s acting as bait to snatch this sexy bad boy, Nic’s got a plan of seduction no woman—earthly or otherwise--can resist.
Caught between two warring realms, Nic needs to stay alive long enough to figure out who his enemies are. That includes the beautiful hunter who won’t let him out of her sight. And something far worse: A force of evil with an almost unimaginable goal – possessing Nic’s very soul. But the hunt really heats up when a guy who’s hotter than Hades and a woman who’s afraid to love join forces, igniting an inferno of lust and longing that could send them into mortal danger...or straight into each other’s arms…

MY SUMMARY:
Shay Pearson is a kick-ass demon hunter who volunteers to be 'bait' for Derek's long-lost younger brother Nic Diavolo. Because, like Derek, Nic is half-demon, she makes contact to assess him and whether he should be brought into their group or eliminated. Shay voluteers for the assignment because she feels a connection to Nic partially because of her psychic visions but is unprepared for the attraction between them which is instantaneous and electric. Circumstances force her to call the team in to kidnap Nic and, of course, he sees it as a betrayal and is enraged. Shay and the other demon hunters try to make Nic see the truth of his demon-family heritage not only because they need his help to stop the demons plans but also for his own safety.

Nic doesn't believe a word his 'kidnappers' say. His father wasn't evil, he has no brother and he certainly isn't half-demon. He knows he has to pretend to believe in order to escape and the only real part of his 'act' is the attraction and feelings he has for Shay. Before he can completely escape, he sees the reality of the demons for himself and knows that the demon-hunters were telling the truth. Now he must prove that he can be a part of the team and regain Shay's trust because her visions depict a horrifying possible future if he should lose control of the demon inside him - and he can't control it alone.

My Thoughts:
I have been eagerly anticipating this second book in the Demon Hunters series since Derek and Gina's book- Surviving Demon Island - came out in January and I wasn't disappointed with Nic & Shay's story.

I didn't fall instantly in love with Nic the way I did with Derek (the grouchy hard-ass) in the first book. In the beginning, Nic seemed to be a useless rich, pretty-boy surfer - I began to worry that I wasn't going to like this character which can ruin a whole book for me. I kept on reading and I began to see Ms. Burton's purpose in portraying Nic that way. The way he was at first served to accentuate the progression of his metomorphosis into a strong hero throughout the book. The core of determination inside Nic is tapped by his discovery of the existance of demons and he now has a purpose and a direction.

Shay was a good heroine, although the one major problem I had with this book has to do with her psychic ability. First, she fights the visions even when they could help them - OK, I know that they leave her feeling wrung out but I thought she should have been more open to them for the good of the team; Second, she has had these psychic visions since childhood but nobody else knows about them. My problem with this is: If she's so affected by them (left weakened or shaken by them) how can we believe that the whole group of highly observant demon-hunters, who spend almost all of their time together, wouldn't notice this about her? Third, suddenly in this book she is the one sensing the demons because of her psychic powers and the two people who usually sense them are suddenly 'unable' to. I could buy this if there were some explanation but there wasn't (or if there was I TOTALLY missed it).

Other than my beef with her psychic talent, I liked Shay. She was the perfect match for Nic - able to kick demon ass but still vulnerable and loving. I felt that this was a good combination for her because Nic needs someone to protect, as well as to be protected by. And despite his demon nature and his transformation into hero-material, he still had a bit of the playful surfer in him so Shay's loving personality fit.

Overall, I found Hunting the Demon to be well-paced, sexy, and engaging. I planned on skimming through it yesterday just to refresh and ended up re-reading it again... I got sucked into it. Surviving Demon Island is still my favorite - I loved Derek & Gina but this one is a solid addition to the series and book #3, The Demon's Touch, is due out in 2008 and will be on my 'buy' list.

Visit Jaci Burton's website
Pre-order Hunting the Demon

Glossary of PC Messages

2007-08-24T10:49:00.000-05:00

It says: "Press Any Key"
It means: "Press any key you like but I'm not moving."

It says: "Press A Key"
(This one's a programmers joke. Nothing happens unless you press the "A" key.)

It says: "Fatal Error. Please contact technical support quoting error no. 1A4-2546512430E"
It means: "... where you will be kept on hold for 10 minutes, only to be told that it's a hardware problem."

It says: "Installing program to C:\...."
It means: "... And I'll also be writing a few files into c:\windows and c:\windows\system where you'll NEVER find them."

It says: "Please insert disk 11"
It means: "Because I know darn well there are only 10 disks."

It says: "Cannot read from drive D:...."
It means: "... However, if you put the CD in right side up..."

It says: "Please Wait...."
It means: "... Indefinitely."

It says: "Directory does not exist...."
It means: ".... any more. Whoops."

It says: "The application caused an error. Choose Ignore or Close."
It means: "....Makes no difference to me, you're still not getting your work back."

This post is sponsored by my damn computer which crashed AGAIN! I HATE MY COMPUTER! Either the devil has possessed it or HP has put out this particular model as a cruel, cruel joke on the customers.

A few books available early & my "To Buy" list

2007-08-22T21:34:00.000-05:00

I was cruising through Border's bookstore looking for new books today (yeah, I'm like a squirrel with nuts - I KNOW I'm going to run out of new books to read so I'm always trying to stock & hoard. LOL!) and what do I spy sitting on the new release table as pretty as you please?
Yep, you guessed it. Caressed by Ice! *gasping* I was shocked! Stunned for a moment. Thinking.... wait, it's almost two weeks until this is supposed to be out! But alas, the book was out there. It was soooooo tempting. Although I already have the ARC, I was reflexively tempted to snatch the book up and run to the register with it (Hey, it's my favorite author, what can I say?) but I restrained myself to wait for the actual release date so that I can be sure my purchase will count towards any bestseller lists.

Why, you ask? Well, from what I've 'heard' from several sources and Jacki Frank confirmed with her editor - books purchased before the actual 'release date' don't count towards the author's sales when they're tallying totals to decide who belongs on the bestseller lists. Weird huh? In addition, because it's a little unclear as to whether online sales count, it's better to purchase them at an actual bookstore. It makes no sense to me why only specific purchases should count but whatever.

So to be safe and because it's not really a hardship since my beautiful Caressed by Ice ARC is sitting on my bookshelf RIGHT NOW (OK, I know that was just downright mean-hearted but I can't help but rub it in just a bit more! *snicker*), I'll wait to buy my regular copy until September 4th when it's released.

I also saw Janelle Denison's book Born to be Wilde which has a release date of September 4th too. That's on my buy-list.

And Highland Thirst by Lynsay Sands & Hannah Howell was out - it's only a few days early though.

Other books on my "To Buy" list coming out within the next couple of weeks:
Dark Possession by Christine Feehan
Silver Master by Jayne Castle
My Immortal by Erin McCarthy
Strength of Three by Annemarie McKenna
Wicked Magic by Cheyenne McCray
Warlord by Angela Knight

I'm also considering Coming Undone by Susan Anderson. I liked her earlier romantic suspenses but haven't been terribly impressed with the most recent so I'm 'waiting' on that.

Tomorrow I'll be blogging about Jaci Burton's book Hunting the Demon which is due out on Tuesday. *using best TV announcer voice* Stay tuned.

Psy/Changeling Hero

2007-08-22T02:56:00.000-05:00

He's mine.... ALL MINE!
Here's my results of a quiz from Nalini Singh’s Blog called "Which Psy/Changeling Hero is for You?"

So here's my changeling honey....

Which Psy-Changeling Hero Is For You?

Your Psy/Changeling Hero: Clay

Intense, silent and beautiful in his masculine grace, Clay Bennett is a leopard who prefers the shadows. For the woman he considers his, he'll move heaven and earth...but first, you'll have to be willing to walk into the shadows to find him.Find out more about Clay and the series at www.nalinisingh.com
Take this quiz!

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AND, my results said out of 73, 0% had gotten this result. So Clay is MINE and mine alone! *evil laugh* OK, so maybe I'll share him with his heroine when the book comes out but he'll still be all mine until February!

On a related note: My Caressed by Ice review will be up later this week so be sure to stop back and check it out!

Denise A. Agnew

2007-08-22T00:05:00.001-05:00

I'm hooked.
I'm a junkie.
I CANNOT seem to stop buying and reading and loving this author's books!

I know I recommended her in another post but I've been on a real Denise A. Agnew binge so I want to share it with you all. She writes paranormal romance with suspense and some contemporary romantic suspense.

So far I've read:
Over the Line (SIA)
Primordial (SIA)
Night Scream - Novella (SIA)
Impetuous (SIA) -- one of THE worst covers... UGH!
Sins & Secrets (SIA)
Shadows & Ruins (SIA)
Jungle Fever (SIA)
Hideaway (SIA)
Clandestine (SIA)
Instinct (SIA) -- HOTTEST cover!! YUMMY!
and Male Call which I reviewed for RORR. Unfortunately, you can't view that review because it's not posted yet.

I've also got Dark Fire sitting on my shelf waiting, The Dare loaded onto my PDA just begging to be read - hey, any book that starts with the heroine seeing the hero through the window buck naked has my vote!!!

The only one so far that's been a 'stinker' to me was Hideaway. It was just kinda slow and boring. I found myself skimming parts and not really connecting with the characters.

My favorite is probably Instinct because of the characters (Lucas and Mina are HOT!) but as far as storyline goes Over the Line and Sins & Secrets take first and second.

All of them are available from Ellora’s Cave except Male Call which is published by Samhain. SIA is short for Special Investigations Agency and the books in that series are about people who work for a highly secretive agency that specializes in dealing with supernatural threats/beings/investigations. Some of them are heavier on the suspense than the paranormal but they're highly enjoyable and well-written IMO. Ms. Agnew has a talent for characterizations which make even the novellas (which I don't normally like as much) great.

