The Good, The Bad and The Unread

Ebookwise 101

2006-12-23T09:01:00.000-06:00

I need to check to see if Dear Author did a post on ebookwise... prolly did

But to keep you busy while I am away shopping, ;) see I am a such a giver. Is there an Ebookwise set up for dummies anywhere? Link me!

You pro ebookwise people, any advice? Samhain has a feature where you can buy in the ebookwise format (and a great sale going on). But I am not sure if that is what I want to do, or if I should do html and convert so I can read on the puter or ebookwise.

But the thought of converting something myself... eek!

and your guess?

2006-12-23T08:42:00.000-06:00

Not that I am PBW, nor do I play her on tv. But if I were to play guess the author... I would say

Author A = JR Ward

Author B = Jacquelyn Frank

soooooooooo what would you guess... oh I could do a poll of the suggestions... hee the anon feature is even still on here... come on play you know you wanna

Joy to the World

2006-12-23T08:01:00.000-06:00

Le sigh... since I spent most of last week home sick, I still have to get some things for my mom. I WANT to stay home in bed and read. I WANT to finish one of the 20 blog posts I have started.

Not that anyone is around to read them ;).But I shall be good, I shall go finish shopping. And even go over there for a bit. Then come home and blog and read *g*.

Good news is I got a totally unexpected bonus at work. And I think I am staying in my apt for another year. So if everything works out like I want it too... I shall be buying a new computer very soon! Now the question is do I want a desktop or laptop?

Any suggestions? Anything will be better than what I have. And really I only use my computer for the net, ebooks, blogging and more internet *g*. So I am not looking for a 2000 top of the line computer.

I know I want something with a smartcard reader? I think that is what is called. To load my ebookwise (I don't know I am getting for xmas of course) hee. I want a CDR and a USP port in front. And I want the memory to be able to upgrade to at least 1Gig but 2 if possible.

Right now I am looking to send around 300 to 600 hundred. And figure right after xmas is the best time to look. So processorwise... what would be good and in that range? Anyone know?

Okay enough stalling... off to get ready to shop.

Merry, Merry

2006-12-22T09:10:00.002-06:00

Happy Holidays to all my friends, online peeps, author buds, frequent chatters, lurker writers, googlers, pRon seekers, and even those of you who are just waiting around for the cannon to fire.

Thanks for the wonderful books, great times, recommendations, snarkage, glomming finds, stupidity, reviews, bad behavior, fun chats, flames, flares and for repeatedly showing how intelligent romance writers and readers can be.

But most of all thanks to those of you that are always there. Many people don't understand the 'internet' and/or the friendships formed over newsgroups, message boards or fandom.

They don't know how amazing the support can be or how grand the friendships are you find with a click of a mouse. Many of you mean more to me than I could ever tell you and I know I don't try to tell you often enough. So thank you for everything.... the laughs when I want to cry, the shoulder when it all gets to be too much, the pat on the back, shared sqqquueees and of course the kick ass book recs.

The gift of friendship is one of the bestest you can ever find wrapped under your tree. It is a gift that keeps giving and will take getting kicked around without breaking. If we could package it and sell it, just think of all the books we could buy ;).

I hope you and yours have a very merry holiday.

loveseses,

sybil

YAY

2006-12-22T09:00:00.000-06:00

You are, you are...

2006-12-21T19:01:00.000-06:00

Winners from We are, we are, the youth of a nation post

Ashley Danielle

and

Kris

Please let me know which book you would like and email me your address:
Autumn in Scotland by Karen Ranney
i see you by Holly Lisle
The Prince Kidnaps a Bride by Christina Dodd (have two new copies)
Must Love Mistletoe by Christie Ridgway (have two new copies)

Review Coming Soon: Unleashed by Rebecca York, Susan Kearney, Diane Whiteside, Lucy Monroe

2006-12-21T18:36:00.000-06:00

Unleashed
by Rebecca York, Susan Kearney, Diane Whiteside, Lucy Monroe

What happens when a woman explores her most forbidden fantasies? When the intoxicating scent of man triggers illicit desire? When passion for the unusual lures lovers into worlds reserved only for the uninhibited...

National bestselling author Rebecca York is Unleashed...As she finds the psychic bond between two lovers on a doomed island paradise.

National bestselling author Susan Kearney is Unleashed... As she explores the mystery of Atlantis in a bold and contemporary new way.

National bestselling author Diane Whiteside is Unleashed...As she bears witness to a tale of vampire love with a wicked twist

National bestselling author Lucy Monroe is Unleashed...As she explores the limits of animal desire in a seductive story of the beast within.

Reviewing coming soon... book out now

nothing to see here yet but you can go click on the author's names and check out their sites

Review Coming Soon: The Stranger I Married by Sylvia Day

2006-12-21T18:17:00.000-06:00

The Stranger I Married
By Sylvia Day

They are London's most scandalous couple. Isabel, Lady Pelham, and Gerard Faulkner, Marquess of Grayson. Their union is a most agreeable sham, until a shocking turn of events sends Gerard away from Isabel. Four years later he comes back and will stop at nothing to win her love.

excerpt

review coming soon

but not yet

Is it just the cough meds....

2006-12-18T14:06:00.000-06:00

Or is this just awful?

The funny thing is I hit on this page after looking into The Crossroads Cafe because the ever wonderful wendy said it rocked.

So after reading the first few pages of the excerpt... going back to wendy's review to see how I screwed up the authors name... googling Deborah Smith... going back to wendy's site to see if she had fessed up to whatever crack she has been smoking... I decided to blog about it cuz horrid writing should be shared.

THEN I noticed if I had just read the amazon reviews (who knew?!?) my answer would have been found in the first posted review from wendy's Deborah Smith:

If you're a confused reader trying to find one of my novels such as the NYT bestselling A Place To Call Home or Sweet Hush, you're probably wondering when I began writing pseudo-sexual "Christian" novels with lurid titles. Well, I didn't. I've been publishing award-winning mainstream novels for nearly twenty years under my name, Deborah Smith, and this new "Deborah Smith" is someone else. Someone whose work I would dearly love to NOT see included when my book lists pop up. Since so far I haven't been able to convince Amazon.com to post ANY distinction between us, I hope my readers will complain to Amazon when they order "Sex Secrets of Pistol-Whipped Ministers" or whatever this stuff is, by mistake.

All I have to say is that sucks. Poor Deborah Smith. Of course she should be happy because according to Amazon:

What do customers ultimately buy after viewing this item?
62% buy The Crossroads Cafe by Deborah Smith $12.03

You can too if you like here or here.

I am still a little up in the air about it. So do tell me if you have read it.

sooooooo anyone know

2006-12-17T12:02:00.000-06:00

How to get beta blogger to import into wordpress?

We got the posts to go over but the comments won't. Any ideas? heeeeeee I said we....

I becomth a domain

2006-12-16T12:09:00.000-06:00

kewl!

So with luck my blog will be all shiney and at its new home. One where you can comment if you are sooooo moved to.

Any suggestions on what nifty things I should add to the blog?

Any links to wordpress for dummies? Or something like that?

Dear Mrs. Williams

2006-12-16T11:43:00.000-06:00

Hello,

My name is Mrs.Jessica Williams. I am a dying woman who had decided to donate what I have to you. (click me)
I am 59 years old and was diagnosed for cancer about 2 years ago, immediately after the death of my husband, who had left me everything he worked for. I have decided to donate from what I have inherited from my late husband to you for the good work of charity rather than allow my relatives to use my husband's hard earned funds ungodly. I have asked God to forgive me all my sins and I believe he has because He is a merciful God. I will be going in for an operation, and I pray that I survive the operation.
I have decided to WILL/donate the sum of £3,500,000(three million five hundred thousand pounds) to you for the good work of the charity, and to help the motherless, less privileged and also for the assistance of the widows. At the moment I cannot take any telephone calls, due to the fact that my relatives are around me and I have been restricted by my doctor from taking telephone calls because I deserve all thee rest I can get.
Presently, I have informed my lawyer about my decision in WILLING this fund to you. I wish you all the best and may the good Lord bless you abundantly, and please use the funds well and always extend the good work to others.
Kindly Contact my lawyer through this email address (markwilliamssoli@aol.co.uk) if you are interested, so that he can arrange the release of the funds (£3,500,000.00) to you. I know I have never met you but this is the decision I have made, and I hope you act sincerely. NB: I will appreciate your utmost confidentiality in this matter until the task is accomplished, as I don't want anything that will jeopardize my last wish, due to the fact that I do not want relatives or family members standing in the way of my last wish.
Love,
Mrs.Jessica Williams

Dear Mrs. Williams,

I would be more than happy to take your ill gotten gains and spend them in my godly ways. Unfortunately I will not be able to email your lawyer at his really profesional aol addy. So I tell ya what... why don't you have him set up an account in a large bank in my name. I am sure you have it since you would research who you were giving your money too.

I promise to be very charitiable with my new money and to turn it into amazon gift certs to be given to all my friends and fellow bloggers. Hell I will be so nice, I won't even care if they buy books I don't like. God you did well in picking me. So email me with the account number.

Although I do hope you survive the operation because spammer burn in hell. It would really suck to have wasted all that praying and still fucking fry. If you make it till January, Demon Angel by Meljean Brooks will be out and you can read up on your afterlife.

Your friend,
sybil

The More the Merrier

2006-12-15T06:01:00.000-06:00

NEW BOOKS!

On His Knees By Beth Williamson
**January 2, 2007**

Recently divorced, Renny Johnson is discovering how independent she can be. Her husband of ten years, Nicholas, left her with a broken heart and shattered self-esteem. When a would-be robber turns out to be Nicholas invading her new home, Renny takes the situation, and him, into her own hands. She’s going to teach him what it means to be a man… on his knees.

The Prince Kidnaps a Bride by Christina Dodd

Betrothed in the cradle, Princess Sorcha and Prince Rainger were destined to rule their countries together. Then revolution sent Sorcha to a remote Scottish convent—and Rainger into a dungeon so deep rumor claimed he was dead.

Now danger threatens, and Sorcha must travel home with a simple fisherman as her companion—Prince Rainger in disguise. Changed by his imprisonment from a careless lad to a dangerous man, he's determined to win back his kingdom—and the woman he wants more than life itself. But can he protect a woman who believes every person she meets is her friend, every tavern is an opportunity to sing bawdy songs, and each turn in the road hides new adventure? To keep his princess safe, he must resort to his most treacherous weapon: seduction.

Play with Me by Janice Maynard **Jan 2007**

It begins with a toast among three beautiful best friends-Catherine, who's used to putting business before pleasure; Kallie, who's in need of a casual lover; and Gina, a former party girl who's given up on romance. Their pact is to make their naughtiest fantasies come true before their thirtieth birthdays.

They have one year to make it happen-and no position is too compromising. All it's going to take is finding the right man, capturing the perfect moment, and stirring up enough courage to issue the most provocative invitation of the year. The race is on. Who's going to cross the line first?

Surviving Demon Island by Jaci Burton

What's America's top female action star doing on a tropical island shrouded in secrecy? To Gina Bliss, competing in a survival-type reality show is a nice change from fending off on-screen villains. Until she meets real-life action hero Derek Marks. A survival specialist in a tight black T and sexy stubble, he's arousing every bad-boy fantasy she's ever had...and testing her survival skills to the max.
Martial arts, jungle warfare - Derek's done it all. But his latest mission is more dangerous than a stick of dynamite. Try telling that to the sexy, adrenaline-pumped actress who's got his libido racing off the charts. As the heat rises between them and real-life violence erupts, suddenly Derek and Gina are on the run...and when they uncover a secret so explosive it could blow the lid of their so-called reality show, these two unlikely heroes are about to discover what surviving's really about....

For the Love of a Pirate by Edith Layton

He's searching for a proper bride . . .
Constantine, Lord Wylde, is a gentleman beyond reproach. Now it's time for him to find a suitable gentlewoman to wed-;a well-bred, well-behaved lady, as proper as . . . well, Constantine himself. But his plans are shattered when a fierce, aging pirate invades his home with shocking news: Constantine is already engaged . . . to the brigand's lovely granddaughter, Lisabeth!
But finds a perfect passion instead
Wildly independent Lisabeth, however, has no desire for marriage-;certainly not to a straightlaced nobleman bound to her by some long-ago promise . . . even if she's tantalized by his manly form and the sensuality he can't quite disguise. Though shocked by the lady's improprieties, Constantine soon finds himself acting as lustily as any outlaw.
But how does a staid gentleman win the heart of a bewitching pirate?

The really interesting thing is I think this is a STAND ALONE.

Jacob by Jacquelyn Frank

I like the ARC cover much better...

In this passionate debut--the first in a stunning new series--Frank creates an alternate world where moonlight creates a forbidden passion too overwhelming to ignore.
Since time began, there have been Nightwalkers. Love with humans is absolutely forbidden, and Jacob, the Enforcer, makes certain to uphold this ancient law. For 700 years he has resisted temptation--until tonight. Original.

Sun Kissed by Catherine Anderson
**January 2, 2007**

When Samantha Harrigan attends the local rodeo, she doesn't expect to wind up in jail. But that's what happens when she tries to stop a drunkard from abusing his horse.
Tucker Coulter, a handsome local veterinarian, comes to her defense, and both of them are arrested. The charges are dropped, but Sam's troubles have only started...

Salvation, Texas by Anna Jeffrey **January 2, 2007**

Ever since he lost Elena, everything in Rusty's life has gone wrong. Her wealthy, influential father drove him out of Salvation, away from everyone he'd ever loved. Now he's back, elected by the people to one of the most powerful positions in the county. He isn't about to let the woman who once cost him everything get under his skin again. Not when there's a cold-blooded killer on the loose. And not unless he can find a way to live with her father and her millions.

Elena Ryder knew of no better man than Sheriff Rusty Joplin-despite the fact that years back, he let her controlling father run him out of town. Now, she trusts no one else to investigate her sister's tragic death. And she won't even consider resisting Rusty's rugged presence if she gets a second chance…

Pleasure for Pleasure by Eloisa James

Fueled by the knowledge that notoriety is better than failure, witty, unconventional Josie does what no proper young lady should—she challenges fate. She discards her corset and flirts outrageously. She attends the horse races and allows an arrogant rakehell to whisk her behind the stables for a surreptitious kiss . . . and is caught!
She doesn't want to marry the young hellion—but who's to help? Her chaperone keeps disappearing for mysterious appointments; her guardian is on his wedding trip; and his friend the Earl of Mayne is too busy staring into the eyes of his exquisite French fiancée.
Can a marriage forced by stuffy convention and unwilling desire become the match of the season?

And I need:

Natalie Lambert's life has changed in the space of weeks—and she has no idea why. Her parents were murdered, she has her first taste of sexual desire—and she feels out of control, afraid, desperate to understand her changing world. She flees to New Orleans, hoping to lure the murderer out of the dark and bring to an end the trail of dead loved ones.

Instead, she's attacked by crazed birds, swarmed by locusts, and saved by a Cajun cop who awakens all her latent desires. When Rene Broussard rescues a virgin vampire, he ends up in her bed and becomes hers for life in one lusty bite. Rene awakens the vampire within Natalie, and she awakes the passion within him. Together, they fight the evil threatening to destroy The Born vampires while they discover a treasure of love they can share for all eternity.
Excerpt here

beta blogger suckage or things to try if you can't comment

2006-12-14T19:22:00.000-06:00

1. Make sure you are logged in before you type your comment.

2. If you are not logged in and hit login and publish to post your comment. A screen might appear that says you must log into your beta blogger account. Don't! If you right click - and left click on the word BACK (should be the first selection) it will take you back to your last page. You can then copy your comment you just typed. Then log into beta blogger. This SHOULD let you paste your comment and keep you from having to retype you it.

