Chasing Inspiration

Showing posts with label books read in 2008. Show all posts
Showing posts with label books read in 2008. Show all posts

Wednesday, December 31, 2008

December Reads

Night Lost, Evermore and Twilight Fall by Lynn Viehl -- the Darkyn series continues through these books with more intrigue and the series long plot lines getting ready to tie up in the final book that comes out in 2009. Well done. Very well done!

P.S. I Love You by Cecelia Ahern -- I haven't seen the movie and I'm not sure I loved this book but it was a great freshman effort and I'll read more of CA's work.

Slave to Sensation by Nalini Singh -- This was a reread and is the first book in Nalini's Psy/Changling series. It was great to revisit because I remember why I loved it all over again.

Casting Spells by Barbara Bretton -- A nice escapist read.

What Angels Fear by C. S. Harris -- Sebastian St. Cyr. S'all I'm saying!

Heating Up The Holidays anthology with Jill Shalvis as contributing author-- Good holiday fun with hot and spicy firemen. Mmm, mmm.

Bound by Shadow by Anna Windsor -- The first book of her Dark Crescent Sisterhood series. I'll read the next books, for sure.

Darkly Dreaming Dexter by Jeff Lindsay -- The book that sparked the Showtime series.

Just the Sexiest Man Alive by Julie James -- Lawyers, Hollywood and sexual tension, oh my!

Monday, December 01, 2008

November Good Reads

If Angels Burn, Private Demon and Dark Need by Lynn Viehl -- This is a new-to-me series about vampires. It's another fresh take on an age old mythology told by an amazing storyteller. If I could spend a day in her head, I would gladly do so to learn everything I can about this business and writing.

A Perfect Groom by Samantha James -- This is the final book in her Sterling family trilogy.

Wild and Hexy by Vicki Lewis Thompson -- Book two of her sexy new series set in Big Knob, Ohio. Witches, wizards, dragons and true love...oh my!

The Speed of Trust by Stephen M. Covey -- A great book on the value of trust in business and life by the son of 7 Habits icon, Stephen R. Covey. A must read!

Salvation in Death by J. D. Robb -- the latest book in the Eve & Roarke saga. Loved it! But then I love all these books. Now, if I could just figure out how many more she was going to write so I could ensure shelf space for them all...

Suite 606 Anthology featuring J. D. Robb -- A great short story.

Enchanted, Inc, Once Upon Stilettos, Damsel Under Stress and Don't Hex with Texas by Shanna Swendson -- Harry Potter meets Bridget Jones is the tag line, but these are way more than fantasy light chick lit. The world building and word economy to tell fantastic stories blew me away. I've had these books since the 2007 RWA conference (all but the last one, which was released in 2008), so this was a reread, but these books are staying on my shelf and I'll reread them again. Here's hoping the movie option actually becomes a movie and that Shanna will be able to write more wonderful books in this series. Seriously, I want to know more about Owen!

The Pagan Stone by Nora Roberts -- The long anticipated book 3 in her Sign of Seven trilogy was a great book. I wanted more at the end - like a picture of the protagonists in the not-too-distant future, but I was satisfied with the culmination of story arcs, the characters themselves and the world building. Nora can always spin a great tale. I seriously need to study the books to see what I can learn from this master. *sigh*

Merrick's Eleventh Hour by Wendy Rosnau -- The wonderfully poignant and action packed close to Wendy's Spy Games series. If you haven't read this series, you are missing some well crafted books about lies, spies and redemption. Yeah, these stories are not to be missed. Check Wendy's site for details. And please, don't let the fact the books are published by Silhoutte put you off! Good writing is good writing, no matter who the publisher is.

[Edited to add books I forgot I read]

The Trouble With Witches. Witch Hunt and The Witch Is Dead by Shirley Damsgaard -- With each Abby & Ophelia book, Shirley gets better and better. I'm looking forward to The Witch's Grave, which is book 6 and out now. Book 7 has just been written so will likely be out sometime in 2009. *sigh* I hate when I have to wait. *g*

Tuesday, November 04, 2008

October Reads

To Tempt A Scotsman by Victoria Dahl -- a lovely debut novel of the historical romance variety! Looking forward to reading additional books by her

Rogue Angel: Swordsman's Legacy by Alex Archer -- Michele Hauf contributed to this adventure series, writing as Alex Archer. Wonderful history, rich venues and lots of twists and turns!

