Allison('s)Reads

Beth Kery's upcoming book release...

2011-11-17T19:01:00.014-07:00

Beth writes steam for the sophisticated reader, and my favorites by her include Release, Come To Me Freely and Daring Time.

Beth's stories are not always the traditional HEA, but they are definitely emotional and well-written reads. Check out the author's alter ego Bethany Kane for more great reading. For more information on Silken Rapture, just click on the image above.

hitting "replay"

2011-11-17T18:20:00.009-07:00

Some songs I've been listening (and singing along) to lately...

kelly clarkson:

adele:

colbie caillat:

well-said...

2011-03-25T23:24:00.006-06:00

Here is the direct link if video does not display (it is not the Dirty Dining video, though I did view that too). Watch in its entirety, but re-watch from 5:02 onwards. Moves me every time.

music watch: Laurell

2011-03-20T23:10:00.010-06:00

What have I been up to? Lots of singing along to Vancouver, BC artist Laurell. Enjoyed the various "Canadian" references throughout the song(s), can you spot them?

author watch: Gina Gordon

2010-12-03T20:48:00.003-07:00

I came across posts on author Gina Gordon at various readers' blogs, and her stories sounded very appealing. Gina's latest book is titled Forever In Lingerie, and is the first in her Bare Naked Designs trilogy. Follow the link for an excerpt, but here is the story blurb:

Martina Jackson spent the last two years running from her past. Through the practice of Holistic Medicine she has meticulously transformed into a self-fulfilled woman, with one tiny exception…hot, steamy sex with no strings.

While she waits for the job offer of a lifetime, why not quench her sexual desires with an eager man willing to push her to the limit? What she doesn’t plan for is, the fling is exactly what she’s been running from.

Rob Taylor has been waiting his whole life to find the woman he can call forever. He didn’t expect to find her in his parents' living room wearing nothing but white lace and stockings. When he overhears her discussing her secret sexual fantasies, Rob decides to give her what she’s been missing.

As they play out each fantasy he connects with Martina on a deeper level, confirming what he knew the very first moment he heard her voice…that she is the one he’s been waiting for.

Currently, Gina has three ebooks published plus several works in progress that promise to be equally sexy and romantic reads. When I contacted Gina partly to express my delight in discovering a fellow Canadian whose stories I wanted to read, Gina very generously offered one of her books to me. I was drawn to the description of Her 5 Favorite Words, and yes: the story delivers on the heat rating promised by the cover!

Becca always starts her day sipping a latte and watching the piping hot Mr. Sexy. When they get stuck together in an elevator, it only takes a minute for Becca's panic attack to take over. What she needs is to focus on something else. Something hot. Something dirty. Good thing Mr. Sexy knows a thing or two about distraction.

The meaning behind the words of the title are delightful. The non-stop pace of the story's shorter length kept the focus on the interaction between Becca and Jordan (aka Mr. Sexy) - just the way I love my romance reads! The verbal exchanges are sassy and sexy. It was too short but a very enjoyable story. Luckily, Gina has already completed a sequel read! As well, do check out Gina's very active blog: full of good stuff. I'm looking forward to more writing by this author.

review: Sweet Disgrace by Cherrie Lynn

2010-11-07T00:37:00.005-06:00

ISBN: 9781609282202
Publication: October 12, 2010

She has Heaven to lose. He has Hell to pay.

Centuries of heartbreak. Grinding failures punctuated by too-few victories. What angel in her right mind would want this job? Celeste, who’s driven to save Devil-contracted souls before Hell can claim them, is weary, but not beaten. Yet.

Her latest case makes her wonder if it’s all worth the anguish. A demon enticed a too-young musician into selling his soul for fortune and fame. To make matters worse, that demon is Damael, an insufferable, frightening minion with airtight contracts—and a body that makes her long for sin.

Damael’s always had a soft spot for Celeste, but if his bored superiors want drama, he’ll give them drama. Though it pains him to trick the angel he wants with all his black heart, eons of restrained lust win out. He makes the deal: her body in exchange for the human’s soul.

She wasn’t supposed to accept.

Damael can’t be trusted, but with the deadline bearing down, Celeste lays everything on the line in a last-ditch effort to save just one precious soul. Even if it means losing hers—along with her heart.

Warning: This title contains graphic language, explicit sex, an angelic heroine with attitude…and a demonic hero who’s smoking hot. Literally.

Sweet Disgrace is a novella read that I wholeheartedly recommend. There is so much I enjoy about romance reading that I found in this book: characters that already know one another when the story starts (although it's been a more-than-a-few-mortal-lifetimes-long acquaintance), and paranormal elements that are always fascinating and provide great conflict: angels/demons, good/evil, heaven/hell. The connection between Celeste and Damael is mesmerizing and well-developed, wrapped around their fight over the fate of the human musician. I was seriously rooting for Damael and Celeste to find a way through their differences and major obstacles, and fulfill their clearly irresistible attraction to each other! There is lots of sizzle, tears, sacrifice and joy to be found. In this tightly packed read, we also meet fellow angels and demons who perhaps will find their own HEA in future stories.

I was fortunate to win this book as a prize from Samhain Publishing's recent 5th Birthday celebrations, but I would not hesitate to purchase another book by this author. I love the "warning" at the end of the official blurb for the story - I believe the authors themselves come up with the description! Here is the link to buy Sweet Disgrace from Samhain's eBooks Store.

author watch: Christina Phillips

2010-09-01T23:05:00.004-06:00

Forbidden by Christina Phillips is a debut Roman/Druid Ancient Historical Romance from Berkley Heat:

He was a master of seduction - but no match for the magical allure of the woman he wanted most...

Carys knew from the moment she first spied on Maximus in his naked barbarian glory that he was a dangerous Roman centurion - his taut, battle-scarred flesh marking him as a fearless warrior. But her desire for him was as undeniable as it was illicit.

Charged by his emperor to eliminate a clan of powerful Druids in Britain, Maximus never expects his mission to be thwarted by the clan's ethereal princess, Carys, his daring voyeur. Falling under her spell, he doesn't realize her true heritage - until he captures her heart as well as her body.

As Carys's loyalties are twisted, and freedom is no longer her single-minded obsession, an avenging former lover threatens to crush Maximus's people into oblivion. Now Carys and Maximus must overcome the devastation of war and face the ultimate sacrifice if their forbidden love is to survive.

I came across this title from a recent post at Dear Author and I love the sound of the story! A romance set in the year AD 50 is one I don't come across often, and when it is also described as "scorchingly hot and wildly romantic" how can a reader resist? The excerpt on Christina's website is fantastic, and I'm just happy the book release date is less than a week away!

Oh, and Christina would like to share that she is having a Launch Party in celebration for Forbidden. So check out the video below, AND visit her website/blog by September 6th!

(since I was reminded I haven't posted in a while...)

2010-07-13T22:53:00.000-06:00

author watch: Jasmine Haynes

2010-06-11T00:38:00.004-06:00

Jasmine Haynes is a romance author with titles in both print and electronic publishing. I first came across her writing in her single author anthology Open Invitation. It was definitely a change of pace for me as the characters were all more mature (aged 40's or greater, if I am recalling correctly off the 'top of my head') than I was used to reading about. However, one of the most wonderful things about romances is a reader can connect with the vulnerabilities and insecurities or hopes for a HEA of a character at different ages. I appreciated the life experience that the men and women in Jasmine's stories brought to the pages: how they were more daring yet more careful when going after their hearts' desires. What I also got from Jasmine's writing is the passion, emotion, and romance that I look for in a satisfying read.

Jasmine's latest book is Hers For The Evening, Book 2 of the Courtesans Tales, and here is the back cover blurb:

In “Three’s a Crowd,” a couple’s steamy ménage à trois fantasy seems destined to tear their marriage apart. So husband Seth plans to fulfill Courtney’s every desire—by giving her his undivided attention. Now all he needs is a little bedroom help from the ever-inventive Courtesans.

She knows it’s unethical, but CEO Devon Parker’s whole body burns for CFO Hunter Nash. So she consults the Courtesans, who figure that sleeping with a “Stand In” should suffice. A perfect plan, but for one thing: the real Hunter’s watching.

In “Surrender to Me,” when Haley’s husband dies in the arms of another woman, she can hardly forgive his business partner, Simon, for keeping the infidelity a secret. For Simon, there is no forgiveness to be had. Until he forms a plan with the Courtesans. And in it, Haley might just lose her inhibitions—and her heart.