3. If you still can't comment - I am sorry beta blogger sucks. You should be able to follow these instructions and comment using the anon or 'other' feature.

PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU TYPE IN YOUR NAME OR SCREEN NAME. Otherwise I will have no way of crowning you the winner of any contests. And there are tons of contests and fun things coming.

And before you ask... yes... a new blog is currently in the works and will hopefully be up and running soon(ish).

Review: High Stakes by Erin McCarthy

2006-12-14T18:24:00.000-06:00

High Stakes: A Tale of Vegas Vampires by Erin McCarthy

This is the first book in Erin McCarthy's new series. A paranormal vampire series with a high funny factor... No! Wait! Come back... It is good!

Alexis arrives at Ethan Carrick's Vegas hotel ready to kick ass and take names. The plan is to knock some sense into her baby sister who closed her dentist practice and moved in with some rich hotel owner she just met.

Alexis is smart, successful and has been taking care of Brittany since their stripper mommy died. She knows she can do anything she sets her mind to and can take care of herself. Alexis also thinks she needs to do the same for Brittany and hasn't quite caught on that her baby sister is all grown up. And as confident as she is in her mind she is equally unconfident in her looks.

Basically our girl has some serious control issues and low self esteem in the looks department.

The baby sister, Brittany Baldizzi, is the girl next door, if your door happens to be in Las Vegas. She has more beauty and heart than brains but Brittany isn't a dumb bunny. Although she is aware people see her as just another pretty face.

Ethan Carrick is the leader of the 'undead world' and would like to stay that way. In typical politician fashion he thinks (and is being told) the best way to win another 40 years as vampire president is to clean up is playboy image and marry a good woman. Only this is vegas baby and he is a vamp - so good woman equals a hottie impure (a human with a vampire daddy) and not Jackie O.

It takes about five seconds with Alexis for Ethan to learn marrying Brit isn't an option. And even though he knows the house always wins, he can't help but take a gamble on Alexis. Alexis figures playing some freaky wanna be vamp's girlfriend is the quickest way to get her baby sister out of "harms way". And Brittany just wants to save their souls from hell. Oh and then there is the guy trying to 'kill' Ethan, one trying to beat him and another trying to cure him.

All in all good times. We do end up spending too much time in with the bad guys. And I have to confess I didn't care much about them. But it didn't take away from Ethan and Alexis's romance so I can't complain too much.

When I heard Erin McCarthy was the next author to pony up a vamp series I rolled my eyes, whined and knew without a doubt I would read it. There is something about McCarthy's books that are so fast, fresh and funny. The dialogue flows off the page and can't help but make me smile. And I am a really hard sell as far as comedy goes. She doesn't do slapstick, doesn't lose the romance and the book is as steamy as it funny.

Erin McCarthy takes any genre and makes it her own. I don't think I am reading a paranormal, contemporary or even a 'romance' novel when I open one of her books. I am reading an Erin McCarthy novel. She is one of the very few authors I honestly think I would follow into any genre. And High Stakes continues her winning streak.

So what did you think? Have you read it? Did you like it? Have you reviewed it? I haven't stated Bit yet but I have it and plan to this weekend. Hope it is just as good!

NEXT: (out now) Bit the Jackpot and I am crossing my fingers Bled Dry (on sale May 2007) shows up at my door soon

You can find more info on Erin's vamp series here, find her blogging here and order High Stakes here.

We are, we are, the youth of a nation

2006-12-14T14:43:00.000-06:00

As I mention all the time, I have a lil sister. A very little sister, well not really but much younger than I am. As she tells me all the time (along with telling me how much taller than me she is, yes she is a brat). On January 22nd I will be 31 and on Febuary 9th she will be 13. This amuses her and she has taken to telling EVERYONE.

Back to my point, the lil sis is a reader and I try very hard to encourage her love of books. I want to find her fun books. Books that are well written AND make her want to read. And with so many romance authors trying their hand at Young Adult novels, I also figured I would put her to work. Child labor... and she works cheap.

So as I was making my list of books for 2007, I was trying to find one YA book for each month that the sis and I could review. And then I remembered I know jack about YA books. I have done what I do best, sent some emails and requested some catalogs.

And now I doing the other thing I do well... asking for help *g*. So tell me what YA books are you looking forward to in 2007? Or your kids are looking forward too? Or are you writing? Or are your friends writing? Tell me all about it. Come now... don't be shy.

Tell me a little about the book and/or the author. And I would love an age range for the book if you know it. We are in the process of redesigning my blog - yes I will most likely finally give in and move to wordwhateveritiscalled. Once the move is done I am thinking of clearing this and putting the YA reviews and rec's here.

That way I don't have to worry about kids googling books and ending up with an erotica rec. And well mostly so I don't have to listen to:

"mmmmmmmoooooommmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm sybil said a bad word"

It can be any author, any plot but I am really wondering how many of our oh so talented romance novel authors are trying or have tried their hands at young adult fiction. There is one by Susan Johnson... really! And no we won't be reading that one.

For your hard work of reccing and/or pimping, I have a reward! I have a couple of duplicate books, so on Sunday night I will take all the comments and randomly pick two name (put a note in the post if you don't want to be in the drawing. The winning name can choice between brand new (unsigned) copies of Autumn in Scotland by Karen Ranney, i see you by Holly Lisle, The Prince Kidnaps a Bride by Christina Dodd or Must Love Mistletoe by Christie Ridgway.

hitler is so 1980

2006-12-11T23:24:00.000-06:00

It was only a matter of time before Godwin's Law was updated. For those of you not use to flame wars and/or internet stupidity, Godwin's Law:

As an online discussion grows longer, the probability of a comparison involving Nazis or Hitler approaches one.

god this brings a tear to my eye... oh yes it is a single tear...

If you are not playing the home game. Holly Lisle said something stupid, jane dared to blog her opinion about it, linking to Holly's own post, holly had kittens, jane posted regarding a demand for sorry's, hugs and air kisses, which ended with holly doing one of the worst things in online netiquette.

The comments on holly's post are golden and filled with wisdom. My personal fave being from pugh7755, who seems to really love bloggers which is shown in his comment

...The more comments they receive the happier they are. A sad excuse for a life really. They are the Al Qaeda of the blog world.

Although Diana Peterfreund's comment does run a very close second. I guess she wouldn't blink an eye if someone fell on her land and said something like... 'wow - you have a dangerous situation here and I was hurt by it. I wonder what a lawyer would say.'

Hmmm well I guess Holly beats pugh because she links to herself, her own words and thoughts and then has no issue with blaming jane for how bookstores (not sellers because she never ever addressed people just the 'stores', we won't even get into how she thinks bricks sell books) misunderstood her post. She says in her comments

These two somehow managed to, and have managed to piss off a number of other booksellers and a whole bunch of potential readers toward me for no reason at all.

So I guess that means not only does holly hate chain bookstores, she thinks booksellers are too stupid to read and form an opinion but can only be spoon fed info from jane.

Oh who knows which is the best comment... they are all comic gold. No worries you can make up your own mind. Really! I do wonder though, when the fuck did jane get all powerful and why the fuck didn't anyone tell me? I feel so out of the loop. I wonder if this has shown up on fandom wank yet.

reviews, buys and reads - oh my

2006-12-11T03:34:00.000-06:00

Reviews coming this week.... in no order at all since High Stakes is going up today.

Unleashed by Susan Kearney, Lucy Monroe, Diane Whiteside, Rebecca York

In the tradition of "Hot Blooded" and "Hot Spell" comes an anthology that dares to unleash the most uninhibited fantasies imaginable featuring works by Susan Kearney, Lucy Monroe, Diane Whiteside, and York.

The Stranger I Married By Sylvia Day

They are London's most scandalous couple. Isabel, Lady Pelham, and Gerard Faulkner, Marquess of Grayson. Their union is a most agreeable sham, until a shocking turn of events sends Gerard away from Isabel. Four years later he comes back and will stop at nothing to win her love.

The Sinful Nights of a Nobleman

At a glamorous soiree in the romantic English countryside, Lord Devon Boscastle, one of the most elusive bachelors in London, is on the prowl for a willing and wicked lady to share a night of all-consuming sin. So he’s delighted to accept a mysterious invitation for a midnight rendezvous.
Miss Jocelyn Lydbury, a demure young debutante, has her heart set on a marriage proposal from a certain respectable gentleman. Invited to a secret tryst at the stroke of twelve, she hopes to finally meet her longtime admirer. To her dismay, it is the heartbreaking Devon who lies in wait for his midnight lady. Before the pair can unmask their deceiver, they are caught in a passionate, if unplanned, embrace and forced into marriage. Although Devon claims he won’t change his roguish ways for anyone, upon returning to London he is surprised to find that his once-timid bride has become an alluring temptress. But little does he know that Jocelyn has vowed to tame her handsome rake–in the ballroom and in the bedchamber.

The Wicked Games of a Gentleman by Jillian Hunter

Lord Drake Boscastle has everything–smoldering good looks, extreme wealth, and devilish charms. Everything, that is, except true happiness. Hoping to satisfy his growing discontent, he is set to meet one of the most celebrated courtesans in England for a heated rendezvous. But on the scheduled night of pleasure, Lord Drake’s world is turned upside down by Eloise Goodwin, a wholesome, spirited governess with voluptuous curves and a beguiling wit. Even with an experienced seductress willing to satisfy his every need, Lord Drake cannot forget his encounter with Eloise.
Although swept off her feet by the mysteriously handsome rake, Eloise has more pressing matters to address. Her rebellious young client has escaped into the night with a local rogue and is nowhere to be found. Stepping in to assist, Lord Drake must try to resist his desire to indulge the longing passion he feels for Eloise. But once a scoundrel, always a scoundrel . . . or has the untamable Lord Drake at last been tamed?

The Raven Prince by Elizabeth Hoyt

THERE COMES A TIME IN A LADY'S LIFE...
Widowed Anna Wren is having a wretched day. After an arrogant male on horseback nearly squashes her, she arrives home to learn that she is in dire financial straits. What is a gently bred lady to do?
WHEN SHE MUST DO THE UNTHINKABLE...
The Earl of Swartingham is in a quandary. Having frightened off two secretaries, Edward de Raaf needs someone who can withstand his bad temper and boorish behavior. Dammit! How hard can it be to find a decent secretary?
AND FIND EMPLOYMENT.
When Anna becomes the earl’s secretary, both their problems are solved. Then she discovers he plans to visit the most notorious brothel in London for his “manly” needs. Well! Anna sees red—and decides to assuage her “womanly” desires . . . with the earl as her unknowing lover.

High Stakes by Erin McCarthy

He's a bloodsucking freak of nature. But, unlike other politicians, Ethan Carrick is actually a nice guy. Not to mention a very hot, wealthy, casino-owning vampire. It's an election year for vampires, which means he'll first have to escape his opponent's hit men. Then he'll have to find a suitable First Lady, preferably here in Vegas.
Brittany Baldizzi fits the bill. She's smart, pretty- and sweeter than a glass of diabetic O-Negative. But her protective sister Alexis steps in with a message for Ethan: Bite me. It's then that he realizes it's the sexy, no-nonsense Alexis who raises his stake. And as much as she denies it, Alexis wouldn't mind a romp in the coffin with him. But can a mere mortal, even one who risks her life for him, make a centuries-old, womanizing vampire feel something entirely new?

New to me:
Simply Love by Mary Balogh
All Night Long by Melissa MacNeal
The Prince Kidnaps a Bride by Christina Dodd
oh so not fond of that cover or title
Must Love Mistletoe by Christie Ridgway
What the Lady Wants by Jennifer Cruise
The Naked Truth by by Donna Kauffman, Beverly Brandt, Alesia Holliday, Erin McCarthy
Honk if you Love Real Men by Carrie Alexander, Pamela Britton, Susan Donovan, and Lora Leigh
Master of Glen Crannach by Stephanie Howard (WHY do I know this name?)

reading this week:
Jingle Bell Rock by Lori Foster, Donna Kauffman, Susan Donovan, Janelle Denison, Alison Kent, Nancy Warren
Simply Unforgettable by Mary Balogh
Must Love Mistletoe - never read Christie Ridgway... really I can't even say I know of anything she has written.... she any good?
Bit the Jackpot by Erin McCarthy
Harmony's Way by Lora Leigh

But with me who knows... something shiny could change my mind or I end up reading a Diana Palmer. And then there is the lil fact that out of the five apartment I saw yesterday. I liked one I couldn't afford and the rest really don't save me enough money or are close enough to work to make it WORTH the pain and suffering of moving. le sigh...

So what about you? Any recs? New books? Something to squuueee about?

For love or money

2006-12-10T05:31:00.000-06:00

As I was looking for a link on LLB's blog (for a cafe press post I am doing) I noticed her last post. I got side tracked....

Her post Wowie Kazowie!, talks about the really amazingly great year 'visitor wise' All About Romance has had in 2006.and about raising their ad rates. I have odd ideas (shut up) about making money off blogs, websites and most of all reviews. (another post in the works since I read that article the Dear Jane posted about some amazon reviewer making cash off reviews... won't be up for a few weeks cuz I am doing some tracking in the RT mag *g*) I think my views were shaped from spend so long in xfiles fandom.

Fanfic is at heart nothing but sheer love, lust fannish musing over 'something. Sitting down, creating, learning new skills and the like - just to showcase your fannish colors and 'talk' to others of like mind is just awesome. I think. And is a huge part of what drew me to AAR.

It was the back fence... looking to chat about books, put up honest reviews and help put a more positive face on romance. So when it starts to talk about crappy cafe press sells and charging more for ads, it seems to be no longer about the love of books and romance land but about making a buck.
Is that just me?

Once upon a time I was apart of a huge website for a tv show. I have never seen a blog, message board or website in romanceland come CLOSE to the amount of traffic this site did (back in the day of course - five years later it is prolly closer to AAR's numbers) in a day much less a year.

Now the chick who ran the site was pretty computer smart but still had to pay for some support and things she couldn't figure out herself. I have to admit I thought/think she was pretty off her nut because of the amount of coin she dropped a month to pay for the site, bandwidth, support and whatever else comes with it.

So I think it is smart that AAR, Smart Bitches and whoever else charges for ads to help/try to recoup the cost for the site and give-a-ways. But if you raise your cost too much, don't you put yourself outside the range of the people you are trying to get to advertise with? And I find that sad. I mean hell I hardly ever click on those ads and they have no effect on my romance buying decisions but I like the idea they are there for the authors to use.Is that just me?

Is everyone else rushing out to click on the ads? Is it just certain sites? If so which ones? Hell the big sites like Writespace and Best Reviews (who I think are 'for profit sites' correct me if I am wrong) can't seem to UPDATE their ads to reflect new books. LOL then again I don't go to those site often.

At the same time I find myself going to AAR much less over the last year then I did when I first joined romance land. Blogs have news up quicker and since they are driven on the bloggers personality I think they tend to be more fun than a review site.

So even if hits and traffic are up... is it good time to raise rates? Or is it just me and AAR is as busy and fun as ever?

Poor Computer is still Teh Dead

2006-12-08T09:42:00.000-06:00

But other computer shall get a network card today... so cross your fingers...

It bes sick

2006-12-07T10:20:00.000-06:00

poor puter... I hope to fix it tonight...

So just where were you last night at midnight?

2006-12-05T12:48:00.000-06:00

It should shock... oh no one... that I was at Walmart (hey it isn't a evol chain).

Oddly enough, okay you can be shocked now, I wasn't looking to fill a late night book emergency. What? Like you have never had one of those.

No I was there for Jack. And because I am a fucking awesome sister (and after the wait the t-shirt sucked but whatever the kid is happy). So as I waited I did the only thing one should do at walmart at 11:00pm.

Looked at books!

I had like an hour to kill. First I put back all the books in the spots where they belong. And moved some new releases up top in the empty spots - for the love of god people but the books back where they go!

