Liviania’s review of Karma Girl (Bigtime #1) by Jennifer Estep
Paranormal romance released by Berkley 1 May 07

Shannon C. told me I should read Jennifer Estep when I admitted to be a comics sort of girl. I believe I now owe her, because Karma Girl is fabulous and impossible for me not to like. Estep knows comics and it makes her novel that much more joyful. It might be impossible to not be happy when reading Karma Girl, because the author obviously had fun when writing it.

Estep draws upon that base to create a familiar feel for the novel, but her heroine and plot feel fresh. Flimsy cover stories and skimpy masks have kept the identities of heroes and villains successfully under wraps. Estep plays well with that familiar conceit. Her heroine Carmen Cole uses her brains to uncover these identities and her status as a reporter to make them public. She’s fueled by vengeance, after discovering her superhero fiancé and ubervillain best friend sleeping together on her wedding day. But her righteousness is shattered when her actions lead to the death of the Tornado, a member of the Fearless Five. Now she’s at the mercy of the Terrible Trio.

As Carmen works to discover Striker’s identity to free herself from the ubervillains’ grasp, she falls for the enigmatic hero. The two have incredible chemistry, which pulls the book through its slow sections. Carmen takes too long to discover the identities of the heroes and villains. Much like in a graphic novel, the secret identities are apparent to the reader before the characters in the novel. In comics it’s a clever visual joke; in a textual novel it falls flat.

However, the pluses outweigh the few faults by a large margin. Perhaps the biggest plus of all is the characterization. Estep’s portrayal of Carmen’s emotions, from anger at being betrayed to the guilt of contributing to a hero’s death, is spot on. She also populates the scene with strong secondary and tertiary characters. Even the B-list joke superheroes get some character development.

Karma Girl pulls the reader along, quick, light, and often quite funny. Comic fans will enjoy what Estep does with familiar territory. (Perhaps not Vertigo fans. Bigtime resembles Metropolis more than Gotham City.) Other romance readers should enjoy it as well because of the strength of the central couple. Carmen and Striker are a believable couple and likeable characters. Striker’s alpha without being a jerk, Carmen makes some mistakes but usually behaves like an intelligent grown woman. Karma Girl is fun, refreshing, and-best of all-has a sequel that doesn’t disappoint.

Grade: A-

The Summary:

Someone has to pay for what happened to Carmen Cole …

Bigtime, New York is not big enough for both Carmen Cole and the superheroes and ubervillains who walk its streets. An intrepid reporter, Carmen’s dedicated her life to unmasking the spandex wearers, all because her fiancé turned out to be a superhero, and a cheating one at that – sleeping with none other than his nubile nemesis.

Exposing the true identities of the nation’s caped crusaders and their archenemies has catapulted Carmen from her sleep southern hometown to the front pages of one of the country’s biggest newspapers, The Exposé. Hobnobbing with modelizing millionaires and famished fashionistas is all in a day’s work for the woman hot on the trail of the Fearless Five and Terrible Triad. But when Carmen gets the scoop of her career, her life comes crashing down around her. And even Bigtime’s sexiest superhero, Striker, may not be able to save her …

Read an excerpt

Read Lawson’s review

Limecello’s review of Wicked Deeds on a Winter’s Night (Immortals After Dark, Book 3) by Kresley Cole
Paranormal romance released by Pocket Star Oct 07

Book three of the Immortals After Dark series was very enjoyable. Wicked Deeds actually happens while much of No Rest is taking place, and you have to feel bad for Bowen. I think a lot of what happens to him is downplayed – after all, he’s a tough Lykae – one who would have been king-so what does he need with half his face? Honestly. It’s fine it got blown off. Gah.

Mariketa and Bowen have a major May-December relationship. In fact, one could say it’s January-December. She’s 23. Chronologically. He’s more than twelve centuries old. He also froze into immortality later than most – I think he’s in his late 30s, early 40s? Yet some how, it’s not a big deal in the book, or at all. Really – no squick factor.

We’re introduced to Bowen in book one, and if you don’t feel for him, then you have no soul. Mari, is half fey, half witch, and has a lot riding on her shoulders. While most witches have only one or two powers, Mari has the abilities of a warrior, healer, enchantress, conjurer, and seeress. That is, when she can control them. The problem is, eight year olds can handle spells more easily than she can. Ouch.

They’re both competing in the Talisman’s Hie (yeah, none of these characters get competing with and for your lives against each other isn’t the best lead in for a romantic relationship), and bad things happen. Bowen traps Mari and others in a jail with an ancient evil. (Think LoTR and Balrog – but less cute.) Mari hexes Bowen with mortality. Because of this, neither of them win the competition.

Afterwards, Bowen is sent to rescue Mari. In his defense, he really thought they’d be able to get out. Bowen is torn, because he entered the Hie in order to go back in time and prevent his mate from dying. He’s also guilty, because she died running from him. At the same time, he’s got feelings for Mari – and more importantly, he wants her. A lot. Mari also wants him. Perfect, no?

No. They hate each other. This is endlessly entertaining, and carries on throughout the book. The first time they see each other in two weeks, Mari tries to kill Bowen even though she’s near death herself. He’s old, and old fashioned. Also, very lupine. For her part, Mari is wild and outrageous, acting much like the stereotypical sorority pledge would. (Curious if she should, because she hasn’t turned yet – and mortals have to worry about annoying things like not pickling their livers.)

I really like the interaction between Bowen and Mari, although she gets a bit too angsty for me. There were some over used terms – how the heroine is sad and abandoned, nobody loves her even though she has a lot of friends and a great support team, and she’s always second best cry cry cry. There were also some minor issues with plot development, but not that big a deal. Otherwise, I have few complaints.

Ms. Cole’s books always seem to take an unexpected turn, where you think everything is done – but it’s not! More needs to happen! And you know what? As a reader, you’re glad. This was a good book, and I hope you read and enjoy it!

Grade: B

Read Sandy M’s review here.

Summary:

HER BREATHLESS KISS HAUNTS HIM… Bowen MacRieve of the Lykae clan was nearly destroyed when he lost the one woman meant for him. The ruthless warrior grew even colder, never taking another to his bed -until a smoldering encounter with his enemy, Mariketa the Awaited, reawakens his darkest desires. When sinister forces unite against her, the Highlander finds himself using all his strength and skill to keep her alive.

HIS SLOW, HOT TOUCH IS IRRESISTIBLE… Temporarily stripped of her powers, Mari is forced to take refuge with her sworn adversary. It’s rumored that no one can tempt Bown’s hardened heart, but soon passion burns between them. Though a future together is impossible, she fears he has no intention of letting her go.

NO NEED IS TOO WICKED FOR HER SEDUCTION… If they defeat the evil that surrounds them, can Mari deny Bowen when he demands her body and soul-or will she risk everything for her fierce protector?

Read an excerpt here.

Other books in this series:

Read Sandy’s review.

Read Limecello’s and Gwen’s reviews.

Coming next:

Dark Desires After Dusk (Immortals After Dark, Book 5) , coming 20 May 08!

Shannon C.’s review of Cat’s Eyes by Lynne Connolly
Paranormal erotic romance eBook published by Loose-ID Oct 2007

One of the perks to being a reviewer on a site like this, as opposed to my own piddly little blog, is that I get exposed to new-to-me authors that I might not have tried before. Lynne Connolly was one of the discoveries I made when I signed on as a reviewer and Sybil sent me some of her upcoming releases. I am so glad I know who she is now, because I have become a squeeing, obsessive fangirl.

I read Cat’s Eyes in preparation for Topaz Delirium , which also features members of Department 57. Department 57 is that ubiquitous paranormal agency that protects people–in this case, other supernatural creatures from human terrorists who know who they are and want them stopped. Silje, our heroine and a cat shape-shifter, is literally starting a new life, leaving her native Norway and moving to New York where she takes a job working for the department. They’ve got a lead on the fact that there’s a really nasty addictive inhibitory drug being distributed out of a strip club. While she’s casing the joint, she meets Ari and Devante, two male strippers who seem to be very much into each other and who are also shape-shifters. Both men are drawn to Silje, and soon they find that they must all join forces against a common enemy.

I’ve said before, several times, that I usually prefer a meatier story, even in ebook, because that way I get invested in the characters and get to know them well. Most of the time either the world-building or the characterization gets seriously skimped in an ebook, but this time, that did not happen. Connolly handles everything with a deft touch, and even in the limited space she manages to flesh out all three of our protagonists into individual, distinct characters. I think she should be commended for that, because in my experience, very few authors can pull that off well.

And, oh, what characters they are. I couldn’t tell you exactly what it is about Lynne Connolly’s heroes that make them work for me, but they do. Devante and Ari were both smokin’ sexy, and the sexual tension between the two of them and Silje was intense. I also really liked Silje. I really liked that she was in charge of her unit of Department 57 workers, and I thought that she had the common sense to carry it off. Her past was intriguing, but refreshingly not full of angst, and I got the sense that she really did need Devante and Ari in her life.

The plot also moved along at a brisk pace, keeping me reading from beginning to end without pause. The villains were actually pretty smart, too, which added to the suspense, and I really liked the resolution of the three fated mates idea there at the end.

I’ve only got a minor quibble, which isn’t really major enough to bring down the grade too much. I would have liked a bit more M/M interaction between Devante and Ari. (This from a self-professed non-enjoyer of M/M romances… You can stop gasping in shock now!) I felt like the M/M stuff was mostly glossed over and not written with the same intensity as the rest of the sexual encounters, which made me a little sad because those boys really did have chemistry.

Other than that, solid world-building, likeable characters, and all within a short span of time makes this highly recommended.

Grade: A-

New city, new job, new life: Silje Nordstrom, a Norwegian cat shape-shifter, is starting over. Except that she’s still working for Department 57, the covert government agency for Talents — just in New York, with a new identity. And she’s still alone, still too sexually inhibited to find the mate she needs. That is, until she meets sexy Brazilian shape-shifters Devante and Aristides.

Sent to a male strip club on an operation to find the dealer for a dangerous new designer drug, Silje is transfixed by two Brazilian strippers. They’re so into each other there doesn’t seem to be room for anyone else. But things aren’t always as they seem.

When booked for a private dance, Devante shows Silje a hot Brazilian samba in the bedroom. And once he’s got her where he wants her, he brings in his lover Ari. Together, the men show Silje exactly what she’s been missing.

But they still have to find the source of the drugs, and the Talent’s enemy, the terrorist organization the PHR is involved. If they don’t close this outlet down, New York will be flooded with a dangerous, addictive drug, designed for Talents, but affecting everyone. If Silje’s not careful, her new beaus could end up on the body count.

Read an excerpt.

Gwen’s review of The Serpent Prince by Elizabeth Hoyt
Historical romance released by Forever on 1 Sep 07

This book surprised me.  I read the excerpt and thought, “Oh look.  Nice, predictable historical.  Simple lass nurses wounded aristocrat, they fall in love and live HEA.”  So, I wasn’t in a big tearing hurry to read it.  Figured I’d get around to it eventually.  Well, I finally picked it up.  Holy crap.  Was I ever WRONG. 

This book was surprisingly unpredictable for me.  I read it in a day (thank goodness for Spring Break or I’d be looking for a job now).

We have talked about Hoyt’s Prince trilogy quite a lot on TGTBTU.  So much so, I only recently remembered I hadn’t yet read The Serpent Prince.  So yesterday, once I realized I was getting a bit burned-out on paranormals and contemporaries, I picked The Serpent Prince out of the TBR pile/mountain for a nice change of pace. 

Am I glad I did!  If you haven’t read this book yet, do not let anyone stop you on the way to the bookstore.  You must go buy it and read it.  Right now.  I’ll still be here when you’re done and you can share my gushing praise of this book.  G’head.  I’ll wait…

Are you back?   Finished reading it yet?  DIDN’T YOU LOVE IT?!

I don’t often get gushy over, well, anything.  I like to think I’m too pragmatic for “gush.”  You know – worldly older woman and all that.  But this book blew me away.

For those of you who didn’t heed my purchasing advice, imagine a formulaic historical turned almost completely on its ear.  What you thought would happen, doesn’t.  How you thought a character should act, won’t.  And the writing!  Oh my goodness, the writing!  I am soooo an author’s bitch if her/his writing is good. 

Let me share a favorite passage with you.  This is not long after the hero and heroine “meet” and they’re at dinner during Simon’s convelescence at Lucy’s house.  At the table are Lucy, Simon, Simon’s young friend Christian Fletcher (who I hope we get to see in his own book soon), and Lucy’s father Captain Craddock-Hayes.  The scene is being told from Simon’s POV, after Fletcher almost spilled some salacious beans about Simon:

     Good God.  “Surely that tale isn’t for a lady’s ears,” Simon hissed.

     Christian flushed, his eyes widening. “I only–”

     “But I enjoy hearing things not meant for my delicate ears,” Miss Craddock-Hayes said softly.  Her gaze challenged him until he could almost hear her seductive siren’s call:  Tell me. Tell me.  Tell me who you truly are.  “Will you not let Mr. Fletcher continue?”

     But the protective papa stirred, saving him from further folly.  “I think not, poppet.  Leave the poor fellow be.”

     His angel flushed, but her gaze did not waver, and Simon knew if he stayed here much longer, he would drown in those topaz eyes and bless the gods for his fortune even as he went down for the third time.

Holy crap.  I could read that scene over and over.  Especially now, knowing why he’s so tortured and, trust me, he’s legitimately tortured due to some really horrendous events and rumors.  I especially love that last sentence.  The book is chockablock with passages like that.  Hoyt really outdid herself with TSP.

Simon is urbane, smooth, sophisticated, vulnerable, tortured, and driven by devils of his own making.  He’s such a complex character that he’s perfectly paired with Lucy.  Lucy is Simon’s opposite when it comes to the negative side of his nature.   She’s intelligent, centered, calm, and pragmatic.  Everything he needs to find and keep his soul again.

The ending made me cry, smile, cry again, sigh, smile some more, and sigh again.  I loved this book.  I might even have to read it again and I NEVER read books twice in a row.  Just ask Syb.  But the writing was just so damn good.

Do not miss this book!  This and the other two Prince books, The Raven Prince and The Leopard Prince, are loosely related to each other thru some common chracters, but they’re all three standalone books.  And TSP is the best of the lot.  Best writing.  Most truly drawn characters who stay true to their motivation throughout the book. If you follow the earlier link to the TGTBTU posts, there’s an old post from Hoyt explaining the fairytale Prince theme – it was the perfect touch in this book.

Damn.  I’m gushing again.

Grade: A+

From the back cover:

     WHEN THE DEVIL MEETS AN ANGEL
     Country bred Lucy Craddock-Hayes is content with her quiet life. Until the day she trips over an unconscious man-a naked unconscious an-and loses her innocence forever.

     HE CAN TAKE HER TO HEAVEN
     Viscount Simon Iddesleigh was nearly beaten to death by his enemies. Now he’s hell-bent on vengeance. But as Lucy nurses him back to health, her honesty startles his jaded sensibilities-even as it ignites a desire that threatens to consume them both.

     OR TO HELL
     Charmed by Simon’s sly wit, urbane manners, and even his red-heeled shoes, Lucy falls hard and fast for him. Yet as his honor keeps him from ravishing her, his revenge sends his attackers to her door. As Simon wages war on his foes, Lucy wages her own war for his soul using the only weapon she has-her love…

     Read an excerpt.

Favorite author, Maureen McKade, wants TGTBTU’s readers to have this second of two excerpts for the new entry in her new Forrester Brothers Trilogy, A Reason to Sin.  Read on… 

Excerpt from A REASON TO SIN by Maureen McKade…

“That’s it. I’m out.” The cattleman tossed his cards into the middle of the table and shoved back his chair.

The other two men shook their heads, finished their beer and ambled out of the saloon.

Alone, Slater shrugged and gathered the deck in his skilled hands. The pile of coins in front of him didn’t add up to much, but for a Friday evening, it wasn’t bad. Rubbing his nose against the stench of tobacco smoke, Slater glanced over at the cleared area that served as a dance floor. The saloon gals were being swung around by men with more enthusiasm than skill. However, the girls didn’t seem to mind. He figured it was a lot like dealing cards in that it was simply a job.