So now I've got a new author addiction... I'm sure I'll be reading ALL of her books within.... oh, the next week or so at the rate I'm going. LOL!

I really recommend this author to lovers of suspense and paranormal romance. Now I'm off to read more. I've also got Serati's Flame, the newest book by T.J. Michaels waiting for me... it's been calling to me for the last hour in addition to the Agnew books. It's so hard to decide where to start!

Happy reading!

Primal Desires by Susan Sizemore

2007-08-21T23:03:00.000-05:00

The BLURB:
In Las Vegas, Jason Cage is known as "The Beast Master." But his onstage feats of magic are nothing compared to the abilities he keeps hidden from human eyes. Jason is Prime of his vampire family, and once used his telepathic skills to tame wild werewolves. It's a talent that leads him to beautiful, sensual Sofia Hunyara, who instantly triggers all of Jason's primal urges. Sofia is destined to be his bondmate, but keeping her alive long enough to convince her of that fact will not be easy.

Sofia has no reason to trust Jason, or to believe his story about her family's secret history as Wolf Tamers. The only thing she's sure of is an overwhelming attraction that quickly develops into a scorching affair. If Jason's claims are true, can Sofia embrace her legacy -- when it means walking away from a soul-searing desire that's deeper than any she's ever known?

My Thoughts:
Ok, so I've never been a big Sizemore fan - her books just don't have the oomph and sizzle, IMO. But I'm so desperate for reading material that I keep thinking each new book will be better. I just don't enjoy them. Not a single one has made it to my keeper shelf. So I've got to face the fact that this author is just not for me and stop buying her books.

HOWEVER, I will say that I think Sizemore fans will enjoy this most recent addition to her vampire series. I really liked the hero. He was tender yet strong. He also wasn't overly arrogant but still had enough Prime personality to be sexy. He also treats the heroine way better than the heroes of her last few books IMO - he really adores her. The heroine wasn't bad, I wasn't particularly impressed with her though.

*****MAJOR SPOILERS AHEAD******
The plot was a bit weak in places though. For instance, one 'conflict' element was the fact that the heroine was fated to be a Wolf Tamer. Super.... how interesting and this causes conflict how exactly? Well, supposedly he may have to let her go so that she can fulfill that duty. And I kept wondering why? He's not Clan, he's from the Families. Different rules. Plus he travels as a performer - it's not like his job or position is so important that they can't work it out. I just didn't get it. And it was not fully explained or resolved that I saw. It was just mentioned in passing a few times then the epilogue has a reference to how it was resolved but it wasn't a good resolution IMO. She basically doesn't become the Wolf Tamer and instead is the 'Beautiful Assistant' in Jason Cage's act. 'Cause we all know that is SO much more important and fulfilling than, oh.... helping the world. Whatever. There were a lot of elements like this that were thrown into the plot but not fully developed. And some very weird things too, like a vamp female who wants the hero to be a sperm donor and approaches the HEROINE with the request. The hero has already said no to the vamp once but the heroine tries to convince him to do it! Luckily, Cage says NO WAY... ALL of me belongs to you even though there would be no sex involved - I thought that was romantic.

Still, the premise and storyline of a Vampire Prime finding the Wolf Tamer to train her only to find that she is his mate was good. The training and the emergence of her powers was ok if a little vague. The rest of it... just blah to me -underdeveloped - but I liked it better than Primal Heat.

Did anyone else read this? I'd love some opinions on it!

I'm LOVIN' it!

2007-08-19T11:53:00.000-05:00

Well, I did it... I broke down and bought something to read my e-books on (other than my desktop computer). I've been debating between a straight up e-book reader or a PDA for a while but the expense of both made me hesitate.

But I finally chose.................ta-da!

The Palm Tungsten E2

So now, I can read all of my PDF e-books (I don't have to pay to get them in another format YAY!), I have my book buying spreadsheets on it and I can even modify them on there, I can listen to MP3's and watch certain video clips (I haven't tried this yet), I have pictures (it's my mobile brag book now), I have a calendar, my address book, my 'To Do' list, a memo function (no more sticky notes all over!), and many more things which I haven't explored. PLUS, it's Wifi capable! I just can't decide if I'm going to spend the extra $ to get the neccessary card to do that.

Oh, and did I mention that I have this hottie as my screen background on it? YUM!!

And, I got it for only $63 on e-bay. It's in perfect condition and came with all of the 'stuff'' and a nice case. Don't you LOVE e-bay! BIG kisses to vrod3315 who was one of the BEST sellers I've ever dealt with.

I'm so happy with my new toy!

It came in especially handy yesterday since I had to wipe and reconfigure/install my hard-drive. Grrrrrrrrr! BUT I sat and read e-books while the computer was 'working' so I was less frustrated than normal by the process.

Recommendations

2007-08-13T23:30:00.000-05:00

Here are some quick author/book recommendations that I want to throw out there although I'm not going to do any analysis/reviews of the books.

Denise A. Agnew has an awesome series for lovers of paranormal romantic-suspense! It's the Special Investigations Agency series and I've read 4 of them so far and loved them!! Most are available in e-book & print format from Ellora’s Cave.

Cindy Dees has an interesting series of books from Silhouette Bombshell. It's called the Medusa series, I guess. I couldn't actually verify that because her website has been taken down and eharlequin.com has precious little information about past books even from their own publishing lines. But it kicks off with The Medusa Project which was published in February 2005 (#31) and I highly recommend it!!

Touch of Darkness by Christina Dodd

2007-08-13T22:55:00.000-05:00

TOUCH OF DARKNESS
Book #2 in the Darkness Chosen series
Christina Dodd

The BLURB:
Handsome, powerful Rurik Wilder holds the power to transform himself into a fierce bird of prey-a gift that's caused death and destruction.
At last he's offered the chance to redeem himself. Only one woman stands in his way-a beautiful writer determined to wreak revenge on the assassins who murdered her family. Assassins, it's been rumored, who have powers no human should ever possess...

My Thoughts:
Yes, I know I said I wasn't going to do it. I wasn't going to purchase this second book in the series that got off to such a crappy start IMO. I just couldn't resist when I saw it on the shelf though and I caved and bought it.

MUCH better characterization, world building, and plot for this second instalment in Dodd's new series!

Rurik is an archeologist (of course) and Tasya is a photographer endorsed by the college/foundation (I can't remember which) that is funding the archeological dig. Both of them have their own personal reasons for wanting to be involved with the dig and those reasons relate to the Varinski's and the curse but Rurik seeks redemption for the Varinskis (at least his branch) and Tasya wants to bring Varinski secrets out into the public to destroy the clan. When the 'evil' Varinski's come onto the scene the H/h have to work together to stay alive and find the relic - although only Rurik knows that they're at somewhat cross-purposes.

The other side of the Varinski family tree as a threat is still a little weak but the search for the relic keeps the story going. The heroine's history with the bad Varinski's as a secret obstacle between Tasya and Rurik adds a good element of conflict as well. I did cry for a little while towards the end - which in some people's minds is a compliment about the author's ability to stimulate emotions in their readers but really.... I don't like the tear-jerkers unless I'm in the mood. But it didn't last long so all is well. LOL!

Overall, I was satisfied with this read. It's about half-way between a 'library' and a 'buy' type of read for me.

RATING: C+

Something Wicked by Catherine Mulvany

2007-08-13T22:20:00.000-05:00

SOMETHING WICKED
Catherine Mulvany

The BLURB:
Investigative reporter Regan Cluny is in hot pursuit of a reclusive philanthropist who is financing a mysterious archaeological dig in the California desert. Attempting to convince Charles Cunningham Nash to grant her an interview has proven impossible long distance, so Regan sets off uninvited for his dig to woo him in person. Instead, she meets with deadly trouble; a biker gang corners her at a remote rest stop, sabotages her car, and leaves her for dead on a country road. Miraculously, Regan survives with only one strange memory of her attack...and the man who comes to her aid is Nash himself.

Strongly attracted to her handsome protector, Regan can't know that Nash is a vampire tied to her attackers by a vicious blood feud that dates back to the Civil War - or that he has hungered for the life and soul of a mortal for nearly two centuries. With the local sheriff determined to nail Nash for the violence perpetrated by his dire enemy, Regan must decide whether the dark secrets of a lover she can't live without are something wonderful...or something wicked.

My Thoughts:
I have never read Catherine Mulvany but I saw the cover for this book a couple of months ago and put it on my 'to be considered list'. KICK ASS cover!!! Plus a 'kudos' from Christine Feehan on it!

Something Wicked was a decent paranormal romance. There was nothing wrong with the book and it's actually well developed and written. It was just a bit... well, dull-ish. Sort-of. I know this is SO unhelpful in helping others make a decision to purchase the book so I'll just say I wasn't bored but neither was I wow'd by either the characters or the plot. This would be more of a 'library' choice to me. Good to read but not run-out-and-get-it-now worthy. Actually, people just getting into reading the paranormal-romance sub-genre would probably enjoy this one. It's about 65% on the darkness scale. It's not a dark book but neither is it middle of the road either. Plus, it doesn't have a convoluted world or a system of paranormal beings that can make new readers long for a glossary so that they can figure out what's happening.

POTENTIAL SPOILERS!!!! BEWARE!!!!
This would REALLY be full of spoilers if I went indepth but here are a few issues I had with the book: 1) The whole 'reincarnation of past lover' thing.... doesn't really do it for me. It can be done well or it can be done VERY badly so I always worry when books have that element. Mulvany actually did pretty good - it didn't take over the story or cause any awkwardness in the heroine's internalization of her feelings for the hero. But still not my favorite. 2) The relationship between the hero's 'past love', the villian, and the reason for the animosity between the hero & villian has a bit of an ick factor for me. 3) How Nash was made a vampire - although that's kind of related to #2. Also, this didn't really bother me but some people will be irritated by the ending - the solution to how a vampire and mortal end up together. To me, the way it came about was a little too 'pat' but I know some people who won't enjoy it for other reasons - which I can't tell because that would be WAY spoiling.