I then picked up a couple of books I had been thinking of getting Love in a Bottle and Paula Quinn's new one (I am blanking on the title).

And Susan Mallery's new Desire because I am her bitch and buy all her Desires and SSE. Oddly enough I haven't tried the others yet.

So I read the first chapter of LiaB. It starts really well. We first met Sophie in the forest lusting after a fungus. And she is soon crawling in the mud to get to it... in her dress. I liked her on spot. We are introduced to Ian when Sophie spots his boots next to her fungus. His looks knocks her senseless. It really was a grand start but I hit a wall. They were very familiar with each other and I couldn't wrap my arms around it. It bothered me. So I put it back to think on later when I was like awake.

Now I did what I normally do when thinking on a book and flipped open Quinn's book randomly. The scene is right after the hero and heroine have married and send heroine has fallen asleep on annoyed groom. The morning after amused me and the I liked the hero.

So as my phone went off telling me it was time to go over to lane one where Jack should be showing up shortly. I threw the book who's title I can now not remember into the cart with Mallery.

I read the first two chapters of The Unexpected Millionaire last night and the first chapter of Mustang Wild by Stacey Kayne this morning (which I really like so far). And now want to read Love in a Bottle.

Yo ho hum...

The lesson we learn here... next time put both books in the cart.

Just when I thought that I was out, she pulled me back in... info added

2006-12-02T18:52:00.000-06:00

The Harlequin by Laurell K Hamilton ***JUNE 5, 2007***

EDWARD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Okay I am easy... I will cry if this sucks. ETS: Was it ever confirmed that someone is dying in this one? Cuz I will just stop sqqquueee now if so. Anyone? Hell anyone still reading Anita?

Anita Blake is about to face the challenge of her life. Into her world - a world already overflowing with power - have come creatures so feared that powerful, centuries-old vampires refuse to mention their names. It is forbidden to speak of THE HARLEQUIN unless you've been contacted. And to be contacted by The Harlequin is to be under sentence of death.

Long-time rivals for Anita's affections, Jean-Claude, Master Vampire of the City and Richard, alpha-werewolf, will need to become allies. Shapeshifters Nathaniel and Micah will have to step up their support. And then there's EDWARD. In this situation, Anita knows that she needs to call the one man who has always been there for her...

and you know the one man left she hasn't screwed.... Do you guys have any idea how hard it was to not add commentary to that? You know like after alpha-werewolf (pussy) and their support (aka fucking her)... although the CAPS are mine... well and any typos

geeze but really really really it makes me squeeee... but oh-my-fucking-gawd if she brings him back just to off him

New books and a thankee to Dear Author

2006-12-02T13:40:00.000-06:00

NEW BOOKS!

Autumn in Scotland by Karen Ranney

Abandoned by a rogue

Betrothed to an earl she had never met, Charlotte Haversham arrived at Balfurin, hoping to find love at the legendary Scottish castle. Instead she found decaying towers and no husband among the ruins. So Charlotte worked a miracle, transforming the rotting fortress into a prestigious girls' school. And now, five years later, her life is filled with purpose—until . . .

Seduced by a stranger

A man storms Charlotte's castle—and he is not the reprehensible Earl of Marne, the one who stole her dowry and dignity, but rather the absent lord's handsome, worldly cousin Dixon MacKinnon. Mesmerized by the fiery Charlotte, Dixon is reluctant to correct her mistake. And though she's determined not to play the fool again, Charlotte finds herself strangely thrilled by the scoundrel's amorous attentions. But a dangerous intrigue has drawn Dixon to Balfurin. And if his ruse is prematurely revealed, a passionate, blossoming love affair could crumble into ruin.

Pleasure Prolonged (Avon Red) by Cathryn Fox

Once a mere lab assistant, Erin Shay is thrilled over her new promotion. The curvaceous, brainy, somewhat straightlaced lady has been placed in charge of an important new research project: testing a serum specially designed to substantially prolong a couple's lovemaking. With scientists Jay and Laura off on their honeymoon, Erin's been left alone in the lab . . . with her hard-bodied new assistant, Kale Alexander, a sexy stud who has "playboy" written all over him.

Erin's never even had a one-night stand—but the project's success depends upon her playing the wild, wanton bad-girl to red-hot Casanova Kale. Since she's already learned the perils of leaving her heart too open to heartbreak, this time she'll be the one calling the shots. Her bad-boy partner is going to know from the git-go that this will be a brief sex-only affair—hot, torrid, steamy love in the interests of science . . . with absolutely no strings attached. But when the loving is this deliciously hot, who in her right mind wouldn't want to prolong it?

The Price of Desire (Avon Red) by Leda Swann

Caroline Clemens is at her wits' end. Orphaned and responsible for the welfare of her four younger siblings, she's certain it's only a matter of time before she loses everything.

When she meets Dominic Savage passions ignite, and they soon strike a deal that benefits both parties. But their desire for each other soon outweighs any "business" deal between them, and the two lovers suddenly find themselves playing by an entirely different set of rules.

Alluring Tales by Lisa Renee Jones, Myla Jackson, Vivi Anna, Sasha White, Sylvia Day, Cathryn Fox and Delilah Devlin

A television executive lets loose when her favorite heartthrob strides into her office--and gives her the ride of her life.

This one night stand may be too hot to handle for a newly single woman, but that won't stop her from enjoying every delicious second.

When a mysterious package opens to reveal an oh-so-sexy, nearly naked man, these two have no choice but to hide out...for a good, long time.

A minister's son harbors impure thoughts about a voluptuous stripper--and sets out to make his erotic dreams come true...

A big city cop discovers that once bitten is not twice shy after spending a tantalizing night with a beautiful vampire...

A sheltered young woman opens a mysterious locket--and is plunged into a legendary battle of good versus evil to set her imprisoned lover free...

A seductive warlock will not rest until the powerful temptress he lusts for is begging to be dominated...

Pleasure beckons and satisfaction is guaranteed in seven titillating stories of love that knows no boundaries. Surrender to the passion and follow your desires into unexplored realms of sensuous delights. Awaken the fantasy!

And thanks to Dear Author's Great Pumpkin Giveaway!

Harmony's Way by Lora Leigh

Harmony Lancaster is of the Lion breed, created to be a huntress with a thirst to kill. But the way she seeks justice outside of the law makes her a liability to her own kind. Yet she also possesses information that they need on the existence of the First Leo - who holds the precious secrets of desire.

To save her life, Harmony is paired with Sheriff Lance Jacobs, who tries to tame the killer within her, while protecting the gentle woman he longs to possess. But a dangerous cult leader, bent on destroying the Breeds, could change the way Lance looks at Harmony forever...

Oh ebookwise, oh ebookwise

2006-12-02T05:37:00.000-06:00

Oh ebookwise, oh ebookwise,
of all the ereaders most lovely
Oh ebookwise, oh ebookwise,
of all the ereaders most lovely
Each year you bring to me delight,
meaning reading in the night
Oh ebookwise, oh ebookwise,
of all the ereaders most lovely

Oh ebookwise, oh ebookwise,
with faithful ebooks unchanging
Oh ebookwise, oh ebookwise,
with faithful ebooks unchanging
Your memory is long, with sale it grows
and currently you ship free
Oh ebookwise, oh ebookwise,
with faithful ebooks unchanging

Each year you will bring to me delight,
meaning reading in the christmas night
Oh ebookwise, oh ebookwise,
of all the ereaders most lovely

look sale
I know what santa is bringing me!
(I didn't even have to be a good girl! Who knew?)

Was this ever found...

2006-11-30T22:26:00.000-06:00

Who Am I?

Just wondering....

passion for fashion

2006-11-30T13:09:00.000-06:00

Fashion

hope she goes and finishes it... there are only two posts up and it is sort of nifty... I always have a hard time understanding all those layers they are wearing

Anyone have any other links like this? I should go check out the risky regencies girls.

To blazes with the code.

2006-11-30T12:51:00.000-06:00

Reviewing has a super secret code! Who Knew?

I am so always the last to know.

more like guidelines...

Barbossa: First, your return to shore was not part of our negotiations nor our agreement so I must do nothing. And secondly, you must be a pirate for the pirate's code to apply and you're not. And thirdly, the code is more what you'd call "guidelines" than actual rules. Welcome aboard the Black Pearl, Miss Turner.

hee I know that is from one but WoOT! you all do know that PoC:Dead Man's Chest is coming to DVD soon right?

minions....misty water-colored minions

2006-11-30T10:01:00.000-06:00

Now you may have noticed I hold Amazon reviews to mean just about nothing. I am sorry and I have been told, asked, whatever to look into putting reviews on Amazon as well as my blog, so it is something that I keep trying to look at as a useful tool.

Today I find it wonderful in a very Highland Fling, WolfTales sort of way.

Lets take a look...

the book in question:
JACOB: The Nightwalkers by Jacquelyn Frank

the players:
L. Arendt
She loves it! FIVE STARS! GREAT three line review that goes into awesome detail to tell you WHY you should love this book too.

Now I would mention she has one review to her name. And all her tags are regarding one book. But really do I need to point that out?

RENEE NELSON
She loves it too! FIVE STARS! Great four line review that goes into awesome detail to tell you WHY you should love this book too. And is a serious amazon reviewer with two great reviews to her name ::coughsecondaddedtodayandnotabook::.

Fathom
31 reviews... all not created in the last day or so... GO TEAM FATHOM. Hell do you have a blog? I know you won't see this but I think I love you! A real reader review! Fair, balanced, what you liked what you didn't... WOW.

Jane Little "Jane at DearAuthor.Com"
Dear Jane can't you put a link in your Amazon Profile? If not that might kill one of my bitches right there (more on that in a min). 9 reviews but link to your site so all good. I would say you should put more on amazon if you are gonna do it. But this is a big reason why I go back and forth with doing it myself.

And damn it seems long for an amazon review... but hey enough about me. Fair, balanced, what you liked what you didn't... WOW.

A. Bosworth
I feel like I have looked into your profile before... did you like Highland Fling? Hmmm taking the time to read ALL of your three reviews I see no mention. Go figure but I digress... Stock summary but when a person reviews so many books to because an awesome amazon reviewer that can be forgiven.

loonigrrl
52 reviewers... picture loaded back in July... some nifty looking reviews there ::makes note to go checkout:: Nice honest opinon (even worried about being too mean... awww you are a nice girl, really we must stick together).

score:
three real people with honest opinions... three new accounts, with few reviews, that could be real people

So what does this mean beside I want blog addys for loonigrrl and fanthom cuz really one can NEVER have too many reader blogs. Not a damn thing but really I find it rather funny... you know in a highlandflings/wolftales sort of way.

Well and I need to figure out if you can put a link in your profile because really I think that would help. I can't help it. I KNOW new readers pop up in blog land. I KNOW new readers pop up on amazon. I know you might read 2000000 then hit that book that makes you stand up and go fuck me I want to tell the world about this without having an adgenda or being the authors BFF.

But if it quacks like a sock, walks like a sock, it is almost always a sock.... or you know... a fangrrl....

I am just a cynical bitch like that.

Next up:
The day in the life of a Fangrrl (I kid)

Color me annoyed

2006-11-28T15:24:00.000-06:00

Dear Jane mentioned a article in Publishers Weekly a few days ago. Angie talks more about it on her blog and has a short interview up with one of the authors mentioned Jacquelyn Frank who has a book that just came out called Jacob: The Nightwalkers.

from PW

Subgenre: Paranormal
First printing:250,000 mass market

Editor's take: "It's so magical, sexy and intense.... I've never been more enthusiastic about a project." —Kate Duffy

I know little about this book. I had never heard of it or the author until the PW article was brought to my attention. I did pick it up at wally world last night and didn't make it past the first two pages.

The first page is pretty much author quotes telling me how much I am gonna like this book. Or how blown away they were by it. And honestly it left me with the feeling the only thing blowing was hot air.

These are good authors. Authors I read (for the most part). And because I am ever the optimist I am gonna say I believe they mean what they say (vs faves called in, cropped quotes, or whatever). But isn't there a point where too much it too much.

A quote from Linda Howard, Lori Foster (oddly missing from the website press page), Kenyon, Feehan, Ross and Cathy Maxwell to me equals too much. Having Kate Duffy saying this is the bestest ever (I think that is promo hype but feel bad for her other authors) is too much on top of all those author quotes.

Where the heck are the reviews? Where is the buzz from people who aren't in the business? Or you know... best friends with the author. (note to all newbie authors, tell your friends to not play fangirls [earn your minions!] or at least make sure the three people posting on your message board and blog don't go around defending you or 'getting your back')

Sell me a book. Sell me an idea but don't force feed it to me. I don't want it. Tell me I have to love something and I will tell you what I will hate sight unseen. It is a knee jerk reaction I know. But color me annoyed: publishers can't put out a historical because the market is soft, can't take chances, can't buy a book by an author whose last book sold poorly but who has been a proven winner. Can't, can't, can't....

Maybe they can't because they are putting too many eggs in a very breakable basket. Maybe putting out an unknown author, with such grand promo that people who hunt the internet for book info hear about it two weeks before the release date isn't a good idea. Maybe having a message board, blog, website, six book deal with first run at 250,000 mass market is jumping the gun. And to pick a market that is so over run right now... and do 250,000 MM books... seems like a bad idea. Hell I want historicals. I want GOOD historicals and it seems like a shitty idea to have two unknowns come out with a print run of over 100,000k (although I do hope to have my hands on Campbell and McCarthy's books soon).

Honestly some of those print run numbers turn my stomach. What is that going to do other than ensure if you want any of them wait a week... it will be in the used book store. Is it good for the author? How can a newbie author with no press or following hit those numbers? Are they being set up to fail?

I don't write. I don't have a book to sell. I don't work in publishing. But I am offended and greatly annoyed. Susan Kay Law can't sell a western (after winning a Rita, go team Rita! /endsacrasm). Alexis Harrington has had a book shopping for a while. Marsha Canham chooses to retire vs keep up with the game. Laura Kinsale can't get a deal she wants to take. And I could go one and on... But a newbie can get a 6 book deal and 250,000 MM print run?

Or will this prove that if you put enough of anything 'out there' and that anything in large numbers at wally world will end up in the cart of the 'average reader'.

I generally ignore cover quotes. Because publishing is a business. But the biggest thing is, just because I may think your book is the shit that doesn't mean I am going to have the same taste as you.

Can this be seen as the same thing as Dear Authors 100 bloggers blogging? I admit I am a book pimp. And if I love something I am the first person to talk about it. Repeatedly. I love to have the chance to turn a reader onto a new to them author I love almost as much as I love to find new to me authors. For some reason having those 'readers' all be 'writers' doesn't work for me.

Does it work for you? Will you be heading out to wally world to pick this up? Has anyone read this yet? Do you think this is a sign of good things to come? Bad things to come? Or is this normal and I have never noticed before? Is that noise we hear readers rushing to go buy the book or writers rushing to find Cindy Hwang's email addy?

Update as SKL Site: Just Sex

2006-11-28T10:52:00.000-06:00

I so don't think this is pointing in the direction of Susan Kay Law's next book being a historical.

Who knew you could be disappointed in a book when all you know is the title?

Edited to add:
Go check this out...

So what do you think? Interested?

Panic! At the Disco or book coveting

2006-11-28T08:48:00.000-06:00

link if box is missing again

You Tube hates me... why?
Now we can all have it stuck in our heads *g*. You are most welcome.

So what new books are you coveting? The end of November books are out at WallyWorld...

Me...