His gaze strayed to the piano where Simon’s fingers flew across the keys. Somewhat hidden beside the piano Miss Glory watched just as she’d done most of the evening. A couple of men had asked her to dance earlier but she’d smiled and shaken her head. Fortunately, the men didn’t press the issue. Dante’s efficiency with the sawed-off shotgun behind the bar was well-known.

With no players in sight and his mouth dry, Slater sauntered up to the bar. Dante brought him a cup of coffee without prompting.

“Thanks.” Slater took a sip. “Quiet night.”

“Everyone is preparing for tomorrow night’s debauchery,” Dante said.

Slater smiled crookedly, appreciating the diminutive man’s wit. “How’s Miss Glory doing?”

Dante glanced over at her and smiled. “She and Simon are getting along splendidly. And I believe she passed her first test.”

“Yeah, I noticed she was wearing Georgia’s usual dress. I expected a cat fight.”

Dante’s smile faded. “Miss Glory’s not your characteristic daughter of joy.”

“If you’re trying to tell me she isn’t a whore, I’m withholding judgment.”

He eyed Slater closely. “You’re a cynical man, Slater Forrester.”

“I’ve been called worse.”

Dante’s gaze softened. “Yes, I suppose you have.”

The bartender’s comment sounded too much like pity and Slater’s irritation made him curt. “Think she’ll work out?”

Dante accepted the change of subject gracefully. “I don’t believe she has any other options.”

Most of the women who worked in places like the Scarlet Garter did so because they didn’t have a choice. However, Slater had known a few who preferred that type of life rather than being bound by society’s stringent rules or dominated by a husband. He couldn’t blame them. He, too, preferred to remain free.

Miss Glory glided away from the piano and joined them but she kept her gaze on the bartender. “Could I please have a special, Dante?” she asked, her cultured voice both annoying and alluring.

“One special coming right up, Miss Glory.”

She accepted the weak tea with a tired smile. “Thank you.”

With a flourish, Dante bowed at the waist but was called to the end of the bar, leaving Slater alone with Glory. He deliberately stared at her but she continued to ignore him. However, the pulse in her slender neck betrayed her awareness of his scrutiny.

Slater waited with the patience he’d been forced to learn. Finally he was rewarded and she turned toward him, her eyes flashing.

“Is it me or my breasts that you find so fascinating?” A charming red flush covered her face and spread down her neck and chest.

Slater’s gaze lingered on her breasts, wondering if the rosiness colored them, too. He raised his head and smiled lazily. “Both.”

Although her blush deepened to scarlet, she didn’t look away. “Look all you want. Why should you be any different than the rest of them?” She waved an arm, encompassing the saloon’s occupants.

For some reason it bothered Slater that she thought he was no better than the men who were so starved for female company that they bought overpriced drinks to dance with them. “Is that what you think?”

She propped a hand on a deliciously rounded hip. “What else should I think?”

He kept his features bland even as his blood heated. Although he made it a rule not to bed the women he worked with, he was tempted to make an exception with Glory. “I don’t need to buy time with a lady.”

“You have an inflated opinion of yourself.”

“Maybe I deserve it.”

Her lips twitched. “You obviously think so.”

Slater took a sip of coffee to hide his unexpected amusement. “What about you? Are you too good to be dancing with them?”

Melancholy seized her features and he saw the effort it took her to force a laugh. “Not anymore, Mr. Forrester.”

Her bitter reply made him study her, this time without any preconceptions. Even if Dante was right in his assessment of her, Miss Glory had chosen to work in this place. However, his conscience reminded him that often times a person didn’t have a choice in this life.

Andrew strolled out of the back office and came to stand beside Glory. “Have you and Simon worked out some songs?”

“After they worked out their differences,” Slater remarked.

Glory shot him a glare. Andrew, confused by their byplay, arched a brow at Slater. However, Slater merely shrugged a shoulder. If Glory couldn’t work with Simon, Andrew would know soon enough.

“Simon and I have picked out some songs. He said we could practice tomorrow morning,” Glory answered Andrew. “Is that all right with you, Mr. Kearny?”

Slater gnashed his teeth. With Andrew her voice was honey sweet, but with him she buzzed like an angry bee.

“That would be fine, Glory.” He rubbed his brow.

“Have you been working on the accounts again?” Slater asked.

Andrew nodded wryly. “When I started this place, I never expected to spend most of my time in the back with those damned books.”

“I might be able to help you,” Glory said.

Andrew chuckled. “This isn’t simple addition and subtraction.”

Glory’s eyes narrowed. “I realize that. I’ve worked on account books.”

“Where was that?” Andrew asked.

Curious in spite of himself, Slater wanted to hear her answer, too.

Her gaze skittered away. “St. Louis.”

“Is there someone I can contact who can give me a reference for your work?” Andrew asked.

Glory shook her head too quickly. “No. Please forget that I even mentioned it.”

Slater wanted to push her, but Andrew was more sympathetic. “Perhaps I’ll take you up on your offer one of these days,” the older man said. “Why don’t you get some sleep, Glory? It’s already midnight and if you plan to practice in the morning, you need your rest.”

“Thank you,” she said in obvious relief. “It’s been a long day.”

“They’ll get longer,” Slater said.

She flashed him an irritated look then took Andrew’s suggestion and climbed the stairs to retire for the night. As he watched the gentle sway of her backside, he noticed Andrew, too, was eyeing the new girl.

“Do you think she really knows how to keep accounting books?” Slater asked. An illogical sense of possessiveness wanted Andrew’s attention diverted from Glory’s figure.

Andrew drew his gaze away from her but did so reluctantly. “It’s possible. She’s definitely had an education.”

“Because she talks fancy?”

Andrew chuckled. “We both know a whore can learn how to talk like a lady. No, I knew Glory was the real thing when she first came in here looking for some fellah named Colfax.”

Slater turned Andrew’s words over in his head. “It could have been her intended who left her at the altar.”

“She didn’t say and I didn’t ask. I figured it was her business.”

“So why’d she decide to get a job here if she’s trying to find this Colfax?”

“I got the impression she was low on funds.”

“Like all of ‘em.”

Andrew turned to face Slater and rested his forearm on the bar. “Do you have something against Glory? You’re usually more sympathetic to the women.”

Outwardly, Slater remained dispassionate but inside, an unaccustomed uncertainty seethed. “Maybe I just can’t stomach a woman who feels that anyone working in an establishment like this is below her station.”

“Has she given anyone problems?”

Slater thought of her reaction to Simon, but he couldn’t honestly say she’d treated him badly. Not after he gave her her options. He shook his head. “Not that I know of. Did you notice what she was wearing?”

Andrew thought for a moment then chuckled. “I’m surprised Georgia didn’t make a scene.”

Slater grinned. “Oh, she did, but Simon stopped her before it got bad.”

“How’d Glory handle it?”

Slater shrugged. “I saw her say something to Cassie afterward. Cassie didn’t like whatever she said.”

“I’m staying out of the middle. Cassie knows her job and Glory has a lot to learn. But Glory’s smart and she’s got spirit. She’ll do all right.”

Slater lifted his coffee cup but before taking a drink, he silently toasted Miss Glory.

#

The moment the door closed behind her, Rebecca tore off the indecent blue dress and threw it on her bed. Georgia could have the blamed thing with her blessing. Even if all the other dresses were just as short and just as plunging in the front, Rebecca would choose one with a more subdued color, something that would be less noticeable.

She tugged on her wrapper and belted it around her waist then removed her red garter, stockings and shoes. Using the cool basin water, she washed the paint from her face. She brushed her hair and by the hundredth stroke, the tobacco taint had faded to a slight irritant.

She pressed her ear to the door but didn’t hear anyone in the hallway and slipped out to return the blue dress to its former hook. Back in her own tiny room, Rebecca allowed herself to sink into the only chair. She pulled her bare feet up and wrapped her arms around her drawn-up legs. Propping her chin on her knees, she gazed unseeingly at the thin shade over her lone window.

The events of the evening whirled through her thoughts. She’d walked through a den of iniquity wearing a harlot’s costume while men ogled her legs and chest. She’d talked with a man of color and apologized to a Negro woman. In the world where she was raised, there were firm, but invisible, lines drawn between whites and Negroes. She’d never questioned them. Until tonight.

She’d also asked a man if he liked looking at her breasts. Dear God, what had ever possessed her to ask such a question? Merely thinking about it she burned with mortification. Yet Slater Forrester seemed to bring out the worst in her. Those cool blue eyes and dark-winged brows could almost make her believe he was the devil incarnate. Of course, that would explain why she felt so off-balance around him.

The fact that Benjamin was a gambler, too, might have some bearing on her mixed emotions. She’d observed Forrester throughout the evening and couldn’t help but compare the two men. Although she’d never seen Benjamin play poker, he’d practiced in their home, and both he and Forrester were as slick as grease with a deck of cards. Even their expressions, pleasant but giving away nothing, were similar. However, Benjamin was blonde and hazel-eyed with a slender frame. Forrester’s wider shoulders and more muscular body told Rebecca he wasn’t unaccustomed to physical labor. Oddly enough, that softened her opinion of the dealer. Despite his wealth, Rebecca’s father had never scorned physical labor like so many of his social class.

Rebecca closed her eyes and pictured her mother and father, laughing and dancing to the tune of a music box in the parlor. That they loved one another was obvious in every look and every touch they exchanged. She’d even caught them kissing on occasion and although she’d been embarrassed, it had also opened a yearning deep inside her.

When she met Benjamin, she believed she’d found what her parents had shared. Over a year later, Rebecca knew the difference between infatuation and love, and she was still paying for her hard-learned education.

However, she had no choice. She had to find Benjamin and tell him about Daniel. Surely a father would want to raise his son. She clung to that belief for without it, she had nothing left.

Sandy M’s review of Anchor and Storm by Kate Poole
Historical erotic romance released by Ellora’s Cave on 4 April 07

Laughter, romance, tears, tenderness, and a little eroticism and you have yourself one comletely satisfying book. I’m so glad I found this jewel of an ebook.

First we have a December-May romance that begins in friendship when Edgar rescues Emily from the clutches of his utterly disgusting, money-grubbing nephew. Edgar invites her along on his multi-country journey, hoping for more than friendship but giving her the choice of taking things further. Emily readily agrees to this proposal, the only way she has to leave her current situation behind now that her role as governess is at an end. There are feelings between these two characters that start out sweet and simple, enjoying one another’s company, and it turns into love when they get to know one another during their travels.

Edgar had worried unnecessarily that his disability, his crooked and diseased legs, would make Emily flee.  She loves the man, she’s not repelled by his injuries nor does she love him for his title and his money. She always thought she’d never have the family she’d longed for after losing her home in the Highlands to war, so this is like a dream come true for her. It’s a beautiful relationship that develops for these two lonely people who have come to expect nothing more out of life.

Their happiness is marred when they learn that Edgar’s disease can be passed down to his children as his grandfather and father passed it on to theirs. He needs an heir, though, to keep his estate out of the hands of his nephew who will only destroy whatever he gets his hands on.  A nephew who will also try to keep Emily under his thumb to abuse her as he tried to do before. So Edgar proposes his plan to his wife, hoping she will agree. However, Emily wants nothing to do with his plan. She loves her husband and doesn’t to wish to lie with another.  When Edgar reminds her of what can happen, she reluctantly chooses Angus MacNeill, a former Highland laird now indentured to Edgar, as a surrogate.

Next we have Emily and Angus who have finally come to an unsteady truce after their initial rocky meeting.  Angus realizes Emily really does love Edgar and didn’t marry him for his money.  However, it takes time to to come to grips with the offer made to him by this couple desperate for a child. Loving Emily as he does, Angus finally agrees because he knows it’s the only way he’ll have her. The play between Emily and Angus is quite well done, especially when you expect them to be allies because they come from the same place and are both affected by the outcome of Culloden.  Their relationship is even more interesting when their love for each other comes at different times in different ways.

There is so much emotion in this book: Angus’ respect for his master, his anger at what happened to his people, and his love for Emily; Emily’s love for the two men, her crushed spirit at the beginning; Edgar’s willingness to share his love for his wife with another man to keep her safe; and even the respect and friendship between the two men is shown in such a beautiful way. I actually cried at not only the sacrificies of these characters, but also at their ability to love wholeheartedly; and I cried at the end, an ending that shoots straight through to your heart. I also like the fact that this book is not full of erotic scenes left and right. There is just enough to add spice and show love, but it doesn’t overwhelm you like a lot of ebooks. The menage scenes are just as well done, especially after the incredulity and then acceptance of the idea. This book is so perfectly balanced with every element the author chose to use, even the villainous nephew and his wife are used just the right amount.

Gwen reviewed this book almost a year ago. We each have the same problem with the book. It’s much too short.

Grade: A

Here’s the book blurb:

     Edgar Armstrong, Earl of Callander, had not given much thought to marrying and producing an heir – until he meets Emily Sinclair. When their easy companionship grows into love, they learn that Edgar’s progressively debilitating disease could be passed on to his children. As their joy turns to despair Edgar finds a solution. If he can’t get her with child he knows just the man who can. But will Emily agree to his plan?

     Angus MacNeill, Lord Callander’s groom, thinks Emily married Edgar for his title, his money and the security he can give her. And when Edgar approaches him with a very unusual request Angus questions his master’s motives. Still, it doesn’t stop him from accepting Callander’s terms – it’s the only way he can be with Emily, even if only until she conceives.

     Deeply in love with Edgar, Emily will do anything he asks of her. But she never suspected he’d ask something like this! Despite Edgar’s reassurances she worries that his plan could destroy their marriage rather than strengthen it. And when she makes her choice, Emily wonders if there’s room enough for two men in her heart - and in her bed.

     Read an excerpt.

TGTBTU friend and one of our favorite authors, Maureen McKade, had pity on our poor readers and has given us not just one but TWO, count ‘em, two! excerpts of her new Forrester Brothers Trilogy book, A Reason to Sin.  Read on for excerpt one of two…

Excerpt from A REASON TO SIN Maureen McKade…

Rebecca threw open the single window in room number three and although the late afternoon air was cool, it was infinitely better than the mustiness that permeated the enclosed area. She sniffed, already noticing a difference in the moving current. Even as a child she’d never been able to abide stale air and would crack her window open at night after her parents had kissed her goodnight.

Tears burned her eyes, as abrupt as the invasion of the bittersweet memory. How she’d fallen these past two years, from a canopied bed with frills and ruffles in an elegant home to a single mattress with coarse bedclothes above a saloon. Of course, that loss was inconsequential to losing her mother and father in one cruel instant. She drew out of the past, afraid to tarry long or she might lose what will she’d been forced to gain this past year.

She removed her bonnet and coat, and draped them on a wall hook. Crossing her arms, she inspected her new home and was pleasantly surprised to find it clean and cozy, better than many of the boarding houses and hotels she’d stayed in on her journey.

Someone knocked on the door and she cracked it open. The woman’s bright red dress caught her eye immediately and she reacted with a downturn of her lips. However, the realization that she was now one of them softened her mouth. And her condemnation.

She swung open the door and greeted her visitor in her best hostess voice. “Hello.”

The dark-haired woman’s gaze swept Rebecca’s figure, making her feel like a mare on the auction block. “So you’re the new girl.” She sallied into the room, forcing Rebecca to step back.

She closed the door and faced the painted woman, noticing the wrinkles at the corners of her eyes and the creases beside her mouth. However, she suspected the woman was only a few years older than her own twenty-two. “Miss Glory Bowen,” Rebecca said. “And you are?”

“Cassie. We don’t go by long fancy names around here,” she said, her scorn obvious. “I’m in charge of the girls here at the Garter.” She lifted her chin as if expecting Rebecca to challenge her sovereignty.

Both annoyed and uneasy in the woman’s company, Rebecca realized she couldn’t afford to get on her bad side and forced a smile. “It’s nice to meet you, Cassie. I was hoping someone would stop by so I could ask some questions.”

Cassie shrugged as if she didn’t care one way or other what Rebecca hoped. “Andrew said you might need some help.” She snorted. “He didn’t say anything about you being a school-maid.”

