Laura C’s review of Revenge at Bella Terra (Bella Terra, Book 2) by Christina Dodd
Contemporary Romance/Romantic Suspense published by Signet 06 Sep 11

Eli De Luca has been blackmailed into convincing Chloë Conte to marry him. He tells himself he’ll be good to her, that she’ll never want for anything and she’ll never know he doesn’t love her. And at first, it all seems to be going well.  But then violence from the past visits the present and when Eli and Chloë are threatened, he begins to realize his feelings are far deeper than he’d ever imagined they could be. But can she ever forgive him for not telling her the truth?

Although the publisher markets these books as “romantic suspense,” so far the series has had much more of a contemporary romance feel to me. That’s not a negative—I like contemporary and I don’t think nearly enough people are writing it—but it is a warning to people who are looking for something with thrills and chills: this isn’t it.  This is a great, emotional, contemporary romance, with a touch of suspense and a good, solid mystery.

The basic plot of this novel is probably more familiar to readers of historical romances than to those who read contemporaries: broke guy needs to convince wealthy woman he is in love with her and while he’s acting out his role he actually does fall in love. Yes, it’s an old story, but Dodd handles it beautifully, perking up the old story into something new and different. The mysterious death of the bootlegging wine-maker Massimo Bruno during Prohibition brings these two characters—mystery writer and vintner—together, and the quick pacing of the plot keeps them together.

The mystery aspect is well-developed, but the real focus is on the romance.

Eli watched Chloë climb the cellar stairs ahead of him.

He liked this sundress. It bared her back and arms, displaying long, sleek muscles and a lithe, catlike movement that made him want to pet her. Her legs were good, too, and in that skirt and from this angle, he could see a lot of them.

He really, really did like this sundress.

He probably should feel ashamed of himself for leering at an unsuspecting woman. In normal circumstances, he was sure he would.

But these were not normal circumstances. He was going to marry Chloë.

Besides, she wasn’t what he expected. When Conte had proposed the deal, Eli had thought he’d be stuck with a girl without personality or wisdom, someone whose primary ambition was to perch on the back of a Jaguar convertible while Eli drove her through center of town during the annual Wine Crush parade.

Instead, she drove a blue Ford Focus.

‘Nuff said.

I really enjoyed watching the interactions between Eli and Chloë, especially his growing frustration as she continually dismisses him as a suitor. She knows her father has been matchmaking (though she doesn’t know about his blackmail) and tells Eli at the beginning that he doesn’t have to worry, she won’t be persuaded to marry him. At first, this suits him perfectly, but as his situation becomes more dire and his emotions become more complicated, it begins to drive him a bit crazy. Chloë is more straightforward with less to hide, but the one thing she absolutely requires in a man is honesty—so Eli’s sort of up a creek.

I would recommend this to any contemporary romance reader. Yes, there’s some violence, but not too much, and it mostly takes place off the page, so you don’t have to be immersed in it.

Grade: A-

Summary:

Ruthless Eli Di Luca hides the torment of his past beneath a façade of iron control. No one suspects the anguish he suffers, or the reasons why he has sworn never to marry. Only blackmail could change his mind…

Beautiful young author Chloë Conte’s first book zoomed to the top of the bestseller lists. Now, struggling to write her second mystery, she retreats to an isolated cottage in a private vineyard. But with his magnetic appeal and his fascinating tales of Bella Terra’s violent past, Eli Di Luca proves an irresistible distraction, and Chloë finds herself falling in love with a man she hardly knows. Soon she discovers that Eli has been keeping secrets from her, and the truth will bring more than heartbreak…it will put them both in mortal danger.

When murder and peril threaten, the only way Chloe can survive is to trust the man who has betrayed her…and that’s a price her stubborn heart may not be willing to pay.

Read an excerpt.

Other books in this series:

Betrayal in Bella Terra, April 2012

Laura C’s review of Secrets of Bella Terra (Scarlet Deception Series, Book 1) by Christina Dodd
Contemporary Romance/Romantic Suspense published by Signet Select 02 Aug 11

I’ll just admit up front that I love Christina Dodd. That said, I always face books written by my long-time favorites with some trepidation. Will it be as good as I expect? If not, will I be able to forgive the author? How many chances can I give an author before I give up? (The answer: a lot.)

Luckily, in this first new book in her Scarlet Deception series, Dodd does not disappoint.  It’s touching, sweet, and has enough intrigue to keep the pages turning long into the night. It’s as much small town contemporary romance as it is romantic suspense, so I’d recommend it to anyone who reads in either of those subgenres.

Rafe di Luca is the epitome of tall, dark, and dangerous, and his short-lived but passionate affair with Brooke Petersson ended because neither could come to grips with the other’s lifestyle. None of that has changed. Rafe is still a world traveler and security specialist, while Brooke still prefers to stay home and manage the Bella Terra resort and winery complex. When Rafe’s grandmother is attacked on the Bella Terra grounds, he comes running home…smack into Brooke. Forced to deal with each other to figure out what is going on, they gradually remember the positive things in their relationship as well as the acrimony.

If you are a reunion romance fan, this book is definitely for you. Even when you know they’ll get their HEA, the question of how they will overcome the things that separated them in the past looms until the very end. He even admits as much to himself and to Brooke’s mother:

“…I’ve never done anything to deliberately hurt Brooke, and I never will.”