I just finished...
The School for Heiresses by Sabrina Jeffries, Liz Carlyle, Julia London, Renee Bernard
The Stranger I Married by Sylvia Day

Books I have bought...
The Raven Prince by Elizabeth Hoyt (highly rec)
Lord Greville’s Captive by Nicola Cornick (tbr)
Her Lone Protector by Pam Crooks (tbr)

Currently reading...
Unleashed by Rebecca York, Susan Kearney, Lucy Monroe, and Diane Whiteside
Bit the Jackpot by Erin McCarthy
Beyond a Shadow by Alison Kent

I am eyeing...
Autumn in Scotland by Karen Ranney
The Mad, Bad Duke by Jennifer Ashley
The Unexpected Millionaire by Susan Mallery

maybe...
Love in a Bottle by Zoe Archer
Lord of Seduction by Paula Quinn
For the Love of a Pirate by Edith Layton (read the first chapter in the store and hated the hero... anyone read this yet?)

December...
Harmony's Way by Lora Leigh (I won, I won!)
The Harem by Celia May Hart, Emma Leigh, Noelle Mack, and Melissa MacNeal

And would rec...
The School for Heiresses by Sabrina Jeffries, Liz Carlyle, Julia London, Renee Bernard (not for Jane cause she is hating on antho's right now)
The Rules of Seduction by Madeline Hunter (not a December but you still should get it if you haven't)

sexing up the cover

2006-11-25T20:27:00.000-06:00

The Great Scot was

And is now

So which cover do you like better? If it helps here is the blurb

Location coordinator Erin McGregor knows she’s finally found the perfect setting for her romance reality show, Your Prince Charming. The Chisholm clan stronghold in the Scottish Highlands has it all—romantic moors, windswept cliffs, misty lochs, a four-hundred-year-old castle, and possibly the most gorgeous man she’s ever laid eyes on in chieftain Dylan Chisholm. Nothing like a guy with a sexy accent and a big…turret to make a girl all wonky-kneed. Right. No time for wonky. Time to get over her fixation with the Hot Scot and get back to business. And Erin will…any minute now…

With his three youngest brothers spoken for, Dylan Chisholm is at the top of his village’s matchmaking list. Now they’ve sent some impish, forthright American lass up to tempt him into a devil’s bargain: He can let the Yanks use his castle to film their foolish romance show, and in exchange, he’ll get the money his village desperately needs. It took a tragic loss to get Dylan to embrace his heritage and his duty. He can’t turn away from such a promising offer. But keeping his thoughts off Erin McGregor is another matter. She’s everything he never wanted in a woman, and suddenly, she’s everything he craves in every way possible…

Enslaved by Hope Tarr June 2007

2006-11-25T20:13:00.000-06:00

Enslaved is the follow up novel to Vanquished and the second book in Hope's "Men of Roxbury House" historical romance trilogy.

Daisy Lake is only a memory to successful barrister Gavin Carmichael. But a memory he cannot forget. "Through thick and thin, forever and ever, come what may, we'll stay together…" is the pact the young orphans made over a decade ago, before the wide-eyed little girl was torn from his arms. Only a precious, painful memory … until Gavin walks into an East End supper club where the headlining act is the infamous nightingale of the Montmartre music halls, Delilah du Lac.

Overcome, Gavin storms on stage and carries her off, determined to save her from the lifestyle she has apparently embraced. But Daisy wants no part of him. She has only one desire: to act on a proper London stage.

It is a dream Gavin can make come true. He promises to employ every resource at his disposal to see she gets a part in the upcoming run of Shakespeare's "As You Like It" … provided she agrees to live with him for one month.

Daisy has slept with men for far less. And Gavin has matured into an exceedingly handsome man. But as their sensual games increase in intensity, Gavin is the one in danger of being …

ENSLAVED

Edge of Midnight by Shannon McKenna Aug 2007

2006-11-25T18:40:00.000-06:00

Shannon McKenna guest blogged on Dishing with the Divas and had this to say about her next book, Edge of Midnight:

Shannon: I can’t say too much about the new book, because I’m still working on it, and I’m sort of superstitious about that. What I can say, is that it’s Sean McCloud’s story, it’s entitled EDGE OF MIDNIGHT, and it’s pub date is August of 2007. I’m sorry to make Sean fans wait!
And thanks to all of your for your interest! It’s been a pleasure to rattle on about myself.

yeah it doesn't say much than her site which as always needs to be updated... but hey it makes me happy

Never Lie To A Lady by Liz Carlyle June 2007

2006-11-25T16:20:00.000-06:00

I read The School for Heiresses the other day. And I have to say I REALLY want Never Lie To A Lady by Liz Carlyle.

Of course it comes out in June 2007. le sigh... but loved After Midnight ( in TSfH), her story that kicks off the series. I was hoping Rothwell's story would be first but (if amazon is correct) Never Deceive a Duke comes out in July.

New York Times bestselling author Liz Carlyle opens her exciting new historical trilogy by plunging readers into the steamy underworld of 19th century London and the swirling glitter of English high society.
Meet Stefan...
The notorious Marquis of Nash is a creature of the night; his wealth and his title provide but a tenuous entrée into polite society. With his Eastern European manners and dark elegance, Nash tempts women even as he tempts the scandalmongers. Rumors abound of the men he has bankrupted and the hearts he has broken. But when Nash leaves his lair for a rare foray into the ton, and enjoys a moment of heated passion with a mysterious lady in the dark, he develops an obsession which will lead him into the hellish world of smugglers, spies, and political intrigue as the Continent edges nearer to war.

and Xanthia ...
Xanthia Neville has arrived in London to expand her family’s most lucrative business holding—Neville Shipping. With her brother Rothewell all too happy to waste his life in debauchery, Xanthia opens up shop in London’s grimy Docklands, and sets about expanding the family fortune, all the while flaunting the ton’s silly strictures about how a lady ought to behave. But London, she soon learns, is not Barbados. And when the British Government approaches Rothewell to ask the family’s help in exposing a dangerous arms dealer, Xanthia must enter society after all, only to find her loyalties torn. Someone in London is fueling the conflict on the Balkan Peninsula by smuggling illicit weapons into the Aegean—and there is only one likely suspect. The Marquis of Nash has the resources, the contacts and, quite possibly, the deeply divided loyalties. But can Xanthia’s subterfuge prove him a traitor to the Crown before her heart is broken?

I still don't get it

2006-11-25T13:28:00.000-06:00

I looks like Wicked Pleasure by Nina Bangs now has a Feb 2007 release date. And there are two new covers that I can find on the net but all seem to have the same cover quotes as the one that was pulled in July.

Amazon has this one

Books a Million has this one

Personally I don't care for any of them but none seem worth the cost of pulling a book... anyone hear anything else about this?

gakked from marg, who gakked from dylan who...

2006-11-22T08:31:00.000-06:00

What Kind of Reader Are You? Your Result: Dedicated Reader You are always trying to find the time to get back to your book. You are convinced that the world would be a much better place if only everyone read more.
Obsessive-Compulsive Bookworm
Literate Good Citizen
Book Snob
Fad Reader
Non-Reader
What Kind of Reader Are You? Create Your Own Quiz

I am soooo much higher on the OC scale but whatever ;)

Can old news be the sign of new things?

2006-11-21T13:50:00.000-06:00

From the RT newsletter:

And speaking of historicals... we predict that a comeback is on the horizon. With authors like Karen Robards, Judith McNaught and now Julie Garwood returning to the much-beloved genre, it won't be long before all publishers will jump on the bandwagon to cash in on this returning trend. Add to that the recent news that suspense authors Tess Gerritsen and (of all people) Dennis Lehane will have historicals out in the next two years and you can see the trend is already in motion. If you're an author, dust off those historicals and get them ready for submission and if you're a fan of historicals, rejoice in the knowledge that authors and/or publishers have heard your pleas! Let's hope the new historicals live up to what fans want: lush, historically accurate detail, strong, independent heroines, heroes to die for, palpable sexual tension with tender sensuality and books overflowing with old-fashioned romance!

FYI: Keep in mind that when these historicals hit stores it will be up to you (and your buying power) to determine how long the trend lasts. That means you MUST show your support for historicals by purchasing them new and not buying them on sites like half.com or used. "New" book sales is the only measure publishers use to determine if they will continue to publish more historicals. Create the demand and they will supply the product.

It may be winter but we have sprung ahead with a sneak preview of some blockbuster books to anticipate this spring including ones from Lisa Kleypas, Karen Robards, Gaelen Foley, Kelly Armstrong and Brenda Joyce to name a few.

I could be way wrong but didn't Karen Robards new historical (the wrap up to her long ago started trilogy which is currently on hold with no publishing date) get announced in the RT last year? As well as the HUGE news that Garwood would be returning to historicals (although maybe that was an AAR interview?).

But Judith McNaught I didn't know about and I am way interested in the Lehane although I doubt it is a romance. LOL unless he is gonna give sparks a run for his money and really Lehane could so kick Sparks ass. Sez I.

So what do you guys think? Is the historical the new black for 2007? Or still the same shade of gray it has been for the last few years?

Is it wrong of me...

2006-11-21T11:48:00.000-06:00

To be soooooo excited that I am gonna get this soon?

le sigh and me without my sqqqeee button

The wait... it kills... slowly....

Holiday... Celebrate...

2006-11-21T10:23:00.000-06:00

Got anything planned to for the holidays? yeah yeah yeah I know family and food and stuff...

But what cha gonna read?

Me? I am not sure yet since I will have to be at the 'rents for a day or so. So I need to plan ahead so I can take them with me. I do know for sure I will be reading Lessons in Love since it landed in my mail box yesterday! YAY!

And something else is there... waiting... captive in the office...

I have hope to finish two others I was lucky enough to get early but are on the computer. Really need to get an ereader for Christmas or something.

Anywho, what about you? Who in the hell is buying all of those reissued holiday antho's they reprint each year? I mean they are all over the place! And oy, they had a butt load of reissued Harl. Why? They aren't the hard to find ones! They are the ones that cover five shelves in the ubs.

Why! They should ask us what we want reissued. oooooohhhhhh there is a question for you... if you could have ANY book reissued for your Christmas present what would it be? And why?

Is it because you want to read it and can't find it? Love it so much want others to be able to read it? Or yours is falling apart and you need a new one for under the discount used price of $100 on Ebay *g*.

Review: The Rules of Seduction by Madeline Hunter

2006-11-20T11:38:00.000-06:00

Genre: Historical Romance
Grade: A-

Alexia Welbourne is a poor relation of The Longworth family. Unknown to any of them, except Timothy (head of the family), they are all living on borrowed time. By chance Hayden Rothwell enters the picture and the clock stops. Timmy has been a bad, bad boy but due to a debt Hayden allows him to try to keep his honor and save face - at least with his family. Timmy's bright idea is to blame his 'ruin' on Hayden.

This comes to light in one of the first scenes as Alexia gives Hayden a tour of her soon to be old home. These are two great characters and the dialogue is wonderful. They are both adults and they behave that way. Alexia is scared and unsure of her next steps but she doesn't fall apart and wait for someone to fix it for her.

Hayden Rothwell reminds me of David de Abyndon from By Arrangement. They are both basically good men who have done some bad things. They find themselves in situations not of their own making and try to fix them best way they can. And they both keep a stupid secret from their wives for too long.

They do end up with their wives differently and I admit I found Hayden and Alexia's first 'love' scene together jarring. I expected it to go differently. I didn't really think he would go through with it. The Rules of Seduction is a perfect example of how to use sex and love scenes to add to the characters, their relationship and move the story along. So much happens from that dirty attic floor to the last page.

The plot is tried and true but with enough of Hunter's plotting and wonderful characters to make it interesting, entertaining and different. If you have marked Madeline Hunter off your to buy list or haven't tried her in a while give this one a shot. The Rules of Seduction is a really great read and from the sneak peak for The Lessons of Desire this is a series to watch.

Dear Self: The Texas Ranger

2006-11-19T20:13:00.000-06:00

Dear Self,

You have read The Texas Ranger.

You did not like The Texas Ranger.

In fact you didn't even blog about this book because no one had annoyed you enough that week to make them read about your dislike of this book.

For the love of all that is holy - stop buying this fucking book.

Otherwise you will be forced to keep said book because somewhere deep inside you must really love a book you rebuy four times. And there will be an essay required regarding surgical proceedures needed to remove a hyman.

Love,
Me

p.s. really might want to rethink the buying diana palmer thing...

okay.... this completely pisses me off

2006-11-16T13:07:00.000-06:00

The pitfalls of receiving free books...

Simon & Schuster is so not sending me free books! That is sooooooo rude!

hmph and double hmph... I am the first person to say I love free books. Most of all I love free EARLY books. They make me happy, very very happy. I even will sqqquuueee! (well not for inspirations)

But it doesn't mean I will like the book. I go with a few very simple ideas. Good or bad a review is a great thing, having your book mentioned is a good thing, a link to a book is a good thing. Because everyone likes different things and what I hate, someone might read and go omg I love that plot. So I tend to agree with Miss Snark (anyone even find out if she is really an agent?) that the idea of all free books will get GOOD reviews isn't true. But I could be wrong...

As for publishers only sending books to people who give glowing reviews, I tend to disagree but hey we will see if my next batch of Avon Red shows up or not.

That is cool

2006-11-16T10:45:00.000-06:00

It would be cooler I am sure if I knew what the 'keynote' speaker did.

But hey it sounds like a great honor so good for Lisa Kleypas!

Should it make me smile so every time I see one of these?

2006-11-16T10:25:00.000-06:00

ok I have to be ahead now... right?

another DiW review

can I get a WoOT!

Review: Sugar and Spice by Leda Swann

2006-11-16T09:50:00.000-06:00

Leda Swann was one of the authors who joined us for Avon Red Week. I completely fell in love with the cover for Sugar and Spice. Sadly this turned out to be one of those times where the cover was the best part.

Genre: Erotic Romance (I think... could be Erotica)
Grade: D-
Sensuality: Burning
Jane Meter: SKIP

This an ever popular anthology, although it is a single title. It has an interesting set up and is somewhat different. Each of the stories involve an already married couple struggling to find their HEA. They all end up at a 'naughty house' in Cornwall that caters to married couples and is ran by a Mrs. Bertram.

Click for rest of review

Our first couple - Gwendolyn and Adam are unhappily married but have great sex. Just about every night, or at least Adam is having great sex, Gwendolyn thinks she is just a convenient fuck. She lied and 'forced' him to marry her and Adam is holding something of a grudge. Hard to have a happy marriage with the groom thinking the bride is a lying, manipulative bitch.

I loved the set up and the first scene with the Turkish slave girl setup is great. Adam is very much the man as he lays there thinking a hand job isn't 'really cheating' until it dawns on him if he is there... where is his wife. The two play out a list of fantasy and find their way to sharing their true feelings. The stories biggest downside is it is too long and the very played out ending. Obsessed gets a C.

Lillian and Felix have a very Mary Balogh tradition regency plot. They got married. A few months later he gets bored thinking his wife is cold and doesn't want him. Felix starts to fuck around and Lillian tries her best to ignore it. After Felix takes off to Mrs. Bertram's with his newest 'soon to be mistress', Lillian is blackmailed by the Mr. of 'soon to be mistress'. After a chorus of 'Hail, Hail the Gangs All Here' there is a great scene where Lillian give Felix a piece of her mind.

And after he figures out how badly he screwed up with his virgin bride - SIX YEARS ago - Felix does the only thing any good regency hero would do. He decided it is a good time to teach his wife to blow him and stick his fingers up her ass. I was never able to get over the thought that she would have been better off leaving with Gareth. Enslaved gets a F.

Speaking of Gareth the hero of the last story and over all good guy. I liked him except for he spends most of the story being a doormat for Cora. In case you forgot, Cora was the woman who went off for a week with Felix. She is... hell really I am not sure what Cora is suppose to be. At one point she is mad because he married her to have door opened for him in socially At another point she is mad because she married him because he is in trade, so she figured she would never care for him but does. At another point it seems she thinks she can never make him happy and has a secret that would hurt him. Or some such thing, really by this point I just wanted the book over.

