What Women Read

The Ancient Greeks are Among Us!

2010-04-23T15:25:00.000-07:00

Two books that I have read recently have both featured Greek gods and goddesses in the present day. I found this intriguing. Especially so, because the two book were so very different.

Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan is the first book in a YA/children's series that focuses on Percy Jackson, the son of Poseidon. Born half human, half god, Percy is not your average kid. School is torture. The special abilities that will someday manifest into battle skills only cause him trouble in the regular world. Labeled ADHD and LD, Percy hates school, and the teachers aren't too fond of him, either. One teacher in particular takes a murderous dislike to Percy. It's only when she glows claws and wings that Percy realizes just how much trouble he is in.

Born of parents from (literally) two different worlds, Percy and those like him draw the worst elements. Few of these children make it into their teenage years. This first book in a series starts the journey that Percy takes through adolescence. Will he survive? Will the gods take him out? Can he keep his mother safe? Will the Titans rise and take over Olympus?

This book was based so strongly in the original mythology that there is a sense of familiarity to the story. Those who studies the myths in school know the story of Medusa and Persephone. You know what Percy must do or why a god behaves in a particular way. Riordan honors the mythology, keeping true to the stories as his book unfolds.

I highly recommend this book. I have already told many of my students about it. I see the boys' eyes light up as they tell me about their favorite parts of the book. Boys. Reading. Voluntarily. For some of them this is a new experience. What could possibly be better than having students excited about a book they read, which will lead them to focused learning in the classroom? Not much, I think.

On the complete flip side, I FINALLY read Fantasy Lover by Sherrilyn Kenyon. This was my first Kenyon novel. I know, I know. What rock have I been living under. The back list was a bit intimidating. I finally sucked it up and snagged a copy. It was quite fun. Not the best paranormal romance I have ever read, but it was enjoyable. Certainly it was good enough to inspire me to request the next book from the library.

Julian is the son of Aphrodite and a Spartan soldier. Turned out of Olympus as a baby, he was given to the care of his father. Born of a time of war, male children were given over the the army at an early age. Blessed with his mother's beauty, Julian was often beaten and ridiculed. This shaped him into a lethal soldier. Gaining the favor of Athena, he was sent to battle to return victorious again and again. Jealousy of his conquests and his own poor judgement lead to his ultimate downfall. Cursed by his half-brother, Julian was locked in a book, only to be brought forth when summoned by women to act as their sex slave. Two millenia of this torture has left him empty, merely a husk of a man.

Grace is a sex therapist who ain't gettin' any. Her best friend thinks this is a problem. Grace is just fine with the situation, thank you very much. Her personal baggage comes in the form of a matching set of Louis Vuitton steamer trunks. She knows she has issues, but doesn't feel the need to lighten the load. Take a birthday, a bottle of wine, a cursed Greek book, and a well meaning best friend.... Grace, meet Julian. Julian, meet the first woman who has ever said no to you.

Sexual tension, ahoy! I enjoyed seeing the two characters get to know one another and begin to understand each other as individuals. Julian became human, not simply a love slave. Grace began to let go of the ghosts holding her back. Various gods popped in to either help or complicate matters. I felt that one or two issues were resolved perhaps too easily. Aphrodite waves her hand and all is well. Yet, I still enjoyed the book. A fun, easy romp.

So those Greek gods are still stirring up trouble today and making reading time interesting for us all.

I'm so embarrassed

2010-03-13T18:44:00.000-08:00

I just returned home from a lovely afternoon that started with a book signing by fabulous locals Julie James and Beth Kery, joined by Joss Ware and Shiloh Walker. Good books, great company, delicious food and fantastic wine. A perfect Saturday afternoon.

It was while in the company of these fine ladies, Shiloh's patient husband, and fellow blogger Stacy, that I had to admit to the embarrassing state of my blog. I have been neglectful. Horribly so. I was in such a reading slump for so long that, once I finally began to read again, I was completely out of the habit of blogging. Well, there is no other way to regain the habit than to practice.

So here I go. I know this is a very short, small start, but I hope to have more to say in the coming days. I did post my review of Someone Like You by Julie James on the DIK blog a week or two ago. I just finished the first book of the Percy Jackson series. I'm almost finished with another Loretta Chase. I am currently listening to the audio book of Little Women (my first time ever!) I really REALLY need to read The Outsiders for school. So lots of fodder for the ol' What Women Read blog.

Keep your eyes peeled. I just may surprise us all and start things up again in earnest. :)

Is it just me?

2009-12-05T10:21:00.000-08:00

I've been reading again. SLOOOOOOOOOOWLY. A few books have clicked, a few have not.

Covet by J.R. Ward
It had so many elements I like. At first I thought it would suck me in the way the BDB did in the beginning. I love the concept: fallen angels, good vs evil, saving seven souls, true love. The book held up, right up until the end. I don't know. I guess I felt like there was so much build up, the resolution was sort of anticlimactic. I wanted more.

Now I am reading Written on Your Skin by Meredith Duran. I have absolutely loved her previous novels. This one... not so much. The writing is good. The story is interesting. I just can't connect to the characters. There is so much deception that you almost can't tell who they truly are. I don't understand the characters, so I can't connect to them. When I can't connect to the characters I have a hard time stying with the book. I know I need to power through. If her track record holds strong, I will end up loving it. Right now, though, I'm just not feeling it.

Back to crocheting, I guess. (Gotta get these Christmas gift finished!!!)

Meredith Duran: Slump Buster!

2009-09-19T16:18:00.000-07:00

My friends, I think the Slum of '09 may have met it's match: the fabulous Ms Meredith Duran. Yesterday I was consumed by Bound By Your Touch. Nearly every page was read in one day. It was phenomenal!

WARNING, there are a few spoilerish comments below!

Ttitle: Bound By Your Touch
Author: Meredith Duran

Silver-tongued Viscount Sanburne is London's favorite scapegrace. Alas, Lydia Boyce has no interest in being charmed. When his latest escapade exposes a plot to ruin her family, she vows to handle it herself, as she always has done. Certainly she requires no help from a too-handsome dilettante whose main achievement is being scandalous. But Sanburne's golden charisma masks a sharper mind and darker history than she realizes. He shocks Lydia by breaking past her prim facade to the woman beneath...and the hidden fire no man has ever recognized. But as she follows him into a world of intrigue, she will learn that the greatest danger lies within -- in the shadowy, secret motives of his heart.

What I loved: Lydia. She was strong and independent, the eldest daughter in the family and known spinster. She was not a shrinking violet. She was not terribly naive. Inexperienced, yes, but she understood much of the world. This was a strong, intelligent heroine. And yet she was still taken advantage of. I liked this. It was realistic. It showed how a person could be blind to circumstances of the actions of others because of their personal feelings. Lydia was not TSTL. She wasn't idealistic. She came across as being rather realistic. I also loved James. How could I not love this hero? He was flawed, nearly fatally so. I spent a good portion of the book not liking him. He was selfish, rude, inconsiderate... but then his motivations and internal struggles began to be revealed. When he walked away from her, the decision was not made with the declaration that he was doing it for her own good. No, it was very clear he was walking away for himself. Self-preservation. And I was in complete sympathy with him.

I found the story line with James sister, Stella, to be interesting. I found Stella's decision to be rather profound and forward thinking. I like that James was not suddenly OK with it. He still struggled, but found a bit of peace. This, too, was realistic. No one waved a magic wand and made everyone happy and whole.

Thing I hated: Lydia's sister Sophie. Oh, that was the point, wasn't it? Yeah, that's all I've got for this category. No hating going on here!

Recommend? Absolutely, yes! This was Ms Duran's second book. Duke of Shadows was one of the best historicals I have ever read. Dark, intense, full of pain and angst. Bound By Your Touch is less so, yet by no means a light and fluffy read. Does it join the ranks of the best? Not sure yet, but it is certainly a keeper!

Filling the time

2009-09-14T14:39:00.000-07:00

Sometimes when you are in a slump the best thing to do is to step away from the TBR pile. It can be daunting standing there staring at so many books that you know would be wonderful were you not thus afflicted. The guilt and anxiety start to set in. You want to reassure the TBR pile that you love it, but are just not in the mood. No matter what you say, feeling are hurt. You need to take a step back, take some time for yourself. You and your TBR need to be on a break.

So what do you do during this time of personal reflection? Clean the house? Balance your checkbook? Organize all those recipes you have cut out of magazines only to shove in between the cookbooks on the shelf? Heck no! Why waste perfectly good reflection time on productive tasks?

Right now I am spending that time on my crafty endeavors. I console myself with the thought that crocheting is an activity that I could not do while reading, therefore the time spent with hook and yarn is not time which could have involved a book. Ok, ok, I could be listening to an audio book, but that would require going to the library where shelves and shelves of books would taunt me. Oh yeah, and there is that issue of a large (LARGE) overdue fine I have not yet paid.

Instead I am having fun with yarn. I'm even getting a jump start on Christmas gifts. ::ducks as people start throwing things:: I have been working on one sooper secrit project. It's a gift. It was actually off-handedly requested. ("You know, you could make me something. With hands! That has thumbs!" He wants to use it in his classroom.) He probably doesn't remember saying that, but I do. There are times when a long distance relationship has it's advantages: it is much easier to make someone gifts when they are not around to see them. I finished it today. Wanna see? I can't post it anywhere else (Facebook) or he will see it. It must remain a SOOPER SECRIT! Here she is!

So what do you do to fill the time when you step away from the TBR pile?

Slump Slump LUCKY CHARM Slump

2009-09-13T14:27:00.000-07:00

I actually finished a book! This is big news, my friends. I have not been able to do this very often over the past three months. I think it was pretty good. I mean, I actually finished it amidst the Slump of '09. That means it was probably quite good.

Lucky Charm by Carly Philips

All of the Corwin men are cursed when it comes to love. No, no, not unlucky... cursed. Literally. Generations before a Corwin ancestor stole away the intended bride of one of the Perkins men. Mary Perkins was having none of that. And Mary Perkins was a witch (this was during the days of the Salem witch trials, you know.) She cursed the Corwin family, that no man shall be successful in their personal or professional life if they fall in love.

Flash forward to present day and you meet current Corwin man, Derek. He loved his high school sweetheart, deeply. But knowing about the curse, he walked away from her. Years (a marriage, child, divorce and major financial setback) later, Derek is living back home, and Gabrielle has returned. This time she is determined to prove to Derek that there is no such thing as a curse (that is actually her job, you know, debunking myths.) Add in eccentric relatives, best friends, a local political campaign battle, and some mysterious shenanigans and you get a fun read.

If you are looking for sweet, a little hot, often amusing, and slightly mysterious (although I have to admit I figured it out before the reveal), then I recommend picking this book up. If you like it, there are two more books to follow.

Now if only I had the drive to pick up another book. Gah! Slumping along. Slump slump slump.

Back to School

2009-09-08T17:23:00.000-07:00

Today was the first day of school. All my students returned, full of energy, more or less ready for a new school year. They met their new teachers and received their new books. Packets went home. Inside these packets was a reading list for the year. I got a peek at this list today. Oh, the memories! My advanced 8th graders are reading two of my all-time favorite school reads.

The story, the characters, they live in my memory as vividly as the students I shared a classroom with, perhaps even stronger. These books fed my love of reading, introducing me to a style of writing with more depth and meaning than what I had previously read. I thank Ms. Bradbury for that all the time. She was, without a doubt, one of the best teachers I have ever had.

So with the school year off to a fresh start, I ask you this: What books live in your memory as integral parts of your childhood and education?

Slump Watch 2009: Slump Busters

2009-09-06T15:56:00.000-07:00

The Slump of 2009 is still going strong. Good books are languishing on the pile. Nothing is tempting the reading palette. Good writing (objectively I can tell it is good) just ain't cutting it for me. This slump is strong and holding fast.

What's a girl to do? I've tried switching genres. I picked up a well loved, oft re-read keeper. Tried re-reading a fave from my youth. Nothing is luring me to pick up and read. I even have the newest Patricia Briggs and I can't get up the gumption to read! (Of course, there is the fear that The Slump will leach even her books of their crack addled glory.)

I know I am not alone. Others have been in my shoes. When you were here, in this desolate place of reading ennui, what jolted you out of it? What book or activity busted that slump?

The School Year Beckons

2009-09-01T07:04:00.000-07:00

Today I am bidding a fond farewell to summer. Chicago has been experiencing unseasonably cool weather, but more to the point, I report back to school tomorrow. The halcyon day of summer are coming to an end. Days of doing nothing but what I want to do: catching up on TV shows, rewatching favorite movies, crocheting and crafting like a mad woman, and staring at the TBR pile... that offers little inspiration.

After returning from New York at the end of July I hit the all-time, worst ever reading slump. This was a relentless creature. It still has it's claws in me. I can't tell you how many DNF books I have floating around my apartment right now. I know they can't all be bad books. It has to be me. I tried historicals. I tried paranormals. I even tried rereading an old favorite. I want to read, but I just can't bring myself to lift another book only to be disappointed. Ugh!!! Needless to say, this malaise has put the brakes on my posts here.

There have been a few gems among the paste. Here are the rare, the few, the books I have enjoyed since the end of June:

Duke of Shadows by Meredith Duran- I FINALLY read it, and it was wonderful. So rich and layered. The only other historical romance that I could compare it to is The Spymaster's Lady. The time period and the political situation are not simply the back drop in this book, they are almost another character.

A Hunger Like No Other by Kresley Cole- This was my first try at her writing. I did not want to like the hero, Lachlain. In the beginning he had all of the negative traits of an Alpha hero, and none of the good. He was downright mean to Emma. In the end I quite enjoyed the story. I liked the mythology and the inclusion of Valkyries. I have the next book in the series buried in my extra bedroom. I need to dig it out.

7 Day and 7 Nights by Wendy Wax- I had read this one before and still loved it now. It is a contemp with one of my favorite tropes: reunited lovers, although this couple does nothing but butt heads. I definitely recommend you guys dig this one up.

Anything by Nalini Singh. I finished off the rest of her booklist. I heart her. I can't wait for the next book.

Currently, I am reading Lucky Charm by Carly Philips. It is cute so far, but hasn't grabbed me yet. I have the newest Patricia Briggs waiting for me. Yay, Charles and Anna!!! Mostly, though, I have been having fun crocheting. I opened a "store" on ETSY. Go check it out, let me know what you think. My newest obsession is amigurimi. I had seen these little cuties before, but thought they would be too difficult. Not so! It just requires counting. You can't zone out while making them. I have plans to make some for my friends (Christmas gifts? Heck yeah!)

I may even need to make a girlfriend for Mho Pho. What do you think, Katie?

Mmmm. Hello, lovely.

2009-06-22T21:21:00.000-07:00

What do you think, ladies? Could he be one of Larissa Ione's men? Perhaps Eidolon pre- s'genisis?

Just thought I would leave you with this image to enjoy before heading off to bed or work. :)

Gorging myself

2009-06-16T13:27:00.000-07:00

Oh... wow. I just gorged myself on Nalini Singh. Seriously. I devoured her entire backlist. Damn those cats are sexy! I can't even get my thought is order to type up a review of any one specific book. Instead, I give you random thoughts about the sries:

- Her heroes are tough, loyal men dedicated to their pack. They are flawed, but not fatally so.

- The heroines are equally strong. These are no shrinking violets, but neither are they ball busters.

- Engaging political atmosphere. Ms. Singh has developed a complex world with all it's troubles and strife.

- Family is at the heart of everything. I love this. These are men who are driven by their connection to and need for family.

- Alpha with a capital A. Somehow, though, they are not jackasses.

- The characters from previous books don't fade away at the conclusion of their book. They play integral roles in subsequent novels.

- The women stand equally among the men. They don't lose their strength once the hero claims them for their own. These women are defined by their own personality and talents, not by the men they are mated to.

I could go on, but I shall leave it at that. Ms. Singh, you are now officially on my list. Auto buy, baby, auto buy!

My inner geek rejoices

2009-06-06T15:45:00.000-07:00

I will admit it. I have seen the new Star Treck movie twice already. I want to see it again. I have turned into a complete and utter fangirl. Squeee!!!

I have seen a good number of episodes from the original series, a handful of eps from Voyager (ugh) and Enterprise (way better than most people gave it credit for!) My most favorite of all the incarnations, though, has always been Next Generation. I have disticnt memories from childhood. Me and Dad had our TV night: Next Generation and Quantum Leap. What a perfect pairing! Networks just don't plan that way any more.

My love of Next Generation probably explains my glee at receiving this result:

Your results:
You are Deanna Troi

Deanna Troi		70%
Uhura		65%
Chekov		50%
Beverly Crusher		50%
James T. Kirk (Captain)		45%
Geordi LaForge		45%
Will Riker		45%
Mr. Scott		35%
Jean-Luc Picard		35%
An Expendable Character (Redshirt)		35%
Leonard McCoy (Bones)		25%
Spock		22%
Data		20%
Worf		15%
Mr. Sulu		10%

You are a caring and loving individual.
You understand people's emotions and
you are able to comfort and counsel them.

Click here to take the Star Trek Personality Quiz

Pet peeves, what are yours?

2009-06-04T11:34:00.000-07:00

My lovely ginger friend, Jen, recently posted about incorrectly used Spanish language phrases. Let's just say they really bother her. This got me thinking. What bugs me when I read? Well, most of my big pet peeves are not ones that you would find in a published novel (not unless the author was allowed to write unchecked by an editor.) Which words and phrases get under my skin and make me cringe?

"should of" - Just because we are lazy here in America and butcher the pronunciation does not mean the word "have" has suddenly morphed into "of."

"orientated" - It's oriented. Just... ugh.

What about you? Which words, phrases, or misspellings make you want to pull out your hair?

Refractory period

2009-06-03T10:09:00.000-07:00

No no, I'm not talking about the one a man needs after he has been... intimate. I am talking about a literary one.

Sometimes when I finish reading a book I am energized, ready to jump into the next book. This is especially the case if it is part of a series or a new-to-me author. This past weekend I read Angel's Blood by Nalini Singh. So fabulous! I immediately pulled Slave to Sensation out of my TBR pile. I've got about a third of the book left. I'm loving her heroes and the worlds she has built. I know I will be picking up the next book in the Psy-changeling series as soon as I finish. No down time. No recovery period. No refractory period.

Other times I finish a book and need a break. It could be because I have glutted myself on a particular genre. I could be completely stressed by RL stuff. Perhaps I read an author's entire backlist and just need to reset the brain. Occasionally, I read a book that is so good, so complex, that I need time to process it. I need a few days to savor the story, characters, and imagery. Unfortunately, there are the times when you read a book so bad that you just can't bring yourself to pick up another book. (Usually, though, a good book will cleanse away the foul taste of bad writing.)

Recovery time. A literary refractory period. Do you have one? When do you need a break?

Tropes, why they work... or don't

2009-05-24T11:06:00.000-07:00

In every genre there are those plot devices or character achetypes that always seem to aboud. These tropes can shape the genre or shape the stereotypes that non-readers hold about the genre. This can be good and bad. Obvisouly, if the trope weren't successful it would not continue to pop up over and over again.

For us romance readers, these recurring elements (Alpha heroes, mistaken identity, fake engagements, plucky virgin heroines) are often what keep us reading. Who doesn't love to read about a brooding Alpha hero with a mysterious secret who is unable to control the strong emotions he feels for the fiesty "on the shelf" (28 y/o) spinster? We love it, but we know the genre chock full of tropes. Secret baby? Character with fatal illness that can be cured by the supernatural love interest? Unrequited love? Friends to lovers? Enemies to lovers?

Good authors know how to take these standard elements and present them in a fresh way, or can twist them about, turning it on it's head. They give us the tropes with a twist. These are the authors who make us excited to read more. It is unfortunate, though, that for every author who does this, there are coutless other who continue down the same old worn paths. The rut in the road made by all the previous authors must be pretty damn deep.

Recently I read a fantasy novel from a series where the whole point is to twist around the expected tropes. While the writing was average, the story kept me going. (The same way amazing writing can keep you reading an overdone plotline.) Mercedes Lackey has created the 700 Kingdoms, where The Tradition helps shape the ways of it's people. There are those people who will fulfill the Cinderella tradition, there are the siblings lost in the woods tradition, good benvolent ruler and evil advisor traditions. The Tradition pushes people along their destined path. However, Ms. Lackey's characters defy tradition or turn it upside down. The Cinderella characters's prince is a toddler? No problem, she becomes a Fairy Godmother. In One Good Knight, she combines numerous fairy tale traditions, dicing and slipcing them as she went along, to create an interesting storyline. The adventure and how the characters overcame the obstacles set in their way by enemies and The Tradition kept me turing pages. While there was a bit of a romance, it is important to romance readers to remember this is a Fantasy novel. The romance player 3rd or 4th fiddle to everything else. As I said, not the best writing I have read by the author, but a fun twist on those tropes we all know so well.

What books or authors have taken the expected and turned them into the unexpected? Who has managed to write a story using a tired plot line, but through spectacular writing turned it into a page turner?

YA and Children's reading lists... long overdue

2009-04-19T14:47:00.000-07:00

Not having Internet access at home really sucks!!! ARRRGHHHH!!!

Now that I got that off my chest, I present to you my completely incomplete list of books for children and young adults. I know I am leaving a ton of great books off the lists. I know there are hundreds of wonderful stroies I have yet to read. So far, this is what I've got:

Young Adult Books Shannon Says You Should Read

A Separate Peace (John Knowles)
To Kill a Mockingbird (Harper Lee)
The Lord of the Flies (William Golding)
The Westing Game (Ellen Raskin)
Something Wicked This Way Comes (Ray Bradbury)
Wild Magic (Tamora Pierce)
Beauty (Robin McKinley)
His Dark Materials Trilogy (Philip Pullman)
The Abhorsen Trilogy (Garth Nix)
Little Women (Louisa May Alcott)
Are You There God, It's Me, Margaret? (Blume)
My Side of the Mountain (George)

Children's Books Everyone Should Have on Their Shelves (IMHO)

The Witches (Dahl)
Matilda (Dahl)
The Harry Potter series (Rowling)
Charlotte's Web (E.B. White)
Island of the Blue Dolphins (O'Dell)
The Cay (Taylor)
Artemis Fowl (Colfer)
The Bridge to Terabithia (Paterson)
The Little Princess (Burnett)
Bunicula (Howe)
Because of Winn Dixie (DiCamillo)
Ella Enchanted (Levine)

So what am I missing? What needs to be added? Which books did you love as a kid, or love for your kids?