Rebecca bristled at the description. “And he didn’t say anything about you at all.”

Cassie’s flinch turned to a scowl. “He’s a busy man.” She glanced around then went to the window and slammed it shut. Placing a foot on Rebecca’s bed, the woman raised the hem of her knee-length dress.

Rebecca tensed, suddenly aware she was ignorant in this world of saloons and easy pleasures. However, Cassie only withdrew a cheroot from her garter and placed it between her red lips. Shocked, Rebecca watched her lean over to light it with the lamp’s flame then exhale a long stream of smoke.

“Never seen a woman smoke, have you?” Cassie asked, leaning back against the window frame.

Cassie’s amused tone swept aside Rebecca’s distaste and she met her mocking eyes. “As a matter of fact, I have.” She didn’t add that it had been a newspaper picture of an infamous madam in St. Louis.

Cassie studied her a moment. “You said you had some questions.”

Regaining her composure, Rebecca nodded. “Mr. Kearny said there would be dresses to wear. Can you tell me where I can find them?”

“At the end of the hall there’s a room without a number. It’s got dresses and some other things you might be needing. You take what you want and return it to the room when you’re done.”

“So everyone wears the same dresses?” Although the idea appalled her, she was in no position to criticize.

“Every Sunday all the dresses are taken to the Chinese laundry and last week’s brought back.”

At least they were washed once a week.

“What time do we start, uh, working in the evenings?”

“‘Bout three on Saturdays and Sundays. Five the other days. If you want to make some extra money by selling yourself you can go down earlier. At night you work until there aren’t any more men to dance or they’re all too drunk to stand up.”

Rebecca reeled. “What of days off?”

Cassie held her cheroot between two fingers and laughed scornfully. “You need a day off, you ask me. I ask Andrew.” Her expression turned more thoughtful, less cynical. “Lucky for us, he’s not crazy or mean like a lot of ‘em.”

A shiver slid down Rebecca’s spine. What had she gotten herself into?

“Look, I don’t know why you want to work here, but I do know you ain’t got a chance if you’re going to act all prissy like some snooty-nosed lady.” Cassie paused and added with more understanding than Rebecca expected. “This is your life now, Glory, and you’d best get used to it.”

Her matter-of-fact tone strengthened Rebecca’s flagging resolve. “You’re right. I’m sorry. It’s just all so different.”

Cassie’s time-hardened expression lost some of its cynicism. “You’ll get used to it soon enough. Let’s go to the dress room and I’ll pick you out something to wear. When it’s time to go downstairs later, I’ll walk with you.”

Panic clawed at Rebecca’s chest. “Mr. Kearny said I’d start tomorrow night.”

Cassie shrugged. “That’s fine, but I though you might want to spend an evening watching to see how it’s done.”

In spite of Rebecca’s plan to stay in her room that night, the woman’s suggestion made sense. “That might be a good idea.”

Cassie’s smile was almost friendly. “Let’s find you a dress before the best ones are taken.”

Rebecca followed Cassie down the hall, aware of the contrast between them. Cassie with her shockingly short red dress and she with her proper drab-colored dress. Yet Rebecca was about to become Miss Glory, a woman with more similarities than differences to Cassie.

The older woman, still smoking her cheroot, opened the door at the end of the hall and allowed Rebecca to precede her in. A variety of colors hanging from hooks on the walls caught her eye and she stared in consternation at the dresses with far too little material around the bosom and hem.

Cassie critically studied Rebecca for a moment then retrieved a sky blue dress with yellow piping along the hem and neckline. She held it up against her. “This should fit and the color will look good with your hair and eyes. Try it on.”

“Now?” Rebecca squeaked.

“You afraid someone might see your fancy drawers?” She snorted. “There ain’t nobody here at the Scarlet Garter who ain’t seen a woman’s legs.” She winked. “And more.”

Her face flaming yet again, Rebecca removed her dress and petticoats. She pulled the blue dress on over her head and tugged it down as far as she could without pulling it off her breasts. The hem came to a couple inches below the knees, longer than Cassie’s, but it still revealed her ankles and most of her calves.

Cassie fussed with her neckline, drawing it this way and that until she was satisfied. Rebecca glanced down to see fleshy slopes leading to the shadowed crevasse between her breasts and nipples straining to pop out. She flattened her palms over her exposed chest. “I can’t wear this.”

Cassie merely took a last puff of her cheroot and ground the end out on the window sill. “You’ll wear it or you’re back on the street. Your choice, Glory.”

For the first time, Rebecca truly understood the ramifications of her decision to work at the Scarlet Garter. Hadn’t she told herself it didn’t matter what she had to do, that she would do it without question? There was someone more important than her reputation and even her life.

Squaring her shoulders, she nodded brusquely. “What time should we go down?”

“Quarter of five.”

Rebecca’s stomach growled, reminding her she’d eaten only a piece of bread for breakfast and nothing for dinner. “What about meals?”

“Tent next door serves dinner and supper. Tell them you work here and they’ll put your meals on Mr. Kearny’s bill, just like the rest of us.” Cassie opened a drawer of a scarred dresser and pulled out a red garter. She handed it to Rebecca. “If it breaks, don’t worry. Mr. Kearny always makes sure we got enough. You got black stockings and fancy shoes?”

Rebecca nodded.

“Make sure your shoes fit good or you ain’t going to be working long,” Cassie advised. “Go on back to your room for now. Any time you want supper, go ahead and eat. But be ready to go downstairs when I come get you.”

As Cassie brushed past her, Rebecca touched her arm, halting her. “Thank you.”

Cassie squeezed her cool hand then quickly released it and hurried out as if she were embarrassed by her action.

Her head swirling with too much information, Rebecca grabbed her discarded dress and petticoats and hastened down the hall to her room. It stank of cheroot smoke and she threw open the window. In a flurry of motion, she removed the blue dress and replaced it with her staid one, yet it did little to calm her nerves.

Digging into her carpetbag, she pulled out a tiny swatch of white material. She pressed the pristine christening gown to her cheek and sank to the floor by the window.

I’m coming back to get you, Daniel. I promise.

#

Too embarrassed to wear her working dress to the dining tent next door, Rebecca went to eat supper soon after Cassie had left. The other women in the tent were attired in clothing more suited for saloons and brothels than dining. Rebecca felt their curious gazes on her, but couldn’t meet their eyes. Although starving earlier, she could barely force down the venison and potatoes that were surprisingly tasty. When she was done, she scurried back to her room.

Keeping her mind blank, she dressed in her new “uniform” and brushed her hair then gathered it into a bun at the back of her neck. Looking in the small mirror at her face, Rebecca could almost convince herself that she remained respectable. However, one glance downward disposed of that notion. Once she descended the stairs, her fate was cast. No more afternoon soirees with the crème de la crème of society; no more waltzing in a ballroom beneath shimmering chandeliers; no more hat tips from gentlemen.

Her lower lip trembled and she caught it between her teeth. What did any of those gentilities mean if she broke her promise? Besides, she was already ruined in the eyes of her former acquaintances.

A rap on her door dispelled her bitter memories and she opened the door to Cassie, still dressed in her red gown.

“I thought I told you to be ready when I came,” Cassie said.

Rebecca lifted her outspread arms. “I’m ready.”

Cassie shook her head in disgust, spun Rebecca around and plucked the pins from her hair. The long, silky waves spilled across Rebecca’s shoulders and down her back. Before she could object, Rebecca found herself being tugged by her wrist down the hall. Cassie ushered her into a room much like Rebecca’s, but heavy with cheroot smoke and perfume. Underclothing was thrown across the dresser and bed.

Cassie pressed her down on the unmade bed. “Sit. You need color in your face.”

Horrified, but recognizing Cassie’s expertise, Rebecca nodded numbly. Keeping her spine stiff, she closed her eyes. Soft bristles brushed against her cheeks then rouge was painted on her lips.

“Done,” Cassie said.

Rebecca opened her eyes and Cassie led her to the dresser’s mirror. The woman who stared back at Rebecca had familiar golden-brown eyes but everything else bespoke a stranger–the loose flowing hair, pink cheeks and sinfully full red lips.

“What do you think?” Cassie asked.

I don’t know who I am.

“I’m, uh, different.”

Cassie shrugged. “You’re Miss Glory.”

Hearing the name she’d chosen to use, Rebecca nodded at her reflection. No longer was she the daughter of the St. Louis Bowens. “Yes, I am.”

She followed Cassie down the front stairs, the ones leading into the saloon. Unaccustomed to cool air eddying around her exposed calves, Rebecca shivered and the tips of her breasts hardened. She was afraid to look down, afraid to see the stark outline of her nipples beneath the blue material.

Kearny met them at the bottom of the steps and Rebecca kept her gaze on him, although she was aware of the leers directed her way.

Her employer’s gaze swept across her, pausing on her chest. “You’re a vision of beauty, Miss Glory,” he said gallantly.

Despite the heat that blossomed in her cheeks, she met his gaze. “Thank you, Mr. Kearny.” She lowered her voice. “Thank you for giving me a chance.”

Kearny shrugged. “If you do half as well as I think you will, I’ll be the one thanking you.”

Listening to Kearny’s cultured drawl, Rebecca could almost imagine she was in a drawing room in St. Louis. But the gruff laughter and smell of sawdust and stale alcohol dispelled the image.

“You want me to take her around, Mr. Kearny?” Cassie asked.

He shook his head. “I’ll do it.”

Kearny threaded her hand through the crook of his arm and Rebecca felt a wave of déjà vu of her former life. However, as he introduced her to some of the customers, the reality of her position mocked those memories. As the men made a show of touching the brim of their hats, their gazes latched onto her chest and she had the urge to wave her hands and shout, “I’m up here.” But other than their impolite ogling, she found them to be unlike the groping rabble she’d expected and some of the tension eased from her muscles.

However, she felt a prickle of unease as Kearny led her to a table in the far corner. She recognized the same man who’d been shuffling cards earlier that day when she’d come looking for a job. She watched his well-formed hands and agile fingers manipulate the cards with amazing dexterity. A fleeting memory of Benjamin doing the same flickered through her mind.

“Miss Glory Bowen, Mr. Slater Forrester,” Kearny said by way of introduction.

His motions unhurried, Forrester gathered the cards and lifted his head. Extraordinary blue eyes and hair the color of a raven’s wing made Rebecca’s breath catch in her throat. She’d met her share of handsome men, but not even Benjamin had made her feel as if her corset was too tight.

“Miss Glory,” he said with a lazy drawl.

“Slater is one of the house dealers. That means–”

“He works for the gambling establishment and the largest percentage of his winnings are the property of the establishment,” Rebecca finished.

“That’s correct,” Kearny said, obviously surprised by her knowledge.

She glanced down, wishing she’d kept silent.

“You’ve worked in a gambling establishment,” Forrester said, his expression giving away nothing of his thoughts.

“No,” she replied but didn’t offer an explanation.

She was relieved when Kearny smoothed over the awkward silence. “Miss Glory will be singing a few nights a week.”

“Can you sing?” Forrester asked.

“Slater,” Kearny reprimanded.

He shrugged indifferently.

Rebecca started to cross her arms but realized it would only maximize her cleavage. She settled on a glare at the dealer. “You can be the judge tomorrow night.”

Forrester inclined his head. “I’ll do that.”

Kearny withdrew his timepiece from his vest pocket and glanced at it. “Slater, would you mind introducing Miss Glory to Simon? I’m expecting a wagonload of supplies any time now.”

Rebecca didn’t miss the annoyance flash across Forrester’s face and opened her mouth to tell him she could introduce herself. But Forrester spoke up first.

“It’d be my pleasure,” he said to Kearny but his eyes were on her.

“Thanks.” Kearny turned to Rebecca. “He’ll take care of you.”

Rebecca gritted her teeth, holding back her retort, as Kearny traversed the saloon to disappear into the back.

Forrester rose, smoothed a hand over his tailored suit, and held out his arm. He gazed at her, and she noted that his gaze remained on her face and didn’t dip down to her chest. Oddly reassured, she linked her arm with his and rested her fingers on his firm forearm. The smell of soap and the faint aroma of peppermint, scents much more palatable than what permeated the saloon, wafted from him.

As they neared the piano, the player stood and turned around. Rebecca had to tip back her head to see his face but it wasn’t his size that appalled her. It was his color. He was a Negro.

Growing up in St. Louis, she had seen her share of slaves but had little to do with them. Her parents didn’t own any, but nor did they speak out against the practice of slavery.

“Miss Glory Bowen, I’d like you to meet Simon Richards. Simon, this is the singer Andrew hired,” Forrester said.

Simon smiled broadly and his brown eyes twinkled with pleasure behind his round spectacles. “Please to meet ya, Miss Glory.”

Rebecca clamped down on her outrage and managed a brittle smile. “Mr. Richards.”

“Call me Simon. Ev’rybody does.”

“Of course.”

Frowning, Forrester said, “I believe Miss Glory needs a drink before discussing a selection of songs.” He led her to the bar where Dante was working. “Bring Miss Glory a special.”

Rebecca drew away from him. “I don’t want a drink.”

“You’ll have one any way.” Forrester’s eyes glittered with anger.

As she glowered at the gambler, Dante returned with a shot glass filled with amber liquid.

“Drink it,” Forrester ordered her.

Rebecca debated defying him, but the furious glint in his eyes stopped her. Bracing for the harsh burn of liquor, she was startled to find it was cold weak tea. She set the empty glass on the bar but didn’t meet Forrester’s gaze.

“What was that about?” Forrester demanded in a hushed voice.

Rebecca didn’t pretend to misunderstand him. “He’s a Negro.”

“He’s a free man. And if you want to work here, you’ll give Simon the same consideration you give Mr. Kearny and everyone else in this saloon.”

“Including you?”

Forrester leaned close and his peppermint breath washed across her. “Yes.”

“You’re not my boss.”

Abruptly, Forrester smiled, but the expression was grim and forbidding. “No, but Andrew and I have known each other a long time.”

Her thoughts raced, with long-held beliefs, her reaction to Simon, and Forrester’s threat. If what he said was true, she couldn’t afford to antagonize him. “I’ve never talked to a black person,” she admitted.

“Other than their skin color, there’s no difference between them and us.” Forrester paused. “If you can’t get past your narrow-mindedness, you need to find a job elsewhere.”

Rebecca quaked inwardly. It had taken every ounce of will she possessed to get this job. Besides, the other saloons she’d seen while searching for Benjamin were far less clean and their clientele coarser.

“It’s your decision, Miss Glory,” Forrester said.

And with that, the gambler strode away. She watched him in the mirror as he returned to his table and picked up his cards. If she hadn’t known how angry he was, she wouldn’t have guessed from the bland expression he now held.

“Another?” Dante asked, holding up a bottle labeled champagne.

“No, thank you.”

Dante shrugged and set the bottle aside. He picked up a towel and wiped the bartop. “Slater is correct.”

Rebecca’s head recognized the truth of Dante’s words, but she couldn’t change the way she felt. “Where I grew up, Negroes were not recognized as equals.”

“Eastern Missouri.”

“How did you know?”

Gentle understanding filled Dante’s expression. “Your accent, my dear. It’s charming, but indicative of your origins.”

Disturbed by his perceptiveness, Rebecca asked sarcastically, “And what else do you know about me?”

Dante didn’t seem bothered by her tone. “You were raised in relative wealth and received the finest education, wrought with upper class ideals and mores. However, because of some folly on your part you lost both your wealth and your family, which brought you here, to the Scarlet Garter.”

Rebecca looked away as her eyes burned and she blinked rapidly so tears wouldn’t form. “You’re half right, Dante,” she said hoarsely. She took a deep breath and turned her head to gaze at Simon. Could she work with him?

“‘No passion so effectually robs the mind of all its powers of acting and reasoning as fear,’” Dante quoted.

Rebecca searched her memory. “Edmund Burke.”

Dante smiled, pleased. “It’s a gift to have an educated person such as yourself grace our presence.”

Rebecca couldn’t help but laugh at his overstated gallantry and some of the ice in her stomach thawed. She considered Dante’s borrowed words. Was she afraid of Simon? Is that why she acted so horribly toward him?