Overall, it's worth reading but I wouldn't put it at the top of the TBR list. I'll be watching for her next one though and check it out at the library!

RATING: B-

Catch a Mate by Gena Showalter

2007-08-13T21:58:00.001-05:00

CATCH A MATE
Gena Showalter

The BLURB:
Jillian Greene is always getting caught in the act—it's her job! Working at Catch A Mate, Jillian gets paid by suspicious wives to smile, flirt and prove that no man can be trusted around the opposite sex. Her only ground rule? She never gets physical. Until a heart-stoppingly gorgeous male walks in… Marcus Brody has just been hired as bait to test female fidelity. But the last thing Jillian needs is a partner…especially an infuriating, irresistible man who's got her fantasizing about tearing off his clothes.
Can a savvy modern woman find happiness with the most tempting man she's ever known? Is there such a thing as a totally monogamous male?

My Thoughts:
I really liked this book. I was just in the mood for a book like this when I read it - it's so quirky and spunky and made a great break from the darker paranormal and romantic-suspense books that I've been reading lately. It's a light read - what some call a great 'beach book' because really, there isn't a whole lot of depth to the plot but the interaction between the two characters was entertaining and IMO made up for any lack or problems with the storyline.

Basically the hero/heroine are Male/Female versions of each other. They both have MAJOR trust issues with the opposite sex due to life experiences and working as 'bait' to catch cheating spouses but really their perfect for each other and the sparks fly whenever they're together. In a way it reminds me of some Lori Foster's light-hearted books but her H/h's aren't ususally this cynical.

RATING: B

In the Midnight Hour by Patti O'Shea

2007-08-08T23:17:00.001-05:00

The Blurb:
Ryne is a magical troubleshooter, sworn to protect the innocent from being harmed by magic—and she's been chasing Anise, her former mentor, for six years.
Deke is a private investigator who knows something key to defeating Anise. But Anise cast a dark spell over him, and even though Ryne has managed to temporarily lift the curse, Deke can't remember what it is that he knows.
Ryne has sworn to never get involved with a human, but Deke is sexy, charming, brave and irresistible—and as Ryne and Deke are pulled further into Anise's evil schemes, it's harder and harder for Ryne to resist the attraction.
But dark magic has its own attraction, and in order to defeat Anise and lift Deke's curse permanently, Ryne will have to risk following in Anise's footsteps and succumbing to the lure of the darkness...

My thoughts:
I have been in AGONY waiting for this book to come out. I love Patti O’Shea’s futuristic books as well as her contributions the Crimson City and 2176 series' so I snatched this book up as soon as it hit the stores. It is very good.

Although some elements of the book require the reader to suspend logic completely (like the fact that Deke is a man trapped in a cartoon-like TV show by a spell), the heroine and the hero were surprisingly realistic. witty, and charming. Their relationship was also fairly unique in terms of power and strength because Ryne is the one with the knowledge and strength of magic - she 'takes care' of Deke a lot in the first part of the book when his memories are gone.

My only problem with this book was that I had a real sense of deja-vu while reading it. I CANNOT figure out why - I've certainly never read it before. But as I was reading it I was seriously getting that "I've been here before" feeling. I can't recall a particular book that this is similar to or anything but it felt WAY weird because I even knew how the ending was going to be. It's driving me nuts because I can't figure it out. Has anyone else experienced the same with this book or am I going insane?

Anyway, this book is about mid-range on the light/dark scale. It's not a dark paranormal but it isn't a fluffy read either. I'd recommend this to people who like books such as Cheyenne McCray's magic series (although this is a little lighter than that) and other magic or witch-type paranormals.

RATING: B+

Ms. O'Shea's next book, In Twilight’s Shadow, is due out next summer and is about Ryne's sister Maia. I'm pumped for that one too! Maia is a VERY interesting character and I can't wait to learn more about her.

Still Behind

2007-08-07T02:58:00.000-05:00

I'm REALLY hanging my head in shame. I'm still behind on posting about recent books I've read and I can't seem to get caught up. I have a HUGE stack of books on my desk to remind me of what I want to talk about. LOL!

Just FYI here's some of what I've got on-tap to talk about:

More contests (including some ARCs!)
In the Midnight Hour by Patti O'Shea
Catch a Mate by Gena Showalter (and a couple others by her I'll mention)
Touch of Darkness by Christina Dodd
Something Wicked by Catherine Mulvany
Tanner's Scheme by Lora Leigh
and a WHOLE bunch of other Lora Leigh e-books.

To make up for my tardiness.... here's some eyecandy to pass the time!!!

Immortals: The Awakening by Joy Nash

2007-08-07T02:00:00.000-05:00

Book 3 in the Immortals Series is by Joy Nash (the previous were by Jennifer Ashley and Robin T. Popp).

The BLURB:
She comes to him in a dream: her creamy skin delectably cool, silky raven hair smelling of the sea and ocean-blue eyes reflecting the depths of her passion. She is everything Kalen has been desperate to capture in his art -- and in his bed. In reality, when Christine finds his remote Scottish castle, it is to persuade the Immortal warrior to help repel the darkness spreading around the world. But Kalen has a vindictive Sidhe trying to steal his powers and a dark secret of his own to battle before he and Christine can give in to --The Awakening.

My Thoughts:
This was yet another disappointment for me from the Immortal series. So far the only one I've really enjoyed was the very first one so I have to bid adieu to the fourth one as an 'auto buy' on my list - I'll be waiting for the library to get it.

My main problems with this book (and the one by Popp) stem from personal preferences. I don't like it when the hero has sex or is in a relationship with anyone else but the heroine in a book. Unfortunately, in the beginning of the book I really didn't like Kalen. He was a man-whore and just an all-around loser IMO. In that first quarter of the story, he is with (and having sex with) his lover whom he plans on getting pregnant (just because she asked him to and he kinda shrugs and is like 'sure'). And, of course, the heroine watches the couple having sex at one time. THEN later he leaves this public orgy thing, after which he was supposed to do the actual impregnanting of his lover, to whisk the heroine away to his castle where he then decides to have sex with HER within a few minutes of arriving not because of any soul-mate type thing but for selfish ulterior motives (which I can't disclose because it could be a spoiler!). All of this just gives me an icky feeling in my stomach... I don't like these type of things in a story but for readers with no such 'hang-ups' this book might not be so bad.

It does get better around page 120 and the plot picks up and gets more interesting, the characters become more real and likeable and I stopped disliking Kalen. However, I still never really felt like he loved Christine for herself. The whole thing (the plot, characters, and the relationship) was just... weak.

Plus, it also doesn't really further the overall plot-line of the series. Other than getting another Immortal to answer the 'call'. We'll see in the next one though, maybe there were important elements in this book that will tie into the next one. It wasn't HORRIBLE but I didn't think it was that good either. Had I know what this (and the last one) were going to be like, I would have gotten them from the library.

RATING: C-

The Devil's Possession by Heather Waters

2007-08-07T00:59:00.000-05:00

The BLURB:

She was a woman called to lead
Ordinarily, women do not become Highland chieftains. But Faith Maitland is no ordinary woman-until a violent encounter in the forest crushes her courage and leaves her pregnant. And now, because no clan will accept a sullied woman, she must find a sire for her bastard...
He was a man they called a witch
When Faith names Draven the Devil as the father of her child, she thinks she is blaming a dead man. Instead, her accusation halts his execution for witchery. When he is released from the stake to the Maitlands' custody, Faith realizes that she has affianced herself to a silent man with frightening powers...
Theirs was a devil's bargain
Draven has no reason to relish his escape, having long since wearied of the fear and hate that has been his lot. Yet he finds himself unable to renounce Faith and expose her to the same shame. Fascinated by her beauty and strength, Draven is drawn to Faith even as she is warmed by his tenderness. But their growing trust will be tested by the threat of true evil...

My thoughts:
I actually picked this one up to read the blurb because I thought the cover was so bad. I was intrigued enough to buy it despite the fact that I'm not really into historicals recently. Now that I've read the book, I realize that the title sucks too. It just doesn't fit IMO. And to be honest... the blurb isn't really a good (or completly accurate) representation of the story either. This poor author should really ask the publisher NOT to assign the same cover/PR team to her next book!
However, that is the extent of my negativity regarding this book. Well, OK... the author could have spent a LITTLE more time world & character-building but while it lacked some of the vividness of paranormal romance masters such as Kenyon, Singh, and Feehan, it did not disappoint!

I started this book while eating lunch after leaving the bookstore and I was engrossed enough by the story that I sat in my car reading until I finished the book - yes, I realize what a sad statement that is about my self-discipline but I couldn't help it! The beginning of the story was just FASCINATING and I couldn't tear myself away!

I liked Faith (the heroine) but I ADORED Draven. What an intriguing hero!! In many ways he was your 'typical' tortured hero but there was just something about him that captured my attention and my heart.

RATING: B (it wasn't the best thing I've ever read but it was SO DAMN GOOD for a new author!!)

Heather Waters' next book Destiny's Warrior is due out in December and has been added to my buy list. I'm excited to read more from this bright new author.

It's my lucky day!!

2007-08-01T19:27:00.000-05:00

Well, more like my lucky couple of days.

Yesterday I won an e-book from Samhain's weekly contest. I chose Always Yours by Shiloh Walker. These contests are weekly and a new one started today at: http://samhainpublishing.com/contests

Then today I received an e-mail from Linda Conrad that I had won the GRAND PRIZE in her contest - 6 books of her Night Guardian series including an ARC of her upcoming September release and tote! YAY! I haven't read any of the books in this series (although I have read Linda Conrad) but I saw the most recent book in the used bookstore a couple of weeks ago. I was intrigued and wanted to know more. Here's a link to some 'background' on the series: http://www.lindaconrad.com/nightguardians.html.
Check out the 'fun stuff' link on the page because it's not too late to win the series and a $30 gift certificate to B&N!