Trying something new

2009-04-05T12:23:00.000-07:00

Real life strikes again. Real life in the form of Internet crapping out at home (for two weeks!), grades, parent-teacher conferences, and (for the first time in nine years) a college class. Yes, that’s right. I am not only a teacher, I am now a student.

This past week I attended the first class for the course “Teaching Young Adult Literature.” How cool is that? A class to learn how to teach a genre of literature that I love. I was very excited when I first signed up for the class. I am a little leery after meeting the professor. She seems rather... rigid. And painfully perky. A strange combination, to be sure. I am keeping an open mind, though.

A couple nights ago I started reading the one and only text book for the class. I was not looking forward to this. All of my worst college memories center around trying to slog through poorly written, dry, boring academic writing. I decided to set myself a realistic goal: one chapter (38 pages.) Well, color me startled, I found it rather interesting. The book covers the definition of “young adult” and “young adult literature”, and tracks the history of the genre up through the mid-90's. The first chapter covered the genre definition and the “birth” of Young Adult literature (pre-1960.) Tomorrow I will read at least one chapter, perhaps two. Still manageable without being overwhelming or painful. By Monday I need to start on my homework assignment. Yup, I have to do homework. It’s so weird!

I’m looking forward to reading the actual Young Adult novels on our list. There are five all told, only one of which I have even heard of (The Book Thief.) This could be a great opportunity to add to my list of must-read books for young adults.

What list of must-read Young Adult literature, you ask? Why, the one I plan to share tomorrow, of course!

Westward expansion

2009-03-23T08:51:00.000-07:00

The other day during my drive home from work I was suddenly assailed by an overwhelming urge to read a historical Western romance. Trust me, I was as confused as you are! A Western? Really? I think if you look at my track record of book selections, when it comes to low man on the totem pole that subgenre is only trumped by Historicals set pre-1750 (which I tend to avoid like the plague.)

Why do I avoid Western romances? I can sum it up in one word: heroine. It seems that there are only two Western heroines: 1) the pampered East Coast deb who arrives in the Wild West unprepared for the harsh realities of frontier life, or 2) the pampered daughter of the big ranch owner (who was probably sent away to school out East where she learned to be a lady.) Both of these scenarios often lend towards the TSTL heroine. The sun is setting and lightening is flashing over the mountains? Why, I think I will suddenly decide to go on a walkabout. The local Comanche tribe has been raiding and killing settlers? Of course I will walk up to the bold, shirtless warrior and start giving him a piece of my mind. There is trouble brewing and that bold, shirtless warrior is riding hell bent for leather towards my home with a dozen of his friends? Oh where is my Pa? I couldn't possibly pick up that shotgun and try using it myself.

Ok, Ok, I know those are generalizations. I am also aware that this is another example of Old School romance not clicking with me. Let's face it, most Historical Westerns were written in the 80's, the land of the Big Mis and wilting flower heroine.

I know not all books written during that time period stuck to that mold. I know that there have been Westerns written more recently that would eschew the stereotypes. But which ones are they? Where is the Western with a heroine like Jessica Trent (Lord of Scoundrels) or Lydia Grenville (The Last Hellion)? Which Western has a hero that is not domineering, that appreciates a woman who is self-sufficient and sarcastic?

Can you tell me the name of these books? I really need to feed this sudden Western romance craving.

Belated blogoversary

2009-03-22T07:15:00.000-07:00

In the midst of the craziness of real life, and the fact that I was sucked into The Last Hellion (my love affair with Loretta Chase may be solidifying into twue wuv), something important slipped my mind.

One year ago this past Friday, What Women Read came into existence. Full of excitement and energy I vowed to review each book I read. Ah, the innocence. Now, at the ripe old age of one year and two days old, WWR admits that is absolutely not possible. I am OK with that. More than OK with that. It gives me more time to read!

So in honor of my good intentions, our love of romance and the heroes that inspire us, I give you a little blogoversary treat: The Menz of WWR. (Yes, for the moment I claim them for my own.)

The Windflower Tour: Chicago Stop (A Review)

2009-03-18T17:07:00.000-07:00

I am feeling a bit lazy right now. So lazy, in fact, that I refuse to type up a synopsis of this book. I know, I'm a bad reviewer. Also, Christine just posted such an amazing synopsis that anything I would cobble together would seem pathetic by comparison. Don't believe me? Go check it out!

I have to start off by being honest. Before starting to read The Windflower I was prepared to hate it. Oh alright, I was convinced I would hate it. HATE. After my experience with the dreaded Whitney, My Love I had convinced myself that Old School historicals are not my cup of tea. Because of this, my expectations of The Windflower were very low.

As I had mentioned in a previous post, I had an extremely difficult time getting into The Windflower. It took me two weeks to get past page 150. It never takes me that long to read a book. It was painful. If it weren't for the fact that I was reading the book as part of The Tour, I would have put it down and considered it a DNF. I hate admitting defeat with a book. So I powered through, forcing myself to read despite my determination to hate Merry and Devon.

I am so glad that I did. No, this was not a perfect example of historical romance. Yes, Devon was a big fat jerk. Sure, Merry was TSTL at parts. But I still liked it. I know that it was partly because my expectations were so low. If you expect the book to suck, then you are pleasantly surprised by a halfway decent read. I am aware of this. Yet I still liked it.

Me, pleasantly surprised

Merry is everything I usually can't stand in a heroine: very young, naive, too pretty for her own good, TSTL, unrealistically spunky, and sometimes a bit of a Mary Sue. Yet there is something endearing about her. She brought out the best in those around her (except for Devon, of course.) Cat and Raven became more human for knowing Merry. She never gave up. No matter how many curve balls life threw at her, she kept on surviving. Merry is that girl you want to hate, but just can't.

Devon is an ass. I know that. Hell, it was evident in every one of his actions. In the beginning his treatment of Merry was inexcusable. Later, his intentions were more noble, if misguided. I came to understand why he made his choices, even if I didn't agree with them. Their attraction was clear. From moment one, they were drawn to one another. I bought it. Their love and HEA? Not quite as realistic. Devon didn't give Merry many reasons to fall in love with him. The way he treated her in the beginning would have made anyone (besides an 80's historical romance heroine) punch him in the nose and never speak to his sorry ass again. In some ways Merry's love smacked of teenage puppy love. Devon went from "I desire her, but cannot stand her" to "I love her, but must not sully her" far too abruptly. But again, my expectations were bottom-of-the-ocean low, so I was still pleased with the end result.

If the book had solely been focused on Merry and Devon it would have fallen flat for me. Sweet, annoying, but nothing to write home about. The saving grace was in the form of the secondary characters. At the start of the book I kept reading so that I could get more of Cat. Later it was Cat and Raven. Had sequels been written, I would have wanted to read their stories. Cat was this wonderful, multi-layered, tortured soul. Had this book been written today, I would almost expect his character to be gay. Perhaps the fact that he was not makes his relationship with Merry all the more poignant. Raven was the youthful heart of the story. He is no innocent boy, but there was a purity and honesty to his character that made him unique. It also landed him into a heap of trouble. He was unrepentant, and I loved it.

Homer gives his woof of approval even though the character is named Cat. (man my phone camera sucks!)

All in all, I am glad I forced myself to go on reading. Not a favorite, but not a Dreaded (Old School) Historical. If you like the subgenre, especially those from the 80's, you should definitely give it a shot. Others? Proceed at your own risk. Enter into this reading relationship with the understanding that it may not be all sunshine and roses.

Review: A Julie James 2-fer

2009-03-16T19:04:00.000-07:00

I had the great pleasure of meeting local author, Julie James this past weekend. She is just as lovely in person as she is online! I love that I can say that and also say that she is one fabulous writer. Seriously. Do you like a straight up Contemporary Romance? Then she is a must read. Having recently finished reading her two releases, I have added Julie to my auto-buy list. Yes, her books are that great.

COOL. CALM. COLLECTED.
Nothing fazes Taylor Donovan. In the courtroom she never lets the opposition see her sweat. In her personal life, she never lets any man rattle her–not even her cheating ex-fiancé. So when she’s assigned to coach People’s “Sexiest Man Alive” for his role in his next big legal thriller, she refuses to fall for the Hollywood heartthrob’s charms. Even if he is the Jason Andrews.
CONFIDENT. FAMOUS. IRRESISTIBLE.
Jason Andrews is used to having women fall at his feet. When Taylor Donovan gives him the cold shoulder, he’s thrown for a loop. She’s unlike any other woman he’s ever met: uninterested in the limelight, seemingly immune to his advances, and shockingly capable of saying no to him. She’s the perfect challenge. And the more she rejects him, the more he begins to realize that she may just be his perfect match. . .

Taylor is a Chicago girl temporarily living in California. Midwest sensibilities meet Hollywood glitz. She is smart, driven, sassy, sarcastic. Jason is the hotest man in showbiz, recently named Sexiest Man Alive for the third year in a row. Better than Brad Pitt (according to Ms. James.) He is cocky, arrogant, expects women to fall at his feet. Then he meets Taylor. She was having none of that. Sure he is good looking, but does that mean she has to put her life on hold for the man? Hell no! Instead of blushing and stammering, Taylor puts Jason in his place, much to his confusion and his best friend's enjoyment. Each time they meet sparks fly, verbal sparring ensues. Taylor vows not to let the Hollywood playboy get under her skin. Jason is determined to get Taylor underneath him. But what happens when they start to realize that they like more than the challenge, they like each other?

WHEN IT COMES TO THE LAWS OF ATTRACTION . . .
Payton Kendall and J.D. Jameson are lawyers who know the meaning of objection. A feminist to the bone, Payton has fought hard to succeed in a profession dominated by men. Born wealthy, privileged, and cocky, J.D. has fought hard to ignore her. Face to face, they’re perfectly civil. They have to be. For eight years they’ve kept a safe distance and tolerated each other as co-workers for one reason only: to make partner at the firm.
. . . THERE ARE NO RULES.
But all bets are off when they’re asked to join forces on a major case. At first apprehensive, they begin to appreciate each other’s dedication to the law—and the sparks between them quickly turn into attraction. But the increasingly hot connection doesn’t last long when they discover that only one of them will be named partner. Now it’s an all out war. And the battle between the sexes is bound to make these lawyers hot under the collar . . .

Payton and J.D. never have a sincerely nice word to say to one another. Competitive, philosophically and politically opposed, they have rubbed each other the wrong way from day one. It is quite a bumpy road getting from there to rubbing each other the right way, but boy is it worth it! Payton and J.D. snipe and snarl, spark fly and heat rises. Legal libraries will never be the same. They are battling one another for a partnership in their firm, while battling the feelings they have for one another.

It has been a long time since I have enjoyed a straight up contemp as much as I did these two books. Let's put it this way, I was up until 3AM on Saturday night reading. I was completely hooked on these characters. Here's the unique part, I was hooked on the heroines! I am a hero kind of gal. When I finish a book I usually remember details about Lord or Mr. Hotness. The heroine usually comes in second. Julie has managed something that very few others have done, made me love the heroine as much or more than the hero. These ladies are spunky, smart, sarcastic, flawed, independent, hopeful, and real. I can imagine actually knowing them. I may be terribly jealous (hey, they're gorgeous and own shoes I could never justify on a teacher salary!), but these are the type of women you are friends with. I have not connected with a heroine in the same way since Jane in Mr. Perfect. And you all know how I feel about that book. Best ever!

You know the best part of it all? Julie is as nice as she is talented. And we Chicagoans get to claim her as one of our own. :)

Interview: Julie James

2009-03-11T06:26:00.000-07:00

Normally when I stay up late into the night ignoring the fact that I should be sleeping (my students just don't understand what sleep deprivation does to their music teacher!) it's because I am caught in the grips of a dark paranormal romance or the intrigue of a romantic suspence. Rarely does this happen with a straight up contemporary. When it does, it is a rare and beautiful thing. When it does happen, it is with a book like Just the Sexiest Man Alive.

After reading the book and discovering that the author, Julie James, is a fellow Chicagoan, I just had to contact her for an interview. I was ever so pleased when she agreed. (Extreme understatement.) Now with her latest book, Practice Makes Perfect, fresh on the shelves she is getting ready for a signing this coming Saturday. Before I get my grabby little hands on the book (and meet Julie for the first time), she and I had a little chat...

Me: Hi Julie, welcome to What Women Read! I am so glad you could join me over here. So let's get to it! When did you first realize you wanted to write?

Julie: First of all, let me start by saying thanks so much for having me here, Shannon! In terms of when I first realized I wanted to write, that actually took me awhile to figure out. I'm a lawyer, and I spent several years practicing at a large firm in Chicago before I even began to think about writing. But somewhere along the way, I came up with what I thought was a good idea for a romantic comedy film. So in my spare time, I wrote a screenplay. Having no idea whether it was any good, I started querying agents and managers in Hollywood. The screenplay was well-received, and I signed with an agent who optioned the script to a producer. I wrote a second script, which was also optioned. After that happened, I began to think about writing as a career. I thought about it for a long time (during which I wrote three more screenplays), and then ultimately decided to quit my job to write full-time. It was a nerve-wracking decision, but happily one that I've never regretted.

Me: What was it like when you sold your first book?

Julie: Amazing!! And partially because it happened at such a crazy time-- my son was about two weeks old when my agent called and said that Berkley wanted to buy Just the Sexiest Man Alive as part of a two-book deal. She told me that they wanted to know what my second book would be, and that I needed to put together a synopsis, and here I was panicking and thinking, "Um... I have a fourteen day-old baby, I barely have time to shower..." So I came up with a rough idea, and I pitched it to my editor while I was outside, pushing my son in the stroller, because it was the only time I could be certain he'd fall asleep. And I didn't want to cross over onto any busy streets that might wake him up, or past the "L" tracks, so I basically walked up and down this one block for the entire half-hour phone call. I'm sure the people living in those houses thought I was either crazy or majorly sleep-deprived.

Me: When starting a new book, do you start with character or plot?

Julie: I usually start with the plot, but just the very basic idea. Then I develop the characters, and they tell me what they're going to do and what the outline of the story will be.

Me: Can you describe your writing process?

Julie: I'm a plotter. I come up with the basic idea, then I think about who the heroine and hero are, and after that I sit down and outline. I write detailed outlines-- like twenty pages or so-- that include plot, motives, character background, and even some snippets of dialogue. I do detailed outlines because that's how I can tell if I have enough of a story to sustain an entire book. What's funny, though, is that after drafting the outline, I hardly ever look at it while I'm actually writing the book. By then the entire story is so well mapped out in my head, I don't really need it.

Me: Since your characters work in the same profession as you have, what kind of research do you do for your books?

Julie: I didn't have to do any research for either of the heroines in my first two books, since they both practice the exact type of law I specialized in, employment discrimination defense. It's the heroes that have required more. When I was writing Jason, the movie star hero of Just the Sexiest Man Alive, I did little bits of research here and there--box office revenue, whether any celebrity has ever been named "Sexiest Man Alive" three times--fun things like that. For the hero of Practice Makes Perfect, I conveniently was able to talk to my husband, who specializes in class action defense just like J.D. does. Ooh-- and I've also had to do research into cars, because I define my male characters by the kind of vehicle they drive: Jason drives an Aston Martin, J.D. drives a Bentley, and the hero of the book I'm currently writing, an FBI agent, drives a motorcycle.

Me: If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?

Julie: Whew-- what a tough question! Hmm... there's nothing that jumps out at me that I would change with Practice Makes Perfect. That being said, there were definitely times when writing the book that I thought, "Uh-oh, can I do this?" Since both of the characters are strong-willed and determined to one-up the other in their war to make partner, there were occasions when I would know what the character wanted to do, but I worried about whether his or her actions were crossing the line. But then I just decided that if their actions were real and true, that's what I needed to write--even if I was sitting at my computer going, "I can't believe he/she just did that!"

Me: What do you do if/when writers block strikes or motivation lags?

Julie: Knock on wood, I don't really get writer's block where I can't think of anything to write. But what does happen is that I'll try to write a scene that's just not working. I'll be spinning my wheels, writing and deleting, over and over. What I need to do then, as much as I hate leaving a scene unfinished, is just get up and walk away from the computer. I'll take the dog for a walk, or go get coffee or work-out, and I swear within minutes of not thinking about it, the way to fix the scene will come to me. I think, sometimes, the subconscious needs to take over when our conscious self is trying too hard.

Me: What was it like to write a book set in your hometown?

Julie: I loved writing a story that takes place in Chicago! So much so that I decided to set my third book here as well. It's great for a lot of reasons: first of all, it saves me time having to do location research. Second, and more important, I love being able to showcase Chicago because it's such an amazing city. I use a lot of actual locations and landmarks in the book--bars, restaurants, Wrigley Field, the federal courthouse-- and hopefully those scenes capture the essence of the city.

Me: What is next on your horizon?

Julie: I've just finished writing the first draft of my third book for Berkley/Penguin and I'm really excited about it! It's about a female Assistant U.S. Attorney who by chance witnesses a high-profile murder involving a U.S. Senator. The FBI agent assigned to the investigation is a man from her past that she doesn't get along with. The proverbial sparks fly as the two of them work together on the case, and even more so when it turns out that the killer might be after her. It's another romantic comedy set in Chicago, although I do sneak in a thrill or two with this one.

Me: What book are you reading now?

Julie: I'm currently reading Me & Emma by Elizabeth Flock for my book club. And then next up in my TBR pile is Fragile by Shiloh Walker and Nalini Singh's Angels' Blood.

Me: Favorite color?

Julie: Blue

Me: Favorite author?

Julie: Jane Austen. I love all of her books, although Pride and Prejudice is my favorite-- I re-read it every year.

Me: Do you ever use music as inspiration while writing? If so, what songs inspired your books?

Julie: Absolutely! I come up with a playlist that I think goes with the tone of whatever book I'm writing and I listen to those songs whenever I'm having trouble getting the right feel of a scene. For Just the Sexiest Man Alive, one of those songs was "Inner Smile" by Texas (from the Bend it Like Beckham soundtrack) and for Practice Makes Perfect, one song I listened to a lot was "Tenderness" by General Public. The songs for the book I'm currently writing were a little different: because the book has this sort of noir-ish suspense subplot, I listened to a lot of Billie Holiday, and, oddly, "Disturbia" by Rihanna. Kind of a strange combination. : )

Me: Do you have any advice for other writers?

Julie: One thing I would encourage aspiring writers to do is to pay attention to dialogue. Make it sound real. Sure, sometimes characters say exactly what they're thinking and feeling, but a lot of times they don't. Oh-- and write male characters that speak and think like actual men-- not the way us women sometimes wish they spoke and thought!

Thank you so much, Julie!!! Now I can't wait until Saturday when we get to meet and I can dive in to Practice Makes Perfect. Any Chicagoans out there? Come joins us!

Saturday, March 14th
Barnes and Noble
1441 Webster Ave.
Chicago, IL.
3:00-5:00pm

Windflower update!

2009-03-07T14:52:00.000-08:00

I have finally finished the book. It only took... good gawd! Two weeks. That's what happens when RL gets complicated. I will have my thoughts and review up soon. Just know that the tour has finally gained momentum again!

A new adventure

2009-03-04T09:12:00.000-08:00

I am finally getting to the point in Windflower where I am eager to pick it up. It was slow going at first. I still have quite a ways to go, but I plan to finish it up by Friday. Review to come this weekend. I promise! (I’m so sorry I am holding up the tour!)

In the meantime I thought I would share a new experience with you all. I have listening to an audio book for the first time. I know, I know, I am late to the game, as always. Living in Chicago means driving in Chicago. For those of you unfamiliar with this experience, it is a frustrating experience. There is no rhyme or reason to the congestion. You can leave at the same time every day, traveling the same pathway, and have a commute that last anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours. I have been sick of the local radio stations (hello! There are more than 20 songs out there!) so I decided to take the plunge into audio books.

I checked out my local library and saw that I had two options. I could get a book on CD, but my car is just old enough that I came with a tape player. Instead, I picked up a Playaway book. This is a preloaded mp3 device that is loaded with one audio book. Most of the Playaway selections for adults fall into the more serious “literature” genre. I could listen to Shakespeare or Jane Austen, but I wanted something a little more fluffy for my first foray into audio books. I decided to peek into the children’s section of the library and, huzzah! For the past week or two I have been listening to Wild Magic by Tamora Pierce. It is one of her many books that take place in her world, Tortall. I am keeping my series OCD in check by reminding myself that it is the first of her Immortals series. It just happens to share the same world as her previous Lioness series. (So far that justification has been working.)

Something that I am enjoying about this recording is that they have used different people to voice the characters. I know this is not the case in “adult” novels. It brings the characters to life in a different way. While the author does a fabulous job with narration, I just can’t imagine her voice being effective for Sarge (a large black man in charge of training the new recruits, very military.) The male characters are all voiced by men, the female by women.

The story is interesting. I had to get used to Ms. Pierce’s writing and reading voice in the beginning, but I am now eager to get in my car for the daily trek home. I have even chosen to listen to it in the morning instead of my favorite AM radio show!

I still have quite a ways to go with the book, but my commute is certainly not going to disappear. And these days, that commute is a whole lot more fun!

Larissa Ione takes on the DIK

2009-03-01T22:25:00.000-08:00

That's right, your favorite dark paranormal author and mine is taking on the DIK blog for the next three days. Come on over and see what she has to say...

