BJ has a contest going on over at her blog until Sunday for a copy of the Red Dress Ink book Mafia Chic by Erica Orloff. All you have to do is tell her some April books you plan to buy!
Go now!
March Reads
Since it's the last day of the month and I don't anticipate finishing any books tonight other than maybe Sarah Zettel's For Camelot's Honor, here are the books I read in March:
Guardian of Honor by Robin D. Owens 4 stars
Shockingly Sensual by Lori Wilde 4 stars
Tiger Eye by Marjorie M. Liu 5 stars
The Naked Duke by Sally MacKenzie 3.5 stars
Sex and the Serial Killer by Jennifer Skully 4 stars
Crimson Moon by Rebecca York 3.5/4 stars
Exes and Ohs by Beth Kendrick 5 stars
It Should Happen To You by Kathleen O'Reilly 4.5
Redwolf's Woman by Laura Wright 3 stars
Shadow Haven by Emily LaForge 4 stars
The Hope Chest by Jacquie D'Alessandro, Julie Kenner, and Susan Kearney 4 stars
Forbidden by Marteeka Karland 4 stars
Sin and Salvation by Sherri L. King 3.5/4 stars
The Next Big Thing by Johanna Edwards 5 stars
Elizabeth's Rake by Emily Hendrickson 3.5 stars
Cupid's Mistake by Karen Harbaugh 3.5 stars
Dishing It Out by Molly O'Keefe 4 stars
Police Business by Julie Miller 4.5 stars
And more Doc Savage books:
Quest of the Spider
The Polar Treasure
Pirate of the Pacific
The Red Skull
The Lost Oasis
The Sargasso Ogre
The Czar of Fear
According to my Excel spreadsheet, I've read 71 books so far this year. I've started a few more than these, but until I see "The End", I'm not putting them on here. Anyone else read any of these that I haven't already touched on earlier in my blog?
Guardian of Honor by Robin D. Owens 4 stars
Shockingly Sensual by Lori Wilde 4 stars
Tiger Eye by Marjorie M. Liu 5 stars
The Naked Duke by Sally MacKenzie 3.5 stars
Sex and the Serial Killer by Jennifer Skully 4 stars
Crimson Moon by Rebecca York 3.5/4 stars
Exes and Ohs by Beth Kendrick 5 stars
It Should Happen To You by Kathleen O'Reilly 4.5
Redwolf's Woman by Laura Wright 3 stars
Shadow Haven by Emily LaForge 4 stars
The Hope Chest by Jacquie D'Alessandro, Julie Kenner, and Susan Kearney 4 stars
Forbidden by Marteeka Karland 4 stars
Sin and Salvation by Sherri L. King 3.5/4 stars
The Next Big Thing by Johanna Edwards 5 stars
Elizabeth's Rake by Emily Hendrickson 3.5 stars
Cupid's Mistake by Karen Harbaugh 3.5 stars
Dishing It Out by Molly O'Keefe 4 stars
Police Business by Julie Miller 4.5 stars
And more Doc Savage books:
Quest of the Spider
The Polar Treasure
Pirate of the Pacific
The Red Skull
The Lost Oasis
The Sargasso Ogre
The Czar of Fear
According to my Excel spreadsheet, I've read 71 books so far this year. I've started a few more than these, but until I see "The End", I'm not putting them on here. Anyone else read any of these that I haven't already touched on earlier in my blog?
3 Brides For 3 Bad Boys by Lucy Monroe
Lucy Monroe has always been a guilty pleasure for me. She may have heroes I almost always want to smack upside the head and shake some sense into them, but I still love her stories. 3 BRIDES FOR 3 BAD BOYS may have a few elements that aren't always liked, such as a marriage of convenience, but I still loved these stories and gave it 4 out of 5 stars at CataRomance where I reviewed it. Individually, I would rate A DEAL IS A DEAL (Rand's story) as a 3.5 (out of 5), CARTER'S STORY a 3.5, and COLTON'S STORY a highish 4, for an average of 4 stars. Colton's story, which was my favorite, reminded me of the Vegas commercials "What Happens Here Stays Here" only Fayre is not going to let that happen. I really felt for her as she honestly seemed to have felt a strong connection to Colton that night. When I read the first story, which is about Rand, I didn't like Carter (the hero of the second) and couldn't figure out how Lucy would make him into hero material, yet I think she succeeded. Some people may not like his marriage of convenience story, but I like to suspend reality and enjoy those kinds, so I enjoyed it too.
So...I enjoyed 3 BRIDES FOR 3 BAD BOYS and will still continue to love reading Lucy Monroe's books. It's not nearly as good as THE REAL DEAL, but it's fun. It's hard to make a believable HEA in such shorts like these, but she did quite well. I've got some more Monroe books on my tbr pile and hope they continue the good stuff. *g* If you like Lucy Monroe, you'll definitely want to add this one to your library.
The Next Big Thing by Johanna Edwards
I'd been interested in reading The Next Big Thing by Johanna Edwards ever since reading a review at Chick Lit Books. Then when Màili posted about liking it in her blog, I decided to finally bite the bullet and pay full price for a trade. Of course, since I was shopping with my MIL, I didn't actually pay for it, so um, sorry Màili, can't tell you truly if it's worth the price, but I think it is. I agree that it has its weak spots, but overall, I really liked reading it. Once I started it, I couldn't stop reading it, one clue that I'm reading a very good book. Even if I may not think I like something (which is not the case here), when a book pulls me in so well that I don't want to set it down, it's good. Kat Larson has always been battling her weight, something I can relate to. She has an online boyfriend who's from England and she's told him one teeny tiny lie. She told him she was a size 4, even going so far as to send him a photoshopped picture of herself. He's been after her to meet face to face with him, but she's been putting him off. WHen her friend tells her about a new reality show called Fat to Fabulous, she thinks it's the answer to her prayers.