From the beginning, I was drawn to Jasmine's collection of stories in Hers For The Evening. I think it is the added element of the hero/heroine already knowing each other when their story begins. I love the familiarity and energy with which the characters interact from the first page. Combined with the sensual heat, smart banter, and sweet emotion that I know to expect from Jasmine's writing, I was pretty sure it would be a good read. I was not disappointed.

Thanks to a generous giveaway by Jasmine, I was a lucky winner of Yours For The Night Book 1 of the Courtesans Tales, which is about due for a re-read! In the meantime, I am definitely recommending Hers for the Evening. Jasmine, Thank You for sharing your stories with us readers!

note: I can't seem to link to specifics eg. the page for a particular book, on Jasmine's website, so all/any links go to the main web address.

author watch: Emma Wildes

2010-04-15T11:49:00.012-06:00

I first came across a review of Lessons from a Scarlet Lady at The Romance Reader - a story by Emma Wildes, a new-to-me author. The reviewer gave the read a maximum 5 hearts rating as "a definite keeper." Here is a short description of the story from the author's site:

The Duke of Rolthven's new wife, Brianna, is the perfect aristocratic bride. So what would society say if they saw her with a copy of Lady Rothburg's Advice--a courtesan's lessons for the boudoir? When his innocent wife suddenly becomes a vixen in the bedroom, the proper Duke is truly astounded by her seductive powers. Following a courtesan's advice might lead to trouble-but will it lead to Brianna's ultimate desire: winning her husband's love?

Searching for more on this author and her books, I visited All About Romance and also found a review of Ms. Wilde's earlier story An Indecent Proposition.

It’s the talk of the town. In a less than sober moment, London’s two most notorious rakes—the Earl of Manderville and the Duke of Rothay—placed a very public wager on which of them is the superior lover. Now it’s too late to retract the foolish bet, but what woman of beauty, intelligence, and discernment, would consent to bed both men—and declare which is more skilled in satisfying her deepest desires?

Lady Carolyn Wynn is the last woman anyone would expect to step forward. She’s a respectable young widow with an icy reputation, which has kept her firmly off the marriage market. She may not desire another husband, but her brief marriage has left her with some scandalous questions about the act of love.

If the men will keep her identity a secret, she’ll decide who has the most finesse between the sheets. But to everyone’s surprise, what begins as an indelicate proposition turns into a most astonishing lesson in everlasting love....

Persuaded by the favourable reviews for Wildes's stories, I got hold of both titles and enjoyed the reads immensely! I found the writing very easy to immerse into, with well-drawn characters I warmed up to quickly. Each story also involved secondary romances. The heroines were spirited young ladies and refreshingly honest about their emotions and desires. The heroes were charmingly amusing in their reluctance to admit and act on their feelings of true love. I loved the romance and passion in both relationship-centred stories, although Carolyn and her hero, as the main couple of An Indecent Proposition, were particular favorites. Their path to a HEA was a bit rockier as each had a traumatic past experience to overcome in order to find their haven and solace in each other.

Emma Wildes has a significant backlist in e-publishing, and her next print title with Signet Eclipse is Seducing the Highlander, a single author anthology set for a May 4 release date.

if you can't find the book you're looking for, it could be you are in the...

2010-02-23T00:16:00.003-07:00

Yeah, I haven't updated my blog in a long while and I go and post this! I had a good laugh when I first came across it though.

review: flirting in traffic by beth kery

2010-01-25T23:51:00.012-07:00

ebook publisher: Cerridwen Press

release date: March 2009

I recently re-read Flirting In Traffic by Beth Kery, and was able to do so at more leisurely pace than my first read. What an immensely enjoyable contemporary romance story! I love the unique names of Esa and Finn for the heroine and hero. Both are accomplished, down-to-earth yet intensely passionate individuals.

There are many heart-warming interactions amongst friends and family. There are some misunderstandings and missed opportunities for open discussions. The heat and chemistry binding Finn and Esa is wonderfully unsettling but irresistible - whew! The attraction between them keeps pulling them back to each other, and proves their hearts do know best.

My favorite romantic reads focus on the relationship, and I don't miss the action or suspense elements. A very sexy and sweet story. Flirting In Traffic definitely worked for me. A recommended read!

some "hate" and some "love"

2010-01-17T22:13:00.013-07:00

I was in the bookstore today, and came across some books and displays that got me thinking (about a possible post)! First, here are two covers that share a word/wording in the titles.

My perception of the word "b***h" is that, basically, it is not a nice word and it is likely never used or meant in a positive or considerate way. Why was this word choice necessary for these books? The books are about personal finance or diet/weight loss. Were they trying to be sassy and sharp-witted in some way? Are they trying to catch general attention or promote a reaction to convince one to pick up/buy/read the book? Are they appealing to a particular personality that would more likely want to check out this book further because of the title? It did catch my attention, but for the wrong reasons. I am more dissuaded from than persuaded to looking at this book past the front cover. Are there book (movie, etc) titles that got a particular reaction out of you?

Well, let's move to a happier place with Valentine's Day on the calendar next month! Here are a few covers from a table display at the bookstore - just in time for some February 14th reading:

This book was also part of the display:

Now that was some cheekiness I did appreciate!

There is love (and joy) to be found in many different ways. On February 14th or any other day year-round!

words that are carrots!

2010-01-11T01:19:00.009-07:00

I'm really appreciating the e-publishers who provide "free reads" to give readers a short but sweet taste of various authors' work. I think the freebies are signficant in getting me interested in a new-to-me author's writing that I may have otherwise not noticed. E-publishing has definitely provided greater opportunities for authors to publish a varied selection for many different readers.

The free reads from Ellora's Cave have introduced me to Amarinda Jones, Allyson James and Debra Glass. I discovered Karen Erickson, Sierra Dafoe and Kim Knox compliments of the Samhain Freebies from Samhain Publishing. All Romance eBooks has a selection of free reads, as does Fictiowise at this link.

I often decide with my first impressions of an author or the synopsis of the story: does the rhythm and choice of words work for me ... am I convinced to check out more of the author's writing?

2010 resolutions?

2009-12-31T01:55:00.004-07:00

here are a few on my mind...

* make more "eye contact" time with people I care about
* value what I have, and not fret about what I don't
* take "don't sweat the small stuff" to heart
* eat properly, achieve a healthy weight (at the same time?)
* blog more, meaningful posts (at the same time :)

a healthy, safe, relax-full time to all...

2009-12-23T23:53:00.001-07:00

Lisa Valdez! Patience! 04.06.2010!

2009-12-19T15:16:00.008-07:00

In a message sent to her Yahoo Group LisaValdezNews, the author just confirmed Patience, Book 2 in the Passion Quartet, is being released April 6, 2010. Here is a link to the book page info on the author's web site.

It's easy to do a web search and find background details on why this book (and/or the first book Passion) has generated some fuss and buzz.

I am very much looking forward to April 6 and the (hopefully, definitely) anticipated arrival of the story for Matthew and Patience.

author watch: anne rainey

2009-12-07T10:30:00.003-07:00

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...

2009-11-25T16:47:00.001-07:00

review: Able-Bodied by Karen Foley

2009-11-23T23:44:00.001-07:00

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...

2009-11-16T18:02:00.003-07:00

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...

2009-11-14T16:28:00.004-07:00

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

2009-10-26T23:13:00.012-06:00

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...

2009-09-26T19:39:00.004-06:00

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

driving tips

2009-09-24T23:58:00.006-06:00

okay, I am definitely not saying I am a great driver or anything close. But here are my suggestions for good driving tips/etiquette/courtesies etc. These are things I practice myself and believe they are appreciated by other drivers:

please shoulder check before you change lanes
please give a little wave of thanks (or something!) when another driver gives you space so that you can merge in/change into the lane
if you are driving below the posted speed limit, please move to the "slow" lane
if you are on your cellphone, you should definitely not be in the fast lane, and you probably should not even be driving. Pull over and stop when and where it's safe to do so.
please be aware of what is happening around you on the road as you are driving. Your vehicle is NOT a little vacuum or bubble or own little world.

