It’s that time of year, faithful reader – and let me pause to say how much I appreciate you…even if no one else reads my silliness, I take comfort in the fact that the two of us do – time to list my favorite reads of 2011. These are books I read and that were published in 2011, to clarify. My list ended up looking a little different this year – I had a four-way tie for favorite. Without further ado:

My Top Ten for 2011

1. What I Did for a Duke – There was so much buzz about this that I had to pick it up, even though I was behind in the series. I am so glad I did! I can’t even explain why it was SO good. But it was my favorite historical romance of the year.

1. Kiss of Snow – This was the story fans of the Psy/Changling series have been waiting for Hawke and Sienna’s story since they first met and I was very happy with their book. My favorite paranormal book of the year.

1. Yours to Keep – I love the Kowalskis! Read this book and you will never look at Post-its the same way again. My favorite contemporary romance of the year.

1. Dragon Bound – The first book of the best series I’ve read lately. I might have liked Serpent’s Kiss a bit more but this book established the world and set up everything that follows. Since I already listed a favorite paranormal book, this is my favorite fantasy book of the year.

5. Serpent’s Kiss – Rune! Rune Rune Rune!! An excellent hero and an excellent book. Between Dragon Bound and this one, it was hard to decide which book I liked better and I thought Rune and Carling were a more even match than Dragos and Pia so I enjoyed reading about their relationship a bit more. Still, Dragon Bound was the first and a funner read (yeah, yeah…I used the word “funner”. So?!)

6. ShadowFever – Whether it ended the way you wanted or not, it was epic. EPIC!

7. Heart of Steel – Such a fun, swashbuckling read! So entertaining! Pirates! Zombies! Airships! If you haven’t read any of the Iron Seas books, you make me sad.

8. Winning the Wallflower – Even though this is a novella, I enjoyed it so much! More than the full-length book book that spun out of it, even.

9. To Love a Thief – If you like My Fair Lady-ish storylines, check this book out.

10. Silk is for Seduction – It was hard to round out my top ten but how could I go wrong with Loretta Chase?

11. A Lot Like Love – Honorary mention for this one. When I looked back at my list to find books I would recommend to anyone, this one popped out.

A bonus – biggest disappointment (no, I still haven’t let it go): Breaking the Rules. I know, I’m bitter…it’s my own fault for having high hopes.

So, there you go, my faves for last year. I already have read some good ones for this year – you’ll hear about those soon enough – and hear rumors of more coming soon. Yay!

What were some of your favorites of 2011? Do you agree with mine or are you sitting there shaking your head at your computer?

C2’s review of Breaking the Rules (Troubleshooters, Book 16) by Suzanne Brockmann
Romantic Suspense published by Ballantine 22 Mar 11

Ah, faithful reader, I must start off this review by admitting that I am a fan of Suzanne Brockmann and I love her Troubleshooters series – a couple of are in my top 20 books ever. So when I heard her next release (and, as it turns out, her last Troubleshooters book for a while) was going to be Izzy’s book, I was very excited. Izzy – always upbeat and finding the fun even in dire circumstances. Readers have loved Izzy since he first sang and quipped his way into the Troubleshooters world and him being the star of his own book? Awesome! Right? Well…

Breaking the Rules picks up not long after Hot Pursuit ends. The opening is the kind of action-packed battle stuff we’ve come to expect from Ms. Brockmann. The SEAL team is deployed off into a danger zone and Izzy, Danny Gillman, and the gang are soon in a sniper’s sights. Danny is hit and is in danger of bleeding out before they can get him to a hospital, so Izzy performs a battlefield transfusion – a direct line out of him into Gillman. He’s family, sort of…right? (For those unfamiliar with the series, Izzy is married/estranged from Danny’s sister Eden – their backstory is played out in several books.)

Then we flash to New York where Danny’s maybe-girlfriend (they met in Hot Pursuit) is about to be taken hostage by some disgruntled veterans when she receives word that Danny has been seriously injured and airlifted to Germany. The veterans rethink their hostage-taking and the leader goes with her to the airport. I found this to be unnecessary and forced – why the drama here??

Another flash takes us to Las Vegas where Eden has arrived to rescue her teenage brother from a hellish home life with their mother and her current husband. Eden knows she will need money to support herself and her brother Ben and she owes Danny money, so she wants to find a job that will pay a lot. She decided to audition for a job at an exotic dance club – her reasoning? ”After years of getting leered at wherever she went, she was now on the verge of getting paid for the very same thing.” Of course, Eden is young (22 in this book) and has a bad history with men. And, from a completely objective standpoint, there wasn’t another legal activity that would let her earn lots of money, fast. Meanwhile…

Somewhere in Las Vegas, a young girl escapes from the the illegal brothel she was brought to as an eight-year-old and has been kept there ever since. Illegal aliens imported and kept as sex slaves…certainly not a subplot found in romances, normally. You know why, faithful reader? Nothing sucks you out of a romance novel faster than the thought of children being kept as sex slaves! I know authors have to write the book they are moved to write and who am I to question where the story takes them? Oh wait, I’m the reader. And this as a subplot in a romance? A poor choice, in my opinion.

Also, in the mix of subplots is Eden and Danny’s younger brother Ben. Since Ben came out, his stepfather is convinced (and has convinced the mostly-absent mother) Ben must be sent to a “special” camp so he can be shown the error of his ways. Also, Ben has Type I diabetes, so he has special health issues that must be considered. While at the local mall, guess who Ben meets? Yup, our little runaway – her name is Neesha. Ben tries to give her some advice on escaping the notice of adults, but she doesn’t trust anyone (go figure).

Tying all these plots together takes a lot of effort – and, reading the book, I felt that effort. All the characters aren’t in the same place, working toward the same goal until about halfway through the book. The structure feels very fragmented and disjointed. The switching from place to place and subplot to subplot is jarring.

Izzy is the first to arrive in Vegas. He has been trying to catch up with Eden for the last few books and, when Dan’s father visits the hospital in Germany, Izzy finally gets her address. He heads for the States, hoping for closure. He finally, finally has decided that he has to accept that Eden doesn’t want him.

And now we come to my main problem with Breaking the Rules – the portrayal of Izzy. He has always been so upbeat and able to see the good, even in bad situations, but in this book he is sad. And actively works to keep his natural optimism down. Even after he agrees to help Eden and Ben, at least until Danny can get there, he just isn’t the same Izzy. He and Eden agree to just have a physical relationship and when they’re done, they’re done. No together forever, no happily ever after. And sure, that isn’t an unusual agreement for couples in romance novels, but, usually, it isn’t described in such a sad, hopeless tone. Nor does the tone continue for an extended amount of time.

Izzy’s attitude toward Eden is so out of character – he decides to just go with it and sleep with her, even though he knows it is just temporary because she needs his help and that’s just how she operates. Just waiting to get your heart broken? Again?? Looking at someone with your eyes wide open, knowing they will leave you and not look back and still hanging around for whatever crumbs you can get before the implosion? Heartbreaking. And the whole tone of the book is so bleak and sad because of that.

Being noble didn’t get him anything last time she was in his life, so this time he’s going to take whatever pleasure he can get for however long it lasts. But he never forgets that it will end. He expects it and doesn’t pretend otherwise with Eden. She has burned him too many times before. And Eden thinks no one will ever love her – because of her past, her reputation, her whatever – but she knows lots of people will want her and she’s willing to work with that, if it will help her get what she wants.

Really, the character that grows the most, changes the most, is Danny Gillman. Readers started learning more about him and what makes him tick in Hot Pursuit and we find out more in Breaking the Rules. He and Jennilyn really become a solid couple over the course of the book – who knew he isn’t a complete jerk?

Only in the last few chapters, when everything comes to a head and the good guys rush in to save the day, does this book have the same feel as the other Troubleshooters books. It’s like the characters suddenly snap back into their real selves (with some improvements in Dan’s case). And after the good guys prevail, we’re done. After all the sadness and suffering, everybody loves everybody and The End. I would have liked a bit more happy to balance out the bleakness of the rest. So is the happy ending worth suffering through the previous 7/8 of the book? For fans of the series, I’m not sure. For new readers, maybe. So is it necessary to read the rest of the series before reading Breaking the Rules? No – probably just Hot Pursuit. You might be better off, actually.

My final thought? Izzy deserves better than this.

Grade: C-

Summary:

Izzy Zanella wasn’t looking for another reason to butt heads with his Navy SEAL teammate, and nemesis, Danny Gillman. But then he met Danny’s beautiful younger sister, Eden. When she needed it most, he offered her a place to stay, a shoulder to cry on—and more. And when she got pregnant with another man’s child, he offered her marriage. But Eden’s devastating miscarriage shattered their life together—and made the intense bad blood between Izzy and Danny even worse.

Now Eden’s back, and she’s on a mission to rescue her teen brother, Ben, from their abusive stepfather. Even if she and Izzy can prove that their broken marriage is still in one piece, winning legal custody of Ben is a long shot. But they’re not alone: Danny and his girlfriend, Jenn, offer to help, and he and Izzy agree to bury the past and fight for Ben’s future.

As they plan their strategy, Izzy and Eden grapple with the raw passion that still crackles between them—while Danny and Jenn confront new depths in their own rocky relationship. But events take a terrifying turn after Ben befriends a girl fleeing a child prostitution ring. When the young runaway seeks refuge with Eden and Izzy, her pursuers kidnap Ben—and a deadly standoff begins. Now they must all pull together like never before and strike back, swift and hard, to protect their unconventional little family and everything they hold most precious.

Other books in the series:

I always have such a hard time pulling out the books I really like from a previous year. Yes, there’s too many, but it’s also difficult because sometimes you can’t choose because you can’t compare books in different genres. Though I read mostly historical and paranormal, I also enjoy contemps and romantic suspense a lot. Thus, I poured over my entire 2010 review list, chose those that I really loved, and then the difficulty began in whittling it down. My biggest hurdle is books from a series, if an author released more than one book in the year. Sometimes one of many stood out. Sometimes I couldn’t choose one over the other and sometimes I could. In that case, I’ve cheated and listed all the books I loved in that series.     It’s my list and I can do what I want!