I guessed the end pretty early then decided I was wrong (turns out I wasn't). I think Exposed is the shortest of the three and the most sexually adventurous. They confront the big bad thing, learn they can deal with it together and Cora figures out Gareth will stick by her no matter what. Exposed gets a D.

I think the biggest disappointment I had with Sugar and Spice is it could have been so much better. It had a different plot than you normally get in today's historicals and I was willing to go along for the ride when I normally run from anything that deal with adultery.

Maybe that is why I got hung up on Felix's character and his actions. He has this big 'ah ha' moment and handles it so stupidly. I would have just closed the book and walked away, if I was the type to not finish books. And Cora was such a horrible character. I understand we are suppose to excuse her actions because of her big bad secret but Gareth was just too good. So over all the first story was the only I could say I liked and really not that much.

Anyone else read this yet? Like it? Have any other thoughts on Sugar and Spice?

Next: The Price of Desire is the next book by Leda Swann. I still have no clue what this is about other than it has something to do with a workhouse.

Currently I am reading Pleasure Control by Cathryn Fox and liking it. Have you tried an Avon Red yet?

Am I the only one who thinks this blows?

2006-11-14T21:33:00.000-06:00

I admit I have a hard time remembering titles but good night, just about every title Charlotte Boyett-Compo has uses the word wind. Her website url is even Windledgends.

I am guessing this is an attempt at branding but it is so not working for me. How about you guys?

Are you able to keep her stories straight? How do you remember what you have read and what you haven't? But most important... is she any good and what would you recommend reading?

Whatever you are looking for....

2006-11-14T08:20:00.000-06:00

As a rule I try to never trash a book or a person. It generally isn't my style. I rant. I rave. I have strong opinions and I think many actions of many people are stupid. But thinking the actions of a person aren't the brightest thing, disagreeing with them or not liking their book is a far cry from trashing, bashing, harassing or whatever.

Oh course I have my moments... I can be a bitch. And most of the time I am very unapologetic about it. Although I am happy to admit when I am wrong. I dislike many people and many more dislike me. I dislike many a book and there are many more I like. I tend to think of myself as one of those people who is killing romance as you want it (or at least kristie, jane, keishon and the like).

I am happy with the majority of what I am reading. In fact there are many I love and quite a few I know I shouldn't. But what the fuck, I am cool with that and if you are still here I would assume you are too. Because no matter what I love or hate - I don't expect you to have the same opinion nor would I ever, ever expect a anyone (friend or not) to only agree with me.

Yesterday I had someone I greatly respect tell me that my blog strikes a good balance. And that is what I aim for... I want authors to feel comfortable to post. I want readers to feel comfortable to post. And most of all I never want anyone to feel that they have to agree with me.

And I had another I greatly respect pretty much tell me I am unethical or at least I think that was her point.

After a great many emails, some thought and a few more emails from a many people I have come to the conclusion that:

Fair Use is your friend.

Anyone who criticizes people, their work, their actions or whatever the hell should be able to except criticism... aka if you can't take the heat isn't just advice for authors.

People who tell others to 'behave like a grown up' should take their own advice.

Anything I post in a public place has a chance of being quoted elsewhere on the internet.

If someone disagrees with my opinion, they can still be my friend.

If you don't want people discussing what you say or what you write - don't put it on the internet and don't publish it.

but most of all...

NOTHING ON THE INTERNET DIES!

If you disagree with any of the above, do feel free to post and give your opinion. I am always open to listening to different views. And have even been known to change my mind and agree.

But may I suggest if any of the above bothers you to the point that you are close to cracking, losing your hold on reality or if you don't understand that YOU are the only person responsible for YOUR actions...well then you should just...

until you tube comes back up...

Music Video:DON'T COME AROUND HERE NO MORE (by Tom Petty)

Music Video Code provided by Video Code Zone

Don'T Come Around Here No More video by Tom Petty

And words

Don't come around here no more

Don't come around here no more
Don't come around here no more
Whatever you're looking for
Hey! Don't come around here no more

I've given up. I've given up-
I've given up on waiting any longer
I've given up, on this love getting stronger

I don't feel you anymore
You darken my door
Whatever you're looking for
Hey, don't come around here no more

I've given up. I've given up
I've given up, you tangle my emotions
I've given up, honey please admit it's over

Don't come around here no more
Don't come around here no more
Whatever you're looking for
Hey, don't come around here no more

Stop walking down my street
Who do you expect to meet?
Whatever you're looking for
Hey, don't come around here no more

something to ponder...

2006-11-13T20:10:00.000-06:00

FAIR USE

Section 107 contains a list of the various purposes for which the reproduction of a particular work may be considered “fair,” such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research.

The ever clever smart bitches have a grand post about fair use with a link you should so check out. Or you can just go for the text version here.

Bookmark 'em... one never knows when they might come in handy.

Hey at least it is a different time...

2006-11-13T15:00:00.000-06:00

Susan Krinard has a new paranormal series coming out....

yes shocking isn't it

She sez on her site:

I have turned in the manuscript of Chasing Midnight, my first Werewolf/Vampire novel. Set in 1926's New York City, it will published by HQN in late 2007. The book will be given its own sub-page on my site a few months from now.

Always. Buy. The. Book.

2006-11-13T14:55:00.000-06:00

I can't find Tangled by Mary Balogh! This irks me greatly. I know I had the damn thing in my hand. And now am wondering if I had an attack of guilt and didn't buy it because I have sooooo many book. blah blah blah Had no want to read it. Wouldn't have gotten to it at the time. blah blah blah

Damn it to hell, let this teach me a leason to always BUY THE BOOK!

But I really think I did because I always buy her old books when I find them. I have been eyeing a stack of books in my bedroom. But it are three stacks of at least 25. So going through them would take forever because it isn't like I just go - nope and go to the next one. Then there is another stack of about 60. It could be in either of those.

I have to go close a bank account tomorrow. There isn't much in there. I am seriously thinking I need to spend it all on postage and get rid of some of these sacks. I have to move in January you know... of course either way I am gonna call The Great Exchange on Monday and see if they still have it. yeah yeah I am sure if I was dumb enough to leave it there it is gone but one never knows.

Shamelessly Reckless

2006-11-12T20:16:00.000-06:00

Do you remember Shameless by Karen Robards?

If you don't it might be because it was first called Reckless... or at least that is how I recall reading about it in the Romantic Times. This is the long awaited finish to the Banning sisters trilogy. And it is... drum roll... historical! not romantic suspense. And it was set for release in April of 2006.

And yes it hasn't been released. Sadly as of right now it has no release date other than a vague sometime in 2007. Tanzey reports:

After last month's "Tanzey Talk" was posted and distributed, I got an e-mail from Karen Robards concerning her Regency romance, SHAMELESS, that I told you would be released the end of December 2006. Karen had this to say, "Unfortunately, SHAMELESS has been postponed until later in 2007 -- no exact date has been chosen yet. The fault is mine -- I haven't yet finished the book. I had to take a break to write OBSESSION, my latest romantic suspense, which will be out in hardcover in April 2007." As soon as Karen lets me know when it's on the schedule, I'll pass the word along to you.

Other news I think sucks... well it would suck if I read her but since I don't I just find it annoying... looks like Christina Dodd will be the newest historical writer to 'take a break from historicals' to write paranormals. Tanzey said:

After hearing that Christina Dodd was writing a paranormal series, in addition to her other books, I contacted her for the scoop. Here's what she told me, "I'm writing four books a year, which is ridiculous, but I wanted to write a paranormal series and the only way I could figure out to do it in a decent time was to take a break from the historicals and add an extra book. The first two books are scheduled for July and August 2007." She's just finished the first one, and claims she's having way too much fun writing them. "Mine are very hot, fun romances set in the modern world, except the heroes have a tendency to shapeshift. Because of a deal with the devil. And they, unfortunately, are the ones chosen to break it." It's a four-book series dubbed Darkness Chosen, and the first title is SCENT OF DARKNESS.

Maybe I am the only one who hadn't heard this already. Maybe it is something in the water over at SquawkRadio. EEK! We need to get Lisa Kleypas out of there if it is!

Something new from Dorchester

2006-11-12T19:33:00.000-06:00

Sign up for our free Sexy Snippets newsletter, featuring sexy snippets from some of our hottest romances!

The Sexy Snippets newsletter will be e-mailed to you once a month, and will contain at least three Snippets -- all rated by sensuality and designed to please. This is a totally free newsletter, and should you choose to sign up, your information will not be shared with any third parties.

What do you think? Good idea? Bad idea? I am signing up. Of course I am hoping there will be a western in there somewhere so... Click the picture to be taken to the site.

Slake... editoral link

2006-11-12T10:19:00.000-06:00

from Laurie's Likes and Views #77:

More on Mother's Milk:
I know that the publisher at Slake did an editorial about breast-feeding in romances some time ago, but in light of that Beverly Barton book, I'd like to re-open it up for discussion

Slake editorial by Suzanne Goodwin
for odd people like me who care about things like this... I found this posted as 12/5/1998 but have no clue when it was first posted on slake

nothing on the net dies

looks like Slake use to be more than it is today... nifty

Cream, Sugar or Milk

cream, sugar or milk...

2006-11-12T08:30:00.001-06:00

A small part of Jane's response in If You Can't Take the Heat, mentioned Passions Breastfeeding sex bit:

Further for Ms. V to write that she didn't expect this type of response also seems a bit ridiculous. Her book was filled with extreme and provocative sex scenes (sex while breastfeeding?). Of course, there was going to be negative responses. I suspect Jaid Black get hate mail constantly for corrupting the morals of the world.

off of that Lisa Valdez asked:

Okay, and will someone please tell me what the big deal is with sex while breastfeeding? Why is that so shocking? Sex made the baby, and it’s not as if the baby knows what’s going on. I think it’s weird that people think it’s weird. Sorry, that’s off topic. Forget I asked.

more, more, more **now updated with list and links**

Now this is a topic I find mucho amusing, more because of a chat than about the book itself.

The scene in question takes place at the very end of the book. And I will have to go find mine to be sure but I think it is all of a paragraph. But it totally squicks some people out.

Does it squick you? Did you make note of it while reading?

A few months back (I think) while searching for something on AAR I came across something talking about sex while breast feeding (is this one word or two?). It was Laurie's News and Views #77 from August 1, 1999 (I soooooo love the old Laurie's News and Views much more than I like the ATBF of today. Is that just me?).

I expected it to be about Passion (no I didn't note the date at the time *g*). But it wasn't... there were OTHER books where this happens. The old list that the AARList members put together had these titles:

* Broomstick Cowboy by Kathleen Eagle 11/93
* Drums of Autumn by Diana Gabaldon
* Heaven Above by Sara Jarrod 9/96
* Caroline & the Raider by Linda Lael Miller 3/92
* Skye O'Malley by Bertrice Small
* Sunset Embrace by Sandra Brown
* Hawk O'Toole's Hostage by Sandra Brown
* The Shattered Rose by Jo Beverley
* Silver Flame buy Susan Johnson
* Night in Eden by Candice Proctor
* Between Friends by Candace Spencer
* Tender Trap by Beverly Barton 1/97
* Tangled by Mary Balogh 3/94

I have never read Kathleen Eagle, Diana Gabaldon, Jo Beverley or Candace Spencer. The Sara Jarrod book I have read in its redone form as an EC novel (more on that later). The Sandra Brown book I think is the one I am scared to read. And I haven't read Hawk O'Toole's Hostage (although I think I dhave it). Silver Flame and Night in Eden I have read but breastfeeding sex doesn't ring a bell at all. Maybe I didn't even notice? And I have Tangled but don't think I have read it.

Any others that anyone can think of? Have you read any of these books? Did you find them squicky? Do you even remember there being breastfeeding sex?

Would this make you put the book down and walk away? Would you just skip over the scene? Or would you not even notice it?

Just a Little Patience
If You Can't Take the Heat

It's a Wonderfully Sexy Life and Sierra's Homecoming

2006-11-12T08:08:00.000-06:00

If I recall correctly, quite a few people were very happy with Hope Tarr's last book. I forget the title but it was a historical! Next up for her is a Blaze... It's a Wonderfully Sexy Life

Baltimore street cop Mandy Delinski isn't expecting any miracles this Christmas. She's thirty, a little too round, still very single and she lives with her parents. So who could have guessed that her whole life would change before New Year's Eve? That a simple job policing a Christmas party would find her in the arms of sexy-as-sin bartender Josh Thornton? That they would be on the brink of making love before the night ended?

That Mandy would find her perfect man in the morgue the next day?

Or that she'd be given a magical chance to go back a week, save Josh…and have the best sex of her life. Does Christmas get any better than this?

You can't find it on the shelves yet but it is on the Harlequin site. The book is $3.80 and if you can find 5 books you want on this page you get one of them free.

My problem is I can never find five books on THAT page to order.

The only other book *I* want is:

Sierra's Homecoming by Linda Lael Miller

When she moved to her family's ancestral ranch, single mom Sierra McKettrick was disconcerted by the Triple M's handsome caretaker, Travis Reid. But when her son claimed to see a mysterious boy in the house, and an heirloom teapot started popping up in unexpected places, Sierra wondered if the attraction between herself and Travis might be the least of her worries.

In 1919, widowed Hannah McKettrick lived at the ranch with her son and her brother-in-law, Doss. Her confused feelings for Doss and her son's health problems occupied all her thoughts…until the family teapot started disappearing.

Could Sierra and her ancestor, Hannah, be living parallel lives?

The book is $3.99 and again... if you can find 5 books you want on this page you get one of them free. Good Luck!

Chatty Cathy

2006-11-12T08:07:00.000-06:00

I have had the pleasure of chatting with some of the most amazing people in romanceland. There was once a time, prolly about six months to a year ago, when you could find a group of us online most nights.

Sometimes it would be three peeps, sometimes 20. But is was always fun, crazy, confusing and wonderful. And you couldn't help but fall a lil bit in love with these wonderful, amazing, smart, caring people. They live all over the world, come from all types of backgrounds, and if you are lucky enough you get to call them friends.

Thank you for the laughter, fun, support, joy, discussion, and interests you have all brought into my life. The sleep lost was never missed *g*.

And on that note... for anyone who doesn't know this yet... THE maili is back.

Food for thought...

2006-11-11T12:29:00.000-06:00

Have anything to add?

Any other authors... newbies or the oldies have have letters of your own?

If you can't take the heat...

2006-11-11T06:25:00.000-06:00

My take on Passion was a largely favorable one. I liked it. With each reread, I liked it more.

But one thing I noticed she seemed to get too involved with the discussions on message boards. As a reader I like talking about books with the authors. Yes shocking I know *g*. But there gets to be that point where you agree to disagree because you are repeating yourself.

I think this is a common first time author mistake. You want to talk about your baby. You want people to love your baby. You want people to read your baby! But it is murky water. How much is too much. Where is it okay to post? What will increase conversation? What will be a thread killer?

And I think you learn as you go. Yes there are authors... many many authors who will give you advice. Listen to you bitch. Dry your tears. And help you call those reviewers bitches! But much like your mother telling you to do things... you still have to learn on your own.

Which is what *I* think happened with Lisa Valdez and her experience with Message Boards. (please correct me if I am wrong lisa)

Message boards and reviews are what they are, reader opinion. They are not for the weak. Some are great, some are grand, some are wonderful and some will tell you sucks serious ass (or even great big hairy donkey balls).

So in that case... I would have to say I agree with Sandy (a reviewer with AAR) in her post Is she a grown-up or not?

I personally thought that she spent a bit too much time feelin' and basking in the love here. I guess she also felt the sting.

Well I would agree if that was what I thought Lisa Valdez's point was in her post. I took it like Meljean did:

she was simply responding to her readers, who were wondering why the book was late, and responding in an honest (and I imagine somewhat embarrassing) manner. How mortifying is it to acknowledge that you let others opinions come between you and your work?