In some ways, I can get annoyed with Kat. She believes being thin will be the answer to her dreams and the start of the rest of her fabulous life. While that may annoy me, that she can't think of herself as happy where she is, I can see where she comes from. She can also come across as quite bitchy in her remarks. On the other hand, I really related to many of things things that were written about. Had to laugh at the Lane Bryant references. So true. Ergh, most of my jeans are from there. *g* And the butt-ugly camp shirts with the horrid appliques. Really, once you're above a size 16, do you lose all sense of fashion? I think not.
Another thing that I really liked about reading it is that I got a real sense that Kat had some emotional growth by the end of the book and that's what I wanted to ultimately see. There is also some romance thrown in, but this is definitely more chick lit than romance. Very good chick lit, though, and I highly recommend it. Just don't kill me if you don't like it as well as I did. :-) I think some of my enjoyment was from what I brought into the reading experience from my own life and that may not be the case for others. But if you don't want to pay full price, check out the UBS or library. It's a great book.
Now I'm going to stop because I really can't think of anything else, yet I know there was more I wanted to talk about. Maybe some comments would jog my brain. Anyone else read this or plan to?
First person books, love 'em or hate 'em?
It's only been recently that I realized that there seem to be QUITE a lot of people out there who hate first person books. And, I confess, I don't quite get it. I can't understand not reading a book just because it's in first person. I love first person books just as much as I love other kinds. I even read a second person POV in Wendy Markham's What You Wish For in the Never On A Sundae chick lit anthology. It was different, but I got into it. I feel more immersed in a story when it's first, or even second. I'm in the heroine's (usually) head and it's like experiencing the events myself. Though I also have a problem just remembering whether a story is first person or not. Hmmm... It truly doesn't matter to me. I never pick up a book and say, "hmmm...this is first person, wonder if I should read it."
A few of my fairly recent first person books (that I can even remember):
Blue Moon by Lori Handeland
Hunter's Moon by Lori Handeland
Shadow Haven by Emily LaForge (it's got a gothic feel to it, and is billed as a contemporary gothic, but it IS more paranormal.)
You Slay Me by Katie MacAlister
The Next Big Thing by Johanna Edwards (really good chick lit with some romance mixed in. Need to talk about it in another post)
I'm sure there are more, but I honestly can't remember. I just got to thinking of this when a few people said they wouldn't be reading Handeland's Moon series because of the first person point of view, even though they loved the premise and paranormals in general. *sigh* They don't know what they're missing. :-)
So...do you love 'em or hate 'em? Or do you read them, but they go to the bottom of the pile? I'm curious. And can any of you think of more second person stories?
A few of my fairly recent first person books (that I can even remember):
Blue Moon by Lori Handeland
Hunter's Moon by Lori Handeland
Shadow Haven by Emily LaForge (it's got a gothic feel to it, and is billed as a contemporary gothic, but it IS more paranormal.)
You Slay Me by Katie MacAlister
The Next Big Thing by Johanna Edwards (really good chick lit with some romance mixed in. Need to talk about it in another post)
I'm sure there are more, but I honestly can't remember. I just got to thinking of this when a few people said they wouldn't be reading Handeland's Moon series because of the first person point of view, even though they loved the premise and paranormals in general. *sigh* They don't know what they're missing. :-)
So...do you love 'em or hate 'em? Or do you read them, but they go to the bottom of the pile? I'm curious. And can any of you think of more second person stories?
Not that it matters, but RITA finalists I've read
Yeah, doesn't really matter and I don't ever make it a point to read the RITA books, but here are the one's that I've read:
Rules of Engagement by Kathryn Caskie
The Runaway Duke by Julie Ann Long (I liked this one and need to buy her next one, saw it in the store, so it's out)
Julia Quinn's short in Lady Whistledown Strikes Back
Codename: Princess by Christina Skye (Codename: Nanny made me glom Skye, but I haven't read too many of them yet. I loved Hot Pursuit and have a couple more SEALs on the shelf to read)
Blue Moon by Lori Handeland ( I LOVED this book.)
Divided in Death by J.D. Robb
Visions in Death by J.D. Robb (eh, they're good, but they're just more In Death. Not to say that I don't like these, as new books here are those rare books I buy in hardback, although cheaply.)
I do have a few more in my tbr pile. Interesting. Yeah, there really is no point to this post. *g*
Rules of Engagement by Kathryn Caskie
The Runaway Duke by Julie Ann Long (I liked this one and need to buy her next one, saw it in the store, so it's out)
Julia Quinn's short in Lady Whistledown Strikes Back
Codename: Princess by Christina Skye (Codename: Nanny made me glom Skye, but I haven't read too many of them yet. I loved Hot Pursuit and have a couple more SEALs on the shelf to read)
Blue Moon by Lori Handeland ( I LOVED this book.)
Divided in Death by J.D. Robb
Visions in Death by J.D. Robb (eh, they're good, but they're just more In Death. Not to say that I don't like these, as new books here are those rare books I buy in hardback, although cheaply.)