Reader's Block

2009-02-27T16:11:00.000-08:00

If there is such a thing as Reader's Block, i haz it. This isn't a reading slump. I want to read. I have books tempting me to read. I just can't get into the book that I need to finish. I have to read this book, but every time I pick it up I can only get through a few pages before I am either falling asleep or get distracted. Ooh, shiny!!! (Raccoon syndrome strikes again!)

It is my turn on the Windflower tour. It is long past my turn and starting to get ridiculous. I have been trying to read the book for the past week and am only on page 46. 46!!!! That's pathetic! I could blame it on the fact that I had grades due today, but that really isn't it. Poor Merry hasn't even been kidnapped yet and my attention is wandering.

I hang my head in shame. Epic Fail. I am going to give it a go again tonight. Think of me, my friends. Send me your good reading juju. The Windflower shall not get stranded in Chicago. I will beat this book! I will shake off the Reader's Block. Oh God, please tell me I can do it!

How have you powered through a case of Reader's Block? Helpful hints and suggestions are needed!

Loving Loretta

2009-02-22T19:55:00.000-08:00

I have found my new favorite Historical author. I have my Quinn, my Kleypas, my Balogh. Now I have my Chase.

I read my first Loretta Chase novel over the summer, Lord of Scoundrels. It was one of those books that reminded me why I love to read. I fell hard for her characters. Sebastian and Jessica were vibrant and alive. Because of this I have been hesitant to pick up another of her books. What if I had started with the very best and no other book could live up to my first experience?

Well, no worries here. I just finished reading Mr. Perfect and loved it. No, it wasn't as good as LoS, but very few are. Benedict and Bathsheba were fun characters. Benedict was socially perfect to the point of being repressed. The image he presented to the world did not always match what was hidden beneath the surface. His internal struggle was well written and developed in a real way. Bathsheba was a woman with a reputation, but was it really deserved? Absolutely not! Yet, she was no sweet, retiring miss. She had just enough of her rebellious family's personality to make her the perfect foil for Benedict. Throw in a road trip, some childish high jinx, and sexual tension, and you get one satisfying read.

So where do I go next? Which Chase novel should I read next? Which ones are your favorites?

Mini Review: Simply Perfect

2009-02-19T16:06:00.000-08:00

Title: Simply Perfect
Author: Mary Balogh
Genre: Historical Romance

From Publishers Weekly:

Balogh's lovely Regency series centering on Miss Martin's School for Girls closes with the story of founder and headmistress Claudia Martin, an aging spinster past 30 who does not see marriage in her future. Two former teachers have recently made titled matches, however, and one of them sends Joseph, marquess of Attingsborough, to the school, along with his good looks, friendly manner and offer of a carriage to London. His title puts Claudia off; she distrusts his apparent interest in her school; his near-engagement to Lord Balderston's daughter, the icily perfect Portia Hunt, makes him unavailable. For his part, Joseph, at 35, can no longer put off the need for a male heir. He is resigned to the match, but there is a very delicate matter that he needs to resolve beforehand, with Miss Martin's aid required to safeguard his secret and his reputation. Joseph's heart isn't in the subterfuge, however, and as social pressures come to bear, both he and Claudia are forced to reexamine their priorities.

Mary Balogh is one of those authors that I just can't quit. I cut my romance teeth on a number of her books years and years ago. Every so often I come back to her, gorging myself on her backlist, before suffering from and overdose that results in long periods of Balogh-lessness. Why do I keep coming back? Her characters. I do so love them. Sure, she recylces certain plot devices (nearly the entire Bedwyn series was comprised of fake engagements!) Her characters are just so damn entertaining.

Ever since I read the first book in the Simply series I knew Claudia Martin would get her own installment. She had to. No author would create such a great character, simply to ignore them. In Simply Perfect we finally get her HEA. It was sweet. Her hero was so utterly devoted and loving (not just to her). I enjoy the love across social classes storyline. It was lovely. Nothing terribly exciting, no murders to solve or people to rescue. It was romance, pure and simple.

If you are looking for sizzling heat, this is not the book to grab. Claudia and Joseph had this restrained passion about them. Something in their relationship reminded me of Elinor and Edward in Sense and Sensibility. All very proper and under control, yet you knew that their feelings ran deep.

I am often annoyed by the "scandalous secret" used in Historicals to amp up the tension. In the case of this book, I felt it added another layer to the story. The secret is not kept hidden from Claudia for long. It takes longer for it to be revealed to society. This secret brings the H&h together rather than causing conflict between them.

The icing on the cake for me was all of the continuity. Balogh has built a world of interlocking stories and characters. In Simply Perfect we get to revisit our heroes and the women they love from both the Simply and Slightly series. There was even a passing mention that made me reread a scene three times. The heroine from my all time favorite Historical category (one Ms. Balogh wrote back when I was but a teen) was one of the musicians performing at the musicale near the beginning of the book. This brief mention made me smile and yearn for my long lost copy (someday I shall find you again, Red Rose!!!)

Huh, guess the review isn't so mini. A good book does that to you. Go read some Balogh. You need to catch up. There is a new series starting next month!

Culling the herd

2009-02-18T16:23:00.000-08:00

As I am slowly creeping up on my one year blogoversary it has come to my attention that I may have a problem. A growing problem. It is called the TBR pile. The damn thing has grown exponentially over the past year! I know, it is the natural course of things when you start a book blog. The thing is, I have not acquired all of these books willingly. Quite a few have been passed along to me by well meaning coworkers and friends. While I am wildly appreciative of free books (who isn't?) I think I have reached a point where I must cry uncle. That pile is never going to shrink at this rate.

So I decided it was time to cull the herd. This literary Leaning Tower of Pisa had a solid foundation of "must read soon" books and authors: Kleypas, Showalter, Christopher Moore, La Nora, etc. Unfortunately, the structural integrity of this edefice was being undermined by some real stinkers. I won't go into detail, but let's just say I couldn't even make it through the backflap of most of the books.

Since I am planning to move by the end of summer, I decided it wasn't too soon to start weeding out some of my excess belongings. The entire TBR Tower was relocated from the office/large storage closet (I mean really, if it has no closet it isn't an actual bedroom) to the family room. Two hours and a couple Buffy episodes later, the books had been sorted and organized. I had piles, y'all: Contemp keepers, ParaRom keepers, Historical keepers, other-stuff-I-like-to-read keepers. It all was transferred back to the desk in the front room, but this time in tidy piles for easier access. What was left behind? Three Trader Joe's bags full of books to discard.

Now, ever since I was little the idea of throwing a book in the garbage has given me hives. That was someone's hard work. I may not have liked the story, but the book represents months or even years of work by the author. And who knows, someone else may want to read it and will like the book. Since the dumpster was out of the question I decided to take the books over to The White Elephant. I mentioned this store about a month ago. It is the second hand store/fund raiser for Children's Memorial Hospital. It is the lovely place that I struck gold, purchasing eighteen books for about $15. I figure this way I get to donate the books to a store that helps fund medical treatment for critically ill children, and allow another reader the chance to get their hands on some books. I think it is a win-win situation all around.

Now I just need to adopt the same approach to my clothes closet. I am SO not going to pack up and move all of those shirts I haven't worn in three years. Can you say "pack rat" anyone?

Categories, my love-hate relationship

2009-02-15T17:31:00.000-08:00

As some of you may know, I am not a big fan of category romances. Theoretically, they sound great. A format that provides the reader with heat, romance and a HEA in a shorter, quicker read. Pressed for time? Busy professional and personal life? No problem! Pick up a category and you get all that you need in a tidy little package.

More often than not I finish one of these slim novels and feel cheated. Two dementional characters, insufficient development of emotion to connect the hero and heroine. This is not the authors fault. I often think, "If only they had the chance to turn this into a full-length novel..." So much potential, so few pages.

This is my issue. I know that. I have a very strong bias. I started to worry that it was keeping me from reading some lovely stories. To make sure that wasn't the case I decided to take a chance on a few new releases. Since I had heard some positive hubub about the Blaze line I decided to take a shot at those.

The first book was Coming Undone by Stephanie Tyler.

“I want you to start by running your tongue slowly around my ear…”

Oh no!

Surfer – make that ex-surfer – Carly Winters can’t believe she accidentally faxed an erotic letter to…a secure military line? Now Navy SEAL Jonathan “Hunt” Huntington is at her door, fax in hand, asking her how the fantasy ends.

Talk about fate…
Because Carly’s parents think Hunt is her new boyfriend, and Carly does need a wedding date ASAP. Hunt’s ready to play – only on one condition. Carly’s got to teach him to hang ten. Problem is, it’s been a while since Carly’s career-ending accident and she’s terrified of anything aqua. But with Hunt, letting go just may make her fantasy a reality!

Oh baby! HAWT! This book lives up to the Blaze idea. Hot, steamy sex with a good, solid romance. Carly and Hunt are fully developed three dementional characters. I liked them both. Really liked them. Carly's fear of the water was realistic and well written. She was tough, yet vulnerable. Hunt was simply fantastic. He didn't let Carly back down. He challenged heremotionally and sexually. There was an additional story line that gave the book even more emotional depth. If all categories were like this I would be buying them by the truck load.

Since my first foray into the Blaze line was such a success I picked up In a Bind by Stephanie Bond.

Soon to be married flight attendant Zoe Smythe is on her last flight to Australia when she opens the fantasies letter she wrote 10 years earlier. The erotic words she wrote about being bound while making love stir a dormant desire. And the hunky Aussie in first class is only too willing to make her fantasies come true…

I should have know when I read the first sentence of the backflap that I was going to have a problem. "Soon to be married..." The heroine is getting married in one month. The hero is not her fiance. DEAL BREAKER. I mentioned this in an earlier post. It is not official: this book was DNF. I just couldn't do it. I have very strong feelings about fidelity and marriage. What the characters did was cheating. I was simply unable to continue reading.

I need to be honest and say that I didn't have a problem with the writing. What I read was well written. The objection to the plot eclipsed my enjoyment of the writing. I wish that wasn't true.

So here I am, still unsure about categories. One great, one anger inducing. I think I need your help. Which categories have you read that you would recommend?

Embracing the day

2009-02-14T10:28:00.000-08:00

As readers of romance, we embrace on a daily basis those things that today represents: love, caring, passion, romance, devotion. We seek out and infuse our lives with these qualities every time we pick up a book. Through reading, we give our selves a chance, whether we are single or coupled, to experience the joys and agonies of love. It is so easy to turn a page and dive into a relationship. It is safe to encounter the heartache, misunderstandings, danger, exhilaration, passion, longing, anger, hope, and contentment two people can find together when it is printed on paper. If it becomes too much you can mark your page and set down the book while you take a chocolate break.

Life isn't that easy. Life is messy. And scary. And amazing.

Love in real life does not always guarantee a HEA. That is part of the thrill, part of the fear. Could this person be the one? You don't know at the beginning. You have to take that risk and put yourself (and your heart) on the line. There are no standardized tests to administer that will result in conclusive evidence. There is no set pattern of behaviors that are indicative of a HEA in life. Each person is different, so each relationship will be, too. And isn't that a wonderful, amazing thing? One relationship can be passionate and tumultuous. The next might be sweet and gentle. There are those individuals who you connect with over shared interests, while you are draw to another person who is wildly opposite from yourself. Friends, family, distance, work can all factor in to complicate the equation. It's messy and it's real, and it can be absolutely freakin' amazing. Or the most frighteningly unsure moments of your life.

This is the beauty of the romance novel. All of that scary craziness in a controlled setting. Are you looking for a whirlwind romance to push your erotic boundaries? There is one out there waiting to be read. Do you want the chance to answer the question "what if" regarding someone from your past? Have I got recommendations for you! Do you want a shot a happiness with someone who will take charge and sweep you along? Alpha heroes abound. Perhaps you want to completely escape the reality in which you live. Open up one of the thousands of ParaRom flooding the market. Or what if you desire the kind of romance that makes your heart jump with just a brush of the hand or a longing look? The stiff upper lip, stoic hero has been alluring readers for centuries.

Whatever it is you are longing for, there is a book for you. So whether you are a singleton celebrating your fabulously independent self today, or are coupled up with someone special, treat yourself to the kind of romance you most desire. I am going to enjoy some unrequited longing, what are you going to indulge in?

Review: So Long, And Thanks For All the Fish

2009-02-10T16:11:00.001-08:00

I have a confession to make. I broke one of my cardinal reading rules: Thou shalt not knowingly read a series out of order. I am so sorry. Please, I beg for forgiveness.

I did have a good reason, though.

At Christmas time I received the book So Long, And Thanks For All the Fish as a gift from a rather special someone. It is the fourth book in the Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy series by Douglas Adams. While I have the first book languishing on my TRB pile, I have yet to actually read it. Books two and three had not even been a blip on my radar. Yet there I was in early January with book four in hand. Do I set it aside while I read the previous installations of the series, or do I ignore my reading OCD and dive right into Arthur Dent's travels? I chose to ignore the voice screaming in my head that I was a horrible reader. How could I wait when the special someone who bestowed the gift of the book handed it over with the comment "You remind me of Fenchurch." I had to find out what he meant.

::le sigh::

Backflap:

Back on Earth with nothing more to show for his strange, long trip through time and space than a ratty towel and a plastic shopping bag, Arthur Dent is ready to believe that the past 8 years were all just a figment of his stressed-out imagination. But a gift-wrapped fishbowl with a cryptic inscription, the mysterious disappearance of the Earth's dolphins, and the discovery of his battered copy of the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy all conspire to give Arthur the sneaking suspicion that something otherworldly is indeed going on.

God only knows what it all means. Fortunately, He left behind a Final Message of explanation. But since it is lightyears away from Earth, on a star surrounded by souvenir booths, finding out what it is will mean hitching a ride to the far reaches of space aboard a UFO with a giant robot. But what else is new?

Having not read the previous books (although I did see the movie), I knew I had missed a metric ton of backstory. I didn't really miss it. I mean, yes, there was a moment here or there where I would have benefitted from reading of Arthur's previous adventures. I'm sure the appearance of certain characters would have felt more important, but I still greatly enjoyed this book.

Arthur is sweet and slightly clueless. He is a man of much experience, yet oddly innocent. After landing back on Earth, he hitches a ride into the town, apprehensive over what he might see. Had he been gone long? Was this the same Earth he had seen explode? Would anyone remember him? What follows is Arthur's return to "normal" life, his discovery that not all is quite the same, and how it all changes with Fenchurch in the picture.

Who is Fenchurch? She is the creative, sweet, quirky woman that Arthur falls hopelessly in love with. Something about her is just a wee bit off. She knows it. Arthur loves her for it. You see, she knows the truth. Or she did, until Earth was blown up and then somehow reassembled. Just before the explosion 8 years earlier (that Arthur remembers, but Fenchurch does not), she had an epiphany. She realized "how the world could be made a good and happy place." Unfortunately, she can't remember the details now. Not only is this haunting her, but there is the fact that her feet never seem to touch the ground. Quite literally. Together, she and Arthur fly among the clouds over England, discover what happened to the dolphins, fall in love, and gaze upon God's final message. She is the traveling companion that Arthur needs in life.

After reading this book I have added all previous installments in the series to my TBR list. Adam's writing is crisp and quirky, by turns sweet and funny. I highly recommend So Long, And Thanks For All the Fish. It entertained me and made me smile. I mean how could I not smile? "You remind me of Fenchurch. I don't think your feet touch the ground either."

The Tour Continues!!

2009-02-07T14:52:00.000-08:00

Attention passengers! The Windflower has landed. I repeat, The Windflower has landed!

Yup, I returned home from my workshop today to find that (in)famous book in my mailbox. Woohoo!!! I can't wait to start it. Tropical islands, ships, pirates... what could be better? I know! The fact that it arrived the same day that I will be attending a pirate themed Valentines party. How cool is that?

Lamb: Let's discuss!

2009-02-01T17:37:00.000-08:00

I know, I know, I'm late. And that is news how? That fact that I was born a day before my due date was a complete fluke. Punctuality is overrated, I say!

OK, so on to the book!

I hope you all read Lamb. Am I the only one? Hellooooooo!

So let's discuss:

What did you think?
Were you offended by this book in any way?
Did this book make you consider Jesus in a different way?
Did you find Lamb to be fairly true to the Bible as you know it?
Were there any characters or events that spoke to you? Do you have a different appreciation for them/it after reading Lamb?

I hope you had fun reading this book. I know I did!

Am I the only one?

2009-01-27T18:32:00.000-08:00

I started reading a new book last night. The writing is pretty good, and the sex is pretty hot. I should be really into it, nose buried in the pages right now. And yet, I'm not.

You see, here is the problem. The heroine in this book (a category from the Blaze line) is a flight attendant who is engaged, with the wedding a month away. Working her last international flight, she encounters a tall gorgeous Aussie (mmMmmm, good!) She then Encounters him in the airplane's restroom. Welcome to the mile high club! It's hot. There's light bondage. BUT... she's engaged! The H&h have that amazing instant romance novel connection, but she is already committed to another man. No way around it, she cheated.

As a reader I have my kinks (things that get me in a good way every time.) I also have my deal breakers. Infidelity is one of mine. I just hate it. It can make me turn away from a well written novel in disgust. Such behavior limits my ability to connect with the character. I just... can't.

Do you have this problem? Is there something else that is a deal breaker for you?

My DIK is up!

2009-01-20T06:43:00.000-08:00

Yes, that's right, my friends. It is my turn on the DIK blog again. I started over there yesterday, and continue today and tomorrow. Please stop by and join me!

January Book Club

2009-01-14T17:07:00.000-08:00

It has been FAR too long since my last book club installment. I was looking back over previous selections trying to decide what to focus on next. We have read a chick lit/urban fantasy, a contemp, a paranormal romance, another contemp. No historical yet. I think I am going to wait on that one for the moment. Actually, I am thinking of picking a book completely outside my usual realm of choices. Our next book club selection will not be a romance. Shocking, I know! It was recently recommended (by a handful of people) that I try reading Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff by Christopher Moore. Now, I know myself. I get these great non-romance books with great intentions of reading them, only to allow them to languish on my shelves. Memoirs of a Geisha? Still sitting unread years later. Chocolat? I got about 45 pages in. The writing is beautiful, I just always get distracted by the crack that is romance. So today I am putting my foot down. I will read Lamb. I will finish Lamb. And bu God, we will discuss Lamb!

So anyone want to join me? I read the first 20 pages and laughed out loud in the middle of the car repair place. Seriously, this is funny shit. Come on! You know you wanna try it!

Due date: January 31st

Review: Hero Under Cover

2009-01-13T06:55:00.001-08:00

I have always thought that it’s the simple pleasures that make life worth living. Sure, the big surprises and gallant gestures have an impact, but the little things make the tough times tolerable. Listening to a (your) child giggle. A warm mug of tea or hot chocolate on a cold, snowy day. Holding hands with someone you care for as you walk down the street. Curling up under a blanket with good book.

Yesterday I hit the jackpot of used books. Among them I found one of the greatest of simple pleasures: a new-to-me book by a favorite author. This phenomenon happens so rarely. You think you have dug up nearly all of the author’s back list and have their newest hardcover release on your wish list. Then suddenly, without any warning you see their name gracing the cover of an unfamiliar title. “What’s this?” you ask yourself. “Surely this is not what I think it is! A Brockmann I have yet to read? Praise Jeebus!!!”

In Hero Under Cover Annie Morgan, an archeologist specializing in authenticating European artifacts, is under suspicion for the robbery of two museums overseas She is up to her ears in work and has the FBI and CIA breathing down her neck. When a friend of the family contracts her to authenticate a gold death mask, rare in that it was made of the face of a Navaho Indian, her troubles go from bad to worse. Worried over the security of the artifact, Annie’s client hires bodyguard Pete Taylor to ensure her safety and the safety of the mask. Threatening phone calls escalate to malicious pranks, leading Pete Taylor to believe that Annie may be in danger. This real threat, and the close proximity into which it has thrown the two, causes Pete a crisis of conscience. For while Pete is working to protect Annie from the threats to her life, he is also working to uncover her involvement in the museum robberies. In all his years of undercover work for the CIA, he had never felt so drawn to a woman. Never in his life had he felt this way. Soon Pete questions what matters most: gathering the evidence needed by the CIA or protecting the woman he loves with his very life.

This is classic Brockmann. Written in 1994 before she began her Troubleshooters series, her writing shows the promise of becoming what it is today, much the way you saw it in Body Language (go read that book if you haven’t yet.) She gives us her trademark strong, passionate hero. He is slightly less Alpha than her recent men, although certainly not lacking in take charge attitude. Pete is self contained and proud, yet he does not deny to himself the existence of the feeling he has for Annie.

Annie is smart and determined. One of the things I love about Brockmann’s heroines is that (with the exception of Alyssa) most of them are realistic women. They are beautiful in the eyes of the hero, but are not described as beauty personified. While they are attractive, it is through the hero’s perception that she is found to be sexy and irresistible. Isn’t that a bit more the way love truly is? The person becomes more attractive to you as your feelings grow. The depth of their beauty is revealed through their depth of character. That is not to say that in the book, and often in real life, they were not attracted to each other from the start. Oh no, I’m not that idealistic. Pete and Annie felt and instant attraction, but both characters made choices not to act on it in the beginning. It was by knowing one another that their defenses were worn down. This also meant that the first time they made love it was exactly that, making love.

If you are a Brockmannite like me you need to find this book. If you enjoy her writing, but have been disappointed in the recent Troubleshooters installments, you need to find this book. If you have never read Brockmann... Well, you get my point. Go read this book.

Hit the jackpot!!!