“You never used malice, you mean. But deliberately…yes, you have. You two have been in love and out of love, but how would you even know if the same things are important to both of you? What kind of relationship do you have that you don’t talk to her about your job? About what matters to you? About your plans?”

“Fair enough. I’ll take all your points under advisement.  Now, take mine under advisement. I’ve dealt with my PTSD. It changed me, true—in the end, it made me a better man, and one able to help Brooke in her hour of need. It’s time for some honesty between Brooke and me, and for you”—he pointed his finger at Mrs. Petersson—”to back off.” He didn’t wait for her to argue. He didn’t have the time and he didn’t have the patience. Instead, he walked out the door and into the warm spring morning.

I felt the mystery here took a backseat to the romance, but that didn’t particularly bother me. The slash and burn style of romantic suspense can leave one a bit exhausted (though that doesn’t stop me from picking up every single one that hits the shelves) and it was lovely to read one that moved a little more slowly.

Occasionally, I did think the plot moved a little too slowly, and once in a while the dialogue got a bit stilted (not between Rafe and Brooke but, as above, between secondary characters).  Still, those are relatively minor quibbles and I read the book until way too late at night and was thoroughly satisfied at the end.

Grade: B+

Summary:

Dark, brooding, and sexy, Rafe Di Luca has returned to Bella Terra for one reason: to find out who attacked his beloved grandmother… and why. Owner of one of the world’s leading security firms, he has his prime suspect: the beautiful Brooke Petersson, manager of Bella Terra. Years ago, he and Brooke shared a powerful passion before he walked out of her life. She swore the affair was over forever, yet they find themselves drawn into an erotic web neither can escape. Now Rafe must decide if he should trust the desire Brooke ignites in him—or if seduction is her revenge…

Read an excerpt.

Other books in this series:

Betrayal in Bella Terra – April 2012

C2’s review of Taken by the Prince (Governess Brides, Book 9) by Christina Dodd
Historical Romance published by Signet 4 Apr 11

Doesn’t everyone dream of being swept away to a hidden castle by a handsome prince? A handsome prince leading a double life – pretending to be a gambler and rake while he secretly plots against an old enemy?  A handsome prince with a noble cause – saving his country from continued rule by evil usurpers and restoring it to its former glory??  Well, in reality it isn’t as romantic as it sounds…at least, not if you ask Miss Victoria Cardiff.

Victoria is a graduate of the esteemed Distinguished Academy of Governesses.  She went there so she would be able to make her own way in the world.  Her stepfather resented any money he ever had to spend on her and her mother was too weak and uninterested to make any sort of protest.  Victoria has been traveling through Europe with the Johnson family, acting as governess/chaperone to the two Johnson daughters and assisting Mr. Johnson with some of the bookkeeping duties that accompany his work as a financial advisor.  When their trip takes them to Moravia, Victoria sees a familiar face.

A side note, if I may – just to let my geek flag fly.  Every time I read the name of Moravia’s capital city – Tonagra – I thought about the episode of Star Trek: TNG where Picard was trapped on a planet with a guy who spoke in nothing but metaphors…

Am I the only one?  Yeah, probably just me…but I was distracted every single time I read it.  Anyhoo…

Once upon a time, Raul Lawrence was known as Prince Saber of Moravia. That was before he was sent to live with his cruel British father. Growing up in England, Raul has had to control his emotions and be patient. He needs to learn all he can about diplomacy and warfare, so he returns to Moravia to take back the throne stolen from his family two hundred years before.

During his time in England, Raul meets Victoria at a birthday party for one of his younger sisters – Victoria was her friend and classmate.  At the birthday ball, Raul and Victoria share a passionate moment out in the dark.  However, both have big plans and those plans do not include any sort of romantic entanglement and they do not part on the best of terms.  So, when Victoria catches a glimpse of Raul in Moravia, she can’t believe her eyes.  And he disappears so quickly that she isn’t sure she really saw him at all.

Later that night at a ball in the hotel, the Moravian rebels sweep in. In the following confusion, Victoria is separated from the rest of the assembly and is blindfolded, kidnapped by a masked man, carried off on horseback and deposited in a room that has all her things already there. By the time she takes in her new situation and turns around, the door is closed and a key is turning the lock.  Not until the next morning does she realize who has kidnapped her – Raul Lawrence!

Raul tells Victoria he has plans to keep her busy (and watched) during the day and that she will be locked in with him at night (the room she’s locked in is his).  Victoria promises she will not tell anyone anything about him or his plans, if he will just let her go. After telling her he doesn’t believe her, Raul explains about the cruel leaders of Moravia, goes into detail about what they would do to her if she’s captured and says her only option is to remain in his castle. However, everyone in the castle works, so he offers the position of mistress.  She is outraged, course.  Eventually they decide she will teach the people of the castle – the children will learn English and the adults will learn etiquette, since they will become his courtiers when he becomes king.