I do have a few more in my tbr pile. Interesting. Yeah, there really is no point to this post. *g*
Reviews to come, ebook read, and hockey
*sigh* I seem to have not posted anything lately. I've been reading, but I don't really want to talk about any of the books I've read until the reviews are complete. At least I'm over my review rut, or at least I hope I am. I've just got a bunch of reviews that are "almost" finished, but not quite, so I open them up, write a little, and move on to the next. I should have them done in the next few days. Then I'll talk about:
Shadow Haven by Emily LaForge
3 Brides For 3 Bad Boys by Lucy Monroe
Guardian of Honor by Robin D. Owens
The Hope Chest byJacquie D'Alessandro, Julie Kenner, and Susan Kearney
Besides my obligatory Doc Savage ebooks (I'm on like number 9 right now this month), I recently read an Ellora's Cave book. For some reason, I just haven't been able to get into any erotic romance. It was Sin and Salvation by Sherri L. King. I really enjoyed her Horde Wars series, but haven't read much of her other stuff. I started her Fetish the other day, and though everyone who's read it and talked about it online seems to like it, I've found it so-so so far and had no problem putting it down and moving on to other things.
So...Sin and Salvation... It's a science fiction one, taking place on a planet that is enduring a 100 year eclipse that has one half of the planet in complete darkness. In that darkness, vampires are terrorizing the population. Vamp killers go around and hunt them down and the heroine, Priest, is one of the best Killers. She ends up with Bishop, who's a vamp. Long story there that is a semi-large part of the plot, so I won't mention it. He wants her to help him go after a big bad vamp master and they pretty much fall in love in the meantime. It's hot and sexy, but I did feel like there was just something missing. I didn't get the "wow" feeling that I got reading her Horde Wars books and the world she created for those. It might be interesting to see more stories set in this future setting, so I'll probably read more. I do normally like her. Her Horde Wars books are ones I just have to buy, but the rest of her stuff is iffy as to whether I'll like it, I suppose.
P.S. Third period and my Fighting Sioux hockey team is trouncing Boston College 6-2. And the game's not over yet!!!
Shadow Haven by Emily LaForge
3 Brides For 3 Bad Boys by Lucy Monroe
Guardian of Honor by Robin D. Owens
The Hope Chest byJacquie D'Alessandro, Julie Kenner, and Susan Kearney
Besides my obligatory Doc Savage ebooks (I'm on like number 9 right now this month), I recently read an Ellora's Cave book. For some reason, I just haven't been able to get into any erotic romance. It was Sin and Salvation by Sherri L. King. I really enjoyed her Horde Wars series, but haven't read much of her other stuff. I started her Fetish the other day, and though everyone who's read it and talked about it online seems to like it, I've found it so-so so far and had no problem putting it down and moving on to other things.
So...Sin and Salvation... It's a science fiction one, taking place on a planet that is enduring a 100 year eclipse that has one half of the planet in complete darkness. In that darkness, vampires are terrorizing the population. Vamp killers go around and hunt them down and the heroine, Priest, is one of the best Killers. She ends up with Bishop, who's a vamp. Long story there that is a semi-large part of the plot, so I won't mention it. He wants her to help him go after a big bad vamp master and they pretty much fall in love in the meantime. It's hot and sexy, but I did feel like there was just something missing. I didn't get the "wow" feeling that I got reading her Horde Wars books and the world she created for those. It might be interesting to see more stories set in this future setting, so I'll probably read more. I do normally like her. Her Horde Wars books are ones I just have to buy, but the rest of her stuff is iffy as to whether I'll like it, I suppose.
P.S. Third period and my Fighting Sioux hockey team is trouncing Boston College 6-2. And the game's not over yet!!!
Signs you married a geek (but not the Star Trek kind, thank god) and you love it.
1. There is an oscilloscope in your home (you are impressed he knows how to use it, too).
2. He brings the Digikey catalog to bed as reading material.
3. He can quickly read the binary clock on his desk.
4. Rubber chicken.
5. He built his own arcade joystick (which you secretly find rather cool).
6. Monty Python. Say no more.
7. He has projects that require really small components. (which you also strangely find rather cool)
8. He solders. (and you are impressed. you can't solder.)
9. Code can be written by him. Useful code that protects your files. (you look at code and go 'huh?' Again, you are impressed.)
10. He can install computer parts. (you can too, but only up to a point. I mean, you're the one whose heatsink fell off and wondered why your computer was turning itself off. Poor computer.)
11. Airplane...Leslie Nielsen...very funny.
12. Wires. There are lots of wires and cords that you have NO idea what they are for.
13. Can write a program that simulates a Boggle board in under ten minutes (yes, dear, I'm still impressed by that. I love Boggle.)
14. Free computer support.
15. There is a stuffed dead parrot in your living room. And you put it there.
16. You love to wear your "I 'heart' my geek" shirt and wear it with pride.
17. Dave Barry. Though this could be under "Signs you're married to a guy".
Erm...I can't think of anything else, but I'm sure there's more. And I mean geek is a nice way. And if you also know and love a geek, ThinkGeek is a perfect place to buy gifts.
Now remember...engineers are cool. *g*
2. He brings the Digikey catalog to bed as reading material.
3. He can quickly read the binary clock on his desk.
4. Rubber chicken.
5. He built his own arcade joystick (which you secretly find rather cool).
6. Monty Python. Say no more.
7. He has projects that require really small components. (which you also strangely find rather cool)
8. He solders. (and you are impressed. you can't solder.)
9. Code can be written by him. Useful code that protects your files. (you look at code and go 'huh?' Again, you are impressed.)