There. I have vented. Now feeling better.

cover yumminess

2009-09-16T23:34:00.003-06:00

I was in the bookstore today, and these two cover (models) caught my eye. Didn't really get to reading the back cover blurb. I was too busy gazing at front covers. If I were to judge a book solely by the cover, I would be diving into what must be a great read!

author watch: shelli stevens

2009-09-01T22:40:00.018-06:00

I've read two stories by Shelli Stevens. She's written many others, and I very much enjoy her writing! Here's the quick blurbs of the two titles (with embedded link to the author's excerpt):

Tempting Adam
Christy Wallace may be a respectable Seattle Spanish teacher, but she’s got a sultry side. She lets it come out to play during the summer, when she moonlights as a Salsa dancing instructor.
Sexy, cowboy Adam wants more time with her than just a fleeting cup of coffee, but she makes it clear that if he wants her, he’ll have to sign up for dance class. Amazingly enough, he does. And Christy finds herself falling for a charming country hick with hands as fast as his feet.
Adam’s no hick, though. He’s the owner of Adam’s Apples, the fastest-growing cider business in eastern Washington. To his own surprise, one night with her has him thinking in terms of forever. That is, until he walks into a restaurant for a family lunch—and finds Christy on the arm of his brother.

Trust and Dare
One weekend. His rules. Inhibitions left at the door.
Angry that yet another military man has done her family wrong, Abby Cook plots sweet revenge. But when her plan goes awry, she discovers that she’s targeted the wrong military man.
Mason Tyler is not used to being disobeyed. Yet the curvy blonde has rejected his advances at every turn. When he catches her in the middle of a very destructive—not to mention illegal—prank, he offers her a deal. A deal that will keep her out of jail. And let him exact a little revenge of his own.
One weekend in his bed…no inhibitions, no refusals. But when the weekend is up, will Mason be ready to let Abby go?

I find the heroines delightfully sassy, and the heroes just plain... delicious! Shelli's characters are very regular and appealing people - with insecurities and cute quirks I think most readers can identify with. There's lots of sexiness and sweetness mixed into a great read.

Shelli's latest title is part of an anthology with Kate Douglas and Anitra Lynn McLeod. In Shelli's story His to Reclaim, Gemma and Hunter are shapeshifters, and the heat level starts right off at a high setting:

Five years ago Gemma gave her heart and soul to a fellow werejaguar only to have him disappear. Now Hunter has come back and kidnapped her on her wedding day in order to make her his again, and he will tempt, tease and taunt her body to the heights of hedonistic pleasure to get exactly what he wants…

“Gemma!” The shrill scream pierced through the woods, filtering past the aged walls of the log cabin. “Oh my God! I can’t believe this. Gemma!”
The sound of feet pounding down the path mingled with the alarmed whimpers and short breaths of the approaching woman.
Gemma’s fingers clenched around the brush in her hand, her pulse quickening as she turned to face the door. Was it too much to hope that it was nothing more than the caterer having encountered a problem?
The door flung open, smashing into the wall. Her younger cousin Megan stepped into the room, eyes wild with panic.
“He’s really coming.”
They were just three words, but they were enough. The brush dropped from Gemma’s hand, and her body went numb with shock.
This was really happening…. No! The room spun and she gripped the vanity table to keep from falling to her knees. No. Was he insane?
“There’s no time.” Megan closed the door, hands shaking. “Shift and then run. Run fast. It’s the only way you can possibly escape him.”
“How far away is he?” Gemma’s voice came out remarkably calm as she fumbled to undo the buttons on her wedding dress.
The cold fear began to subside, and a hot burn of rage blazed through her. How dare he? After five years, how dare he?
Megan grabbed her arm and tugged her toward the door. “A mile. Maybe. And he’s not alone, Gemma. He’s brought friends. You must hurry! There’s no time to change out of your dress. Run, and I’ll find Jeffrey and tell him what’s happened.”
“My dress will be ruined during transition—”
Crash!
The door broke in half, and splinters of wood shot into the interior of the cabin like tiny missiles.
Heart in her throat, Gemma retreated, her body trembling as she stared at the man who now filled the doorway.
The man who’d just made good on the appallingly dark promise he’d made just days ago in an e-mail. She’d been half convinced it was a joke—someone toying with her heart—and had told Megan as much.
But it wasn’t a joke. The proof was standing in front of her eyes. Maybe a couple of years ago she would have wished for this, but not now. Dammit, not now!
Sweat clung to the hard muscles of Hunter’s nude body—it was clear he’d just shifted back to human form. A familiar heat crept through her body, and she hardened her jaw, refusing to acknowledge it. The same way she’d refused to acknowledge it for the last five years.
It was hard not to, though, with his dark hair and tan body. He was tall and broad, a mass of muscles and ridges.Her gaze dropped, and her cheeks burned hot. She swallowed hard, unable to tear her gaze from his hard thighs and the thick cock that rested between them.
The blood raged through her veins, and she closed her eyes to count to ten. When she opened them again, her gaze was firmly back to his face, unwilling to let her eyes shift any lower than his shoulders this time, for that would be a guaranteed diversion from finding a way out of this situation.
Unfortunately, five years had done nothing but enhance Hunter’s raw sex appeal.
His eyes, burning like dark blue crystals, met hers. And like the devil come to collect his due, he advanced into the room, his face a mask of fierce determination.
Oh, God. She needed to act. Now. Swallowing against the thickness in her throat, Gemma glanced around the room, looking for anything that might be used as a weapon. She grabbed the chair from her vanity table and lifted it above her head with a grunt.
Hunter lunged forward and knocked it from her grasp, sending it crashing to the ground behind her. Before she could draw in a startled breath, he’d circled her wrists with one of his massive hands and pulled her body firmly against the rock hard wall of his chest.
“No!” She growled and lifted her knee to tag him in the groin, but he blocked the shot.
Instead, he pulled her tighter against him and forced his thigh between hers. His thick cock brushed her hip and she stilled, barely able to breathe as her heart slammed against her ribcage.
His soft laugh feathered warmth against her cheek. “You should have listened to your cousin, angel.” He leaned forward and said softly against her ear, “You should have run.”

Yum!

"in love" is not enough...

2009-08-10T14:39:00.005-06:00

when it comes to a successful marriage, according to a study by the Australian National University. From 2001 to 2007, and involving 2.500 couples, here are some highlights that I found particularly interesting:

when the woman wants children much more than her partner does, a divorce is more likely.
having parents that separated or divorced slightly increases the odds of a divorce (16 percent vs. 10 percent)
second or third marriages led to divorces (90 percent of the time)

More details to be found on these Yahoo or Reuters links.

Of course, this is one study. And many couples will beat the "odds." This is perhaps just a little something for thought.

review: Forbidden by Moira McTark (ebook)

2009-08-08T22:33:00.007-06:00

Publication: Cobblestone Press / 2007 (currently not available to purchase)

10 years ago, Cade and Claire were young and unable to stop the parental plottings to separate them and destroy their love for each other. The resulting heartbreak and damage to both their lives is finally faced when circumstances bring Claire and Cade to work closely together. Cade has sacrificed and struggled to earn respect and success in the construction business. Claire is realizing her dream of owning an art gallery, and continues to try to escape her affluent father's control of her life. Both soon discover they never got over their deep and passionate feelings for each other.

I love the characters already knowing one another/having a shared history. With the shorter length of the story, the heated exchanges between Cade and Claire start immediately, and the connection between this couple is very evident. There is the expected complications of Claire's father (and his hand-picked equally-controlling fiance for Claire) to test Cade and Claire's commitment to a happily-ever-after together. Forbidden is a very good erotic romance read, and its author Moira McTark someone I would look for again.

Moira is a stay-at-home mom to four little kids, and has been writing for about 4 years. The release date for her newest title Taste Of Temptation is Friday August 14th. Check out her website for more information on her ebooks available from Samhain Publishing.

review: Chance of a Lifetime by Joey W. Hill

2009-07-31T00:10:00.010-06:00

Publisher: Ellora's Cave (electronic book)

Publication date: October 2006

ISBN: not available

It’s a night for adventure, for pushing the limits. Well, breaking them actually. Stacie can’t believe she’s stolen her escort’s Porsche to go back road joyriding. But damn, it feels good to cut loose from her life for one precious night. It’s just her lousy luck she catches the eye of an off duty cop.
Just her luck, indeed. Being reprimanded by Lieutenant Jake Chance, the sexiest man she’s ever seen, makes her want to break a few more laws. She’s going to throw caution to the wind and see if she can seduce her cop to go over the limits with her. Way over.
If Jake Chance is willing to hold her in his arms, Stacie knows she’ll have a memory to last her a lifetime. She just wishes dawn would never come, because when it does, she’ll have to let him go…

I am always wonderfully surprised by Joey's stories, although I should know to expect nothing less from her skilled and thoughtful writing. Hopefully this is not a major spoiler, as it is somewhat revealed in the excerpt that Stacie is carrying heavy burdens for a young woman. She is trying to manage on her own the daily home-care of a mother with terminal cancer and a father with Alzheimer's. Stacie's love for her parents and limited resources provide her with very few breaks to nurture herself both physically and emotionally. It seems inevitable that Stacie will reach a crisis point. What she may not expect is that with it she will find who she needs to help her keep going.

