Limecello’s review of Tasting Fear by Shannon McKenna
Romantic suspense published by Brava on 1 Aug 2009

Shannon McKenna is one of my favorite authors. So much in fact, that I read her books despite the fact that I generally try to avoid Romantic Suspense. I have all of Shannon McKenna’s back list. Some, duplicates even. She may be the only author I can say that for. It is thus, regretfully, that I say that I found Tasting Fear to be… well… average. As Sybil likes to say, [C] is good at the pond! But fair or not, as Ms. McKenna is one of my favorite authors, I don’t expect “good.” I expect excellent. Consequently, I have to say I’m glad I got this book from the library. Will I eventually buy it? Likely – after all, I hate having incomplete “collections.” But since I’ve already read it, I won’t mind waiting for this to come out as a mass market paperback.

Outside the Limit

Nancy D’Onofrio has a cute story. I get that she’s the oldest, and her personality really is the stereotypical “oldest sibling” – very responsible, staid, proper, and… well burdened. This seems to be a common trend in Ms. McKenna’s stories. I felt that Nancy’s story was a bit short changed, because much of the plot was laid out in her novella. Then again, it didn’t matter too much because Nancy was a rather static character. Unfortunately, Liam was as well.

Liam Knightly is…a character I had a hard time labeling. He’s a carpenter, but apparently comfortable engaging with assailants in the middle of the night. The background given that his step dad taught him some self defense and that he’s done additional training seemed almost insufficient for what he was dealing with. Of course the big bad hero has to win the day – but I didn’t find it that believable. Or memorable. I liked the story, but I didn’t think about it much after reading it.

Liam is, however, very sweet. I liked that he tried to get Nancy to chill out, and to think of herself before others (something she had to do). He is very caring, and the two of them work… they just didn’t wow me.

Grade: C-

Ask for More

I liked Nell’s story most- I felt the most drawn to it, and the characters. Nell D’Onofrio is interesting. She’s almost two different people, really. Nell is a waitress, and … a graduate student, trying to get her PhD. I think I liked this story the most because I liked Nell in spite of herself. She’s so uncertain and well, she’s focusing on poetry. So not my thing. I shouldn’t really have found her character relatable, but I did. It also helps that I really liked Duncan Burke. That, and Nell has confidence in her work, and asserts herself and says what she wants – or deserves – in a relationship, or at least inter personal relations.

Duncan Burke, the hero is ex military, a businessman extraordinaire, and a conundrum. He’s emotionally stunted. There’s something about the way Ms. McKenna writes her heroes, that I generally find very appealing. I find myself willing to forgive any number of sins, because… well he’s trying so hard. Much like a puppy, but a large breed, with very sharp teeth. One that wants to play with you, but may accidentally rip your arm to shreds. There’s a scene where Duncan follows Nell around Manhattan. Really, he’s stalking her – which would be extremely creepy, other than he’s doing it to make sure she’s safe. That, and he wanted to apologize for being a jerk, but freaks out and doesn’t approach her once he sees she’s crying. (And then he conveniently prevents her from being kidnapped by being around.) Maybe its twisted, but I enjoyed Duncan following Nell- and why he ended up doing it.

I love that Duncan was so capable, and willing to own who he is. Duncan throws his money around to protect Nell and her sisters, and he doesn’t do it to be show off, its simply his personality. Also, it showed his determination because his goal is keeping Nell safe and happy, and money will achieve that goal. I think it really helped that Nell and Duncan had a relationship before their story begins. Or, at least had known each other, albeit minimally. I felt that what they did and how they interacted with their siblings, and other characters helped develop their personalities. I found Nell and Duncan the most memorable, and likable. The secondary characters here and their reactions helped build the story as well.

I think I also like that Nell and Duncan split up for a period- and Nell is basically able to hold her own. She and Duncan work because they want to.

Grade: C+

Ready or Not

Vivi D’Onofrio’s character is interesting. She’s an artist that hasn’t been living up to her full potential due to some events in her past. Maybe it’s just that I’m over the tragic abused heroine, or the way in which Vivi dealt with it. She just seemed so needy and abrasive. There are a lot of exclamation points when she speaks, and it seemed that she went out of her way to project an image, and then was annoyed when people bought into it.

Jack Kendrick is a jerk. There really is no other term that fits him, and I never thought he entirely redeemed himself. (At least the other heroes grovelled nicely or did some other act.) Yes, Jack steps in and saves the day, but he’s pretty cruel to Vivi, and is possibly the most emotionally damaged character. I think Jack’s back story and history is the most interesting. It’s very telling, and could have been the basis of a novel in and of itself. Nevertheless it doesn’t excuse the way he judges Vivi, and comes to the wrong conclusion. I really like that Jack was so into flowers. Conveniently his expertise helps solve the final mystery. (It seemed a little pat, although Ms. McKenna does give him the foundation for his love of plants.)

I felt that Vivi and Jack’s interaction, at least sexually seemed forced. They seemed to connect on a purely physical level, if that – and only on a physical level. I know they end up together, but I suppose I never exactly saw the why of it.

Grade: C-

In the end, this book was something like a shadow of Ms. McKenna’s other books. Good, but there wasn’t a major draw. The freak you out, and rip your heart out factor wasn’t there. Of course there’s the generally strong and capable heroine who just has this one situation she needs help with, and the convenient appearance of the uber hero. He’s rather inept emotionally, extremely attractive and fit, very sexual, very attracted to the heroine, doesn’t believe in love, and can take down three attackers with a handicap. The villain in the book wasn’t that believable, and seemed… a bit too extreme. He’s too one dimensional and insane and gross. There wasn’t much plot, and I felt like a lot of the book was just waiting for the end to come. For some authors, they just don’t write novellas as well as novels. Personally I don’t think that’s the case with Ms. McKenna, because some of her novellas are my favorite romances ever. These three, however, won’t make that list. Sad.

I believe Ms. McKenna’s next book will be Kevin McCloud’s. Dare I say I hope that will be the last of the series? (And I’d like to note here that I love this series.) I have to say I’m a little apprehensive. Kevin’s book could be one of the best… or a flop. I’ve of course got my fingers crossed for the former. If you’re into Romantic Suspense, I’d say give this book a read. (Or Erotic Romance as well.) However, if you’re looking to read Ms. McKenna’s books – I’d recommend starting with a different story.