10. He can install computer parts. (you can too, but only up to a point. I mean, you're the one whose heatsink fell off and wondered why your computer was turning itself off. Poor computer.)
11. Airplane...Leslie Nielsen...very funny.
12. Wires. There are lots of wires and cords that you have NO idea what they are for.
13. Can write a program that simulates a Boggle board in under ten minutes (yes, dear, I'm still impressed by that. I love Boggle.)
14. Free computer support.
15. There is a stuffed dead parrot in your living room. And you put it there.
16. You love to wear your "I 'heart' my geek" shirt and wear it with pride.
17. Dave Barry. Though this could be under "Signs you're married to a guy".
Erm...I can't think of anything else, but I'm sure there's more. And I mean geek is a nice way. And if you also know and love a geek, ThinkGeek is a perfect place to buy gifts.
Now remember...engineers are cool. *g*
Redwolf's Woman by Laura Wright
Redwolf's Woman is a May '04 Silhouette Desire. This was a very readable book, but yeesh, lots of quibbles and things that are just too over-the-top for this to be a really good book. There's a big misunderstanding about why Ava left Paradise, Texas and Jared Redwolf all those years ago and there's a secret baby (yup, it's got one of those). Jared and Ava get intimate a little too quickly for it to ring true with me, considering that there wasn't a whole lot of reasons for Jared to trust anything she said or did. Ava was a little too stupid for me to really like her. The whole leaving the love of your life when you're pregnant and unmarried just because your father threatens to throw your man and his mother out just doesn't work with me. She just seemed to have no backbone and I really wish she'd not been such a pushover, even thought I realize she got better in the time she was gone.
So...it was a so-so book.
So...it was a so-so book.
It Should Happen To You by Kathleen O'Reilly
Okay, I really really liked this book. It's a Temptation from April 2004. Mickey, the heroine, did the stupid drunken sex thing and now the guy is blackmailing her, saying he videotaped her. She's trying to make a name for herself in the astronomy field and it would kill her to have a sex tape out in the open. So she has no idea what to do until a friend tells her she knows about this guy who comes into her coffee shop who she thinks could help Mickey. Her friend thinks the guy is connected to the Mafia and would certainly have the ability to steal back the tape. Unbeknownst to either of them, Dominic is an undercover cop, but obviously can't tell them. He doesn't want to help Mickey out, but things happen and he agrees to help her if she'll help him.
I really liked the characters here. No virgins, no incredibly stupid people, I just liked both these characters. It's a quick, incredibly fun read and if you can find it, I highly recommend it.
I really liked the characters here. No virgins, no incredibly stupid people, I just liked both these characters. It's a quick, incredibly fun read and if you can find it, I highly recommend it.
Crimson Moon by Rebecca York
I love paranormal romance, but I'm still up in the air on whether I really like werewolf ones. Sometimes they can be quite creative and fun, but other times they fall flat. Crimson Moon was in between. The first half of the book is rather slow and at times I really wished I didn't have to read it (it's a review book). I almost threw it against the wall when I got to the end of a chapter and the H/h were about to make love and she tells him she's a virgin. No clue why this bothered me SO much in the book, considering it was in keeping with her character that she would be, but it bugged me. I stopped reading it for about a week. When I decided to just get it over with, I was quite surprised that I really enjoyed the last half of the book and it just read very quickly and well. I really waffled between giving the book a 3.5 stars or 4 stars, mainly because while I had issues with some of the things the characters did, it did read well and I think that many who like the genre will like the book. Such as I never do like the whole soulmate thing, and a lot of their relationship deals with that, but not in a way that really truly bugged me. I honestly wish she's take the other paranormal elements that she introduces in the second half of the book and make a series involving that, instead of the werewolves.
So...I really don't quite know what I think of this book. On one hand I liked it, on another I had issues with stuff. Erg.
P.S. Sorry about no posts in awhile. I had house guests all week and they stayed in the office where my PC is.
So...I really don't quite know what I think of this book. On one hand I liked it, on another I had issues with stuff. Erg.
P.S. Sorry about no posts in awhile. I had house guests all week and they stayed in the office where my PC is.
Updating my iPaq
So...a post on one of the yahoo loops made me head over to HP's website and see if there were any updates, etc for my iPaq. Lo and behold, there was. A fairly major ROM update that would wipe out what I currently have on there. Do I do it? Do I risk having things messed up in the search for the newest and best and most up-to-date? Do I want to spend all day moving things around and reisntalling programs?
Yup. I could call DH at work and ask his advice, but that's kinda like wussing out. I'll just do it. I'm brave, really. So, um, pray that things go well. I like my iPaq. It likes me. Most of the time, anyways.
I'm probably an idiot.
Yup. I could call DH at work and ask his advice, but that's kinda like wussing out. I'll just do it. I'm brave, really. So, um, pray that things go well. I like my iPaq. It likes me. Most of the time, anyways.
I'm probably an idiot.
Exes and Ohs by Beth Kendrick
I finished up reading Exes and Ohs last night and my advice to you? GO BUY THIS BOOK! I just LOVED it. Enough shouting for you? It's rich and fresh and funny and I couldn't get enough. I don't feel like writing a synopsis, but Beth's site offers a great one.