I know it might not sound like it, but this book starts off really slow. As I was reading, I kept waiting for something to happen.  Victoria is in the castle, she’s teaching the kids and trying to convince the adults they need instruction, too.  She is fending off advances from Raul – he told her he wouldn’t take her against her will ever, that she would have to beg…he didn’t say he wouldn’t do his best to make her beg, though.  Naughty Raul.  ;-)  But he sets out to seduce her, to make her give herself to him, doesn’t set out to begin a romance.  He has too much to do – a revolution to lead.  And yet, the time they spend together locked in his room draws them closer and closer.

I have seen mention of forced seduction in this book.  I consider it to be forceful seduction.  She is so wrapped up in rules and what is and is not proper, it takes a lot to get past her walls.  She is fighting herself and her desires.  Are boundaries pushed a bit?  Maybe a very little bit…but not so much that it makes me uncomfortable as a reader. They have an argumentative relationship and it spills over into the loves scenes.  Things change when it really sinks in that he is leading a rebellion against so very evil people.  The time they have at that moment, even if she is locked in his room, may be all the time they ever get.  No matter what she is saying to him, her thoughts make it clear she is willing.  As Victoria thinks to herself, “…intelligence and logic apparently didn’t work when she was naked.”  Heh.

The plot really gets going about two-thirds into the book.  Just as she and Raul are getting closer, Victoria is kidnapped again – this time by Raul’s cousin and rival for the throne.  What will happen?  Will Raul come after her?  Will he and his cousin kill each other before either gets a chance to rule?  Will Raul ever let Victoria return to England? You know you want to find out, faithful reader.

Also, for those who haven’t read any of the Governess Brides series, this book stands alone very easily.

Grade: C+

Summary:

Lovely Victoria Cardiff is very prim, very strict, very sure that England is the only civilized place in the world.
She’s about to find out she’s right.

Only Victoria knows the truth about dashing, dissolute, dangerous Saber Lawrence—that he is a renegade prince plotting to seize control of his country. To ensure her silence, Saber kidnaps Victoria and carries her away to his castle deep in the woods. There they hide the truth about their past: a glittering ball, angry words, a passionate kiss. He vows to vanquish her reserve … but soon finds an English governess is not so easily seduced …

Between persuasion and passion, they realize that only together can they defeat the enemies determined to destroy them. But will Saber discover too late that a woman’s heart is a treasure more priceless than any kingdom?

Read an excerpt.

Other books in the series:

This just in…

The old Squawk Radio gang is back in action!

~ Elizabeth Bevarly, Connie Brockway, Christina Dodd, Eloisa James, Lisa Kleypas, and Teresa
Medeiros have gotten together to choose five of their favorite blogs from the old squawking days.

~ So that’s thirty looks back at the fun these ladies had over the years. Those blogs are bound into one volume for your reading pleasure and titled The Best of Squawk Radio.

~ You can purchase your copy at Scribd.com. You’ll be able to read it online at Scribd any time you’d like or you may download a .pdf copy. The authors are asking you not share your copy if choose to download it.

~ For the low price of $3, there will be a few funny extras added in your purchase. Half of the proceeds for the sale of the ebook will be donated to the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of Minnesota, an organization Connie Brockway has been affiliated with for more than 10 years.

~ Keep up with the Squawk Radio divas now at Twitter. They’ve formed their own twibe there and the fun has begun.

Consider yourself flashed.

Sandy M’s review of Touch of Darkness (Darkness Chosen, Book 2) by Christina Dodd
Contemporary Paranormal Romance published by Signet 7 Aug 07

This is another series I got behind in reading, but thank goodness there’s only four books in the series. It won’t be that hard to catch up with it. With this second book down, I’m enjoying the series so far, and it should only get more interesting considering the hero of the next book hasn’t been heard from for years and the last hero — er, heroine — uh, well, since I haven’t looked ahead I’m not sure what’s going to happen! I’m looking forward to it, though.

Besides the interesting premise of this series, I like Ms. Dodd’s alpha heroes. Of course, they have strong heroines to go right along with them, but for me I have to have a dominant alpha in books like these. Rurik is definitely alpha, stemming from a long line of bad blood in his ancestry, which his family left behind, and the fact that he and his brothers are shapeshifters. Shifters are always one of my favorite reads, thus my love of alphas.

Fueled by the prophecy his mother gave the last time the family was all together, Rurik is in Scotland on an archeological dig searching for one of four holy icons needed to save his father’s life. His research has led him to this tomb, but he also finds Tasya roaming around the site. He hasn’t seen her since she left him after their night of amazing lovemaking. He’s determined to find out why now that she’s back poking around. When the tomb is finally opened, however, the icon is not there and they must flee with what little information the find inside when the evil side of his family blows the place to bits, killing people and making it look as though Rurik and Tasya were involved.

Wanting to be on her own, keeping her secrets to herself, Tasya finally gives in and sticks with Rurik on their icon scavenger hunt. She has her own reasons for wanting the relic and has no idea Rurik is also after it and why. He keeps that bit of information to himself when he discovers Tasya’s need for revenge against his left-behind relatives. On the run they face one challenge after another while stealing a moment here and there to sate the potent lust between them. It’s when Tasya sees Rurik fall from the sky that she leaves her plans in the dust and decides to finish Rurik’s journey to save his father.