Grade: C-

BLOOD WILL TELL

Nancy . . . Nell . . . Vivi . . . Three sisters who know there is no force on earth greater than love . . . unless it is the desire for vengeance. When their adored foster mother is murdered, the D’Onofrio women come together to hunt for her murderer—and track down a family legacy gone missing; rare, priceless art from the Renaissance, a treasure worth killing for. The law can only do so much and the three sisters are on their own—until three mysterious men get involved . . .

Startled to find a brawny stranger at her mother’s house, Nancy is even more surprised at the heat of passion that flares between them. Liam is intense and instantly protective. But is it wise to trust him with every secret? Her sister Nell has turned to Duncan, her new boss, for help. He’s an expert on the dark underworld of cyberspace, where other clues may lurk. And Duncan is so sexy its scary. All Nell ahs to do is say the hardest word of all: yes. But what about the youngest of the D’Onofrios, the wild and wilful Vivi? She’s on the verge of falling in love with Jack, who’s all about fierce vigilance . . .

The sisters embrace the ultimate in passion as danger stalks them all. Unknown and unseen, the killer is very, very near . . .

Welcome once again to Duck Chat!

It’s only been two years since Jami Alden’s first book was published. A Taste of Honey started her on her successful and rapid rise in the romance industry.  After a few more releases, then came her Gemini Men series and Jami hasn’t looked back once. Today the second book in that trilogy, Kept, is hitting the shelves.

So we’re getting a peek into the real Jami Alden today.  Be sure to leave a comment because Jami is giving away to five lucky readers copies of Caught, the first book in her Gemini Men series.  Let’s chat!

Duck Chat: You’ve had some wonderful success since your first book was published in 2007. What’s that ride been like for you so far?

Jami Alden: Like anything, it’s had its highs and lows (fortunately mostly highs!) Getting published was amazing, and getting moved into the Brava line was a dream come true. I remember reading my first Shannon McKenna book and thinking, “I want to write books like this!” But I’ve also experienced the reality that even a dream job is a JOB, with all the stress and hard work that goes with that. In the past two years I’ve faced some crushing deadlines amid life stress, sick kids, and all the intrusions of ordinary life. But thankfully, I have fantastic writer friends who help me get through everything,, as well as an agent and an editor who are both incredibly supportive.

DC: If you could retire any question and never, ever have it asked again, what would it be? Feel free to answer it.
JA: You know, I can’t really think of one question. Yeah, I get some of the same questions over and over, but I don’t mind answering, and it’s kind of interesting to see how my answers have changed over the years.

DC: Your Gemini Men sound sexy as hell. Where did the idea for the series come from? Will Danny’s story be the end or will there maybe be a surprise or two down the road for fans of the series?
JA: I have to thank my amazing editor, Hilary Sares, for that. I still remember the email she sent, that she wanted to move me into Brava and that I needed to come up with a write-up for a romantic suspense series NOW. And, oh, can it be about three brothers, maybe two of them are twins? So I called my author buddies, Bella Andre and Anne Mallory, and had them meet me at Starbucks, stat, where we hammered out three ideas for me to send to Hilary. Right now the last scheduled book in the series is Danny’s story, Unleashed in October 2009, but I’m keeping my fingers crossed for at least two more

DC: I’ve heard writers often say their stories take them in surprising directions, or dialogue flows from some unknown place. Is it the same with you? Do your characters surprise you sometimes?
JA: Not really. To be honest, I kind of roll my eyes when authors say, “Oh, I just let my characters tell me their story.” But part of the reason I roll my eyes is because I’m jealous. I would LOVE it if my characters appeared fully formed in my brain and “told” me their story. Sadly, I have to put myself in their places and think it all up myself. That being said, occasionally I’ll be writing a scene and suddenly something happens that I hadn’t planned. Like in Unleashed,  I remember one afternoon I was writing at my local library, and I sat back and said to myself, “Well, that was interesting. Didn’t see that coming.”

DC: Do you ever argue with your characters while you’re writing?
JA: Not really. Because, really, if they’re not acting how I want them to act, that’s my fault, not theirs.

DC: You describe your husband as an alpha male, just the kind of man romance readers love. He has to be inspiration for some of your heroes. Any examples you can give us that you’ve used so far?
JA: Oh, he inspires everything (wink wink, nudge nudge)! Honestly, though, I’ve said my husband is a socially well-adjusted alpha male, and I think there’s a difference. I know part of the fantasy and, I hope, the appeal of my books and my heroes is the idea of cracking the surface of such an emotionally tough guy and watching him fall to his knees for love of the heroine. In reality though, it would be nearly impossible to have a healthy relationship with someone who has such deep, shall we say, intimacy issues. So my husband is kind of the real life ideal – he’s strong and tough and smart (not to mention hot!) who runs a business and does things like build cabins and goes on hundred-mile hiking trips in his spare time, but he’s also very open emotionally and willing to talk about things (more than I am, actually) in a way that I can’t really envision most of my male characters doing.

DC: What is sure to distract you from sitting down and working/writing?
JA: Email.

DC: Get any crazy fan mail? We’d love you to share the funniest or weirdest – your choice!

JA: I’ve never had anything too weird. There was a review of Private Party where the reviewer said she needed to get a toy while reading. It was an erotic romance, so I suppose that was a compliment, but I didn’t really need to know that.

DC: How do you feel your male or female characters have evolved over your career? Do you think you write them differently now than you did when you started?
JA: Wow, that’s really tough. I guess I would say everyone’s gotten a little edgier as I let more of my voice shine through. When I first started out, I tried a variety of things, historical and category among them, and I think I was trying to sound like other authors rather than sounding like myself, if that makes sense. I’m also more conscious now about trying to make sure my men sound like men both in dialog and internal thoughts.

DC: Any works in progress you can share with us?
JA: Right now I’m working on a new romantic suspense idea – and that’s all I’m going to say

DC: Is there a genre you haven’t tackled but would like to try?
JA: When I first started writing, I wrote a western historical. I think some day I’d like to give that another try.

DC: What advice would you give to your younger self?
JA: Quit worrying about the size of your ass and eat something already! Someday you’ll have kids and you’ll relish every opportunity to sit down and eat a meal in peace and quiet. And if you keep slathering yourself with Tropical Blend and baking yourself in the sun, by the time you’re 35, you’re going to look like a leather Muppet.

DC: Are you lucky enough to have any input on those sexy covers that grace your books?
JA: Nope. But I am very grateful to the Kensington art department.

DC: If you had never become an author, what do you think you would be doing right now?
JA: I probably would have stayed in my previous field of corporate marketing.

DC: Favorite author?

JA: I can’t possibly name just one!

DC: Favorite book?