Rogue Angel: Destiny by Alex Archer -- Where the series all started. A solid novel to set up this bi-monthly series.

Intimate Enemy by Marilyn Pappano -- MP does a great job spinning a tale in a short word count. Her Silhouette Romantic Suspense novels are wonderful!

Rises the Night, The Bleeding Dusk and When Twilight Burns by Colleen Gleason -- This rounds out the four current novels in CG's Gardella Vampire Chronicles series. Totally sucked me in! And while I want to see how the series ends in March, I don't want to leave these beloved characters behind.

Witch Way to Murder and Charmed to Death by Shirley Damsgaard -- Great mysteries set in small town Iowa. Yes, there are paranormal elements, but don't let that stop you from reading them!

Over Hexed by Vicki Lewis Thompson -- There's a theme here...a witch, a wizard, a dragon, and a couple who don't know it yet, but they were made for each other. Fun times!

Acheron by Sherrilyn Kennyon -- Long awaited and amazing. There are just no words to describe the story. If you are a Dark Hunter fan, you must read this book.

Faefever by Karen Marie Moning -- okay, the story didn't end on a high not, but it's the middle book of a five book series, so I'm hanging on for the ride. A wonderful installment of the Fever series!

Wednesday, October 01, 2008

September Reads

Private Arrangements by Sherry Thomas -- I enjoy stories that focus around couples who are or have been married and are finding themselves in a situation that gives them a second chance at love.

A Perfect Bride by Samantha James -- This is the first book in SJ's Sterling Family trilogy and it hit the spot! Looking forward to books 2 & 3.

Sweet Spot and Sweet Trouble by Susan Mallery -- Books 2 & 3 of her Keyes Sister's trilogy. Highly enjoyable.

Dead Until Dark by Charlaine Harris -- The inspiration for HBO's True Blood series, this is the first book in the Sookie Stackhouse series. Vampires, telepaths, shape shifters, oh my!

Keepsake by Tess Gerritsen -- Another great thriller from a master! Mummies, what's not to like? :D

The Charm School by Susan Wiggs -- A great historical and the first of SW's Calhoune series. I'm looking forward to more of these rereleased books.

Bloodfever by Karen Marie Moning -- Book two of KMM's Fever series finally made it to mass market paperback. I had read it before, but read it again as I wait for the library to tell me I'm next in line for Faefever.

Agnes and the Hitman by Jennifer Crusie & Bob Mayer -- Hilarious fun! Better than their first collaboration.

Dangerous Games by Lora Leigh -- Hot! Smokin' hot! That's all I can say about book on in LL's Tempting SEALs series.

Karma Girl and Hot Mama by Jennifer Estep -- Sex. Lies. And superheroes. A winning combination for JE's campy and well written Bigtime series! I have book 3 on my night stand now!

Tuesday, September 02, 2008

Books Read in August 2008

Heart of Stone by C. E. Murphy -- The first book of her Negotiator trilogy, which focuses around a human who becomes the mediator between several paranormal races.

The Wild Road by Marjorie M. Liu -- this is book 8 in MML's Dirk & Steele series and revisits some characters we met in Dark Dreamers and Soul Song.

Flashback by Jill Shalvis -- The first book in a new mini series by Jill. Hot firefighters, need I say more?

Pitch Black by Susan Crandall -- Susan's first romantic suspense has everything you love about her women's fiction with a believable suspense plot that kept me on the edge of my seat.

In Deep Voodoo and Finding Your Mojo by Stephanie Bond -- Fun, fast reading about live, love and murder in the Deep South.

Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen -- a whimsical and haunting debut novel.