As a police officer who regularly connects with the more difficult sides of Life, Jake sees himself in Stacie - the necessity of persevering at something that can hurt, drain you and take away hope. Jake also sees Stacie's inner fragilities as well as strengths, and he is deeply drawn to discover more about her.

Joey expertly shares with the reader two characters that are real and beautifully imperfect in their vulnearabilities and issues. The connection between Stacie and Jake is evident from the very beginning, moving seamlessly from the physical sparks to their spiritual bonding. Under Joey's talented writing, a story of 86 pages provides the fulfilling satisfaction of a complex and moving read. I highly recommend Chance of a Lifetime to new and old enjoyers of Joey's stories.

back...

2009-07-22T00:50:00.004-06:00

but didn't actually go travelling away somewhere (at least not in body :) Just a combination of being busy with Life and not feeling super-inspired to create interesting posts. I have great admiration for the many bloggers that post (once or more!) daily or just plain regularly. I very much appreciate those that have visited here and left comments. I have recently done some reading that I enjoyed and hopefully can get organized enough to post a review or two. Soonish....

(virtual) travel tuesday...

2009-07-07T15:03:00.006-06:00

there are definitely many sights I haven't travelled to and want to, or places I would love to return to. I figure with my list, I might be able to easily post on this topic more than once... and maybe even regularly on tuesdays if that's how it goes. First up, dated from 210 BC are the Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses of the First Emperor of China

Warriors alone number over 8000, and range in height around 6 to 6 1/5 feet. Here is a closeup of their faces, and I am amazed at how "individual" they each look:

For more information, do check out the above links to Wikipedia articles.

wanted: your q's for meredith duran's a's

2009-06-28T23:49:00.004-06:00

Have you heard of Meredith Duran and her latest book Bound By Your Touch? This historical romance is scheduled for official release on June 30th and I am very much looking forward to the read!

Meredith has graciously (generously, kindly etc etc) responded to my request for a possible guest post on this blog - but I am determined to gather some interesting questions for the author before we go ahead.

Your assistance is required (please, pretty please)! After you've visited the author's web links and other sites, and you still have some burning questions for her, do feel free to post them here. Let's see what we can come up with!

Here are a few links I've come across: Dear Author's review of Bound By Your Touch, as well as AAR's book review, and their interview with the author. Please share any additional links in your comments!

(I will leave this post up for about a week, timed just as I will be more absent than usual from my blog ~ family plans and people visiting and all that! Thanks and have a great week everyone :)

review: Texas Men by Delilah Devlin

2009-06-25T23:17:00.014-06:00

Release date: February 2009 / Contemporary Western

Publisher: Kensington Aphrodisia

ISBN: 978-0758228734

Welcome to Honkytonk, the hottest town in Texas—thanks to its adventurous women, irresistible men, and sizzling sex…

Bound and Determined... Bar owner Tara Toomey is in the mood to serve bad boy Cody Westhofen more than a drink. What better way to capture his attention—and more—than to kidnap him for a wanton weekend? Tied to Tara’s bed, Cody is more than willing to cooperate…

Breezy Ridin’... When Joe Chavez and a sheriff’s deputy pull over a speeding motorcycle, it’s no surprise the county judge’s naughty daughter Sarah Michelson is behind the wheel—naked. And when she bribes them with a threesome, all laws are suspended as the men prepare for the ride of their lives…

Night Watch... Schoolteacher Amy Keating never planned to be a voyeur, but one innocent glance into deputy Logan Ross’s bedroom window has her hooked. Now she’s into a world of sexual play she never knew existed…

Texas Men shares something different in each novella, with Bound and Determined's Tara and Cody having an older woman/younger man dynamic, or when three is not a crowd in the beginning for Breezy Ridin', and my favourite Night Watch which has a lot of sweetness added to the expected raw sexiness of Delilah's stories. This collection does follow and is related to the anthology Down in Texas by the same author, although I thought it was an enjoyable read on its own.

Delilah Devlin's is one author blog I try to visit regularly. She always shares hot teasing excerpts of her works, and has great countdown contests for her latest releases. As a reader, I also appreciate the Canadian "buy" links for each book listed on her site. Delilah seems a very busy author with stories of various lengths and subgenres (contemporary, paranormal, western, futuristic etc) with several publishers. I will be looking out for more of this author's stories!

book watch: Naked Edge by Pamela Clare

2009-06-21T00:52:00.010-06:00

Right, February 2010 is a little ways away but that will give you enough time to get caught up with Pamela Clare's I-Team series (if you aren't already)! These romantic suspense stories are praised for their research and authenticity (as well as very memorable sexy scenes :) and center around the women of an investigative team. Ms. Clare has a full-time journalism career as the editor of a local paper, and would clearly know what her characters are up to.

I have read this author's historicals, and from visiting her blog I'm very impressed by the care and time she obviously puts into the background and characters of her stories. Pamela has very kindly permitted me to post the blurb (as unofficially written in her own words) for Naked Edge:

Katherine James lives torn between two worlds: the world of her traditional Navajo upbringing and the mainstream world where she works as an investigative reporter. She has vowed not to get involved casually with men, but to save her heart and her virginity for her "half-side" - the man who is meant to be her partner through life. But her resolve is challenged when Gabe Rossiter enters her world, first saving her life after she is nearly killed in a rock slide and then helping to protect her first when the sweat lodge ceremony she's participating in is inexplicably raided by police, and then again after the wachisa wakan "medicine man" who has been a father to her turns up dead near the sweat lodge.

Boulder Mountain Parks Ranger Gabe Rossiter has no use for love in his life. Experience has proved to him that there is no such thing as love. There is only physical chemistry, the hormonal reaction of a man to a woman. But after Kat literally falls into his life, feelings he has vowed never to feel again begin to stir. And though he tries at first to keep his distance (the woman is a VIRGIN, for goodness sake) life keeps throwing them together, first when police raid the sweat lodge and then again when hell breaks loose on what is sacred land to Indian people.

As bullets begin to fly, their relationship reaches a point where one of them must give for both of them to survive and find happiness.

Sounds like a most exciting and romantic read! You can find great Naked Edge excerpts and progress updates (as time allows, since the manuscript deadline is July 15th to the publisher) on Pamela's blog. I fear the book's release date is now heading towards March of next year, but it will be worth the wait. Until then, I have some more reading of my own to do!

review: Hot in Here by Sophie Renwick

2009-06-17T23:36:00.015-06:00

Release date: June 02, 2009 / Contemporary

Publisher: NAL

ISBN: 978-0451226914

She wasn't his dish-until someone turned up the heat.

Celebrity chef and infamous ladies man Bryce Ryder can't believe the thoughts he's having about his old friend Jenna McCabe. She's always been the shy girl-next-door, but when some bad publicity threatens everything he's built, Jenna gets down to business-and shows a side of herself that is take-charge and totally irresistible.

Soon things are heating up in and out of the kitchen-and all of Jenna's secret fantasies about Bryce start coming true. But will she be the one to tame his heart, or is the sexy chef just indulging another one of his cravings?

There are many of my favourite things to be found in Hot In Here by Sophie Renwick. I love being able to jump right into the story when the characters already know each other from the first page. Sophie (aka Charlotte Featherstone, whose stories I first discovered) writes fabulously sensual scenes which are tastefully explicit with beautiful emotional intimacy. Like Charlotte's, Sophie's heroes are deliciously bold, sexy AND sweet, and pretty much irresistible when they're focused on the woman they want.