JA: Contemporary: It Had To Be You, by Susan Elizabeth Phillipsl Historical: A Wild Yearning by Penelope Williamson

Lightning Round:
- dark or milk chocolate?   dark
- smooth or chunky peanut butter?   smooth
- heels or flats?    It’s hard to lug around a toddler in heels, so I default to flats.
- coffee or tea?   coffee. Lots.
- summer or winter?   summer
- mountains or beach?   mountains
- mustard or mayonnaise?   dijonnaise
- flowers or candy?   flowers
- pockets or purse?   purse
- Pepsi or Coke?   coke
- ebook or print?   print

And some fun stuff:

1. What is your favorite word?   Schadenfreude  [Ed. [shahd-n-froi-duh] – satisfaction or pleasure felt at someone else’s misfortune.]
2. What is your least favorite word?   Fanny – when used to refer to a woman’s butt. Especially in a book, when a male character thinks or says it. What man under the age of 90 uses the word fanny?
3. What turns you on creatively, spiritually or emotionally?   Reading a great book, watching a great movie, going for a run
4. What turns you off creatively, spiritually or emotionally?   Craft workshops that claim there’s only one “right” way to do something.
5. What sound or noise do you love?   Wind rustling through leaves
6. What sound or noise do you hate?   My 20-month-old whining
7. What is your favorite curse word?  God, there are so many that I love. But if I have to choose, I’ll go with the classic F-bomb.
8. What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?   I sometimes think about being a chef or possibly a personal trainer.
9. What profession would you not like to do?   Daycare provider
10. If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you
arrive at the Pearly Gates?   “You used the time you had well.”

DC:  Thanks for chatting with us, Jami!

Remember to comment for your chance to win a copy of Caught!

Welcome to our very first Duck Chat!

I’ve been wanting to do author interviews for a while now, but for one reason or another life never wanted to let me get started working on the idea.  I’m happy to say things have changed and you’ll be chatting with some terrific authors every now and then from here on out.  So whenever you see our new spiked-do friends over there, you know you’re going to be in for a fun surprise and lots of chatting!

Our first Duck Chat interviewee is historical romance author Monica McCarty.  Monica has been in a constant whirlwind since her first book was released back in 2007. Read on to learn more about Monica, her life, and her books.

Monica lives in California with her family. Her husband Dave is a former professional baseball player and was part of the 2004 World Series Red Sox team. She’s a former copyright litigation attorney.  After practicing law a few years, Monica decided to take her love of research and writing in a new direction, which has been a huge gain for romance readers.  The MacLeods of Skye trilogy was Monica’s supersonic entry into romance publication.  Highlander Untamed, Highlander Unmasked, and Highlander Unchained were all hits and led to her second trilogy featuring Clan Campbell, Highland Warrior, Highland Outlaw, and Highland Scoundrel.  Warrior hits the shelves today. So after reading Syb’s review and saying hello to Monica, hop on over to Amazon.com or Borders and grab your copy hot off the presses.

Let’s chat!

Duck Chat:  If you could retire any question and never, ever have it asked again, what would it be? Feel free to answer it.

Monica McCarty:  LOL, I don’t think I’ve been doing this long enough to be tired of any question. But the hardest question for me to answer is the quick “what’s your book about.” You think it would be so easy, but trying to condense a 100k word book into a couple of lines in the most intriguing way isn’t easy.

DC:  I’ve heard writers often say their stories take them in surprising directions or dialogue flows from some unknown place. Is it the same with you? Do your characters surprise you sometimes?

MM:  Definitely. I write from a pretty well-thought-through synopsis, but it’s more like a roadmap for me. I like to know the major turning points in the story and the black moment, but I always leave room for the story to unfold on its own. I also always keep a notepad with me (especially by the bed and shower) so I can write down the scenes that come to me—it’s almost always dialogue.

DC:  Do you ever argue with your characters while you’re writing?

MM: It’s no use arguing: the characters are always right.

DC:  Tell us about your new trilogy featuring the bad boys of the Highlands, Clan Campbell.

MM:  The Campbell trilogy starts off with Jamie Campbell, a secondary character from Highlander Unmasked. Book #2 belongs to his sister Lizzie (also introduced in Highlander Unmasked) and the third to their half-brother Duncan. The Campbells usually get the role of the “bad guy” in romances (and in history), so I thought it would be fun to let them play hero for once. They also had a ton of enemies, which provides great fodder for an author. One of the best-known feuds with the MacGregors takes center stage in the first two books, the third is with the Gordons. Like my first series, you’ll find plenty of strapping lads in plaid and “ripped from the headlines” history (i.e. Law and Order).

DC:  Do you have a favorite bad boy?

MM:  Bad boy in romance: Kenny from Lady Be Good by SEP. Bad boy on TV: Sawyer from Lost.

DC:  What is sure to distract you from sitting down and working/writing?

MM:  I suspect I’m like most writers, if I’m in the mood to be distracted just about anything will do it. The main culprits are email, the internet, and my kids (not necessarily in that order!). On the other hand, if I’m on a roll, only having to pick up the kids from school or get dinner on the table distracts me.

DC:  How do you feel your writing has evolved since your first book? Do you think you write your male or female differently now than you did when you started writing?

MM:  I hope it’s improved, LOL, not only at storytelling but with the craft of writing. I’ve learned so much through RWA it’s amazing. As far as the male/female characters…hmm. I’m not sure. I think there are probably subtle differences. For example, with the men, I’m always asking myself, “Would a guy really do (or say) that?” to try to create as authentic male characters as possible.

DC:  We know the historical genre is your forte, but is there another genre you’d like to try your hand at some day?

MM:  I’d love to do some kind of contemporary “history mystery” along the lines of The DaVinci Code or The Last Templar, but alas I don’t have any brilliant ideas.

DC:  What advice would you give to your younger self?

MM:  Try to relax a little—I’m a definite “type A” personality, LOL. For writing it would be to try to not take rejection so personally. As I’ve learned more about the industry, I realize there are so many business reasons that come into the decision about whether to buy a book.

DC:  Okay, these are the usual questions asked of authors in most every interview, but inquiring minds want to know:

MM:  Favorite Historical Author: I’ll narrow it down to authors currently writing historicals: either Lisa Kleypas or Liz Carlyle
Favorite Historical Book: Toughest question of all time, LOL. Probably either Judith McNaught’s Almost Heaven or Julie Garwood’s The Bride.
Favorite Contemporary Author: Susan Elizabeth Philips
Favorite Contemporary Book: Lady Be Good
Favorite Paranormal Author Does Time Travel count? Karen Marie Moning (I don’t read much Paranormal.)
Favorite Paranormal Book: Kiss of the Highlander
Can I do romantic suspense, too? I love Shannon McKenna . Extreme Danger has one of my all time favorite heroes ever.