The Darkest Night and The Darkest Kiss by Gena Showalter -- The first two books in Gena's Lords of the Underworld series.

Just Breathe by Susan Wiggs -- read this book...now!

Term Limits by Vince Flynn -- Vince's first book and a great reread for me.

Superb & Sexy by Jill Shalvis -- The third book in Jill's Sky High Air series.

Sweet Spot by Susan Mallery -- Book 2 in Susan's Keye's Sisters/Keye's Bakery series. I hope to read book three in September.

Friday, August 01, 2008

Books Read in July

  1. Master by Collette Gale -- A delightful and rather sensual retelling of The Count of Monte Cristo.
  2. Bollywood Nights by Shobhaa De -- Being unfamiliar with Bollywood and Indian culture so this book was an interesting read for me.
  3. Blue Eyed Devil by Lisa Kleypas -- A follow up to LK's first Contemporary Romance, Sugar Daddy.
  4. Fallen by Erin McCarthy -- A fallen angel over coming addiction. A woman who's family appears to be caught in a pattern of addiction and death. New Orleans. What more do I need to say. *grin*
  5. The Princess Diaries by Meg Cabot -- Better than the movies!
  6. The Horsemaster's Daughter by Susan Wiggs -- Book 2 of SW's Calhoun Chronicles. Recently re-released.
  7. Tribute by Nora Roberts -- Another great contribution by Nora!
  8. Fearless Fourteen by Janet Evanovich -- I could have used some more Ranger, but book 14 of JE's Stephanie Plum series is a great, fun read.
  9. Flashpoint by Jill Shalvis -- Firemen. Need I say more? This Blaze novel is the first in a short series. The next book comes out in August.
  10. Into The Fire by Suzanne Brockmann -- Book 13 of SB's Troubleshooter series. I can't wait to see what she comes up with next.
  11. Ready by Lucy Monroe -- Book one in LM's Ready, Willing, and Able trilogy. April suggested these books to me a year or so ago. Ready was worth the wait.
  12. The 5th Horseman by James Patterson -- Book 5 of the Women's Murder Club series. A strong addition.
  13. The Iron Hunt by Marjorie M. Liu -- Book 1 of MML's Hunter Kiss urban fantasy series. (not including the short in the anthology Wild Things). Darker than her Dirke & Steele series, but very satisfying.
  14. Sweet Talk by Susan Mallery -- Book 1 in SM's Keyes Sisters trilogy. Book two is out in August and book 3 is out in September.
  15. Why Work Sucks and How To Fix It by Cali Ressler & Jody Thompson -- If you feel caught in a work world that no longer makes sense, this is the book for you! I've been reading it and it makes me angry and hopeful at the same time. Angry that in this global economy, we are tied to 9-5 and inflexible rules around the nature of work. Hopeful that there are people out there questioning outmoded/outdated assumptions and doing something about it. Thanks for this book!

Sunday, June 29, 2008

Books Read in June

Lover Enshrined by J. R. Ward -- Oh. My. God! This latest installment of the Black Dagger Brotherhood vampire series is, in a word, amazing! If you have not started this series yet, you must! It's not your mother's vampire series. Trust me, if you loathe the traditional vampire fare, you have a great chances of liking this series.

Nightkeepers by Jessica Andersen -- Mayan prophesies of the end of the world. Demons, prophets, mages and magic. This is the first book of Jessica Andersen's Final Prophecy series and it is not a book to miss if you are a fan of the paranormal/other. Seriously! The book is so well put together that it doesn't read like your typical first book of a series. It reads with such adept world building, character development and plot arcs that you are immediately thrust into the action and you believe every moment of it. Truly one of my best reads for June and perhaps the year. *grin*

Twin Targets by Jessica Andersen -- Jessica Andersen developed her storytelling skills writing for Harlequin Intrigue. Her latest Intrigue is perfection.

The Lost Duke of Wyndham by Julia Quinn -- Julia Quinn is back for me. I ran a bit dry during her Bridgerton series, but I've loved her last two books. I look forward to the sequel to TLDOW this fall!