Many thanks to Linda & Samhain (LOL! Because I'm SO sure that they'll be coming to my blog anytime soon to even SEE my thanks) - but there it is anyway.

Up Close and Dangerous by Linda Howard

2007-08-01T13:34:00.001-05:00

Up Close and Dangerous by Linda Howard

I was VERY wary of LH's newest release because her writing has gone downhill IMO since the Blair Mallory books and Cover of Night was so bad it was almost a joke but I was pleasantly surprised by Up Close and Dangerous. It's pretty good - still not quite the quality of some of her earlier books but a solid read that has made it to my 'keeper' shelf. The characters and the basic plot are interesting but it could have been better.

Here are my main issues with the book: first, it WAY too 'detailed' in the things that they do for survival - readers do not need that much information on exactly how everything is done and what everything that survived the crash is used for in minute detail. On the upside, if I ever survive a plane crash in the mountains where it's cold and I've over-packed because I'm obsessive and on my way to a rafting trip - I'll know EXACTLY what to do! LOL!

A slight problem with the book is the development of the relationship between the H/h. I have no problem with a quick forming relationship - especially under these circumstances - but there is absolutely NO indication that the two are even attracted to each other before the crash. They really appear to dislike each other so Cam deciding that Bailey is going to be his so abruptly is weird.

Finally, the time after their rescue should be have been WAY more developed. It was the most interesting part of the book! She could have taken out a good 1/2 of the time they spent 'surviving' (which was a bit boring in the detailed monotony anyway) and put it after they get off the mountain and the book would have been much better.

Another review (on Amazon, I think) mentioned that the title and the cover don't fit the book and, although I didn't notice it before it was mentioned, she is right. The cover and the title don't fit at all - it doesn't bother me but I thought it was interesting and true.

Overall, I am keeping this book and was fairly satisfied with it, despite the obvious problems. Though that may be because the quality of the last few have been so poor that I've lowered my expectations of LH books.

RATING: C when compared with romantic suspense genre books
B+ when compared with the last few LH books

Hidden Agendas by Lora Leigh

2007-08-01T13:31:00.001-05:00

Hidden Agendas by Lora Leigh

I was actually going to pass on this book because I was unimpressed with Dangerous Games (the book before this one in the series) but then my friend said it was good.

It was awesome! I loved the characters and the story was great. There were minor things, of course, that I thought could have been improved but it's now one of my favorite Lora Leigh books (outside the Breed series, which I LOVE)and it will definitely be going on the keeper shelf! After reading it my curiosity about two other Seals - Nathan and Ian - is severely piqued and I can't wait for their books.

The next book in the series, Killer Secrets, about Deke Santiago is on my 'buy' list for January.

RATING: A

White Heat by Cherry Adair

2007-08-01T13:18:00.000-05:00

White Heat by Cherry Adair

This book grabbed my attention right away with an action-packed beginning. In general, I don't really like books with a 'lovers reunited' theme but I found both characters entertaining and well developed. The plot was good, although there were some elements that were just too coincidental to be believable.

The only real problem with it for me was that the climax of the suspense and the conclusion weren't great. There was a lot of build-up and I liked the rest of the book but then the conclusion just felt slightly contrived - not awful, just off.

Overall, the majority of the book was great with an interesting plot and characters I could get into. If you like romantic suspense, you'll probably enjoy this one.

RATING: B-

Hunter's Salvation by Shiloh Walker

2007-08-01T13:15:00.000-05:00

Hunter’s Salvation by Shiloh Walker

Shiloh Walker is a hit-n-miss author for me. Meaning sometimes I like her stuff, sometimes I actually dislike it. My main problem with her books stem from her heroes who are usually too OVERLY reluctant to 'commit' for my taste. This book was no different in that way. In addition, the hero is too into the 'I'm a bad, bad man and it's all my fault' guilt trip about EVERYTHING and I wanted to pull out the mini-violins. He also does the yo-yo thing in regards to his relationship with the heroine. What I mean by this is that he kept pushing her away and pulling her back even right up to the end. The conclusion was unsatifying (one of the worst parts of the book) because he changes from pushing her away because he doesn't 'deserve' her to being fully committed to their relationship and their future within less than a paragraph and the change is awkward. That said, however, it was a pretty good read and I was pulled into the action right away and didn't want to put it down. I'm glad I checked it out from the library though.

RATING: C-

Playing Catch-up

2007-08-01T13:09:00.000-05:00

Sorry everyone! I know I've been MIA but first I was busy then had computer problems (again).

OK, today I'm getting caught up (hopefully but I'm going to have to be quick about it. I really think all of these books deserve a 'full' review but if I wait until I have time to do it the books will be so old they'll be backlisted so I'll just do a quick 'review' with a link to the author/publisher synopsis to get caught up then I'll go back to my normal style.

Here are the one's I'll be doing today:

Hidden Agendas by Lora Leigh
and a bunch of Lora Leigh e-books including ones from her Legacies series and B.O.B.'s Fall
Hunter's Salvation by Shiloh Walker
White Heat by Cherry Adair
Up Close and Dangerous by Linda Howard
Immortals: The Awakening by Joy Nash
In the Midnight Hour by Patti O'Shea
The Devil's Possession by Heather Waters

Way WAY behind!

2007-07-26T17:40:00.001-05:00

OK, I'm like... 7 books behind on my opinion/review 'thingys' here (I've REALLY got to come up with a name for them). I've got A LOT to talk about. Hopefully tomorrow night I'll get caught up.

YAY! A couple more contests...

2007-07-24T17:14:00.000-05:00

Linda Conrad is having a contest for ALL six books of her Night Guardian series INCLUDING an ARC of the final book.
http://www.lindaconrad.com/funstuff/contest.html

Win an Advance Copy of one of Eve Silver aka Eve Kenin's upcoming books!
http://www.evesilver.net/contest.html#

Next To Die by Marliss Melton

2007-07-23T23:35:00.000-05:00

Next To Die is the fourth book in Marliss Melton's contemporary military romantic-suspense series.

The Heroine:
Penny Price is a pretty (but not stunning) Naval physical therapist. She's the 'do gooder' type who helps everyone and rarely does anything for herself. I know, you're thinking "Ewwwww.... sounds SO boring!" It's really not... because she's helpful in a nuturing way; not in that irritating get-a-freaking-grip-you-sorry-bitch sort of way. It does get mildly irritating a few times but not terribly. She's intelligent and a little pushy - I like that in a heroine.

The Hero:
Joe Montgomery is Penny's HOT Navy Seal neighbor. He's a TOTAL playboy before the disaster on a mission that leaves him injured and guilt-ridden. Now he just wants to hole-up for a while in his house to recoup and indulge in a pity-party. He's a bit of a selfish jerk in the beginning (& the past) and does some of the dog in the manger thing with Penny at one point but I still liked him.

The Story:
Penny takes care of her neighbor's (Joe) house & yard when he's out on missions because his 'girlfriends' are less than reliable and he has a pet that, of course, wants to be fed on a regular basis. When he comes home injured and battle-weary, her nurturing instincts begin to clamor urging her to take care of him... well, there is the lust factor too because she totally wants her hottie neighbor - although she's never tell him. So she begins to help him (whether he wants it or not) but she also has other crap going on like trying to help her sister get her life back into order AND a killer (the man they believe killed their father) stalking both of them.

Joe is slightly mistrustful of Penny's good intentions in the beginning but despite this he finds himself sharing the truth about the disaster and his emotions with her and is comforted by her time and time again. He also finds himself reluctantly attracted to a woman that he never even noticed before - he begins to see the beauty of her heart. When he realizes that Penny is being threatened by a possible killer, Joe pushes his guilt and self-pity aside to help keep Penny (and her sister) safe.

There is a secondary story involving her sister and the youngest Seal on Joe's new Seal Team that I really enjoyed. I wish we could have seen more of them!

Overall, I give this book a C+. It was good but the plot was weak in places and the characters exhibited some irritating traits and reactions that dimmed my enjoyment. My main problem was with Joe being so commitment-shy (there is a 'too much' point for me personally on that) and acting like a jerk but also with Penny who, although not a doormat, didn't kick Joe in the balls when I thought she should. LOL!

Learn more about the book, author, and series at: http://www.marlissmelton.com/

At the Edge by Cait London

2007-07-20T01:02:00.000-05:00

At The Edge is the first book in a new trilogy by Cait London. The spine classifies it as "Romantic Suspense" - which it is... but it has an equal amount of paranormal elements as well so I'd call it a paranormal suspense romance.

I've read a Cait London book in the past. I don't remember which one, so obviously I wasn't terribly impressed because a) I have a great memory for books I've read - if I liked them; and b) I haven't felt compelled to read another. But I saw this on Amazon and was intrigued... it actually came out in June but I was hoping to get it at the used bookstore... no such luck.

The background basics:
Triplets and their mother all have mega psychic gifts. They are decendants of a Celtic seer. Because of the nature of these gifts they cannot live close to each other.

This book's characters:
Claire is the youngest (by 6 minutes). She is the empath and has a very hard time blocking out the world around her so she lives in an isolated house in Montana. Claire's pretty much a hermit except for an elderly woman who lives in a house in the same clearing. When the elderly lady dies, her nephew inherits the house, moves in, and causes a huge amount of ruckus and noise.

Neil Olafson is the nephew that moves in. He's sexy, outgoing, and troubled by the disappearance of his son 8 years ago. After finding Claire on the floor of her house, the victim of a vicious intruder, he decides she's his to protect... she and her kooky sisters obviously need keepers.