So here they are:

10.  The Taming of the Wolf by Lydia Dare

While I’ve so far enjoyed all of the books in this series, it’s the hero, Dashiel, who stole my heart and has ended up my favorite of the series. Lydia Dare has stayed true to her characters and given readers solid, consistent, and intriguing stories. See my TTotW review here.

9.   Lessons From a Scarlet Lady by Emma Wildes

As I said in in my review of this book, it’s a breath of fresh air. Emma Wildes writes a terrific couple who I loved to read about. They kept my interest the entire book, and I wanted more of them when I was done reading. I’m a new fan for sure.

8.   Broken by Shiloh Walker

It would be surprising to me if a Shiloh Walker book didn’t make my Top 10. She’s become a favorite very quickly and she’s never once disappointed me. Though I also enjoyed Fragile, it was Quinn who caught my interest and I anxiously awaited his story. I love a broken, tortured hero and Quinn fit the bill to a T. Read about him here.

7. The Fire Lord’s Lover by Kathryne Kennedy

I became a huge fan of Kathryne Kennedy from the first book of her Relics of Merlin series and was really disappointed when I found she’s not been able to write more it at this point in time. But with her imagination, I shouldn’t have worried at all. Ms. Kennedy has given us another series that is simply awesome. The Fire Lord’s Lover is a perfect start and I can’t wait for more. My review is here.

6.  Raising Kane by Lorelei James – Shoulda Been a Cowboy, Cowgirls Don’t Cry & Slow Ride short story

I can never get enough of Lorelei James. Her stories are real, as are her characters. She doesn’t pretty up a book if tragedy is called for, and in doing so she tugs so hard on your heartstrings it ain’t funny. Her cowboys walk the walk and talk the talk. Her love scenes range from intense and raw to fun and lighthearted. You get everything in a Lorelei James book. Every book she released in 2010 is a Top 10, but Raising Kane is my fave. See my RK review here.

5.   Pleasures of a Notorious Gentleman by Lorraine Heath

Lorraine Heath has been a favorite of mine since I read her Texas trilogy and nothing changed when I read her first Regency. She’s simply and truly wonderful. I loved this entire London’s Greatest Lovers trilogy, but it’s Stephen’s story that I really remember. I had my doubts about him, as I said in my review, but he turned out to be one of those heroes you’ll never, ever forget.

4.   Moon Craving by Lucy Monroe

You know those books you wait for? And wait for? Forever, it seems? Moon Craving is one of those for me. I fell in love with Lucy Monroe’s werewolves in her first book, Moon Awakening, in her Children of the Moon series, and I wanted more. But it took a few years for that next one. The wait was worth it, however. Another terrific story for Monroe and paranormal fans. Read my review here.

3.   The Darkest Hour by Maya Banks – No Place to Run

I have so fallen in love with the Kelly Family in Maya Banks’ KGI series. Especially those Kelly boys. They’re alpha and yummy and they still obey their parents. And they fall hard when they find their heroines. So, hell, what’s not to love?? Read about those Kelly boys here.

2.   Bonds of Justice by Nalini Singh – Play of Passion & Blaze of Memory

Nalini Singh is one of those authors who you’re going to love no matter what she puts on the page. I can’t imagine anyone arguing with that, if they’ve read any of her books. Bonds of Justice takes the No. 1 spot – by a very narrow margin over Play of Passion – for me of her books in 2010 because I sobbed reading this book. I very, very rarely cry when reading. It takes something so very special for me shed a tear while reading, but when it happens, I remember it. So due to my full-out sobbing near the end of BoJ, I’ll never forget Max and Sophia. Read my review about them here.

Now for my No 1. pick, I couldn’t decide between these two books, so they’re co-winners. They win not only for the story, the worlds the authors have created, but also for the beautiful, lyrical, haunting writing these authors possess. It takes an awesome author to be able to keep momentum and creativity and imagination in a series going, to make the next book better than the last. Both of these authors have those things down pat. I never have to hope the next book will disappoint me because it won’t be as good as the first or the one just prior. I know the next book will be even better.

1.  Haunting Warrior by Erin Quinn & Crown of Crystal Flame by C.L. Wilson

Erin Quinn’s Haunting series is just that, haunting. In storyline. In characters. In writing. Absolutely stunning all the way around. I am breathlessly waiting for the next installment this April. I will have myself locked in my room until that book is finished.

C.L. Wilson’s Tairen Soul series was a treat and a treasure to read. This last installment brought everything together for an absolutely stunning ending that left readers gasping. The way this woman strings words together is just amazing. I’m sad this series is now complete, but readers of the series know that their favorite characters will be featured in future books. That’s worth waiting for.

Notice I used “absolutely stunning” for each of these authors. Wasn’t a mistake. Completely intentional. Cuz it just is.

Because I had a huge list picked out before I cut it down to my Top 10, I do want to give mention to those that just barely missed the cut.  So here are my Honorable Mentions in no particular order :

Drink of Me & Stealing Kathryn by Jacquelyn Frank – An imagination that is just awesome!

Shadows at Midnight by Elizabeth Jennings – I know Ash didn’t care for this one, but it’s on my keeper shelf!

Taming the Highland Bride & The Hellion and the Highlander by Lynsay Sands – I love Lynsay Sands! I need to start reading her vamps…

Legend of the White Wolf, Seduced by the Wolf & Wolf Fever by Terry Spear – Yuuuuuuuuuuumy werewolves!

A Highlander’s Homecoming by Melissa Mayhue – Time travel. Scottish Highlanders. One of the best at both!

Marked & Entwined by Elisabeth Naughton – Zodiac warriors to die for! Also try her Stolen series.

Naked Edge by Pamela Clare – Hawt love scenes! Oh, and a great mystery and thrilling suspense too!

A Kiss to Kill by Nina Bruhns – Oh my! I want more, more, more!

Infamous by Suzanne Brockmann – I love her romances within a romance. And I love this cowboy!

The Chief by Monica McCarty – I love this concept of Highlander Special Ops! Fun, intense, and so romantic!

Shadow Bound by Erin Kellison – Debut author done good. Terrific and dark!

Shut Up & Kiss Me by Christie Craig – Only humorous book on my list. There’s a reason for that. She’s one of the very best!

Destined to Last by Alyssa Johnson – Beautifully written with such engaging characters. Can’t wait to see what she does next!

The Treasure Keeper by Shana Abe – Dragons! ‘Nuff said.

And even I have a few books that didn’t make the grade for me in 2010. Mikey really doesn’t like everything!

4.   Mad, Bad and Blonde by Cathie Linz

Waaaaaaaaaay too much snipping and sniping and insulting going on between the hero and heroine for me. It went on and on. And on. And on. And on. And that’s too bad because the first part of the book is good. Right up until the heroine went blonde. See my review here.

3.    Time Storm by Samanta Winston

Sigh. Even the time travel didn’t help this book. We only get to know the characters through their fucking. Pirates and danger and all that goes with it was okay, as was the time travel, but it just wasn’t put together to keep my interest. I remember being glad it’s a short story. My review can be read here.

2.   Tomorrow is Another Day novella by Sandra Hill in the Ladies Prefer Rogues anthology

Even the play on Gone with the Wind didn’t save this novella. The characters didn’t work for me either all because of their attitudes. At least the time travel element worked. Guess I should be grateful for that. My review is here.

1.   Passionate Pleasures by Bertrice Small

This book is just a mess all the way around. The characters are likable but that’s about it. It felt like Ms. Small just tried too hard to write erotic romance. I think her niche is historicals and she should stick with that. You can read my review here.

Are you tired of top ten lists, faithful reader? I hope not because here’s mine.

10. Rules of an Engagement by Suzanne Enoch – what could be better than sailing the South Pacific, encountering natives, fascinating wildlife and pirates? If your ship’s captain is smoking hot, of course. Read my review HERE.

9. Pleasures of a Dark Prince by Kresley Cole – an very good entry into a consistently excellent series.

8. Lessons in French by Laura Kinsale – soooo nice to see Ms. Kinsale back and full of humor.

7. Slow Heat by Jill Shalvis – I love Ms. Shalvis’ baseball series and hope for more books soon. Please? Pretty please??

6. Love in the Afternoon by Lisa Kleypas – the end of the Hathaway series. I’ve always had a soft spot for Beatrix and was very pleased with her book. Also, I’m a sucker for books with letter writing.

5. Infinity by Sherrilyn Kenyon – the first story in her Chronicles of Nick series. I’m not usually a YA reader but I was intrigued enough by hints of this one to pick it up. So good! And she seems to be correcting/re-booting some errors in the main DH series, maybe. We shall see.

4. Play of Passion by Nalini Singh – one of my favorites of the series and certainly my favorite of recent entries. Plus we get to see bits of Hawke and Sienna. Yay!

3. Exclusively Yours by Shannon Stacey – are you looking for an excellent straight-up contemporary? Look no further! And the sequel is very good, too.

2. Here There Be Monsters by Meljean Brook – so it’s a novella. And I was skeptical, even after seeing the raves. Why would I put a novella I was unsure about picking up on my “Best of” list? Because it’s awesome! It gives us our first glimpse into Ms. Brook’s Iron Seas series which leads me to…

NUMBER 1!! The Iron Duke by Meljean Brook – I don’t have words for how excellent this book is. It defies description – at least, a description that properly conveys it’s awesomeness. All I can say is READ IT.

Now for some books I’m looking forward to in 2011 (in release order, as things stand now):

Call Me Irresistible by Susan Elizabeth Phillips – yes, I know several people have already read this one but I haven’t. My copy is pre-ordered though. Why? It’s Teddy’s book! It seems like I’ve been waiting for his story forever.

ShadowFever by Karen Marie Moning – why this one? Barrons! And the wait is almost over. Yay!