2009-01-10T16:39:00.000-08:00

Today I was a brave soul. I ventured out in the vast white tundra that Chicago has become. My poor little Beetle barely made it out of it's parking spot, but she was a trooper and slowly slipped and slid her way down the side streets. After a brief stop at the bank to order checks (because I am dumb and never remember to reorder until I have used up the last one), I took a little stroll.
Chicago in winter can be in interesting place. One day we are buried under a blizzard. The next day it is 60 degrees. The snow was lightly, yet steadily falling, coating the city in a glittering veil of white. It was quite beautiful, really. I stopped at the Bourgeois Pig for a steaming cup of Mexican hot chocolate. Yum! Deciding that I may as well indulge to the hilt, I headed down the block to Swirlz, the only cupcake place in Chicago that offers gluten free cupcakes. Chocolate cake with a thin layer of chocolate ganache. Top that with raspberry puree and a think swirl of cream cheese frosting. Oh yes. It was good.

As I headed back to my car I was forced to stop at the intersection to wait for the light to change. On a whim I decided to pop into the second hand store on the corner. What makes this store special is that all profits go towards Children's Memorial Hospital. You can find furniture or clothes and help terribly sick children to get the care they need. I was wandering through looking over some rather unattractive couches when I saw a room further back. At first I thought it was a storage area. Not so. I headed back to take a closer look and that is when I saw it... books. Lots of books. Oh, the raptures I experienced! At first I figured I might find one or two decent titles. Oh baby was I wrong. I hit the mother load!

I am not sure how long I spent in there browsing through the shelves of books, but after all that time and a scant $8.27 later I walked out with:

Into the Fire by Suzanne Brockmann
The Outlaws of Sherwood by Robin McKinley
P.S., I Love You by Cecelia Ahern (because I adored the movie!)
A Walk to Remember by Nicholas Sparks (another movie I adored)
The Horsemaster's Daughter by Susan Wiggs (sequel to Charm School)
Killer Secrets by Lora Leigh
Some Like it Wicked by Teresa Medieros
The Stolen Bride by Brenda Joyce
A Rake's Guide to Seduction by Caroline Linden
Hero Under Cover by Suzanne Brockmann (OMG, one I had never heard of!!!)
No Rest for the Wicked by Kresley Cole (I really hope I already own the first one)

Yup, you counted that correctly, my dears. Eleven books for $8.27. That comes out to approx 75 cents per book, including the hard cover.

Jackpot, baby!

Returning to the fold

2009-01-08T08:29:00.000-08:00

I am here. I am alive. I have returned... I hope.

Things have been a bit crazy in Shannon Land. NaNoWriMo kicked my butt and then abandoned me before the month ended. The holidays got crazy with chorus concerts and school holiday programs (never mind shopping and family parties!) I had a lovely out of town visitor that kept me busy for about a week. It is unusual to say this, but one week was not long enough. Really wish he were still here...

Just as everything cleared up and I was ready to start joining the blogosphere again.... WHAM! Literally. I slipped and fell on the ice in my school's parking lot, hitting my head on the pavement. I'm fine, not even a concussion (according to the ER doctors.) Sore muscles, head ache, a bit woozy. I am back to school, but perhaps should have stayed home another. Ah well.

Anyhow, I have actually been reading again. Yay! I have missed it so! I haven’t the time to do a review at the moment, but will be typing them up soon. Here is what I have o my list to review:

- Coming Undone (a category that I actually loved!)
- a Christmas anthology (sorry this is so late Nicola!)
- another OK category
- So Long and Thanks For All the Fish (not romance, but there is a sweet reason for my reading it)

In addition I will soon have a historical Western to review. My co-worker brings me books she has finished. Some are good, most are questionable. I have the entire series of "Seven Brides" written by Leigh Greenwood. The cover art is enough to make me run screaming. I was all ready to donate them to the local Salvation Army, but then Queen Bella Michelle informed me that the author is a man. Romance written by a man? This I had to try. I am only a couple of chapters in, so I will reserve judgment for now. I'll let you know what I think when I have read a bit more.

Tis the season...

2008-12-06T18:45:00.000-08:00

... to watch movies. Holiday movies. They engender in the viewer a feeling of contentedness and joy. Whether it be Charlie Brown Christmas, Frosty, White Christmas, or It's a Wonderful Life, everyone has their favorites. December can not come to an end in my house without a viewing of White Christmas. The singing and dancing alone make it a classic. Here in Chicago there is even an annual sing along viewing at The Music Box theater. What can be better than a room full of people singing along "Sisters, sister, never been two more devoted sisters..."

Another one of my favorite holiday movies is one that I must confess to watching year round. Whenever I am feeling melancholy or romantic or bored or am cleaning or... well, you get the point. This movie isn't just a holiday favorite, it is one of my all time favorite films.

What movie is this, you ask? Why Love Actually, of course.

Why do I love it? It is not one specific reason, but a collection of many. Love Actually contains romance, comedy, serious moments, fabulous actors, and sharp, realistic dialogue. Here are some of my highlights:

Liam Neeson. He may not be conventionally handsome, but there is something so compelling about him. His interactions with the boy playing his stepson are fabulous. They have a great chemistry and report. The emotion he shows as a grieving husband is touching. There is a moment between him and Emma Thompson in his kitchen where he suddenly starts to cry. The emotions ambush him. It is believable and real. Emma's response is classic. "If you keep crying all the time no one will ever want to shag you."

Alan Rickman. I love him. Seriously, ever since I was in junior high and watched Robin Hood Prince of Thieves. He was so evil. In Love Actually he is... well, kinda stupid. He and Emma Thompson play a husband and wife. Watching them, you actually believe they are a married couple in real life, it's so natural. It is a testament to their acting abilities. When they are sitting in their family room and Emma is picking out gifts for her daughter's friend, I always laugh out loud. "Should we give her little friend the one that looks like a transvestite or a dominatrix?"

Billy Mack/Nighy. Oh man, he is such a highlight of this film. His skeezy former rocker is lovable and reprehensible. He gets extra points for the slight against Britney Spears. The song he sings in the movie is on my Christmas playlist. Cheesy? Yes. Fabulous? Most definitely.

Colin Frizzle. "And he has a big knob!!!" heehee! It makes me giggle like a 13 year old boy every time. I love that he goes to Wisconsin, of all places. In the commentary, Richard Curtis admits that he didn't realize what the state was like when he wrote the film. It wasn't until after filming it that he realized how unintentionally funny that is. I remember leaning over to my friend in the theater when we saw it and agreeing with Colin's assessment that he could come to America and get a girl simply because of his accent. We silly girls are a sucker for an accent. There once was this Kiwi that I knew.... ::sigh::

Karl and Sarah. Their story is heartbreakingly sad. It was the love that should have been. The truly sad part is that so many times in life outside circumstances impact your romance in a negative way. Everyone has experienced that at some level in their lifetime. I think that is why this plot line rang so true.

I love that the most innocent of all the couples is the one that we see naked together. This was such an odd, random story. So cute. When he leaps off her front stairs after their first date I wanted to squish him. "All I want for Christmas is you."

Speaking of, little Sam and his crush on Joanna? Adorable!!!!

Lastly (for this post since it is getting long, but not the last thing I love about the film): the unrequited love. Not just the story, but his declaration. If any man ever did this for me I would cry like a baby and then be all his. It is sweet and funny and romantic. I just love it.

MIA

2008-12-06T09:05:00.000-08:00

Chicago, IL

It has been reported that local music teacher and avid bibliophile Shannon M- has been reported missing. A regular visitor at book blogs and local tea shops, her presence has dwindled to non-existence in the past month. Concern has been expressed over her whereabouts.

One individual, who chose to remain annonymous, said tearfully, "She kept talking about Nano. Nano this, Nano that... I don't know who this Nano is, but he is not good for her!"

Allegedly, shortly after beginning her involvement with the mysterious Nano, Shannon became reclusive, eschewing social functions and interactions. The normally outgoing young woman transformed into a mere shadow of herself. It is unknown whether this Nano person is responsible for her disapearance, or if it is merely a coincidence. Officials are not ruling him out as a person of interest.

If anyone has information as to the whereabouts of Shannon or the identity of Nano, please contact the local authorities.

Powering through

2008-11-22T15:18:00.000-08:00

I have hit a wall. The free flow of words has ended and the head-banging, teeth-pulling phase of writing has begun. I love my characters and story... I think. I feel like I have lost them a bit. I am completely freaked over the timing of the story. The time frame should be about a year (to fit with the plot line), but my characters are only four months in and are ready for things to move along already. Damn.

I am a bit behind schedule when it comes to word count. That is freaking me out. I wrote about 1700 words this morning, but I am still behind. I had wanted to reach 40,000 by the end of the day tomorrow. Not sure that is going to happen. I need inspiration. Big time.

I took a little time for myself and RL last week, which is what has set me back a bit. That being said, I was actually able to do some reading. I finished Guilty Pleasures by Laura Lee Gurhke and am over halfway through Demon Moon by Meljean Brook. Two very different books. Once I finish reading and NaNo is done I will put my reactions to the books up here.

I the mean time, I need to get back to my WIP. It sure ain't gonna write itself.

Holy hotness, Batman!

2008-11-14T18:53:00.000-08:00

I have decided that I must write a scene like this into my NaNo book. Yup. Definitely need to. ::fans self::

Just one more reason why Kevin McKidd deserves to play Jamie in the Outlander movie. Yum!

Writerly things

2008-11-11T08:03:00.000-08:00

Last night I attended my second RWA chapter meeting. I have to say it is tons of fun and great seeing other folks who are working at the same goal as me (some far more successfully.) I am starting to wonder if God/Fate/the GoogleMap wizards don't want me to attend. This was my second meeting and the second time I have gotten lost. Oy. But I digress.

The Chicago North group is a critique heavy chapter. Members read excerpts from their current projects aloud and the other give feedback and suggestions. I can see why so many of the Chicago North writers are published. Having that many individuals provide feedback (in the nicest possible way) would be amazingly helpful. Not that I am jumping at the chance to be in the spotlight. There is a waiting period for new members to share, but I would completely freak out. ZOMG!

One of the things they did last night was to have the published writers in the group read from their contracted work. I have to say, I was impressed and now have titles to add to me TBE pile. A couple that really stuck out in my mind were...

Title: What a Scoundrel Wants

Author: Carrie Lofty

The quick and dirty: Will Scarlet. Need I say more?

Seriously, you all need to purchase this book. I will be released the first week of December. Christmas present to self, anyone? Her language and descriptions were fabulous. "flacid corpse" Ew!!!

Title: The Brass Bed

Author: Jennifer Stevenon

Why should you read it?: There is magic and pigeons that smoke cigarettes. Also, the author is on the local roller derby team. How cool (and slightly scary) is that?

Title: Girl of My Dreams

Author: Morgan Mandel

Plot device: Boss/secretary. Add in a Bachelor type reality show and highjinx will ensue. It is also an ugly duckling story. I'm a sucker for both.

There were a few more and others will be reading from their published work next time. Apparenty, the chapter has something like a 46% publication rate. Amazing.

If I ever want to be one of the folks reading aloud at a meeting I need to get cracking here. This darn book isn't going to write itself. I need to get 2000-4000 words written today. No school means butt in chair, fingers on keyboard. I just need to figure out what my hero is going to do when he turns around and sees the heroine staring at his naked, sweaty chest... "we're just friends, really!"

Writing soundtrack

2008-11-09T14:14:00.000-08:00

I've seen it mentioned numerous times and by numerous writers: the writing soundtrack. I didn't really get it at first. Being a music teacher, when I hear music I am conditioned to listen. I can't tune it out. I have found music to be a hindrance rather than a help when trying to write.

This has all changed.

I don't know if it is the particular story that I am writing, but this puppy has a list of songs that is continuing to grow. It all started as I completed the first chapter. By the end of it I knew my H/h theme song: Bleeding Love. Yup, this is one angsty couple. As the words have been flowing, so have the song ideas.

For those interested, here is what the ever growing list currently contains:

Bleeding Love/ Leona Lewis
Taking Chances/ Celine Dion
Look After You/ The Fray
What's Left of Me/ Nick Lachey
Almost Lovers/ A Fine Frenzy
Apologize/ Timaland & One Republic
Dancing/ Elisa
Lost/Anouk
Fix You/ Coldplay
Dreaming With a Broken Heart/ John Mayer
Feeling Good/ Michael Buble
Gravity/ Sara Bareilles
Lost Without You/ Robin Thicke
Love Song/ 311

Yeah. Super emo. But it fits for the story. With the music going, the words are flowing. I am currently 17,667 words and 55 pages into this bad boy (just since Nov. 1st Woohoo, NaNoWriMo!) My other WIP was going alright, but this one has a momentum that is simply stunning. I am just holding on for the ride. Hopefully I survive. Hopefully it doesn't suck. Let me tell you, it is putting me through the ringer emotionally. Sometimes writing what you know is not an easy thing.

UPDATE: 20,253 words!!! More than I have ever written on one story ever!

Review: Lord of Scoundrels

2008-11-02T08:38:00.000-08:00

Title: Lord of Scoundrels
Author: Loretta Chase
Genre: Historical Romance

I read this book months ago. I am not sure why or how I got away with not writing up a review, because this a a book I want to pimp to one and all.

They call him many names, but Angelic isn't one of them . . .
Sebastian Ballister, the notorious Marquess of Dain, is big, bad, and dangerous to know. No respectable woman would have anything to do with the "Bane and Blight of the Ballisters"—and he wants nothing to do with respectable women. He's determined to continue doing what he does best—sin and sin again—and all that's going swimmingly, thank you . . . until the day a shop door opens and she walks in.

She's too intelligent to fall for the worst man in the world . . .
Jessica Trent is a determined young woman, and she's going to drag her imbecile brother off the road to ruin, no matter what it takes. If saving him—and with him, her family and future—means taking on the devil himself, she won't back down. The trouble is, the devil in question is so shockingly irresistible, and the person who needs the most saving is—herself!

It is my opinion that Sebastian, Lord Dain, now has the title of most tortured hero in Romance. Like many heroes, he had a father who was distant and, quite frankly, hated him. After being subjected to enough hatred, he chose to embrace the image his father had of him. Deviltry and meanness became his coping device. Stuck in that cycle of bullying, he grew to become a man who valued little. He was rude, vice riddled. He flaunted conventions simply to gain a reaction. If he began to meet someone’s expectations (good or bad) he would take steps to ensure that they gained no satisfaction. It would take extraordinary circumstances and an extraordinary woman to effect a change. He had no interest in Jessica’s brother, Bertie, but her concern for the wastrel lit the fire of challenge in him. He wanted to see how far he could push her, if he could break her. It ended up being Sebastian, a bigger historical Alpha I have yet to read, who would break.

I find myself often saying that I like a heroine because she is strong and feisty. That she does not let the men in her life, no matter how Alpha, dictate the decisions she should make for her life. This is true. I can not abide a weak willed or TSTL heroine. There comes a point where I no longer feel she deserves the hero. The two should be a match for one another. Jessica Trent goes beyond my expectations for a heroine. Yes, she is strong and feisty, but she is more than that. Jessica is not just strong, she is the foundation. For her family, for her relationship. She provided the stability and security her loved ones needed, yet she did not allow herself to sacrifice who she was. Instead of sitting by as her brother ran them into bankruptcy, she found a way to use her talents to support them both, if not in the style he preferred. When she saw that Bertie’s association with Lord Dain was going to be detrimental to his life and her own, she did not simply tell her brother to stop and sit back wringing her hands. Oh no, she knew her fool of a brother would pay no heed, and walked right into the lion’s den. She knew her strengths and accepted her limitations. She acknowledged her attraction to Sebastian, but did not expect him to equate lust with love. Frankly, she knew he was a rake and wanted no part of it. Not that he gave her much of a choice (in the best possible way!)

It was heartbreaking to see Sebastian project his own self loathing onto his son later in the book. He was allowing his father, and his hurtful actions, to impact his ability to reach out to his own child. He was aware of this, yet was nearly unable to stop it from happening. Jessica, loving Sebastian wholly and completely, saw the young boy as the scared, hurt soul that truly was. That was not difficult for her since she saw shadows of that same child in Sebastian’s eyes every time she looked at him. His belief that he was not worthy of love, especially hers, was what took a nasty bastard of a character and made him into a redeemable hero.

This book was like a wonderful stew. Rich and satisfying, leaving you wanting just one more bowl despite the fact that you are full. The ingredients were well blended and hearty, yet peppered with just the right amount of seasoning. Lord of Scoundrels was peppered with just the perfect seasoning of secondary characters. Bertie, the brother you want to strangle. Jessica’s grandmother. Sebastian’s ridiculous cohorts. His former mistress and mother of his child. And that poor boy. Misunderstood, used as a pawn.

Things I loved: The scene in the rain up against the lamp post. Delicious! Jessica storming in like an avenging god and shooting Sebastian. Yes, our heroine shoots the hero. With a gun. Every time they argued, which happened all the time. The arguing was foreplay. Actually, their contentious relationship reminds me of another of my favorite H/h pairings: Sam and Jaine from Mr. Perfect. I would go so far as to say that if you like one of these books you will likely enjoy the other. The same intense chemistry, bickering foreplay. Magic, both of them.

Things I disliked: Um... I’m not sure there was anything. If I had to isolate one thing it was how blind Sebastian was towards his son. Here was a chance to make up for all the evil his father perpetrated on him throughout his life, and he could not see past the surface. True, the story gave us Sebastian journey to a place in his life, with Jessica’s love, that he could let go of the past enough to make room in his heart for his son. He was redeemed. So I guess this is not really something I disliked, since I can see the validity of this subplot.

This book is an absolute MUST READ for anyone who likes historical romance. I would go so far as the say it is a must read for an romance reader. Period. This is without a doubt on my list of Best Romances Written.

Book Club: The Rest Falls Away

2008-10-31T15:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween!!!!!

The fabulous day of fun, fright, costumes, candy, and parties has arrived. It is also the day of the book club deadline. I hope you were all able to get your hands on a copy of The Rest Falls Away by Colleen Gleason.

So what did you think?

Did you feel that the book was more like a romance novel or an Urban Fantasy? Will you be reading on to book 2?

What did you think of her Scooby Gang (her maid and maid's cousin)?

I know I have to ask... Max or Sebatian? Or are you the one sitting there loving deLacy?

Highlights? Lowlights?

Share with us, please. But whatever you do, NO SPOILERS FOR FUTURE BOOKS IN THE SERIES. If you do I will be forced to go Gardella on your ass and stake you. I'm just sayin'.

NaNoWriMo

2008-10-30T19:27:00.000-07:00

I am SOOOOO not ready for NaNoWriMo to begin. Hell, I can't seem to focus on my current WIP. I need to buckle down and get some serious planning done tonight and tomorrow. I want to make November worth the insanity.

That being said, I will probably disappear a bit while immersed in the NaNo challenge. I hope you will all forgive the likely neglect here at What Women Read. For a while life is going to be all about what this woman is writing. I will try to keep you updated.

No worries, though. The book club post goes up tomorrow and I have a review of Lord of Scoundrels scheduled the first week of November. Man, I loved that book!

See y'all when I surface!

Meljean love

2008-10-28T16:13:00.001-07:00

I heart Meljean. I do! I know many of you do, too. There is just something so lush about her writing. The characters she creates and the world in which they live are vibrant and real. Reading her work leaves me inspired to write, yet completely intimidated. Seriously, the girl is frickin' unreal!

I admit that I am late to the party where Meljean is concerned. Then again, when am I ever on the ball with book releases and trends in the industry? Never. That being said, I have only read Falling For Anthony, Demon Angel, and Paradise. I just finished Paradise (from the Wild Thing anthology) last night. The need to finish it may have contributed to me being late to a meeting (more about that meeting later.) I just could not put it down. Usually a novella leaves be feeling unfulfilled. I want more from the characters or the plot. Not so with this story. Lucas and Selah were wonderful. I completely believed the passion that developed between them, no matter how fast it happened. The vampire community in Ashland was hilarious. I have had vast experience with theater people. The fact that they were vampire theater people made me smile.

I am finding it difficult to be coherent with my thoughts on the book. I loved it. Lucas was this great, intense hero. He had the angst and tortured guilt that I just love in a romance. He was all that, and a vamp, yet managed to not be an Alpha hero. AND I STILL LOVED HIM! Me, the "I only break for Alphas" gal. The fact that he is not an Alpha is actually quite important when it comes to the nature of the vamp community that he leads. Selah is this combination of tough warrior and vulnerable woman. She is conflicted. She is being pulled in two different directions and it is killing her. She is 100% committed to the role of a Guardian, but something doesn't seem to fit.

I think the thing that I enjoy most about Meljean's books is that she doesn't take the easy way out with the HEA. It would be so easy to make all of the characters into Guardians at the end or to have all of the Guardians fall. With Hugh and Lilith (Demon Angel), they still have ties to their past. Lilith does not want to get married. In the end love wins out, but it is not a typical HEA. Lucas and Selah get their HEA (or perhaps more of a HFN), but it is not all tied up with a pretty, shiny bow. The book is a paranormal, but the HEA rings more true to me than those in many Contemporary Romances. There is an honesty to it that I appreciate as a reader. (Of course, I still love the rosy endings with the wedding and baby. I just like some realistic love endings, too. Gives a practical yet romantic single girl some hope.)

This novella is a must-read for me. If you have not yet jumped on the Mejean bandwagon... what are you waiting for?

Book club reminder!

2008-10-25T11:20:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone. I just wanted to drop a quick reminder that the deadline for the WWR Book Club is next Friday. I will post a discussion thread for anyone who is/had read the book by that day. I am about 2/3 of the way through the book and can't wait to see what you all thought.

Happy reading!

Haunted Reading Recs from Those Who Write

2008-10-18T13:11:00.000-07:00

We bibliophiles devour books by our favorite authors. But what are those authors reading? I took a deep breath and asked that exact question to some local and not so local authors. But being me I couldn't simply ask what books they like. Oh no, I had to keep with my theme of the month: Paranormal/Haunted Books. So here you are, the paranormal books that rocked our authors' socks.