The action in this book is pretty nonstop once Rurik and Tasya are forced to keep one step ahead of the villains on their tails. There’s also a side story of Rurik’s vow to himself to never fly again after a near-fatal mishap during his Air Force stint, including never flying as his hawk self. So far this series has kept my interest and I can’t wait to get to the last two books, Into the Shadow and Into the Flame.

Grade: A+

Read more reviews of this and other books in the series by following its tag.

Summary:
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A thousand years ago, a brutal warrior struck a terrifying bargain. In return for the ability to change at will into a cold-hearted predator, he promised his soul, and the souls of his descendants, to the devil.
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Handsome, powerful Rurik Wilder battles darkness — the darkness without, and the darkness within. For he possesses the power to transform himself into a fierce bird of prey, and that gift has caused death and destruction.
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At last he is offered the chance to redeem himself and break the evil pact which has held his family in thrall for centuries. Only one woman stands in his way — flamboyant Tasya Hunnicutt, a writer determined to wreak revenge on the assassins who murdered her family. Assassins, it’s been rumored, who have powers no human should ever possess…
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Read an excerpt.

Other books in this series:

Gwen’s review of Into the Flame (Darkness Chosen, Book 4) by Christina Dodd
Contemporary paranormal romance released by Signet 5 Aug 08

This is the culmination of the Darkness Chosen series, of which I’ve only read one other book.  I liked the premise of the series – cursed men with supernatural powers who find their mates and are redeemed.  Always good for a story or two.  Add in some family dynamics, secret and switched babies, and you have the basis of this last book.

Our hero and heroine are an engaging couple if a bit “young” feeling.  They’re both 23-years old and seem hardly old enough to be doing what they’re doing (dang I’m getting old). He’s a state trooper and she does something with an art studio (I forget what now).  They both are well established and he owns a house he’s been renovating.  Perhaps it’s my share of the infantilization of our teenagers at work, but I still feel they’re hardly old enough to have lived as much as these two have.

The romance in the story (between many of the characters, not the least of which was the H/H) was really very nice and I liked how it resolved.  The ending wasn’t prettied up, but was real and sounded like the kind of conversation two “normal” people would have.  There was no “ride off into the sunset” where everyone is paired off.  Even though that happens (duh, romance here), there’s still some “come to Jesus” talk between the H/H before it does.  I like that.

I’m not sure what to think about the unresolved element of the heroines’ supernatural abilities.  They seem to beg for something more with these characters – another series or something with the children of these unions.  I suppose we’ll see where this goes for Dodd.

The action throughout the book is fun.  The bad guys are suitably bad, if a bit hapless. But they brought a suitable amount of tension to the story that you wanted the good guys to prevail.

The camaraderie between the brothers felt like the author was trying too hard to make it amusing or “guy-like”.  I don’t know how female authors can correct that kind of thing.  I would think “guy talk” and male bonding is one of the tougher things for a female author to write convincingly.  All I know is that if my brothers wrestled in my mom’s kitchen, she’d thrash them both within an inch of their lives.  Given my dad didn’t beat her to it, that is.

Overall, this was a very entertaining story with a couple of questionable elements.  A very nice ending to the series, though.  I can recommend it to fans of the series and of the author’s writing.  If you’re new to the series, you won’t be too lost starting here, but I recommend the other books as fun reading.

Grade: B-

Read reviews of this and other books in the series by clicking on the Darkness Chosen series tag.

Summary:

Roaming the Russian steppes a thousand years ago, a brutal warrior struck a terrifying deal. In exchange for being able to transform into a heartless predator, he promised his soul-and the souls of his descendants-to the devil.

Brutally handsome cop Doug Black is determined to find the birth family who left him with nothing but a terrifying inheritance: the ability to change into a savage golden cougar. His search leads him to a woman as dauntless and exotic as her name. Firebird Wilder is bitterly familiar with supernatural gifts, and flees on discovering his secret, leaving Doug alone once more. But no one can escape a wild cougar on the hunt. When he finds her, they both must decide which is more powerful … the love that binds them together … or the secrets that threaten to tear them apart.

Read an excerpt.

Other books in the series:

Limecello’s review of Into the Flame (Darkness Chosen, Book 4) by Christina Dodd
Paranormal romance released by Signet on 5 Aug 08

The fourth and final installment to the Darkness Chosen series was good, but not my favorite in the bunch. (That would be Into the Shadow.) Into the Flame is well written, the characters are all likable – and I’m glad I read the series. The premise was interesting and I enjoyed seeing how everything came together.

Firebird Wilder is a strong and complicated heroine. (Who has such an unfortunate name, poor thing. Imagine growing up with it.) Firebird is take charge, but has a difficult time establishing herself in her alpha male dominated family. She handles herself and situations well, but isn’t a very warm character. Quite mature for her age, it’s easy to forget Firebird has seen and lived through a lot at the age of twenty-three.

Doug Black is something of an enigma. You’re not quite sure if he’s the good guy, or the bad guy, and really he’s a bit of both. Partly due to the nature of the story the reader doesn’t get to know much about Doug. He does have a sad past, but with all that’s thrown at the reader immediately after, the sympathy factor isn’t all that it might have been.