Impulsively, she clasped the bartender’s small hand and squeezed it. “Thank you, Dante.”

Taking a deep, steadying breath, but not so deep as to expel her breasts from her dress, Rebecca rejoined Simon who sat by the piano, sheets of music in his large hands. She looked over his exceedingly broad shoulders and recognized the top sheet. “‘No Home, No Home.’ That seems appropriate to start with,” she said.

Simon turned to give her a puzzled look. “Miss Glory?”

She forced herself to pat his shoulder and found the contact wasn’t nearly as frightening as she expected. A genuine smile lifted her lips. “Someday I’ll tell you a story, but for now, we have a repertoire to arrange.”

#

If Simon suspected Rebecca’s discomfort around him, he didn’t show it. He treated her with courtesy and friendliness as he spoke in a rich baritone that she found soothing to listen to.

“Do you sing, Simon?” she asked curiously.

He chuckled, a deep rumbling sound. “No, ma’am. I tried one time but even the chickens squawked.”

Rebecca laughed. “Whoever said chickens have an ear for music?”

“They was right, ma’am. I can’t hold a tune at’ll, but I can make this piano sing.” He ran a big hand across the wood, his affection for the instrument obvious.

“Hopefully, between the two of us, we can keep the chickens from squawking too much.” Rebecca shuffled through the music they’d chosen. “Mr. Kearny wants me to start singing tomorrow night. Would you be able to practice with me tomorrow, before the saloon gets busy?”

“Tomorrow’s Saturday so men’ll be coming in by noon. We’ll have to practice early.”

“What time will the saloon close tonight?”

Simon shook his head. “Depends on how many folks is in here. Sometimes Mr. Kearny locks the doors at midnight, sometimes not ’til three or four in the morning.”

Rebecca’s feet ached just thinking about dancing until the early morning hours. She gnawed her lower lip, tasted the paint, and grimaced. “I hate to ask you to practice after only a few hours of sleep.”

“Don’t you worry about me, Miss Glory. I can get by on three, four hours of sleep.”

“I’m not sure I can,” she murmured then asked more clearly. “How about eight a.m.?”

“I’ll be here,” Simon promised.

The sound of women’s voices caught Rebecca’s attention and she spotted two saloon ladies coming down the stairs. Her face heated as she recognized the one who was being fondled earlier in the day, but the other one surprised her in the same way Simon had.

“She’s got it,” the black-haired woman said and charged toward Rebecca. “You’re wearin’ my dress.”

Rebecca stiffened and glanced down at the clothing in question. “I was under the belief that the dresses were shared by us all.”

The woman’s dark complexion took on a dusky hue. “That’s the one I always wear. Everybody knows that.”

Rebecca noticed Cassie, with a smirk, standing back with the men who were watching the proceedings with eager anticipation. Obviously Cassie had known what would happen when she’d chosen the dress.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t realize.” Rebecca managed the apology in spite of her anger and humiliation.

The woman made a grab for Rebecca and Simon insinuated himself between them.

“Now hold on there, Miss Georgia. Miss Glory’s new here and you ain’t giving her a very nice welcome,” Simon said.

Georgia scowled at the tall Negro. “Don’t you be taking her side, Simon.”

“I ain’t taking anyone’s side. It’s just that Miss Glory didn’t know any better.” He paused. “You was new here once, too.”

Some of Georgia’s wrath faded in the face of Simon’s quiet voice. “I guess it’s all right just this once.” She shook a finger at Rebecca. “Just you remember next time.”

Unable to speak, Rebecca nodded.

Cassie joined them and glanced around meaningfully at the disappointed men who’d been hoping to see a hair-pulling, fingernail-scratching brawl. “Let’s get their minds on drinking and dancing.”

Simon sat down and dived into a lively tune. Georgia and the other lady were jerked into the arms of two men and pulled onto the floor.

Humiliated but knowing she couldn’t back down, Rebecca stepped closer to Cassie to be heard above the piano’s tune. “Did I pass the initiation?” she asked, her voice rife with sarcasm.

“I don’t know what you mean,” Cassie said, her expression saying the opposite.

Rebecca smiled with an edge of warning. “I won’t be scared off.”

Cassie’s feigned ignorance melted away. “I don’t want no simpering lady upsetting the other girls. I want to make sure you got some backbone so you can do your share of work around here.”

Twenty-four hours ago Rebecca would’ve been pushed to tears by Cassie’s callous words, but she’d undergone a transformation in the past twenty-four hours. Miss Glory wasn’t about to sob like a schoolgirl. She lifted her chin. “I’ll do my share and I’ll expect you to treat me just like anybody else who works here.”

“You prove to me tomorrow night you can do your job then I’ll start treating you like the other girls.”

“Fair enough.”

Cassie flounced away, to be caught by a burly man who spun her onto the floor.

Red garters flashed and the women’s high-pitched giggles mixed with low laughter as the men spun the girls around in a dizzying parody of a jig. Tomorrow Rebecca would be among them and although she remained anxious, she also felt a flutter of excitement.

#

“That’s it. I’m out.” The cattleman tossed his cards into the middle of the table and shoved back his chair.

The other two men shook their heads, finished their beer and ambled out of the saloon.

Alone, Slater shrugged and gathered the deck in his skilled hands. The pile of coins in front of him didn’t add up to much, but for a Friday evening, it wasn’t bad. Rubbing his nose against the stench of tobacco smoke, Slater glanced over at the cleared area that served as a dance floor. The saloon gals were being swung around by men with more enthusiasm than skill. However, the girls didn’t seem to mind. He figured it was a lot like dealing cards in that it was simply a job.

His gaze strayed to the piano where Simon’s fingers flew across the keys. Somewhat hidden beside the piano Miss Glory watched just as she’d done most of the evening. A couple of men had asked her to dance earlier but she’d smiled and shaken her head. Fortunately, the men didn’t press the issue. Dante’s efficiency with the sawed-off shotgun behind the bar was well-known.

With no players in sight and his mouth dry, Slater sauntered up to the bar. Dante brought him a cup of coffee without prompting.

“Thanks.” Slater took a sip. “Quiet night.”

“Everyone is preparing for tomorrow night’s debauchery,” Dante said.

Slater smiled crookedly, appreciating the diminutive man’s wit. “How’s Miss Glory doing?”

Dante glanced over at her and smiled. “She and Simon are getting along splendidly. And I believe she passed her first test.”

“Yeah, I noticed she was wearing Georgia’s usual dress. I expected a cat fight.”

Dante’s smile faded. “Miss Glory’s not your characteristic daughter of joy.”

“If you’re trying to tell me she isn’t a whore, I’m withholding judgment.”

He eyed Slater closely. “You’re a cynical man, Slater Forrester.”

“I’ve been called worse.”

Dante’s gaze softened. “Yes, I suppose you have.”

The bartender’s comment sounded too much like pity and Slater’s irritation made him curt. “Think she’ll work out?”

Dante accepted the change of subject gracefully. “I don’t believe she has any other options.”

Most of the women who worked in places like the Scarlet Garter did so because they didn’t have a choice. However, Slater had known a few who preferred that type of life rather than being bound by society’s stringent rules or dominated by a husband. He couldn’t blame them. He, too, preferred to remain free.

Miss Glory glided away from the piano and joined them but she kept her gaze on the bartender. “Could I please have a special, Dante?” she asked, her cultured voice both annoying and alluring.

“One special coming right up, Miss Glory.”

She accepted the weak tea with a tired smile. “Thank you.”

With a flourish, Dante bowed at the waist but was called to the end of the bar, leaving Slater alone with Glory. He deliberately stared at her but she continued to ignore him. However, the pulse in her slender neck betrayed her awareness of his scrutiny.

Slater waited with the patience he’d been forced to learn. Finally he was rewarded and she turned toward him, her eyes flashing.

“Is it me or my breasts that you find so fascinating?” A charming red flush covered her face and spread down her neck and chest.

Slater’s gaze lingered on her breasts, wondering if the rosiness colored them, too. He raised his head and smiled lazily. “Both.”

Although her blush deepened to scarlet, she didn’t look away. “Look all you want. Why should you be any different than the rest of them?” She waved an arm, encompassing the saloon’s occupants.

For some reason it bothered Slater that she thought he was no better than the men who were so starved for female company that they bought overpriced drinks to dance with them. “Is that what you think?”

She propped a hand on a deliciously rounded hip. “What else should I think?”

He kept his features bland even as his blood heated. Although he made it a rule not to bed the women he worked with, he was tempted to make an exception with Glory. “I don’t need to buy time with a lady.”

“You have an inflated opinion of yourself.”

“Maybe I deserve it.”

Her lips twitched. “You obviously think so.”

Slater took a sip of coffee to hide his unexpected amusement. “What about you? Are you too good to be dancing with them?”

Melancholy seized her features and he saw the effort it took her to force a laugh. “Not anymore, Mr. Forrester.”

Her bitter reply made him study her, this time without any preconceptions. Even if Dante was right in his assessment of her, Miss Glory had chosen to work in this place. However, his conscience reminded him that often times a person didn’t have a choice in this life.

Andrew strolled out of the back office and came to stand beside Glory. “Have you and Simon worked out some songs?”

“After they worked out their differences,” Slater remarked.

Glory shot him a glare. Andrew, confused by their byplay, arched a brow at Slater. However, Slater merely shrugged a shoulder. If Glory couldn’t work with Simon, Andrew would know soon enough.

“Simon and I have picked out some songs. He said we could practice tomorrow morning,” Glory answered Andrew. “Is that all right with you, Mr. Kearny?”

Slater gnashed his teeth. With Andrew her voice was honey sweet, but with him she buzzed like an angry bee.

“That would be fine, Glory.” He rubbed his brow.

“Have you been working on the accounts again?” Slater asked.

Andrew nodded wryly. “When I started this place, I never expected to spend most of my time in the back with those damned books.”

“I might be able to help you,” Glory said.

Andrew chuckled. “This isn’t simple addition and subtraction.”

Glory’s eyes narrowed. “I realize that. I’ve worked on account books.”

“Where was that?” Andrew asked.

Curious in spite of himself, Slater wanted to hear her answer, too.

Her gaze skittered away. “St. Louis.”

“Is there someone I can contact who can give me a reference for your work?” Andrew asked.

Glory shook her head too quickly. “No. Please forget that I even mentioned it.”

Slater wanted to push her, but Andrew was more sympathetic. “Perhaps I’ll take you up on your offer one of these days,” the older man said. “Why don’t you get some sleep, Glory? It’s already midnight and if you plan to practice in the morning, you need your rest.”

“Thank you,” she said in obvious relief. “It’s been a long day.”

“They’ll get longer,” Slater said.

She flashed him an irritated look then took Andrew’s suggestion and climbed the stairs to retire for the night. As he watched the gentle sway of her backside, he noticed Andrew, too, was eyeing the new girl.

“Do you think she really knows how to keep accounting books?” Slater asked. An illogical sense of possessiveness wanted Andrew’s attention diverted from Glory’s figure.

Andrew drew his gaze away from her but did so reluctantly. “It’s possible. She’s definitely had an education.”

“Because she talks fancy?”

Andrew chuckled. “We both know a whore can learn how to talk like a lady. No, I knew Glory was the real thing when she first came in here looking for some fellah named Colfax.”

Slater turned Andrew’s words over in his head. “It could have been her intended who left her at the altar.”

“She didn’t say and I didn’t ask. I figured it was her business.”

“So why’d she decide to get a job here if she’s trying to find this Colfax?”

“I got the impression she was low on funds.”

“Like all of ‘em.”

Andrew turned to face Slater and rested his forearm on the bar. “Do you have something against Glory? You’re usually more sympathetic to the women.”

Outwardly, Slater remained dispassionate but inside, an unaccustomed uncertainty seethed. “Maybe I just can’t stomach a woman who feels that anyone working in an establishment like this is below her station.”

“Has she given anyone problems?”

Slater thought of her reaction to Simon, but he couldn’t honestly say she’d treated him badly. Not after he gave her her options. He shook his head. “Not that I know of. Did you notice what she was wearing?”

Andrew thought for a moment then chuckled. “I’m surprised Georgia didn’t make a scene.”

Slater grinned. “Oh, she did, but Simon stopped her before it got bad.”

“How’d Glory handle it?”

Slater shrugged. “I saw her say something to Cassie afterward. Cassie didn’t like whatever she said.”

“I’m staying out of the middle. Cassie knows her job and Glory has a lot to learn. But Glory’s smart and she’s got spirit. She’ll do all right.”

Slater lifted his coffee cup but before taking a drink, he silently toasted Miss Glory.

Sandy M’s review of A Beautiful Surrender by Brenda Williamson
Historical romance print released by Samhain on 27 Nov 07 (ebook release 13 Feb 07)

I nearly surrendered myself and put this book aside, but I slugged along until I finished it.  It never got any better, though. The negativity in this book is overwhelming and even though there are a couple of unfettered scenes here and there, that’s just not enough to save it. Not even close.

The hero rapidly vacillates between insulting the heroine to wanting her naked. This is supposed to be part of his plan to dupe the princess into not fulfilling the stipulations of her father’s will.  But there isn’t enough guilt or remorse from him about those actions when he begins to fall for her. His emotional vacillation happens so often that it loses impact, if there was any to begin with. There’s just no romance between them the way it’s written.

The heroine, of course, gets upset, angry, humiliated, and so on when the hero treats her in such a manner — and she still wants him, she’s still attracted to him. I never once felt the hero was arrogant. He’s just mean and wants what he wants. Even when we find out why he’s doing these things to the princess, that never lessened my feeling about him one whit.

Also, the imagery in this book is just as negative. An example:

He spit a bit of tobacco from his mouth into a potted bush. The conifer dusted in a pretty white powder of snow, now had an ugly brown stain on it.

Please. This is the hero’s action, for heaven’s sake. Couldn’t something with a little more decorum have been used? He’s not masquerading as a dirty rogue; he’s introduced himself as a duke. Even if I look past his attitude and insulting nature, he doesn’t strike me as a person that would do something like this. First, why would he spit tobacco in front of the heroine? Next, why spit it into a potted bush in her castle? This just isn’t his character up to this point. And, lastly, why give us the image of an ugly, dirty stain? Makes absolutely no sense.

The continuity in the book is also lacking. A simple example is when the two characters meet in a receiving line, the hero is close enough to the princess to be whispering his inane dialogue to her, but just a little later it’s stated he never got close enough to her to know how sweet she smelled. In addition, I always had the feeling I was reading a futuristic-set story, not just a straight historical. The names themselves (Volda, Maltar, Alluvia) of the “far-away” lands is the main example of that.

I also never felt a connection between the hero and heroine, at least not one of love. There’s plenty of lust, but there’s never anything really positive between them until the very end where it’s forced because it is the end of the book. Even the relationship between the hero’s sister and the heroine’s brother goes through a negative stage, although it’s not nearly as bad as what’s between the main characters.

Two or three times I found myself thinking, “Oh, that’s not a bad passage,” but there’s no way anything could save this book by that time. The fact that I could be pulled out of the story and think about individual passages doesn’t bode well for any book. So this read gets my very first really, really bad grade. But deservedly so.

Grade: F

Summary:

     She’s a princess desperate for a husband. He’s a duke…or is he?

     With her uncle poised to steal her kingdom, Princess Katerina must marry. Miraculously, a new handsome duke appears on the scene. His sexy charm makes her tingle from head to toe. But can she overlook his arrogance?

     The future of Dax’s country is at stake. Forced to masquerade as a duke to seduce Katerina and prevent her from marrying, he courts the princess with great success. But when someone tries to kill Katerina, his instincts are to protect the passionate lady no matter the cost.

     With Dax’s deception revealed and her life at risk, can Katerina still surrender her heart?

     Read an excerpt.

I have been reminded that not EVERYONE hangs on my every ssqqquuueee and some may have no fucking clue what the hell I was talking about with my post the other day.

To which my response was and this is different from any other day/subject/post how?

I am still waiting for an answer.