Larissa Ione, author of Pleasure Unbound, recommends:

Full Moon Rising, by Keri Arthur – I picked this as a Haunted Reading Recommendation because it's gritty, scary, and each page is bursting with vampires, shapeshifters, and werebeasts. With all those creatures running around causing trouble, the book is absolute Halloween fun!

Kiss of Midnight, by Lara Adrian – I love the gothic feel of this book, the shadowy, dark details, the incredibly textured description. Then there are the vampires….yum! How can a Halloween read get much better than this?

If Angels Burn, by Lynn Viehl – I simply adore the atmosphere in this book. A scarred, scary hero, a strong heroine suddenly dumped into a dark, frightening world. The book is intense and mysterious, and again…vampires!

Jenna Petersen/Jess Michaels (Lessons From a Courtesan) says:

As a historical writer and fan, I rarely dip my toes into paranormal, but the books in that genre I’ve loved the most seem to all be written by Kathryn Smith. Her Victorian vampire series is spectacular (start with BE MINE TONIGHT) and her new Dream series is also outstanding (BEFORE I WAKE is out now, but I’ve already read the second… haha!).

Jade Lee (The Dragon Earl) shared:

It’s not romance, but I have been reading Jim Butcher’s Dresden Files. It’s adventure urban fantasy. Dresden is a wizard in Chicago, and he’s funny, touching, and grip your pages exciting. I started ages ago with the short lived television show which I really enjoyed. Then I tried the first book, now a Dabel Bros comic (with an awesome prequel). Anyway, the first book was Storm Front, and it was good. The second book was Fool Moon, and it was better. After that…they just blew me away. He just gets better and better. I’m now on White Night, which is ninth in the series, and it’s still incredible. Awesome, awesome books and an amazing talent!

Also under the not-romance category the Weather Warden series by Rachel Caine is really good. I’ve really enjoyed that. Same thing: adventure urban fantasy, but she’s got a bit more romance in there than Butcher. Actually, a lot more, but the series grows and it’s fabulous.

Under the romance side: I’ve also been reading Gena Showalter’s Lords of The Underworld series. Darkest Night, Darkest Kiss, and Darkest Pleasure are the first three books. If you enjoy alpha males and the “I see you, I want you, you are my destiny” thing, then these are the books for you. I do enjoy that type of set-up at times, so I really got into this series.

And finally, don’t forget my series! Dragonborn is a fantasy romance where a dragon hunter is tracking the last dragon egg to kill it and its owner. Then he falls in love with the woman who’s got it. He’s supposed to kill her, he has to kill her, he needs to kill her. Oops! Sort of puts a crimp in the love story! *grin* The next book Dragonbound comes out in April!

Jaci Burton (Riding Temptation) encourages us to read:

Jackie Kessler's Hells Belles - A wonderfully fun paranormal urban fantasy about a demon succubus on the run in human form trying to escape eternal damnation. I loved this book because it was funny, sexy, had a strong, kickass heroine who loves fashion (what's not to love about that?), plus a unique twist on Hell at the end that I found mind boggling. First in Jackie's Hell on Earth series.

Melani Blazer's Hot Rod Heaven - It's like Stephen King's Christine, only sexy and romantic instead of scary. A woman thinks her dead boyfriend is back, and that a car is stalking her. A seriously great read, with chills and beautiful, hot and sexy romance. (Available at Ellora's Cave in ebook and in print).

Meljean Brook's Demon Night. I know it's book 5 of Meljean's Guardian series (Really, if you haven't read this series yet you're missing out on something magical), but it's my favorite. Why? One word - Ethan.

Halloween meme

2008-10-16T10:08:00.000-07:00

Naida over at The Bookworm is doing a month of Haunted posts ::waves!:: She just posted this meme and I thought it fit right on with my month of paranormal and Halloween lovin'. So here I go. You will now see just how big of a wimp I am.

Halloween Meme:

1. Do you watch scary films? Which are your favorites? I have to admit, I am a big wimp. I usually avoid scary movies like the plague. I blame my brother. I would come home from school and be ambushed by Freddy or Jason on the television. Eeek! I do enjoy suspenseful movies. Silence of the Lambs. Scared the crap out of me, and I loved it. The Exorcist is still one of the scariest movies I have ever seen. It is not about monsters of a serial killer. It connects to faith and religion. Depending on your beliefs, the possibility can be all too real.

2. What is your favorite scary book? I have not read that many scary books. I tried reading a Dean Koontz book once and had to put it down. I never finished it. Yup, wimpiest wimp alive. Otherwise I would have to say Something Wicked This Way Comes by Ray Bradbury is my all time favorite scary book. We had to read it in 8th grade English class. It has stuck with me all these years later. It is creepy, psychological, and had Carnies!

3. What scary book to film adaptation is your favorite? I loved the book and movie of Something Wicked This Way Comes. More creepy than scary, but damn good.

4. What type of scary films do you think are better...the older ones like Psycho or the newer ones like Saw? Definitely the older ones. Alfred Hitchcock was brilliant in his ability to scare the audience without explicit gore. The fear was all about the psychological aspects of the film. It is much more difficult to do this successfully. You don't rely on blood and body parts.

5. What is your fav Halloween treat? chocolate and caramel apples

6. What is your favorite Halloween costume? Do you still dress up for Halloween? Halloween is one of my favorite holidays. I dress up every year. My friends always have a party, and I get to dress up for work since I teach in an elementary school. The mother of one of my students is a costume designer for local theater companies. She made my costume last year and is making one for me this year. I will be a fairy. :) My favorite costume was the one she made for me last year. I was Inara from Firefly/Serenity. She made the exact same costume that the character wore in the episode "Jaynestown". I absolutely adored it! See why:

Want to do this meme? Consider yourself tagged!

Vamps on Screen

2008-10-14T20:50:00.000-07:00

My love of the paranormal, especially vampires, is not limited to the written word. Oh no, I love vampires in all mediums. Books, television, films. I enjoy them all. So today I give to you some of my favorite vamps of the big and small screen. Enjoy the pretties!

Buffy and Angel (of course!)

Mick and Beth (Moonlight... man, I miss that show)

Selene, because she is the most ass kickin'est female vamp out there

Do you have a favorite "live action vampire"?

Review: Vamps and the City

2008-10-14T08:04:00.000-07:00

Book: Vamps and the City

Author: Kerrelyn Sparks

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Darcy Newhart was a reporter for a local New York news station. She had dreams of covering the big stories, but like all newbies was assigned to the human interest stories. She was a talented reporter who was able to bring wit and charm to the most boring or demeaning situations. New York loved her. And one Halloween night she went missing.

Surviving the attack that night brought her into the world of vampires, and into the harem of vampire leader, Roman Dragenesti. With Roman's impending wedding, the members of his harem are at loose ends. What will become of them. Darcy sees this as her chance to once again gain some of the freedom she lost four years ago. To that end she seeks employment at the only vampire run television station, DVN. The throwback of a station manager agrees to hire her if she can come up with a unique programming idea for their stale evening lineup. Thus the first vampire reality show is born, The Sexiest Man Alive.

Sick of the sexism she faces in the vampire community, she decides to really throw a wrench into the works. Contestants on her show will be competing for the title of sexiest man alive, a large cash prize, and the role of master to the harem. How best to shake things up in the vampire community? Cast five contestants that are mortal!

When Sean Whelan, the leader of the CIA faction the Stake Out team, discovers this news he immediately orders his two male agents to audition for the show. At the audition Darcy meet Austin Erickson, the embodiment of her male fantasy. The attraction and chemistry is instant. She knows he is human, but he does not realize she is a vampire, the evil scourge that he is fighting against. Madcap folly ensues.

I found this book to be a fun, light read. I would catagorize it along with paranormals written by Lynsay Sands and Katie McAllister. Fluffy and fun, but not a whole lot to sink your teeth into. While I was reading it I was engaged in the story. When I put the book down I could completely forget about it and go days without picking it up again. I'm not saying it was bad or boring or anything negative. I think that my tastes are evolving. Books like this one used to be my go-to for an entertaining read. I want more intensity and eroticism in a paranormal these days.

Things that I liked: The plot with the reality television show. It was silly and fun. I enjoyed how the women of the harem grew as individuals during that time. I particularly liked the fact that Darcy hated being a vamp. It made me happy to read about a character who wanted more out of life than what they were allowing her to have. She was a victim, but she was working to change the status quo. Her friendship with Gregori was sweet. He was so protective of her.

Things I did not care for: From the first mention of it, I knew exactly what was going to happen at the end. There was very little mystery. The end felt a little to pat and perfect. It was a little too fairy tale, wave a magic wand and all is better. That being said, it definitely gave me the HEA I demand in a romance.

Overall: It was a cute book. I think it would be a good paranormal romance to give to someone who is new to the (sub)genre, or even new to romance. The heat was about moderate, the action was relatively tame. A boy-meets-girl-but-thinks-he-can't-have-girl story. Not fabulous, not horrible. A decent middle ground book. I think the best word to describe it is inoffensive. It won't send you into raptures, but you aren't going to throw it against the wall.

Book Club: The Halloween Edition

2008-10-13T09:56:00.000-07:00

I asked and you answered. The book club this month shall be...

The Rest Falls Away

by Colleen Gleason

The deadline will be October 31st (of course!) at which point I will publish a discussion post where we can comment and argue over which gentleman we think should be the hero. (Warning: I hear that there is not a HEA, perhaps more of a HFN or a Happily Some Day since it is the first book in a series.) I hope you will all read with me. I look forward to seeing what you think of the book.

I can haz bookclub?

2008-10-12T06:12:00.000-07:00

I know, I know, I have completely dropped the ball on the What Women Read Book Club. That's because this woman has not been reading all that much with school and writing sucking up my time. So what better way to dive back into my TBR pile than to choose a title for the WWR book club? Since it is October and I have been posting around a paranormal theme, this month's selection will be a Haunted Read. I am posting this a bit late, so I am going to let you all help choose the book (if you have already read it or have it in your TBR this is great!) The reading deadline would be October 31st (could I really pick a day other than Halloween?) Here are the titles I would like to choose from:

50 Ways to Hex Your Lover by Linda Wisdom

The Rest Falls Away by Colleen Gleason

A Taste of Crimson by Marjorie M. Liu (yes, I know this is the 2nd book in a series. Each book is written by a different author, so I will pretend I don't know this and maybe my series OCD will not pitch a fit.)

What do you say, my friends? Which book shall we all read?

Pick your predator

2008-10-11T06:31:00.000-07:00

In continuation of my Halloween theme I have a question for you today.

As you may have figured out by my recent posts, I have a thing for vampires. If you write a book with a main character (especially the hero) as a vampire, I am yours. Truly. I have read some really not great books simply because there were vamps in it. Werewolves? I like 'em, but I can pass on their story. Demons and angels? I have only recently started to read those. I blame Meljean for this. Until I read Demon Angel I had no desire to read a sexy scene the included a woman with horns or a man with a tail. Lilith has ruined me.

But I will still pick a vamps over these other paranormal creatures any day of the week. Vampire Urban Fantasy? Yup! Vampire historical romance? You bet! Vampire contemporary? Absolutely! I just love vamps. Why is that, you ask? I think it is the versatility of the vamp mythos. Each author has created their own world. Sometimes vamps are the walking undead. Other authors have their vamps originate from Atlantis or even an alien race. It might be a virus that has infected the vamp or they are simply another race living amongst humans. Some can walk in the sun with ill effects, while others will incinerate upon UV contact. Vamps in certain mythos drink blood from bags (blood banks). There are almost always laws dictating the acceptable behavior of vamps living along side humans. There are politics, societal norms, and the illicit love they feel for the woman or man who is not one of their own kind. These vamps are strong, passionate, possessive, determined, haunted, damaged, gorgeous (of course), tortured, primal, demanding... Alpha in every sense of the word. And damn if I don't love it.

How about you? Are you a fellow vamp lover or does another otherworldly being get your knickers in a twist? What is it about them that sucks you in every time?

Feelin' the Love

2008-10-10T16:16:00.000-07:00

The super sweet and fabulous Wendy from Kicks and Giggles was sharin' the love earlier this week and bestowed upon me this award. Thanks, Wendy! It really means a lot to me, especially since I have only been part of this wonderful book blogging world since March. I still feel like such a newbie sometimes. This award makes me smile and makes me feel like I need to get on top of things over here. No, not like that, you dirty birds! I meant, you know, get organized and maybe post with some consistancy. Of course, this means reading and actually writing a review. I really need to finish that latest vamp novel I started.

Anyhow, it is now my turn to pass out the awards. I think most every blog I visit has already received this award. With that in mind, I am simply going to recongize those blogs I consider a "must visit" on days when I am strapped for time. Here are the blogs I can't miss:

Stacy- My local book pimp
Sarai- She who has volunteered to suffer through my writing attempts
Smart Bitches- They were my intro into the world of romance book blogs/sites. If not for them I would still be clueless.
DIK Ladies- Yes, I know I am part of it, but there are so many of you involved and I just feel honored to be part of such a great group and blog.
Meljean Brook- Cracks my shit up. 'nuf said.
Ripmybodice- I never laugh more than while reading their reviews. Frickin' hilarious.
JenB- WTF Wednesdays. She dares to ask the questions, we dare to share too much.

So you want to participate? Here are the rules:

1) Add the logo of the award to your blog.
2) Add a link to the person who awarded it to you.
3) Nominate at least 5 other blogs.
4) Add links to those blogs on your blog.
5) Leave a message for your nominees on their blogs!

Taking the plunge

2008-10-07T18:29:00.000-07:00

Yes, that's right my friends, I am taking the plunge into NaNoWriMo. For the past few years I had seen my friends (both of the RL and Internet variety) blogging about participating in this mysterious NaNoWriMo thing. I was not sure what it was. Eventually I figured out it had to do with writing, but that was about it. Now, since entering the wonderful world of book blogging, I have finally figured it out. So here I am officially signed up for my first year of participation. At first I was excited that I would have a challenge that could help me finish my book. Then I read the fine print (you really should do that before signing up for things.) I can't use my current writing project for NaNo! I have to start fresh with something new. Oh noes!!! My lighthearted paranormal romp needs more work. It is not nearly done. I am focused. I am determined. And they want me to start something new? Crazy talk!

::deep breath::

OK, I can do this. I can make this work. So now I have a plan for the month of October: write the heck out of my current project (let's see how many words I can get up to) and plan out writing project #2 for NaNoWriMo. That is a ton of writing. I just hope I don't burn out before November 1st. I wrote a little over 4500 words over the past two days. Tonight I have decreed that there will be no writing. I will take a break and work on developing my hero for the NaNo project. Tomorrow? Writing. Thursday? Develop heroine. Friday? Fun time with the girls! Saturday? See Friday :) And then back to the writing. A little bit of fun. A little bit of planning. Some decent writing time. Hopefully it will all balance out to me being ready to go full tilt on November 1st.

The really exciting part is that I think I have convinced a couple of the teachers at my school to have their students participate in the NaNoWriMo Young Writer's Program. It looks like tons of fun. The kids get to set a personal word count goals. There is a writing workbooks that even I want to use to plan my book. Seriously, this thing has writing activities to develop their characters, setting, internal and external conflict, plot, and just about anything else you can think of. The only drawback is that they only have a PDF file of the workbook. You can't purchase hard copies for the students. Each book is 85 pages long. That is a whole lot of copies to make. It will take some creative planning, but I think it is doable between using the overhead projector, power point, and selective copying. I am considering telling the students that I am participating and challenging them to try and beat my word count. It would certainly give me the drive I need to write. How embarrassing would it be to be out-written by a 6th grader?

A writing question

2008-10-06T14:06:00.000-07:00

OK, my friends, I need your help. I have been playing with a story for a couple of months now and I am finally getting some words down on paper (over 10,500 now!) I'm in the groove a bit and realize I need some feedback. Sarai was fabulous and looked over things when I first started (thanks, hon!), but I think I am ready to enlist a critique partner. This question goes out to all of you currently writing, how did you go about finding your CP? How exactly does this all work? Any advice for a writing newbie?

Paranormal influx: good or bad?

2008-10-05T08:00:00.000-07:00

Vampires. Oh, how I love them. I think my fascination began back in high school when I first read The Vampire Diaries series by L.J. Smith. The angst. The love. The hot vamp guys. There is just something so compelling and sexy about a vampire hero. Yes, I know that there are books out there where the vampire character is not gorgeous and heroic. Frankly, I like to ignore those books (unless it is a para rom or UF with other fabulous men in it.) Give me a book with a tortured "other" in the spotlight and I am your devoted reader.

Since pickings used to be so slim in terms of para rom (see my previous post), I used to devour any dark romance that came my way. With the exponential explosion in para rom and UF offerings I have found myself in a bit of a pickle. I actually have to make choices about the books I read. Crazy, I know. I no longer have to settle for what the publishing houses release. There is a multitude of offerings every week. This is a seemingly wonderful problem to have. Too many choices can't be a bad thing, can it? Actually, it can.

Because reader demand for para rom is at it's highest in years, the publishing houses are releasing floods of books for our consumption. When they only offered a handful of selections, the publishers would be more selective about the stories they released. Today, I fear that there is more of a focus on quantity than quality. It used to be a much rarer occurrence for me to buy a vamp or werewolf novel and end up disappointed. Nearly all of the books were well written with interesting, well thought out plots. I am sad to say that is not the truth today. Don't get me wrong, I know not all of the para rom novels released ten years ago were of the highest quality, but the percentage of high quality para rom books has seemed to decrease as this recent trend has built.

Or it can be explained in a different way. Perhaps the benchmark has been set higher. In days past I was ecstatic to snag new titles by the likes of Lynsay Sands and Susan Sizemore. These authors are still writing, still giving us the same style and plot that they have for years. This is neither good or bad, just a statement of fact. I just finished reading The Rogue Hunter by Lynsay Sands. It was pretty much what I expected from her: light, easy read, a sprinkle of vamp angst (although really more like worry than angst), some misunderstandings, and lurv. As is typical of her vampire series the H&h meet in an unexpected way. He can not read her thoughts and... life mate! How to tell her? I am beginning to view her books more like a contemporary romance where the hero or heroine just happens to be a vampire. The focus is more about the interactions between the main characters and how they will overcome the fact that he/she is different. Heck, take away vampire and insert a different religion or ethnicity and you have a contemp. Again, this is neither good nor bad. It really depends on what you are looking for in your paranormal romances. Lately, I have been wanting more.

Maybe I can lay blame at the feet of such authors as J.R. Ward, Larissa Ione, Lara Adrian, and Meljean Brooks, but I expect more out of a para rom novel these days. I demand angst. I expect suspense. I want a Big Bad that makes you cringe. There must be some damn good chemistry and that HEA better make my heart speed up. (The Rogue Hunter seemed to have more of a HFN, which I don't accept in a romance novel, thank you very much.) I finished reading Pleasure Unbound (Larissa Ione) earlier this week. I put it down and immediately went to my computer to find out when the next book was going to be released. THAT is what I am talking about. Eidolon was all I could ask for in a hero: smart, sexy, wrestling with his own inner demon (pun slightly intended.) He had his own set of morals, yet was tempted to break them, or realign them, in order to be with Tayla. He was drawn to her, despite being enemies. He wanted to help and protect her despite knowing that she fought against and killed his people. Tayla was a great heroine. She was tough (could match Eidolon in a fight), smart, troubled, and dealing with her own torments. Not only did she have to work through a crisis of conscience, but had to face the realities of her past and her future. These were not small issues. I love that Ms. Ione had two opposing sides (demons and Guardians), both of whom could be considered the good guys in some way. Each was misinformed about the other, causing confusion and enmity that was not necessary. I think this made the novel even better. It would have been easy to make one side right and one side wrong. These shades of gray are what kept the reader intrigued. The Big Bad was committing crimes that justified the reactions of all the characters. No one seemed to be overreacting or blowing the events out of proportion. The terror and worry were well matched with the actions of the Evil. You could understand why everyone was so angry and frightened (sorry Ms. Ward, but your baby powder smelling guys just don't invoke that fear in me. Love your men, though!)

I think the publishing houses need to take note. We readers love the wider availability of paranormal romances, but our benchmark for quality has not lowered. Neither should their standards. I would rather a smaller selection of high quality reads, then a plethora of lackluster demons and fae. Give me one or two decadent Vosges chocolate truffles. You can keep the 5lbs. box of school fundraiser chocolate crisp bars.

Vampires and werewolves and fae, oh my!

2008-10-04T13:22:00.000-07:00

I love October. The temps begin to dip. The trees along the street change their wardrobes from green to fiery orange and yellow. I get to pull my sweaters out of storage. My favorite boots are in season again. We have made it through that first month of school and the students are settling into their routine. Halloween is fast approaching, which means costume plans are in motion (or will be very soon!)

Every year at this time I start to get the urge to participate in certain activities. New crochet projects are planned. Pumpkin and apple picking is considered (I will do it this year. For serious!) My menu planning turns from cold salads and BBQ to hot soups, stews and roasts.

It used to be that during the month of October I would be hit with a sudden desire for paranormal romance. This was the time of year that publishers would release a sudden tsunami of books featuring vampires, werewolves, and other creatures that go bump in the night. While their selection in May might be sparse, October was the time to indulge your inner Gothic side. This year, and even last year, I have noticed a change. I have not been stocking up on tales of vamp lovin'. I was perplexed at first. Why would this be? It is almost a tradition for me. October = paranormal plot line. Then it hit me. There was not a noticeable increase in PR offerings prior to Halloween. Not that publishers had decided to stop releasing these titles. Quite the contrary. The February or May drought of werewolf or vamp tales was no more. Paranormal romances have become such the rage in the industry that there now seems to be new releases every week. Demand for these stories has gone through the roof. Publishing companies no longer feel the need to hold their release dates until Halloween approaches. Readers are looking for that vampiric thrill year round. I admit, I am one of these readers.