Into the Flame I feel is a lot more plot than character centric. In a minor way, Firebird and Doug’s romance is a bit cheated, because so much of the book is devoted to the culmination of the three prior novels, and making sure the happy ending for all the Wilders occurs. As a whole, this is a very involving book, with little down time, dominated by a lot of drama, intrigue, and characters fighting for their lives.

I really enjoyed the introduction and the first part of this book. It was nice to see Firebird as a person, and find out who the father of her son, Aleksandr, is. The scene where Firebird sets off to see Doug are also very enjoyable. I do wish they had a bit more time to communicate, but it probably would have ruined a few plot elements.

Some things I didn’t like quite as much were a few of the discrepancies found in the later half of the book. The Varinskis and Wilders along with their other unique characteristics have incredible healing powers. I’m not sure if that includes rejuvenation, but it seemed that the Varinskis healed faster than the Wilders did. Yes, it created greater tension, but it didn’t fit. Then there was a part near the end, where the women remembered most of a prophecy, but not a “key” part that was obvious, yet left off for what seems to be the sole purpose of creating yet more drama. I found that somewhat unnecessary. On the other hand, if it had gone smoothly the story may have seen too pat. I guess there was no real way to win.

I did really like how Ms. Dodd continued the story on after the major conflict in the novel, and took the time to resolve Firebird and Doug’s relationship. Oftentimes after the action is over, a novel simply ends, leaving the reader hanging, but Ms. Dodd takes Into the Flame all the way to a believable happy ending. I recommend those that have read the Darkness Chosen novels read this last book – it’s a nice wrap up of the series. I think that Ms. Dodd was also setting up a new paranormal series in this book – but we’ll have to wait and see. Anyway, if you like Ms. Dodd’s book, you should try this one, and there’s no harm no foul, because it’s a “Great Read Guaranteed” book.

Grade: B

Ruggedly handsome cop Doug Black is determined to find the birth family who left him with nothing but a terrifying inheritance: the ability to change into a savage golden cougar. His search leads him to a woman as fearless and exotic as her name. Firebird Wilder is bitterly familiar with supernatural gifts, and flees on discovering his secret, leaving him alone once more. But no one can escape a wild cougar on the hunt. When he finds her, they both must decide which is more powerful: the love that binds them together – or the secrets that threaten to tear them apart.

Read an excerpt here.

Other books in the series:

Well, it’s taken me a week to recuperate and get back into the swing of things since I got home from San Francisco.  Was it all worth it?  Damn straight!

I was supposed to be at the RWA National Conference as a writer.  I started writing only a year or so ago, so I was really looking forward to learning more about the craft.  But who was I trying to kid?  I was 99.9% reader in San Francisco.   I couldn’t help myself.  Everywhere I looked were authors I’d been reading for years, authors who I just discovered, and even newer authors who I hadn’t yet discovered while at the conference.   And the books!  You’ve all seen my TBR mountain.  You all know how bad my addiction is.  There was no way in hell anyone could have kept me away from the books in the city by the bay, no matter how they tried.  So while I did learn a little, I had a dream of a week just schmoozing and staring in awe the majority of the week.

I had some wonderful highlights during the hustle and bustle of the conference.  The first was meeting two of my all-time favorite authors, who have also become friends.  First is Sandy Blair.  I started reading her books because of the time travel elements that appear every so often in her Scottish historicals.  But I joined her fan club because she’s one of the nicest, sweetest ladies I’ve ever met.  So it was a thrill, indeed, to meet her in person.  We had lunch together a couple of times, had drinks together, just chatted, laughed our tails off — she’s a great storyteller even outside of her books — and I enjoyed my time with her immensely.  I will remember each and every one of those moments forever.

Added to all that, I found some friends to get re-acquainted with while schmoozing with Sandy B.  It was great to meet author Tracy Garrett since getting to know her when I interviewed her online last year, and soon-to-be-published-I-just-know-it Suzy Welsh from the Romance Bandits is a hoot and a half and it was nice to chat with her outside Sandy B’s group.  I also met author Jo Davis, who just had her debut book, Trial by Fire, released last week.  You know, I started talkin’ with a southern accent after spending time with all those Texas ladies!

My next highlight came when I met author C.L. Wilson.  We’ve been chatting online for the last year or so after the release of her first two books, Lord of the Fading Lands and Lady of Light and Shadows.  Her series of Fae and magic and flying jaguars has captured not only my imagination, but the world’s.  It was so enjoyable meeting this lady who has such a lyrical voice when writing, an imagination that takes you away into fantasy so that you never want to leave.  Cheryl is a delight.  She’s so friendly, open and honest, and getting to know her was a pleasure.  She also joined Sandy B. and me for lunch on our first day in San Francisco. Let me tell you, I haven’t laughed so darned much and so darned hard in a very long time.   Author Susan Edwards also joined us at lunch, along with several other friends, and a good time was had by all and another wonderful memory was made.

If you haven’t read Cheryl’s books yet, you should.  There’s very few authors out there who can string ordinary words together and make them sing like Cheryl.  The next two books in the series, King of Sword and Sky and Queen of Song and Souls,  are being released this October and February 2009, respectively.  Start now and I guarantee you will be mesmerized and anxiously awaiting those new release dates.