Gwen is one of the best female characters I've read in a long time, especially for a book that's marketed as chick lit. She's not whiny, she's got a fairly good job, and has a great best friend (ok, best friend is the stereotypical nut). Of course, the events in this book are far from normal, yet they work and I couldn't stop reading. I think it's a good sign when you want to fling the book across the room because of where you think the author has led you and you don't want the characters to go there (even though it IS within the choices they could make). Luckily, I got my heart back to where it was supposed to be, did NOT throw my pda across the room (don't think it would survive), and continued reading. Exes and Ohs is from Downtown Press, which I believe is chick lit, so I was doubly concerned when things weren't going so hot that I wasn't going to necessarily like the ending. And for those of you who do not like chick lit because of the lack of a HEA, don't worry.
So...Exes and Ohs is hip, funny, and definitely a great contemporary romance that I highly recommend. It's got plenty of pop culture references, but I think anyone with a tv in the last ten years will get them. Example: Gwen and Alex finish their first date by watching a Northern Exposure marathon on dvd. I just loved that.
So if you want to read a great chick lit romance, this is a fabulous book. I'm going to get Beth's previous book, My Favorite Mistake, one of these days. If it's half as good as Exes and Ohs, I'll be thrilled.
Gwen is one of the best female characters I've read in a long time, especially for a book that's marketed as chick lit. She's not whiny, she's got a fairly good job, and has a great best friend (ok, best friend is the stereotypical nut). Of course, the events in this book are far from normal, yet they work and I couldn't stop reading. I think it's a good sign when you want to fling the book across the room because of where you think the author has led you and you don't want the characters to go there (even though it IS within the choices they could make). Luckily, I got my heart back to where it was supposed to be, did NOT throw my pda across the room (don't think it would survive), and continued reading. Exes and Ohs is from Downtown Press, which I believe is chick lit, so I was doubly concerned when things weren't going so hot that I wasn't going to necessarily like the ending. And for those of you who do not like chick lit because of the lack of a HEA, don't worry.
So...Exes and Ohs is hip, funny, and definitely a great contemporary romance that I highly recommend. It's got plenty of pop culture references, but I think anyone with a tv in the last ten years will get them. Example: Gwen and Alex finish their first date by watching a Northern Exposure marathon on dvd. I just loved that.
So if you want to read a great chick lit romance, this is a fabulous book. I'm going to get Beth's previous book, My Favorite Mistake, one of these days. If it's half as good as Exes and Ohs, I'll be thrilled.
Too many books
So...with my husband's help (the "look" and a "we need to talk"), I have realized I have too many books. Not possible, you say? Well, I live in an apartment. I do not have the space that I would like and honestly, I can't go on filling up new bookshelves in a matter of months (or even a year). Just not enough space. Of course, this does mean that I'll just have to work on reading those books that sit on my shelf that I'm not sure will be keepers, but I can't haul them off to the used bookstore until I've read them.
Of course, I also still bought books today. Ebooks are a wonderful invention. I absolutely LOVE my pocket pc. And hey, they don't take up shelf space!!!!!!!!
Bought from Simon & Schuster's ebook site:
Tie Me Up, Tie Me Down by Jaid Black, Sherrilyn Kenyon, and Melanie George
My False Heart by Liz Carlyle (I haven't read her, so I thought I'd give this one a try)
French Twist by Roxanne St. Claire
Exes and Ohs by Beth Kendrick
To Pleasure a Prince by Sabrina Jeffries (I have the first in print and haven't read it yet, so no idea why I really bought this one)
Of course, I also still bought books today. Ebooks are a wonderful invention. I absolutely LOVE my pocket pc. And hey, they don't take up shelf space!!!!!!!!
Bought from Simon & Schuster's ebook site:
Tie Me Up, Tie Me Down by Jaid Black, Sherrilyn Kenyon, and Melanie George
My False Heart by Liz Carlyle (I haven't read her, so I thought I'd give this one a try)
French Twist by Roxanne St. Claire
Exes and Ohs by Beth Kendrick
To Pleasure a Prince by Sabrina Jeffries (I have the first in print and haven't read it yet, so no idea why I really bought this one)
Laundry and Sex and the Serial Killer
So Monday has come. I'm really hoping for a call from a job I applied for, but who knows if that'll come. Monday is laundry day. We share one washer and one dryer with three other apartments, so I try to get my laundry done during the day so that the others can use it during the evening or weekends. Oh my god...the two of us end up with so much laundry after a week. It's ridiculous.
Sex and the Serial Killer by Jennifer Skully
So...Sex and the Serial Killer. Yesterday was a great day, mid-60s, so DH and I went for a walk in the park and then put down a blanket and read. I had a few issues with the characters in the book, but overall, I enjoyed it. Roberta Jones Spivey has reinvented herself as Bobbie Jones and with a new haircut/color and wardrobe, she's relocated to the small town where her husband has gone to be near "the other woman". It's definitely a stereotypical small town, where everyone seems to know everything about everyone, there's lots of gossipy women, and lots of secrets and misunderstandings. Bobbie has been warned that her neighbor is really a serial killer, but Bobbie is fairly sure he's not. The real meat of the story isn't whether Nick Angel is a serial killer, but what's going on with Bobbie's soon-to-be-ex-husband (but not yet, she's actually married for the majority of the story) and the high school sweetheart he came to be with.