When Bryce comes to his senses and realizes all his past girlfriends (who are complete opposites of Jenna) are not what he truly wants, I found it hard to imagine any girl worthy enough of him! Fortunately for Jenna, Sophie (as the author) gets to decide, and Jenna is one very lucky girl. Although I can wholeheartedly connect with where Jenna is coming from and her feelings of vulnerability and insecurity when it comes to Bryce, I still wanted to take her shoulders and (gently) shake (more!) good sense into her. Jenna thinks the worst of Bryce not only once, but twice. She needs to remember that there are many many girls waiting in line to jump into her place!

There are several "reader fanning self" scenes involving the creative use of tasty food, as well as highly tantalizing glimpses of secondary characters Sarah (Jenna's sister) and Trey (Bryce's brother). The one thing about enjoying a great read soon after its release is the agonizing wait for the next related story. But I am very glad I got a chance to read Hot In Here as soon as possible. Thank You Sophie for a wonderful story. I look forward to more of your writing!

listen with eyes closed

2009-06-13T18:01:00.008-06:00

A lovely song by a Canadian artist. Great voice and lyrics. However, the video may be more for select tastes only, though I find it charming... (don't worry, it's still PG... i think!)

fave author: spotlight on kimberly dean

2009-06-08T16:17:00.004-06:00

nothing fancy, just a quick post on an author whose novellas I've enjoyed reading in the past, and recently remembered to check in on and see what's new and upcoming with Kimberly Dean. All very sexy and entertaining reads, with great chemistry and sensual tension between the characters, here are the blurbs for ones I've read:

Fever (excerpt)
Relentless heat. Uncontrolled desire. And a man to slake her every need…
Delia Jenkins is distressed when a raging fever forces her to leave work on the day before a big bid. She’s brand new on the job, but her delirium has pushed her to the point where she can’t think straight. She goes home to recuperate, but the heat inside her only builds. That night, a man shows up at her apartment to care for her. He’s concerned about her well-being, but the fervor has reached a ravenous pitch.
There’s only one way to douse the flames.
It’s only after the fever breaks that Delia realizes her work situation has gotten hotter than ever before.

Manhunt (excerpt)
Framed for murder. With the law hot on his trail, “bad cop” Michael Tucker takes hostage the one woman who can clear his name. Evidence has hardened Taryn Swanson against him, but her body and soul aren’t as immune. Soon, Tucker is using some unconventional, yet effective persuasion techniques to change the sexy ADA’s mind

Wanted (excerpt)
FBI Special Agent Jeff Reno wants Danielle Carver. There’s her body, her brains – and that nasty charge of treason on her head. Unable to clear her name, Dani goes on the run. But what will the sexy Fed do once he catches her? And why is the idea so downright tempting?

Wanted is probably my favourite from the above lists. I couldn't get into Kimberly's paranormal titles from Pocket, but then I recently checked her website and found there are two shorter stories coming soon:

Hell To Pay (excerpt)
The Longs and the Wilsons had been at war for generations. When Cassidy Wilson moves to Summer Lake, she tries to stay out of the fray. Her dog just won’t let her. Time and again, he ends up right where he shouldn’t—on Rafer Long’s property. Dark and brooding, Rafer is the sexiest of Cassidy’s enemies. Just being near him makes her body grow hot and her knees go weak.
Rafer doesn’t mind finding Cassidy on his turf. Sweet and pretty, he’s lusted after her even when he knows he shouldn’t. So when her dog gives him an excuse to be with her, he uses it.
Even knowing there will be hell to pay.

Misbehavior: To Protect and Serve (excerpt)
When Karina gets pulled over by a policeman on a lonely country road, one of her darkest fantasies plays out in real life. Officer Steele touches her in ways that the law should never come in contact a civilian. She soon learns that Caulfield County’s finest really is ready to protect her. And serve her… in any capacity she wants.

Ahh, something to look forward to!

review: Smooth Talking Stranger by Lisa Kleypas

2009-06-03T23:26:00.004-06:00

Release Date: March 2009/Contemporary

Publisher: St. Martin's/Hardcover

ISBN: 978-0-312351663

Ella Varner has it all--a successful career as an advice columnist, a handsome boyfriend, and a circle of friends in Austin. When anyone has a problem, Ella knows the answers. But one night she receives a call that changes everything. And as Ella's world is turned upside-down, she meets a man who is the opposite of everything she ever wanted . . . a man who will offer her the most irresistible challenge she has ever known . . .

Jack Travis leads the uncomplicated life of a millionaire Texas playboy. He makes no commitments, he loves many women, he lives for pleasure. But no one has ever truly touched his heart or soul. Until one day, a woman appears on his doorstep with fury on her face and a baby in her arms. It seems Jack is the father and this woman is the baby’s aunt. The real mother has abandoned the child to her more responsible sister. And now, Jack is being called upon to take responsibility for the first time in his life.

This contemporary romance by Lisa Kleypas is the third in related stories featuring members of the Travis family starting with Sugar Daddy and the eldest son Gage, then sibling Haven and her story in Blue-Eyed Devil. In Smooth Talking Stranger it is Jack's turn at a HEA and the reader finds out if there is more to him than a fun-loving and charming man. I thought the story for Jack and Ella had the most balanced couple and greatest focus on their relationship. The result is a solid and enjoyable read.

Each Travis story is told by the heroine in first-person perspective, although it is the author's heroes whom I usually find the most memorable. Ms. Kleypas always creates a very attractive blend of dark, intense and commanding men who lavish focused attention on the women they are pursuing. Jack reveals depth and complexity that were hidden by the playful and lighthearted sides we saw in the previous books. As for Ella, I did like her overall but I do prefer heroines to be strongly independent and spirited as those in my favourite Kleypas historicals Lady Sophia's Lover, Lily Lawson of Then Came You, or Dreaming of You's Sara Fielding. However, I guess a heroine that was too self-reliant wouldn't find the heroes as deliciously overwhelming and irresistible!

your reading personality...

2009-05-27T19:44:00.004-06:00

Saw this over at Booklover1335's blog. There are four types, and here is my result:

Your Personality: All-Rounder!

Your responses showed you fitting into three different personalities:

Exacting Reader: You love books but you rarely have as much time to read as you'd like - so you're very particular about the books you choose.
Serial Reader: Once you discover a favorite writer you tend to stick with him/her through thick and thin and eagerly await the next in the series.
Eclectic Reader: You read for entertainment but also to expand your mind. You're open to new ideas and new writers, and are not wedded to a particular genre or limited range of authors.

Apparently, I am not an Involved Reader: You don't just love to read books, you love to read about books. For you, half the fun of reading is the thrill of the chase - discovering new books and authors, and discussing your finds with others. Hey, something for me to work on!

If you're interested, you can start the quiz.

Lyin' Eyes / Eagles

2009-05-24T22:55:00.005-06:00

Heard this song on the radio tonight. Love this song. Makes me think of a (tragic) romance (?). But mostly, it is just a beautiful song. Always amazing music by the Eagles.

revew: Broken Wing by Judith James

2009-05-18T23:45:00.001-06:00

Release Date: November 2008/Historical

Publisher: Medallion/Paperback

ISBN: 978-1933836447

Abandoned as a child and raised in a brothel, Gabriel St. Croix has never known tenderness, friendship or affection. Although fluent in sex, he knows nothing of love. Lost and alone inside a nightmare world, all he’s ever wanted was companionship and a place to belong. Hiding physical and emotional scars behind an icy façade, his only relationship is with a young boy he has spent the last five years protecting from the brutal reality of their environment. But all that is about to change. The boy’s family has found him, and they are coming to take him home.

Sarah Munroe blames herself for her brother’s disappearance. When he’s located, safe and unharmed despite where he as been living. Sarah vows to help the man who rescued and protected him in any way she can. With loving patience she helps Gabriel face his demons and teaches him to trust in friendship and love. But when the past catches up with him, Gabriel must face it on his own.

Becoming a mercenary, pirate and a professional gambler, Gabriel travels to London, France, and the Barbary Coast in a desperate attempt to find Sarah again and all he knows of love. On the way, however, he will discover the most dangerous journey, and the greatest gamble of all, is within the darkest reaches of his own heart.

Broken Wing is a heartbreaking, thought-provoking, and moving romantic tale. The reader gets to know Gabriel very well, and understand what motivates him and how terrible and difficult actions of his own and others could damage his soul. Through it all we root for him and the utmost happiness he deserves. Sarah may seem almost too perfect, but her faith and love is exactly what Gabriel needs.