There was no complaint. She said: this was my reaction, and I've learned from it -- and my book is late, yes, but I've moved on.

So putting reviews and message boards aside and focusing on 'Hate Mail' I can understand why Lisa had some problems with it. Why would a person feel the need to write an author and tell them how horrid, bad, filthy, wrong, fucked up, name your shit here - their book is?

That seems some what stalkerish. Reviews are for readers. Blogs and message boards are for discussion. And if an author ASKS you... what did you think. Well email the hell out of them.

But what drives someone to email some stranger and tell them they are fucked?

And what makes it okay? Just because as sandy sez:

I'm sorry that you think I'm being harsh. I think I'm just expecting Ms. Valdez to be a professional.

Hate mail is a bitch. But complain to your writer's loops -- Ms. Valdez was hardly blazing a trail here, they've all gotten hate mail before. Complain to your editor and your agent. They're there to support you.

Clearly, Kristie J, her explanation was enough for you. But while I wouldn't call you a patsy for your position, you seem to have no problem calling my earlier post superior. And, honestly, that's kind of insulting.

But I'm a big girl. I'll smile and suck it up and move on. I respect you and have always respected you, Krisitie (SIC) J, but I think we'll have to agree to disagree here.

It happens to everyone so authors should just get over it? How do authors feel about it? Is it really something that common? How do you deal with it? Will anyone else admit to it *g*.

What makes an email turn from Feedback to Hate Mail? And anyone who has ever sent negative feedback to an author they didn't know, what made you do it? What caused that reaction?

And hey if nothing else... if a person hates a book enough to feel the need to email, couldn't you say you still did a good job as a writer?

At the heart of it. Like it or not, there is no right or wrong answer as far as Lisa Valdez's post goes. It is how she felt. It is what she did to take care of what she saw as a problem. And I for one appreciate an author being honest. No matter if I agree or no.

Maybe that is just me...

And this is always fun:
You ARE what you WRITE

You ARE what you WRITE

2006-11-11T06:08:00.000-06:00

I have talked about this before so I won't even get into how silly I think it is to assume an authors values, morals or world views based on the fictional characters she/he creates.

Since an author is one person it seems all they would be able to write is one character. Does it happen? Sure! Can you assume an author is pro life because her character is? I just can't buy that. Do true crime authors have bodies buried in their backyard? What about that happily married author, who has slept with one man, her husband of 30 years who is over there writing threesome stories? Explain her! (I am really not referring to any one author I just pulled that out of my ass but feel free to say if that is you *g*)

oops I just said I wasn't going to go there... but hey feel free to weigh in if you agree or not with LyndaX:

As for assuming that an author's personality and values are reflected by her work, that seems fair to me too. If I read an author who shows cruelty to animals as funny, I do make valid--IMO--assumptions about her. Is it fair to assume that an author who writes sexually explicit material is promiscuous? No. But it is fair to assume that she is in favor of sexual freedom. Whether an author means to or not, her book conveys her values, and I think those values are a fair target. If all the black characters in a book are shown to be lazy, dishonest, and stupid, then I think it's fair game to criticize the author, sometimes in a way that she might describe as vicious. Books elicit strong responses.

I would LOVE examples of books, plots, characters you have written that don't reflect you at all, as well as the ones that might. Or tell me I am wrong and that every book you write reflects who you are and your values. I am always open to learning I am wrong.

Come on you know you wanna play!

(I don't like to quote from other places, meaning the open, public, anyone can access online blogs and message boards. Since AAR doesn't archive all their boards and I keep running into dead links I am quoting [but only the public boards].)

Why would one want to use this?

2006-11-10T05:57:00.000-06:00

Write to my Blog

Does anyone use this or something like it... if so do you like it?

This seems useful, realtime HTML editor.

CindyS I am still not certain what you are asking but I will take a guess and make a post in a bit. Off to work now but didn't want you to think I was ignoring you.

Thankee

Guest Wench

2006-11-10T00:05:00.000-06:00

The Word Wenches have an interview up with Laura Resnick aka writer of Fallen From Grace.

Go check it out!

What Regency Readers Want

2006-11-09T21:22:00.000-06:00

posted at AAR on one of their message boards by author Julia Justiss

... Recently I've heard (Sue Grimshaw, the romance book buyer for Borders Group just mentioned this in a talk) that tho readers still love the Regency, they are bored with "traditional" genre themes and treatments...

Gee ya think? That Sue is quick. I want her job! I would rock at her job!

hee Full post here

Just a little Patience

2006-11-09T12:35:00.000-06:00

From Rod Stewart to Guns and Roses... earworms for everyone! hee sorry- syb

After gentle nudging *g* Lisa Valdez has been kind enough to answer my question... where the heck is patience and what is taking so long!

From Lisa...

Hi Everyone,

Sybil was kind enough to invite me to her blog so that I could have the opportunity to explain what the heck my problem has been with completing PATIENCE. Thank you, Syb, for this opportunity.

So, here’s the deal: This past year has been really challenging for me. Besides some very heavy intrusions by life, the biggest problem I had with writing PATIENCE was that I was writing it while dealing with the unexpectedly strong response to PASSION. As many of you may know, readers were very vocal about PASSION and they basically fell into two camps—those who adored it and those who despised it. There was very little in-between. And while many of the discussion boards were taken up with long threads about PASSION, my email was also overflowing. Most of the email was wonderful, and some of you made me cry (((hugs))), but there was also “hate mail,” which I could never identify until I’d started reading—and like the compulsion I often feel to watch a bad movie till the end, I had to read those emails to the end. I know, so stupid! Anyway, the force of these two opposing opinions came down on me together and, suddenly, writing got really difficult.

All at once, I felt a HUGE responsibility to all of you who had loved and adored PASSION. While I was so grateful that PASSION had fallen into your hands, I began to worry that you wouldn’t like Patience and Matthew’s story. I mean, they are very different characters from Passion and Mark, and the sensual angle is different as well. Perhaps, thought I, you just want another PASSION. And while I was tormenting myself with these thoughts, I did a completely ludicrous thing. I allowed the voices of my detractors to influence me as well. Lord, I kept thinking: if they hated PASSION, they’re going to stone me in the streets for PATIENCE. I started holding the characters back—I wouldn’t let them do what they wanted to do, or even think what they wanted to think. And when I did give them some leeway, I did so only with the greatest trepidation.

But I don’t want to give the impression that I am this over-sensitive, delicate type, with fragile confidence and flimsy sensibilities. I assure you, that’s not me. It went more like this: I wake up excited to write this scene in which Matthew gives Patience this intense spanking that breaks down all her emotional barriers. But, as is my habit, I check my email before I begin to write. Well, there in my inbox is an email from a very angry reader. She calls me a misogynist and rants that I have no business writing romance for women as I so obviously hate women. She goes on to say that Mark is an “abusive rapist,” (I didn’t know there was any other kind) and that Matthew is equally as bad as he “beats” his mother. She ends her email by calling me a “disgrace to modern women.” –Okay, so suffice it to say, I did not write the spanking scene that day. Nor did I write it for many days after. Then, after more garbage came my way, I opted not to write it at all—even though it was a major turning point in the story. And that’s how it went.

Well, you absolutely CANNOT write a book while afraid of it (especially a book like PATIENCE). You cannot! The manuscript was tepid, and half-hearted. And because I had left things out that I had suddenly feared readers would find too intense, Patience couldn’t even really arc as a character. I had completely robbed her of what she needed. And poor Matthew—I had cut him off at the knees as well.

Anyway, slowly but surely, I began to face the fact that I had completely lost my way. There were many months of denial before I was able to finally face the truth—that I’d allowed some very sad, unfortunate people to crush me. This was a rather disturbing and painful realization. I mean, how could I have let that happen? But I also got angry about it and, finally, I had this “what-the-heck?/what-is-your-problem?” moment. And in that moment (or two), I got so fed up with myself and the whole situation that I knew I was done. And within a week or two, I felt like myself again—thank you, Jesus!

So, having said all this, I apologize to all of you who loved PASSION and were generous enough to take time out of your busy lives to tell me so. I ought to have given you more of my trust. I ought to have trusted, as I did with PASSION, that if I loved these characters enough then many of you would too. And most of all, I ought not to have dishonored all of you, and myself, by allowing people who hate what I do to influence what I do.

So, there you have it—the cliff notes to a very long and surprisingly intense personal struggle. I hope you’ll all hang in there for Matthew and Patience’s romance. I know I’ve tried your patience at this point, but I also know that the book coming out in May is far more passionate and honest than the one you would have purchased earlier. Thanks so much for listening. And thank you, Syb, for offering me the welcoming forum of your blog. Ciao, Lisa —Oh, and the spanking scenes are back! Yeah, there are more than one…

Running out of patience...

2006-11-09T10:26:00.000-06:00

Look for a posting coming soon... like today (prolly around lunch time)

from Lisa Valdez

Until then... here is some rod for you cuz I lurve you all so *g*

Somebody somewhere
In the heat of the night
Looking pretty dangerous
Running out of patience

Tonight in the city
You wont find any pity
Hearts are being twisted
Another lover cheated, cheated

In the bars and the cafes, passion
In the streets and the alleys, passion
A lot of pretending, passion
Everybody searching, passion

Once in love youre never out of danger
One hot night spent with a stranger
All you wanted was somebody to hold on to yeah
Passion, passion
Passion, passion

New york, moscow, passion
Hong kong, tokyo, passion
Paris and bangkok, passion
A lotta people aint got, passion

Hear it in the radio, passion
Read it in the papers, passion
Hear it in the churches, passion
See it in the school yards, passion

Once in love youre never out of danger
One hot night spent with a stranger
All you wanted was somebody to hold on to yeah
Once in love youre never out of danger
One hot night spent with a stranger
All you wanted was somebody to hold on to yeah

Alone in your bed at night, passion
Its half past midnight, passion
As you turn out your sidelight, passion
Something aint right, passion

Theres no passion, theres no passion
Theres no passion, I need passion
You need passion, we need passion
Cant live without passion
Wont live without passion

Even the president needs passion
Everybody I know needs some passion
Some people die and kill for passion
Nobody admits they need passion
Some people are scared of passion
Yeah passion

nothing like

2006-11-09T10:18:00.000-06:00

coming home and having your cable, internet and phone turned off because your bank which screwed up your account TWO months before STILL hasn't managed to get it fixed...

oh and returned money to the wrong account

THEN charged you more fees for returning the check (3 times)

This after having been in the bank, in person, to fill out forms (twice) which they lost (twice) to correct the mistake THEY FUCKING MADE.

And not being able to use the debit card to your new account because it has to be activated using your home phone, which is currently not working!

I think I may have gone through withdrawal. Lucky for all involved the money is back. Account to be CLOSED. And the internet working again - today.

Security Services SUCKS. Stay far far far away.

Damn it!

2006-11-08T15:58:00.001-06:00

Why aren't all the book covers showing!!!!!!

New Books! take II

2006-11-08T15:51:00.001-06:00

Unleashed by Rebecca York, Susan Kearney, Diane Whiteside, Lucy Monroe

What happens when a woman explores her most forbidden fantasies? When the intoxicating scent of man triggers illicit desire? When passion for the unusual lures lovers into worlds reserved only for the uninhibited...

National bestselling author Rebecca York is Unleashed...As she finds the psychic bond between two lovers on a doomed island paradise.

National bestselling author Susan Kearney is Unleashed... As she explores the mystery of Atlantis in a bold and contemporary new way.

National bestselling author Diane Whiteside is Unleashed...As she bears witness to a tale of vampire love with a wicked twist

National bestselling author Lucy Monroe is Unleashed...As she explores the limits of animal desire in a seductive story of the beast within.

Tempting Juliana by Lauren Royal

It's a good thing Juliana Chase takes such pleasure in playing matchmaker, because there's nothing she wants more than to see her loved ones happy. Her latest pairing involves Dr. James Trevor, Earl of Stafford, and her friend, Amanda. So why does the handsome physician insist on ignoring her good intentions-and shaking up her sensible plans?

The Rules of Seduction by Madeline Hunter

Dangerous. Sensual. Handsome as sin. Meet Hayden Rothwell, the shamelessly erotic hero of The Rules of Seduction and author Madeline Hunter’s most irresistible alpha male yet: a man of extraordinary passion and power, a man who can bring out the seductress in any woman.…

He enters her home without warning or invitation–a stranger of shadowy motives and commanding sensuality. Within hours, Alexia Welbourne is penniless, without any hope of marriage. Until Hayden Rothwell takes her to bed. When one impulsive act of passion forces Alexia to marry the very man who has ruined her, Hayden’s seduction of Alexia is nearly complete. What Alexia doesn’t know is that her irresistible new husband is driven by a secret purpose–and a debt of honor he will risk everything to repay. Alexia is the wild card. Reluctant to give up their nightly pleasures, Hayden must find a way to keep Alexia by his side...only to be utterly, thoroughly seduced by a woman who is now playing by her own rules.

Kiss of the Wolf by Morgan Hawke

Thorn Ferrell, a courier for the US Secret service, and a werewolf, is sent to Europe at the dawn of the Turko-Russian war. All she has to do is deliver a package and her term of service is finally over.

Yaroslav once Prince of Luske during the dark ages, is a vampire. Driven from his home by a plague of the walking dead, Yaroslav is determined to discover who made the dead walk – and why.

In a cave high in the Carpathian mountains, werewolf and vampire meet, and embrace for a fleeting moment of peace. She flees in the sunlight to continue her mission, but the vampire is determined to keep his newfound lover. During her journey Thorn comes face to face with her past, in the form of Max, a werewolf made by the same man that made her, the Doctor. However, unlike her, this werewolf is insane.

And the Horror has come to town.

Fleeing the other werewolf, and the walking dead, Thorn finds her vampire lover in big trouble. It seems that the Penumbral Court thinks thay Yaroslav, a powerful mage in his own right, is the culprit behind the plague of walking dead. Thorn is Fedhor’s only proof that there is another mage, an unknown sorcerer, doing forbidden magic.

In the mean time...
The sorcerer wants his werewolf back.

The Sinful Nights of a Nobleman: A Novel by Jillian Hunter

At a glamorous soiree in the romantic English countryside, Lord Devon Boscastle, one of the most elusive bachelors in London, is on the prowl for a willing and wicked lady to share a night of all-consuming sin. So he’s delighted to accept a mysterious invitation for a midnight rendezvous.

Miss Jocelyn Lydbury, a demure young debutante, has her heart set on a marriage proposal from a certain respectable gentleman. Invited to a secret tryst at the stroke of twelve, she hopes to finally meet her longtime admirer. To her dismay, it is the heartbreaking Devon who lies in wait for his midnight lady. Before the pair can unmask their deceiver, they are caught in a passionate, if unplanned, embrace and forced into marriage. Although Devon claims he won’t change his roguish ways for anyone, upon returning to London he is surprised to find that his once-timid bride has become an alluring temptress. But little does he know that Jocelyn has vowed to tame her handsome rake–in the ballroom and in the bedchamber.

The Wicked Games of a Gentleman: A Novel by Jillian Hunter

Lord Drake Boscastle has everything–smoldering good looks, extreme wealth, and devilish charms. Everything, that is, except true happiness. Hoping to satisfy his growing discontent, he is set to meet one of the most celebrated courtesans in England for a heated rendezvous. But on the scheduled night of pleasure, Lord Drake’s world is turned upside down by Eloise Goodwin, a wholesome, spirited governess with voluptuous curves and a beguiling wit. Even with an experienced seductress willing to satisfy his every need, Lord Drake cannot forget his encounter with Eloise.