Bobbie struggles with who she is now that her husband has left her and even though she can be incredibly silly at times (like taking great pleasure in all the men who ogle her ass), I actually rather liked her.
The story switches tone about half-way through and sorta becomes more of a mystery than it seemed in the beginning. Like I said, though, I did enjoy this one and I think I'll try to find the sequel when it comes out.
Hrmm...I'm running out of things to say. Anyone who's read it, feel free to chime in and mention anything I forget or anything you disagree with.
Sex and the Serial Killer by Jennifer Skully
So...Sex and the Serial Killer. Yesterday was a great day, mid-60s, so DH and I went for a walk in the park and then put down a blanket and read. I had a few issues with the characters in the book, but overall, I enjoyed it. Roberta Jones Spivey has reinvented herself as Bobbie Jones and with a new haircut/color and wardrobe, she's relocated to the small town where her husband has gone to be near "the other woman". It's definitely a stereotypical small town, where everyone seems to know everything about everyone, there's lots of gossipy women, and lots of secrets and misunderstandings. Bobbie has been warned that her neighbor is really a serial killer, but Bobbie is fairly sure he's not. The real meat of the story isn't whether Nick Angel is a serial killer, but what's going on with Bobbie's soon-to-be-ex-husband (but not yet, she's actually married for the majority of the story) and the high school sweetheart he came to be with.
Bobbie struggles with who she is now that her husband has left her and even though she can be incredibly silly at times (like taking great pleasure in all the men who ogle her ass), I actually rather liked her.
The story switches tone about half-way through and sorta becomes more of a mystery than it seemed in the beginning. Like I said, though, I did enjoy this one and I think I'll try to find the sequel when it comes out.
Hrmm...I'm running out of things to say. Anyone who's read it, feel free to chime in and mention anything I forget or anything you disagree with.
Things I'd like to see in a romance (and a few pet peeves)
Okay, I was bored last night in bed and just started writing these down. They're in no particular order.
1. a H/h who collects something wacky. Vintage Transformers, anyone? (am I dating myself?)
2. a heroine who proudly admits to reading romance. (even better if she admits it matter-of-factly and isn't defensive)
3. humor in bed. (even the kind where you're laughing so hard you have to stop "doing it".
4. a virgin who does NOT have a fabulous first time, but realizes that future times will be better.
5. more nerd/geeks. Engineers are sexy. Or even just careers that require a fair amount of intelligence.
6. H/h who plays video/computer games in their spare time. GTA and Final Fantasy games, anyone? Not everyone who plays is an anti-social, obsessive geek. (but those people ARE out there *g*)
7. no more super-angsty heroes who think they are incapable of loving anyone.
8. do NOT make a bad-ass character who has supposedly done some no-so-good things in his past not actually have done those things. (I liked SK's Zarek much better when I thought he'd been so ruthless. Would have made his relationship with Astrid all the better, I think.)
9. I want characters with "powers". Can I have someone who can fly? Comic book storyline in a romance novel would be fun.
10. I want action! Perhaps a swashbuckling pirate romance. I want a high seas adventure with fights! Must have an open sea battle!
11. If you make the heroine strong in the beginning, don't have her relinquish control to the hero once he's on the scene.
12. What's with "slacks" and "blouses" in these novels? Is there something wrong with saying pants and shirts? Is it some regional thing that I missing? Or is it what I think it is and the authors are jus dating themselves? Though my mother never said slacks. She used pants. Get with the times!!! Maybe this is a personal pet peeve and doesn't bother anyone else, but none of my friends have these words in their everyday vocabulary.
13. Why don't heroines every get their period? I mean, if nothing else, it's a great way to up the sexual tension. Or well, add a towel. But maybe the grossed-out readers would outnumber the ones who didn't care.
14. Pets. We need more pets. And not just a cat or a dog. Hermit crab, anyone? They can be cute. *g*
15. Westerns with bad boy heroes. I don't want any sheriffs, gamblers, or ranchers. I want my gunslingers and black hats.
16. Can I have a hero with white blond hair and ice blue eyes? That cold, haughty Nordic look can be pretty hot. I don't get the whole "blond heroes on covers don't sell".
Okay, this is where my list stopped last night and I can't think of anything to add right now.
1. a H/h who collects something wacky. Vintage Transformers, anyone? (am I dating myself?)
2. a heroine who proudly admits to reading romance. (even better if she admits it matter-of-factly and isn't defensive)
3. humor in bed. (even the kind where you're laughing so hard you have to stop "doing it".
4. a virgin who does NOT have a fabulous first time, but realizes that future times will be better.
5. more nerd/geeks. Engineers are sexy. Or even just careers that require a fair amount of intelligence.
6. H/h who plays video/computer games in their spare time. GTA and Final Fantasy games, anyone? Not everyone who plays is an anti-social, obsessive geek. (but those people ARE out there *g*)
7. no more super-angsty heroes who think they are incapable of loving anyone.
8. do NOT make a bad-ass character who has supposedly done some no-so-good things in his past not actually have done those things. (I liked SK's Zarek much better when I thought he'd been so ruthless. Would have made his relationship with Astrid all the better, I think.)
9. I want characters with "powers". Can I have someone who can fly? Comic book storyline in a romance novel would be fun.
10. I want action! Perhaps a swashbuckling pirate romance. I want a high seas adventure with fights! Must have an open sea battle!
11. If you make the heroine strong in the beginning, don't have her relinquish control to the hero once he's on the scene.