It is very difficult for me to read of the suffering and cruelty even fictional characters experience, though I understand the value of such revelations and plot developments. More importantly, I realize fiction does reflect our reality and the terrible things that do happen, and I tend to dwell on this knowledge when brought to mind. On a happier note, perhaps a parallel can also be drawn to going through something extremely emotionally and/or physically challenging, yet coming through the better for it with a new appreciation of life's gifts. This is what the characters of Broken Wing, Gabriel in particular, discover and with it reveal the triumph of one's innate goodness.

I loved the time devoted to Sarah and Gabriel knowing each other and sharing their deepest hurts, and gave their eventual physical intimacy much more impact and appreciation. I love the title of the book: it is very meaningful and non-obvious romance-y. I also loved Judith James' writing in general. At times the wannabe-author in me will read a book and think "hmmm, I would have used this word instead" but with Broken Wing, the descriptions of the characters' actions and interactions always flowed smoothly and beautifully throughout the story. I am definitely looking out for Judith's next works, and she currently has details for two other books in progress.

arc review: Branded by Fire by Nalini Singh

2009-05-16T20:03:00.021-06:00

Release Date: July 7, 2009

Publisher: Berkley/Mass Market

ISBN: 978-0425226735

Though DarkRiver sentinel Mercy is feeling the pressure to mate, she savagely resists when Riley Kincaid, a lieutenant from the SnowDancer pack, tries to possess her. The problem is not simply that he pushes her buttons; the problem is that he’s a wolf, she’s a cat, and they’re both used to being on top.

But when a brilliant changeling researcher is kidnapped from DarkRiver territory, Mercy and Riley must work together to track the young man—before his shadowy captors decide he’s no longer useful. Along the way, the two dominants may find that submitting to one another uncovers not just a deadly conspiracy, but a passion so raw that it’ll leave them both branded by fire…

As the eighth Psy-Changeling story Branded by Fire really starts off running. If you haven't yet checked out this series, it is definitely worth starting with the first title Slave to Sensation. The reader has gotten to know bits of Mercy and Riley through the previous books, and now their relationship moves right into a much more personal stage.

I loved Riley and Mercy. I loved how they were each highly disciplined, motivated and committed key members of their respective packs. Their similarities are what draws them to each other, and it is also the greatest hurdle to their HEA together. Both Mercy and Riley struggle with the challenge of being less controlling and more yielding than than their intrinsic (Changeling) tendencies might allow. However, Mercy and Riley do show each other deep yet tender caring as easily without conscious effort.

With Riley and Mercy working closely as allies, there is ample opportunity for these two strong personalities to interact in both frustrating and rewarding ways! There is also important progression to the overall storyline involving the other major players, as well as charming visits (or interference might be a better word) from Riley's siblings, Mercy's three brothers (and dad!). We also connect more with Toby and Sienna of the Lauren Family, and of course Lucas and Sasha.

There is lots of the intrigue, danger and conflict in the story that we expect from the series, although I would consider the relationship took a greater focus this time than in the last two or three books. Perhaps by seeing so much of Riley and Mercy both on and off pack-duties, the reader feels that much closer to this changeling pair and what is happening to them as they bond. For me, Mercy and Riley may now be tied with Sasha and Lucas as my top favorites of the Psy-Changeling mated couples (and it is not easy to pick from among them all)!

I very much enjoy Nalini's writing style, as she almost writes sparingly with precise words that still convey a wealth of meaning. As an example, during one of Riley and Mercy (hot!) moments of connection, Riley thinks of it as "pure ambrosia" which I found a most lovely and multi-faceted description. I hope what I meant to just say did make some sense.... though there should be no doubt I recommend Branded by Fire as a rich, satisfying, very sexy and romantic read!

nope.

2009-05-12T00:18:00.007-06:00

still no new review. but here's one of my fav prints from M. C. Escher:

I always wondered about the woman and man we see, and their stories.

what's the point...

2009-05-07T00:58:00.003-06:00

of (reading) romance? Does it highlight what's missing in this part of your life? Does it make you all appreciative and creative for the one you are with? Does it compel you to move on from a relationship in search of a new one?

Do readers (and writers) of romance that may still be looking have hopes and longings more than others?

Care to share?

me want!

2009-05-03T23:10:00.005-06:00

Okay, I'm reduced to improper english... I love the sound and look of this book:

Her Ladyship's Companion by Evangeline Collins

His job was to please her. Not to steal her heart.

In the Scottish countryside of Selkirk, Lady Isabella Stirling resides at Bowhill Park, serving penance for a sin that nearly ruined her family. For five years she has been condemned to a loveless marriage and confined to the estate where she does little more than tend her rose garden. With her husband absent for months at a time and few visitors, Bella lives a lonely existence, denying the passions that burn within her very soul.
Then her cousin comes for a visit and makes an outrageous suggestion: what Bella needs is a lover. A hired lover. Despite her need, Bella says no. But soon Mr. Gideon Rosedale arrives – and he is at her service for two weeks. Indulging in what she intends to be a harmless flirtation, Bella is overcome by Gideon's intoxicating presence. And when she at last permits him to satisfy her desires, she discovers she's done the unthinkable – she's fallen in love.

review: The Season by Sarah MacLean

2009-04-30T18:58:00.023-06:00

Release Date: March 2009

Publisher: Orchard Books / Hardcover

ISBN: 978-0545048866

Lady Alexandra Stafford is 17, and preparing for her first season and (hopefully) a flurry of eligble and wealthy suitors. Alex believes all the energy and time is better spent elsewhere, as she enjoys discussing politics and prefers the stables to perhaps more ladylike activities. Her dearest friends are Ella and Vivi, all three girls from families of the London aristocracy and born within weeks of each other.

Alex and Gavin Sewell have also been friends since childhood, when he rescued a seven-year old Alex caught up in a tree. With bordering estates and fathers close boyhood friends, the two cross paths often in both informal and social situations.

At 23 years of age, Gavin is the new Earl of Blackmoor. Dealing with the recent death of his father and the mystery and danger that surrounds it, Gavin is sombre and feeling the weight of his new responsibilities. When a threat to the young Earl intensifies, the three young ladies' resourcefulness and loyalty are deeply tested.

The Season is a wonderful Regency story about deep friendship, and the lovely wonders of "first-love" romance with its life-changing sweet and tender kisses. I hope there are happily-ever-after stories forthcoming for Alex's friends Vivi and Ella. Author Sarah MacLean has an adult regency titled Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake scheduled for release in January 2010 with Avon/HarperCollins.

possibly cuter than elmo?

2009-04-28T00:17:00.005-06:00

I am such a bad blogger. All I can say is that one of the things I have been busy with is watching this video with my little girl. I'm not sure who likes it more! And I think the other stars of the clip might be cuter than Elmo in this one:

review: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

2009-04-18T00:16:00.018-06:00

Release Date: September 2008

Publisher: Scholastic/Hardcover

ISBN: 978-0439023481

There is something very special, incredibly unique about teen novels. I love them for their vast extremes of emotions: the depths of despair to the heights of hope, often within one story. The challenges faced that will expose or build character. The first sweet tastes of young love.

In North America's future, there is an annual day of reaping on which 12 boys and 12 girls are "volunteered" for the Hunger Games: a fight to the death. The games are televised and required viewing for the whole population. There can be only one survivor, and the winner will bring home a year's prosperity for his/her district while the other districts continue their struggle against starvation.

Katniss Everdeen tells us the story in first person. At sixteen years of age, Katniss has managed for almost five years to be the main provider for her mother and younger sister. She is clever, tough and self-sufficient, but is that enough to survive the Games?

What follows is gritty and distressing as the 24 teenagers are forced into a situation of extreme aggression and ruthlessness against each other. There are unexpected moments of companionship and mercy, but the ultimate goal can not be avoided. Katniss may have a chance of beating the odds, yet it will not bring her favor with the leaders and government.

This was an amazing, could-not-put-down-although-I'm-running-late read. Though the reader got a conclusion to the actual Hunger Games, additional and new elements to the story were not resolved. So it was with mixed feelings the last chapter ended with the words: END OF BOOK ONE. Luckily, there is a benefit to discovering this read a few months after the official release date, as the next book Catching Fire will be out in September 2009!

old but still interesting...