DC:  If you had never become an author, what do you think you would be doing right now?

MM:  Probably practicing law in some fashion.

Gwen’s Lightning Round:

- dark or milk chocolate?   milk (but I’m not much of a chocolate fan…seriously)
- smooth or chunky peanut butter?   chunky
- heels or flats?    heels
- coffee or tea?    both daily (addict anyone?)
- summer or winter?   winter
- mountains or beach?   mountains
- mustard or mayonnaise?   mustard
- flowers or candy?   candy
- pockets or purse?   purse (I have a bit of a handbag “problem” as my husband calls it)
- Pepsi or Coke?   Pepsi
- print or ebook?    print (but I love my Kindle!)

Last-minute fun stuff:

What is your favorite word? Bedtime
What is your least favorite word? “Mom…!”
What turns you on creatively, spiritually or emotionally? Watching a good movie or reading a good book
What sound or noise do you love? Water (i.e. streams, brooks, waterfalls)
What sound or noise do you hate? Fingernails on the chalkboard
What is your favorite curse word? I don’t curse! (Right, probably the “f” word)
What profession other than your own would you like to attempt? Broadway singer (unfortunately I have no voice)
What profession would you not like to do? Maid, cook, nurse and psychologist (Wait! I already do those.)
If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates? “Welcome, you sure took a long time in getting here!”

Thank you, Monica!

For those of you who have any questions or comments for Monica, she’ll be stopping by throughout the day, so this is your chance!

No, that’s not a typo. I’m unique. And the rogue duckie – so instead of making my own “Best of 2008″ list… I’m going for the new year. These are the 10 books I’m most looking forward to in 2009. (You’ll notice some books don’t even have cover art yet.) 

N.B. I’d like to issue the caveat that… this is only based on books/lists that I could find. I’d also like to note that… just because I’m excited about it, doesn’t mean its a guarantee I’ll like it. (Color me picky.)

I also haven’t been reading romances that long, and it seems my tastes/author choices differ from a number of people. But that’s ok, because this is my list and I’m sticking to it.

In no particular order…

	1. What I Did For Love by Susan Elizabeth Phillips (Contemporary romance, Wm.Morrow, 27 Jan 09).  Case in point – I’m not 100% sure how I feel about Ms. Phillips’s last few novels. But I bought them – in hardcover. The premise for What I Did For Love sounds interesting, but hasn’t gripped me. (Then again – I wouldn’t have thought I’d *love* Nobody’s Baby But Mine, based on the plot summary.) So we shall see. But still. It’s Susan Elizabeth Phillips – and she’s one of my favorite authors.
	2. Smooth Talking Stranger by Lisa Kleypas (Contemporary romance, St. Martin’s, 31 Mar 09). She’s one of my favorite authors – and… don’t kill me, but Seduce Me at Sunrise and Blue-Eyed Devil were good reads, but not AMAZING. I’m already more excited about Smooth Talking Stranger based on the blurbs. Ms. Kleypas is also one of the few authors that can make me enjoy first person point of view. (Cuz FPPV and I? We are not friends.) But the Travis’s! And… even though it’s a secret baby book, which makes me chuckle, I WANTS it.
	3. Kiss of a Demon King by Kresley Cole (Contemporary paranormal romance, Pocket, nodate Jan 09). I discovered Ms. Cole relatively early in 2008, not too long before I started reviewing, and I think she has the one series I’ve reviewed in total (thus far). And, the hero, Rydstrom, has horns. Horns! I never thought I’d be into horns, but… Ms. Cole has won me over. I love her kick ass heroines who *actually* kick butt -and they’re super hot to boot. And the heroes. Yum. This is a great paranormal world. Fun, scary, violent, full of lore- but one that doesn’t take itself too seriously. My kind of books.
	4. Naked Edge by Pamela Clare (Contemporary romantic suspense, Berkley, 3 Nov 09). I heard about Ms. Clare, and first read Extreme Exposure, which is probably one of my favorite books. Extreme Exposure is extremely well written, great plot, and the hero is one of my favorite types. A good politician. More rare than… well something you’d think is outrageous but I’m sure is in a number of paranormals. Thus, Extreme Exposure (and the subsequent books by Ms. Clare I’ve read, have prompted me to put Naked Edge on my list). I have been waiting for this new I-Team book – and… I don’t know. The heroine Kat is Native American. I think that’s pretty nifty. (Major understatement.)
	5. Branded by Fire by Nalini Singh (Paranormal romance, Berkley, 7 Jul 09). I discovered Ms. Singh early on in ’08, and read all her Psy/Changeling books – in proper Psy/Changeling chronological order, even – serendipitously. Ms. Singh’s book world is intense, and amazing. It’s so well developed you believe it’s real. Scary. (But oh so cool!) Thus, this book edged out Angels’ Blood. (That and the blurb talks about lots of violence and I’m kinda squeamish about teh violences.) AND more importantly, when I read the excerpt for this book my reaction was pretty much “SQUEE SQUEE SQUEE!”
	6. True Love and Other Disasters by Rachel Gibson (Contemporary romance, Avon, 28 Apr 09). Yes, another one of my favorite authors. And a book back to/dealing with Hockey. I read See Jane Score  – and I was hooked. I was even willing to get into hockey. (SEP‘s Chicago Stars, along with college, were what got me into football. And if you click around in my posts, you’ll see I can be a football nut. Especially College.) Although… I will say I DO NOT like all the Flash stuff on Ms. Gibson’s web page. Yay for her designer and all – but it takes forever and I can’t get to the information I want. Does not like! The book, however… *happy sigh*
	7. Deeper by Megan Hart (Contemporary erotic romance, Spice, nodate Jul 09). I love the title. I love the cover. I really like Megan Hart’s writing. There’s something about it. Like crack. It also often depresses the hell out of me – which I hate – but I love her books. They’re so raw, yet well written. And this book blurb. *shivers* I’m going to smack myself if the ending isn’t relatively happy. (I know not to expect bubblegum yay.)
	8. What Happens in London by Julia Quinn (Historical romance, Avon, 30 Jun 09). Yet another author that goes on my “best of” lists – and… while others didn’t like it as much, I adored The Secret Diaries of Miss Miranda Cheever, and I hope to like the sequel just as much. (Especially if, you know, it is its own book.) So joy for another book more like The Secret Diaries!
	9. Written On Your Skin by Meredith Duran (Historical romance, Pocket, 28 Jul 09). This one looks more interesting than Bound by Your Touch – although I’m a little skeptical about some of the settings. Though I expect if anyone can win me over to parts written in Hong Kong, it is Ms. Duran. I hope not to be disappointed. This book also makes the list because had I done an ’08 list, Ms. Duran would have made it with her debut novel Duke of Shadows.
	10. Hard and Fast by Erin McCarthy (Contemporary romance, Berkley Trade, 5 May 09). First, it’s Ms. McCarthy. Second, it’s Ms. McCarthy writing a contemporary novel. Third, the heroine’s name is Imogen. I really like a number of Imogen Heap’s songs – so I have a major positive association with her. And – Ms. McCarthy may even win me over to NASCAR. At least in fiction. I read the excerpt, and I am in love. I love it. I want this book. I don’t even want to see when this book comes out (May 09) – because I don’t want to wait.