This book, the premise of which was so promising, just didn't work for me... much.
First off, there were two seperate suspense 'plots' affecting the same characters but the bouncing back and forth between them was choppy and took away from the build-up of suspense. It left me feeling like the mouse in the maze wondering which way I should run to get to the end. Also, both of the suspense plots end strangely... rather unsatifying and flat. The one about Neil's son ends especially weird and is lacking the emotional depth you would expect. I can't go into more detail without spoilers so I'll leave it at that.

Second, I liked Claire and I liked Neil -but together... Not so much. In the beginning, Neil is portrayed as an EXTREMELY social person. And, of course, Claire cannot be around people without suffering from her psychic gift. And yet, this MAJOR compatability problem is never really 'solved' or even addressed properly. On the other hand, his playfulness and sensuality balances Claires somber solitude so they're not totally wrong for each other - if the other problems had been addressed sufficiently I would have been fine.

What I liked best about the book was Neil's determined protectiveness... I love that in a hero! Also, Tempest, the middle sister, was a fascinating character. I know my 'review' of it sounds pretty negative, but it wasn't a horrible book. It was just rather scattered feeling and a bit flat in the plot.

Overall, I would give it a C-. It's worth reading and I'll read the rest of the series... but I'll probably wait for the books to be at the used store in the future.

Too much reading!

2007-07-18T12:02:00.000-05:00

OK, I've realized that I read too much to have a "Currently Reading" section on here. I'm always several books behind on it and unfortunately, I don't have the time to log in and update every time I start a new book.

So I'm going to change it to "Top Pick of Yesterday" and post my favorite book from whatever I've read the previous day.

Night Hunter by Cathy McDavid

2007-07-16T22:24:00.000-05:00

Here's an interesting new paranormal romance that I found (as I was hunting desperately for something new to read) called Night Hunter by Cathy McDavid.

Unfortunately, I don't have time right now to do my usual run-down summary and 'review' of this book but I wanted to give it a quick mention. It's good - not the best I've ever read - it had some minor plot issues - but the character development was well done and it was certainly good enough that I'll be watching for future paranormal romances (potentially a series???).

Here's the 'blurb' from the author site (but it's not a good representation):
Every twenty-five years the cycle begins anew — alegendary creature reawakens and preys upon the innocent. The police refuse to believe such a monster exists. But Gillian knows it's real. When she was seven, she watched in horror as it killed her mother. Now the beast is back ... for her.
As the chosen Hunter, Nick is the only one who can destroy the creature. Yet a gorgeous psychology professor keeps pushing her way into his investigation — and into his most intimate fantasies. For her own protection, Nick's determined to stay by Gillian's side, every day and each delicious night. And meanwhile, the monster bides its time ...

Is there ANYONE else out there?

2007-07-11T21:39:00.001-05:00

Being the romance addict that I am, I own, borrow, and check out a lot of books. In the last year or so I have noticed that the romance covers are increasingly less unique and seem almost repetitive. Now you may be thinking to your self, "What the hell is she talking about? Duplicate covers? Similar designs?"Nope. I'm talking about this guy.

The romance industry's latest darling -
cover model Nathan Kamp

Now, I enjoy attractive men on the cover of romance novels as much as the next reader. And there is no denying that Mr. Kamp is attractive - I don't personally believe he's really hot but he's got an attractive face, a nice body, and does the 'dark & dangerous' thing well - which is great for the paranormal and suspense romances. But I'm SO COMPLETELY SICK of seeing his face on the cover of so many books!

There are thousands and thousands of romance-cover-worthy men and yet all the romance cover designers can come up with is 500 covers with this guy on them? Ever heard of variety being the spice of life... well guess what... it's the spice of romance covers too.

I want to make it clear that I'm not bashing Nathan Kamp - I have nothing against him, of course. I've read/listened to his interviews, comments from those who have met him, articles about him, etc. etc. and he seems to be a very nice guy. But enough is enough. I feel like we've had this model shoved down our throats so much I'm gagging from it. It's especially irritating when multiple books in a series have a cover with this model. Everyone in a family, area, group would NOT look the same. Yes, it's all fantasy and most readers, myself included, can overlook a bad cover and concentrate on what's inside but we would rather enjoy a unique cover with an interesting man that is somewhat similar to the character in the book than to have to make a concious effort to ignore the cover.

I know I'm not alone in this. I've seen complaints and criticisms from other readers that are also weary of the constant use of the same model. What do you all think of this practice of flooding the market with covers with the same model? Good business, bad business? Good for readers, bad for readers? Are you sick of Kamp or do you adore him and want more, more, more?

~~JUST FOR FUN~~

Here are just SOME of the many faces of Nathan Kamp - in fact, these are some of the books that I've read or are coming out soon that I plan to read (although several of them are re-issues and my editions have different covers).

Links to more info/interviews with Nathan Kamp:

Interview
http://www.kimcresswell.com/wordpress/?p=75

Audio interview & photo gallery
http://www.karenmoning.com/interviews/celebrityInterviews.html

10 reader-created lists of Kamp's covers
http://www.amazon.com/gp/richpub/listmania/byauthor/A2SUZMEL8HS3HU/ref=cm_pdp_content_listmania/103-1528754-1128654

NK Bookcovers
http://ravensanctuary.blogspot.com/

Kamp on TV/movies
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1268969/

The Contest Scoop

2007-07-10T12:54:00.000-05:00

Yep, it's that time again. Here's some interesting contests that I've found while prowling the romance & author sites.

Historical romance author Anne Mallory is having a contest for an ARC of her upcoming book, What Isabella Desires. It ends July 16th but she has a secondary contest that ends July 31 for signed copies of 3 other books.
http://www.annemallory.com/contests/

Erotic author, Emma Holly is having and ARC contest for her upcoming contemporary erotic romance called Fairyville.
http://www.mninter.net/~emmah/CONTESTS.htm

Access Romance is doing their quarterly “Romance Galore” contest for 55 autographed books from many popular authors.
http://www.accessromance.com/galore/index.php

Elizabeth Holt (historical romance) is having a contest for an ARC of The Serpent Prince.
http://www.elizabethhoyt.com/contests.html

Carly Phillips is giving away and ipod shuffle, a gift card, and a signed book in honor of her birthday which is in July. Happy birthday, Carly!
http://www.carlyphillips.com/fun_contest.php

Marliss Melton's contest is for an ARC of Next to Die.
http://www.marlissmelton.com/Contest/index.html
She’s also having a contest for a bag-full of books.
http://freshfiction.com/contest.php?id=598

Win an ARC of Madeline Hunter’s Lessons of Desire!
http://www.madelinehunter.com/contest.html

Karen Marie Moning is giving away the complete set of her highlander novels and a Darkfever t-shirt.
http://www.karenmoning.com/news/contest.html

Jayne Ann Krentz aka Jayne Castle aka Amanda Quick
Her monthly contest is for a copy of her Ghost Hunter audiobook.
http://www.jayneannkrentz.com/drawing.html

Win a $75 giftcard to Victoria’s Secret in honor of Christina Skye’s new release Code Name: Bikini.
http://writerspace.com/contests/christinaskye.html

Here are a few authors giving away gift certificates to Borders or B&N on their websites:

Shiloh Walker
Janelle Denison
Nina Bangs
Anya Bast
Bertrice Small
Lori Wilde
Tori Carrington
Barbara Bretton
Sarah McCarty

Happy Entering!

The Amazing Adventures of Duck-Dog

2007-07-08T20:41:00.000-05:00

My youngest daughter's birthday party was today. Being the creative (insert cheap) mom that I am, I've made my girls' pinata's since they were old enough to hold the bat. I actually enjoy it, it's a creative process. Most of the pinata's go really well and turn out great although I get teary-eyed when the time comes for the kids to beat my beloved creation to smithereens without thought for the hours & hours of work I put into each one. *sobbing*

I've been doing these paper-mache pinata's for 8 years now. I've made characters from Dragon Tales, Garfield, Winnie the Pooh, etc. etc. as well as puppies, and kittens. But this year.... well, this year I made duck-dog.

Duck-dog started out as a puppy for my daugher's puppy party. Once the snout was applied however, I looked at him and realized... he looks like a duck not a dog. I was totally freaked and went on and on to two friends about this duck-dog pinata. And so, in the darkest hours of the night, with the help of friends and a little creative inspiration, an idea was born. What if I take pictures of duck-dog's short but magnificent life? I could create a picture story.

So I fixed the face (I THOUGHT) and left it to dry. The very next morning, my middle daughter sees it and asks if it's for my youngest daughter's puppy party. She then announces that it looks like a duck. I'm horrified. She was in bed asleep when I discovered the awful truth about the pinata so there is no way she overheard me talking about it. AND I had modified the face and thought it looked more like a dog now. I very earnestly explained to her that this is how it's dog-face is supposed to look and even go so far as to pull out the puppy that I'm using for a 'model' to convince her. She shrugs and says it looks like a duck. *banging head on table*

Now it's Sunday evening, and the festivities are done. Duck-dog has nobly sacrificed himself on the alter of my daughters' greed and it is time for the story of the brave and valiant dog that looked like a damn duck.

The Amazing Adventures of Duck-Dog

This is the moment when I first realized that my dog pinata looked like a duck. I blame it on my husband - he looked at it while I held the snout to the face and said that the length was perfect. *snort*
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This is what my middle daughter saw when she inadvertantly confirmed that the dog did indeed look like a duck.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

*Singing ZZ Top song* He's got legs.... He knows how to use them....

~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Duck-dog and my youngest daughter (the birthday girl) discussing the issue of names. They both agree that Sally is perfect.

~~~~~~~~~~~~
Whew! Body-shaping complete.

~~~~~~~~~~~
Duck-dog just kickin' back and relaxing after the grueling tail-shaping process.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I'm an idiot.