Then there’s the Goody Room that’s a highlight at every conference.  My heavens, what an oasis and/or cacophony, depending on how you look at it and when you were there, of activity and goodies that was.  And everything there was free!  Books, buttons, bookmarks, candy, ink pens, CDs enticing you with book excerpts, business cards and flyers advertising anything and everything, and so much more filled table after table throughout the room.  You had to be quick in that room too.  No thinking you can come back later and pick up whatever you were looking at.  No guarantees whatsoever.  You had to make quick decisions and stick with them!

The Literacy Signing on Wednesday night was almost ovewhelming.  500 authors just waiting for you to walk up, chat for a minute, and buy a book.  What reader wouldn’t be in heaven while in that room?  I met more authors there who I’d corresponded with online or had gotten a thank you for reviewing their book:  Melissa Mayhue, Nancy Haddock, Lorraine Heath, Jill Shalvis, Lisa Kleypas, Kresley Cole, Kathryn Smith, Lynda Sandoval, just to name a few.  Then there were the authors that I’d read and loved for so long and newer authors who have given me hours of reading pleasure: Shana Galen, Jennifer Ashley, Shana Abe, Susan Crandall, Marianne Stillings, Christina Dodd, Julia Quinn, Gena Showalter, Elizabeth Hoyt, Bonnie Edwards and the list goes on and on.  And so many more than I’ll ever be able to remember!  It was a spectacular night and all topped off quite nicely when we learned the next day approximately $60,000 had been raised for literacy.  Good show!

There were other book signings the last days of the conference, and I had been warned to take large totes, rolling and handheld, and to be prepared to ship box after box of books home.  Pffft.  We were able to drive to San Francisco, who needs to ship the books back home?  I did.  Four of them.  Four big, big boxes of books.  I’m glad I took all the advice given to me. I definitely went prepared and I’m sure I was a sight lugging all those books across that big old hotel for two days!

My last huge highlight was meeting author Melissa Mayhue for dinner at Bubba Gump’s on Pier 39 our last free night of the week.  What a lovely lady!  Not only is she a wonderfully talented author, Melissa is one of the sincerest, kindest people I’ve ever met.  And there’s something about authors and humor.  Twelve women together with writing in common and we laughed and laughed.  And laughed.  For several hours.  I made a few more new friends that night and hope to keep in touch in the future.

In fact, I made new friends throughout the entire week, even some from my area.  It was a great time to share experiences and knowledge and I’m so glad I was part of it.  It was a time in my life that will never be forgotten, even when I attend another conference in the future.  The first time is special and the people I met will always have just as special a place in my heart.

Oh, the writer in me?  Yes, I did go to workshops and I did learn some.  So maybe the next time I’ll have more percentage points on the writing part of it all.  I have a feeling, though, the reader in me will emerge once again because she just has to be part of the fun.

Limecello’s review of Into the Shadow (Darkness Chosen, Book 3) by Christina Dodd
Paranormal romance released by Signet on 1 Jul 08

Christina Dodd is one of my favorite romance authors, but she’s never won me over on her paranormals… until now! In fact, I’m considering re-reading the previous ones even. So yes – I liked this book, which is the third installment in her Darkness Chosen series.

Karen Sonnet is an interesting heroine. She’s strong, smart, capable, yet vulnerable, a bit thick at times, and craves approval from her father. Yes at times things about Karen were cliché, but she herself wasn’t. She’s also quite determined and able to handle any situation she’s put in – even if she has moments of uncertainty – and you have to respect her for that.

Warlord-Adrick/Rick Wilder is a character that is hard to place. In a way, he starts out as an anti-hero. He’s the conquering barbarian, and he goes after what he wants, end of story. Warlord really is a warlord, who controls everything. Feared by all the men, yet a good ruler. Adrick and Rick are lesser known qualities, and definitely “the modern man.” Throughout, Adrick is quite complex and layered, but the reader is certain he has an inner core of good.

It’s hard to describe how I feel about this book- more I didn’t know how to react to certain aspects of the book. I admit to liking how both the characters, and Ms Dodd committed to having them be who they were. She kept them true to their personalities, which I respect. There wasn’t this “Warlord is cruel and unfeeling to everyone except Karen.” Yes, in a way, there is because he calls her his bride, but on the other hand, not. He stalks her, tricks her, spies on her, and ties her up. He also seduces her and if I think about it too much I could say there was a rape or pseudo rape scene. She refuses and fights him- and the reader isn’t sure if she really means it or not, but it doesn’t matter. What might bother me most is that, I wasn’t particularly bothered by it, because it fit with the book and flowed. That’s just how it is. Basically, he treats her exactly how a warlord would treat his woman.

Going along with that, there was this slightly detached feel to the characters. I liked them, enjoyed reading about them and respected them, but I didn’t really become attached to them. That’s probably a major reason this book didn’t quite make the “A” cut for me. There was also an “otherworldly” sense, with the Warlord period. It felt like something that took place centuries ago, but is actually set in modern times. Actions, words, racial slurs, made the scenes feel dated. At least, that’s how I read it. However, that’s part of what makes the book so interesting, especially with the “new lives” juxtaposed with the first part of the book.

When the setting changes, it seems the personalities of the characters both emerge, yet are lost. Adrick is different, and Karen is too. They’ve both grown wiser, but maybe a little harder. Still, it’s their trappings, not personality that has changed most. Reading through what wrought those changes was very involving. The sharing is done through an memory exchange of sorts when they shared blood. (Reminiscent of the IAD series.)