—

Honorable Mentions/if I squint just right are included/still within the number 10…

	10a. Tasting Fear by Shannon McKenna (Contemporary erotic romance, Brava, 28 Jul 09). Okay, so I have to admit, I know nothing about this book. I think it’s Kevin McCloud’s book – and how exciting will it be for a McCloud book to actually star a McCloud? (See? I can good naturedly mock my favorite authors/self.) I also know that Ms. McKenna is one of my favorite authors, and she is one of the few authors I will venture into adventure/suspense for. (And once I buy Ultimate Weapon, Ms. McKenna might have the sole and honorable distinction of being the only author whose entire back list is in my possession and my property…)
	10b. Relentless by Lauren Dane (Sci-fi romance, Berkley Trade, 5 ay 09). I don’t read scifi/fantasy or futuristic novels. I haven’t read scifi/fantasy since middle school. I’ve never particularly enjoyed futuristic novels. BUT! But! I read Undercover, and I loved it. I can see why Undercover took Ms. Dane to the bestseller’s list – and if you haven’t read it – you should. I enjoyed Undercover so much I had to pace myself, and used it as a way to treat myself. And Ms. Dane’s writing (in my humble opinion) only gets better.
	10c. This Duchess of Mine (Historical romance, Avon, 26 May 09) and…10d. A Duke of Her Own by Eloisa James (Historical romance, Avon, 30 Jun 09). I, being the lowly peon I am, do not know what these books are about (other than This Duchess of Mine is Jemma’s book). I have been waiting for Villier’s book, so hopefully he’s healed at some point in the near future. And you know, I love Ms. James’s books. I read Duchess in Love and fell in love. There’s been no turning back since.

—

11. The book I don’t know about by the new author (whoknows, someone, date TBD). I know a lot of people will say that’s a cop out, so that’s why I listed 10 books, then have this one. I mean, I’m sure there are books I don’t know about – and/or what about that one newbie author that writes an amazing book?

The End. Seriously.

Out of all the books coming out in 09 (that I know about – and I found some lists of hundred of books.) These – *these* I want. I will do much to get my hands on these books. What did Scarlet O’Hara say? “Lie, cheat, kill or steal” right? Well… take out the third… and you’ve pretty much got me

Gwen’s review of Baddest Bad Boys by Shannon McKenna, E.C. Sheedy, and Cate Noble
Contemporary erotic romance anthology released by Kensington Brava 1 May 08

All three stories in this anthology has alpha males, damsels in distress, emotional tension, some drama. Oh, and hot hot sex. What more could you want from a summer read? And, bonus! They also happen to be written by some of our favorite people!

Anytime, Anywhere by Shannon McKenna

I like McKenna’s writing. The characters aren’t always sympathetic and the erotic scenes are seriously steamy and this story is no exception. I loved the heroine. She decides the burden of her virginity would be removed from her by the man she’s loved forever – the best friend of one of her brothers. the heroine has an irrepressible quality that just makes you like her. Here are a couple of sentences where she’s planning The Seduction:

She gave her body a critical once-over… Had the taut tummy and the boobs happening, thank God. They weren’t excessive, but they were perky and cheerful, and they did their divinely ordained boobly duty of filling out her bra and dragging mens’ eyes away from her face… Put those boobs to work. About time they stopped bouncing aimlessly around on her chest and started earning their keep.

And that right there is one of the biggest reasons this story was so fun to read – the heroine was just fun. The hero was hot, troubled, and very, very alpha. The villain was downright creepy, too.

A really good story.

Grade: A-

Summary:

For years, Robin MacNamara has been secretly in love with her big brother’s friend Jon Amendola, but the sexy cop has never seen her as anything but a kid. Until Robin follows him to an isolated cabin to prove she’s all grown up. Unfortunately, Jon’s last case isn’t quite closed-and someone wants payback…

Read an excerpt.

After the Lovin’ by E.C. Sheedy

This is a really cute story. As you could tell from my reaction to the first story, I love an ‘ugly duckling’ story. In this one, the hero was the duckling and he had always had a crush on the heroine. A crush that shamed him, making him behave abysmally to the heroine. Our story starts years later, though, and the duckling is now a hunk. A hunk who still wants to treat the heroine like shit but can’t.

These two characters manage to come together, defeating a very nasty villain at the same time. This would have made a nice book, I think.

Grade: B+

Summary:

In need of a place to hide, Tommi Smith finds herself on the doorstep of a high school classmate’s remote fishing lodge. Though Mac Fleming never trusted this knockout’s reputation for breaking hearts, nothing’s going to stop him from seducing her into his bed now. Until Tommi’s past comes back to haunt them…

No excerpt available.

Deal With the Devil by Cate Noble

This was my least favorite story of the three stories. It was readable, but I didn’t feel like the characters were sympathetic. The drama and tension were sporadic, and the villains were not very clearly drawn. Plus, the heroine was a bit wimpy.

Grade: C

Summary:

All Ellie McMann DeLuca wants is one night with the only man she’s ever truly loved-Max DeLuca, dubbed the Devil by the Italian paparazzi. Max agrees on one condition: they extend it to seven nights of sensual pleasure on a private island. But after a whole week of fulfilling each other’s deepest desires, how will they go back to the way things were?

Read an excerpt. You have to highlight the text to read it on the black background.