That becomes glaringly obvious right about now. I am decorating the pinata with 1" squares of orange tissue paper. AND I'm doing it the hard way... there are easier ways to apply this tissue paper but it doesn't look quite as good. So here I am, after about 2 hours of 'furring' duck-dog. This is also the point where I say "Screw it" and start doing it the easy way.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Yes, orange is an unfortunate choice of 'fur' color when the dog already looks so much like a duck. However, in the mind of a 4-year-old, orange is a kick-ass dog color!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Almost there....

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
It's alive... ALIVE!
*mad scientist cackle*
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The tongue was Y's idea. LOL! I think it takes a little of the 'duck' out of duck-dog.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
It's the end of the line for duck-dog.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Birthday girl taking the first whack (with help).

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Vicious beasts aren't they?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This next hit breaks the rope hanging duck-dog and he ends up taking a nose-dive into the dirt.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"That there be a hangin' offense."
Poor duck-dog...

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Duck-dog's last stand.
Bringing out the big guns....
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
She's enjoying this just a LITTLE too much!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The broken carcass of duck-dog dangles as my girls descend like vultures on his 'innards".
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Yeah, because cracking him open wasn't enough! Let's just rip the head off.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Duck-dog LIVES!!!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
My twisted children....
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
THE END

Scent of Darkness by Christina Dodd

2007-07-06T23:55:00.000-05:00

Paranormal is a new direction for popular author Christina Dodd. I love almost all romance sub-genres but I'm partial to paranormal romance right now so I was jumping for joy at the prospect of one from an author like Dodd. Her historicals don't interest me anymore but I enjoy her contemporaries and the premise of this series sounded interesting.

Unfortunately, like so many of the new releases I've read lately, this one just didn't do it for me. It is actually the WORST of the three that I've given poor reviews lately. In fact, I'm not even going to spend time to summarize it.

Here's the blurb directly from her website:

A thousand years ago, Konstantine Varinski roamed the Russian steppes. Driven by his craving for power, he struck a terrible bargain. In return for the ability to change from a magnificent warrior to a predator that could hunt down his enemies and kill them, he promised his soul — and the souls of his descedents — to the devil.

Plain Ann Smith loves her handsome, dynamic boss, Jasha Wilde, but her daring plan to seduce him goes awry when she finds a black wolf warming itself before the fire. Before her horrified eyes, the wolf changes into the man she adores. She flees, he pursues, but they can't escape their destinies.

For Jasha is the descendant of Konstantine Varinski and Ann is the woman fated to break the curse that binds his soul. To find heaven in each other's arms, they have the devil to pay.

Now my rant:

First, my biggest problem was with the characters. I just plain didn't like either one of them so I didn't even CARE what happened to them. Ann is wishy-washy and whiny with some TSTL thrown in. Jasha is an arrogant ass. Plus, there was little to no real emotion or connection between the H/h. It was totally flat.

Throughout the whole book, and even in the end, it appears that Jasha wants Ann only because she found the icon and is a key to breaking the pact. Ann has adored Jasha for YEARS but we're not clued into why. He pretty much treats her crappy in small ways from the very beginning. For example: the man ADMITS that he knows she's wanted and loved him from the very beginning and yet he had her send flowers and notes to his various girlfriends and EVEN has her purchase an engagement ring so that he can propose to another woman. Come on... that's just cruel. Especially since he didn't do it specifically to discourage her from loving him or for some other 'noble' purpose... he's just a jerk.

Then there is the plot - it had a vaguely disorganized feeling about it, the pacing was choppy, and it just didn't flow smoothly. There were a lot of unanswered questions too. Like the brother that gave in to the darkness... HOW? What does it mean that he gave into the darkness? What happens then? Is he evil now? Raping and pillaging? Or does he just remain in his animal form all of the time? It's something that can happen to any of them and so is important even to this story - yet we're not told WHAT it means or how it happens. The world-building was just too vague and unfinished in this book.

The suspense was sadly lacking too, which is a bummer but Dodd has had trouble keeping the suspense going and believable in previous books so it's not terribly surprising. In past books, the romance and characters have kept me enthralled even when the suspense doesn't but since the characters and their lack of connection didn't work for me in this one, there was no help from that corner.

I know this is brief and maybe a bit vague but I'm not going to go on and on about why I didn't like this book, that's not helpful and it's a bit cruel to the author since there were so many things wrong with this book, in my opinion. I wish I could think of something positive to say about the book but I'm just coming up empty other than the fact that the premise (the legend, the pact, icons, and the mates whoare the only ones who can break the pact) is interesting. Book #2 is most definitely not on my auto-buy list anymore I'm feeling a bit pessimistic about whether Dodd can salvage the series.

Rating for this book: D

Anyone else who has read this want to chime in? I really want to hear what others think of the book!

I'm getting so frustrated with the poor quality of books that the established authors are putting out recently. The end of June/beginning of July release dates had many books of interest and so far I've been disappointed by 3 out of the 5 that I've bought.

Happy 4th of July!

2007-07-04T14:37:00.001-05:00

Freedom comes with a price... thank you to all of the soldiers - past, present, and future - who pay that price so that me and my family can live safe and free!

Have a safe and happy holiday!

Simon Says by Lori Foster

2007-07-04T10:17:00.000-05:00

Lori Foster is one of my favorite authors so, of course, I trotted off to the store yesterday to get Simon Says, the latest book in her SBC series.

Simon Says is about SBC trainer/ex-fighter Simon Evans whom fans have nicknamed Sublime because... well, he's totally HOT! Simon decides to re-enter the ring as a fighter and is wholly focused on his training, when Dakota bursts into the gym. He knows immediately that he wants her and he warns the others off.

Dakota Dream (yes, that's her name and no, she's not a porn star!) wants something from Simon. Unfortunately, it's not a fling with a sexy-as-hell SBC legend. Dakota is coerced by Simon's biological father, Barnaby, who is also her step-father, into convincing Simon to meet with him in person. She doesn't hide her intent from Simon but neither is she willing to give-up when he says no. Soon, eveyone, from the crusty Haggerty to the slightly egotistical Mallet, is half-in-love with her and treating her like she belongs. Danger, in the form of Dakota's ex-husband, begins stalking her and despite her determination to handle it herself, Simon (and friends) step in to help.

I liked Simon Says but I wasn't WOW'd by it. I guess my main issue was with their relationship. I just didn't feel the attraction between them. It seemed... flat.

Dakota is a kick-ass character - literally. She is a tomboy who, within an hour of being at the gym, tells Simon's sparring partner how to predict and counter his moves. She also takes down a huge fighter who tries to get fresh without breaking a sweat. But she is just as comfortable and sexy wearing dresses and killer heels, and getting up on stage at the local bar to sing and play with the band. She is independent and sassy and has the big, tough SBC fighters eating out of her hand. She does have a jealousy problem when it comes to Simon and women, which is understandable since women flock to him, but I don't really like the way she handles it.

Simon is OK, not as 'sublime' as I expected but there's nothing really wrong with him. He was just rather unimpressive. I actually felt like I wanted Dakota to end up with her friend Barber more than Simon. Barber was an awesome character and I hope that we see him in the future!

The plot moved at a good pace and held my interest There were a few things that were kind of ick - like the scene where Simon finds out that Barnaby is her step-father - but it was basically solid. I'd give Simon Says a C+ rating. It was good, it just wasn't fabulous.

Dragon Heat by Allyson James

2007-07-03T00:54:00.001-05:00

I picked up Dragon Heat which is the first book in a new series by Allyson James aka Jennifer Ashley because I enjoyed her contribution to the Immortals series. Well... that and the fact that there aren't NEARLY enough dragon romances. How can you not love a dragon?

Here's the blurb from Jennifer Ashley's website:

Lisa Singleton has an unusual roomate, a golden dragon, a sexy warrior who has been sent to earth to protect Lisa from harm. Lisa comes from a long line of very special women with very special powers. Witches, black dragons, and demons will do anything to get their hands on her magic and the secret the women of her family have protected through the centuries.

My thoughts:

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I didn't LOVE it, but I really liked it. I should come up with a rating system, I guess. If I were to use an letter 'grade' for this book I'd give it a B-.

The first few chapters are a bit rocky... they just didn't flow as smoothly and the main characters do some things that don't seem to fit with their personalities. Once past the beginning chapters it gets much better and the author has done an excellent job of world-building for this new series. I found the powers, classifications, and stereotypes about the different types of dragons to be very unique, as well as entertaining. It created opportunities for amusing barbs and exchanges between the hero (a golden dragon) and a black dragon, who is portrayed as sort-of a bad guy in the beginning but ends up being more neutral.

The 'heat' level wasn't as hot as the Allyson James books normally are but it was definitely steamy. I couldn't really get into the love-scenes in this book because they felt a bit rushed but I'm a bit cranky today so I'll have to say it's possible that I just 'wasn't in the mood'. LOL! Also, I don't want to give away any spoilers but there was a scene of them mating in Dragonspace that was both intriguing and confusing.

This wasn't a 'dark' paranormal romance but neither was it 'light'... I guess I'd have to call it gray. Suspense and danger were a part of the story but there was also playfulness and humor.

The next book in the series, The Black Dragon is due out in November.

Be prepared to take a cold shower after reading this one!

2007-07-02T02:28:00.000-05:00

Erotic romance author, Lila Dubois is igniting reader's fantasies today on her blog!

The post entitled: "Monday Poetry Train - Sex Excerpt" is a flaming hot sex-scene from her upcoming book, Savage, which is book 2 of the Zinah series.

To be honest, I shouldn't have read the damn thing - excerpts always increase my impatience for a book and this one was SO SMOKIN' HOT that I feel like morphing into freaky-book-stalker-Ange and stalking the author until she gives me the book NOW just to shut me up!