Although swept off her feet by the mysteriously handsome rake, Eloise has more pressing matters to address. Her rebellious young client has escaped into the night with a local rogue and is nowhere to be found. Stepping in to assist, Lord Drake must try to resist his desire to indulge the longing passion he feels for Eloise. But once a scoundrel, always a scoundrel . . . or has the untamable Lord Drake at last been tamed?

The Rest Falls Away: The Gardella Vampire Chronicles by Colleen Gleason

In every generation, a Gardella is called to accept the family legacy of vampire slaying, and this time, Victoria Gardella Grantworth is chosen, on the eve of her debut, to carry the stake. But as she moves between the crush of ballrooms and dangerous, moonlit streets, Victoria's heart is torn between London's most eligible bachelor, the Marquess of Rockley, and her enigmatic ally, Sebastian Vioget. And when she comes face to face with the most powerful vampire in history, Victoria must ultimately make the choice between duty and love.

Bond of Blood by Diane Whiteside

Vampire fiction with a twist-and a touch of Texas heat.

Former Spanish knight Don Raphael Perez has been a vampire for seven centuries, and is now the leader of the largest vampire territory in North America, spanning Texas and Oklahoma. But a rival is challenging his rule. Then he meets veterinarian Grania O'Malley, who's never felt the touch of a man. Raphael has sworn never to initiate a woman into the eternal pleasures of the flesh, but now it may be the only way to save her from his bloodthirsty adversary...

The first book, The Hunter's Prey: Erotic Tales of Texas Vampires, is currently on sale at Books a Million. Tradesize for around 5 bucks!

Pleasure Control by Cathryn Fox

A dedicated scientist, Laura Manning has an I.Q. that's off the charts. But beneath her pristine white lab coat is a curvaceous body that craves satisfaction. She finds it hard keeping her mind on the experiment and off what's under the lab coat of her bad boy research partner, Jay Cutler, whom she's working with to develop a libido suppressant, an "antidote" for a society gone sex-mad, pumped up and over-stimulated by the miracle of Viagra.

With time running out, Jay offers to act as a human guinea pig, injecting himself with the libido suppressant. Laura's role requires lingerie, soft music and candlelight. Her job is to entice him, to determine if the suppressant tamps down his desires. Rather than cooling the flames of lust engulfing them, their "antidote" only heats them up . . . and there's only one scandalous way to deal with it!

Suddenly long days of laboratory work are giving way to sizzling nights of sensual experimentation—and a different kind of "chemistry" that leaves Jay and Laura breathless and gasping for more! Their professional careers may depend upon a successful climax—and there are dangerous competitors determined to steal their research. And maybe their pleasure games have gotten a bit out of control.

Demon Angel by Meljean Brook

Lilith, a demon, has spent 2,000 years tempting men and guaranteeing their eventual damnation. That is, until she meets her greatest temptation: the man whose life mission has been to kill her.

She seriously needs a better blurb at Amazon.

Master of Swords by Angela Knight

Witch Lark McClure has survived a vicious vampire attack that shook her confidence and left her struggling with feelings of helplessness and fear. The last thing she needs is a partnership with Gawain, a handsome vampire knight who means to seduce her every chance he gets.

"Devil's Kiss" by Brenda Williamson

U.S. Marshal Jack McCay tracks outlaws for a profession and sweet-talks women out of their clothes for pleasure.

When he begins to hunt a vicious killer, he meets one beautiful woman resistant to his charm.

Swept Away by Toni Blake

Five days before her wedding to a man she admires but doesn't love, Katrina Spencer escapes to a private island. There, she can let the sun warm her body as she contemplates a future without the passion she craves. Then she lazily opens her eyes, only to see Brock Denton . . . muscular, half-naked, the one who got away-;the one who makes her body tingle with arousal.

How Brock arrived is a mystery, but it's clear he's in danger. Kat faces danger, too, in the arms of a man who is determined to free her from her every inhibition with his hands, his mouth, and more!

Kat has five steamy days and five sultry nights to make up her mind-;return home to a man she doesn't love, or satisfy her wildest passions with Brock and let herself be . . . swept away.

I would like to know more...

2006-11-08T02:10:00.000-06:00

Anyone have a post up on these books:

NEW to list:
Lady's Pleasure by Renee Bernard

The Rogue's Bride by Leslie LaFoy

Seducing the Spy by Celeste Bradley
Marg I didn't see a review up yet... did I miss it?

~~Swept Away by Toni Blake~~ mine mine mine

Every Breath You Take by Judith McNaught *the MM with a 100 new pages... mostly wondering if people thought it was better for those pages or worse
Holly have you put up your review yet?

The Wicked One by Elizabeth Keys:
AAR review
I think I want this... another else read it yet?

~~The Slightest Provocation by Pam Rosenthal~~ soon to be mine

The Stolen Bride by Brenda Joyce

Sugar and Spice by Leda Swann
jane you review this yet?

Wolf's Temptation by Donna Birdsell

~~Seduced by Magic by Cheyenne McCray~~
off list until I read the first one

Anyone read them and have any thoughts about them to share? Even a yay great or blech stay away would be good ;). I haven't been able to blog hop as much as normal and was just wondering... If nothing else know of any review 'sites' that have reviewed them?

They are all books that have caught my eye for one reason or another, are out now, but I have not picked up or really seen much reader reaction to them.

Thanks!

Redecorating....

2006-11-07T22:44:00.000-06:00

Am I the only one who doesn't like the new look of Romancing the Blog?

It seemed... busy? And harder to read. prolly just me...

They say it's your birthday

2006-11-07T21:47:00.000-06:00

well was anyway...

Happy Belated Birthday! Samhain Publishing is over a year old and it seems just like yesterday... To celebrate go buy a book!

“Devil's Kiss” by Brenda Williamson

U.S. Marshal Jack McCay tracks outlaws for a profession and sweet-talks women out of their clothes for pleasure.

When he begins to hunt a vicious killer, he meets one beautiful woman resistant to his charm.

Tessa Jane Creager searches for her family’s murderer. The wanted poster says dead or alive—she’d prefer dead. While on the trail, she gains the unwanted help of a marshal-turned-bounty hunter intent on catching the killer and bedding her.

In pursuit of the renegade, Jack and Tessa Jane have to deal with the harshness of the Wild West and with their shared desires. However, can a handsome man with secrets and a beautiful woman with a violent past overcome their stubborn ways to share everlasting love? Or will an outlaw destroy them by revealing all their secrets?

“Project: Man” by Alexis Fleming

So is he, or isn’t he? Gay, that is!

Forced to take Federal Agent Nicholas Farley into her home while she translates a mysterious ancient Egyptian papyrus, Professor Emily Payne finds herself the centre of a federal government case, not to mention the unwitting target for a thief bent on stealing the papyrus.

If that isn’t bad enough, she finds herself seriously lusting after the agent, a man she believes is gay, a man who seems to react as strongly to her as she does to him.

There’s only one thing for a learned girl like Emily to do—start a new project, the aim to initiate Nicholas into the joys of loving a woman.

Could there possible be a future for the crazy professor and the sexy, macho federal agent?

Honestly they are both new and I have no clue if they are good or not. But Samhain is almost alway good. You can always buy it for me and I will read it for you and tell you if it is any good. Yeah I know... I am good people.

Or try: The Bounty by Beth Williamson (western), Learning Charity by Summer Devon (historical), 72 Hours by Shannon Stacey (romantic suspense), Hunter's Pride by Shiloh Walker(paranormal), Colters' Woman by Maya Banks (Red Hot!), Betting Hearts by Dee Tenorio (Romantic Comedy), and/or Joker's Wild:Call Me by Lena Matthews (Contemporary).

I have read and would recommend any of those. hmmm well I haven't read this version of Call Me by Lena Matthews. I do believe the author said it has been edited and expanded from its LSB vs. So read it and tell me if it is better *g*.

Or if you would rather go print... Gypsy Heart by Sash White or Screwing with Perfect by Louisa Trent are great to add to your library.

Women fic...

2006-11-07T14:56:00.000-06:00

Interesting quickie by Barbara Samuel aka Ruth Wind at AAR regarding women's fiction vs romance. And it somewhat tie back to Dear Jane's series of articles on an authors 'promise' to readers.

Do you agree? Personally I think there is a little more room to move with the 'bad stuff'. And really think the only qualifying thing a romance HAS to have is the HEA.

As I was going through my draft reviews for books long ago read. I did notice I tend to think of some romances more as 'womens fic'. And in fact like them more with that label in my head.

The first time I read Once in a Blue Moon by Amie Stuart I didn't like it (more on that later). It was in a C to D range. After going through her site and getting a better understanding of characters (this isn't a good stand alone tale but would have made for a wicked series. Not sure if she is still trying to sell it or not) I enjoyed the story much more the second time. And even more the third time *g*.

Stuart has a great voice for women's fiction. Something you can see more of for free even. Since the Southern Fried Chicas have put up some free stories for your enjoyment. One being The Big Girl's Guide To Buying Lingerie by Amie Stuart, which would follow Once in a Blue Moon.

I think I tend to think of marriage in trouble stories as 'women's fiction'. Even when the focus is completely on the couple, their romance, finding their way back to each other. But mostly when the family plays a large part of the story as well my mind tends to grab on to this isn't a romance thought.

In Shannon Stacey's Forever Again the story is very much about the family and how the h/h actions affect the kiddo. As a romance the story didn't work well for me at all but the second time I read it, which was around the time I was rereading Blue Moon, I found the story worked for me if I divorced it from my idea of a 'romance novel'.

Oddly enough it was an old romance that had me thinking of these two stories I read over a year ago... well and I recently read The Big Girl's Guide To Buying Lingerie.

Home Song by LaVyrle Spencer is another book I would label women's fiction. Although I tend to think most books by spencer are women's fiction which always leads me back to really what IS Women's Fiction.

Really I have to say Home Song was one of the first books by Spencer I really didn't like. And I can't make up my mind if the book is a reflection of the authors views on life and marriage or the time period of when the book was set or published. (neither which I can place right now)

Tom Gardner is the school principal. He has is teacher wife and two perfect kids. Then his life completely fucks up when the bastard he created a week before he married the love of his life (who wasn't the love of his life at the time but his girlfriend he knocked up) enrolls in his school.

You got to hate it when your illegitimate son you never know you created shows up needing a hall pass. Claire is a touch pissed off when she finds out that 18 years ago the man she loved picked up a random chick at his bachelor party. Basically he fucked her, fucked the skank and then fucked his preggers soon to be wife like in the span of three days.

18 years or not... I think she had a right to be pissed. The kids who are I think 18 and 16 are WAY too involved in their parents marriage. Way too involved in the separation and everyone seems to be blaming Claire for their marriage falling apart. And the kids behavoir issues are completley thrown at the parents - by the parents. It isn't the kids fault but theirs for being bad parents.

No shit you are bad parents you forgot to teach your children they are responsible for their own actions. And the ending is beyond dumb... because of course the three kids bond and come to the rescue, the skank talks to the wife so she can decide she really does like her even though she wants to hate her. And tom gets laid.

asshole

The book was a life time movie of the week. hmmm maybe that is what Women's Fiction is... Lifetime! hmmmm maybe I will like this one more with a reread? LOL or not....

I think I started out with a point in this post but I so lost it. Just call me Cindy *g*.

Kiss of the Wolf by Morgan Hawke

2006-11-07T12:01:00.000-06:00

mine mine mine

Steampunk Gothic Erotica
KISS of the WOLF
Morgan Hawke
~ A Werewolf in the Vampire Court ~

1877 - The Dead are Walking

Someone gave the Turks, a human government, the means of making the dead walk a forbidden magic, and it’s been spreading across the Eastern European countryside like wildfire. The Penumbral Court, the hidden world of magic, has been cleansing the plagued towns by the only known means of stopping the dead from walking – fire. But the source, the maker of the hideous spell, is yet undiscovered.

Thorn Ferrell, a courier for the US Secret service, and a werewolf, is sent to Europe at the dawn of the Turko-Russian war. All she has to do is deliver a package and her term of service is finally over.

Yaroslav once Prince of Luske during the dark ages, is a vampire. Driven from his home by a plague of the walking dead, Yaroslav is determined to discover who made the dead walk – and why.

In a cave high in the Carpathian mountains, werewolf and vampire meet, and embrace for a fleeting moment of peace. She flees in the sunlight to continue her mission, but the vampire is determined to keep his newfound lover. During her journey Thorn comes face to face with her past, in the form of Max, a werewolf made by the same man that made her, the Doctor. However, unlike her, this werewolf is insane.

And the Horror has come to town.

Fleeing the other werewolf, and the walking dead, Thorn finds her vampire lover in big trouble. It seems that the Penumbral Court thinks thay Yaroslav, a powerful mage in his own right, is the culprit behind the plague of walking dead. Thorn is Fedhor’s only proof that there is another mage, an unknown sorcerer, doing forbidden magic.

In the mean time...
The sorcerer wants his werewolf back.

A Tale of Two Sue's

2006-11-05T11:08:00.000-06:00

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
LtK summary

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.

and I still have:
Forever Blue (1997)
Frisco's Kid (1997)
Identity, Unknown (1999)

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*

When did romanceblogland become myspace?

2006-11-05T09:13:00.000-06:00

And what the hell is up with all the 'I got your back' shit? What happened to accountability? What happened to standing up for yourself? What happened to being a fucking adult?

Why does a person need to spell out 'how' and 'why' they are a 'true' friend? Isn't that one of those things we learn in kindergarten? I love my friends and a great deal of them are on the sidebar to the left.

I often ask them advice. No matter if I take it or not, the only person fucking accountable for my actions would be ME. Because I am an adult and am responsible for my own actions.

I appreciate when my friends 'stand up' for me. I love it when they agree with me. I love it when they don't. Because I am an adult. The world would be pretty fucking boring if everyone always agreed. I do not need for my friends to 'get my back'. Mostly because I left the 8th grade years ago. Maybe that is just me...

On another note, I don't believe in being coy unless a cute man and sex are involved and since I think everything is about me.... Words are just that words. They have the power you give them and oddly enough words often have more than one meaning. And in the case of slang, different meanings are assigned to words every day. No really... go look at a fucking dictionary. Sometimes they even have ::gasp:: THREE or more meanings ::/gasp::

But in the case of WHORE.
(do forgive me for pulling out the dictionary jay)

Main Entry: whore
Pronunciation: 'hor, 'hur
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English hore, from Old English hOre; akin to Old Norse hOra whore, hOrr adulterer, Latin carus dear -- more at CHARITY
1 : a woman who engages in sexual acts for money : PROSTITUTE; also : a promiscuous or immoral woman
2 : a male who engages in sexual acts for money
3 : a venal or unscrupulous person

I think it fits maybe I am wrong but hell I also say sqqquuueee so really what the fuck were you expecting?

links:
Do We Put On Poltergist II and Say...
My Favorite Rabid Fangirl Argument Evah
How to Sock 101
Smelly Socks
Looks like Someone Took Their Toys and Went Home
Where I use the whore word

Yes, I did get more than one....

2006-11-04T21:16:00.000-06:00

hee you knew that didn't you *g*

Beside The Windflower, I also picked up:

Love's A Stage by Laura London

Escapade by Susan Kyle (aka Diana Palmer)

Prairie Dreams by Teresa Warfield
no idea why the author sounds so familiar, I have never read her

Western Rose by Lynna Banning
Her first book. I think... at least her first HH.

Cooper's Wife by Jillian Hart
I wish she still wrote for HH.

Last Chance by Jill Marie Landis
xina told me to and I always do what xina sez.

Matter of Trust by Diana Palmer
it is a sickness I tell ya....

And Able by Lucy Monroe

The Longing by Wendy Lindstrom
It is so wrong she is going contemp.