Overall Grade: B

Limecello’s review of Baddest Bad Boys by Shannon McKenna, E.C. Sheedy, Cate Noble
Contemporary Romance Anthology released by Brava 6 May 08

Anytime, Anywhere by Shannon McKenna

I’ve been waiting for another MacNamara story ever since I read Meltdown in Bad Boys Next Exit, years ago. Anytime, Anywhere is a good novella, don’t get me wrong, but I think I was expecting more. Robin was a little shaky in the beginning, but she really came into herself at the end. Jon was a typical McKenna alpha hero, someone who forces you to like him, even though you might be wondering why you’re in his corner. I felt the emotional connection between Robin and Jon a little lacking. She’s had a thing for him for fourteen years.

He’s… really angry and strung out though most of the book. And a jerk because he’s mad he breached the code of friendship by doing the nasty with his best friend’s baby sister. Still, I absolutely love the ending. Major warm fuzzies. The happy ending is a good thing, because Ms. McKenna puts her reader through the wringer. Especially in this book. The villain deserves a shout out, because everything is so very twisted, and shocking. I was appalled, yet impressed at the same time. This is a villain I’ll remember for a long time, and Ms. McKenna has had some very memorable ones.

Grade: B+

     Summary:

     For years, Robin MacNamara has been secretly in love with her big brother’s friend Jon Amendola, but the sexy cop has never seen her as anything but a kid. Until Robin follows him to an isolated cabin to prove she’s all grown up. Unfortunately, Jon’s last case isn’t quite closed-and someone wants payback…

     Read an excerpt here

After the Lovin’ by E.C. Sheedy

Tommi Smith and Mac Fleming don’t get along. She’s six years older than he is, and never gave him the time of day. Tommi also used to date his older brother Hugh. She was the girl everyone wanted, and unfortunately didn’t act with as much grace as she could or should have. Still she’s in trouble, and Mac helps her as a favor to his brother, letting her hide out in his secluded cabin. This book is hot, but nothing special. I liked it, but some things that jumped out at me. Tommi’s a bit of a TSTL (too stupid to live) heroine. I know there are reasons she acted as she did, but I don’t think they were very good reasons. It wasn’t that Ms. Sheedy did something other authors wouldn’t, it’s just that I expect more from a modern day heroine who is take charge and independent. A nice story, but I wasn’t blown away. Tommi and Mac were interesting characters, but they didn’t really draw me in. I mostly felt like a dispassionate observer.

Grade: B-

     Summary:

     In need of a place to hide, Tommi Smith finds herself on the doorstep of a high school classmate’s remote fishing lodge. Though Mac Fleming never trusted this knockout’s reputation for breaking hearts, nothing’s going to stop him from seducing her into his bed now. Until Tommi’s past comes back to haunt them…

     Read an excerpt here

Deal with the Devil by Cate Noble

I liked this story, but it was extremely short. Ellie and Max have history, but she ended up marrying his brother. The characters were strong, and the emotions believable. However, there was some unnecessary drama due to mixed signals or miscommunication. The story about the reconnection between Ellie and Max was enjoyable. The “main point” that provided the drama and suspense, however, had some holes. I think it was supposed to culminate into something the reader didn’t expect, but for me it ended up falling a bit flat due to too many unexplained events.

Grade: B

     Summary:         All Ellie McMann DeLuca wants is one night with the only man she’s ever truly loved -Max DeLuca, dubbed the Devil by the Italian paparazzi. Max agrees on one condition: they extend it to seven nights of sensual pleasure on a private island. But after a whole week of fulfilling each other’s deepest desires, how will they go back to the way things were?

     Read an excerpt here (highlight to read it).

I’m glad I read this book, because I definitely wanted to read Robin’s story, but I didn’t form any great attachment to it. An ok Brava Anthology, but not one of my favorites. I’d recommend this to the author’s fans, but I’d suggest reading their other works to those who aren’t.

Overall Grade: B-

     Summary: 

     These are the sexy bad boys no woman in her right mind would mess with. Except that they’re wickedly irresistible, and will do anything to protect the woman they love – even if it means risking everything…

Nikki’s review of Extreme Danger by Shannon McKenna
Contemporary, erotic romantic suspense released by Brava 1 Feb 08

This book was listed as “The McCloud Brothers, Book 5″ when it was sent to me. It’s plainly in the same series but the hero isn’t a McCloud Brother. He’s the ex-fed friend of the family and he’s definitely worthy.

Becca has had a really hard life and the last couple of days have just topped it all off. She just can’t take any more. She’s been accused of being boring by her ex-fiancé and she’s decided to be more adventurous. Starting with a skinny-dip in a neighbor’s pool. She gets more adventure than she bargained for.

Nick is tormented by past mistakes. He’s hit bottom and only lives to make right what he can. He gets his chance, finally, to bring down the evil mob boss who stole his friend’s daughter and killed his friend. He doesn’t even have a hope of finding the girl alive but he might gain news that will give her mother closure. Nick is beyond moody. His cold shoulder treatment would have sent me running. But Becca draws him back to her, time and again, with her sweetness. He can’t stay away from her and she can’t bring herself to toss him out. He’s not good for her and she knows it. but with her, he starts to change.

I didn’t actually like this book as much as the last one. There were way more sex scenes than were supported by the relationship development. I know this won’t be a problem for a lot of you but I found myself hoping they would hurry up a time or two.

My opinion could also be partly because the plot in Extreme wasn’t quite as strong as the last book. It was good but not great. Nick is jumping through hoops to get to Mr. Bad Guy because he’s so hard to trace. It is said that there weren’t even decent pictures of him, but later they have been watching his townhouse. Huh? They know where he has a place and are keeping it under surveillance? And they see someone who goes there because they are watching the place but they never see the Boss guy or his goons go in or out? Or a certain someone else whose very existence is later questioned (vague to avoid a spoiler)?

Still, the book is enjoyable. I would recommend it to anyone who likes McKenna’s books and to people who are looking for hot romantic suspense and don’t mind a few light plot holes. There are cool spy gadgets and edge-of-your-seat just-in-time rescues. Nick and Becca go through a lot and I believed their HEA.

Grade: C+

From the back cover:

Nobody’s home at the millionaire’s estate on remote Frakes Island. And nobody seems to be watching. Becca Cantrell dives in for an illicit midnight skinnydip–and gets hauled out by a towering, hard-muscled guy with burning dark eyes. He seems to be in charge. Good. The man is the embodiment of her most intense fantasies. And she’s up for risky thrills…

Nick Ward can’t tell her that he’s spying on a vicious Russian crime boss. Becca could be his worst enemy: an assassin sent to kill him, a call girl sent to distract him, or the worst scenario of all–a clueless innocent. Anyway he looks at it, she’s trouble: beautiful, bare, dripping-wet trouble. The kind he can’t resist.