*sigh*

Alas, the book will be released later this summer and I will have to wait - unfulfilled - until then.

For those of you that haven't yet read book 1 of the Zinah - it is available for purchase in e-book format at Liquid Silver or print on Amazon.

A less well-known but GREAT book!

2007-07-01T23:08:00.001-05:00

I'm in re-read mode waiting for the July 3rd releases - and the wait is KILLING ME! I have no patience when it comes to waiting for books. So I've been re-reading some older favorites. Here is one that I was reading yesterday. It's not on most of the 'popular' lists, but I really enjoy it.

Many people love Charlaine Harris' books but they just don't appeal to me. I'm a die-hard romance reader and I rarely, if ever, stray from the genre (unless I'm researching something, of course) plus, I despise first-person POV.

However, Ms. Harris has written one story that I adore. It was a one-shot deal with Harlequin and, I believe, her only foray into the romance genre called Dancers in the Dark and it's part of the Night’s Edge anthology.

I'm not normally a huge fan of anthologies because shorter stories often seem to be missing something but I picked this one up because it was only $1 on the clearance rack and I sometimes enjoy Maggie Shayne who was one of the other authors in the anthology.

I absolutely LOVED Dancers in the Dark. The only reason this book even made it to my keeper-shelf was because of that story - not that the others were bad, just not good enough to rate a spot on my shelf.

Rue (Layla) is working hard trying to make her way through college and keep a low profile to escape her past. She joins a dance company that needs vampire/human dance teams and meets Sean, a 300 year-old vampire. Rue chooses Sean as a dance partner mainly because he appears indifferent to her looks and doesn't give off any overtly sexual vibes, which her past has made her wary of. They develop a friendship in addition to a partnership which then morphs into love. When a man from her past becomes a threat, Sean is determined to protect her.

Rue and Sean were great characters. Both outside of the 'norm' for a vampire/human love story. Rue is not the typical 'tragic figure'. She is strong, realistic, and a bit stubborn. She does not fold under pressure nor act like a total wilting flower when danger stalks her. She reacts much like you or I might. Her violent past experiences impact her relationship with Sean but it doesn't overload the story with fearful prose.

Sean is not the typical vampire either. For one thing, he has bright red hair and freckles. Yep, FRECKLES! Also, he is not a powerful, massively wealthy vamp (although, I do enjoy those kinds of vampires!). Sean was a valet before his 'master' turned him and while not really poor, he is humble enough to work for a dance company. To give you an example of his character (and because I love this part) when Sean tells Rue that he loves her, he does not turn all theatrical. He simply says "I'm yours" but the intensity of his declaration isn't dimmed by its simplicity.

Dancers in the Dark has a great balance between the main element of romance and the secondary suspense element. It flows very well, I didn't feel like I missed anything or like it moved too fast (which sometimes happens in shorter stories), the pace was great. I DO wish it had been a full-length book, because I loved the characters so much though.

Layla (Rue) and Sean have a cameo in All Together Dead -for those of you that read Charlaine Harris books- and according to FAQ on her website, she would like to write more about the characters of the dance company but current series obligations make that a far off event. I'm willing to beg though: Ms. Harris, Please PLEASE write more romance! Judging by this book, you have an AMAZING talent in the genre!

I guess I'm it... but what, exactly, am I?

2007-06-30T20:18:00.000-05:00

Alright, I’ve been ‘tagged’ by the Queen Goddess of the Sparkly-Handled Crop and I must obey or suffer (or is that enjoy?) the consequences.

Here are the rules:
a. Each player lists 8 facts/habits about themselves.
b. The rules of the game are posted at the beginning before those facts/habits are listed.
c. At the end of the post, the player then tags 8 people and posts their names, then goes to their blogs and leaves them a comment, letting them know that they have been tagged and asking them to read your blog.

Eight book-y things about me…

#1 - I read about 1000 books or more a year. I thought that number sounded absurdly high but I usually read 2-3 books on a normal day (some days I read more depending on time). Needless to say, I don’t read 1000 different books - I do A LOT of re-reading.

#2 - I read in the shower. Yes, it’s bizarre, I’m well aware of that – I’ve been doing it for almost 20 years now though and have it down to a science.

#3 - I began reading adult romances around age 11 or 12. I didn’t even understand some of the sex-scenes but I was hooked! The librarian at our small rural library eyeballed me many times because of my selections.

#4 - The first adult romance I ever read was Silver Angel by Johanna Lindsey.

#5 - I have 10 different library cards – I’ve got ALL of the surrounding cities and suburbs covered – LOL!

#6 - I love audiobooks and I wish ALL books could come out with an (unabridged – I HATE abridged) audio version in addition to the print version. I use them when cleaning or working on home-improvement projects, exercising, running errands, etc. etc. etc. However, audiobooks cannot take the place of reading for me and so I usually read the book before listening to the audio version.

#7 - I’m so anal - I keep the following book-related spreadsheets:
Future books (auto-buy & to-be-considered)
Books from favorite author's backlists that I’m hunting for
Books that I want to read but won’t buy so I'm hoping a library gest them
Authors I like or love divided by sub-genre and degree of enjoyment
Audiobooks available at the library
Audiobooks in my own collection

#8 - I’m an aspiring writer - although, my current story has been shoved aside because of home improvement projects for the last month. *sigh*

I’m tagging:

Kat
Kaitlin/Bridget
Shoshana
Tracy

Yeah, I CAN count! I just don’t know enough ‘bloggers’ yet.

She's no scaredy-cat!

2007-06-29T22:16:00.000-05:00

Meet Jaci Burton.

Jaci is a brave author.

She is sending me an ARC.

Despite my nothing-held-back blog-review of Safe Harbor.

You can't help but admire that kind of courage in an author!

I received an e-mail today from Jaci Burton regarding her Hunting the Demon ARC contest. I had forgotten that part of the rules of the contest for the ARC was to have a 'verifiable' blog - not that it would have changed anything posted if I had remembered! When I received her e-mail, I was once again excited to be receiving the ARC and as I was reading it, I realized that she probably visited my blog to verify it today.

Why is this a blog-worthy event you might ask? Because if she read ANYTHING of my blog she knows that I try to be honest in my reviews and that I'm not afraid to say that I didn't like a book and why - especially with my opinion of Safe Harbor now posted. And yet, she is STILL sending me an ARC, which I am free to review any way I desire (after the specified time, of course!). She COULD have made some excuse not to send me an ARC, out of fear that I may say something negative about it but instead she sent an e-mail confirming that an ARC will be heading my way and also included a statment saying she wants an honest reaction and that she respects others opinions.

That's why I say you've got to admire her. She's not just sending the ARC's to people she knows have a history of all good reviews. She is obviously willing to send one to people like me who don't always give positive reviews and that's brave, fair, and AWESOME!

For those of you who don't know who I'm talking about and want to find out more about her hot new Demon series: http://www.jaciburton.com/demons.html

Safe Harbor disappointed sigh

2007-06-28T00:00:00.000-05:00

I just finished reading Christine Feehan's latest book Safe Harbor and it makes me so sad to say that I was really disappointed. I will probably be in the minority in this opinion - I've already heard that it was really good from several different people but I just have to disagree.

This book does not live up to expectations created by the other books in the series, nor does it do justice to two very interesting characters whose antics livened up many-a-scene in the sisters' books. The portrayal of the Jonas and Hannah didn't feel right when compared with what we've learned/seen in past books and I didn't like them in Safe Harbor. The action between Joley and her SO-obviously intended 'mate' was way more interesting than anything going on between Jonas and Hannah.

I found Safe Harbor to be fairly trite and semi-boring. The plot felt like it stalled several times, especially the suspense. This book had WAY less action but not only that, there wasn't enough going on between the main characters to carry the story forward without dragging. In addition, several of the elements and scenes almost appear to be copy/paste jobs (with a few sentences added) from other books, most noticeably the Ghostwalker series.

Has anyone else noticed that recently Feehan's male characters have become less "powerful alpha male" and more "borderline-scary and controlling"? I have absolutely NO problem with a possessive alpha hero. They're my favorite kind of hero but the heroes in all three of her series' have been getting weirder since Conspiracy Game. Actually, I started noticing it in Dark Secret but it was more obvious in future books. In Safe Harbor, Jonas has several violent outbursts which result in him throwing a fit and destroying entire rooms in the sisters' home, including furniture. That's just kinda disturbing, in my opinion.

Now please, don't get me wrong, it wasn't a bad book. It was more.... mediocre and therefore, was a disappointment to me and I can't help but focus on the negative. There were some scenes that many will find touching, if a bit overdone, and the interaction between Joley and her highly mysterious intended 'mate' are intriguing and made me wish for their book ASAP!

Do I recommend this book? Not really. If I had it to do all over again I would have waited for it to be at the used bookstore or even the library.

Is it worth reading? Yeah, I'd say so. If only because it builds on the series, wraps up the whole Hannah/Jonas clash and gives, what I believe to be, broad hints about the futures of the two remaining sisters.

Now I'm off to read Mind Game to remind myself of why Christine Feehan is the queen of paranormal romance and that there is hope for future books.

Nalini Singh's ARC contest - Caressed by Ice!!

2007-06-26T22:36:00.000-05:00

IT'S A BIRD...

IT'S A PLANE...

IT'S AN ARC!!!!!

Nalini Singh is having an ARC contest for her upcoming book

Caressed by Ice

(psy/changeling series)

due out in September

Instructions on how to enter are on her blog: http://www.nalinisingh.blogspot.com/

HURRY! The contest ends Friday!

For those of you that haven't read Slave to Sensation or Visions of Heat - RUN don't walk to the bookstore! I REALLY love these books and just can't say enough about them! If you love paranormal romance, you will LOVE these!