It did remind me I have been a very bad bad blogger and must say I am deeply sorry for falling down on the job and not updating this nifty lil time line I had going. So for those of you playing the home game…

Update as of 2/05/09

January, 2009
NEWS from the Lisa Valdez
Honestly I had no clue she had posted cuz if I had I would have already said something. Oh but since she has, I can now… so I guess I will. brb

January 7, 2009
The Mysterious Lisa Valdez and Having Patience
This thread isn’t really news I don’t think, haven’t read through it. I think katiebabs speaks up and states the obvious but other than that nothing new. But it amuses the hell out of me to see the same ol and the could u b satan shit.. along with omg she is nice! Cuz you know she is nice, VERY nice and the next time your boss calls you into his office and you are 10000 late on your project – tell him but SIR I am so nice! – and come back here and tell us how far that gets you. PLEASE I am dying to know. Yes I know, I iz satan.

April 30, 2008
No news is the same news

February 19, 2008
Lisa Valdez Speaks…sort of

February 18, 2008
Could Part of Lisa Valdez’s Hold Up Be her Choice of CPs?? aka sybil was being a smartass but really really really… NOTHING I have said in the past week is anything I haven’t said to Lisa Valdez herself or her editor. Ok well I didn’t ask if her CPs were stoopid because honestly don’t think that is the hold up.

Last updated:
September 23, 2007
I have to admit I have always liked Lisa Valdez. She amuses me as a person and entertains me as an author (so far). But I am the first to admit to being out of patience more than once with Patience. So I completely get that some are beyond the wait.

But I find it so amazingly cool that so many people are still looking for information on her, the book and for a new release date. And I feel a touch guilty because I have no new info up for the people stopping by to look for Lisa Valdez info.

About a week or two ago I connected her editor to see if a date had been set yet that I could post.

Sadly the answer is still no, not yet. The good news is Penguin is committed to publishing Patience and the book is currently on target with its deadlines. Yeah I know, not much huh . I was hoping for a bit more info before I posted but hey something is better than nothing right?

Even though no date was given and it is more than likely we won’t see this until 2008, it is great to hear we are closer and that the project isn’t dead. Or maybe the best part is the editor is still so jazzed about the book. Hopefully there will be more news soon ::crosses fingers::

past posts:
Update April 15, 2007
Lisa Valdez’s Newsletter and Excerpt

Update April 13, 2007
Remember Lisa Valdez?

Patience by Lisa Valdez TBA **Now with Intro & Excerpt**

Updated Nov 12, 2006
cream, sugar or milk…

Update Nov 11, 2006
If you can’t take the heat…

Updated Nov 9, 2006
Just a Little Patience (guest post: Lisa Valdez)

Running out of patience

first posted 2/25/06
Lisa Valdez has a new website! Way cool since her last one was not set up well, uh sez I. There is also her new book cover for Patience and at the same link a new excerpt!

Now I am one to try and not read excerpts… but having read the one at the back of Passion (loved this book) and not liking it. I was way curious to see how this one played.

I have changed my mind, I want this book!

Gwen’s review of For A Few Demons More (Rachel Morgan & The Hollows, Book 5) by Kim Harrison
Paranormal fantasy published 20 Mar & 27 Nov 07 by Eos

My relationship with the Rachel Morgan books is complicated.  I both love and hate them.  I care about the characters, enjoy the action and predicaments, but I want to throw the book at the wall regularly when a character (usually Rachel) does something stupid.  There are many TSTL moments in a Rachel Morgan book.  Despite this, Harrison manages to work the characters thru these moments and the plot actually ends up moving along because of them, not in spite of them.  That’s the one thing I really like about these books – the plot moves.  It rolls unpredictably, jarringly, inexorably along.  And that is what makes these such page-turners, despite the flaws.  The reader just has to know what happens next.

This book was released in hardcover (the author’s HC debut) 20 Mar 07 and in mass-market paperback 27 Nov 07.  There have been some people decrying the fact that one of the main characters is killed off in this book; they felt cheated that an expensive hardcover rattled their Rachel-world.  There are others new to the series who were irritated that this book didn’t stand-alone; they felt cheated that an expensive hardcover wasn’t readable on its own.  None of those things bothered me. To begin with, brave authors take plots and characters to unpredictable and sometimes undesirable places and I think they’re allowed to do that, applaud it, in fact.   Lastly, buying an expensive hardcover of a book in the middle of a series you’ve never read may not be the smartest thing to do; but to then be irritated that you don’t understand all of the plot points or the characters is a bit simple-minded.

Rachel Morgan books are not a typical romances - they are paranormal fantasies set in an alternate reality.  None of the books have had an HEA, strictly speaking, though they all end on a somewhat upbeat note, even if the characters are all very changed by the events.  This one is no different, even with the tragedy.  I won’t give any spoilers other than what I have already, so forgive the vague wording.

I really liked all of the secondary characters in this book.  We get to know quite a bit more about the elf, Trent, and his second, Quen.  We get some tantalizing glimpses into the politics of the whole demon ever-after.  We get a glimpse of a new, sexy demon named Minias and let me just say that I’ll never quite look at my sneezing attacks in the same way again.  All of this serves to give us a very fun story and is setting the stage for Book 6, The Outlaw Demon Wails, coming in hardcover 26 Feb 08 (terrific excerpt up on Harrison’s site, just click on the title). I am really looking forward to it – can’t wait to see what new trouble Rachel gets into.

This was a good book for fans of the Rachel Morgan series and I highly recommend to to you fans out there.  Needless to say, it does not standalone so it would be a poor choice for readers new to the series.

Grade: B+

     Blurb: Despite dating one vampire and living with another, Rachel Morgan has always managed to stay just ahead of trouble . . . until now.

     A fiendish serial killer stalks the Hollows, and no one living in or around Cincinnati—human, inhuman, or undead—is safe. An ancient artifact may be the key to stopping the murderer—a mysterious relic that is now in the hands of Rachel Morgan, fearless independent bounty hunter and reckless witch. But revealing it could ignite a battle to the death among the vast and varied local supernatural races.

     Rachel’s been lucky so far. But even she can’t hide from catastrophe forever.

     Read an excerpt.

Other books in this series:

Sandy M’s review of Savage by L.A. Day
Erotic sci-fi romance novella released by Ellora’s Cave 7 Nov 07

I had high hopes for this book. It started out quite well in the first chapter, a good storyline and interesting characters, some great flashbacks to fill in the characters’ history. It was when I was just a little way into chapter two that it all fell apart for me.

Savage is definitely an alpha male, a shapeshifter who’s ashamed of his feral half, especially because he scared Alaya on their wedding night when his passion for her forced his shifting. And because he’s also a sensitive man and he loves his young wife, he stays away for three years, giving her time to grow up. He’s decided to finally go to her again when he learns her home has been attacked, so he rushes to her without thought or rest after a month-long mission. So far, so good.

To his relief Savage finds Alaya alive and unharmed, something not afforded the other people held hostage by Alegra pirates. This is where the story goes downhill. It’s the sex scenes. Savage decides he has to have his wife now while hostages are being tortured and raped. He’s waited three years, but he can’t restrain himself for a couple more days. And the descriptions of those scenes left me rolling my eyes with the silliness they invoked and the dialogue was inane. There was a couple of good spots, but that’s not saying much when ninety-eight percent of the chapter is one long sexfest. And the way Savage initiated Alaya into sex was a little callous to me.

The rest of the book that had nothing to do with sex was good, which wasn’t much because of the length of the story, but what there was of it I liked. There was a twist or two that worked very well, but even those were overshadowed by more alpha lovin’ that just didn’t cut it.

I thought this book was right up my alley because of the shapeshifting. Little did I know that there just wasn’t a whole lot of shifting going on.

Grade: D-

Blurb:

Savage, a bounty hunter and half-Rabian shifter, needs a woman. He needs his wife, Alaya.

He’d left her alone on their wedding night three years ago after she’d screamed in fear when he’d become highly aroused and started to shapeshift. Now it is time to face his demons — to consummate his marriage or end it.

Fate steps in, sending them headlong into danger. Seeing her again ignites his desire, and jealousy arouses his dominant nature. Using her passions against her, he persuades her to submit to him for all to hear. But even if Alaya can adapt to his feral lust, unseen danger lurks, waiting to rip them apart again.

Read an excerpt.

J.R. Ward (a.k.a. Jessica Bird), author and personal bitch scribe to the Black Dagger Brotherhood, shares some of her favorite cinematic experiences with us.

Don’t forget that her reader message boards re-open tomorrow, 1 Jan 08, at noon US Eastern! And that her next BDB entry, Lover Enshrined (BDB Book 6) , comes to us June 2008!

My 12 Favorite Christmas/New Year’s Eve Movies

	12. Scrooged. Bill Murray confronting the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future as TV exec.
	11. One True Thing. Okay, not so Christmassy necessarily, but GREAT screenplay.
	10. How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Not the Jim Carrey one – the animated classic. Not a movie. Still watched it like every year when I was little. Had to go on the list.
	9. Jingle All the Way. The Terminator does Christmas – competes with Sinbad for toy. Does battle with Phil Hartman’s reindeer.
	8. Star Trek II: The Wrath of Kahn. Long story. Watched it one vivid Christmas vacation and yeah, now I always associate it with the holiday. Great movie. Ricardo Montalban in a burlap sack suit. William Shattner at the helm. Always magic. Except for those ear worm things. EW.
	7. Elf. Yeah, Will Ferrell. Parts are really stupid and not in a good way. But I still laugh.
	6. When Harry Met Sally. Last scene, New Year’s Eve. “I hate you, Harry, I really hate you…” ‘Nuff said.
	5. A Christmas Story. Ralphie. The Red Ryder bebe gun. The soap in the mouth. The leg lamp. The dogs and the dinner. TBS does a marathon Christmas Day and I watch it every year.
	4. While You Were Sleeping. LOVE it. Yes, it’s chicky for my tastes, but come on- Joe Jr.? With her shoes on? And at the end? Luuuuuucy, I got something to ask you? Awwwwwwwwwww…
	3. Scrooge. The original black and white version that scared the p*** out of me when I was younger. Still love the scene when the old guy goes running out into the snowy street with his night cap on. Tiny Tim and that little crutch. Ugh, gets me EVERY stinking time.
	2. Trading Places. Dan Ackroyd putting a smoked salmon into a grotty santa suit. Eddie Murphy explaining how G.I. Joe with the kungfu grip effects the national economy on Christmas. LOVE IT.
	1. Die Hard. Wherein the following classic line in American cinema was uttered: “Yippee-kyay-motherf***er.” Absolute favorite Christmas movie EVER.

How about you readers – any movies remind you of a time in your life or a holiday?

Devon’s review of Scions: Resurrection by Patrice Michelle
Paranormal romance released by Silhouette Nocturne January 1, 2008

This was a tasty little treat for those of us who enjoy vampires. The first couple of Silhouette Nocturnes I tried were mediocre, but they have gotten better and better. I have now read several that I would recommend to others, and Scions: Resurrection is another to add to the list. It was a fast-paced story with nice chemistry between the hero and heroine.

Jachin, a loner who has been exiled from his vampire tribe, kidnaps Ariel because he thinks she will help fulfill a prophecy and get him back in with his people. From there on out it’s non-stop action, as they dodge baddies and fight their growing attraction. Jachin had overbearing prick potential, but…I liked him. Not even sure why, I didn’t think I would at first. Ariel skirted the edge of annoyingly sassy, but never went over. She was brave, but never TSTL.

In this world, vampires were created by humans to be a kind of superhuman weapon, accounting for their strength, agility and various abilities. The fangs are an unexpected anomaly, and the aversion to sunlight was created by the humans in order to give the vamps a weakness. It was an interesting and unexpected idea. However, there was one issue that nagged at me increasingly. What was with the blood-drinking? Why? Did the scientists want the vampires to suck on human blood? Maybe I missed something, but I didn’t see how the blood thirst fit in. The Lupreda, werewolves created by the vamps, seemed contrived just to throw shapeshifters in there.

The book also suffered from some pacing issues. It was so fast-paced, then after the climax the last few scenes felt oddly tacked on. Despite these issues, this was an enjoyable book. The story and characters overcame my world-building quibbles, and after a couple of days I still liked the book. I will definitely read the next installment.

Grade: B-
Blurb:

Everyone believed vampires were extinct. Everyone was wrong.

When Ariel Swanson wrote a novel about vampires, she hoped it would exorcise her fear of the creatures that had, not so long ago, terrorized the human population.

Instead, it brought her to their attention.

And to the attention of Jachin Black – a man banished from the Saguinas, a vampire pack, and forced to hunt among the despised humans. For he clung to the prophecy given years ago, of a better way for his kind to live – a prophecy Ariel unknowingly used as the basis of her novel.

Ariel hates and fears vampires. Jachin despises humanity. But the prophecy – and passion – binds them in ways they could never have

imagined. Ways that may heal the past, and change the future.

[Ed. Check out Alicia's review of this book]

Gwen’s review of To Hell and Back (Dante Valentine, Book 5) by Lilith Saintcrow
Futuristic paranormal published 1 Jan 08 by Orbit

I hesitated to start this book. I knew it was the last in the series and I didn’t want the magic to end. I wanted my visit to Dante and Japhrimel’s worlds to go on and on. Well, I hesitated about half a day. I just had to see what happened next.

Reading this series has been a mixture of fun, creepiness, tears, and excitement. To say I liked it is not saying near enough. It’s one of those series of books that just stays with me. I’m not one to read a book twice unless it is stupendously interesting. I’ll make an exception for this series.

In these books, Saintcrow has created a world that is lavish in detail. It has history and mythos, technology that’s woven into the fabric of the story, all giving the world a rich taste, smell, and texture that I’ve only experienced before in Frank Herbert’s Dune novels. This is especially evident during the visceral descriptions of Dante’s fight scenes – you literally wince when something hurts her, like a demon, or hellhound, or ghost, or fellow necromance…

There are no simplistic resolutions to be found in this last book. Saintcrow ties off several plotlines and leaves some dangling. By telling the story from Dante’s point of view, the reader never knows more than Dante, and Danny is left with some still unanswered questions at the end. How it evolves, though, is fascinating. Dante, whom Japhrimel nicknamed “my curious” because she had to know everything, arrives at a certain peace with not knowing everything. And because she’s at peace with that, the reader is as well.

There isn’t much I can say about the book other than, “you must read it.” I would recommend this series to anyone who enjoys fiction, and particularly to anyone who likes urban, paranormal sci-fi. The romance between Dante and Japhrimel is surprising, tender, cruel, and loving – everything we know love can be at times. All of this is woven into a tremendous story. Don’t miss this series.

Grade: A

Blurb:

     Fifth and final book of the Dante Valentine series

     Plot. Counterplot. Betrayal. Intrigue. When you’re working for the Devil, it’s all par for the course. You just have to live with it. Right?
Wrong. When you’re Danny Valentine and the Devil double-crosses you one too many times, there’s only one thing to do. Fight back. No matter how hopeless it is. No matter how suicidal it is. No matter how far the game is rigged in the Devil’s favor.
Welcome to Hell.

     Read an excerpt.

Read my review of Book 3, The Devil’s Right Hand, here and my review of Book 4, Saint City Sinners, here.  Other books in this series:

Fantabulous author of the fun and critically acclaimed Divorced, Desperate and Delicious, Christie Craig, shares with us her tips for coping during the holiday season. Print it out and store it with your decorations so you can follow it next year (yes, I’m a little slow getting this up – yikes – I’m amazed I’m not insane. Oh. Wait…) 

Decorate that tree, and pray the cat doesn’t chew on the cord. Get that shopping done, and find that perfect gift for people who already have two of everything plus the kitchen sink, wrap those gifts and make them Martha Stewart pretty—never mind that you are wrapping impaired—cook that gourmet dinner that takes five hours to prepare and everyone 20 minutes to eat. Attend that party, never mind you feel fat in your holiday attire, and would love to just stay home and watch It’s a Wonderful Life. Let’s face it, the holidays are filled with hurry up to-do lists, headache producing events, and moments that make you want to kick Santa’s butt and blow the bulb in Rudolph’s nose.

Because I share your holiday pain, I’ve decided to share my list of twelve tips that can help you have a merrier, less stressful holiday.