She’s not scared. After one taste of his hot mouth, Becca soon discovers just how fearless she can be. She’ll need it, too–because things are about to explode on Frakes Island, launching Becca and Nick into danger they could never have imagined–and a passion that could destroy them both.

Read an excerpt.

Nikki’s review Edge of Midnight (The McCloud Brothers, Book 4) by Shannon McKenna
Erotic romantic suspense released by Brava 1 Aug 07

Sean McCloud has a little trouble playing well with others. He hasn’t really had much in the way of an example, though. His father was not the most social guy, he lost his mother early on, and his brothers are as messed up as he is. The brothers who are left, that is. His twin was killed 15 years ago. So, Sean doesn’t do relationships anymore. He doesn’t even do coffee the morning after. Though, at one time he thought he would…

Olivia Endicott braved the bad boy, once. Their love was intense and, she thought, forever. But he sent her away 15 years ago, disillusioned and brokenhearted. Even with professional therapy she never got over him. Now he’s back in her life and she has to decide if it’s some kind of sick joke to him or what.

A word to those who haven’t read Shannon McKenna: her heroes are of the extreme alpha-male variety. Sean and Liv have a history and he knows how she likes to play it, so I could allow his behavior. I believed he would stop if she ever seemed to really want him to. She knew it, too, and thinks exactly this to herself at one point. Still, if the hard, rough type of male appreciation turns you off, skip these books. Think, ‘cave man.’ I loved it.

This book can be summed up with the word “intense”. Sean’s personality is intense. Liv’s situation quickly demands intense decisions. The bad guy’s plot is intense. The secondary characters even have an intensity about them. And the sex is, without a doubt, very intense.

These books are erotic romantic suspense but if you usually love romantic suspense and don’t read erotica, you still might enjoy these. There is more sex than most 17 year olds could manage but there aren’t any of the “kinky” scenes that are associated with erotica. The plot, characters, and dialogue are good.

Actually, the dialogue is better than good. McKenna brings an edginess to her dialogue that keeps me enthralled. Here’s an example:

He didn’t answer. She felt the heat of his face, pressing hard against her shoulder. “I remember it,” he said. “I’m sorry.”

“Sorry?” She shoved his knees apart to free herself, and kept her back to him while she adjusted her robe, and her face. “You must have a split personality. There’s the sweet, cuddly Sean, and there’s the cruel, horrible Sean. Is it fun to wind women up and then watch them flap around when you dump them? Do you secretly hate women?”

I love that! I got a picture in my mind of one of those cheap wind-up toys rattling in pitiful, helpless circles on the floor. The choice of wording brought extra imagery and emotion to the thought.

Okay, for realism look elsewhere. Read this book with a healthy dose of suspension-of-disbelief. The kind we needed to accept that CTU would ever hire Kim Bauer (TV series 24). Yes, all these big, tough, hot guys with such a troubled past have done really well for themselves. If reality were so much fun we wouldn’t be reading the books, would we?

Grade: B+

From the back cover:

     Shannon McKenna creates characters readers never forget–and in her latest novel, Sean McCloud must protect the woman he has never stopped loving: Liv Endicott. Years ago, Sean had to send Liv Endicott away to save her life. Now he has to keep her closer, very close–for the same reason . . .

     THE BREAKING POINT

     On the very day an arsonist burns down Liv’s bookstore in a small town in the Washington mountains, she finds fate has another shock in store for her. Amid the smoke, rubble and tears, Sean McCloud appears, calling her name. He’s every inch the man he always was–the man she kept on wanting. But wanting is not the same as trusting, and she doesn’t dare let him get too close. Yet a ruthless killer is gunning for Liv, and she’ll die unless they join forces to unearth a chilling truth–and come together in a blaze of searing passion . . .

     Read an excerpt.

Read Gwen’s review here.

Other books in this series:

Gwen’s review of Edge of Midnight (The McCloud Brothers, Book 4) by Shannon McKenna
Romantic suspense published 1 Aug 2007 by Brava/Kensington

Sean is the clown of the McCloud family. Always ready with a quip, a joke, and never one to let a good time go unobserved. But, for fifteen years he’s struggled with his twin’s apparent suicide and with the way he pushed out of his life the only woman he ever loved…

In this McCloud Brothers entry, we explore the “fact” of the brother’s suicide, the basis of his treatment of his lady love, and how they manage to repair their relationship not once, but twice.

This is only the second of Shannon McKenna’s novels I have read to date. It won’t be the last. Her characters are multidimensional and full, even the secondary ones. The story arcs are complete and resolutions satisfying. All in all, a well told, fun story.

There are sometimes little details that are left hanging, but that may be as much editing as writing. For example, I never quite understood if Sean lived close to the town Endicott Falls or if he lived out of it. It’s never quite clear how close the town is to Seattle or Olympia. There are some other small details like that left to the reader’s imagination. But in all, that’s not a big flaw and didn’t detract from the story.

I really liked Sean and Liv. I wanted them to get their HEA in a bad way. I really liked the erotic scenes (serious steam); they were told with a different voice than the other McKenna novel I’ve read. They were told using language that Sean would use – a tad crude and over the top, but very evocative of the character. Most of the erotic scenes were told from the male perspective (which I not-so-secretly enjoy), and were very hot and very appropriate.

This was an excellent novel and one I can recommend to fans of romantic suspense and McKenna. If you’ve never read McKenna before, or this series, you’ll still enjoy it. It stands alone just fine.

Grade: B+

Blurb:

      Shannon McKenna creates characters readers never forget–and in her latest novel, Sean McCloud must protect the woman he has never stopped loving: Liv Endicott. Years ago, Sean had to send Liv Endicott away to save her life. Now he has to keep her closer, very close–for the same reason . . .

     THE BREAKING POINT

     On the very day an arsonist burns down Liv’s bookstore in a small town in the Washington mountains, she finds fate has another shock in store for her. Amid the smoke, rubble and tears, Sean McCloud appears, calling her name. He’s every inch the man he always was–the man she kept on wanting. But wanting is not the same as trusting, and she doesn’t dare let him get too close. Yet a ruthless killer is gunning for Liv, and she’ll die unless they join forces to unearth a chilling truth–and come together in a blaze of searing passion . . .

     Read an excerpt.

Other books in this series:

Gwen wants to Manga with you. Since I am prolly gonna bury the post in a bit do go talk manga with Gwen if you like it.

I do have to thank the ever delightful Julia Quinn for braving the blog yesterday. It was fab to have her on and we will announce a winner for her contest today.