A Lot Like Love by Julie James – I have enjoyed all of Ms. James’ books so far and expect this one to continue that trend.

Breaking the Rules by Suzanne Brockmann – do you need to ask why? One word: Izzy Izzy Izzy! (What? It’s one word…three times.)

Any Man of Mine by Rachel Gibson (beware the Flash!) – her last few books have been hit-or-miss for me so I’m hoping this one will be a hit. Sorry for the lack of cover. Our friends over at the Book Binge have it posted, though.

There are many more, of course, but those are the ones that are coming up soonish.

Agree? Disagree? What are you looking forward to?

Sandy M’s review of Infamous by Suzanne Brockmann
Contemporary Paranormal Romance published by Ballantine Books 27 Jul 10

Because I’m a book ho, I’ve read only one Suzanne Brockmann book, the first in her Troubleshooters series, The Unsung Hero, which I thoroughly enjoyed, and then subsequently vowed I would continue with the series as often as I could. Of course, life, the thousands of other books strewn around my condo and piled high in my storage unit, and a million other things got in the way of that vow, and Infamous is the only other Brockmann I’ve read to date. That’s okay, though, because I love this book. It’s her first paperback in six years, it’s full of action, a ghost that could be hero of his own book, and it’s vintage Brockmann, expertly giving us two romances instead of one.

A.J. Gallagher’s great-grandfather, Jamie, has been vilified in history as a murderer, thief, kidnapper, and any other number of criminal activities, all thanks to the real culprit from his day, Silas Quinn, who has been portrayed as a knight with the proverbial white hat on the proverbial white horse. A movie is in production regarding Quinn and his story, and A.J. has come to the set in Arizona to set some facts straight with Alison Carter, the consultant on the film who touts herself an expert on Quinn. He’s there at the behest of his great-grandfather, an apparition who has been appearing to A.J. for a while now, wanting the truth to finally be known.

Mistaking the good looking cowboy as an extra on the film, Alison scoffs when she discovers his true reason for seeking her out. She’s done her homework and knows Quinn and his times up one side and down the other, plus A.J. has no proof, at least any he can produce without delays in filming.

In between all of this, Alison inadvertently witnesses something so innocuous she doesn’t even realize it, and bizarre events begin to happen, all jeopardizing her life, no one figuring it all out until it’s nearly too late. It’s when she and A.J. grow closer and Jamie begins to put two and two together when attempts on Alison’s life escalate that A.J. is forced to tell her about his resident ghost. Fearing she’s given her heart to a mad man, Alison retreats from their budding relationship.

But when they find themselves on the run while trying to fit puzzle pieces together that started it all, Alison becomes a believer when Jamie is suddenly their lifeline. I love all three of these characters. A.J.’s past keeps Alison at bay, until the next time he touches her. She is determined, however, not to fall in love with him because of his past. These are very moving scenes from both characters’ points of view.

Then comes the confession of A.J.’s ability to see Jamie, which, along with the bad guys getting closer and closer, and once again the emotion these two fight and eventually embrace is gut wrenching.

Jamie himself is definitely hero material, as A.J. eventually proves to Alison, causing her to rethink the history she thinks she knows. And in a do-or-die situation, Ms. Brockmann pulls a twist you don’t see coming.

Mixed in between A.J. and Alison’s love story are letters written by Melody, Jamie’s wife, chronicling their lives, when and how they met, how they escaped danger even back 100 years before, how they fell in love. I really enjoy how Ms. Brockmann intertwines stories like this. It seems effortless, seamlessly moving from to the other, adding another dimension to the entire story as it goes along.

If you’re a Suzanne Brockmann fan, do not hesitate in picking this book up. You’re in for one hell of a good time.

Grade: A+

Summary:

When history professor Alison Carter became a consultant to the film version of the Wild West legend she’d dedicated her career to researching, she couldn’t possibly know that she would not only get a front row seat to a full-blown Hollywood circus, but that she would innocently witness something that would put her life in danger. Nor did she expect that a tall stranger in a cowboy hat would turn the movie — and her world — completely upside down…

A.J. Gallagher didn’t crash the set in dusty Arizona to rub elbows with Hollywood’s elite. Unable to ignore ghosts from the past that refuse to stay buried, A.J. came to put an end to the false legend that has tarnished the reputation of his family. But when he confronts Alison, sparks fly. And when she becomes targeted by ruthless criminals, suddenly she and A.J. must face the intense attraction that threatens to consume them, in order to survive the danger that threatens their very lives.

Read an excerpt.

C2’s review of Hot Pursuit (Troubleshooters, Book 15) by Suzanne Brockmann
Romantic suspense released by Ballantine 28 Jul 09

In Suzanne Brockmann’s latest Troubleshooters book, we become reacquainted with The Dentist, a serial killer who likes to claim the teeth of his victims – sometimes before he kills them. We first heard about The Dentist in a bonus short story featuring Sam and Alyssa that was included at the end of Flashpoint. In Hot Pursuit we learn that Alyssa is part of a task force trying to track down elusive Dentist. What Alyssa doesn’t know is that The Dentist has developed a fixation on her and has started making plans.

The events bringing Sam and Alyssa back into contact with The Dentist start out innocently enough – or do they? A New York assemblywoman has been receiving threats and needs her security beefed up. Since she happens to be a good friend of Savannah van Hopf Karmody (heroine of Out of Control, for those not familiar with the whole series), the Troubleshooters team takes the job. It seems like a nice easy assignment that will let Sam and Alyssa and the rest of the gang help out a friend of a friend while spending some time in New York City. But when do things ever run so smoothly for the TS Inc., faithful reader? As always, in the Troubleshooters world, there is a lot going on.

First things first – the team assigned to assist Assemblywoman Maria Bonavita with her security issues: Sam Starrett and Alyssa Locke (along with baby Ashton), Izzy Zanella, his not-so-loving brother-in-law Danny Gillman, Jay Lopez, and Tony Vlachic. Gillman is recovering from an injury that has left him with nightmares and blackouts. Stress from a potentially career-ending injury plus the usual Zanella-induced stress does not make Danny a happy boy.

To distract himself and, perhaps, get some happy (or something), Gillman decides Jenn, the assemblywoman’s chief of staff, is a prime candidate for an assignment-long fling. Jennilyn LeMay is not a dainty, delicate flower. She is what some would call real-sized (“statuesque”, thinks Dan). She isn’t focused on her appearance, she doesn’t date much, she’s the pal in the background of her friends’ lives. Needless to say, when the gorgeous Danny starts flirting, Jenn is suspicious of his motives. But our Dan is a smooth talker and good with the rationalizing so she agrees soon enough.

There are those (you know who you are) who would say Gillman is an ass and a player and only out for what he can get with the least effort expended. I choose to think he has issues stemming from his childhood and more recent traumas and just needs a bit of therapy to help him deal in a more constructive way so he can recognize the good thing right in front of him (which he almost does, without the therapy). Yeah, yeah…yell at me in the comments.

In the meantime, the security threat to Assemblywoman Bonavita has taken a gruesome turn and the team springs into action to catch the person responsible. The FBI is called in on the case and you know what that means, don’t you? Jules! Ah, faithful reader, he is my very favorite person in the Troubleshooters world. A TS Inc. book without Jules is like a day without sunshine. Plus Robin is along for the ride – and to provide babysitting services – since things in NYC have become dangerous and Sam and Alyssa will be busier than they anticipated.

We find out what has been going on elsewhere in the Troubleshooters world…new babies, weddings, promotions, etc. We also get an update in the Izzy/Eden saga. Izzy, we learn, has made several trips to Germany to try to talk to Eden; so far, no luck there. Oh, Izzy…he just breaks my heart. He’s still the same in Hot Pursuit – always with the jokes and smart comments and impromptu songs – but his sadness shows around the edges. I don’t think it’s a spoiler (since it’s all over the interwebs, by now) that his book is next in the series. Let me take a moment to say YAY and Snoopy dance with joy!

As we race toward the end of the book, there is police brutality, bodies are found, and people are being stalked. Characters are kidnapped and their would-be rescuers seem to be off on a wild goose chase, as the Dentist’s evil plan comes to its climax. Will the good guys win? Will everyone survive?? What are you looking at me for? Go read the book!

Grade: A

PS: The blurb for this book makes it sound as if Alyssa is the main focus of Hot Pursuit but I didn’t find that to be true. Yes, she is a main character and at the center of a good bit of the action but I think this was Danny Gillman’s book. After you read it, come back and tell me what you think.

Summary:
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Alyssa Locke is no stranger to dealing with danger. As team leader of the nation’s number one personal security company, Troubleshooters Inc., she’s seen more than her share of action, survived plenty of close calls, and holds her own with the best of them–and against the worst of them. Guarding lives is her game, and no one plays it better. But her toughest challenge will be protecting herself from a serial killer she’s been after for years–known only as “The Dentist”–who is determined to make her his ultimate trophy.
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The assignment was supposed to be an easy one: teach self-defense techniques to a newly elected assemblywoman and her chief of staff after a political controversy generates a blizzard of hate mail–including death threats–from hotheads and cranks. But as soon as she mobilizes her squad of moonlighting Navy SEALs in New York City, Alyssa begins butting heads with the hard-case cop who thinks that the Troubleshooters are chasing shadows.
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Until they discover a dead body. And then another. Now Alyssa really has her hands full bodyguarding two independent, busy women, managing a murder investigation, and trying to find time for her husband, Troubleshooters operative Sam Starrett, and their infant son. Meanwhile, it wouldn’t be a Troubleshooters operation without romantic sparks and heated rivalries–and any time the SEALs of Team Sixteen are involved, there are plenty of both.
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But then, while investigating a suspect, Alyssa is ambushed and suddenly finds herself imprisoned by The Dentist. Cut off from everyone she loves and relies on, Alyssa must call upon all of her strength and skill to survive this final confrontation with the sadistic monster, meanwhile trusting that her Troubleshooter teammates, led by her beloved Sam, will reach her before it’s too late.
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Read an excerpt HERE!