My Immortal by Erin McCarthy -- Demons. Deadly Sins. Lust and a man who gives his soul. I really loved this book! It was different and dark and all twisty and turny. I will definitely give her next book in this series a try.

3rd Degree by James Pattersen -- Not as good as the first book in his Women's Murder Club series, but still a solid mystery. I had a serious WTF moment that shocked me to no end. I can't share or I'll give away a major plot point, but that alone made this a good book to read.

Magic Hour by Kristin Hannah -- This was a reread for me. And it was just as poignant this time as it was the first time. This book speaks to me about the resilience of the human spirit and the healing power of love.

4th of July by James Pattersen -- Much better than the 2nd and 3rd books. I grabbed onto the plot and felt the same twists in my gut as I imagine Lindsay did at various points. I did figure out some of the bad guys early on, but I was always a little iffy on the motivation so I'm glad there was a surprise for me at the end. *grin*

The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger -- I started this before the evil gallbladder decided it needed removing. I haven't finished it yet. But I started it in June so thought I would mention it here. So far, I'm very intrigued by the plot...and the time travel.

Not Another Bad Date by Rachel Gibson -- This was a good solid romance. Second chance at love is one of my favorite romance hooks and Rachel did a good job with this. I did with for a little more paranormal than the hint of it here and there, but that didn't keep the book from being a good read. It was also a satisfying end to this quartet of books about for single authors and the directions life, writing and love take them.

The Marriage Spell by Mary Jo Putney -- Wow! MJ Putney doesn't ever disappoint. I have loved everything I have read of hers. Okay, so I haven't read her paranormals except this one, but I'm sure I would enjoy them. TMS is romance and magic at it's best. There's amazing inner conflict, wonderful historic accuracy and characters you want to care about. I hope she follows this up with stories about the hero's three friends. Those are stories I would love to read. *smirk*

Dead and Loving It by MaryJanice Davidson -- An anthology with stories about a vampire queen's honeymoon, a mermaid and a wayward adventurer and werewolves. All with MJD's trademark snark and humor. I. Loved. It!

The Shadow & The Star by Laura Kinsale -- Wow. There are no words for this amazing book that travels deep into the soul to find restoration and love.

The Hidden Heart by Laura Kinsale -- The prequel to The Shadow & The Star and Laura's first published novel. I'm glad I read this story and I loved Tess and Gryph's struggles and the distant lands, but geographically and internally, that I was invited to travel. I think Laura is the author to break me of my historical novel drought.

Tuesday, June 03, 2008

Books Read In May

Small Favor by Jim Butcher -- OMG! This series just gets better and better. Geeky yet some how hot hero who battles his baser side in order to fight the good fight against evil. Complex bad guys. Women, and men, in peril. This book has it all! It's really too bad JB only puts out one book a year for this series cuz I don't want to wait for more. I want it and I want it now!

Natural Born Charmer by Susan Elizabeth Phillips -- This was a reread. I love this book. It's a great, funny love story that focuses around family and forgiveness and trust. Love it!

The Hollow by Nora Roberts -- People are split about this book and this trilogy so far. Personally, I loved it! Fox is my man. One of them anyway. But I think I'm going to love Gage best. He's got a hint of bad boy and Naomi loves her bad boys, lol! Anyway, this is paranormal light, but amazing character development and a great love story.

Don't Hex with Texas by Shanna Swendson -- I'm a huge fan of Shanna Swendson's Enchanted, Inc series and really hope her editor does the smart thing and contracts her for some more books. Magic/fantasy meets chick lit in a refreshing way. Love Shanna's voice and her heroine is not a flighty shopaholic but a smart woman who loves deeply and because of that love is willing to sacrifice. Mix in some of the fantastical and you have a great storyline!

Stars of Mithra Series by Nora Roberts -- (Hidden Star, Captive Star, Secret Star) I enjoyed hte series and I think Captive Star is my favorite with Hidden Star a close second. The series became contrived with the last book, but over all, a fun way to spend a couple of afternoons.