12 tips for Having a Happier, Merrier Holiday

1. Go sit on Santa’s lap. That’s right. Tell Santa what you want for Christmas. Hey . . . he might be a gorgeous hunk under that beard, and even if he’s not, it might rekindle your belief in the magic of Christmas. And while you are there, have your picture taken. My family and I have our pictures taken with Santa every year.

2. Buy a jigsaw puzzle and put it out on a card table. You might be amazed how many people will enjoy sitting down and finding a piece of puzzle, especially this time of year. This also allows you and family a moment to slow down long enough to share a smile and a less stressful moment.

3. Go buy a small toy, something totally silly for everyone you love. You’ve probably forgotten how much fun yo-yo’ing or playing darts can be on Christmas morning.

4. Write clues on all your gifts and make everyone try to guess what the gift is before they open it. It makes opening gifts much more fun.

5. Seduce your hubby, boyfriend, or significant other. Hey . . . tis’ the season to be merry. You think Santa’s glow isn’t related to a little holiday bliss with Mrs. Santa before he left for work?

6. Call an old friend you haven’t heard from in a while. While we shouldn’t need a reason to reconnect with old friends, sometimes life just gets too busy. So this season, slow down long enough to say “Merry Christmas!” to some you haven’t seen in ages.

7. Become someone’s Secret Santa. Do you know someone who could use a little extra cheer? Send them a small gift in the mail and don’t sign it. Just say you are their Secret Santa and want to let them know they are special. A small act of kindness can bring someone a large amount of joy.

8. Find a completely different recipe to cook. While we love our old family favorites, go a little wild in the kitchen and prepare something completely different. Who knows? You might be creating another holiday favorite for your family. (Or providing them a funny story to laugh about during future Christmases.)

9. Between shopping, cooking and wrapping, take a breather and spend some time with your pets. That’s right, they deserve a little special holiday time, too. And remember, spending time petting an animal can lower your blood pressure and be a win-win de-stresser for you both.

10. Bring out your old holiday images of you and your family. If you have older children, they will love reminiscing about their childhood holidays. After all, holidays memories from the past can warm your heart and bring you holiday joy.

11. Give yourself a Christmas present and slow down long enough to read a book. May I suggest, Divorced, Desperate and Delicious? Or maybe you might enjoy what I’m reading this holiday, The Salt Maiden by Colleen Thompson

12. Get into the mood by belting out a few Christmas tunes. That’s right, singing is a good stress releaser. So go ahead, it doesn’t matter that if you can’t carry tune even if it was in paper bag. A few lyrics of Rudolph The Red Nose Reindeer and you’ll be smiling.

Merry Christmas!
Christie Craig

How about you guys – what do you do to make it to the other side of the holidays?

Nath, blogger from our Northern neighbor Canada, shares with us a list of 12 authors new to her. Read more from her at Natuschan, Books, Books, and More Books… 

12 New Authors to Me for the Year of 2007

In no particular order…

1. Deborah Smith – thank you for Blue Willow and The CrossRoads Cafe.

2. Meljean Brook - thank you for Demon Angel and Demon Moon. Thank you for Hugh and Lilith – such an awesome couple… and I now want a hellbound as my pet.

3. Robyn Carr – thank you for the town of Virgin River… and thank goodness the Grace Valley trilogy is going to be re-printed.

4. Kate Angell – thank you for the Rogues.

5. Laura Florand – thank you you for having such a wonderful and funny life.

6. Naomi Novik – thank you for Temeraire – such a dear.

7. Elizabeth Vaughan – thank you for the War Chronicles.

8. Jacquelyn Franks – thank you for Jacob.

9. Emilie Richards – thank you for the Shenandoah Album Series.

10. Metsy Hingle – thank you for The Wager and Flash Point.

11. Terri Garey – thank you for Dead Girls Are Easy.

12. Lorraine Heath – thank you for Just Wicked Enough and a very extensive backlist that I get to discover.

How about you – read any new-to-you authors this last year you want to share?

Teddy Pig’s review of Cascadia Wolves: Wolf Unbound by Lauren Dane
Paranormal Erotica Romance published in ebook by Samhain 1 Jan 08

That’s it. I do not know how you guys find time during the holidays to actually sit down and focus on an eBook. You people are not human you must be alien super readers with abilities I obviously do not have. I suck! No, I do not just suck, I suck mighty BIG TIME! So anyway, sorry it took so long but I was trapped in a line at Best Buy during the half-off-all-DVDs-sale and they just sent in the police to break it up. It’s sad to see people beating each other bloody over box sets of The Best of Jerry Springer.

I am happy to report while I was waiting in line and ducking the occasional thrown punch I was finally able to crack open this little Christmas goody Angela, the eGoddess of Samhain and ruler of all things eClassy and eTasteful whom I eWorship, sent to me like an ePiphany from the heavens. So on with our reView.

	For those of you joining us late in the game here Wolf Unbound is actually the fourth book in the killer Cascadia Wolves series. The first was the glorious eBook Enforcer which introduced us to this world of werewolves and Nina, the sharp tongued human hacker girl, and Lex, her mate with the fur and the mega badass guns & ammo collection. I loved this world immediately and I liked the story and I liked Lauren’s writing but sad to say Nina’s jokes got just a tad bit repetitive which is not good for the main heroine character. It got a Grade: B for being a fun read but a little annoying
	Then along came Reluctant which I tried to like but felt the heroine Layla was just too TSTL for words especially with the complex world Lauren had built and the fact a full blooded werewolf vixen like Layla (you’ve got me on my knees, Layla, I’m begging, darlin’ please) should have worked out all those known werewolf-like issues supposedly suddenly thrust upon her pure blood werewolf ass. It was a short story, thank god, so I just ignored it, like much of Eric Clapton’s career, with a Grade: D.
	Then came Tri Mates and that was one JUICY book. It’s about Cade and Lex’s sister, Tracy, and her mates, Nick and Gabe, and the ever darkening world around them. Really good stuff in that one (Read it!) and a solid Grade: A.

So right off the bat in Wolf Unbound here we get to see our old friends the wild widow Tegan Warden (our heroine for this book and the Enforcer’s right hand chick in charge), Cade (the pack Alpha), Lex (his brother the Enforcer), and the ever sharp tongued Nina (the pain in their collective butts). Nina let fly some pretty good zingers this book, Go Lauren. I really enjoyed Nina in this book. In fact I really enjoyed Nina, Lex and Cade in this book because they honestly felt like a real family and that is one of Lauren’s strengths as a writer. It’s also the reason I liked the Chase Brothers books because Lauren has a great feel for working class families and the interactions between them.

In this story Lauren really leverages that approach and the werewolves as a whole do not come across as this bunch of overly privileged suck faces. They fight, they argue, they duck out when grandma comes around, and you get the feeling they have money problems amongst other private issues and have to work for a living. That so rocks! I think werewolves would have trouble in society and they would end up having to work together to get by. Which is why despite a couple of missteps (Tracy, Nick and Gabe getting all in the way for no reason at Tegan’s house) I really enjoyed having the old crew come back to provide that family feeling that permeates Tegan’s world. It’s Werewolves LLC!

The WTF parts… Um, there were a few moments right at the beginning where I thought Joey W. Hill was guest writing. I mean, what was the whole Ryan “the Gay Vampire” and his boy Elroy? There have been vampires in this world before? Did I miss the memo? The whole BDSM club deal. Is everyone hanging out at these places now? I mean, I am into BDSM and all but I do not hang out at BDSM clubs. The secret is most BDSM clubs suck ass because the only people who bother to go need help and boy the last time I went I kept repeating to myself under my breath what my momma always told me, “Do not flaunt what you do not got!”

The GREAT parts… The world building went into high gear for this book and boy did it keep things interesting. Warren Pellini and his Werewolf Mafia are back on crack and baby he ain’t taking no prisoners this time. Well he does, but that’s just giving way too much information. Let’s just say if you have been following the series you have got to read this book ASAP. Things are getting wild and woolly. Hell, I would have read these books to follow this back-story alone because it is so good. Lycanthorpy Viruseses and all.

My conscience is nagging me though. I do not think this book stands very well on its own and that is what it comes down to in my grade here. We get told far too much about what happened to the young, vivacious Tegan and not shown enough. Why not show us the day Lucas died? Why recount it to us constantly? That would have so fixed most of the problems at the beginning of the book and some of the repetition later on because there would have been no need for that extra stuff. I really kept wanting to see internally how Tegan grew and got to this point of a second chance at love and I personally felt the lack of that showcasing a main character seriously left this a book you should only read after you have read all the others and are invested in this world and these great characters.

On that note, I highly recommend, for a good time, reading all the Cascadia Wolves series which gets a solid Grade: B from me on the whole. This book by itself gets a…

Grade: C

Blurb:

     Blurb: 

     Overshadowed by the rising threat of the werewolf mafia, Ben and Tegan struggle to stand united.

     A Cascadia Wolves story

     Werewolf Enforcer Tegan Warden has been alone since the death of her mate four years ago. Until she meets Ben Stoner at a local club and she feels something she thought died inside her. Things move very quickly and she finds herself mated to a human man who’s not altogether sure he wants a forever kind of love with a woman he’s just met.

     Ben realizes in short order Tegan is not only worth forever love, but a woman who’ll stand at his side without tolerating anything other than a full partnership.

     In the bedroom it’s another story, as Ben has finally found a sexual submissive with a spark, and Tegan a man worthy of her submission. Together they work toward building a permanent relationship even as the specter of danger from the Pellini Group grows in the world of wolves.

     All around them, the rising violence threatens the Packs and the only thing they know for certain is one another.

     Warning: Naughty language that might get your mouth washed out with soap, domineering alpha males knocked down a few pegs by their women, smoking hot bedroom action including always consensual BDSM type action, werewolf mafia and the violence that loves them.

     Read an excerpt.

Shiloh Walker, author, blogger, commenter, and one of our favorite people, gives us her list of fellow authors everyone should read… 

12 Authors that everybody should read… in my humble opinion

1. Me.    Hey, I’m lazy with promo, so I figure I’ll just get this little bit in and then I can call myself done with promo for a few days.  Weeks.

2. Lynn Viehl/S.L. Viehl, a.k.a. Paperback Writer. Anybody that knows me isn’t going to be surprised to see this one.  I love this woman’s writing.  Plain and simple.  No matter what the name, I love her stuff.  She writes vamps under Lynn Viehl, the Stardoc books (sci fi) under S.L. Viehl and had some romantic suspenses out under Jessica Hall/Gena Hale.  She’s not using the last two pseudonyms any more… sniffle.  Sob.  But she is just an excellent writer.

3. Nora Roberts.  Hard as it is for me to believe, there are some romance lovers out there that haven’t read her.  I adore Nora Roberts.  Specifically the Irish Jewels trilogy, the Chesapeake Bay series and the Donovans.

4. J.D. Robb. Yeah, I know Nora Roberts and J.D. Robb are the same person.  But the writing styles aren’t exactly the same.  Some people that love the NR books don’t like J.D. Robb.  Some that like J.D. Robb don’t like the NR books.  Futuristic romantic suspense, killer H&H, love them.

5. Shelby Reed.  For those who aren’t sure they’d like erotic romance, Shelby is a great way to start.  She doesn’t write as burn the pages sexy as some other erotic romance authors, but she does write steamy.  She writes some of the most beautiful books I’ve ever read, bar none.

6. Joey Hill.  She is to the BDSM genre what Shelby Reed is to the erotic romance genre.  Beautiful stories that can take you places you aren’t sure you want to go, but once you get on the ride, you can’t get off.  But be warned… she isn’t for the faint of heart.

7. Bettie Sharpe.  Right now, Bettie doesn’t have any books out to buy.  Her first book is coming out from Samhain in January.  But yes… she’s on my list.  Why?  Because of Ember.  If Ember is any indication of Bettie’s writing, then I’m a fan for life.

8. Lora Leigh.  Hot stuff.  Be warned.  I love her.

9. Mercedes Lackey.  Fantasy.  Some romantic subplots and I do believe she has some fantasy romances out with Luna, but I mostly love her Valdemar books.  Addicted to the Valdemar books.  And Diana Tregard.

10. Patricia Briggs.  She writes fantasy and urban fantasy, but I’ve only read the urban stuff.  Her Mercedes Thompson books are urban fantasy with some romantic undertones.  Killing stories.  Love them.

11. Marilyn Pappano.  I haven’t read all of her books, actually, I think I’ve only read a couple, but one of them is one of my favorite books, ever.  Passion isn’t in print any more which is a shame.  Because it’s an excellent book.

12.  Holly Lisle.  Fantasy and romantic suspense.  I haven’t read all of her fantasy stuff, but she’s a great fantasy writer.  However, she blew me away with her romantic suspense, I See You.

Who’s on your “must read” author list?

Loonigrrl, reader and commenter, shares a fun list that has my brain working overtime thinking of the possibilities… 

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Imagine that ideal world where movie directors, screen writers,and producers all shared your vision of your favorite book. A world where studios were less concerned about casting a BIG STAR, and more concerned with maintaining the integrity of the production. *cough* Anna Paquin as Sookie Stackhouse?!?!?Are you kidding me?!!? *cough, cough*

Thinking of which books I’d choose to see on the big screen wasn’t hard. What was hard was stopping at just twelve.

12 Books I Want to See on the Big Screen (in no particular order)

1.  Twilight by Stephanie Meyer. Ohmigod, I love the romance. I love Edward. I love that he loves Bella, but kind of wants to have for dinner, too. I just love everything about it. I added Twilight to the list, but I actually think it’s already being made into a movie. We’ll see soon enough if it lives up to our expectations, right?

2.  Stardoc by S.L. Viehl. Ok, so it’s not a romance, but it does have a romance in it. And the main character Cherijo is brilliant,witty, strong, independent, and resourceful. It’s got some action, although not as much as the others in the series,but it’s such a clever book that I think it would be a very fun movie.

3.  It Had to Be You by Susan Elizabeth Phillips. Honestly, this isn’t my favorite SEP book. Does anyone else obsess over Honey Moon? Man,that one makes me cry every time. Love it. But I love this one too, and it’s got the trademark SEP humor, and a wonderful romance. It would need a great screenwriter, but I think there’s some potential there.

4.  Green Rider by Kristen Britain. Green Rider is just so much fun to read that I think a movie would be equally fun to watch. The story starts when our heroine, Karigan G’ladheon, stumbles upon a dying Green Rider- a messenger for the King- and promises to deliver his message for him, risking death and worse to do so. The characters are great, there’s plenty of action, but I think the director is going to be an important choice for this one. I’m not sure who I’d choose, but I do like what Andrew Adamson did with The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe.

5.  The Scent of Shadows by Vicki Pettersson. This book is intense! I loved it and I think it would make an equally intense movie.The art direction and cinematography stand out to me as being particularly important.

6.  Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder. Right from the beginning, Poison Study sucked me in. Casting is once again huge. Yelena and Valek have got to have amazing chemistry, and let’s face it: Valek must be hot. I’d be willing to make an exception to my no celebrity rule, and allow Christian Bale to be cast.

7.  Ill Wind by Rachel Caine. Of all these book, I think I’d most like to see Rachel Caine’s Weather Warden series made into a movie. There’s a lot of action, the heroine’s spunky, the romance is sweet and the idea is just super cool. But the effects are huge, so it’s got to be a director who can direct AND who knows his special effects. I guess that leaves you out, Chris Columbus, sorry.

8.  Slave to Sensation by Nalini Singh. An amazing story, an amazing world with amazing characters. Has anyone not read Slave to Sensation? Seriously?!? Go. Now. To the bookstore. Go buy it. Ok, that being said: wouldn’t it make a fantastic movie? Well, I’ve got my doubts that anyone could do it justice, but if it could be done right, I’d really like to see it up on the big screen.

9.  Dreaming of You by Lisa Kleypas. I almost didn’t include this because I didn’t think anyone could truly capture Derek Craven, but . . . it’s one of my favorites, so I couldn’t help myself.

10.  The Viscount Who Loved Me by Julia Quinn. I think this could be such a sweet, funny movie, if it were done right . . . And that means no Keira Knightley. No offense, Keira, you just seem to be everywhere these days.