Other books in the series:

Suz Brockmann exclusive aka info found in Hot Pursuit Author’s Notes (well not in the ARC)

We are FINALLY going to get Izzy’s book next and sadly for Troubleshooter fans it will be the last Troubleshooter book for a while.  But she will be publishing an antho of the novella’s she has done over the years and does say she hopes to include some new stories as well.

Dan is also in the book, as well as the woman he hooks up with in Hot Pursuit, as you haven’t read that yet and god knows you peeps can be rabid about spoilers I will not even go there.  Hell I am not even going to type up the paragraph for fear of saying something deemed omgish.

What I did find interesting is it looks like Suz is pulling a Quinn and dusting off a old manuscript she had under the bed.  Well I have no clue where she had ”Gallagher’s Claim,” but you get the point:

bit more info from an old Q&A

LETTERS TO KELLY is one of my mom’s favorites – but she also liked another book that never got published, called GALLAGHER’S CLAIM. Nobody knew how to market it. It was a contemporary (took place on a movie set of a western), yet there was a subplot that was told by diary entries, AND one of the subplot characters (the hero’s great-grandfather) was a ghost.

It deals with themes of truth vs. legend – perceptions, things are not as they seem.
Parts of it are freakin’ stupid, (sorry, mom!) but parts of it are really worth salvaging.

Some day…

- Suz

At least it will be published in MM wonder if it will be marketed as a Romance or fiction? Hopefully someone will get the scope. Tis amazingly dead at the B&N boards I am oddly not at all surprised…

I have finished reading the Troubleshooter series and I do have to say I am sooooo glad she is finishing Izzy’s story since he is the only reason I started the whole damn thing to begin with, think we have any chances of her doing a book or two in her Harlequin series during her Troubleshooter break *g*. WHAT I can hope!

Now that the kerfuffle surrounding Suzanne Brockmann’s latest Troubleshooters book, Dark of Night has died down a bit, we thought you might be interested in a discussion Lynne Connolly and I had about the book right after it was released.

The discussion topics are in bold, our comments are separated by our icons.

Must I say that there are SPOILERS??? Because, of course, there are. 

Here’s a “who’s who” in this, our first (and hopefully not our last), DUCKS DO A BOOK entry:
	C-Squared (a.k.a. C2) – Review Duck, blogger, reader, all around good gal.
	Lynne Connolly (a.k.a. LynneC) – author, blogger, reader, chief cook and bottle washer, Jack-of-all-trades, and occasional Review Duck.  Yet another good gal (we have lots of those around here).

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Are the Troubleshooters books romantic suspense or suspense with romantic elements? What about the balance between romance and suspense?

Definitely romantic suspense. No matter how suspense-y, Suz always gives us some romance. DoN was an okay balance but I wish it had been longer.  It all seemed a teeny bit rushed to me.  Maybe because I read it so fast.  :-D

That depends on what you expect, I think. In the latest JR Ward story, the main comment was that she was moving away from romance and toward urban fantasy, and the romance took a backseat to the rest of the story. Some readers liked it. With Brockmann, I can easily see her books in a different section of the bookstore, and doing well there. I like it. It gives her more freedom to develop the storylines and the action. I don’t think every reader can get away with it, but Brockmann does. . But in this book, “Dark of Night,” the romance was enough for me. Sometimes I like lush stories that are all about the romance, but I don’t look to Brockmann for that. . The romances are developed individually, that is, we get how each character feels about the other, but often, time together is limited. I enjoyed that Sophia and Dave had some time to get to know each other as a couple, for example, so they had a basis for their relationship. I want more, and I want to see how they interact more.

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Were you satisfied with final couplings? Was the relationship development believable??

	Very satisfied, actually.  I never could see Sophia and Decker together so all I can say is YAY that she put Sophia with Dave and Tracy with Decker.  Although a bit more familiarity with Tracy would have helped going into the book.Believable relationship development, too. It isn’t like Tracy and Deck had just met or anything.  They’ve been working together for a while…so maybe they just started paying attention.  And Sophia and Dave have been moving toward their relationship the whole time.
	The HEAs were believable, on the whole, especially since Brockmann doesn’t end the romances in the books, they carry on. It’s a real pleasure to see Sam and Alyssa working out their relationship, and I did enjoy the Nash and Tess thing. She didn’t quite get hold of the BDSM power thing, though she definitely goes some way toward it (by the way, there is no actual BDSM content in this book, although there is a power relationship that echoes writers like Joey W Hill, but I think Hill does it better). This is just the book where the characters get together, and since she plans to write more TS books, we can be pretty sure we’ll see more of them. . I liked the way Sophia and Decker reconciled their relationship, and I think the reasons why they didn’t get together were explained pretty well. If they hadn’t had that scene in the bathroom toward the end, I wouldn’t have been so happy, but they talked it through and yes, I was happy with Sophia and Dave. Especially the Dave side. I actually loved the geek-into-spy thing, it’s a bit like a Cinderella story, and I really loved the conversation between Dave and one of my favorite characters, Wild Card Karmody. Geeks rule!
	Oh, I love Kenny! He’s one of my favorite SEALs. That conversation between him and Dave was tons of fun. LOL
	The Transformation of Tracy from ditzy receptionist to smart, in control woman was a bit problematic for me. I went along with it, because I could just about accept it, but it didn’t quite work. I’m not sure why, perhaps because Tracy hasn’t been explored properly before.
	Yup, Tracy could have been developed a bit more in prior books. I don’t think I had a good sense of her beyond the secretary stereotype…there wasn’t time for any development in DoN, though.

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Were the villains believable?

	This was a not-so-much for me. The villains seemed a bit too all-knowing. Especially for such a small group. I know a small group of crazies can accomplish a lot but jeez…
	Okay, so one thing does bother me a bit. Most Brockmann stories take place in the US, and yet the bodycount is pretty high. We never hear any kickback about that, as in, who deals with the bodies on the streets? Aren’t there any enquiries or arrests? . What I could do without – the skimming over the realities. I want to know how TS Inc, which is, after all, a private organisation, deals with all the laws it breaks, not least the killings. But there are B and E’s and other transgressions, too. That’s why I made my Dept 57 part of the CIA, consultants and affiliates to the major government security forces, but even then I do dispose of the bodies!
	As far as the skimming over realities goes – I don’t mind so much. How would she ever research super-secret government organizations? And even if she found out exactly how they do their super-secret stuff, either they wouldn’t let her share it OR no one would believe they really run like that anyway. I guess that’s why I never thought about the body count, clean-up, etc. Since it mostly wouldn’t be her characters doing that, I don’t mind it going unexplained. And, really, unless it is something huge, I don’t think those things get a lot of play in the news here. Of course, I’m not a big news watcher so I could be totally wrong. A friend is a federal agent, though (not FBI or anything fancy) and there’s never anything about stuff she’s involved in – at least, nothing that is attributed to her office directly.

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Fan grrl level?

	Not psycho stalker fan level…just enthusiastic. Seriously, she’s one of my very, very favorite authors.
	Big fan. I have all the books, and they all have to be keepers for me. I was in the minority in enjoying the last book in the series, but it wasn’t because of the Izzy story, as I just plain didn’t like him, and Vinh was a bit off, but the story was kicking.
	Now, moving on – you don’t like Izzy? Awww. I love Izzy! The last book was not my fave (Hot Target is!) – I don’t know what I was expecting for Murphy’s story but that wasn’t it. The Izzy story was the more interesting part, I thought. But the action/suspense part was good.
	What I really, really love and why I’ll read anything Brockmann puts out – Her men. They aren’t alphabetised, they’re not supermen, Brockmann’s heroes are real. I love that she gave Tom Paoletti early male-pattern baldness, I love that not all her men are over six feet tall, perfect of feature and their inner thoughts sound like women. They don’t angst all the time, and articulate that angst perfectly, some of them have a lot of problems articulating how they feel, and some bottle it up. But they are real people, and that is why she can write a large cast of characters and give them all life.
	I am SO completely in agreement that the guys totally make the books – she’s admitted that she struggles a bit with female characters and I think she’s improving but the guys are excellent! Totally, totally how guys are. Good and bad. LOL
	Her deep third point of view. Very few writers can really delve into characters the way Brockmann does. You live and experience with them. Her pov switches are instantly recognisable because they’re another voice. Each character has his or her own way of looking at things. I’d love her, just as an exercise, to describe the exact same event from several points of view. Sometimes she does this in the books, but the views tend to overlap slightly, instead of running parallel.
	The deep POV thing – what you said is almost exactly what I said in my review. Great minds!
	The romances are developed individually, that is, we get how each character feels about the other, but often, time together is limited. I enjoyed that Sophia and Dave had some time to get to know each other as a couple, for example, so they had a basis for their relationship. I want more, and I want to see how they interact more.

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So, any other topics you think we should discuss?

Can’t think of any. Except what happens next. If the next book concentrates on Sam and Alyssa, I’m all for it. But I want more Jules, and if he’s moving from the FBI to TS, where will he fit in? Maybe share XO duties with Alyssa as TS expands? Jules is such a great character, I love his voice!

Jules is my very, very favorite character! I want a Jules of my own. ) Sam’s my second fave. I wouldn’t mind having a Sam of my own, too. . I’m thinking Jules needs to move to the LA FBI office, at least – good for him, being close to the TS gang, and good for Robin’s career. Or, if Jules does end up with TS, Inc. – maybe he could be their liaison person with miscellaneous government agencies? He can be very diplomatic, after all. Smooth out the ruffled egos, etc. Regardless, any book with Sam and Alyssa is going to have at least a little Jules and Robin – and probably a lot. And maybe LA needs its own branch office of TS. Hmm. Suz will work it all out for him – I think Jules is her fave, too.