Bikini Season by Sheila Roberts -- What do you get when you have four women who all have body issues but all love food? The Bikini Club. This is a wonderful story of camaraderie and believing in oneself. A great story.

Hunters: Heart and Soul by Shiloh Walker -- Not as good as the previous Shiloh Walker books I've read but still entertaining. I'm looking forward to meeting SW at RAW in September.

Express Male by Elizabeth Bevarly -- A cute book. And a rerelease. It's a fast read and interesting. I found myself wanting more of the secondary storyline than the main characters, but still a fun way to spend a Sunday afternoon.

New Moon by Stephenie Meyer -- Okay, I like the books. I really do. But I do not understand the fascination with Edward. I feel like I need to reread the books once I finish the last one. LOL.

Without Remorse by Tom Clancy -- I like Tom Clancy. I love this book. John Clark is one of the best and most complex operatives in the history of fictional operatives. And this story shows you why. Even if you don't like political or military intrigue, read this book. Seriously.

1st to Die by James Patterson -- This is the first book in JP's Women's Murder Club series. I really liked the TV Show and wish ABC hadn't axed it. Anyway, the book was good. I'll read the series. They are quick reads, and while not overly gory, had a high enough body count to satisfy my blood lust while also having some great angst and character development that didn't focus solely on the murder investigation.

The Touch of Twilight by Vicki Pettersson -- Another amazing installment of VP's Signs of the Zodiac series. The angst is notched up and the action is sublime. I swear, with each book this alternative Las Vegas becomes more and more real. If you have not started this series and your looking for a paranormal series that has nothing to do with changlings, were-creatures or vampires, this is your series!

2nd Chance by James Patterson -- Not as impressed with the second book in JP's Women's Murder Club series, but it was a solid effort. We learn more about Lindsay's dad and there is more bonding around crime and personal crises. I hear there are some jaw-dropping moments in the third book so I'm looking forward to that.

I also read some non-fiction books in May. It was a nice month for reading. June is looking hot with several new releases of some of my favorite authors. Now, if I could figure out how to make more time for reading...

Thursday, May 01, 2008

Good Reads - April

Rogue by Rachel Vincent -- Book two of her Werecats series. Wow. The world building is excellent, the main character grows in this book and the plot threads bring more urgency to the world of the werecats. A very good read!

No Control by Shannon K. Butcher -- I liked No Regrets. Didn't love it, but liked it. No Control I loved. SB's storytelling was spot on and her characters were delightfully flawed and yet somehow made me care about what happened to them. The villain was wicked and needy. Loved it!

Kiss of Midnight by Lara Adrian -- I have had this book in my to-be-read mountain for some time. But I didn't want to start yet another vampire series. I'm not sorry I read the book, but it didn't wow me. I'm going to read the next book in the series because the first book of a series is always the set up book and that means it's usually not the best book in the series. We'll see.

Smart & Sexy by Jill Shalvis -- reread

Manhunting by Jennifer Crusie -- reread

Thigh High by Christina Dodd -- I've read all of CD's contemporaries. They were all good. I've read some of CD's historicals. None of them grabbed me. I haven't read CD's paranormal series. I have to say that Thigh High is the best book I have read by CD ever! Great plotting. Excellent characterization. And the setting - you can't go wrong with New Orleans!

In Twilight's Shadow by Patti O'Shea -- O.M.G! This was an amazing story. Seriously. I loved it. Everything about it. The characters, the paranormal world, the plot, the action. Everything! This is the second book in Patti's Light Warriors series and it is just amazing. No vamps. LOL. Magic (dark and light), demons, politics, redemption and trust are all themes and they weave through the story in amazing, and surprising ways. Patti is a must read!

Twilight by Stephanie Meyer -- I have put off reading this series because I buck following the trends. I was 4 books late with Harry Potter. Three books late for the Black Dagger Brotherhood. I'm late again with Twilight and I'm just fine with that. This young adult series is all the rage, and while I enjoyed the first book, I'm not sure what the rage is about. I'm waiting for the library to let me know the second book is available for me to read. Maybe I'll figure it out when I read more of the series.