I know this is a trend. Every industry has them. I know that some day we will go back to the pre-Halloween paranormal influx. For now, though, paranormal junkies like me can indulge themselves any time they please. No longer are we forced to be seasonal readers. Yet, someday it will return again.

October = paranormal romance

December = holiday anthologies

July = beach and cottage books

Do the seasons ever impact your reading selections? Are there particular genres or author or even books that you are drawn to at specific times of the year?

Banned Book Meme

2008-10-02T18:34:00.000-07:00

Nicola tagged me for this meme. Yay! I love this sort of thing.

How many have YOU read?

Celebrating Banned Book Week 2008, here is the ALA's list of the 100 most frequently challenged books from 1990 through 2000.

How to Play:

1: Copy this list.
2: Highlight the ones you have read (or at least remember reading) in RED.
3: Tag five people to play.

The List:

1. Scary Stories (Series) by Alvin Schwartz
2. Daddy’s Roommate by Michael Willhoite
3. I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou
4. The Chocolate War by Robert Cormier
5. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain
6. Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck
7. Harry Potter (Series) by J.K. Rowling
8. Forever by Judy Blume
9. Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson
10. Alice (Series) by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
11. Heather Has Two Mommies by Leslea Newman
12. My Brother Sam is Dead by James Lincoln Collier and Christopher Collier
13. The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
14. The Giver by Lois Lowry
15. It’s Perfectly Normal by Robie Harris
16. Goosebumps (Series) by R.L. Stine
17. A Day No Pigs Would Die by Robert Newton Peck
18. The Color Purple by Alice Walker
19. Sex by Madonna
20. Earth’s Children (Series) by Jean M. Auel
21. The Great Gilly Hopkins by Katherine Paterson
22. A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle
23. Go Ask Alice by Anonymous
24. Fallen Angels by Walter Dean Myers
25. In the Night Kitchen by Maurice Sendak
26. The Stupids (Series) by Harry Allard
27. The Witches by Roald Dahl
28. The New Joy of Gay Sex by Charles Silverstein
29. Anastasia Krupnik (Series) by Lois Lowry
30. The Goats by Brock Cole
31. Kaffir Boy by Mark Mathabane
32. Blubber by Judy Blume
33. Killing Mr. Griffin by Lois Duncan
34. Halloween ABC by Eve Merriam
35. We All Fall Down by Robert Cormier
36. Final Exit by Derek Humphry
37. The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood
38. Julie of the Wolves by Jean Craighead George
39. The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison
40. What’s Happening to my Body? Book for Girls: A Growing-Up Guide for Parents & Daughters by Lynda Madaras
41. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
42. Beloved by Toni Morrison
43. The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton
44. The Pigman by Paul Zindel
45. Bumps in the Night by Harry Allard
46. Deenie by Judy Blume
47. Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes
48. Annie on my Mind by Nancy Garden
49. The Boy Who Lost His Face by Louis Sachar
50. Cross Your Fingers, Spit in Your Hat by Alvin Schwartz
51. A Light in the Attic by Shel Silverstein
52. Brave New World by Aldous Huxley
53. Sleeping Beauty Trilogy by A.N. Roquelaure (Anne Rice)
54. Asking About Sex and Growing Up by Joanna Cole
55. Cujo by Stephen King
56. James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl
57. The Anarchist Cookbook by William Powell
58. Boys and Sex by Wardell Pomeroy
59. Ordinary People by Judith Guest
60. American Psycho by Bret Easton Ellis
61. What’s Happening to my Body? Book for Boys: A Growing-Up Guide for Parents & Sons by Lynda Madaras
62. Are You There, God? It’s Me, Margaret by Judy Blume
63. Crazy Lady by Jane Conly
64. Athletic Shorts by Chris Crutcher
65. Fade by Robert Cormier
66. Guess What? by Mem Fox
67. The House of Spirits by Isabel Allende
68. The Face on the Milk Carton by Caroline Cooney
69. Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut
70. Lord of the Flies by William Golding
71. Native Son by Richard Wright
72. Women on Top: How Real Life Has Changed Women’s Fantasies by Nancy Friday
73. Curses, Hexes and Spells by Daniel Cohen
74. Jack by A.M. Homes
75. Bless Me, Ultima by Rudolfo A. Anaya
76. Where Did I Come From? by Peter Mayle
77. Carrie by Stephen King
78. Tiger Eyes by Judy Blume
79. On My Honor by Marion Dane Bauer
80. Arizona Kid by Ron Koertge
81. Family Secrets by Norma Klein
82. Mommy Laid An Egg by Babette Cole
83. The Dead Zone by Stephen King
84. The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain
85. Song of Solomon by Toni Morrison
86. Always Running by Luis Rodriguez
87. Private Parts by Howard Stern
88. Where’s Waldo? by Martin Hanford
89. Summer of My German Soldier by Bette Greene
90. Little Black Sambo by Helen Bannerman
91. Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett
92. Running Loose by Chris Crutcher
93. Sex Education by Jenny Davis
94. The Drowning of Stephen Jones by Bette Greene
95. Girls and Sex by Wardell Pomeroy
96. How to Eat Fried Worms by Thomas Rockwell
97. View from the Cherry Tree by Willo Davis Roberts
98. The Headless Cupid by Zilpha Keatley Snyder
99. The Terrorist by Caroline Cooney
100. Jump Ship to Freedom by James Lincoln Collier and Christopher Collier

Total: 19

That's more than I had expected. Nice. I need to read more of these. As for the rest of you, I know many of you have done this meme. If you have not, consider yourself tagged!

From stage to screen

2008-09-29T17:30:00.000-07:00

On Friday I was driving home from work grooving to tunes on my iPod. The wind was blowing through my hair, the sun glinting off my sunglasses. OK, I will admit it, I was sitting in stand still traffic listening to musical theater. Suddenly, "Past the Point of No Return" came throbbing through my speaker. (Yes, I actually typed that sentence. Get over it.) Anyhow, the angst of the Phantom and Christine triggered a yearning. At that moment I absolutely HAD TO WATCH the cheesy over-the-top movie version of the stage musical. After stopping at more stores that I want to admit, I had my very own copy. Oh, it is so very bad. I love it! The best part? Gerard Butler. Oh, baby!

Watching the movie got me to thinking: what other stage musical needs to be brought to the silver screen? Who would be cast as those classic characters?

Personally, I would love to see Les Miserables made into a movie. Gerard Butler and Helena Bonham Carter as the Thenardiers (the inn keepers). William Petersen as Jean Valjean. Hmmm... who else? I must think upon this.

So what do you think? What show should be given special movie treatment? Who should play your beloved characters?

Review: A Fist Full of Charms

2008-09-28T13:00:00.000-07:00

I have two loves in reading: romance and urban fantasy. Romance is... romantic. I just love a book with a HEA. It makes me feel all warm and gooey inside. Urban Fantasy, on the other hand, feeds my love of the paranormal. It gives me a world where good and bad are not always clear cut, the heroes may not be heroic, and heroines can kick ass in a major way without losing their romantic allure. So you might not get a HEA. That’s fine because the book is usually part of a series. It might happen next time. Or the time after that. The possibility is there, without the promise of it that you get in romance. **Proceed carefully, spoilerish references made**

I have a few favorite UF authors. As you all know, I am crazy for Patricia Briggs. If I could, I would have babies with all of her heroes. Yes please and thank you. Adam, Charles, Bran... oh yeah. Heck, even Zee is fabulous. More recently I have been reading the Rachel Morgan series by Kim Harrison. I just finished A Fist Full of Charms. It was... interesting. Honestly, this may be where Ms. Harrison jumped the shark. I have to read the next book to see what happens, see if it gets back to a place that I can love. Don’t get me wrong, this was a good book. Not as good as the previous installments, but still a good book. I just did not enjoy the direction she took with some of the characters, namely Rachel and Ivy. Their friendship/relationship went down a path I was hoping it wouldn’t. Rachel’s choices regarding magic made me cringe. She wasn’t a heroine I could root for in this book. I felt like she wandered off the path. She needs to find her way back. The whole "needs danger to get off" thing kinda pissed me off. Made me not like Rachel at times.

The plot with the focus and the Weres was actually quite interesting. It shed some more light on the politics of Inderland society. I think this will give the series more depth in the long run. I will be interested to see if this trickles over into any future plots and how she deals with the issue of Brett.

I loved Jenks. Full sized Jenks? Break me off a piece of that! It was all of his snarky, fun personality in a 6'4" package of gorgeousness. He was big and beautiful and still fabulously in love with Matilina. Completely devoted, hunky man. Kisten was barely there. Sad. Nick. Ooh, baby. I did not particularly care for him as Rachel’s boyfriend. Am I glad! It was so easy to hate him in this book (as you were supposed to). I just could not believe what happened in the end with Nick and Jax. Poor Jenks.

Here is my one big gripe about the book: NO TRENT! What??!!?!?!!!? I think this is what made this book fall a bit flat for me. SO much of what I love about this series has to do with the interactions between Rachel and Trent. Without him there, the book felt a little dull. OK, dull is the wrong word, but you could tell something was missing.

Like I said, this was a decent book, just not up to the standards I expect from this author and series. Maybe it is unfair to hold her to a separate set of expectations, but that’s how it is. I would do the same to Ms. Briggs if I felt one of her books was of lesser quality than her previous releases. If I were still doing ratings or grades, I suppose I would give this book a 3.5/5, whereas the previous books in the series earned 4 or 4.5.

Givin' the blog some lovin'

2008-09-27T13:14:00.000-07:00

::snuggles blog::

Don't worry, my love, I still adore you. It's just that things have been so busy lately, what with school starting and having a student teacher. What? No, no! I don't love her more than you. You will always be my favorite. Yes, I know I should be spending time with you in the evening. I would. I truly would if my Internet connection at home would just work. Please, baby, don't be sad. I love you long time. Promise.

Review: Body Language

2008-09-16T17:13:00.000-07:00

I am a sucker for the unrequited love/best friends yearning for one another storyline. It gets me every time. Doesn't matter if the writing is mediocre, I will read it. There is just something about a story where two people have know one another for such a long time, have played major roles in each others lives, and never figured out they are the perfect match. Suddenly one day there is a spark. Perhaps they have each secretly longed for one another but have never admitted it. Maybe it involves a second chance at love. Whatever the case, I get suckered in every time. There have been good and not so good books along the way, but recently I read a fantastic little book about best friends who finally figure it out.

Title: Body Language

Author: Suzanne Brockmann

Genre: Contemporary Romance (category)

While there is not a SEAL, FBI agent, or Special Ops member in sight, Ms. Brockmann has done it again. Body Language is one of her earlier category releases focused on two friends, Clint McCade and Sandy Kirk. These two have been friends since grade school, the two misfit poor kids in the ritzy neighborhood. Constant companions and friends, Sandy has been in love with Clint forever. Clint, the roaming free spirit, has only recently realized that everything he wants in life can be found in his best pal. But how to tell her? He shows up on her doorstep in the middle of the night only to find that she has met the man of her dreams. Only problem? The guy barely knows she exists. Clint has the "brilliant", if unoriginal idea to offer to help Sandy by tutoring her on flirting, while he works his own angle. Oh baby, do the sparks fly. Soon Sandy has forgotten that she decided to put her feelings for Clint behind her and all she can think about is how much she wants him to kiss her and love her. At one point there is a misunderstanding (what romance is without one?) and tons of prototypical angst, but it works here. I just love this book. It has a permanent place on my bookshelf. This one will not be sold back, given away, or even lent away. It will remain safely in my keeping to be read over and over again. I can see this rising to the ranks of a comfort read.

This book gets big thumbs up, innumerable heart twinges, heartbreaking tears, and the hope that the situation in my life can turn out so good.

Midnight Breed question

2008-09-14T18:48:00.000-07:00

I just finished reading Kiss of Crimson, which I loved 100 times more that Kiss of Midnight (not that KoM was bad, just not as good.) The H&h were strong, complex characters. Tess was a heroine that you could cheer for, that you actually liked (yeah, I'm giving you a baleful look, Marrisa!) Then there was Dante. Oh, Dante, you must come live in my hut! I completely bought his change from die-hard-bachelor-warrior to die-for-his-woman-Alpha-lover. Oh baby! I am thoroughly enjoying the world building and writing that Ms. Adrian gives us readers. The Rogues are a real and scary threat, and Adrian does not hesitate to sacrifice likable characters to ratchet up the intensity. Sure there were a few WTF moments. I mean, seriously, Tess must have been pretty damn flexible to be able to sit on the bathroom counter while giving Dante some oral lovin'. I know he is tall, but not that tall.

Here is my question for those of you who have read past book 2: Ms. Adrian develops these great heroines for our heros to fall in love with. They are smart, sexy, independent and talented (at their jobs and psychically.) Once they become a Breedmate and give up their lives for the men they love (because this is essentially what they have to do) what do these women do? There is no mention of Savannah having a job. Does Gabrielle still do her photography? Does Tess continue to practice veterinary medicine? Or do they all just hide away in the compound all day, too terrified to leave without their men? Someone please tell me the Breedmates aren't completely stripped of their identities once they have bonded!

Kiss of Midnight: my failure at reading challenges

2008-09-11T17:39:00.001-07:00

I took on the Ban On Buying Book Challenge. I made my list. I have been slowly whittling away at the TRB pile. I was doing good.Then I picked up Kiss of Crimson and realized it was book 2 in the series. WAIT! No! I can't read this! My series order OCD started throwing a temper tantrum. Big time. I just couldn't do it. So I was in a pickle. I had two choices: 1) I would have to complete the challenge without actually finishing my TBR list OR 2) I could break the rules of the challenge in order to fulfill the challenge. What do you think I did? Yup. No willpower. I went out and bought Kiss of Midnight. Since I was there and they happened to have one copy of Jade Lee's newest release, The Dragon Earl, I had to snag that one, too. Technically I had already started reading it since she gave me a sneak peek pamphlet at the signing last month. :) (Isn't it amazing how I can justify this?)

So I finished Kiss of Midnight before bed last night. It was a well written book with a great Big Bad. The heroine was complex and the hero perfectly angsty. Yet I finished this book and felt a little meh. Objectively, I know that this was a good book. Here's the problem: I read the BDB first. I think if I had read Lara Adrian's books first and then moved on to the BDB I would have loved KoM. Instead I was already a BDB crackhead. Ms. Adrian's vamps and world seemed to pale in comparison. Lucan was like the less attractive, slightly chubby-but-nice guy whose brother you lust after (the BDB). I felt kind of bad as I read the book that I did not love it/him the way I love the BDB/Zsadist. I know this is my issue, not a fault with the book. If you love the vamp story line you should definitely give it a shot, especially if you have yet to read any of Ms. Ward's crack-like novels.

That is not to say the book is inferior to the BDB. I actually like the Big Bad in the Midnight Breed series far more than I like the Lessening Society. The Omega? meh. The Rogue Master? Bad ass.

Now if only we could ditch Marrissa, allow Butch and V to fulfill their destiny together and send them after the Rogue Master, we would have one freakin' amazing book, my brother.

Because I am a dirty, dirty bird...

2008-09-10T20:42:00.000-07:00

... I just couldn't pass up this quiz. I saw it over on Cubie's Confections and knew I needed to waste some time ~~oggling the hot menz~~ completeing this incredibly scientific test.

Your result for The What type of MAN turns you on Test...

Classic scorcher

You have picked my personal favorite type of man. Yes, man, not boy. The all-American and then some. You admire a buff body and manly features but someone who knows how to bathe himself and even though he's a scorcher, you could still bring him home to mom - as long as she keeps her hands off! Someone this hot would be......Victor Webster. But let's face it, the whole point of this was to look at a bunch of hot guys. If you liked what you saw, please rate my test!

Take The What type of MAN turns you on Test at HelloQuizzy

Whittling away at the TBR

2008-09-04T17:04:00.000-07:00

You know it is the beginning of the school year when I completely disappear from bloglandia. So many details to take care of: curriculum, seating charts, grade books, etc. Sadly, that means I don't get to read as much as I do during the summer. Not to fear, though, I have slowly but steadily been chipping away at the TBR pile, attempting to achieve the goal I set for the Ban On Spending Book Challenge. I have reread two books on that list and finished a couple more that were new to me. Right now I am in the middle of No Ordinary Man by Suzanne Brockmann. It was one of her earlier categories. Not a SEAL in sight :( It is still pretty good, I am just not sure what the deal is with the hero. I suppose that is the point, though.

One book I did want to mention and suggest to everyone is Open Season by Linda Howard. I really do love most of her books. This was classic Howard with a strong alpha hero, a quirky heroine, and steamy chemistry. Don't forget the mysterious bad guy lurking in the background causing trouble. The thing I love about this book is that it is an ugly duckling book. Better yet, the hero already found her attractive pre-transformation. For any of you who (like me) were late bloomers, this is a must read. I love that Daisy starts out as the stereotypical small town librarian and, despite a rather drastic transformation, still remains that geeky gal at heart. As you read and experience the changes she is making, you really want to cheer her on. Daisy finds herself in a rut and does what few people have the courage to do: she steps completely outside her comfort zone and makes solid changes. The external changes happen quickly, but the internal ones happen a bit slower and more naturally. I appreciated this. It made the character more real.

Jack is tough and strong and hot. I love that Daisy is at first adverse to him because he is so attractive. He has left behind a high stress job on a task force in Chicago to become the Chief of Police in a little Southern town. He is protective of the sweet awkward town librarian. When she suddenly breaks out of her shell he finds himself having to protect others from her (oh lord, the scene in the bar when the guy pulls her on him lap!) Jack's confident, charismatic personality strikes sparks off of Daisy's practical, small town sensibilities. Oooh boy, those sparks are hot. In typical Linda Howard fashion there are moments of intense passion and other moments that are painfully funny. If you have read this book then you know exactly what I mean when I say "party pack."

Seriously, go read this book. If you like Ms. Howard's style, but are not a fan of the serial killer plot (Nicola, I am looking at you!) this is a good one for you. There is crime, but not the "inside the crazy killer's head" passages. I give this some big thumbs up, lots of stars, a decadent chocolate truffle, or whatever rating system you all like. It's simply good reading.

A recipe for romance

2008-08-26T17:35:00.000-07:00

I love to cook. More to the point, I love to try cooking something new. I take a little of this and mix it with a little of that. I throw it in a pot with a dash or a sprinkle of whatever sounds good, give it a mix and cook until done. Sometimes it is a complete flop. Usually, the dish just misses the mark by a small margin. It either is too spicy or too bland. Maybe there is too much onion, or not enough shrimp. Something is just a little bit off. Then there are those wondrous times when all of the ingredients come together in a perfect balance. It is hearty and savory without being too spicy. The tomatoes don't get too watery and the garlic permeates the entire dish. (Can you tell I am anxiously waiting on my homemade spaghetti sauce to finish cooking? I have a long wait ahead.) This precise balance of ingredients, seasonings, heat and time produces an end product that you want to sit back and savor.

I think this is also true in writing. It is all about balance. Character development, action, smexin', and plot. Each element needs it's time in the spotlight. It is the author's job, just like the chef's, to make sure that each one is measured out just enough to allow it to come to its full flavor. This is what sets successful authors apart from less successful authors. Those who have become master chefs at the craft of writing are the authors whose books make us want to turn back to page 1 after finishing the epilogue.

For me, one author who manages this balancing act time and again is Elizabeth Hoyt. I just love her writing. I have already read and reviewed The Raven Prince and Hot. Both were fabulous. Within the past two weeks I bought and read The Leopard Prince and To Taste Temptation. (I still need to hunt down The Serpent Prince.) Ms. Hoyt gives you interesting, well developed characters whose interactions are by turns amusing and intense. There is always an intrigue or mystery, something to get the characters moving or fighting or planning. When her heroes and heroines come together the sparks fly. Hot, sexy, and (my fave) very few flowery euphemisms. Damn hot sex. Her stories are just plain fun and interesting.

In The Leopard Prince we see Harry Pye once again. He was first introduced to readers in The Raven Prince. As a land steward, Harry knows that Georgina Maitland is far above his station. To want her is to reach for the sky. Georgina is 28 years old and owns the estate on which she lives. What could she possibly need a man for? Oh right... that. Well, Harry Pye is a man, and what a man he is! Suddenly, sheep are dying and folks are blaming Harry. It seems that there is bad blood between Harry and Georgina's neighbor. But is it bad enough for Harry to enact a long await revenge by killing the livestock on the neighbor's lands? Georgina does not believe so.

Ms. Hoyt's heroines are among my favorite in historical romances. Strong, mature, self-assured, experienced, outspoken. They are very contemporary women who live in historical times, yet not to the point where it in unbelievable. Her heroes are one thing that is often difficult to find from a single author: diverse. Edward was a physically scarred Earl who would far prefer to stay in the country and study agriculture. Harry is a commoner, a land steward whose past haunts him and drives him to succeed. Samuel was a brash American colonial soldier-turned-business man who disdains English society and snubs his nose at the ton by ignoring convention (and wearing moccasins to grand balls.) The chemistry she creates between her H&h is flaming hot.

In To Taste Temptation Ms. Hoyt begins a new series based around a fairy tale about four soldiers. Samuel has come to London in search of answers to what happened one fateful day to the 28th Regiment. His former commanding officer perished as a result of that day, but his sister was alive and well in London. When the two meet they mix like oil and water. Samuel is uncouth, arrogant, and mysterious. Lady Emeline is cultures, aristocratic, and just a bit uptight. Oh baby, do these two clash, and the results are fantastic. Trust me. Go read it. Yes, she is kind of awful to him in the beginning, but trust me, you want to keep reading. Two words: country party. Oh, two more words: linen closet. ::fans self::

I am such a fan that, when I found out I had the opportunity to meet Ms Hoyt at a signing this past weekend I knew I had to ask her for an interview. Such a gracious woman, she said yes. What did she say in the interview? Well that, my friends, is something you will have to wait for. In the meantime, I am going to go check on my spaghetti sauce. The aroma of garlic and basil is just starting to waft through my apartment. Mmmmm...