Overall, I enjoyed this book a lot more than I thought I would. While I haven’t read the previous two books in a while, I feel that I liked Into the Shadow a lot more. The story is interesting, very different from any other book I’ve read in a while, and it works. The title fits perfectly with the book and is a nice touch. I did think that a reader might be slightly confused if they haven’t read the previous books. Nothing major, but just some minor foundational issues weren’t explained at first, that were laid out in previous books. The tone and feel of the book fit what was happening concurrently, and I thought that was quite clever. I didn’t love part of the ending which was a lead into the next book, but it has made me curious as to how the series will end with Into the Flame.

Grade: B++

Blessed-or cursed-with the ability to change into a sleek, cruel panther, and driven by a dark soul he’s accepted as his fate, powerful Adrik Wilder abandons his family and his honor to pursue a life of wickedness. He excels at every vice, kidnapping strong-willed Karen Sonnet and forcing her to welcome the helpless pleasure only he can give her. But Karen’s spirit and passion make him question the force of his family’s curse, for she could be the key to their survival. And when a new evil emerges, Adrik must choose whether to enact revenge on his enemies and redeem his soul or save Karen from a fate worse than death.

Read an excerpt here.

Limecello’s review of Priceless by Christina Dodd
Historical Romance published by Avon (originally) 1 Aug 92

I really like historical novels, and found it interesting and enjoyable to read one now, that was written by Ms. Dodd sixteen years ago. The story was well developed, and the characters refreshingly different from so many of the other books that are out there.

Bronwyn Edana is a plucky heroine, and the odd woman out. She’s the ugly duckling amongst her six sisters, and her mother. All of them are beautiful clones of each other, but she’s short, and has “moonlight” hair. She also is smart, independent, and speaks her mind. Basically, she’s the despair of her mother and essentially unmarriageable. Still, she becomes engaged to a man she’s never met. He has money, and she has the status her family offers.

Adam Keane is looking for a wife that will give him respectability, and heirs. He betroths himself to one of the “Sirens of Ireland” – but gets the one he describes as “the maid” and a “King Charles Spaniel” after first seeing her. However, just like a man, he finds himself intrigued when she avoids him. He’s then taken by her mind and looks, and quickly decides that his initial assessment was wrong, and that Bronwyn is the woman for him. Unfortunately, after a frustrating moment he vents, and Bronwyn hears words Adam didn’t mean, and leaves him. It was nice to see a hero who had an occupation, and one who wasn’t loved and adored by all and sundry.

I love that the heroine is strong enough (and proud enough) to value herself more than what society expects of her. She refuses to be taken in by a man who doesn’t love or want her – and makes a life for herself, where she becomes quite popular and comes into her own. She changes the way she dresses, adapting a style much more suited to her looks and form, and soon men are worshipping at her feet. Bronwyn also flaunts the dictates of society that women shouldn’t be intelligent – and finds a place that welcomes her special skill set of translating ancient documents.

Bronwyn is caught up in living her own life, getting over her hang ups about her looks, and dealing with the sticky situation she involved herself in. For his part, Adam’s father was an embezzler, and he’s had a hard time living down his father’s reputation. He’s also a licensed broker, and much of the book revolves around the British stock exchange. Knowing more than most people would care to about stocks, I did know about the South Sea stock – and the crushing result it had on the economy, so it was fascinating to read about a book revolving around that issue. That however, was just an added bonus, and knowing nothing about it doesn’t detract from the book at all.

I’ve enjoyed all the histocials I’ve read by Ms. Dodd, and am glad that her older ones are being republished. Priceless is unique in it’s subject matter, story line, and characters. I recommend this book to anyone who likes historical, and would encourage anyone who hasn’t read them yet, to try this book.

Grade: B

Headstrong and adventurous, Bronwyn Edana regularly stuns polite society with her reckless exploits. But there is one type of exploit the fiery beauty has never experienced. Still innocent when it comes to men and their roguish ways, she can barely believe the breathless desire she has begun to feel for Adam Keane, a distinguished nobleman and a man with more than his fair share of liaisons in his past . . .

Now branded by a haunting tragedy, Adam will not rest until he lures Bronwyn to his bed. When a shocking conspiracy threatens their lives, he’ll bring her from the dangerous streets of London to the sweeping countryside-for he has seen enough of the world to know that a passion like theirs is priceless.

Read an excerpt here.

Gwen’s review of Scent of Darkness (Darkness Chosen, Book 1) by Christina Dodd
Contemporary paranormal romance released 3 Jul 07 by Signet

This paranormal is set in modern day Napa Valley and western Washington state’s Cascade Mountains (presumably somewhere near Mt. St. Helens, but it’s not mentioned).  The heroine, Ann Smith, is the assistant to winery owner and hero, Jasha Wilder.  Ann has secrets.  Jasha has secrets.  The trick is to tell each other their secrets before the bad guys catch up to them and make it a moot point.  Oh, and fall in love and have some steamy sex – of course.