The Spymaster's Lady by Joanna Bourne -- I wish Joanna Bourne had a website. She has a blog, but I can't find it. Anyway, if you like historical novels and you like something a little different in your stories, run and get this book! There are amazing twists and turns and characters that leap off the page. The Napoleonic wars never looked so good. *g*

Mouth to Mouth by Erin McCarthy -- There are uses for candy in this book that I never thought possible. S'all I'm sayin'! LOL

You've Got Male by Elizabeth Bevarly -- This is a rerelease of EB's Opus series. This was a fun read and I'm looking forward to the library alerting me to the next two books being available for check out.

Raine by Elizabeth Amber -- If you thought Nicholas was freaky strange for an historical erotica, then Raine is well beyond freaky strange. Interesting, but, well, wow. So not sure what I think, but I don't recommend this for the weak of heart.

Fast & Loose by Elizabeth Bevarly -- This was a sweet and funny romance that does but doesn't center around the Kentucky Derby. I was expecting more about racing and horses in this book, but they were rarely mentioned. That didn't detract from the two love stories the book contains or the great characters that EB created to entertain us all. A fun read!

Tuesday, April 01, 2008

Good Reads - March

March was a huge reading month for me. I'm not sure why. I think it's the stress. I tend to avoid everything and read more when I'm really stressed. Here's hoping April is a lighter month. *grin*
  1. Nicholas by Elizabeth Amber -- This book is not for the faint of heart. It's an erotic historical layered with Greek/Roman mythology. Strange. Very strange.
  2. Blood Brothers by Nora Roberts -- This is the first book of NR's new Circle of 7 trilogy and this is my second time reading it. Fantastic! I can't wait for May and the second book.
  3. The Liar's Diary by Patry Francis -- A debut novel by a wonderful author.
  4. Assassination Vacation by Sarah Vowell -- This book made me want to go tour historical points of interest linked to some of our dead presidents. LOL!
  5. Master of the Night by Angela Knight -- An intriguing blend of vamps, shape shifting and Authorian legends. I'll keep reading the series.
  6. Jacob and Gideon by Jacqueline Frank -- These are the first two books in JF's Nightwalker series. They were okay. Not sure if I'll keep up with the series.
  7. Passion by Marilyn Pappano -- This out-if-print treasure was a treat to read. Great locations. Great hero. Interesting mistaken identity. Definitely worth the wait!
  8. Almost Dead by Lisa Jackson -- This was a good serial killer/suspense novel. Not her best suspense novels, but a good read nonetheless.
  9. Visions of Heat, Caressed by Ice and Mine to Possess by Nalini Singh -- I am now caught up on NS's Psy-Changeling series and it's getting better and better with each book!
  10. No Good Deeds by Laura Lippman -- I love Laura Lippman's books and her Tess Monaghan series in particular. This story had a great twist and the series remains fresh.
  11. Speak No Evil by Allison Brennan -- A great book with a high body count and gripping characters. It's a great start to her Evil series. All three books are out now.
  12. Hunting the Hunter by Shiloh Walker -- I have the opportunity to meet Shiloh in September so I thought I should read some of her books. She started in ebooks and if this mass market is any indication, I'm going to enjoy her stories!
  13. Your Saving Grace by J.L. Wilson -- A great mystery. It's my first JLW and I am so going to read more of her. And you should, too!
  14. Unmanned by Lois Greiman -- Book four in the Christina McMullen series. As hilarious as Stephanie Plum with a hot cop hero and a smart, slightly klutzy and definitely funny heroine. Keepers, all of them.
  15. The Paper Marriage by Susan Kay Law -- In a word, AMAZING! I have loved every book by SKL and this one put me through the wringer and was incredibly satisfying. I've bought copies for friends, it's that good!
  16. Break No Bones by Kathy Reichs -- I've been a fan of KR's books long before Bones made it to the Fox network. I'm getting a little tired of Temperance and Ryan's on-again-off-again romance, but the murders and investigation and the character development reminded me why I love this series. And the fact that Bones is coming back with new episodes on April 14th doesn't hurt either. *grin*
  17. Sleeping Beauty and The Baby Chronicles by Judy Baer -- These were fun, quick reads by one of my favorite inspirational chick-lit authors. I'm glad I had them in my TBR and they ended the month of March out nicely.
That's what I can remember reading in March. There are some great reads coming up in April