Jaci Burton's ARC contest winners

2007-06-25T12:41:00.000-05:00

For those of you who entered Jaci Burton's contest for the Hunting the Demon ARC, if you're waiting for an e-mail confirming that you've won - it's not coming.

Awww... now don't look so disappointed. No e-mails are on the way to the winners because EVERYONE WHO ENTERED WON!!!

Yes, you read that right EVERYONE!!

Woooohoooooo!!!!

But YOU have to email HER with the information to collect your ARC. So get over to her blog http://www.jaciburton.com/blog/ and follow the instructions to claim your ARC!!!!

Where are all the honest reviews?

2007-06-23T14:07:00.000-05:00

Obviously, my blog is so new that those little rubber pointy things are still on the tires. So I've been working on it a little today, mainly adding some links to romance review and news sites.

I'm not big into using 'reviews' to decide what to buy. I count on my own experience, friends recommendations, and excerpts because I don't generally trust the big-name review sites to be honest.

On most of the popular review sites, I find that their taste is either quite opposite of mine - which IS possible since no two people read a book and come away with the exact same reaction - or that positive reviews are being given out pretty much across the board. I just hate that. Why do they even bother? It's so not helpful to readers!

I LOVE reviews that tell me what is great about a book and also what is bad (in the reviewer's opinion, of course). If it's great but has a few issues that bothered you - say so. And if a book is total shit, why lie? BE HONEST! It's only one person's opinion. Other people can take it or leave it. Sites that offer positive reviews all-around benefits the author, the publishers, and the booksellers. NOT the reader that purchases a book based on a glowing recommendation.

As an avid reader, I'd much rather go into a book knowing that there is an element that I might not like but that the rest of the book is basically good. When I'm caught by surprise with something I don't like in the middle of the book it can skew my whole reading experience, it throws me off my stride, but if I'm somewhat prepared then it is easier to overlook the 'problem' and enjoy the rest of the story. My brain notices and dismisses it instead of zeroing in on it.

The real point of this post is that I'm having a horrible time finding review sites that post reviews that I somewhat agree with (because it's my blog and I get to choose. LOL!) or even just sites that I think are being fair and honest in their reviews. From what I've seen... there just aren't that many that are willing to point out the bad too. Most of them read like PR sites for the books.

I'd really love some recommendations for sites with honest info & reviews!

Soul Song by Marjorie M. Liu - I recommend it!

2007-06-22T01:46:00.000-05:00

I read Soul Song by Marjorie M. Liu (I was blessed with an ARC).

There were a few surprises and some humorous scenes, such as the one where M'cal and Koni are trying to warm Kit after... *zipping lips* Whoops! Sorry... can't tell... *wicked chuckle

Kit, the heroine is actually Delilah's friend from Tiger's Eye, which I didn't realize until I read Soul Song (they went to the club to listen to her play the 'fiddle' if that jogs your memories). Well, it turns out that Kit has 'powers' of her own, the ability to 'see' future deaths - but only death from murder. She wasn't as 'cool' as I visualized her from her brief appearance in Tiger's Eye, she seemed like a sassy, hip chick then, but in Soul Song she actually seems more set apart from others because of her ability and her desire NOT to see the the future deaths.

I liked Kit a lot, she is both compassionate and determined - actually, I believe stubborn is the description used by others in the book but that works too! She draws the attention of a powerful witch when she attempts to help a woman who's death she foresees.

M'cal is a shapeshifter that is rare, even among his own kind, with the powerful ability of song. He can compel and even kill with his voice but he is enslaved by a witch and forced to use his gift to hunt and steal souls. He is sent (compelled) by the witch to take Kit's soul but he sees the power and beauty of her spirit, hears her rich, vibrant music and struggles to fight the witch’s command. Only Kit has the power, the 'song', inside her to provide him with some relief from the torture but he is afraid that the compulsion will take hold of him and drive him to steal her beautiful soul, leaving an empty shell.

The 'songs' and music are obviously important elements of the story and Liu did an excellent job of describing Kit's inner music and M'cal's song and how these powers worked and interacted both individually and together. The chemistry between the characters is outstanding. It is powerful, deep, and hot. M’cal and Kit begin to rely on and draw strength from each other – they are partners as well as lovers/mates.

This book, much like the others in the series, had a plot individual to these characters while still furthering the story-line of the series. Neither Kit nor M’cal are employed by Dirk & Steele but there are some appearances from past characters that are members of the organization – including shapeshifter Koni who adds humor to many scenes with his slightly sarcastic, dry wit.

As always, Liu has provided an exciting tale of two lost hearts forming an unbreakable bond in a setting filled with danger and a united purpose. Readers will be riveted from the very first paragraph. Be prepared to read this all in one sitting because it will be hard to put down!

You, my book-y friends, know that I'm critical (OK, a jaded bitch) about the books I read. I usually notice several things that don't 'work' for me in any book. However, I can't come up with anything for this book. *gasp* I KNOW... the sun has fallen from the sky, cats and dogs are living in harmony, mass hysteria and chaos in the streets. I thought hard about it too... it was almost a matter of pride to find something wrong with it but this book just worked for me. It was easy to get into, engrossing, and exciting. And hot... did I mention hot? Other than a few small questions, which I can't talk about because they would be definite spoilers, there was nothing that set off my 'spidey senses' LOL!

The release date for Soul Song is July 3rd. WRITE IT DOWN! This is a great book.!

Hot cover, right?
This guy, Nathan Kamp, is appearing on A LOT of romance covers recently. KMM did an interview (audio) with him and also has a photogallery.

Nathan Kamp interview

ARC's ARC's everywhere ARC's... it's a beautiful thing!

2007-06-22T00:51:00.000-05:00

Here's the results from my recent ARC-hunting spree:

Jaci Burton is having a contest for an ARC of the second book in the Demon Hunter series *drooling*. For those of you who haven't discovered the first in the series Surviving Demon Island check it out! It's awesome!Here's the link to Jaci's contest: http://jaciburton.com/blog/?p=566

Christina Dodd has a contest going for a Touch of Darkness ARC which is the second book in her new paranormal series. The first book Scent of Darkness is out in July! Woohoo!Here's the link to Christina's contest: http://www.writerspace.com/contests/christinadodd.html

Anne Mallory AND Robyn Dehart are giving away two ARC's (their own and each others). So you can actually enter at each site for a chance to win (one winner for each site... does that make sense?)
Anne's link: http://www.annemallory.com/contests/
Robyn's link: http://www.robyndehart.com/contest.html

Carly Phillips is having a contest for a Sealed with a Kiss ARC and the first book in the series Cross My Heart.Here's the link to Carly's contest: http://www.carlyphillips.com/fun_contest.php

Treasures from the Dark. This is a contest for a WHOLE BUNCH of stuff from some of the Nocturne authors. It's a triva - treasure hunt type contest but it's not too hard. One of the prizes is an ARC from Eve Silver!Here's the link: http://www.amazon.com/Moon-Fever-Maggie-Shayne/dp/1416514902/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/103-1528754-1128654?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1182458539&sr=1-1

Jayne Ann Krentz (aka Amanda Quick) has a contest for an Unabridged audiobook of Second Sight.Here's the link for Jayne's contest: http://www.jayneannkrentz.com/drawing.html

As always... there is a lot of contest info at Writerspace.com too.Here's the link: http://writerspace.com/contests/

Happy entering!! Most of these end within the next week so HURRY!

The Romance Groupie

Shannon K. Butcher

Sherri L King's Horde Wars

The "baddies" and some important lessons...

Shadow Music by Julie Garwood

Unchained by CJ Barry

A little after Christmas reading....

Merry Christmas to all...

Random Recommendation

Contests... contests... and more contests....

Savage by Lila Dubois

Update & some randomness

Only 2 more days 'till SAVAGE!!!!!!!!

HURRY!!! for Gena Showalter's ARC contest.

Embrace The Darkness by Alexandra Ivy

True Deception by Patricia Waddell

What I've been reading

Here an ARC, there an ARC, everywhere an ARC ARC

Alive

The Contest Scoop - September

New Rating System

Is this the HOTTEST Nathan Kamp cover?

Caressed by Ice out TUESDAY!

PIMPING: Sealed with a Kiss by Lila Dubois

My Immortal by Erin McCarthy

Tuesday is the day for HUNTING THE DEMON!

Glossary of PC Messages

A few books available early & my "To Buy" list

Psy/Changeling Hero

Denise A. Agnew

Primal Desires by Susan Sizemore

I'm LOVIN' it!

Recommendations

Touch of Darkness by Christina Dodd

Something Wicked by Catherine Mulvany

Catch a Mate by Gena Showalter

In the Midnight Hour by Patti O'Shea

Still Behind

Immortals: The Awakening by Joy Nash

The Devil's Possession by Heather Waters

It's my lucky day!!

Up Close and Dangerous by Linda Howard

Hidden Agendas by Lora Leigh

White Heat by Cherry Adair

Hunter's Salvation by Shiloh Walker

Playing Catch-up

Way WAY behind!

YAY! A couple more contests...

Next To Die by Marliss Melton

At the Edge by Cait London

Too much reading!

Night Hunter by Cathy McDavid

Is there ANYONE else out there?

The Contest Scoop

The Amazing Adventures of Duck-Dog

Scent of Darkness by Christina Dodd

Happy 4th of July!

Simon Says by Lori Foster

Dragon Heat by Allyson James

Be prepared to take a cold shower after reading this one!

A less well-known but GREAT book!

I guess I'm it... but what, exactly, am I?

She's no scaredy-cat!

Safe Harbor *disappointed sigh*

Nalini Singh's ARC contest - Caressed by Ice!!

Jaci Burton's ARC contest winners

Where are all the honest reviews?

Soul Song by Marjorie M. Liu - I recommend it!

ARC's ARC's everywhere ARC's... it's a beautiful thing!

Safe Harbor disappointed sigh