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What about you, readers and fellow Ducks?  What trips your trigger about the Troubleshooters books, or romantic suspense in general?  What IS IT about Brockmann’s books that is just so dadgum readable?  What do you not like about them?

C2 (C-Squared)‘s review of Dark of Night (Troubleshooters, Book 14) by Suzanne Brockmann
Romantic suspense hardcover released by Ballantine 27 Jan 09

Anyone who has ever visited my personal blog knows I’m a Suzanne Brockmann fan. I’m not a crazy stalker fan grrl or anything – *innocent look* – I’m just enthusiastic. I like all the interwoven stories and the whole deep point of view thing. And I say it’s impressive that all the characters are so real and clearly drawn that it is often easy for the reader to know, without her telling us, who is speaking. No cookie-cutter characters to be found here! 

So, of course, I was anxiously awaiting the release of Dark of Night, the newest Troubleshooters book. Now, before I go any further, I will warn you that this post will be filled with spoilers. Did you catch that, gentle readers? **FILLED WITH SPOILERS** I don’t know how else to do it. I admire and appreciate those reviewers who managed to write up their thoughts without spoiling it for the rest of us – especially since it took my book 3 days to get to me. Grrr. I mean, honestly, they get Harry Potter books to those who pre-order on the day of release. Can’t they do that for all hard covers? *Deep breath* Sorry! That’s a topic for another day. Back to the matter at hand – and remember HERE BE SPOILERS!!

**  YOU’VE BEEN WARNED! **

Dark of Night picks up almost exactly where the previous book, Into the Fire, left off. So we have the Troubleshooters trying to deal with the loss of one of their own. However, Jimmy Nash isn’t dead. He’s badly injured, yes, but quite alive. Jules Cassidy, everybody’s favorite FBI guy, knows that the key to keeping Nash alive long-term is to keep him “dead” until the people targeting him can be found and stopped.

So, a plan is set in motion. A select few know the truth about Nash and are guarding him at a safe house in the desert. Sam and Alyssa (and their new baby), Tess, Jules and Robin are there. The only other person who knows the truth is Decker – until Tracy figures it out, too. Yup, Suz takes the ditzy blonde secretary stereotype and turns it on its ear. And throws Decker and Tracy together in a major way.

At the same time Sophia and Dave are dealing with their grief over Nash, their relationship takes a romantic turn. Yes, Dave has loved Sophia forever but she is, finally, returning his interest. Like, really really returning it. But, poor Dave, right when it looks like he’s going to be happy, the bad guys grab him. Thinking they can get info out of him about Nash – or trade him for Nash, if he’s alive like they suspect. The torture scenes were uncomfortable to read, I must say. Yikes. Thankfully, they were brief. And we are shown some new facets of Dave’s character. He has a lot more in common with the rest of the Troubleshooters men than I had realized. He isn’t just a brain, after all.

And the race is on – find Dave, catch the bad guys, get Nash out of the line of fire, couple up the couples. With most of the SEALs out of the country, there is only a small group of Troubleshooters available to help. Still is there any doubt of the outcome?

The bad guys are dispatched. Dave is found – he dispatched some of the bad guys all by his tortured, infected self. And we get two new happily ever afters, one hinted at and one brand new, plus a bit of closure for an existing couple.

Closure for Nash and Tess – finally, the things that have kept them from moving forward (Nash’s secrets) are out of the way. In my opinion, I think that was the main purpose of the bad guys and Nash’s death. Since Nash was “dead” (and truly injured), he had to sit by and wait for the his team to take care of the bad guys. He had plenty of time to think about things – and get some advice from Love Doctors Sam and Kenny “Wild Card” Carmody. Talk about good times!

Our hinted coupling – when Dave is kidnapped, Sophia has a chance to realize she had only fooled herself into thinking she was settling for Dave. She figures out that he really is the guy she wants.

Our brand new couple — Decker and Tracy’s — whole romance happens in Dark of Night. They see in each other things they didn’t realize they wanted or needed. Deck needs someone who isn’t in awe of him. Someone who sees the real person behind the awesome Chief Decker, Navy SEAL. Tracy needs someone who sees beyond the packaging to the real person and brain underneath. And appreciates her chattiness. I totally believed their romance, even with all the other stuff happening in the book.

What? Is that screaming I hear?? Something about Decker and Sophia being meant for each other? Puh-leeze, people. What, exactly, are you basing that assumption on? I have never been a fan of that pairing – chemistry, they lacked it – so to see Suz moving those characters in a different direction made me happy. I understand that isn’t true for all readers. Whatever. You have to trust the author to take her characters where they need to go.

Yes, there were some small issues with the book — the bad guys were a bit too all-knowing, and some of the violent acts were a bit gruesome (not gory just icky). But acts of violence are like that, I suppose. To make an impact, they have to be uncomfortable for those who witness them. And yes, it was almost too fast-paced. Another 50-75 pages would have been welcome… not that I’m greedy.

Where does that leave us, gentle reader? With the story arc that began in Flashpoint all wrapped up and waiting impatiently for Hot Pursuit — coming this summer — of course! Let me take a moment to say how very glad I am that Suz has moved to two releases a year. Yay!

Grade: A-

Blurb:

Badly shaken after the loss of one of their own, the men and women of Troubleshooters Inc. go up against their most deadly opponents yet – the clandestine organization called The Agency. Blackmail, extortion, murder: The Agency’s black-ops sector will apparently stop at nothing to achieve their objective. But this time they’ve gone too far and hit too close to home.

Led by former Navy SEAL Lawrence Decker, a team of investigators – from FBI agent Jules Cassidy and former CIA operative Dave Malkoff, to Troubleshooters Sophia Ghaffari, Tess Bailey, and even receptionist Tracy Shapiro – band together to uncover the truth, and bring the killers to justice.
But the stakes are raised even higher when Decker barely escapes an attempt on his life. It soon becomes clear that the hunters have become the hunted – and the Troubleshooters are no longer just solving a crime – they’re fighting for survival.

Read an excerpt HERE.

Other books in the series (mass market paperback referenced where available):

and Book 15, HOT PURSUIT, Ballantine, Summer 2009

As I was putting together a list of books I wanted to review (not the list PamP was asking for but hey a list *g*) I noticed a few odd things

Yes first is the fact, I do plan to start reviewing again.  Well that isn’t odd to me since I had hoped to start in January, if the Topamax would let me.  (If you wonder what I mean by that look up that side effects) To borrow a phrase from my neuro more on that later…

The thing that *I* found most shocking was there are so many books coming out on January 27 (yes that is today) that I thought were rather awesome books. Since it must be in celebration of my birthday (yeah it was the 22nd but really it is close), I thought I would use the 4pm review spot to make a list! Well and because I can *g*

The Sins of Lord Easterbrook by Madeline Hunter – I was going to put this review up today at 4pm, I know isn’t it like so cool how I just change the rules for myself (generally 4pm is older book reviews ) but tis a duckies choice to change her mind and I decided to showcase all the releases today.  And it should be NO shock that I adored this book.  For historical fans you really need to get your feathers on down to the bookstore and get this, or download it or whatev.  Easterbrook demands to be read.  Trust me on this.

ETS: if you didn’t already know this… Madeline has joind the ever delightful women over @ The Goddess Blog

(almost didn’t put this summary cuz is SO doesn’t fit IMHO)

Only a desperate mission could bring Leona Montgomery face-to-face with the scoundrel whose dangerous sensuality once sent her fleeing from his arms. But she has under-estimated Christian, Marquess of Easterbrook. As irresistible as ever, his past swathed in mystery, Christian has his own plans for the woman he has waited seven years to claim. Yet once desire reignites, bringing a dangerous secret into the open, Leona will find herself bound to the seductive nobleman in ways she could never have imagined. Seven years have changed nothing: this man can tempt her to ruin with just one touch. With Leona’s reputation and hopes for her family’s salvation in tatters, she must follow the only course left to her…even as each step brings her closer to a shattering truth and a passion she can no longer live without….

Montana Creeds: Logan by Linda Lael Miller – wasn’t sure if I should include this or not but it does show ‘in stock’ at amazon. It is the first in a back to back trilogy from HQN. I read all three books around the end of December beginning of Jan and adored them all (Dylan the next was my fave). LLM is an old fave of mine who is very hit or miss so it was a delight to read three books in a row that were really all hits. It is a contemp western trilogy with three very estranged brothers. It is a great mix of what I loved in LLM older novels and what still is wonderful in her recent work without slamming any doors. And she does some great men, Holly you really need to read these and tell me what you think .

Descendants of the legendary McKettrick family, the Creeds are renowned in Stillwater Springs, Montana—for raising hell…

After years of wandering, Logan Creed, a cowboy with a dusty law degree, has returned home. To put down roots, to restore his family’s neglected ranch…to have kids of his own proudly bearing the Creed name.

Divorced mom Briana Grant has heard the stories about her gorgeous neighbor. So Logan’s kindness with her young boys is a welcome surprise, especially when her ex reappears. And when an unknown enemy vandalizes her home, Logan shows Briana—and the folks of Big Sky country—just what he’s made of.

Instant Attraction by Jill Shalvis – One of Jill’s best contemps yet and grand fun. You can step over to Book Binge and get some an awesome look at the book with some excerpts, reader questions answered by THE Jill and reviews already done by Holly and company.