*edited to add a book I forgot I read!*

I almost forgot! I love Nancy Martin and I read her latest Blackbird Sisters mystery last week. *smacks forehead* Murder Melts In Your Mouth was a great romp of a story. A light read, with compelling characters and Nora finally figured out why she's on again/off again with her bad boy beau. I can't wait for the next story but alas, it's not likely to be out until next year. Good think I don't mind rereading. *grin*

Saturday, March 01, 2008

Good Reads - February 2008

February was a good reading month for me. I read several new-to-me authors and wasn't disappointed with a single book.

Time For Love - Kelly Kirch (ebook)
Kelly's debut novel was a treat, blending time travel and love. See my review here.

Strangers in Death - JD Robb
Love me some Roarke! This was another great installment to the In Death series.

Firefly Lane - Kristin Hannah
Poignant, funny, and devastating all at the same time. There's a reason it's been compared to Beaches.

Strong & Sexy - Jill Shalvis
Another fun book filled with hot men, amazing women and lots of lovin'. *g*

Really Something - Shirley Jump
I like SJ, and I really liked this book, until I realized how young the hero/heroine were supposed to be. That totally distracted me. Then I made them older in my mind and all was well. LOL

The Haunting - Hope Tarr
Reincarnation, karma (to a degree) and ghosts are the foundation of this romance. The end left something to be desired, but the story was creative and well developed.

Blue Smoke - Nora Roberts
A re-read for me of a book that will always remain on my keeper shelf. So much better than the Lifetime movie version of the story, lol.

Slave to Sensation - Nalini Singh
I give Nalini total props for world building and story telling. She brings us into a unique version of Earth and life in the not-so-distant future. I really enjoyed it and will check out more of her Psy-Changeling series.

Megan's Mate - Lora Leigh
Great storytelling skills. I was in the world Lora created. But there was something that bothered me about the story. I'm not sure what. May require a re-read. Good enough that I'll get the next book of her Breed series from the library.

Friday, February 22, 2008

Time For Love


I'm not generally a fan of e-books. I think it's more the format of the book than the actual content. There's something soothing and visceral about holding a bound book in my hands and turning pages as I read. My aversion to the e-format has caused me to miss out on some wonderful stories by some very talented authors.

One such author, Kelly Kirch, allowed me to have an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of her debut novel
Time For Love. I really, really, really enjoyed this e-book. Um, but I did print it out so I could have the feel of turning pages, lol! Here's a little bit about the book:

Sarah Hanson's life began the day she was fired. One moment she was heading home by taxi. The next she was the arms of Gorgeous Guy, speaking with a British accent and wearing Regency-era attire. She thinks it's a dream, but as days pass she realizes that she has traveled back to a simpler time and is now the widowed Lady Billington. But life here isn't that different from the life she left behind.

Lord Drake Hayworth, is quite taken with Lady Billington. There is something most appealing about her unusual speech, her irreverence, not to mention her voluptuous curves. No matter how he desires Sarah, he is torn for he has been promised to the daughter of a good friend. A woman he must marry but will never love. And that is how he has always wanted things. Until Sarah started to disturb his peace.

For the first time, Sarah is embraced within a family who loves and cares for her deeply. Will Sarah find true love? Or will it be snatched from her by time and circumstance?

Kelly Kirch's debut novel is a wonderful tale of a contemporary woman who has been thrown into the past. Kelly's pacing and character development are spot-on and the plot will keep you reading until you reach the satisfying, and surprising, conclusion. Time for Love is available now for download at www.cerridwenpress.com.