Comfort reads

2008-08-24T07:19:00.000-07:00

Comfort reads. We all have them, those books we turn to time and again like a worn, nubby security blanket. They are the books that fill our hands in times of stress and soothe our anxieties by wrapping us in the comfort of a familiar world. The characters live in our minds and our hearts, old friends to be revisited. These are not always the best, most well written books we have in our collections. There is just something about the writing or the characters or the plot that worms its way into our beings. These are books that will never be thrown away (blasphemy!), given away or sold to a UBS. These are keepers, but with a special distinction: they have the most creases in their spines and folds on their covers. Pages are dogeared, corners are frayed, but they do not lose value for this wear and tear. No no, quite the opposite. These imperfections are badges of honor, a sign that they are well and truly loved.

I just cracked open a book this morning that I have not read in years. I had to pick up a copy at a UBS yesterday (which is a whole other fabulous event that I will blog about!) In the first paragraph I felt myself sinking deep into the comfort of the words. This made me chuckle a bit. You see, I have realized lately that most of my comfort reads are full of action, guns, and sometimes blood. I think I may be weird. I wonder what it is about the actiony bits that pulls me in. But I digress, this is not a post about actiony bits, or dangly bits.... mmmm, manly bits. Ehem, yes. Back to comfort reads. My list is ever evolving, but the core of it includes:

- Mr. Perfect (and most of Linda Howard's "classics" like After the Night and Open Season)
- the Troubleshooter series by Suze Brockmann
- The Bride and the Beast by Teresa Medeiros
- Patricia Briggs werewolf books (Mercy's series and now Anna's book)
- Red Rose by Mary Balogh (a great little category she wrote years ago and I have since lost. NOOOO!!!!)

What are your comfort reads? Which books do you turn to over and over despite having passages memorized? Which titles, characters, plots do you crave when real life knocks you around a bit?

Book Challenge? I accept!

2008-08-19T19:40:00.000-07:00

Our lovely friend Sarai posted the other day about a book challenge that she has decided to take on. It is the Ban On Spending Book Challenge. Yep, that's right. No spending money on books until your list is finished. Since I have a seriously book buying problem (nine books in the last week!) this is going to be a MAJOR challenge for me. I need to save some money, so this comes along at the perfect time. Here are the rules:

Guidelines for the 2008 Ban on Spending Book Challenge:

1. No purchasing books for yourself until all the books listed are gone. No purchasing books for other people with the intention of reading them after they are finished. Library or other borrowed books can’t be listed.

2. Any books won in a raffle or given to me as a gift will be added to this list.

3. Books to be reviewed for promo companies, other blogs, authors, etc. do not count and are not added to this list.

4. Start anytime and list as many or as few books as needed. Once all books are checked off from the list, the ban is lifted and the spending can begin again.

5. The ending date for each person can vary to a few weeks or months as long as it doesn’t exceed December 31, 2008. This ban can be lifted earlier if all books listed have been read or donated.

6. If you don't have a blog and would like to still join, list your books in the comment section below.

I sense a little loop hole of sorts. Since I would not be spending money on the book, I can still borrow them from the library. That will help if I get burned out on paranormal romances. I seem to have a TON of them. Although, really, how could I get sick of romantic vamps and shape shifters? I do need to cheat just a slight little bit. Maybe I won't say cheat, perhaps I will just say that I start the challenge on Sunday. See, Elizabeth Hoyt is doing a signing in the area on Saturday. It would be very unclassy if I did not buy one of her books at the signing. Just saying. So I will include the book from the signing on my list. Look to the sidebar to track my progress and help me keep on top of this.

I am up at the DIK

2008-08-18T17:58:00.000-07:00

It is my turn at the DIK blog for the next three days. Stop by and read my ramblings over there. There will be books, boys and who knows what else. Come on over. You know you wanna.

Yes, I really have been reading!

2008-08-13T16:54:00.000-07:00

I have actually been reading quite a bit this summer. Sadly, my urge to blog has been almost non-existent. Then there was the two week Internet blackhole. I need to actually pay for an Internet connection. Soon! After I move, which may or may not be in the next two months. But as I was saying, I have read a number of books. I feel like I should mention some of them, but can't quite bring myself to write full reviews of them all. Therefore I once again present you with "This book in a nutshell."

Book: Whitney, My Love

Author: Judith McNaught

Genre: Historical Romance

Whitney Stone's teenage crush on a neighbor has her cold, unfeeling father banishing her to Paris into the care of her aunt and uncle. Under their loving guidance, the young woman blossoms into a ravishing beauty and becomes the darling of glittering Parisian society--a fact not lost on the handsome and equally powerful Duke of Claymore, who determines to make her his wife. Despite the duke's fervent interest, Whitney remains fixed on her childhood love. That is, until she finds herself tempted by the Duke--an attraction that both delights and baffles Whitney, causing her to be increasingly wary of what her heart may lead her to do. The Duke suffers no such confusion. He wants Whitney. And he plans to have her, despite a number of obstacles, including the infatuation Whitney seems to have for another; her aunt's growing concerns; and her greedy father's bungling efforts to control his beautiful daughter. But before the Duke and Whitney's plans can reach fruition, they'll have to work their way through a morass of misunderstandings that threaten any hope of a happy ending.

This book seems to be a bit of a classic. I have heard it mentioned numerous times in glowing terms. Based on this I requested it from my library, and I have to say... really? Truly? I guess I just don't get it. The book started off just fine. I love a heroine, especially a historical heroine, who is so completely outside the mold that she is looked down upon. The gal who is too spunky or outspoken or a tomboy. Then add in a hero who is draw to them for the very reasons society shuns them. I love it, and this book gave it to me. BUT. Yes, that is a very big but. By the end of the book I felt as though Ms. McNaught was engaged in a dare. A dare to see just how many Big Misunderstandings it was possibly to fit into one book. There were numerous times that the book could have ended quite satisfyingly. Nope. We had to add another tragic misunderstanding. By the end I was ready to tell the H&h to just walk away. And then! Then the book was suddenly about the hero's brother. What? Annoying. I actually still have not finish the last 15 pages. I had to put it down before I threw it out the window. That would have been bad. Remember? Library book.

Book: The Charm School

Author: Susan Wiggs

Genre: Historical Romance

Isadora Peabody is the brilliant but socially inept sibling in an otherwise perfect family. And although she struggles to fit into Boston society, her awkwardness dooms her to repeated failure. Fate intervenes when she learns that a sea captain, Ryan Calhoun, is in need of an interpreter for his next voyage to Rio. And despite Ryan's adamant opposition to hiring a female interpreter, Isadora gains a berth on his ship, thanks to a little blackmail.

Life aboard ship and away from the strict confines of Boston society finds Isadora losing weight, gaining confidence, and blooming like a rose. She befriends the motley crew of rough sailors, and in turn, they become a charm school of sorts, tutoring her in gracefulness--which comes in handy when climbing the rope rigging--dancing, and friendship. Isadora's transformation fascinates Ryan, but he is determined to stay away from her for he has secretive, dangerous plans. Unaware of Ryan's interest, Isadora struggles with her growing attraction to the reckless sea captain. But before they can resolve their feelings, prior commitments surface and endanger their chance of finding a happy future together.

I know that many readers have had issues with the fact that the crew or the ship knew enough about social graces to instruct Isadora. I read so much griping about this that I expected it to be over the top silly. I think this is a case of going in with low expectations and being pleasantly surprised. I thought the book was cute and sweet. I loved the ugly duckling analogy. Isadora was a great character and her evolution was not simply physical, but emotional, as well. Ryan was flawed and in some ways immature. This made him seem more real to me. He had noble intentions and a good heart. I enjoyed his friendship with Journey and his interactions with his mother. The chemistry and tension between Ryan and Isadora was believable, as was the fact that they both fought against it in the beginning. A fun read.

Book: Summer by the Sea

Author: Susan Wiggs

Genre: Contemporary

Two childhood friends negotiate the rough waters of love in Wiggs's newest contemporary romance, which starts out as a typical love-between-the-classes tale, but evolves into something richer. Successful Rhode Island restaurateur Rosa Capoletti seems to have her life in order. Her restaurant, Celesta's-by-the-Sea, has been lauded by the New York Times, she's surrounded by friends, and she has finally achieved financial stability. But when her old flame Alexander Montgomery, whose family name is synonymous with wealth, walks into Celesta's, Rosa realizes that she hasn't moved forward emotionally since he abruptly ended their relationship 12 years earlier. As the two cautiously renew their love, they must come to terms with the tensions between their families and the long-held secret that led to their initial breakup. Although their romance is compelling, sweeter still are the flashbacks of their burgeoning friendship.

After reading Charm School I put Susan Wiggs on my To Buy list. I am so glad I did. While the two books have nothing in common, both are very good. Even better Summer By the Sea has one of my all time favorite plot devices: lost or first loves reunited. There is just something about a second chance at love that gets me every time. I think, maybe, it gives me hope. (Let's just say I am keeping my fingers crossed... this time around.) Rosa in strong, loud and unabashedly Italian. Alex is a "summer person." Old money rich. Ms. Wiggs does a wonderful job of intertwining present day and past memories together to give the reader a full picture of their relationship. You see the early friendship, the young love, and the mature relationship. Yes, there are some Italian-American cliches, but they are stereotypes for a reason: they are very often real. And can I just say, if Alex were real he would be mine, all mine!

OK, I think that is enough for now. I will give ya more quickies soon. Look for some Rachel Morgan/Kim Harrison, an ARC (my first!!!), and Lord of Scoundrels. I didn't do that one yet, did I? Ugh. I really need my brain to start working again. I have to go back to school soon!

Rooting for the wrong man

2008-08-11T12:20:00.001-07:00

In every book the reader is given a hero and a heroine. They may or may not know each other at the onset of the story. They may or may not like each other at the onset. There is the possibility of having a Misunderstanding. There might be Longing. There is likely to be a Great Obstacle. But in the end you root for the two to fall into one another's arms and declare undying love.

But what happens when you don't want them together? What if, despite the author's hard work, you just don't want the hero to choose the heroine (or vice versa)? What if there is another character for whom you are rooting? How does this effect your enjoyment of the book?

I ask this because I am now three books into the Rachel Morgan series by Kim Harrison. I am quite enjoying the stories. Rachel is a fun heroine with many flaws (which she readily admits to having.) Her work partners (a living vamp and a pixie) are interesting characters, giving the interactions between them complex. There is a fabulous "big bad". And there is a small element of romance. (These books are categorized as Urban Fantasy.) Here is where I start to have a problem. ***Slight Spoilers Ahead*** By the end of the first book Rachel has started a relation with a young gentleman. The relationship evolves over the next two books with some very surprising twists. You are supposed to like him. He is supposed to be endearing. To me he seemed shifty. Something just was not kosher. In the third book Rachel starts to move on and gets involved with another guy. I like him better. Better, yet he is not the one I want her to be with. You see, ever since book one I have had this yearning to see Rachel hook up with a specific character. There is one small, niggling problem: he is the bad guy. I know! What could I possibly be thinking? It is just that they have chemistry. The scenes between Rachel and Trent are my favorite scenes in all of the books. By the end of the third book you see a definite evolution in their relationship. This gives me hope. Oh yes it does. Misplaced hope, I am sure. But hope shall spring eternal. ***Spoilers Finished***

So, has this ever happened to you? You read a book and instead of rooting for the hero you become the leader of the boss/bad guy/mysterious stranger/best friend's fan club? Have you ever found yourself rooting for the wrong man?

I finally get it!

2008-07-31T19:05:00.000-07:00

Yes, my friends, you can call me a Crusader. I have completely fallen under the spell of North & South. Oh, Mr. Thornton. He is all that is starchy and broody. His mother? Fabulously judgmental. Higgins? Earthy and real. I'm not really sure what to say or how to say it and remain coherent. I will degrade into a babbling fangirl. OK. Here is my attempt to list a few thoughts and favorite moments.

1) Fist of Doom. Yes. Just... yes.

2) The scene when Margaret is leaving Thornton's home after saying goodbye (before leaving Milton.) The framing of the shot is stunning. The carriage in the courtyard, snow falling, camera behind Thornton framed in the open doorway... beautiful. The expression on his face as he stood there saying "Look back." Guh.

3) The Kiss. You know what I am talking about. The hand on the side of the face is a "thing" for me. Gets me every time.

4) Higgins reaction to his daughters death. He is such a strong man. When he breaks down it is simply gut wrenching.

5) I LOVED the cinematography in the scene when Margaret goes to the mill and sees Thornton for the first time. The cotton floating through the air gave it an almost magical quality.

6) Thornton's sister was HORRID! That is all.

7) I actually liked Higgins so much that I almost wished that he and Margaret would get together. There was just something about him that was so compelling. Also, if Margaret ended up with Higgins, Thornton and I could run off together and he could hold my face while WE kiss.

Like I said, not very coherent. Let's just say North & South is now being added to my Amazon wish list. This one needs to be added to my personal collection.

Making a Mr. Perfect list

2008-07-21T17:28:00.000-07:00

Those of you who joined in the book club and read Mr. Perfect by Linda Howard (or had previously read it) you know that all of Jaine's problem began after she and her girlfriends created a list of the qualities essential in the perfect man. The List. For the most part I think those ladies got it right. But really, it just wouldn't be as fun if we didn't put our own twist on it.

So what do you say ladies? What items, qualities, requirements should we add to our very own Mr. Perfect list? And be honest, it's much more fun that way ;)

i can haz North & South?

2008-07-16T07:53:00.000-07:00

Why, yes I can! I just received an email from my local library informing me that my request for the North & South DVD has arrived. Alls I have to do is swing by and pick it up. (God, I love this whole online inter-library loan request thing.) You know what that means... Shannon glued to the TV for hours.

Will I become a Crusader? That is yet to be determined. I will keep you update.

Book Club- Mr. Perfect

2008-07-15T07:08:00.000-07:00

Oh, I have been waiting and waiting to open up this discussion. Here it is:

Mr. Perfect

So what did you think? I don't feel like posting a set of questions for this book. I say, just share your thoughts, opinions, squeeing, concerns, confusion, adoration, etc. If you have questions about what happened or wonder what people thought about a specific aspect of the book, feel free to post a question.

And stay tuned! Coming tomorrow: The WWR Mr. Perfect list! You and I get to be Jaine and her friends, creating our very own list. Although, I could live without the crazy killer...

Half-assed reviews and pitiful excuses

2008-07-14T14:51:00.000-07:00

Wow. Over a week without posting. I'm not sure what to say. I could provide a whole list of reasons I have been absent, but they would just be pitiful excuses. I was lazy last week. It is as simple as that. It has nothing to do with not having reviews to write. Nope, I have read a handful of books. I even liked most of them! I am simply suffering from a lack of energy. I am a lazy sloth.

So I will attempt to make this up to you all by providing a number of half-assed reviews. (Sorry there are no photos, blogger is acting weird and not giving me a full toolbar.)

Title: The Spymaster's Lady
Author: Joanna Bourne

She's braved battlefields. She's stolen dispatches from under the noses of heads of state. She's played the worldly courtesan, the naive virgin, the refined British lady, even a Gypsy boy. But Annique Villiers, the elusive spy known as the Fox Cub, has finally met the one man she can't outwit

OMG, so good! Yep, I am a sqeeing fan girl. This book was beautifully written. The language Ms. Bourne uses builds such a vibrant picture in your mind that you feel you are there with the characters. The heroine is strong and self-sufficient. I don't think I have read a stronger female character in a historical romance before. Annique was daring, bold, brilliant (in a believable way), yet innocent at the same time. All of the men were wonderful. The plot was strong, complicated without being convoluted. The writing never seemed to lose momentum. The romance between the hero and heroine was believable. The sex was written so well that it wasn't until I finished the book that I realized the book lacked the cliched euphemisms. All in all, a stellar book. I would recommend this book to anyone, even non-historical or non-romance readers. It is like a bar of high quality milk chocolate. Easy on the palate and so very good. I can't wait to read My Lord and Spymaster.

Title: Demon Angel
Author: Meljean Brook

For two thousand years, Lilith wrought vengeance upon the evil and the damned, gathering souls for her father's armies Below and proving her fealty to her Underworld liege. Bound by a bargain with the devil and forbidden to feel pleasure, she draws upon her dark powers and serpentine grace to lead men into temptation. That is, until she faces her greatest temptation—Heaven's own Sir Hugh Castleford...

Once a knight and now a Guardian, Hugh spent centuries battling demons—and the cursed, blood-drinking nosferatu. His purpose has always been to thwart the demon Lilith, even as he battles his treacherous hunger for her. But when a deadly alliance unleashes a threat to both humans and Guardians in modern-day San Francisco, angel and demon must fight together against unholy evil—and against a desire that has been too long denied...

I don't like books that take place earlier that the mid-1700's. I just don't generally like them. Because of this, I put off starting Demon Angel after picking it up from the library. I had heard all the love being professed for this book and author. I just wasn't buying it. So finally, after some lackluster reads, I picked up DA. Good God, why did I wait so long? I will admit that I am an idiot. I should have listen to all of you out there that expressed such love for this series. Hugh and Lilith were such great characters. I love how their relationship steadily builds over the centuries. The story is so packed full of information and moments of significance, that I would often have to stop reading and do something else just so my brain could work thought what I had just read. Ms. Brooks crafted a wonderfully complex story. It is a rare thing that I don't figure out how the conflict will work itself out when I read a book. She had me stumped all the way until the end. This book is a bar of single origin dark chocolate. It is sharp and rich. You need to take time to savor each delicious bite. I can't wait to read about Savi and Colin. I am currently awaiting the arrival of the two short stories MB wrote. Go read this book if you haven't. Don't be an idiot like me. (Oh. One small comment. The only thing I did not like was the cover. It was pretty, but I could not bring it along on the train or to the family gathering I had to attend. I appreciate the half-nekked pic of Hugh, but my family would not.)

Title: How to Marry a Millionaire Vampire
Author: Kerrelyn Sparks

So what if he's a bit older and usually regards a human female as dinner, not a dinner date? Yes, Roman Draganesti is a vampire, but a vampire who lost one of his fangs sinking his teeth into something he shouldn't have. Now he has one night to find a dentist before his natural healing abilities close the wound, leaving him a lop–sided eater for all eternity.

Things aren't going well for Shanna Whelan either...After witnessing a gruesome murder by the Russian mafia, she's next on their hit list. And her career as a dentist appears to be on a downward spiral because she's afraid of blood. When Roman rescues her from an assassination attempt, she wonders if she's found the one man who can keep her alive. Though the attraction between them is immediate and hot, can Shanna conquer her fear of blood to fix Roman's fang? And if she does, what will prevent Roman from using his fangs on her...

This was a cute, average read. It was nothing to call home about, but not bad. I guess I would say "pretty good." It set up the beginning of the series enough the I am interested in reading more (especially since I own two of the other books in the series.) However, the title is completely wrong. The heroine does not know vamps exist until quite a ways into the book. She is not setting out to marry a millionaire vamp. Heck, she is not setting out to marry anyone. She just wants to stay alive. I was a little iffy on the subplot with her father. It kind of seemed tacked on to add even more drama to the poor heroine's life. Regardless, it was a fluffy, fun story. This book is a Cadbury Creme Egg or a box of Peeps. It is fluffy and sugary, but it does not leave a lasting impact on your sweet tooth craving.

Title: It Had To Be You
Author: Susan Elizabeth Phillips

The Windy City isn't quite ready for Phoebe Somerville—the outrageous, curvaceous New York knockout who has just inherited the Chicago Stars football team. And Phoebe is definitely not prepared for the Stars' head coach Dan Calebow, a sexist jock taskmaster with a one-track mind. Calebow is everything Phoebe abhors. And the sexy new boss is everything Dan despises—a meddling bimbo who doesn't know a pigskin from a pitcher's mound.

I have been hit or miss with this author. It Had To Be You was the first book in her Chicago Stars (football) series. I had previously read two others in the series (out of order, I know!!!) One book I liked, the other made me want to scream. I am happy to say that this book was a winner. Funny, quirky, the characters were great. Phoebe is not what you expect when you first start reading the book. She is introduced as a Paris Hilton-type bimbo. The real Phoebe is vastly different. Dan is strong, opinionated, sexy, and has the best interest of his team at heart. I actually bought the whole enemies become lovers deal in this book. Dang it, now I have to read the rest of the books in the series. It would almost have been better if this was another miss. Instead this book is one of those huge caramel apples. Crisp and rich at the same time. Not in the same category as chocolate, but still damn satisfying. Ah well, more reading for me! Oh, and all the Chicago and DuPage County locations make this series even more fun for me to read. I know exactly where the characters are when Ms. Philips includes descriptions of locations or driving directions. We need more books set in Chicago!

Tune in tomorrow when the book club starts discussing our book of the month: Mr. Perfect!

Chemistry update

2008-07-06T18:24:00.000-07:00

I finished reading Much Ado About You by Eloisa James. It seemed to pick up the pace a bit towards the end and I was, in fact able to get through it without stumbling. As I mentioned in my previous post, it is not that I think her books are poorly written, I just don't seem to click with her style and characters.

Sadly, I think this will be my last book by James. There are three more books in the series and I didn't like any of the heroine's sisters enough to read on for their HEA. Ah well. I know others love her writing. I will simply move on to the next book.

I need something to get me excited again. Demon Angel, perhaps?

Author-Reader Chemistry

2008-07-06T13:54:00.000-07:00

Sometimes you meet someone new and you just click. There was that girl in your psych class in college. You started talking and suddenly it is as though you have known each other for years. Ten years later the two of you are still good friends. Then there are those people you meet and promptly forget. Or perhaps you start talking and everything they say and do just rubs you the wrong way. It all comes down to chemistry. I'm not just talking romantic chemistry, simply interpersonal compatibility. I think we, as readers, have this with each author we read. There are those that click with us in such a way that no matter what they write we will read it. If Patricia Briggs or Suze Brockmann wrote a pamphlet on how to set the clock on your VCR, I would devour it. Then there are the authors you never click with no matter how hard you try. It could be a case of the disappearing plot: you close the book on the final page and promptly forget all that you just read. It could be characters that rub you the wrong way (too abrasive for your taste, TSTL, too Alpha, etc.) Maybe you do not enjoy the genre the author writes. Perhaps their style is either more flowery or concise than you prefer. It happens. Bad chemistry happens to good authors.