2009-04-15T01:10:00.013-06:00

Or is the story just developing new twists? You probably know what I'm posting about. I just thought I'd try to bring together a few of the discussions and activity going on about it.

Over the Easter weekend, various writing and author blogs I regularly visit were posting about Amazon.com's recent actions of removing the rankings of various titles in their database. This was the official statement: In consideration of our entire customer base, we exclude "adult" material from appearing in some searches and best seller lists. Since these lists are generated using sales ranks, adult materials must also be excluded from that feature. However, this "adult" rating seemed to apply to hot (okay, very hot) romance, or GLBTQ books. It became very difficult to search and find these books easily at Amazon. But one wouldn't have the same difficulties with the books (for example) about bomb building, or pornography or dog fighting. Dear Author is on top of the latest developments (and is a great site to visit in general :)

There is a petition to sign in protest at Amazon's new "adult" policy. When I was there, the target was 10,000 signatures. Now it is aiming for 26,000.

Significant media coverage continues, and here's another article I came across today: "Amazon blames ham-fisted error for book brouhaha"

Let's end on the note of SBTB's suggestion to add this verb to our vocabulary: Amazon Rank.

starting at 7:05

2009-04-07T21:36:00.008-06:00

of the video. I could not find a shorter clip which includes one of my fav scenes from Emma (1996) starring Gwyneth Paltrow and Jeremy Northam. If you have seen the movie, or don't mind starting near the end :) check it out starting at 7:05 of the clip. Or watch the whole video - it's all good! I just love Emma's diary entries!

I need to get back on track with reading and posting a new review of a book I enjoyed. Torn between getting into a historical romance or a scifi/action teen novel.

out and about...

2009-03-30T16:01:00.006-06:00

Found some odd news to share, and it's even related to books and reading! The 2009-2014 World Outlook for 60-Milligram Containers of Fromage Frais by Philip M. Parker is the annual winner of the Oddest Book Title Prize. The book is an analysis of the global market for fromage frais (a fresh cheese popular as a dessert), and it can be yours for a price of $795.

Previous prize recipients include books titled Bombproof Your Horse, The Book of Marmalade: Its Antecedents, Its History and Its Role in the World Today, The Theory of Lengthwise Rolling and People Who Don't Know They're Dead: How They Attach Themselves to Unsuspecting Bystanders and What to Do About It.

If you've read any of the above listed books, I would like to hear your thoughts on them :)

review: Dare to Love by Jaci Burton

2009-03-27T23:29:00.024-06:00

Release Date: July 2008

Publisher: Samhain (e-book)

ISBN 1605040819

Jaci Burton writes paranormal/suspense romance, erotic romance as well as contemporary romance like Dare to Love. Main characters Lucy Fairchild and Jake Dalton are from opposite ends of San Francisco life. Jake had a rough childhood and fights hard for success in running his own construction business. Lucy grew up with privilege and opportunities the best of society has to offer. However, a spirited verbal exchange at their first meeting reveals the connection between them: both are independent and determined to make their own paths in the world.

The stage is set for them to test their preconceived notions of each other with a dinner date. The evening ends with Jake offering to help Lucy foil her dad's matchmaking attempts - Jake will play the role of boyfriend as long as Lucy needs him to. The goal is to keep things calm and polite. Whether it's at a fancy ballroom event or a backyard family barbeque, Lucy and Jake will find they can't ignore the attraction sparking between them.

Dare to Love is a very enjoyable, sweet and lively romantic read. I enjoyed the turns Lucy and Jake took to share their inner thoughts on how s/he found the other irresistible as well as personal insecurities and hopes. Jake and Lucy are such likeable characters, the story moves along at a pace which keeps the reader interested in what comes next/the HEA for this couple.

taking a moment...

2009-03-24T23:36:00.018-06:00

to pay respects to the most recent fallen Canadian soldiers serving in Afghanistan: Master Cpl. Scott Vernelli, 28, Cpl. Tyler Crooks, 24, Trooper Jack Bouthillier, 20, and Trooper Corey Joseph Hayes, 22, and to their families.

to give sincere thanks to those around the world who risk their lives to do what is good, right and of help to others.

Along the Highway of Heroes

Photo credit: Doug Ives/The Canadian Press
Source: CTV Toronto

to express deepest condolences to the family of Natasha Richardson (1963 - 2009) for their tragic loss.

A lovely picture of Natasha and husband Liam Neeson in 2008, both of whose acting work I much appreciate.

Photo credit: Joe Corrigan/Getty Images

Source: guardian.co.uk

review: Demon Bound by Meljean Brook

2009-03-21T17:51:00.018-06:00

Release Date: November 2008
Publisher: Berkley (MM/paperback)
ISBN: 978-0425224533

Demon Bound is the fourth full-length novel by author Meljean Brook, and story 7 in the Guardian series. I recommend reading the series in order, although I'm jumping in with a review of this book as I like to post my thoughts when the read is freshly finished.

There was a major roadblock to my writing this review. Demon Bound is classified as a paranormal romance, and the world in which the Guardian stories take place is intensely complex and detailed. To (over)simplify, there are demons and angels (and lots of other beings in-between), three-headed dogs (aka hellhounds) and various super-cool abilities or skills known as Gifts to assist the good guys. There is unimaginable danger on Earth, and power struggles in Hell, all of which most humans are (blissfully) unaware. I felt that I needed to do justice to this worldbuilding by first thoroughly understanding the plot and the background to the story - heck, the series to date! Despite my best attempts I would lose track of plot developments and worry about how these gaps would affect accuracy in my review. How or when did I lose my abilities to concentrate and apply higher thinking skills? Was it due to sleep-deprivation since my (now-toddler) child was born? Or was it before that? Perhaps I never had them at all!

It was Meljean's comment on this post which helped me get going on the review. Although I may not have grasped some (probably very important) parts to the (whole/ongoing) story, I really enjoyed the rest of the book. Very fortunately for others like myself (or am I alone?), there is a guide to help readers wondering or curious , so Thank You Meljean for all your hard work on it -much appreciated! (though I still want to ask you a clarification question or two :)

Perhaps what I can comment more coherently on is the romantic aspects of the story. I loved how the connection between Alice and Jake seemed so instrinsic and evident in their every interaction from the start, though they are greatly different in their backgrounds and experiences. They are wary with each other at the beginning but are quickly thrown into a highly threatening situation and must work together. I found Jake very endearing with his mix of boyishness, honesty, charm and gutsiness. Alice presented herself as reserved and unapproachable, and it was lovely to gradually glimpse into her vulnerabilities and see her yield to and embrace Jake's sincerity and unwavering feelings for her.

Excellent characterization is a constant I've found in Meljean's stories. Each major player in the stories is uniquely and distinctly presented to the reader from the clothing worn to gestures or the inflection of speech. I can still clearly envision main characters from previous Guardian stories, as they were so memorably described.

In closing, I anticipate future re-reads of this and the other stories in the Guardian series. I fully expect to discover details and nuances that I've missed in the original reading, and this can only add to the richness and satisfaction to be found in Meljean's writing.

quotes I like...

2009-03-10T22:10:00.004-06:00

that come to mind every once in a while. And make me pause, and reflect. From the movie You've Got Mail (with Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan), Meg's character Kathleen has this to say:

"... I lead a small life... And sometimes I wonder, do I do it because I like it, or because I haven't been brave? So much of what I see reminds me of something I read in a book, when shouldn't it be the other way around??"

it has been too long...

2009-03-02T22:38:00.005-07:00

since a new post. As I still struggle to get my first review written (I have in mind a certain book I want to start with, and it is a complex read so it's taking (a LOT of) time), here is something I came across at http://knightagency.blogspot.com/ from their February 27th post. Maybe you haven't seen it yet. Great music too.

on writing a review...

2009-02-25T16:43:00.003-07:00

I really want to get going on writing reviews on books I'm reading. I'm just struggling with how to go about it. Like my posts, my reviews won't be particularly lengthy. I'll just want to get my thoughts on it out there, quick and simple. At the same time, I feel like I will need to constantly refer to the dictionary and thesaurus so that I use the right words. Would love to hear thoughts on what are the most important elements to include (or not) in a short 'n sweet book review!