Accountant Katie Kramer is a quintessential good girl – working hard, recycling diligently, all the while trying to ignore the feeling that she doesn’t fit in anywhere. That’s all she wants. Well, that – and amazing sex, and the kind of daredevil escapade she can look back on when she’s crunching numbers in a dusty cubicle. Which explains why she just took a job in Wishful, California, working for Wilder Adventures and Expeditions. Waking up to find a magnificently built stranger towering over her bed – that part defies explanation…After wandering the planet for months following a life-changing accident, Cameron Wilder has come back to the only home he knows. Under other circumstances, he might be thrilled to find a gorgeous woman sleeping in his cabin, but now, while he’ll risk his body taking clients on adrenaline-drenched excursions, his heart is off limits. Still, Katie’s killer smile triggers something deep in his gut…among other places. Showing her how exhilarating it can be to stop balancing her life as if it was a check book is the biggest rush he’s ever felt – and an adventure Katie’s wishing would never end…

Dark of Night by Suzanne Brockmann – OUT TODAY and I admit I have gone back and forth with reviewing this cuz you people scare me. I am a spoilerwhore. I have read like oh three of these books. I liked Dark of Night, ask holly *g* who I texted repeatedly while reading it cuz I KNEW she would lurve that heeeee. But I am guessing what happens is gonna get a whole hellalot of omg how could SUZ!?!?! And I was just too dumb to be upset cuz I wasn’t invested enough to be… ::shrug:: and uh was that a spoiler?

Badly shaken after the loss of one of their own, the men and women of Troubleshooters Inc. go up against their most deadly opponents yet —- the clandestine organization called The Agency. Blackmail, extortion, murder: The Agency’s black-ops sector will apparently stop at nothing to achieve their objective. But this time they’ve gone too far and hit too close to home.

Led by former Navy SEAL Lawrence Decker, a team of investigators —- from FBI agent Jules Cassidy and former CIA operative Dave Malkoff, to Troubleshooters Sophia Ghaffari, Tess Bailey, and even receptionist Tracy Shapiro —- band together to uncover the truth, and bring the killers to justice.

But the stakes are raised even higher when Decker barely escapes an attempt on his life. It soon becomes clear that the hunters have become the hunted —- and the Troubleshooters are no longer just solving a crime -— they’re fighting for survival.

also out today I am currently reading for review but can’t rec one way or the other cuz I am not far enough into so buy at your own risk:
Highland Warrior by Monica McCarty
Sandy’s first Duck Chat Author!

I have just started this so I can’t say much about it yet.  So no need to start worrying yet Monica .

Night After Night by Kathryn Smith – This is the last of Brotherhood of the Blood series and I am pretty sure I have read it but the time I got the ARC hits about the time I was in the hospital so before I review it I need to reread it. Yes better living through chemicals. (this would be why I spent most of Nov and Dec rereading older romance novels but that is a list for another time)

My Man Michael by Lori Foster

I know many here do not care for Lori Fosters books but I do so have a soft spot for her.  I have loved this series and really enjoyed the last book.  I am only a chapter or so into this so can’t at all say if this one will work for me or not.

I am sure there are more books coming out today.  Like the SEP (that I really should make sure got to the reviewer it was suppose to go to… see my memory not so good) So what are you looking forward to that hit the shelves today? What have you read that you want to shout about that came out today? What did you write that comes out today? Feel free to pimp… it you know you wanna

Over the past few weeks, one topic has engaged the writer message boards and forums. But, although I’ve read it as an author, it occurred to me that the reader hasn’t really said anything yet. So I thought I’d see what readers think about the current RWA ruckus. Yes, I’m a writer, but I’m a disinterested party, as I’m not a member of the RWA, and I don’t enter either the RITA or the Golden Heart. I want to look at this as a reader, an avid consumer of the product that the RWA members produce, if you will. So I don’t care about the rules and regs, or about the plight of the authors, not in this column, just in what I see as a reader. 

Yesterday, Jasmine Jade, which owns the Ellora’s Cave, Cerridwen, Lotus Circle and Exotika imprints, announced it would not be going to the RWA’s big conference, usually known as Nationals. It is no longer a recognized, or acknowledged, or whatever they’re calling it publisher, so it would have to pay for everything, and it’s simply not worth its while. So anyone wanted to pitch to them, or to learn more about them, or visit with their authors at the booksigning will be disappointed.

Alongside this is a row about the RITA and the Golden Heart, the RWA’s two awards for published and unpublished writers respectively. E-published writers cannot enter either contest. The Golden Heart is for unpublished writers only, so they can’t enter that. But in order to enter the RITA, the book has to fulfill a number of criteria, one or more of which excludes e-published writers. Whether the intention was to do that or not, it’s impossible for an outsider to say, but that’s the effect. It’s all very complicated, and please, please, no more discussion of the actual rules and regulations. That’s none of our business, all of us who don’t belong to the RWA. What I’m concerned with is the effect.

In the past, I sometimes bought books because they were RITA winners. The award guaranteed a certain amount of quality, so it was safer to invest in a previously unknown or unexplored author. Readers would buy the whole of the list, winners and runners-up, to find the best of the best. That’s what the RITA seemed to represent.

These days, I don’t do autobuy anymore. Instead, there are authors I look for, and assess when I read more about the book. And these days there are as many e-published authors as there are mass-market paperback New York authors on my list. True, I live in the UK, so my ability to browse bookstores full of romance paperbacks is limited to my yearly visits to the States, but I have Amazon.

I’ve moved over to e-books as my format of choice. Only if the book isn’t available in e-book do I get the paperback. So I’ve discovered some new authors that I love. Joey W. Hill, especially her Natural Law books are musts for me, and Linda Winfree’s books are side by side with Suzanne Brockmann and Linda Howard. I eagerly look forward to new releases from all four.

But if the RITAs are limited to the books from the big print publishers, then that halves my interest in the awards. I know there are books out there that equate with anything New York puts out, because I’ve read them. I love discovering new authors, whatever the format their books come out in. I don’t check the RWA list of approved publishers before I buy a book. I look at the cover art, read the blurb and an excerpt and maybe, if there’s an award like the RITA attached to it, I’ll pay a bit more interest in it, and maybe take a chance on a previously unknown author.

The attitude of the people awarding the RITAs seems similarly strange to the publishers. All publishers are all increasingly putting books out in e-format, so it is fast becoming just another way you can buy books. I know there are serious ramifications for authors and contracts, but I’m trying to ignore that here, and look at it from the point of view of the consumer.

So, as a reader, would I attend RWA Nationals, or visit the big booksigning there? I’d be disappointed because some of my favorite authors won’t be there, and it’s so expensive to attend, so probably not. Would I buy a book based on the fact that it had been awarded a RITA? No, not any more. I can’t trust it anymore, because it excludes the books of some writers that I love.

The RWA is busy sidelining itself. It’s a shame, but it makes my choice of which conference to attend that much easier.

Lynne Connolly’s review of Into the Fire (Troubleshooters, Book 13) by Suzanne Brockmann
Contemporary Romance hardcover released by Random House 22 Jul 08

‘Into the Fire’ is Suzanne Brockmann’s latest Troubleshooters/Team 16 book and as it’s a great read. I wrote this review before I saw the one by Laura D, and it’s really interesting to see the differences between our views of the book.

Vinh Murphy disappeared after a sniper took his beloved wife down, years before. Now he’s back, newly sober and ready to discover what’s left after that devastation. Best friend Hannah, now deaf after an infection in her leg went badly wrong, is waiting to help. She’s been in love with Murphy for years, only he doesn’t quite realise it. For that matter, he doesn’t believe in himself.

Also in the mix is Izzy Zanella of the SEALs, and the daughter of one of his colleagues, Danny Gillman, who Izzy calls “fishboy.” Although Izzy didn’t get Danny’s eighteen year old sister pregnant, he wants to look after her and make sure she gets the care she needs in her pregnancy. But Izzy and Eden might just have a shot at a relationship, not just a way to get Eden the health benefits she needs.

Add to that an explosive plot. Tim Ebersole, leader of the Freedom Network, who were behind the hit on Murphy and his wife, is dead and the Network, a Waco style extremist group, is about to appoint a new leader. But they want to tidy up some loose ends, a move that slowly escalates through the book to an explosive ending and one that leaves a fascinating thread at the end that I for one am gagging for. If her next book isn’t about it, I might just take a trip to ask her why not.

I wouldn’t advise anyone new to the Teams to start here, as it contains characters you’ve already met and may have an investment in. Having said that, I’d say ‘ read this.’ Suz Brockmann shows people how to write grown up romances. Characters with names like Tom, Dave, Danny and Jimmy people her books. No vampires, no Dantes or Gabriels, no deus ex machina to appear in the final act, wave a wand and make everything all right.

These people live hard and occasionally suffer hard. You feel they are real. Murphy doesn’t bounce back after his wife’s death. One couple in the book, paired up in a previous novel, don’t have their happy ending, and another are still working their way towards theirs. You see, there is a cast of characters and you do have to work a bit to remember, but it’s so worth it.

Brockmann is superb at delineating character. You know who she is talking about and you can visualise them. You get a multitude of pov’s, all of whom are there because they need to be there, not because she wants to put them in.

I loved it and I can’t wait for the next one. If you want a book with explosive action, some really heartbreaking scenes and some heartwarming ones too, you can’t go far wrong with Brockmann.

Grade: B

Summary:

Vinh Murphy-ex-Marine and onetime operative for the elite security firm Troubleshooters Incorporated-has been MIA ever since his wife, Angelina, was caught in a crossfire and killed during what should have been a routine bodyguard assignment. Overcome with grief, Murphy blames the neo-Nazi group known as the Freedom Network for her death. Now, years later, Freedom Network leader Tim Ebersole has been murdered-and the FBI suspects Murphy may have pulled the trigger. To prevent further bloodshed, Murphy’s friends at Troubleshooters scramble to find him and convince him to surrender peacefully.

Murphy himself can’t be sure what he did or didn’t do during the years he spent mourning and lost in an alcohol-induced fog. He does know he occasionally sought solace from Hannah Whitfield, a former police officer and the very friend who’d introduced him to his beloved late wife.

But Hannah, still grappling with the deafness that resulted from an injury sustained while on duty, was fighting her own battles. For years Hannah had feelings for Murphy, and one painful night their suffering brought them together in a way neither expected-and both regretted.

Murphy is ready to rejoin the living. As always, he finds himself knocking on Hannah’s door, and as always, his longtime friend welcomes him back into her home. Yet even as Murphy slowly rebuilds his splintered life, hecontinues to fight his growing feelings for Hannah.