And to good readers.

I have tried, really I have. For whatever reason, Ms. Eloisa James and I have no chemistry. It is not that I think her writing is bad. Quite the contrary. I just can not seem to connect with her characters. I am unable to become invested in them. It finally hit me when I realized that I was procrastinating so that I did not have to read. What??!!?!?! Reading is my number one tool for procrastination. I actually feel kind of bad about this. I want to like her books. It just boils down to the author-reader chemistry, which sadly she and I lack.

Has this happened to you, either good or bad? What authors have you immediately clicked with? Which ones are you unable love, despite your best efforts?

Because I am procrastinating...

2008-07-03T17:23:00.001-07:00

...I give you a picture.

Go awai! I iz reading!

I am horrible at captions. What else can my reading Homer say?

Romance and passion on the dance floor

2008-07-03T08:50:00.001-07:00

You may not know this, but I have another passion besides reading. Dance. I have not done much of it myself as of late. I need to do more. I incorporate dance into my teaching and run an after school dance club for kids in grades 4-6. I am an unrepentant So You Think You Can Dance junkie. I own seasons 1-3 on DVD. I can not miss an episode. I am an addict.

Last night I was watching the show and drooling, as one does when there are gorgeous half nekked menz on their TV screen. But I was also drooling over the choreography. The passion and emotion that the dancers and choreographers created was amazing. There were two dances in particular that brought to life the relationship between and man and a woman.

Will and Jessica's lyrical jazz routine is hawt! When he grabs the shirt and pulls it up onto her shoulders, and then pulls it off of her... that needs to be worked into someone's book. Stat!

Then there is the pain following the ending of a relationship. How many of you have laid in bed at night after a breakup tortured by memories of your ex? The expressions on Twitch and Kerrington's faces as they gazed at one another across the bed was haunting.

It is truly beautiful to see those things that draw us to romance embodied in another discipline.

Let's get it started in here!

2008-07-02T06:39:00.000-07:00

While my friends here in bloglandia are avid romance readers (hi all!!!), my local pals are not of the same persuasion. There is one who dabbles in the world of romance, venturing out on the Nora Roberts branch of the Romance tree. Otherwise, my friends quite actively avoid romance (expect, perhaps, to mock it.) I'm not sure what exactly it is that that makes them scoff at the most purchased genre in publication. Is it the bad euphemisms (sword of virility, plushy love glove, purple-headed staff)? Is it bodice-ripper connotations? Is it the blush inducing cover art that they fear bringing on public transportation? What is it that keeps them from reading an entire genre of literature? I believe that much of it is ignorance and the misconception that a romance novel is a slapped together, second rate story with sex. The belief that gratuitous sex makes up for a lack of quality writing.

So how do we disabuse them of this notion? By recommending fabulous reading material, of course. By providing these skeptics with the starter pack of romance novels. This begs the question: What would be in your "Starter Pack of Romance"? For me this would have to include:

Mr. Perfect by Linda Howard
and
The Spymaster's Lady by Joanna Bourne (yes, I finally read it!)

But what else would I add? This will require some serious consideration. You would want to provide books with quality writing that span a variety of sub genres. You may want to provide a specific order in which they should be read, starting with the least graphic sex, leading up to the most explicit. Maybe start with an urban fantasy that includes romantic elements (Mercy Thompson, perhaps) and end with an erotic novel (Ellora's Cave?)

For all those out there that we love who do not share our reading preferences (and they are legion), what would be in your starter pack? Pick 5-10 titles. You can explain you reasoning or just provide the list, but tell me, how would you get them started?

Because I am a lemming...

2008-07-01T11:26:00.000-07:00

I saw this over on Naida and Kristie(J)'s blogs, so I figured why not. Everyone needs to embarrass themselves once in a while.

Here is the Top 100 Most Popular Books on LibraryThing. Bold what you own, italicize what you've read. Star what you liked. Star multiple times what you loved!

1. Harry Potter and the sorcerer's stone by J.K. Rowling****
2. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (Book 6) by J.K. Rowling****
3. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (Book 5) by J.K. Rowling****
4. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (Book 2) by J.K. Rowling*
5. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (Book 3) by J.K. Rowling****
6. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (Book 4) by J.K. Rowling****
7. The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown
8. The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
9. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Book 7) by J.K. Rowling****
10. 1984 by George Orwell
11. Pride and Prejudice (Bantam Classics) by Jane Austen****
12. The catcher in the rye by J.D. Salinger
13. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee****
14. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
15. The lord of the rings by J.R.R. Tolkien
16. The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
17. Jane Eyre (Penguin Classics) by Charlotte Bronte
18. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon
19. Life of Pi by Yann Martel
20. Animal Farm by George Orwell
21. Angels & demons by Dan Brown
22. Brave New World by Aldous Huxley
23. Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte
24. One Hundred Years of Solitude (Oprah's Book Club) by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
25. The Fellowship of the Ring (The Lord of the Rings, Part 1) by J.R.R. Tolkien
26. Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden
27. The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger
28. The Two Towers (The Lord of the Rings, Part 2) by J.R.R. Tolkien
29. The Odyssey by Homer
30. Catch-22 by Joseph Heller
31. Slaughterhouse-five by Kurt Vonnegut
32. Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoyevsky
33. The return of the king : being the third part of The lord of the rings by J.R.R. Tolkien
34. Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
35. American Gods: A Novel by Neil Gaiman
36. The chronicles of Narnia by C. S. Lewis
37. The hitchhiker's guide to the galaxy by Douglas Adams
38. Lord of the Flies by William Golding ****
39. The lovely bones: a novel by Alice Sebold
40. Ender's Game (Ender, Book 1) by Orson Scott Card
41. The Golden Compass (His Dark Materials, Book 1) by Philip Pullman****
42. Good Omens: The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch by Neil Gaiman
43. Dune by Frank Herbert
44. Emma by Jane Austen
45. Frankenstein by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley
46. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (Bantam Classics) by Mark Twain
47. Anna Karenina (Oprah's Book Club) by Leo Tolstoy
48. Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell by Susanna Clarke
49. Middlesex: A Novel by Jeffrey Eugenides
50. Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West by Gregory Maguire
51. Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov
52. The Silmarillion by J.R.R. Tolkien
53. The Iliad by Homer
54. The Stranger by Albert Camus
55. Sense and Sensibility (Penguin Classics) by Jane Austen
56. Great Expectations (Penguin Classics) by Charles Dickens
57. The Handmaid's Tale: A Novel by Margaret Atwood
58. On the Road by Jack Kerouac
59. Freakonomics [Revised and Expanded]: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything by Steven D. Levitt
60. The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint Exupery
61. The lion, the witch and the wardrobe by C. S. Lewis
62. A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle
63. Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman
64. The Grapes of Wrath (Centennial Edition) by John Steinbeck
65. Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
66. The Name of the Rose: including Postscript to the Name of the Rose by Umberto Eco
67. The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne
68. Moby Dick by Herman Melville
69. The complete works by William Shakespeare (quite a few - but not the complete works)
70. Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies by Jared Diamond
71. Me Talk Pretty One Day by David Sedaris
72. The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver
73. Hamlet (Folger Shakespeare Library) by William Shakespeare
74. Of Mice and Men (Penguin Great Books of the 20th Century) by John Steinbeck****
75. A Tale of Two Cities (Penguin Classics) by Charles Dickens
76. The Alchemist (Plus) by Paulo Coelho (7,710)
77. The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath (7,648)
78. The Picture of Dorian Gray (Barnes & Noble Classics Series) (Barnes & Noble Classics) by Oscar Wilde
79. The Elements of Style, Fourth Edition by William Strunk
80. Love in the Time of Cholera by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
81. The Subtle Knife (His Dark Materials, Book 2) by Philip Pullman****
82. Atonement: A Novel by Ian McEwan
83. The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoyevsky
84. The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd
85. Dracula by Bram Stoker
86. Heart of Darkness (Dover Thrift Editions) by Joseph Conrad
87. A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess
88. Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra
89. The amber spyglass by Philip Pullman
90. A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man (Penguin Classics) by James Joyce
91. The Unbearable Lightness of Being: A Novel (Perennial Classics) by Milan Kundera
92. Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse
93. Neuromancer by William Gibson
94. The Canterbury Tales (Penguin Classics) by Geoffrey Chaucer
95. Persuasion (Penguin Classics) by Jane Austen
96. Anansi Boys by Neil Gaiman
97. The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova
98. Angela's Ashes: A Memoir by Frank McCourt
99. A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius by Dave Eggers
100. The Prince by Niccolo Machiavelli

Notice how many of those books I own (bold), but have never read (not italics). I think that is the worst part!

The good, the bad, and the moronic

2008-06-30T14:14:00.000-07:00

Two books. Two sets of protagonists. Both heroes are or were law enforcement. Both heroines are being chased by hit men. Seemingly similar, right? Then how can two books be so different?

Last week I finished two books: Extreme Danger by Shannon McKenna and Hot by Julia Harper (aka. Elizabeth Hoyt.) Large defining characteristics were commonalities between the two books. The end products, though, were vastly different.

Extreme Danger

Shannon McKenna

The book starts off well enough with Becca Cantrell escaping to remote Frake's Island to avoid the press. Her fiance (now ex) was caught the night before the wedding in a compromising situation. His ex was giving him some oral pleasure while he was driving and he crashed his car into a tree. Not so smooth for a guy aiming to be a politician. Also, the teeth marks must have been pretty bad.

Becca decides she has been too staid and boring. She needs to take risks! So after downing a bottle of wine she sneaks over to the neighbors house to take a clandestine swim... in the buff. This would be fine if the house was still own by the uber rich computer geek, but it has recently been bought by an international mobster. Not so good.

Nick catches Becca swimming in the buff. Who is she? Is she an assassin? Is she a test sent by the mobster to tempt him into betraying his cover? Is she just some stupid chick who stumbled in at the worst possible time?

Thus begins Becca's involvement with (and near destruction of) Nick Ward, undercover freelance operative trying to take down the international baddie. They strike enough sparks off one another to start all of California on fire. These two have some hot, raunchy sex. Sadly, I needed more than that. As intense as the story (and their smexin) was, I did not believe in their romance. I just could not buy into their love and HEA. Becca just found out the man she loved was getting his tootsiepop licked by another woman. Her judgement is men is atrocious. Nick does not trust anyone, to the point that he betrays Becca and nearly gets her killed. Yup, that' the basis for a lasting relationship. Sorry. I just can't buy it.

Hot

Julia Harper

Where Extreme Danger was serious and intense, Hot was lighthearted and fun. Bravo to Ms. Harper/Hoyt! Turner Hastings is sassy, fun and capable. When the bank she is working at is held up at gun point by Yoda and Spongebob, she sees her chance. In the ensuing chaos, Turner steals the contents of a safe deposit box and hits the road. You see, she has a criminal to catch and the items she stole just might be the key. John MacKinnon is one of the FBI agents called in to investigate the bank robbery. From the moment he sees Turner on the surveillance tapes his attention is captured.

For the first portion of the book, the two never meet. John is chasing after Turner, trying to apprehend her for the crime. Turner is trying to find proof that her uncle was innocent of embezzlement. Remaining out of John;s reach is essential. She is damn good at this! From the get go John makes contact with Turner via her cell phone. Soon the two begin talking more frequently than is altogether necessary for the investigation. By the time John captures Turner he is on her side and ready to be inside of her. Hot damn, baby! These two are hot.

I really liked this book. There are funny moments, sexy moments, incredibly intense moments. This book has two strong, likable main characters. Other fabulous mentionables: John and his handcuffs, the best dog EVER, two idiot bank robbers who have to have been based on Beevis and Butthead. Whenever there was a chapter devoted to the bank robbers on the run, I would end up in tears laughing. The dialogue between them was like listening to two of my junior high school students try to mastermind a bank heist. And the end of the chapters? Priceless. The dialogue and action would be going along and it would all end with a sentence like:

Then Bucky attacked. Then the cop car drove by. Then they fell in the swamp.

Two books with such similarities, yet so very different. If you were to pick between the two go with Hot. I'm not sure if I liked it as much as The Raven Prince (the only other book of hers I have read so far), but it is a fun romp. Definitely worth it.

In the mean time

2008-06-27T10:02:00.000-07:00

I am putting together a comparison review of two book that I recently read. I am just not finding the energy to complete it. I will finish and post it tonight or tomorrow. I swear!

In the mean time, I give you this image to enjoy. Could he join the BDB? Please!!!!

Book Club

2008-06-26T09:13:00.000-07:00

I very much want to choose a classic for the book club, but I think I am going to wait one more month. I must check out the UBS and library to see what I can come up with. I would hate to pick a book that no one can get their hands on.

SO. In the mean time I have decided to go with a book that will one day be considered a classic. A book that is loved by many. A book that was recently used in a "Name That Book" post. A book everyone has said that must reread now. A book called...

Mr. Perfect by Linda Howard

So go pick up your copy and read with me. You know you want to. Just remember, though, Sam Donovan is in my hut. No stealing!

Deadline: July 15th (I know I am not giving you a month, but this one is not difficult to find... I don't think)

Tag! You're it!

2008-06-25T19:52:00.001-07:00

I was tagged for this book meme, so here I go. Turning to page 123. Finding sentence number 5...

"Well, even now, with the proper knife, I think I could hit that bird one time in ten, if I wished to eat finches, which I do not."

Huh. I'll be interested to see what is going on in the story when I reach that point. Any guesses as to what book it is from?

Oh yeah, I'm supposed to tag someone. How about this, if you have not been tagged and wish to join in on the fun...TAG!

The glasses of which I speak

2008-06-24T15:16:00.001-07:00

OK, here are pics of the two pair of glasses I bought.

These are the "normal"ones

And these are the crazy, completely impractical ones

Wow, I need to put on more blush. I really am the palest girl ever!

2008-06-23T19:09:00.000-07:00

See those glasses up above? The ones right up there in the header? Those are my glasses. Well, actually they were my glasses. They finally bit the big one. Gave up the ghost. Crashed and burned and fell apart. You see, a number of months ago I was doing an activity with my kindergartners. We were tossing a beach ball back and forth, singing up and down when the ball went up and down. Don't worry, it makes sense when you actually do it. Anyhow, one energetic child decided, instead of gently tossing the beach ball, to pitch it at me... directly at my face. It must have hot my glasses at just the right spot and the stem popped off. Ever since then I have been fighting a losing battle. I would super glue it back on, only to have the glue give out at the worst times. On Friday (after I had just told myself I would get them replaced at the end of summer if they would just hold out) I gave my dog a hug. POP! Off popped the stem. Again. For the last damn time. With so many layers of glue on the glasses there was no way I could repair them and have them continue to fit.

Today I got my eyes checked. Good thing! My prescription had changed enough to need new lenses in a big way. Thank goodness I am on summer vacation and had no where to be. I am what you would call an extremely indecisive person. I looked around for about an hour and got help from the guy working there before I found frames I liked. I found one that was super funky and fun. I found another that was fun, but a bit more "normal". What to do? The gentleman working there had determined from the very beginning that I was not allowed to purchase "boring glasses". He refused. (I quite liked him and he made fabulous suggestions.) Since he was dying for me to buy the super funky pair, he gave me a great deal on the frames. (Keep in mind this was not Lens Crafters, so not el cheapo glasses place.) Each pair came in a good bit under $200 including the lenses. He got me the super funky ones for almost $100 less than they should have been. Woo hoo!!! So I broke down and bought both. (Hey! I just received my economic stimulus check.) Now I have the choice of different glasses for different moods or outfits.

So what do I do about my blog header? Should I keep it the same, in memory of my old dilapidated frames? Should I design something new? Should I retake the photo with my new frames? Oy! Decisions, decisions...

Any suggestions?

2008-06-22T11:30:00.000-07:00

Between the end of the school year hoo-ha and just general craziness, I realize that June is coming to an end and I have not chosen the next book club title. Not good, Shannon, not good! There are so many books out there that I have yet to read. So many genres to choose from. Every day there are new books being released. We are all clamoring to read those new books, but what about the old "classics"? I am feeling the itch to reach way back into someone's backlist and try out a classic romance novel for our next book club book. The only one popping into my mind at the moment is Thunder and Roses by Mary Jo Puntey.

So what you you all think? Is there a classic that you have been dying to read (or one you've read and are itching to discuss with the rest of us?) Help a girl out! What are your classic romance recommendations?

So what works for you?

2008-06-21T07:53:00.000-07:00

Earlier this week I had the great opportunity to meet our good friend, and fellow DIK Chick, Ciara. While browsing the shelves of the ill fated used book store she posed a question to me that I will now pose to all of you:

What standard romance plot device really works for you?

Basically, when you are looking through the hundreds of books available to borrow or purchase, what plot point makes a book a "must have"? Are you a sucker of the tale of the pioneer woman abducted by the brave Indian warrior? Does the presence of a sheik who gives up his harem make your toes tingle? How about the fake engagement/wedding?

What plot device floats your boat every time?

If the FOX network and romance novels met...

2008-06-20T15:26:00.001-07:00

... you would get a show like this:

http://www.romancingtheblog.com/blog/2008/04/21/coming-this-fall-to-bravo-the-hero-matchmaker/

http://www.romancingtheblog.com/blog/2008/06/20/canceled-already-the-hero-matchmaker/#more-1320

Seriously funny stuff. Go read it!

Lawless

2008-06-19T11:58:00.000-07:00

Title: Lawless

Author: Nora Roberts

Genre: Historical (Western) Romance

Description:

Half-Apache and all man, Jake Redman was more than a match for the wild Arizona Territory. Sarah Conway, on the other hand, was an Eastern lady who belonged anywhere else but on the rugged land Jake loved. Still, the stubborn beauty was determined to make Lone Bluff her home . . .
Though Jake was annoyed to find himself playing guardian angel to this tantalizing innocent, he was even more disgusted to find he liked it. Because beneath Sarah's ladylike demeanor beat the heart of a true pioneer, a women he yearned to make his own.

Nora Roberts wrote Western historicals? Really? Who knew? Not me, certainly. In my first "last visit" to my closing used book store I picked up such an oddity. Lawless is set in the Arizona Territory in 1875. The land and it’s people are still rough and unruly. Gold prospecting is the passion of both the law abiding and the lawless. Into this rough and tumble world walks Sarah Conway, the daughter of a local gold prospector. Left back East to be raised and educated as a lady, Sarah has decided that it is high time to join her father out west in the beautiful home he has created for them to share. Little did she realize, as she set out across the country, that her father had spun her letters full of hopes and dreams, based little in reality. It is only after narrowly escaping capture by a band of Apache that Sarah discovers the truth about her father’s home. Saddened and determined by his very recent death, Sarah vows to stay in Lone Bluff to create a life for herself where her father once lived.

Jake Redman is tough and aloof. A loner who lives by his wits and his guns. As he is returning to the town he most recently called home, he intercepts a traveling coach being set upon by a band of Indians. After delivering the passengers to safety, he feels compelled to ensure Sarah’s well being. After attempts to convince her to turn around and head back East have failed, he finds himself lingering in her vicinity (against his better judgement.) He is (of course) drawn to her.

At first I worried that Sarah was TSTL (too stupid to live.) She just kept doing the dumbest things. Then again, she is 17 years old and has lived a sheltered life. It was a relief to see the growth the character shows through the book. The clueless child at the beginning turns into a stubborn, determined woman. She makes sure to learn how to properly shoot a rifle... and actually practices. She hires on a local to help out and asks him to teach her how to do things for herself. She finds a viable way to support herself financially (although, it is a bit hard to believe she can sew quite that well.) By the end I really liked her. When she storms into the local brothel and confronts the madam.... woo hoo!

Jake is... a classic Nora Roberts hero. Deep, stoic, reluctant to love. He wants to be with the heroine, yet he wants to protect her from the life he leads. Jake would rather walk away, sacrificing his own wants and desires, than stay and see Sarah get hurt. Of course, she is having none of that self-sacrificing bulls**t. Doesn’t matter that she is only 17 years old (a child really). She knows what she wants.

When I started the book her age was an issue for me. Yup, I’m getting old. Historicals are becoming a problem for me. My heroines need at be at least 25 years old. I know what I was like prior to that. Thought I knew everything I wanted. Thought I was all grown up. Yeah. Not so much. (I know I am generalizing here by saying anyone under 25 does not have life figured out. This is my issue as a person and a reader. I know that.) Here’s the thing, the more I read the book the less I thought about her age. Eventually I forgot. Ms. Roberts is that good. Now, I won’t say that this is one of her best books, but as a friend of mine pointed out today, even her worst books are still good by comparison to other authors. You could tell this was an earlier work (1989), but it still contained all the hallmarks of a NR story: strong hero, heroine who takes no guff from him, mortal danger hovering over them both, and relationships (romantic, family, friends.)

If you are looking for a "classic", yet less popular Nora Roberts experience, this is the book to pick up. It is an interesting look at her early style, to see how she has grown and what she has retained.

Grade: B

It's cover wank time!!!

2008-06-18T17:38:00.000-07:00

OK, I will admit it, I am a sucker for great cover art. The cover of a book is often what first grabs my attention. I may have even bought a book or two solely based on it's art. I am not proud, but it is the truth. This book was not one of them! Well, maybe it was. Not because I thought the cover was wonderful, but because I thought it looked so wonderfully bad. I have to see if the outside and inside match. Until then....

BRING ON THE CAPTIONS AND COMMENTS!!!