The story uses as its basis the age-old conflict between Good and Evil. Nobody less than God and the Devil are fighting over the souls of Ann and the Wilders. This portents an excellent climax in what will presumably be the fourth and last book of the series. Perhaps by then we’ll understand the meaning and purpose of Ann’s birthmark, and several other elements left tantalizingly incomplete.

I enjoyed the steamy erotic scenes, but I didn’t completely believe in the romance between Ann and Jasha.  Not enough time is spent on their “pre-drama” relationship to build a basis for the strong emotions.  Nor did I think the baddies were quite consistently bad or smart enough to be truly evil.  In addition, it was weird how Ann and Jasha just returned to their workaday lives after running for several days from this evil.  I mean, how do you just stroll back into the office when you’re in the middle of a fight for your very soul?  It was odd.

I enjoyed this read.  It has some problems with incomplete story arcs and the editing is choppy – or perhaps the story is a little choppy – but it was readable and fun.  Not engrossing, but fun.  While I won’t be waiting with barely controlled impatience, I will definitely read the next book in the series, Touch of Darkness (Darkness Chosen, Book 2) , out 7 Aug 07 (love those back-to-back releases – no delaying my gratification).

Grade: C+

Summary:
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Ann Smith loves her handsome, dynamic boss, Jasha Wilder, but her daring plan to seduce him goes awry when she encounters a powerful wolf who – before her horrified eyes – changes into the man she adores. She soon discovers she can’t escape her destiny, for she is the woman fated to break the curse that binds his soul.
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Read an excerpt. You can read another excerpt after signing up to the site.

Other books in the series:

geeze wasn’t someone suppose to be watching me or something? next thing you know, I am gonna have to be responsible for my own actions… 

But hey I could drink my money away or have a shoe habit or whatever

hi my name is sybil and I am a bookaholic

Trade:
Men of August – Marly’s Choice By Lora Leigh
Thanks nicole! I really need to set up a trade list or something.

Used:
Southern Comfort by Karen Kelley
I have never heard of this book or this author. Anyone have an opinion?

Widow’s Little Secret by Judith Stacy
I am a Harlequin Historical whore, what can I say.

Letters From a Stranger, Forever and a Day and Unspoken Vows by Connie Rinehold
Kristie J made me do it. Well she rec’ed Letters and I am easy.

New:
Jamie by Lori Foster
This is the end of the Visitation series. I really didn’t think I would like this and had Just Say No to Joe forever before I read it. For whatever reason it completely caught my interest. Lori Foster is a hit or miss author for me. I hope this ends the series well.

Beach Blanket Bad Boys by Linda Lael Miller, Alison Kent, Lucy Monroe, Jill Shalvis, Susanna Carr, Morgan Leigh
note to self: order trade size books from amazon or bamm. I just paid 15.00 bucks for this. The line up of authors is great so I am hoping it was worth it and it is the second of the bad boy books I have bought new. So all in all it is worth the price. But the next one, will be purchased online.

Bad in Boots – Colt’s Choice by Patrice Michelle
I love a good western, make it a hot western and I am in heaven. I have only read one story by Patrice Michelle Hearts Are Wild with Cheyenne McCray , Patrice Michelle , Nelissa Donovan and I enjoyed her story. This is the second in the Bad in Boots series and in sybilfashion I don’t have the first one yet. oops I do have Dragon’s Heart, A Taste for Passion (vamps) and A Taste for Revenge (vamps) to read. She does say there will be more BiB books coming as well as the vamps.

Beauty Like the Night by Liz Carlyle
New to me author, I am really enjoying her backlist.

Marry the Man Today by Linda Needham
I am not really sure why the hell I bought this. I have only read two books by Needham and didn’t like either. I am trying to cut back on my ‘spy’ books. And she is a dreaded avon author (looks at kristiej). I didn’t even know about this book and honestly, ::hangs head:: the cover caught my eye. It is purple with a carriage and really pretty font. I picked it up and was in a rush (got there 20 mins before they closed). I am going to look up what I can on the book and I MIGHT go back and exchange it tomorrow for something else. Ten to one I throw it in the tbr pile and use it for that avon post I am going to someday do.

Hero, Come Back by Stephanie Laurens, Christina Dodd, Elizabeth Boyle – talked a lil about this one earlier

Master of Pleasure by Jessica Trapp – talked a lil about this one earlier

hee and the library sale is tomorrow at 11 Then I think I am set for the week. The thing that really sucks ass, is I am going into work in the morning. le sigh I would have had more time tonight to read the shit load of books I have but real life got in the way.

Well for those 10 or so people that keep hitting my blog looking for Master of Pleasure by Jessica Trapp, it is out at walmart.

hee and yes I bought it. I almost made it to Saturday. I picked up Hero, Come Back with stories by Stephanie Laurens, Christina Dodd and Elizabeth Boyle. I was sort of iffy on it but in Return of the Warrior (loved that book) there is a mail in coupon for two dollars off (as there was in Lady in Red for Return of the Warrior) this sort of marketing so works on me. So they are mine all mine.

I hope MoP is good (for anyone wondering, it wasn’t), I like the idea of the hero being the one sent off to be a sex slave instead of the chicka.

There is a library sale tomorrow! yyyyaaayyyyyyyyyyy and they are nice enough to start it at 11, so I think I shall go.