Then he learns of Ebersole’s murder and comes to believe that the Freedom Network has targeted him-and Hannah-to avenge their leader’s death to violence. Now Murphy must face the terrifying prospect of losing another woman he loves.

As the Troubleshooters desperately search for him, Murphy races toward a deadly confrontation with the Freedom Network and ultimate choice: surrender his life in hopes that Hannah will be spared, or risk everything to salvage whatever future they may have together.

Read an excerpt.

LauraD’s review of Into the Fire (Troubleshooters, Book 13) by Suzanne Brockmann
Contemporary Romance hardcover released by Random House 22 Jul 08

I never thought I’d long for the good ol’ days, when the only part of a Brockmann novel that irritated me was the WWII flashback sequence. But I’ve got to admit, the hot mess that is Into the Fire had me wishing for something as simple as that to be disappointed in. Instead there were 4 different plot lines, one of which finally finished off a love triangle that probably has some fans howling with betrayal. Oh, and remember Sam’s ex-wife MaryAnne? She’s back, re-incarnated as Izzy’s new love interest. Kidding. Sorta.

There’s no use giving any sort of synopsis, there’s just waay too much going on. Ostensibly our main characters are Vinh Murphy and Hannah Whitfield. (He’s not a vampire, he’s half Vietnamese.) Vinh’s wife-who was also Hannah’s best friend-was murdered in a previous book. He is now suspected of killing the white supremacist who incited her murderer into action, but Vinh was so deep into drinking he doesn’t remember if he did it or not. He and Hannah are trying to figure out whether or not he’s guilty.

Hannah is a former police officer, injured in the line of duty. She is now deaf, and one of her legs is permanently disabled. After her injuries, she too took refuge in alcohol for a while. Despite this, she has no trouble lip-reading or speaking, or really communicating in any way. Unless the plot requires her to not hear something. She and Murphy realize they have always loved each other. Since she is a heroically injured ex-police officer with life altering permanent disabilities, it’s ok to not hate her for being alive. Every time they have sex, they cry, because Murphy’s wife-who was also Hannah’s best friend-is dead.

Next up, we have Tess and Jimmy/Nash/Diego. Things aren’t going well for these two; Jimmy is keeping secrets and Tess thinks he’s having an affair. Jimmy has been going off on all kinds of secret missions, and coming back with injuries that he shouldn’t have. Dave actually knows this as well, and thinks that maybe Jimmy is still working for the Agency, even though supposedly he and Decker quit the Agency years ago. Totally unnecessary side-story, and does anyone even really care about Tess and Jimmy?

Decker, Dave, and Sophia. Suz-o-philes have been waiting for about 5 books for the Decker/Sophia story to play out on the big stage. Sorry kids, it whimpers out in the background of this book. Decker’s been keeping a big, bad secret from everyone and it takes the psychiatrist/Agency spy that Tom Paoletti hires to help everyone finally deal with the death of Murphy’s wife-and Hannah’s best friend-to get that secret out of him.

Oh, wait. I almost forgot the SEALs! Can’t have a Brockmann book without a SEAL or three. Y’all remember Izzy? Izzy looks up one night, sees an underage girl in a bikini, and within the next few chapters is married to her. And she’s pregnant. Throw in internet porn, VD, and about 6 trips back and forth to Las Vegas. I found her more irritating than the infamous MaryAnne, and if Brockmann can redeem this girl I will bow to her.

I’ve got to say, I actually laughed towards the end of “Into the Fire”. Not only is there a large cast of active players, but the author name-checks almost every character who doesn’t have a participating role in this book. (It was nice to see Stan again, lol.) At the end of the climactic battle, all these characters are literally coming out of the woods, armed with fully automatic weapons, and it was so much that I had to giggle. I kept expecting to see the Team 10 guys.

Ultimately, Into the Fire suffers from Too Much. Too Much going on, Too Much drama. Too Many characters with Too Many problems. Makes me sad, because I have so many of her books on my keeper shelf.

Grade: D

Summary:

Vinh Murphy-ex-Marine and onetime operative for the elite security firm Troubleshooters Incorporated-has been MIA ever since his wife, Angelina, was caught in a crossfire and killed during what should have been a routine bodyguard assignment. Overcome with grief, Murphy blames the neo-Nazi group known as the Freedom Network for her death. Now, years later, Freedom Network leader Tim Ebersole has been murdered-and the FBI suspects Murphy may have pulled the trigger. To prevent further bloodshed, Murphy’s friends at Troubleshooters scramble to find him and convince him to surrender peacefully.

Murphy himself can’t be sure what he did or didn’t do during the years he spent mourning and lost in an alcohol-induced fog. He does know he occasionally sought solace from Hannah Whitfield, a former police officer and the very friend who’d introduced him to his beloved late wife.

But Hannah, still grappling with the deafness that resulted from an injury sustained while on duty, was fighting her own battles. For years Hannah had feelings for Murphy, and one painful night their suffering brought them together in a way neither expected-and both regretted.

Murphy is ready to rejoin the living. As always, he finds himself knocking on Hannah’s door, and as always, his longtime friend welcomes him back into her home. Yet even as Murphy slowly rebuilds his splintered life, hecontinues to fight his growing feelings for Hannah.

Then he learns of Ebersole’s murder and comes to believe that the Freedom Network has targeted him-and Hannah-to avenge their leader’s death to violence. Now Murphy must face the terrifying prospect of losing another woman he loves.

As the Troubleshooters desperately search for him, Murphy races toward a deadly confrontation with the Freedom Network and ultimate choice: surrender his life in hopes that Hannah will be spared, or risk everything to salvage whatever future they may have together.

Read an excerpt.

This just in…

Romance Writers of America’s 28th Annual National Conference is about to kick off in California. Authors, readers, publishers, agents, just to name a few, will be gathering in the city by the bay, San Francisco, starting today, July 30, through Sunday, August 2, at the Marriott Hotel at Union Square.

~ The Annual Conference is a four-day event filled with educational workshops, career enhancement, and community involvement.

~ Wednesday, July 30, is the Literacy Signing where a list of who’s who of authors will be signing books, the proceeds of which will go to ProLiteracy Worldwide. This event is open to the public and is scheduled from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the Yerba Buena Ballroom.

~ Victoria Alexander will be the Keynote Speaker and Connie Brockway is the speaker for the Awards Lucheon. Suzanne Brockmann wraps up the conference as emcee for the 2008 RITA and Golden Heart Awards Ceremony.

~ Lisa Kleypas, Lisa Jackson, Jayne Ann Krentz, Susan Elizabeth Phillips, Barbara Samuel, and Jane Porter will deliver other keynote addresses during the conference.

~ Some interactive news at the conference this year – two radio shows are slated to stream live on the web, featuring some of the very best authors in paranormal romance and historical romance with the Ladies of the Night Blog Talk Radio Show, and you’re encouraged to participate.

~ Wednesday, July 30, 8 – 9 PM PDT, 11 pm – 12 am EDT will be a night of romance and the supernatural, featuring: Jocelyn Drake, Kerrelyn Sparks, Kathryn Smith, Melissa Marr, Terri Garey, Jeaniene Frost and an introduction by Kim Harrison. You can call in and chat at (347) 826-9686 or just listen in. Or you can just listen on the web. Send an email to avoncontest@harpercollins.com if have any questions you’d like answered by one of the authors.

~ There will also be Historical Romance Radio, a discussion of all things historical romance. For any questions, send an email to avoncontest@harpercollins.co.

~ More than 100 workshops are being offered on a variety of subjects from leadership development for authors to choosing new clients for publishers.

~ Career-focused romance writers will be networking with fellow writers and have interaction with editors, agents, publishers, booksellers, and other romance publishing industry professionals.

Consider yourself flashed.

This just in…

Suzanne Brockmann is having a virtual signing for her latest Troubleshooter release, Into the Fire. She will be at the Barnes & Noble in Framingham, Massachusetts on July 22, 2008, the day of her release.

~ No matter where you live in the U.S., you can still get your very own autographed copy of Into the Fire within days after its release. Really!

~ If you order now you will also receive some great bonuses:

1. ~ For Readers: Home Is Where the Heart Is, an exclusive, never-before-published short story featuring Troubleshooters series characters.
   ~ For Writers: Tall, Dark & Believable: Creating the “Perfect” Romance Hero, a first-time-in-print version of my popular writing workshop.

~ A FREE signed copy of a limited edition, 56-page Into the Fire Extras booklet, which includes:~ Ordering early, you’ll also get a discount on the cover price of the book.

~ You can get a lot more information here.

~ You’ll find an excerpt of Into the Fire here.

Consider yourself flashed.

Alicia’s review of All Through the Night by Suzanne Brockmann
Romantic Suspense published hardcover 30 Oct 07 from Ballantine

This is the spot where I say why I picked up the book. Duh. I’ve been waiting to read Jules’ story for years. All Through the Night does not stand alone. I’m writing this review assuming you’ve been reading Suzanne Brockmann’s Troubleshooter series, already.

How this book hits will depend on where you’re coming from. This is not the first Brockmann book to try if you’re not a fan, already. There is some suspense but every aspect of the plot has the sole purpose of resolving Jules and Robin’s relationship.

There’s a terrorist incident that feels kind of just stuck in there. It shows how that aspect of Jules’ job is going to affect their relationship. There’s a stalker but he’s just there to force the Adam issue. There is a secondary romance which I enjoyed a lot but even that was involved with Jules and Robin. If you’re looking for classic Suzanne Brockmann romantic suspense you may be disappointed.

On the other hand, this is Jules’ story! I had no problem with everything being about the romance. I loved seeing Jules so happy and I totally believed Robin had it together. When a story is built up this much there’s a danger that the realization of the HEA will fall short of my expectation. The end of All Through the Night left me with a good, solid, satisfied feeling.