Nalini Singh's latest...ETA:

2009-02-17T23:25:00.005-07:00

okay, the sprout widget or whatever it's called malfunctioned on me. so now I'll just fill the space with my own words. Some posts I've come across this week, plus the mini-conversation Barbara and I have been having today (in comments) has made me reflect on what draws me to the stories (and authors) I really really love. I guess I'm just pretty basic or easy to please, but a really core romance to the story is what I'm looking for. A relationship-centred read. If there is too much action, or suspense or mystery in the story, I am less likely to check it out. I want the good (and bad) stuff between the hero and heroine. As much of it as possible please! That's one of the reasons why I love stories by Nalini, or Sylvia Day, or Nora Roberts. That is why I am waiting patiently for Lisa Valdez and her book "Patience."

recently i have come across...

2009-02-12T17:28:00.004-07:00

two particular posts at some of the blogs/sites I visit I just had to share.

The LIT ladies would like you to:

Try out your love-letter writing skills, and perhaps win a great prize,

and thanks to author Crystal Jordan:

Never again look at balloon animals the same way

2009-02-02T17:14:00.002-07:00

My fav SuperBowl ad...

slowly creeping (back) up...

2009-01-27T22:34:00.007-07:00

Has anyone else noticed that Canadian book prices are going back up, in relation to the US price? I guess it was inevitable. Publishers need to make a living too, and the new prices seem to closely reflect the current exchange rates. For releases scheduled around Summer 2009 and onwards, here are some examples I've already come across:

In trade paperback, US $15.00 - CDN $18.50

Mating Game by Janice Maynard (Jul 09)
Beloved Vampire by Joey W Hill (Aug 09)
Wild Instinct by Sarah McCarty (Sep 09)

This is a slight increase in the price difference compared to the last year and first months of 2009. The average prices had been US $13.00 - $14.00 and CDN $15.00 to $16.00

It's happening in mass market too, US $7.99 - CDN $9.99

Branded by Fire by Nalini Singh (Jul 09)
Bengal's Heart by Lora Leigh (Aug 09)

More recent releases by such authors were priced at US $7.99 and CDN $8.99

I won't even get started on the crazy US vs CDN price differences on Samhain print or other hard-to-find-in-Canada print titles!!! Shopping around is definitely recommended as I have found several dollars variation even between Canadian online book retailers.

Kresley Cole's Latest Book Release...

2009-01-22T15:48:00.003-07:00

short... or long?

2009-01-09T16:43:00.003-07:00

I love anthologies. I have probably mentioned this here or elsewhere before. If an author I follow publishes in a collection, I am going to check it out. Single-author anthologies are particular favorites. Authors whose novellas I would recommend include Janice Maynard, Eden Bradley, Sylvia Day, Charlene Teglia, and Shannon McKenna - but these are just the ones I am quickly thinking of as they are favorite or recent reads.

There are several authors of novels that have also written novellas or short stories that I adore. Or authors that I've just started following by reading a short story they've written. I'll list those next time. It's just something about the intensity (of character, of action etc.) that gets packed into a novella. Skilled writing in this format really shows up - or doesn't, in my opinion.

What do you think gets sacrificed in an anthology? I can think of the obvious - or maybe it's not so obvious to me or everyone else. Which authors am I missing out on? Please share!

2009-01-01T21:18:00.010-07:00

Happy New Year!

short and sweet says it all I think. And how about trying a new font style and size too... The font color is also different, isn't it? Hmm...

my face is all a-blushing...

2008-12-20T00:37:00.006-07:00

but here's a bit of naughty fun for those of us that have been "good" all year long (or not ;), plus I love giveaway contests! Go bravely forth and comment, and a Happy and Safe Holiday Season to All.

faceless works for me...

2008-12-15T23:49:00.013-07:00

and I have read this discussion/opinion on the topic elsewhere. What am I blathering on about? Well, it's about book covers, and whether one may have a preference for the full cover models or just a headless torso or a profile shot or something else.

My thoughts: this first one works for me. And this cover too. What is NOT left to the imagination is all good :) and the rest I can make up in my head just fine!

This one in the middle, though I longingly wait for the book, has faces I have seen on other covers so I will just try to forget how the characters are portrayed on the front, and concentrate on the description within by the author.

I will happily make an exception for this last cover. I do not easily recognize him. If you know his name (and any other vital statistics), please pass them on ;)

more than a beautiful cover...

2008-12-11T16:51:00.007-07:00

the stories sound equally fabulous! One of the authors in this collection is Kristina Wright, and she is published in various areas. To celebrate her (contribution to the) latest release Bedding Down, she's got a neat giveaway contest going on. Check it out, as a book is always a perfect gift - for oneself and/or for someone special. "One Night in Winter" is the novella by Kristina. This is one read I'm looking forward to snuggling up with!

i've discovered...

2008-12-01T18:10:00.009-07:00

some great reads and new-to-me authors through Samhain Publishing. There's something else fun - a generous holiday contest/giveaway - going on right now from Angela James, Samhain's Executive Editor. Prizes include Kindles, online bookstore certificates, and books! Check out the full details.

does not meaning to make it okay...?

2008-11-24T15:21:00.006-07:00

and lately it has been an oft-repeated heated discussion with my dh.

His points: this person does not mean to be hurtful (to you). Family means forgiving. Life is too short to dwell on it, move on!

My points: Not meaning to be hurtful/insulting does not make it okay. Take responsibility for one's own actions! Family means that one should be more thoughtful and even more careful with one's actions, if that's possible.

Though I do agree with dh's points, I strongly feel that it is important for one to try/be thoughtful/be careful with what one says and does before I can get to the forgiving part!

And if anyone was wondering, it involves the in-laws;)

2008-11-10T17:29:00.001-07:00

Congrats

2008-11-05T16:17:00.005-07:00

to the people of the USA. You've survived the latest (Presidential) election, and achieved record voter turnout! I believe exercising one's right to vote is extremely important. This right is precious and is a responsibility. Nothing new there. Also nothing new is the hope that all leaders, once they're in major decision-making positions, wherever they are, continue to behave ethically and treat the people's resources as carefully as if it were their own. If that makes sense. And would happen more often than not... that is my hope.

burning out on paranormals...

2008-10-28T18:11:00.005-06:00

but still looking forward to Nalini Singh or Meljean Brook's latest/forthcoming as some exceptions. I remember the delight and many hours of reading pleasure (oh, how the time flew by!) when I first discovered Christine Feehan, Angela Knight and Emma Holly. Then I saw the Save the Contemporary post at Dear Author. I was quite taken aback that this could be possible. Many of my favourite re-reads are contemporaries: Nora Roberts, Barbara Delinsky, Susan Elizabeth Phillips. And lately I am feeling the need more than ever to spend some quality reading time with a contemporary, "contains romance" preferred but not required!

Decision '08

2008-10-22T01:14:00.002-06:00

Save the Contemporary

2008-10-20T11:53:00.001-06:00

when Something

2008-10-19T00:26:00.007-06:00

pops into my head that I wonder about or want the quick answer to, I often go to these sites:

http://www.wikipedia.org/
http://www.imdb.com/
http://www.youtube.com/

Ahh, the Internet and instant gratification for my curiosity!

a Political expression

2008-10-16T14:29:00.004-06:00

okay, i guess it's really just me expressing my thoughts on recent local political happenings... like tuesday's federal election. I wish to thank PM Harper for not keeping his word on fixed election dates, and wasting a whole lot of my (aka all hardworking Canadian taxpayers') money so that nothing has really changed in our government makeup. Stephen Harper, you've disappointed me. Thanks for nothing (literally?)!

Check out the Allure Authors....

2008-10-03T14:34:00.001-06:00

and their great October contest. What fun!

http://www.allureauthors.com/contest/

Today's giveaway is from author Myla Jackson. Visit her at http://mylajack.blogspot.com/

Guy Sweeties who shouldn't still be Single...

2008-09-19T23:00:00.004-06:00

as far as I know....Johnny Lee Miller, Michael Weatherly (would post pics if I wasn't worried about possible copyright infringement!)

I can only imagine how much more difficult it could be to have a strong, long-term relationship when one is in the spotlight often... Hmm... who else am I missing from this list?

ETA: adding Richard Armitage, of North and South fame. Unless Kristie (J) is wanting to keep him all to herself ;)

Today this caught my attention: a story about

2008-06-18T15:20:00.002-06:00

http://oneredpaperclip.blogspot.com/

Current desktop wallpaper

2008-02-29T00:08:00.002-07:00

is this cover, I love it so much! And the story is going to be a fabulous read, methinks. Really looking forward to July!