12. What's with "slacks" and "blouses" in these novels? Is there something wrong with saying pants and shirts? Is it some regional thing that I missing? Or is it what I think it is and the authors are jus dating themselves? Though my mother never said slacks. She used pants. Get with the times!!! Maybe this is a personal pet peeve and doesn't bother anyone else, but none of my friends have these words in their everyday vocabulary.
13. Why don't heroines every get their period? I mean, if nothing else, it's a great way to up the sexual tension. Or well, add a towel. But maybe the grossed-out readers would outnumber the ones who didn't care.
14. Pets. We need more pets. And not just a cat or a dog. Hermit crab, anyone? They can be cute. *g*
15. Westerns with bad boy heroes. I don't want any sheriffs, gamblers, or ranchers. I want my gunslingers and black hats.
16. Can I have a hero with white blond hair and ice blue eyes? That cold, haughty Nordic look can be pretty hot. I don't get the whole "blond heroes on covers don't sell".
Okay, this is where my list stopped last night and I can't think of anything to add right now.
The Naked Duke by Sally MacKenzie
I seem to be having a good reading day and the day's not over yet. Finished up The Naked Duke. It's a pretty good book. It started out light, so it was a surprise when it got rather dark. The duke's cousin wants the dukedom (or whatever) and is rather unhinged (and bisexual). It's also interesting to see that rare find, an inexperienced hero (okay, no experience at all). I guess I would've liked it more if it was lighter in tone. Not that I dislike a darker tone, but it was just rather unexpected. There was so much going on trying to keep the villain away, I didn't feel that the H/h got to know each other as well as we're supposed to think. Still, Sarah, the heroine, is definitely no wallflower and held her own in some very difficult situations.
So...I liked the book, but I wouldn't say it was a keeper. Not quite sure why. But I do think I'll look for more books from Sally MacKenzie. I like her style. This is a Zebra Debut, so it's only $3.99. I've been trying to read a bunch of these Zebra debs and most of them have been pretty good.
So...I liked the book, but I wouldn't say it was a keeper. Not quite sure why. But I do think I'll look for more books from Sally MacKenzie. I like her style. This is a Zebra Debut, so it's only $3.99. I've been trying to read a bunch of these Zebra debs and most of them have been pretty good.
Oooh...bodice ripper coming out. Erk.
Grr....please, someone go out and shoot the people who make up these blurbs.
From looking to see what's in the forecast for romance on BN.com I came across Johanna Lindsey's newest book. And this is all it said:
Marriage Most Scandalous
From the Critics
Library Journal
A deadly soldier of fortune meets a damsel with a mission in another historical bodice ripper by the popular author.
Ack...why oh why did they have to use "bodice ripper"?? Erk. I rather like Lindsey, but please, "critics", stop using that nasty term.
On another topic, looks like some of the Brava anthologies are coming out in MM format. I know they have done it for single titles, but haven't seen many of the anthologies. Unfortunately, I already had the one I see coming out, but hopefully there will be more!
I still need my reviewing muse to return. Ergh.
From looking to see what's in the forecast for romance on BN.com I came across Johanna Lindsey's newest book. And this is all it said:
Marriage Most Scandalous
From the Critics
Library Journal
A deadly soldier of fortune meets a damsel with a mission in another historical bodice ripper by the popular author.
Ack...why oh why did they have to use "bodice ripper"?? Erk. I rather like Lindsey, but please, "critics", stop using that nasty term.
On another topic, looks like some of the Brava anthologies are coming out in MM format. I know they have done it for single titles, but haven't seen many of the anthologies. Unfortunately, I already had the one I see coming out, but hopefully there will be more!
I still need my reviewing muse to return. Ergh.
Tiger Eye by Marjorie M. Liu
OMG...I just finished this book and I think it's going to become one of my favorites. I just loved it. We have magic, shape-shifters, psi powers, swords, guns, and a cool new agency called Dirk & Steele. Oh yeah, my kind of book. I cannot wait to see where she goes with the books to come. Who can resist a 7-foot tall shape-shifting tiger who's to die for? There are also some amazing secondary characters who I'm sure we'll see stories for, yet they also all contributed to this story, instead of just popping in and out just to set up their own future tales. I want Artur and also to learn more about Blue...
So...go out and buy this book. Now. I know you want to. And *ahem* for those of you who do not like CF, ignore the little quote on the front. You'll still like the book. Really. And if you're an X-Men fan, even better. Buy the book.
end gush
So...go out and buy this book. Now. I know you want to. And *ahem* for those of you who do not like CF, ignore the little quote on the front. You'll still like the book. Really. And if you're an X-Men fan, even better. Buy the book.
end gush
February books read
Okay, didn't read as many books in February as January, but still quite a few. Here they are:
Hearts Are Wild by Cheyenne McCray, Nelissa Donovan, and Patrice Michelle. It's a nice contemporary western anthology from EC. Nothing special, but it was still enjoyable to read.
Silk Confessions by Joanne Rock. This was a good Blaze. Hot and sexy, though I had some problems with how quickly the H/h got together. Review here.
Devlin's Wicked Wish by Alexis Hart. 3 out of 5 stars. Nothing special, it's a time travel short.
Eyes of the Leopard 2: Vengeance by Isabella Jordan. A shapeshifting short story from Changeling Press. It was okay, but didn't really grab me.
Desiree by Roberta Gellis. My favorite historical this year. The love story is sweet and the historical accuracy really brings you into the story. Review here.
