author watch: anne rainey

cover got your attention?

I came across author Anne Rainey at the Aphrodisia Authors Blog. Here's what she had to say about her upcoming single author anthology Body Rush: I’ve always wanted to write a story about three friends. In Body Rush, Lydia, Roni and Jeanette are as opposite as night and day, but that doesn’t keep them from being as close as sisters. So, when one of them offers up a wicked bet, even I was curious who would walk away the winner! Would it be Lydia the practical one? Roni the determined one? Or Jeanette the quiet one? You’ll find out June 2010!

Check out the full details here!

To all who celebrate, and to giving thanks every day...

review: Able-Bodied by Karen Foley

I've drifted away from Harlequin titles. I remember fondly the days when I would look forward to the new month's releases, and devoured stories by favorite authors Nora Roberts, Barbara Delinsky, Vicki Lewis Thompson and Janelle Denison. Since then, I found the storylines were becoming increasingly incredulous and the sexy scenes not particularly sensual. Yes, I know Harlequins can be considered quick, lighter reads but I still wanted a thoughtful romantic story that would stay with me. I recently came across a Harlequin Blaze by Karen Foley. Here's the back cover description:

Subject: Ransom Bennett, Delta Force Operator

Current status: Injured but still hot-blooded!

Mission: Regain crack military reflexes. Prove he's ready for active duty.

Obstacle: Hannah Hartwell. Fascinating. Tantalizing. His new neighbor.

All Ransom wants is to get healthy enough to return to the field. But sexy Hannah is testing his composure. The woman is under his skin...but she's also fleeing a shady past. Damn! Hasn't he learned not to play with fire?

Still, Ransom can't help exposing her secrets...and a lot more! Then it's on to his post-injury mission. The highly clandestine operation will involve delicate negotiations, complex maneuvers and fiery explosions.

And that's just in Hannah's bed!

Actually, if I had gone with my reaction to this synopsis, I may not have read further past the cover pages. It all sounded a bit too frivolous to be a good read. I'm glad I moved past my first impression. I found Able-Bodied a very satisfying and enjoyable story. There were interesting details of Hannah's work as a Reiki/holistic healing practioner (although the power of her skills may stretch some readers' believability scales). There is a sufficiently threatening and unpleasant character in Hannah's past who keeps the story moving, providing the fuel for Ransom and Hannah to share and trust each other, and the opportunity for the hero to get into action to save his lady!

This is a Blaze title I definitely recommend: Ransom and Hannah have such great chemistry, and their interactions are deliciously sensual and delighfully tender and sweet. A very lovely romantic read. Thanks Ms. Foley.

some elizabeth hoyt giveways around the blogosphere...

To Desire a Devil was released earlier this month, and is the last in Elizabeth Hoyt's latest series Legend of the Four Soldiers. Lots of busyness going on with blog tours by many different readers. Here's another new-to-me site with the giveway as well: check out Kristi's blog Books and Needlepoint for full details!

when the music works for the story...

Loving this song, and how it works for Cassandra and Lucas in a scene from Controlled Response:



I read about how authors write to specific music, while this song Destiny by Zero 7 comes up in the story by Joey W Hill, a writer I admire very much.

review: The Call Boys: Brace by Madison Hayes

Yikes! Where has the month gone? I am getting some time in for reading, I'm just a bad blogger!

Here's a quick blurb for this recent shorter read from an author I would recommend:

Brace McCall might have known that when he finally met a woman who could take him or leave him, he’d lose his heart. And that’s exactly what happened. If his client, Penny, felt the same way, he’d take their relationship to the next level—one that is entirely exclusive.

Penny is doing her damnedest to keep her relationship with the mouthwatering male escort casual. Unfortunately her heart isn’t cooperating. She’s determined to hide her true feelings—because she has no idea that Brace hasn’t touched another woman since he met her. It’s a romantic disaster in the making. Someone is bound to get hurt. But love—and a lot of hot, gritty sex—heals all wounds.

Note: This book offers a little something extra. In addition to the story of Brace and Penny, who are insanely in love, you get a bonus—Ramsey’s first escapade. Ramsey is just a hot, bad-ass boy having a really good time—for now

In Madison's stories, the men are unapologetically (and delicously) "male," while the ladies don't take any crap and yet perfectly melt and yield at the right moments. I very much enjoyed The Call Boys: Brace although (despite the synopsis' note) I did feel Penny and Brace didn't get their full page-time with the amount spent on Ramsey's going-ons (which was also very enjoyable!) - but hopefully we'll see more of the couple in the three stories to follow which feature Brace's male relations/fellow Call Boys.

Madison's author bio as found on her site (and quick aside, I find it really neat at times to discover what the author does/did besides writing) shares the same spunky no-nonsense energy I find in her stories -- that may not have the best words, but basically she has one of the best author bios I've come across! For a short but sweet taste of Madison's writing style there is a free read at the publisher Ellora Cave's site. Just be aware the read is related to a different series of writing/characters that also sound like great stories!

warm fuzzies to you...

I enjoy this song by Canadian artist Daniel Powter. Very nice video - stays with me.