This was not a typical time travel. Oh sure, someone traveled back in time and fell in love. But the story didn't center just around this plot. There was a great subplot involving a secondary character that added a nice edge to the story. If you're looking for a nice way to spend an afternoon, evening or weekend, I recommend you pick up Time For Love.

Wednesday, February 06, 2008

Good Reads - January 2008

I thought about writing down all the books I read in a month and posting about them all here. Then I counted how many books I read last month and nearly choked. LOL So, I'm going to start blogging about the reads that stuck with me. I may do that as I finish a book or I may do that in one chunk.

Here are some of the more memorable reads I had in January:

The Last Twilight by Marjorie M. Liu - book #7 in Liu's Dirk & Steele Series. Book #8 is scheduled for release later this year. A great installment to the D&S world!

The Rest Falls Away by Colleen Gleason - This is the first book in the Gardella Vampire Slayer series. A wonderful book full of Regency England and traditional vampire mythology with a vamp slayer twist. It truly is Buffy meets Jane Austen and I can't wait to continue with the series.

Accidentally Yours by Susan Mallery - This book had Susan's trademark wit, but with a twist. The heroine is a woman who would do anything for her dying child. The hero is a man who has closed himself off to love. Together they make a deal that may just be the salvation she's been looking for, but at what cost? If you're looking for something with some bitter sweet, some hope and laughter, this is the book for you.

Forbidden Stranger by Marilyn Pappano - Marilyn writes for Harlequin and Silhouette, and mostly for what was the Silhouette Intimate Moments line. The line is now titled Silhouette Romantic Suspense and the books are shorter, which made me wonder how good they could really be. Marilyn's book was wonderfully written with great character development balanced with a suspense plot. She wowed me with some of her previous books and I would say the woman still has it!

Also by Marilyn Pappano was a reread of The Trouble with Josh - I had read this when it was first released in 2003 and stumbled across it again as I was trying to figure out which books in my plethora of book boxes could I, or should I, pass on to other needy readers. TTWJ is a little different. The heroine was not a lovely person in her life before cancer. But she is living in life after cancer and she wants to make amends and grow as a person. The book is her journey as well as the journey of a man who hasn't wanted to settle down and finds himself drawn to a woman who by all accounts he should hate. Loved the juxtaposition of motivations in this story. And am happy to say was not able to let it leave my house!

Smart & Sexy by Jill Shalvis - I love Jill's writing! She's got great sexual chemistry, wonderful characters and her wit! It's amazing. Smart & Sexy is book one of a trilogy. The second book is out now, and I'm waiting for the library to alert me that they have it ready for me to pick up.

I know there were more reads in January. They aren't sticking out to me at moment, but if I do remember them, I'll post them soon.

I hope you've had time to read some good books. Fiction. Non-fiction. It doesn't matter. Just read. And enjoy!

Sunday, June 11, 2006

Writing News - Passing on the love

I recently discovered that some of the women I used to know from my local writing group are doing very well. One has sold her first book after years of writing. Congratulations Helen Brenna! I'm thrilled you made your first sale and look forward to Treasure from Harlequin Superromance this coming December.

I also learned that someone I hold as a mentor during the time we served on the board together made an amazing deal and is coming out with her first hardcover sometime this year. Monica Pradhan is a jewel of an author. She has written three Silhoutte Intimate Moments under the name Monica McLean - each and every one of them amazing. Her upcoming book is being published under Monica Pradhan and is titled The Hindi Bindi Club. I'm sure it will be wonderful. From what I've heard already, and that's very little, it made her editor cry. Monica writes with an emotion I long to have present in my work. She also has an amazing heart. I am truly blessed to have known her and wish her nothing but the best as she makes her HC debut. When the book comes out, I'll be sure to let you all know.

As I congratulate these women I know, I reminisce on times gone by. Times when I was young to the world of publishing and was more active in my local writing group. I drew inspiration from both these women. Both never gave up on their dreams. Both worked hard. Both followed their heart. Both showed me that the road was not a road to travel completely alone. I'm so happy and proud of Helen & Monica. I wish you both well and hope there are many more books in your futures. I'll be looking for both of these!