Spellbound by Rebecca York. A part of Intrigue's Eclipse series, it's a nice gothic. It didn't grab me as much as I'd hoped, but it wasn't a bad read. Review here.
On The Loose by Shannon Hollis. I really enjoyed this one. Review here.
Darla's Valentine by Samantha Winston. Laugh out loud funny. I've been enjoying some of her older romantic comedies from Ellora's Cave. The Phallus from Dallas is another funny one.
Once Bitten by Autumn Dawn. A SF short story from New Concepts Publishing. I've always liked Autumn Dawn and this was no exception. 4/5 stars
The Protector by Gennita Low. I blogged about this one earlier. 4 out of 5 stars
The Man of Bronze by Kenneth Robeson. Ah....the first time we meet Doc Savage. I love these books.
The Empress' New Clothes by Jaid Black. It was okay, nothing spectacular. From Ellora's Cave.
Sit, Stay, Slay by Linda O. Johnston. I really loved this cute mystery. I can't wait for any sequels that come out in the future.
Survivor in Death by J.D. Robb. Hell, I cried in parts. Love this series.
Land of Terror by Kenneth Robeson. Yet another Doc Savage book. Yum. Over the top, but these are the epitome of guilty pleasure.
At Her Service by Shari Anton. 3 stars. Maybe lower depending on my mood. After reading Desiree, this book paled in comparison. I want my time back.
3 Brides For 3 Bad Boys by Lucy Monroe. Lucy's one of my fave authors, even though she writes heroes who I want to slap upside the head. But I still like her. Go figure. *g* I enjoyed this collection of novellas.
One Way Out by Michele Albert. I liked this one. I'll be trying to find her backlist now. And I like reading her blog.
Going to Extremes by Dawn Atkins. Review pending, but I liked the book. Made me think.
Okay, that's what I've read for February. I think I did miss another Doc Savage book, but oh well. I'm not perfect. Now, I've been writing down when I finish the book, not when I start them. Sometimes I'll start a book and then put it down for something else, not getting back to it for awhile.
Hearts Are Wild by Cheyenne McCray, Nelissa Donovan, and Patrice Michelle. It's a nice contemporary western anthology from EC. Nothing special, but it was still enjoyable to read.
Silk Confessions by Joanne Rock. This was a good Blaze. Hot and sexy, though I had some problems with how quickly the H/h got together. Review here.
Devlin's Wicked Wish by Alexis Hart. 3 out of 5 stars. Nothing special, it's a time travel short.
Eyes of the Leopard 2: Vengeance by Isabella Jordan. A shapeshifting short story from Changeling Press. It was okay, but didn't really grab me.
Desiree by Roberta Gellis. My favorite historical this year. The love story is sweet and the historical accuracy really brings you into the story. Review here.
Spellbound by Rebecca York. A part of Intrigue's Eclipse series, it's a nice gothic. It didn't grab me as much as I'd hoped, but it wasn't a bad read. Review here.
On The Loose by Shannon Hollis. I really enjoyed this one. Review here.
Darla's Valentine by Samantha Winston. Laugh out loud funny. I've been enjoying some of her older romantic comedies from Ellora's Cave. The Phallus from Dallas is another funny one.
Once Bitten by Autumn Dawn. A SF short story from New Concepts Publishing. I've always liked Autumn Dawn and this was no exception. 4/5 stars
The Protector by Gennita Low. I blogged about this one earlier. 4 out of 5 stars
The Man of Bronze by Kenneth Robeson. Ah....the first time we meet Doc Savage. I love these books.
The Empress' New Clothes by Jaid Black. It was okay, nothing spectacular. From Ellora's Cave.
Sit, Stay, Slay by Linda O. Johnston. I really loved this cute mystery. I can't wait for any sequels that come out in the future.
Survivor in Death by J.D. Robb. Hell, I cried in parts. Love this series.
Land of Terror by Kenneth Robeson. Yet another Doc Savage book. Yum. Over the top, but these are the epitome of guilty pleasure.
At Her Service by Shari Anton. 3 stars. Maybe lower depending on my mood. After reading Desiree, this book paled in comparison. I want my time back.
3 Brides For 3 Bad Boys by Lucy Monroe. Lucy's one of my fave authors, even though she writes heroes who I want to slap upside the head. But I still like her. Go figure. *g* I enjoyed this collection of novellas.
One Way Out by Michele Albert. I liked this one. I'll be trying to find her backlist now. And I like reading her blog.
Going to Extremes by Dawn Atkins. Review pending, but I liked the book. Made me think.
Okay, that's what I've read for February. I think I did miss another Doc Savage book, but oh well. I'm not perfect. Now, I've been writing down when I finish the book, not when I start them. Sometimes I'll start a book and then put it down for something else, not getting back to it for awhile.
I have links!
Do to the wonderful email from Shannon Stacey, I know have links on my sidebar! Thanks so much, Shannon. That was more informative than anything I found online. Now to populate my links in the next few days.
And now I need to think up something to blog about. I've been a bit remiss the last few days. Proabably because I'm a bit swamped with reviews that need to be done RIGHT NOW. *sigh* I sometimes hate the end of the month (yeah, I know it's the beginning of March).
And now I need to think up something to blog about. I've been a bit remiss the last few days. Proabably because I'm a bit swamped with reviews that need to be done RIGHT NOW. *sigh* I sometimes hate the end of the month (yeah, I know it's the beginning of March).
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