I have a short Q&A with Jessica Bird (it can be a week of RITA winners *g*) that will be going up today! And a review for her August SSE.

ran into a snafu with the McKenna contest so I am double checking things…

just a note though:
Anyone that has a real reason to be posting from the same IP, six times, in a row, under different names is more than welcome to email me and explain. I am sadly cynical and when I see four to six names in a row, within seconds of each other, coming from the same IP, same location, with differnet names and emails (from ‘freebie’ accounts like yahoo, gmail, hotmail) I get to thinking socking is going on. For a free contest…. with 40! books being given away… blows the mind….

I need to figure out who all I have going overseas. I have a two winners in the UK and one in Canada. Since it seems to take an act of god to get me to the post office I want to make sure they are the only ones I need to send out. Once that is done I will double check and make sure I have all contest winner out in the mail.

I am sure there is something else I need to do today but for now I must go finish payroll.

Our Guest Author, Shannon McKenna – her Edge of Midnight comes out 31 Jul – gives us a peek into her TBR pile. 

Wow, my To Be Read pile is vast and complicated, because I’m so desperately disorganized and short of time with the deadlines and the little girl, I never get a chance to read. A bad state of affairs for a writer! You really need to read like you need to eat. I’ve been living off my fat (figuratively speaking) for a while now, but I would really love to read more. Much more.

Let’s see, the stuff I have in my TBR pile include a bunch of Donna Leon mysteries, Anne Bishop’s Black Jewels Trilogy, Rohinton Mistry’s A FINE BALANCE, Marisha Pessl’s SPECIAL TOPICS IN CALAMITY PHYSICS, Stephen King’s LISEY’S STORY, [Audrey Niffenegger's] THE TIME TRAVELER’S WIFE, Barry Eisler’s “John Rain” thrillers, and a bunch of others that just don’t come to mind right now because they’re buried so deep. I have no order at all for my to be read books, nor is there any point in trying to establish one, since it is one of my daughter’s chief joys to pull books off the shelves and listen to the thud as they fall. So why fight it? Sadly, though, I often spend precious minutes that I could be reading searching desperately for an unread book, or else I completely forget that I have them and discover them by chance months later.

I would say, without hesitating for an instant that the book I am most looking forward to in all the world is the next Diana Gabaldon installment in her magnificent OUTLANDER series. I put that at the very top of my favorites list. What wonderful escapist reading; fab romance, intense emotion, gripping tension, hot sex, wild, rip roaring adventure, and meticulous, fascinating historical research which never intrudes on the story. It’s brought seventeenth century Scotland and the American Revolution alive for me as I’ve never imagined. I hope she writes bunches more Jamie and Claire stories before she closes that series. I’ll buy them in hardcover the second they’re available.

Outside the romance genre, I recently read Yann Martell’s LIFE OF PI, and I was deeply moved by it. Gorgeous, dense, rich, poetic writing that made me just ache inside, even though the story was so lonely and so full of pain and privation. But wow, what a book, what a writer. I’ve had a wonderful time with Alexander McCall’s No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series, graceful and funny and positive and delicious stories.

And beyond that, well, let’s see—I picked up Susan Krinard’s LORD OF THE BEASTS while doing some market research for my pet dream of writing fantasy paranormal someday, and it was a great discovery. Her graceful, intelligent writing and her super sexy and yet understated, controlled, gentlemanly hero really delighted me.

I also have really loved the Lisa Kleypas’ Wallflower Series recently. I’m a fan of the J.R. Ward [Black Dagger Brotherhood] series. Very sexy vamps that you can count on to be righteous dudes. I usually don’t go much for vampires, but these guys work for me. I recently read and enjoyed Lori Foster’s CAUSING HAVOC, very fun, juicy, sexy read. And of course, I’m really, really looking forward to HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS, along with six billion other people. I just love Harry. I wish students had to stay longer at Hogwarts, because I am so, so not ready to say goodbye.

What all these writers do for me is to engage my emotions and make me care deeply about the characters. Without that, I just don’t engage in a book, and I end up putting the book down and forgetting it. It’s a mysterious, magic thing, and it crosses all genres, all types of novel—some books are dense and intense and poetic and I savor them in little careful sips like a fine liqueur, others are wild bumpy exciting thrill rides and I gulp them down like ice cold Gatorade on a hot day, but the key is always that magic happening. It’s gotta have it. Make me care.

Well, I’ve certainly rattled on long enough. I’m delighted to have shared some of my chaotic life and creative angst with you all, and I thank you in particular, Sybil, for the opportunity to do so. It’s lovely to reach out a bit—I usually stay huddled in my shell, cyber-space wise, and it takes a big, friendly kick in the patoot to get me out there into somebody’s blog. So thanks for the kick, Sybil! And thank you all for your kind interest. I hope you all enjoy EDGE OF MIDNIGHT, and EXTREME DANGER.

I’ll close with a quote that my cousin gave to me years ago, from Khalil Gibran’s SAND AND FOAM. I may not get it exactly right, since I can no longer find the dog-eared index card that he wrote it on, but the gist of it is this: “If you should care to write—and only the saints know why you should—then you must needs have knowledge, art, and magic. The knowledge of the music of words, the art of being artless, and the magic of loving your readers.”

That about sums it up for me!

Thanks again, and I wish the very best to all of you!

Thank you, Shannon! This view into your TBR and reading list will, I’m sure, open doors to new material for many people, making our TBR piles as tall as yours!

New Books!

Lady Allerton’s Wager and The Notorious Marriage by Nicola Cornick (never read her)
Fairy Tale and The Husband Hunt by Jillian Hunter
The Defiant One by Danelle Harmon (need The Beloved One and I have all four)
Jed and Cash by Linda Devlin (rock creek six series, still need Sullivan)
Outlaw Hearts by Rosanne Bittner (kristij rec)
The Love of a Stranger by Anna Jeffrey (have all three now, not sure why I wanted them haven’t read her yet)
Night Fire and Wild Dawn by Cait Logan (older westerns never read her)
Cheyenne Moon by Carol Finch
Temptation’s Wild Embrace by Rene J. Garrod (author mentioned on maili’s blog, don’t think this was the book though)
Mail-Order Outlaw by Millie Criswell (someone was talking about this author, can’t remember why, what book or who it was – go me and my memory!)
Out of Control by Shannon McKenna
Coltrain’s Proposal by Diana Palmer (Keishon rec)
Kiss Me Once, Kiss Me Twice by Kimberly Raye (still haven’t read her but have the 2nd book in the series so what the hell)
Houston We Have a Problem by Erin McCarthy