11.  Into the Dark Lands by Michelle Sagara. I’d love to see someone try to make this one into a movie. It’s one of my all time favorites, and it’s just so tragic and beautiful, I had to add it to the list.

12.  Obernewtyn by Isobelle Carmody. Actually, I’d like to see the entire series made into movies. I honestly don’t know why it hasn’t been done yet. Everything’s there- a fascinating world, complicated characters,action, etc. Finding enough talented children to fill all the roles would be a problem, but I think it could be done.

Ok, there you have ‘em. Now, what about you? I know I left plenty out so . . . which books would you like to see on the big screen?

Kristie(J), fellow blogger and rambling writer of reviews, shares a sad list with us.  To read more from KristieJ, join her over at Ramblings on Romance. 

*sad sigh* I miss you all!

12 Authors No Longer Writing, or No Longer Writing Romance

12.  Kristen Kyle.  She wrote a couple of books that are Most Excellent. Nighthawk a really good futuristic and The Last Warrior. Sadly she lost her contract and had health problems. I sure wish she was still writing!

 11.  Alexis Harrington.  She wrote some really really great American-type romance books. But she hasn’t had one in quite a while. Her website says she has a couple almost ready – but that was back in August. Come back Alexis, come back!!

 10.  Eve Byron (a.k.a. Connie Rinehold).  *sigh* Another author who just seemed to disappear. One of my favourite books – it’s an oldie though is Letters From a Stranger.

9.  Justine Dare (a.k.a. Justine Davis).  I’m not sure if she is still writing or not. Last time I heard she was writing for Harlequin. But I want more of her older books – like The Skypirate or Lord of the Storm or any of her Hawk books.

 8.  Anita Mills.  Oh she wrote some wonderful medievals. I couldn’t read them fast enough! I heard she retired and one can’t really blame her. But there is a younger reader crowd now who would probably love them as much as me!

 7.  Judith Ivory/Judy Cuevas.  She just seems to have disappeared!! She’s written so many wonderful books it’s hard to pick a favourite. Reading Bliss though was just well – bliss!

6.  Penelope Williamson (a.k.a. Elizabeth Lambert).  Yes, she’s another one still writing. But alas, she is writing mysteries now. It’s almost impossible to pick a favourite one of hers. There’s The Outsider (and made into a wonderful movie!), Keeper of the Dream…

5.  Elizabeth Elliot.  Now I think the most common question is “whatever happened to Elizabeth Elliott?” She didn’t write many books, but the ones she did write – oooh lala! My fave is The Warlord. In fact I’m almost embarrassed to say this, but I even kind of like the cover. The good news though is I almost shouldn’t include her since she is writing again. And finally we will see what happens with the assassin brother. But until the book is in print – she remains on the list!

 4.  Marsha Canham.  Marsha, Marsha, Marsha. You left us. You left us at the height of your game. I miss you! She’s written so many great books, but I think my favourite might be her last. Although, like Elizabeth Elliott, I’ve heard vague rumblings she might return. Maybe if we all close our eyes and wish real hard…

3.  Candice Proctor (a.k.a. C.S. Harris).  Yes, she’s still writing as C.S. Harris. But from the moment I read Whispers of Heaven, one of my all time favourite books and one of my most recommended, I’ve loved her romances like, to steal a phrase – a fat kid loves M&M’s. Oh, how I long for other books like Night in Eden, Beyond Sunrise, or The Last Knight…

2.  Theresa Weir (a.k.a. Anne Frazier).  I know she’s writing as Anne Frazier now and quite successfully, so if she continues that’s fine with me. But every so often I want another Amazon Lily or perhaps a Bad Karma.

1.  Laura London, a.k.a. Tom & Sharon Curtis. Oh for the likes of Sunshine and Shadow, Lightning That Lingers and darn it all – Cat’s story. I think we all miss them terribly and long to have more by this wonderful team of writers *sigh*.

Do any of you readers out there know of some defectors, or MIA authors?

Gwen’s review of Elijah (The Nightwalkers, Book 3) by Jacquelyn Frank
Paranormal romance published by Zebra 17 Dec 07

I have read all three books in this series.  I read the first, Jacob, before I started reviewing for TGTBTU, or I would have given it a C.  Book 2, Gideon, I did review and gave it a C as well.  Elijah surprised the hell out of me – I didn’t give it a C.  It was better than that, in my opinion.

Now, don’t get me wrong.  Frank still tends to run on a bit.  I don’t think she’s met a metaphor for a body part or sensual feeling she didn’t like.  Her love scenes are pages and pages and pages long.  She frequently runs on and on about how intense feelings are, how beautiful/virile/amazonian the hero or heroine are, etc.

For example, with all due respect to actual editors and with an acknowledgment that I’m armchair quarterbacking here, I’ve struck out what I think are repetitive words or phrases, or just “so what” bits in this one paragraph:

Elijah fought off a passing cloak of dimming consciousness and the spinning of his immediate surroundings. It was he alone who belonged at the head of his monarch’s armies when needed, and he who must train the spies and assassins who would slink through the shadows in the face of threatening intrigue. Therefore, he knew everything anyone currently could discover about the humans who dabbled in the perverse arts of black magic. The same kind who stood around him that very moment, circling him like vultures awaiting the end to a victim’s final death throes.

GAH!  Still about twice as many words as needed. I agree writing is an art and I’m no artist, but piling more paint on a canvas doesn’t necessarily make a painting better.  It feels like Frank is learning this and I have great hopes for the next entry in the series.  I only skimmed a few paragraphs in Elijah, instead of the pages I skimmed in the first two books.  That’s a step up in my estimation.

What was so much better in this book was Frank’s characterizations.  Elijah and Siena are really a terrific couple.  I loved that they found a way to be together.  I love that Elijah is such an alpha hero, but he was still able to sublimate some of this drive to be with the woman he was destined to be with and whom he loved.

I also enjoyed the secondary characters.  They really contributed to the story and moved the plot along.  There was a bit of “future book salting” with the appearance of Damien.  He showed up at an oddly opportune time and left just as suddenly.  But hey.  I’d do that too if I were an author with another book coming out in six months.

Elijah had a very nice love story, some excellent characters, and great action scenes.  But most especially, the love story which was first class.  All in all, a very fun read.

This book could standalone if you haven’t read any of the series.  Frankly, I think if the series is new to you, then you could start here and be just fine.  I recommend this book to fans of paranormal romance genre.

Grade: B-

Read more info and reviews about this series by following its tag.

     Summary:
.
They are called the Nightwalkers, an ancient race devoted to protecting the world from the darkness of the Necromancers. And their proudest warrior is Elijah, a man who bends for nothing and no one…until one woman brings him to his knees…
.
SOME FEELINGS YOU JUST CAN’T FIGHT
.
He is known as the Warrior Captain – a master of every weapon, a fierce soldier sworn to protect his kind from violence. Powerful, relentless, merciless, Elijah has always won every battle he’s ever taken on – until now. Ambushed by Necromancers, he is left for dead only to be rescued by a woman who could very well deliver the final blow… Siena, the Lycanthrope Queen.
.
For over a decade, an uneasy peace has existed between the warring Lycanthropes and Elijah’s people, and he’s not about to let his guard down now around their queen.
.
But Siena’s will is every bit a match for Elijah’s own, her sleek and sensual nature waking a hunger within him that he cannot deny. Now, the Warrior in Elijah is consumed with a different battle – winning Siena’s heart by giving her pleasure beyond all boundaries. What starts as attraction and arousal soon burns into a passion with consequences that will echo through the ages for both their people. And as would-be enemies become inseparable lovers, another threat approaches, one with the power to destroy them all…
.
Surrender to the night.
.
Read an excerpt.

Other books in the series:

Gwen’s review of Night Season (The World of the Lupi, Book 4) by Eileen Wilks
Paranormal romance published by Berkley Sensation 2 Jan 08

I’ve enjoyed all of Wilks’s entries in the World of the Lupi novels. This book isn’t so much about the Lupi as it is about the other magical elements in Wilks’s world.

I liked that this novel explored Cynna and Cullen’s relationship. However, I wasn’t wild about the alternate world it took place in called ‘Edge’. I don’t know what it was, but it just didn’t come together for me as well as Wilks’s past books.

The writing is, as always, top notch in Night Season. I don’t think there’s another author out there that is better at world-building than Wilks. Her characterizations and descriptions of the environments are just amazing. You are literally THERE, living and breathing with her characters. I LOVE that about her books.

While I wasn’t so crazy about this entry in the series, I still have to give Wilks props for writing another amazing book. Moreover, I was so incredibly glad to see Cynna and Cullen finally get their HEA.  And I can’t wait to see what Wilks does with the dragons.

Grade: B+

Blurb:

A magic medallion . . . A diplomatic envoy from another realm . . . A dragon who doesn’t like to share. . .

. . . and a tester that turns the wrong color when she pees on it. FBI Agent Cynna Weaver’s life is a little too full right now. She’s pregnant–and lupus sorcerer Cullen Seabourne is the father. Cullen is thrilled. Cynna can barely utter the p-word. What does she know about kids? Her mother was a drunk. Her father abandoned them. Or so she’s always believed . . . .

But things could be worse. She might be snatched into another realm to meet her long-lost father–a world where humans are strictly second-class citizens. In Edge, magic is commonplace, lying is an artform, and night never ends.

And Cynna’s only way home means working with Cullen to find an ancient artifact sought by powerful beings who would do anything to claim it.

No excerpt available yet. I’ll update the link as one is posted. Read an excerpt. Cool book trailer is here.

Other books in the series:

Sherry Thomas, a favorite commenter and author, shares with us her “Old Guys I’d Do” list.  By the way, isn’t this a great author pic? 

Don’t forget to catch Sherry’s upcoming books:

 25 Mar 08  &  29 Jul 08

12 Totally Awesome Old Dudes I’d Totally Date if I Were Single and They Available/Nonfictional

 1. The Dalai Lama. Oh teach me the Noble Truths, Your Holiness.

 2. Paul Newman. I like his sauces.  [Ed.: Looks like Paul Newman "dresses to the left."]

 3. Morgan Freeman. Gravitas is hawt!

 4. Kofi Annan. I wanted to be Secretary General of the UN when I was a kid, what can I say?

 5. George Lucas. I’ll always have a soft spot for Uncle George.

 6. Vladimir Putin. Those cold eyes, that KGB past, he scares me shitless. I know, it’s so wrong, so wrong.

 7. Jacques Pepin. He has such a gentle, old-world quality about him.

 8. Nelson Mandela. I cannot admire this man enough.

 9. Darth Vader. See 6. Vladmir Putin. This is about power, ladies. The ultimate aphrodisiac. (Not sure whether he still has the equipment left after his dunk in the lava tank, but I’m willing to find out.)

 10. Aragorn. He is about 90 years old during the time frame of the Lord of the Rings. I’ll take you, Grandpa Elessar.

 11. Stephen King. I like what he says about his wife and his marriage.

 12. Hard to decide. Warren Buffett is rich and smart. Steven Spielberg seems like such a nice person. The Weinstein brothers would be interesting to have to dinner. But you know what, I’ll take Legolas (age approximately 3000) in the end. Because this is my duodecimal, and I’m allowed to be as shallow as a puddle when it hasn’t rained for a month.

What about you – what unconventional and older guy is on YOUR “to do” list?

Gwen’s review of Dark Possession (The Carpathians (Dark) Series, Book 15) by Christine Feehan
Paranormal romance hardcover published 28 Aug 07 by Berkley

I’ve started this review four times.  To begin with, Feehan’s previous Dark novel, Dark Celebration (finally released in paperback 25 Sep 07), was such a disappointment that I didn’t want to read this one.  I bought it almost as soon as it came out – of course, it’s a sickness much akin to the one I have with the Dark-Hunter novels – but I left it on the TBR shelf(s) forever.  I finally cracked it open this weekend. 

I liked this book.  It’s not as good as her older books (loved Dark Gold, re-released last April and has one of the scariest vampires ever), but still quite good.  The characters are engaging and the plot was skimpy but had nice resolutions.  The sensual scenes were characteristically well-choreographed and oh-so-steamy (I had to stop reading the book while my kid was in the room – I was embarrassing myself – NO – not THAT way, pervs).

However, I think Possession suffered from the malaise I first saw in Dark Celebration – it had a whole lot of nuthin’ goin’ on.  Lots and lots of paragraphs of repetitive character introspection with very little action.  There were very few conversations between the characters that wasn’t endless personal diagnosis.  The book’s action took place over only about two days (Celebration was one night, I think).  Yawn inducing.  You can’t spend 368 pages on such a narrow window of time (no flash-backs) and not start examining navel lint – not with really only 2 characters, plus a couple of peripherally involved secondaries.  I think there’s a Natural Law about that somewhere.

Plus, it feels like Feehan has been spending too much time researching Carpathians and the language.  Possession is peppered with words that have impossible pronunciations for non-Eastern Europeans.  That’s a big thing for me in a book.  If I can’t imagine what the characters are saying, how they sound when they say them, it pulls me out of the story.  This goes for authors who have characters with ambiguously spelled names (does “Aimee” sound like “Amy” or “Ehmay,” for example – not a name used in this book, by the way).  At least tell us how the characters say the words so when we read them, we can “hear” them in our heads.  Didn’t happen and there was a lot of that going on in this book.  These impossible words kept ripping me out of the story, not helping me get deeper into it, which was undoubtedly Feehan’s intent using the “authentic” language.

The other bone I have to pick is the hero’s name.  Now, I know it’s up to the author to pick these things and I’m not one to complain (though I am still giggling over Harry Pye), but c’mon.  At least make it a name that a macho, confident, uber-powerful Carpathian male would deign to use.  “Manolito” is a name given to small boys named Manuel, or a cute nickname an older Manuel would allow only his female relatives to use, or his brothers when they were giving him shit.  To have EVERYONE in a character’s life use the diminutive “Manolito” every time they refer to, or talk to, the guy was just not even in the realm of “gonna happen.”  Trust me.  It’s a shame that all that research didn’t include that little twist of Latin American culture.

This book will be interesting to Feehan fans, or Dark Series fans.  I don’t think it will be terribly interesting to someone new to the author or new to the series.  However, I can so totally recommend Books 1-13.  You will not regret reading them – serious steam and really creepy villains and tremendously fun plots with great HEAs.

Grade: C

Blurb:

Manolito De La Cruz knew he was dangerously close to turning into a vampire. The last thing he expected after being called back to his Carpathian homeland by Prince Mikhail was to catch the scent of his destined lifemate in MaryAnn Delaney. MaryAnn is human, but she knows all too well the overwhelmingly aggressive instincts of Carpathian males. And they’re not exactly the kind of men she’d prefer to be bound to for life.

A dedicated counselor for battered women, MaryAnn has a fulfilling life with no room for someone like Manolito, born and bred in the Carpathian Mountains, a law unto himself. But when MaryAnn agrees to go to South America to offer guidance to a brutalized young woman, she’s oblivious of the trap that awaits her in the sweltering thick of the jungle. She has been lured there by Manolito himself, who has seductive plans for the unaware, irresistibly human female.

Once there, she will be his. Once his, she will never be released. He is her lover, her predator, her lifemate. She is his dark possession…

Read an excerpt.

AKA 12 Books I Should be Reading Right Now Instead of Doing This Post

In no order since I haven’t decided what I am going to read yet and do remember the rule of 12. So if your book is not here that doesn’t mean I don’t have it. Something that speak to my short attention span and how easy I can get distracted… I started this days ago. The first book on the list was Shadow Music by Julie Garwood’s. Note to self: don’t use the book. 

1. Shifter by Angela Knight, Lora Leigh, Alyssa Day, Virginia Kantra
Side Note: Virginia Kantra is one of those authors that I see their name often but never read. I judged one of her RS recently and it was very good – sez I. Her novella in Shifter is the start of a paranormal series (don’t groan, at least wait until you read it). Children of the Sea isn’t vamps/demons/weres or even dragons but Selkies (how do you pural that?). Might be interesting… /sidenote
Paranormal Romance by Berkley, publication date 3/4/08 and proof I enjoy teasing Bev(QB) far too much

2. To Pleasure a Lady by Nicole Jordan
I had decided not to read these when I read the summary. Then I read the excerpt (first chapter on site) I soooooooo wanna like this book. I will be so sad if I don’t. Strong choice to be the one I am reading while I should be formating blog things. 1/29/08 release… good month.