So, bearing in mind the grading system here says a “C” is still a good book, that’s where I’m going with this one. There are a lot of things that feel sort of cheated in the story but they were sacrificed for a worthy cause. If you are a Troubleshooters fan, don’t miss All Through the Night.

Grade: C+

It’s Christmastime in Boston, and this year the silver bells will be wedding bells as FBI agent Jules Cassidy ties the knot with the man of his dreams, Hollywood heartthrob Robin Chadwick.

The pair plan a quiet, intimate ceremony, to be witnessed by family and close friends from the FBI, SEAL Team Sixteen, and Troubleshooters, Incorporated, including Sam Starrett and Alyssa Locke. But the holiday season brings more to the happy couple than they expect.

A waterfall coming through their kitchen ceiling, a bat colony in the attic, old family tensions.even an international incident can’t dampen their spirits. But add to that a parade of unexpected guests, including a reporter looking for a scoop, an ex-lover hell-bent on causing trouble, and a dangerous stalker, and suddenly the wedding is poised to unravel in chaos.

But nothing will stop Jules and Robin from getting their happy ending, because along with a guest list featuring the most elite counterterrorism force in the world, they have their own secret weapon – true love.

read an excerpt

Alicia’s review of Into the Storm by Suzanne Brockmann
Romantic Suspense published hardcover by Ballantine 15 Aug 06 & mass market 31 July 07

I got so behind reading Brockmann’s books. I wasn’t crazy about Breaking Point so I put off reading Into the Storm way too long. This book felt just like old times.

Jenk is just a nice guy, well, and a SEAL. He almost gets killed and decides he wants to move ahead with the wife/family thing before it’s too late. So, he looks at the situation and chooses the person he wants to marry an starts working toward the goal.

When his SEAL team is set to train against the Troubleshooters and Lindsey Fontaine walks into the meeting room, the two have instant chemistry. The problem is, oops, she’s not the one he’s decided to woo and marry. The target bride is the inept receptionist Lindsey’s been struggling with recently because Jenk got her hired. No matter that said prospective bride still thinks of Jenkins as her friend’s almost invisible little brother.

Lindsey and Jenkins are really good together. I liked the way they interacted. Brockmann built heat, as usual, very well without being explicit. Mark Jenkins’ personality stayed true in his patience with Lindsey’s personal baggage. Lindsey is tough without being hard. She also has a great sense of humor.

As familiar couples get their HEAs I’m looking to see which new characters are going to be getting books. We get a little more of Sophia and Decker and Dave. Jules is mentioned but not seen. We get a lot of Izzy Zanella. I’m wondering if we’ll see the victim, Beth, again.

The suspense was great. If you don’t want to read about a serial killer, don’t read this book because the suspense side of the book is strong. I enjoyed it. It’s well done and quite creepy. He’s not so easy to just take out. The storm is almost another character. Everything the rescuers do is pitted against this huge, fierce entity which almost defeats them all by itself.

Grade: B+

Blurb:

     In a remote, frozen corner of New Hampshire, a Navy SEAL team and the elite security experts of Troubleshooters, Incorporated are going head-to-head as fierce but friendly rivals in a raid-and-rescue training exercise. Despite the frigid winter temperatures, tension smolders between veteran SEAL Petty Officer Mark “Jenk” Jenkins and former cop turned Troubleshooter Lindsey Fontaine after an impulsive night goes awry. And then, suddenly, Tracy Shapiro, the Troubleshooters’ new receptionist, vanishes while playing the role of hostage during a mock rescue operation.

     Teaming up with the FBI to launch a manhunt in the treacherous wilderness, Jenk and Lindsey must put aside their feelings as a record snowstorm approaches, dramatically reducing any hope of finding Tracy alive. The trail is colder than the biting New England climate until a lucky break leads to a horrifying discovery-a brutally murdered young woman wearing the jacket Tracy wore when she disappeared. Suddenly there is a chilling certainty that Tracy has fallen prey to a serial killer-one who knows the backwoods terrain and who doesn’t play by the rules of engagement.

     In a race against time, a raging blizzard, and a cunning opponent, Jenk and Lindsey are put to the ultimate test. Rising everything, they must finally come together in a desperate attempt to save Tracy-and each other.

     Read an excerpt.

A few weeks back I went on a Sue glom (like Devon well at least in the case of one sue.). The Sue’s being Suzanne Brockmann and Susan Elizabeth Phillips .

My first Brockmann read was:
Letters to Kelly

Either Way He Was A Condemned Man.So here I sit, writing letters that have no hope of reaching you until I am free to deliver them myself. With luck, that will be soon. For your eighteenth birthday is coming, and I intend to be there, like I promised . . .

For years, a trumped-up charge — and a Central American prison cell — kept Jax Winchester from claiming the girl he loved. Now he was a free man. Or was he?

For only the memory of Kelly O’Brien — and the letters he’d composed to her — had kept him going. But once he was released, he knew he was still a prisoner — in a jail of his own making. The way out this time? Keep that promise he’d made to Kelly all those years ago — and claim her for his own . . .

I am a sucker for this type of story. No clue why… maybe it is because I have always had a thing for older men. And since I have no kids I don’t get that OMG WHAT IF THAT WAS MY DAUGHTER squick. To be honest even if I did have kids I don’t think I would have that squick.

I loved how the story kept going back to his letters to Kelly. It is a touch over the top at times, as most of Brockmann’s Harl’s are in parts. But well worth the read.

I loved it and wanted more do I moved on to:

Tall, Dark and Dangerous
Taylor’s Temptation A-
prolly my fave of the bunch

Night Watch B+
I liked this for the most part but I could never get a handle on how tall Wes was. And omg the swearing was horrid. Really this is an issue in all of them. Harlequin so needs to get over its problem with the word fuck.

The Admiral’s Bride B-
I liked it but really I kept forgetting how old the admiral was.

Get Lucky B-
I loved lucky even though he was a cocky asshole. hmmm might be why I liked him *g*

It Came Upon a Midnight Clear D
Least face book so far… Hawk annoyed me.

Harvard’s Education B+
Great book! Harvard is one of my favorite heroes in the series, hands down. And brockmann does a pretty believable virgin contemp heroine.

Prince Joe C
I think this suffered from expecting it to be great, grand and wonderful. It didn’t leave up to all I had heard about it.

Everyday, Average Jones C
I liked this story and liked the characters. But the whole camping in the tent thing went on far too long. On the reread in 2008 I would have graded this a B could be my fangrrlish love of this series though…

Forever Blue A
love the coming home story in this one…

Frisco’s Kid B-
love the heroine and the hero was such a jerk but a really resourceful one

Identity, Unknown (1999)
I know I have read this but I am totally blanking on it

Over all I really enjoyed the series. They are Harlequin at its best. But I swear there were a few times I wanted to toss the monitor because of the pretendcussing. Really people that can’t read cussing should stay away from romance novels with military heroes or cops. Hell they should go read that Debbie chick.

In between I took a break and read:

Heartthrob

LOVE this book… so feeds into my jackiecollins/judithkrantz loves of yesteryear. Yes it is a hollywood book, yes it does scream 80s glitz and glam. But I loved it anyway. Yes it is over the top in parts but le sigh… it was grand.

Summary

NO WOMAN COULD RESIST HIM . . .Once voted the “Sexiest Man Alive,” Jericho Beaumont had dominated the box office before his fall from grace. Now poised for a comeback, he wants the role of Laramie bad enough to sign an outrageous contract with top producer Kate O’Laughlin-one that gives her the authority to supervise JB’s every move, twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.

ESPECIALLY THE ONE WITH THE MOST AT STAKE . . .

The last thing Kate wants to do is baby-sit her leading man, and Jericho Beaumont may be more than she can handle. A player in every sense of the word, he is an actor of incredible talent-and a man with a darkly haunted past. Despite her better judgment, Kate’s attraction flares into explosive passion, and she is falling fast. But is she being charmed by the real Jericho or the superstar who dazzles the world?

I have to admit I have a deep lurve for Susan Elizabeth Phillips since figuring out she wrote Glitter Baby. I think it was Holly that said I must read Nobody’s Baby But Mine or was it Dream a Little Dream… hmmm. Anyway she said to start with It Had to Be You cuz I should read them in order.

Oddly enough I did read it first… but I have to say I don’t get it. What is it about SEP? I mean she has cute quirky characters and an interesting voice. But the plots are beyond believable. No matter I still found myself smiling along at times and really enjoyed a couple of them. As I was rolling my eyes and going ‘sure, fine, whatever’.

It Had to Be You C
The bimbo with a brain shows them all….

Nobody’s Baby But Mine B
I really liked Jane and Cal, otherwise I would have hated this story. I mean really a football player who fucked around with groupies forgetting to wear a condom with a chick he thinks is a whore? sssssssuuuuurrrrrreeeee Loved the parents story and the granny. But the standoff at the end takes too long.

Dream a Little Dream C-
just ok

This Heart of Mine A
I would give this an A+ if it wasn’t for Phobe and Dan. I just wanted them to shut up and go away. This was by far my favorite book of the series (although I have one left to read) and I think it is because I don’t expect these to be grounded in reality at all.

The scene here

“I was available?” The air crackled. “Let’s think about this. Let’s think about what this would be called if the situation was reversed?”"I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“What would this situation be called, for example, if I’d decided to crawl in bed with you a nonconsenting female!”

“It’s Her fingers fidgeted with the skirt of her nightgown. “Uh, yes, I see what you mean.”

His eyes narrowed, and his voice grew low and dangerous. “It would be called rape.”

“You’re not seriously trying to say that I I raped you?”

He regarded her coldly. “Yeah, I think I am.”

is completely true… it was rape. It was wrong. But for whatever reason, I still enjoyed the story. That should bother me. And I adored Daphne and Benny

I think I will go on to read Heaven Texas, Match Me If You Can and Natural Born Charmer (in paperback or ebook)but the other books by SEP…. eh don’t really grab me. Anyone have another they would rec?

So that is two more off the list… now if I could just get to Nora Roberts *g*