Review: A Hint of Wicked by Jennifer Haymore
Lawson’s review of A Hint of Wicked by Jennifer Haymore
Historical romance released by Forever 1 Jun 09
I remember reading a story a bit like this one a long time ago. The name of the book and the author have escaped my memory, but I remember that it centered around a man who had been involved in the Napoleonic wars and was coming home. The twist was he had hit his head, had amnesia and it was years later and he had been given up for dead. There is that same storyline in Haymore’s story, but there’s so much more. This story also includes a love triangle and of course a choice that has to be made.
Review: Tonight, My Love by Tracie Sommers
Wendy the Super Librarian‘s review of Tonight, My Love by Tracie Sommers
Erotica short story ebook released by Spice Briefs 01 May 2009
I’ve always felt that an author succeeds when they can illicit a strong reaction from the reader. Nobody remembers the ho-hum stories, but they do remember the stories they loved beyond all reason, and the ones that had them tearing their hair out. On that score, Tracie Sommers not only gets the gold star, but probably deserves some sort of erotica writing award. This story turned me on and repulsed me in equal measures. I can honestly say this has never happened to me before. A first, in my ten-plus years of reading erotica.
Heroine Anthems
I know a number of authors have playlists for their books, or ones that they listen to while writing books or certain scenes. This got me to thinking – not so much about what inspires an author, as… what songs I thought would be great for certain heroines. A number of very kind individuals also helped me pick out songs; so thanks, ladies! I hope you had fun.
If you’re an author or aspiring author, maybe one of these songs will inspire. Or at least introduce you to a new artist you might like. Obviously this applies in general as well. Some of these songs I absolutely adore. Some, I find hilarious.
First up, we have The Betrayed Heroine – you know, maybe before she meets the hero; how she feels about her ex (or the hero after he does some douchebag thing)
First: (I’m just so entertained by this song. I was driving when I first heard it, not paying attention, then with the chorus the words penetrated, and my reaction was “O_O”.)
Jazmine Sullivan – Bust Your Windows
And as an honorable mention, we have Blu Cantrell’s Hit ‘Em Up Style. (The two are so similar we had to pick only one.)
For our Kick Ass Heroines
Kelly Clarkson – Miss Independent
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Rise Against – Survive
Christina Aguilera – Fighter
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Alicia Keys – Karma
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(Um, apparently I’m friends with angry tweeple, or at least ones that like a really strong, slightly vindictive heroine… 
I have awesome friends.)
For the Angsty Heroine – you know, after the hero did some douchebag asshat thing
Allure -All Cried Out ft 112
For our Heroine who is Moving On
A Fine Frenzy – Near to You
For the Quirky Heroine
Ingrid Michaelson – The Way I Am
[I fucking HATE CLOWNS. but I love this song. 😛 so maybe listen but don’t’ watch]
The “Pulling It Together” Heroine
Anna Nalick – Breathe (2 am)
Our Falling in Love Heroine
Imogen Heap – Goodnight and Go
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So, now that you’ve listened to them all (or at least hopefully some of them)… what do you think? Good choices? Bad?
Obviously this wasn’t a comprehensive list because I didn’t want you stuck in front of your computer forever…
And what are some songs you would suggest as a heroine anthem? Or even… a hero anthem? (Although hold tight – that one is forthcoming, but I’m always open to suggestions!)
DUCK CHAT: Laughing ‘Til It Hurts With Christie Craig
Welcome to another whacky day of Duck Chat!
And today is going to be whacky. We have romantic suspense author Christie Craig with us, and if you haven’t read any of Christie’s books, you have no idea what kind of whackiness you’re missing! If you love humor in your books, you will love Christie’s stories.
Christie just released her fourth book, Gotcha!, last month (see my review). Her non-fiction and photography have appeared in almost three thousand national magazines. She is married and lives in Texas with her husband and they have two children and one grandchild. (Check out this funny but poignant blog about her new granddaughter.) She blogs daily at Killer Fiction and helps out aspiring writers when she can.
Life is full of humor for Christie (even her bio on her website is fair game!) and she spreads that fun and laughter around quite liberally in her books which cause her fans to come back time and again. So read on to get know this terrific author better. And if you leave a meaningful comment, you’ll be in the running for several copies of Gotcha! from Christie and Dorchester. Now let’s chat!
REVIEW: Revealed by Kate Noble
Lawson’s review of Revealed by Kate Noble
Historical romance released by Berkley Sensation 3 Mar 09
Kate Noble, in her second book, goes for a bit more intrigue and some derring-do with a story about a former spy in the fight against Napoleon and the Queen of Society. I do have to mention that after reading Lynne Connolly’s post about class in historical romance, perhaps my view of this book has changed a bit, but it is a lively tale that keeps one turning the pages. read more…
DUCK FLASH: Christie Craig is Going YA & Paranormal!
This just in…
Christie Craig is breaking into the young adult market with a new series that is romantic, humorous, yet touched with darkness. Readers can anticipate a fast-paced ride into a world of magic, ghosts, and all creatures of the night
REVIEW: Taken and Seduced by Julia Latham
Lawson’s review of Taken and Seduced by Julia Latham
Historical romance released by Avon 31 Mar 09
Time for another medieval romance from Julia Latham. This one again follows the story of a member of the League of the Blade, the society in Latham’s early Tudor England that protects the innocent and seeks justice for the wrongs of society. The League is the only thing that ties this book to Latham’s other three, as the characters here are new and possibly give a set up for another series following more of the knights and the ladies that come into their lives. read more…
REVIEW: A Scotsman in Love by Karen Ranney
Sandy M’s review of A Scotsman in Love by Karen Ranney
Historical Romance published by Avon 28 Apr 09
I’d been looking forward to reading this book since we talked to Ms. Ranney here at the blog a few weeks ago. Then even more so once I heard from a friend who loved the book. While this is a good read, for some reason the whole of it didn’t work that well for me. read more…
REVIEW: Bedded by Blackmail by Robyn Grady
Lynne Connolly’s review of Bedded by Blackmail by Robyn Grady
Contemporary romance released by Harlequin Desire 9 Jun 09
I was actually put off by the title, as I tend to dislike blackmail plots, but when I started to read I realised that the blackmail was the external plot, and the reason why Ella has chosen to conceal herself for the eight months it took her mother’s will to pass through probate. read more…
DUCK CHAT: The Real Sherry Thomas
Glad you’re all here with us for our Duck Chat!
Sherry Thomas is our guest today. If you have been to Sherry’s website to read about her incredible journey through life that eventually led her to becoming an author, you should hightail it over there. The short version is Sherry came to the United States from China at age 13; therefore, her first language is not English, but she did what was necessary and now Sherry gives readers like you and me beautiful romances to read. A motivating story like so few others.
Sherry’s first book was Private Arrangements, which released in March of last year, and was followed by Delicious in July. Both books have won awards and fans can’t get enough of them. Get ready for a fun day with Sherry! Be sure to ask questions or leave a comment because she is giving away a couple of copies of her latest release, Not Quite a Husband. Now let’s chat!