3. The Spymaster’s Lady by Joanna Bourne
Historical Romance from Berkley, have heard much awesomeness about this. Will post excerpt so you may see awesomeness too, although she did update her blog (click on her name above) with an excerpt as well when I whinedasked for an excerpt to post. This releases in my birthday month so it is uber special, 1/2/08. Wonder why Amazon thinks this is a young adult novel?!?!

4. Traitor’s Kiss by Mary Blayney
Now I am prolly just being mean but my god I love this cover. I haven’t started this because I have built up such hope it will be amazing, I might cry if it sucks. Historical Romance from Dell. Was suppose to come out March 4, 2008 because of scheduling was moved to October 2008. So like I said prolly mean of me to bring it up again…

5. Desperately Seeking A Duke by Celeste Bradley
1st book in her new historical trilogy, The Heiress Brides. Releases March 08 from St Martin’s and will have a back to back release: The Duke Next Door (April) and Duke Most Wanted (May). [I still want to type duck for duke]

6. To Catch a Highlander by Karen Hawkins
This is the third book in a series and releases on my birthday (1/22/08) so it must be amazing! Well really Hawkins can be a hit or miss for me because she tends to be heavy on the funny. And that doesn’t always work with me.

7. Wild Noelle Mack
This is the first book in Noelle’s new Brava series The Pack of St. James. Uh huh… wolves… and even better (sez Lawson, who has NEVER read Susan Johnson) it they have ties to Russia. Check it out here, is a March release so should come out February 26, 2008.

8. A Reason to Sin by Maureen McKade
I can’t begin to tell you how sad it makes me that she is currently working on a romantic suspense. I am sure it will be great but ::sniff:: more westerns please. Reason to Sin finishes her great Forrester trilogy:

9. The Devil’s Daughter by Laura Drewry
Not anything up at amazon but you can read the summary here. Don’t think there is anything else I need to say about why I want to read this… NOW. April 08 release from Dorchester.

10. Sucker’s Bet by Erin McCarthy
I heart Erin McCarthy. Even my lil sister hearts her ::note to self find out when book after Demon Envy comes out:: I was soooooooo looking forward to Bled Dry, the book before this one. I haven’t even made it half way through. le sigh… so do I try Bled Dry again, one night stand with a vampire secret baby book! Sort of, eh well not really secret for long. This comes out Jan 2. And soon we shall have more contemps from her. Well sort of soon…

11. Hard to Handle by Lori Foster
There is sex on page one… is that normal for a Foster book? I checked the cover to make sure it wasn’t Nicole Jordan. I really am enjoying this series. Amazon says this is book 3, which I guess works if you don’t count Jude or Murphy. Releases Feb 5, 2008.

12. The Bride by Carolyn Davidson
It is prolly a bad thing I am way amused the heroine is raised in a convent isn’t it…
I loveseses her older HH. I haven’t found as much love for her books since the move to HQN but this one… looks fabulous. No really. Releases February 1, 2008

Any suggestions on where to start? What is next up on your to be read mountain?

Sabrina Jeffries, author and procrastinator, gives us her version of 12 Days of Christmas.  Don’t forget to catch her upcoming (and wonderfully titled) Let Sleeping Rogues Lie (School For Heiresses, Book 4), coming 19 Feb 08.

Much as I adore Christmas (and I do), I find it overwhelming when I’m also on deadline (which I am), since, as any of my friends can tell you, I’m easily distracted by shiny things and chocolate. So here’s my version of 12 Days, dedicated to ADD authors everywhere (note that I would rather write this than work on my novella, which just shows how dysfunctional I am).  I present…

An ADD Author’s Dysfunctional 12 Days of Christmas

 On the first day of Christmas, I started writing this: a book from my inner goddess.

 On the second day of Christmas, I started watching this: two TV shows,
then I wrote to please my inner goddess.

 On the third day of Christmas, I started drinking this: three cups of coffee
while watching reruns
as I tried to soothe my nagging goddess.

On the fourth day of Christmas, I started reading this: four great novellas
while drinking coffee,
then watched some “Cold Case,”
thus ignoring my inner goddess.

 On the fifth day of Christmas, I started answering this: five fan e-mails
then I read a while,
drank coffee black,
watched an hour of “Charmed,”
and I wrote a blog to spite my goddess.

 On the sixth day of Christmas, I started skimming this: six old Publishers Weeklies,
then read e-mail,
read a long novella,
drank lots of coffee,
watched “the Daily Show,”
and I wrote around my inner goddess.

 On the seventh day of Christmas, I started plotting this: seven future novels,
then skimmed PWs,
tossed out e-mail,
read a long love scene,
bought me a latte,
watched “Without a Trace,”
and I wrote the book without my goddess.

 On the eighth day of Christmas, I started reading this: eight Sybil blogs,
then plotted novels,
tossed out PWs,
answered e-mail,
read a short novella,
added rum to coffee,
watched the “Messiah,”
and I lied to my inner goddess.

 On the ninth day of Christmas, I started eating this: nine chocolate bonbons,
then swung by Sybil’s,
plotted my novels,
got a new PW,
answered fan mail,
skimmed a novella,
swilled rum-laced Coke,
watched a sappy film,
and I drank with my inner goddess.

 On the tenth day of Christmas, I started wrapping this: ten Christmas presents,
then ate some bonbons,
read blogs at Sybil’s,
wished my plots were better,
tossed aside PW,
ignored e-mail,
stumbled through a book,
bought some tequila,
watched the ticking clock,
and then whined to my inner goddess.

 On the eleventh day of Christmas, I started baking this: eleven Christmas cookies,
then lost the presents,
ate lots of chocolate,
checked in at Sybil’s,
gave up on plotting,
cursed at PW,
fired off e-mail,
decided not to read,
swigged margaritas,
watched myself implode,
and then yelled at my inner goddess.

 On the twelfth day of Christmas, I started screaming this: “Where’s the tequila?”
then I ate the cookies,
gave up on presents,
stuffed myself with chocolate,
grumbled to Sybil,
swore off of novels,
forgot PW,
ignored e-mail,
tossed the book aside,
drank whisky neat,
cursed at Dr. Phil,
then I killed off my inner goddess.

Dysfunctionally yours,
Sabrina

What about you readers and authors out there – what do you do to procrastinate?

Sula, blogger and reader, shares her “Wish List” with us…

How many times have I picked up an awesome romance novel and been totally turned off by the artist’s rendition of the hero (yeah, Jo Goodman’s If His Kiss Is Wicked, I’m looking at you!) One of the little games I like to play is “match that hot guy with that hot hero”. A little like pin the tail on the donkey, but way more fun. So without further ado, I give you a few holiday treats to spice up your cold winter days. Eye-candy is very low calorie.  

12 Men I’d Choose to Star In a Romance Novel

12. Daniel Craig.  The ice-cold blond killer type that sends shivers up and down your spine (and not entirely from fear, if you know what I mean). An Anne Stuart hero to be sure.

11. Ken Watanabe.  Granted, there aren’t all that many books starring Asian men (and why is that, anyway), but that doesn’t mean I can’t fantasize. He just exudes gravitas and in my book that is sexy.

10. Jason Momoa.  I don’t know which character he’d play, but I include him because he’s just…HAWT! Actually, as I look (um, stare) at that picture, I start to think that he might be Vishous from the BDB series.

9. Kyle Schmid.  This one is easy as he plays a vampire on TV. If you didn’t get the chance to watch the show Blood Ties, you missed out. Funny, romantic and paranormal, but stupid Lifetime looks like they won’t be renewing it for another season. Arg! Anyways, Kyle is my mental image for Christoff from Shana Abe’s The Smoke Thief.  [Ed.: It's depressing how young this guy is.]

8. Johnny Depp.  I see Johnny as the charming, devil-may-care hero in a swashbuckling adventure written by Marsha Canham. Obviously the man looks pretty good on the deck of a ship be it as a pirate or as a river rat.

7. Clive Owen. Yum. I think this man was born to play historical heros. I could see him in any number of roles. Colin in Romancing Mr. Bridgerton, Elliot in The Bridal Season, Benedict in Lord Perfect… I could go on.

6. Blair Underwood.  This man is beautiful to look at and beautiful to watch on screen. Smooth and self-confident and sexy. I think he’d make a pretty awesome Rhage, and it would be appropriate to have a brother as a Brother. I’m totally feeling it, true?

5. Gerard Butler.  When I read Karen Marie Moning’s Kiss of the Highlander, this was what I saw in my mind. I think he’d also be great in those good old Garwood medievals. Aye, he’s a braw laddie, d’ye ken?

4. Daniel Day-Lewis.  Last of the Mohicans! ‘Nuff said. A perfect stand-in for any American frontier romance novel…cuz we all know there are SO many of those being published these days.

3. Sean Bean.  I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: give the man some red highlights and he IS Jamie Fraser for my money.

2. Viggo Mortensen.  A versatile actor who can play anyone from a fantasy hero (a la LotR) to a Viking marauder to a cowboy. I have had a crush on him for eons, so he’s always a standard go-to on my mental cast list.

1. Richard Armitage.  Well, it will come as no surprise to anyone who has cast even a passing glance over my blog as of late that I am head over heels crazy for this guy. As for the hero he would most likely play, it’s none other than Derek Craven from Lisa Kleypas’ Dreaming of You. But honestly, pretty much any dark-haired, intense, British hero who is rough around the edges and not entirely civilized will now be played by Richard Armitage in my mind. Run, don’t walk, watch North & South (BBC) and see if you don’t agree.

Happy holidays!
Sula

Alright readers, what do you think?  Who would you like to see play a character from your favorite book?

Sandy M’s review of Queen of Dragons (Drakon, Book 3) by Shana Abe
Paranormal romance by Bantam 26 Dec 07

I love being back in the world of Abe’s dragons. Although there is always a dire situation to be had, one that requires a swift hand, usually the Alpha’s, there is still the dry humor that makes the story a little fun along with all the mystery and danger.

The Alpha this time is Kimber Langford, Earl of Chasen. He has stepped up to take over in his father’s absence, who, along with his wife, is scouring the earth seeking the fate of their youngest daughter who we read about in The Dream Thief. Kimber has been groomed for this role, but it seems that as more and more things go wrong, he feels more and more out of control and does not have the power to keep his people safe.

We also met Princess Maricara of Transylvania in The Dream Thief, and in Queen of Dragons she comes into her own. A woman with an iron will and legions of stubbornness; a dragon as free and light hearted as Kimber would like to be. Kimber has known most of his life Mari will be his, but when he finally meets her he understands what his parents hold so dear in their own relationship. But trying to make Mari understand their mating is a fait accompli races his own iron will and stubbornness toward an inevitable head-on collision.

The famous shifting from human to smoke to dragon is still the same, but each is used in several different ways from the first two books. The flight of dragons can be felt in your bones when they take to the skies, and the sensuousness shared by Kimber and Maricara when they are in all three forms is delicious. Kimber has the same sense of humor as his father and Abe uses it beautifully. And, of course, an Alpha dragon just does something to your nerve endings, your synapses, your brain. Kimber also takes after his father in this respect, and it’s a good thing they both found strong women to love them.

This time Abe leaves the ending wide open for the next book. There are as many questions answered as there are left unanswered. But it’s all done in a good way. I didn’t feel cheated at the end or like I missed something. It’s a true cliffhanger and I have only anticipation for future installments of the stories of Darkfrith and its legendary drakon.

Grade: A+

     There exists a world beyond your own.

     There exists a world of frozen savagery, of ice and snow, and needle-tipped mountains draped smoky emerald in summer, and dusky blue every autumn. In this world, your safe and pleasant life is vanished, a mere illusion revealed.

     Comets are born here. Stars are stirred. Glaciers steam; diamonds sparkle; silent music saturates the very air-and mighty dragons tear furrows through it all, breathing light and fire in crystalline exhalations.

     We are the drákon.

     Maricara of the Zaharen was born an eighteenth century peasant but raised to be a princess. As the hidden leader of the drákon of the Carpathian Mountains, she represents all that is glimmering and elusive in her kind: polished strength, striking radiance…and a will to keep her dragon kin safe at all costs, even if it means she must protect them from herself.

     Kimber, Earl of Chasen, is more new to his role as Alpha of the English drákon, but there’s nothing elusive about him. He is powerfully, unmistakably male, and destined to rule his tribe. He’s also been engaged to Maricara for years-although she doesn’t know it.

     The dragons of Darkfrith believed themselves to be the last of their kind. The revelation of the other tribe’s existence-even in far-flung Transylvania-is considered nothing but a threat to them and their way of life. This threat has to be contained, and Kim is willing do whatever he must to achieve that. Even bloodshed. Even war.

     There could hardly be a pair of creatures less suited for marriage, much less diplomacy between these two separate, savagely beautiful groups of beings.

     Yet Kim and Mari’s destinies are about to collide in a very unexpected way. One hot summer night the princess slips into Darkfrith unannounced, bearing some extremely unwelcome news: the sanf inimicus, human hunters of the drákon, have revived their ancient sect, and are beginning to pick off the shapeshifters one by one.

     No one is safe. And unless Kimber and Maricara decide to unite after all, it might mean the end of every dragon, in every place….

     Read an excerpt.

Pam P, a faithful TGTBTU reader and commenter, shares with us her favorite Christmas song playlist…

I love listening to traditional Christmas songs to get in the holiday spirit–while putting up the tree, wrapping presents, celebrating with friends and family, to help put on a happy face when dealing with the Scrooges and Bah-Humbugs at work.   

Pam P’s 12 Favorite Traditional Christmas Songs

 1. The Little Drummer Boy

 2. God Rest Ye, Merry Gentlemen

 3. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

 4. The First Noël

 5. It Came Upon a Midnight Clear

 6. It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas

 7. Joy to the World

 8. Hark the Herald Angels Sing

 9. Angels We Have Heard on High

 10. We Three Kings

 11. O Little Town of Bethlehem

 12. Good King Wenceslas

What about you folks?  What’s your favorite holiday song?  Feel free to share a link to a recorded version.

The authors over at Southern Fried Chicas (Tanya Holmes, Vanessa Jaye, Denise McDonald, Michelle Miles, Amie Stuart, and Raine Weaver) share their pick for the 12 Hunks of Christmas…

Responsible parties listed after the hunkster’s name – so you know who to blame…

12 Hunks We Want To Find Wrapped Under Our Trees

1. Gerard Butler – 6’2″ (actor, singer, Scotsman, Spartan, fantasy) (Tanya)

2. Clive Owen – 6’2.5″ (actor, green-eyed wonderman, The Voice) (Tanya)

3. George Clooney – 5’10.5″ (actor, bachelor, party boy) (Raine)

4. Denzel Washington – 6’0.5″ (actor x 100, dad x 4) (Raine)

5. Gary Allan – 5’11″ (singer, musician, survivor) (Amie)

6. Darren Sharper – 6’2″ (pro athlete) (Amie)
[Ed.:  With a face and body like his (the man is seriously beautiful), he should get some publicity photos done.  All I can find are team pics or paparazzi, and that's no fun!]

7. Boris Kodjoe – 6’2.5″ (actor, Austrian, linguist) (Vanessa)
[Ed.: Now, see.  This guy knows how to do it!  Check this one out - just a pretty photo.]

8. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson – 6’4″ (actor, former wrestler, recently divorced) (Vanessa)
[Ed.: Okay so sue me.  I couldn't pick which one! so I used both pics.  I want The Rock to play 'Wrath' in a movie adaption of the BDB.]

9. Taye Diggs – 5’10″ (actor, dazzling smile, Stella’s groove) (Michelle)

10. Alex O’Loughlin – 6’2″ (actor, Aussie, closet vampire) (Michelle)

11. Colin Firth – 6’1.5″ (actor, Mr. Darcy) (Dennie)

12. David Conrad – 6’1″ (actor, Ivy Leaguer, arm candy) (Dennie)
[Ed.: This guy is totally wasted on Jennifer Love Hewitt in that ghost show.]

Who’s your pick for a pressie?