How to Seduce a Bride by Edith Layton
never read her

Morning Song by Karen Robards
again xina told me too

The Texas Ranger by Diana Palmer
because I have no shame

Home Song by LaVyrle Spencer
no clue what this is about but it was a quarter

Comanche Cowboy by Georgina Gentry
I am still annoyed with her. But this was on a 'want' list from forever ago and it was a quarter so...

Married to the Boss by Lori Foster
I had never heard of this

There are a few more books I have rec'ed in the past three weeks in the mail but I am tired so that will be another post.

Which Cover?

2006-11-04T20:43:00.000-06:00

I ran into a usb today to check and see if they had The Rainbow Promise by Lisa Gregory. They didn't. Since I don't make it to this usb often I ended up browsing around... yeah you are all shocked I know.

The store is grand and she has old books. You should see how far back she goes on her Harlequin lines. It makes me squeee! They had a copy of Windflower by Laura London. As you may or may not recall I own this book already (found it at a library sale for a quarter) but I knew someone else was looking for it (taramarie maybe?).

So for $1.50 I couldn't pass up buying a Hard to Find book. Now my problem is which one do I keep? Neither have the original cover, which honestly I am not fond of...

So do I want the first reissue
<-------------

Or do I want the second reissue
-------------->

Personally I like the one on the right but there is just something about an old romance novel with the old style cover.

If it wasn't for the fact I will have to pack up all these books soon (well and the money thing) I would have bought some old Dorothy Garlock books the other day just because they were in such great shape and had the cheesy old covers.

I so can't make up my mind. Because really, the cover on the left is bad.

Links for Marg

2006-11-04T18:57:00.000-06:00

How to Sock 101

Smelly Socks

Another link just for the fuck of it:
sometimes that angie is a really smart cookie

looks like someone took their toys and went home

2006-11-04T08:16:00.000-06:00

or just decided to stop being a stupid bitch and post only under her 'real' name

Or just moved her socky home... don't click on the diva site without waybacking or cache'ing it otherwise you will go to a porn site.

~~Gosh think she did that on purpose?~~ (see angie's comment) Oh since someone made a comment to me yesterday about now 'hating' this author, I have to say I don't. I don't hate her at all. I think she was stupid. I think if she had an all powerful need to share her opinion she should have done it as herself and not shouted to the heavens 'look at me - I am a sock puppet - watch me as I bitch about people who write in my genre and are doing it so well the are sell really well while I am so talented I have time to create socks'.

And of course I have lost complete and total respect for her. But hate her? No, she isn't worth the energy. But deleting your site ~~and having your url go to a porn site~~ (see angie's comment) - so deserves a post *g*.

A Lady's Pleasure by Renee Bernard

2006-11-02T16:40:00.000-06:00

Not only does Renee now have a website but she now has a blog as well. Go check it out.

Anyone read this yet? I haven't seen it out.... poor sybil

Renee Bernard's website seems to be having issues. But it has been updated since the last I checked it. I think this was titled A WIDOW'S PLEASURE but is now A Lady's Pleasure. Set in Victorian London.

A shy widow, Merriam Everett, sets out to experience just a little bit of forbidden pleasure, and discovers that there's really no going back. Especially when her erotic path puts her into the arms of Drake Sotherton, a man with no intentions of letting go. Drake is a man with vengeance on his mind, and Merriam unintentionally fuels his quest. Drake is convinced that Merriam is an enemy he's underestimated, but one that he can't ignore. The strategy of keeping an enemy close has pitfalls, and Merriam risks everything to claim 'A WIDOW'S PLEASURE.'

Not sure if I will read this sort of eh from the summary but it is a new historical! And Bernard will also be in the December release The School for Heiresses along with Sabrina Jeffries, Liz Carlyle and Julia London.

Devils on Horseback: Nate by Bet Williamson Publication Date: September 25, 2007

2006-11-02T03:08:00.000-06:00

What Beth has in the works.

YAY westerns!

Devils on Horseback: Nate by Beth Williamson **Publication Date: September 25, 2007**

Nate Marchand grew up as the only son of the town drunk. As a Confederate soldier, he found that order in the chaos was the only thing that kept him sane. Numbers, information, keeping everything in its proper place became second nature. The chaos of the war and its aftermath sent him into a rigid state that he couldn’t seem to overcome.

He and his friends, nicknamed Devils on Horseback, leave behind the aftermath of war to start fresh in the west. Their new business venture flounders and desperation drives them to take whatever work they can.

The Devils are hired to remove the Taggert family from land claimed by Samuel O’Shea, the largest landowner in Grayton, Texas. When he meets Elisa Taggert, his entire world shifts beneath him. Attracted, bewildered, and off-kilter, Nate ignores his conscience in favor of his wallet.

The simple task of removing a woman, a boy, and an old man, along with a small herd of cattle, resembles a Medieval siege. Nate wrestles with what he knows is right with what he must do. Will his love for Elisa overcome his need for survival?

I want!

Who will be the first to succumb?

2006-11-02T01:38:00.000-06:00

In Regency England, a desperate lady is Falling for Anthony when a childhood friend comes back from the dead to protect her brother from an unnatural evil.

I have to say I am very over paranormals. Really... if you have a paranormal coming out, for me at least, it better be something amazing, new and somehow different from the same ol same ol.

I was able to read Demon Angel last saturday and I was honestly blown away. It isn't at all a perfect book but for the first full length novel from a new author it gets close. And Meljean takes the paranormal genre and makes it her own. I haven't been this excited about a series since I read JR Ward's Dark Lover.

Sadly it doesn't come out until JANUARY 2007.

So I am not going to say anymore right now. But lucky you Hot Spell is now out in MM. So you can read Falling for Anthony, while you are waiting for Demon Angel to hit the shelves.

Falling for Anthony is not as good as Demon Angel but it does introduce Colin. And more Colin is a good thing. Trust me. We also meet Demon Angel's H/h to be in Hot Spell.

Meljean gives us a large scale battle of good and evil in the forms of demons and angels and it is not to be missed. She will be guest blogging with us in January. And she can be found on her blog. Go check her out... you can see the cover of her new antho Wild Thing, read some excerpts and enter her contest for a MM copy of Hot Spell (it ends on 11/5/06 so be quick).

Demon Angel Summary

For two thousand years, Lilith wrought vengeance upon the evil and the damned, gathering souls for her father's armies Below and proving her fealty to her Underworld liege. Bound by a bargain with the devil and forbidden to feel pleasure, she draws upon her dark powers and serpentine grace to lead men into temptation. That is, until she faces her greatest temptation—Heaven's own Sir Hugh Castleford...

Once a knight and now a Guardian, Hugh spent centuries battling demons—and the cursed, blood-drinking nosferatu. His purpose has always been to thwart the demon Lilith, even as he battles his treacherous hunger for her. But when a deadly alliance unleashes a threat to both humans and Guardians in modern-day San Francisco, angel and demon must fight together against unholy evil—and against a desire that has been too long denied...

Who will be the first to succumb?

Guest Author Recap: JR Ward

2006-11-01T22:28:00.000-06:00

Sept 5, 2007

Thanks for blogging with us!

Guest Author: JR Ward
Guest Author intro

Can I get a Rec Here?
JR Ward post

Lover Awakened
post by me

Lover Eternal
post by me

Dark Lover
post by me

Ward Takes Five
Author Q&A

A Brotherhood Contest
Blog contest... closed

Blog Reviews around the Web
Do let me know if you have a review up and would like to be linked.

Short note from JR

JR Ward will be back in March, either day of release or day before. I will add the date to the side bar once it is decided. Thanks for playing!

Speaking of HTF books

2006-10-31T20:41:00.000-06:00

This week I have found:

China Rose by Marsha Canham

A Promise of Spring by Mary Balogh

Give Me Tonight by Lisa Kleypas

all for a $1

pretty cool if you don't think about the fact I don't need any of them... and that kleypas is the ONE old Kleypas I have (due to a shockingly kind online romance fan who sent it to me)

But hey they were a DOLLAR! So I had to get them. Wasn't as impressed with A Promise of Spring as I thought I would be. The hero is very unbaoghlike and mucho beta, almost too much, hell it was too much. I was waiting for him to pull the heroine by her hair and say what the fuck chick? Maybe if he had beaten her or something it would have knocked some sense. LOL maybe that is just me...

Where is Walt when you need him....

2006-10-31T20:06:00.000-06:00

Dear Reader:

The novels you've enjoyed over the past ten years by such authors as Kathleen Woodiwiss, Rosemary Rogers, Johanna Lindsey and Laurie McBain are accountable to one thing above all others: Avon has never tried to force authors into any particular mold. Rather, Avon is a publisher that encourages individual talent and is always on the lookout for writers who will deliver real books, not packaged formulas.

In 1982, we started a program to help readers pick out authors of exceptional promise. Called "The Avon Romance," the books were distinguished by a ribbon motif in the upper left-hand corner of the cover. Although every title was by a new author, and the settings could be either historical or contemporary, they were quickly discovered and became known as "the ribbon books."

In 1984, "The Avon Romance" will be a feature on the Avon list. Each month, you will find novels with many different settings, each one by an author who is special. You will not find predictable characters, predictable plots and predictable endings. The only predictable thing about "The Avon Romance" will be the superior quality that Avon has always delivered in the field of romance!

Sincerely,

Walter Meade
President & Publisher

This letter is found on the first page of China Rose by Marsha Canham published in 1984 (that I found for a $1 the other day). I have to agree with walt here and it would be nice if they could find their way back to this. I don't see why Avon can't publish the 12000 Regency Historicals every month they feel we need and do one or two books in a line like "The Avon Romance".

Does anyone remember these "ribbon" books? I would be interested in seeing who else was apart of the idea. LOL maybe the idea tanked and that is why Avon became all regency all the time.

What is this box with numbers on it and how does it work?

2006-10-24T23:39:00.000-05:00

It scares me some times how alike cindys and I are, no really. It makes me shake my head and feel really really badly for her. And the rest of you guys that there are two of us running around in the world.

Basically I have managed to completely turn my life upside down and I am sort of sitting back and seeing if I end up really regretting it. Or how I have to handle the fall out whenever that should happen.

I have tons to talk about but really my mind is just a mess and I start on topic and end up with something so rambly I end up deleting it all for fear of scaring others and having to look at my own neurotic self later in print. Okay so mostly the second part is what makes me delete.

Times like this I decide I should say I want to be a writer when I grow up. No really, because that would some how make the voices in my head okay, right? What? It works for JR Ward and Linda Howard damn it! I say that with much love for both authors really, so no need to throw your fangirlself out of wack or anything.

YIKES this post was just suppose to say I was trying to fix my inner clock which is fucked as normal to try and make life easy with the new job. Working normal business hours sort of... 8-5. Monday - Friday and 9-1 some Saturdays... which I think will turn out to be lots of Saturdays because I don't care and need the cash.

I was off last Wed, Thurs, Fri being sick sick sick. Worked Saturday like 2 to 2 and Sunday 3 to 2... only to be at the new nonhotel job on Monday at 8AM. So I ended up not sleeping at all Sunday night then came home only to fall asleep and wake up at midnight. Yep and have managed to do the same today. So I sit here looking at the clock knowing I should 'try' to go back to sleep. Thinking I could take something and go back to sleep but have to be up in six hours and can't see taking that chance. Ten to one I end up reading or blog hopping.

I soooooooo want to talk about work and shit but can't make up my mind where I shall decide that is good to do. LOL well it isn't good to do anywhere but I know I will. I should go update my live journal. Or figure out how to lock posts here. Then I think about how silly that all is because dude... it is the internet. Which leads me to wanting to talk about the fuckedupness of stupid people, myspace, chatting at work and then I realize I would be doing exactly what I want to make fun of... sort of.

The new job could be a slow fry in hell. I know this and I am fighting like mad to keep my fucking mouth shut about things I know nothing about, even when asked my opinion. It is very much a 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it' type of place. Where you are suppose to do something, ask for clarification and are told "oh, hmmm I don't know, it has always been done like that' and omg if you ask what it is used for - blank stare that makes you want to define use - to be answered 'I am not really sure we just have always done it'. I know a big part of it is lazy and bigger part is something I tend to think is a lil more job protection, if no one really knows I work only an 1 hour out of my day score type thing.

Of course I could be wrong. And man we are talking people who have been here for YEARS. But then you just have to blink as you walk around and people are on myspace (clear as day) chatting away on AIM (clear as day) and huff when you tell them they have someone to help, then try to think of a way to chat with the person standing on the other side of the counter who can clearly hear the people chatting away about their weekend while they wait to be helped.

Sad thing is I will be making more money here than I was at the hotel. Which just leads me back to crap I need to figure out what the hell I am doing with my life or I will turn around in a year having killed it at job playing on the internet all day chatting with bam or jane or holly or I could go on a while here... while reading ebooks at work or something like that... ::blink:: See that sooooooooo has its appeal. LOL

I am having the normal pull at 'omg I really need to get a life'. I am going to be 31, have no direction or goal driving me... I should do something. Go back to school. Sell my shit, pick a new state and move. Go run and hide in Kristie's Library. SOMETHING. I mean really who am I to laugh or stare in wonder while I lurk through the remains of two years of files and crap on a computer from two people I don't even know? But really WHO has a link to a 'cheating' discussion board in their favorites at work? WHO? Says she who at one time spent large parts of her day emailing and chatting with jay. Awww good times that... but of course jay has to fuck it up with getting her shit together and going to law school so she won't be around to play with.

Then of course I start to think on books and blogs and what I could do with mine with the time... Things I can finish and such cuz I will be awake with mucho time to kill and will most likely have freedom of internet access and a computer in such a position that ctrl-alt-tab is your friend. Or there is the dive bar which is down the street (oddly enough I know I have been there once or twice but can't remember clearly when or why). I could be Norm! Only younger, female and thin until the smoke, alcohol, bar food kill it. See life is nothing but a bunch of random choices ;).

Alcohol... whatever happened to the Barenaked Ladies?

Alcohol, my permanent accessory
Alcohol, a party-time necessity
Alchool, alternative to feeling like yourself
O Alcohol, I still drink to your health

I love you more than I did the week before
I discovered alcohol

Forget the caffe latte,
screw the raspberry iced tea
A Malibu and Coke for you, a G&T for me
Alcohol, Your songs resolve like
my life never will
When someone else is picking up the bill

I love you more than I did the week before
I discovered alcohol
O Alcohol, would you please forgive me?
For while I cannot love myself
I'll use something else

I thought that Alcohol was just for those with
nothing else to do
I thought that drinking just to get drunk
was a waste of precious booze
But now I know that there's a time
and there's a place where I can choose
To walk the fine line between
self-control and self-abuse

I love you more than I did the week before
I discovered alcohol
Would you please ignore that you
found me on the floor
Trying on your camisole?
O Alcohol, would you please forgive me?
For while I cannot love myself
I'll use something else

Would you please forgive me?
Would you please forgive me?

eh I so don't see myself returning to bars cuz smoke and alcohol tend to fuck up my migraines and really random sex with strangers gets old quick and is hardly ever worth the effort. I could start dating but good night that would involve work and is hardly ever worth the effort. And would make my mother far too happy. LOL if I bothered to tell her that is...

I think I am turning in my notice tomorrow to my apartments. Sort of makes my flesh crawl in a omg what the fuck am I doing type way. But hey it will force me to make a choice by Jan. There is a crazy idea floating around in my head which involve a move to Dallas. Or at least decide to get a new apartment here or move home or something... I don't want to be here. But I don't want to pack. I just suck.

Then there are the books... eek! The way I quit at work I am ending up getting a week of vacation so hopefully I will have a lil bit of cash to get the piles sent off to people and send out more books. Then I need to get bins I think... and figure out uh something.

ten to one I just go read a book.

blerg

2006-10-21T13:06:00.000-05:00

sick, sick, sick

You name it, it has prolly been wrong with me in the last five days. I haven't been to work in four. Tried to twice, and they turned around and sent me home because I looked like death.

I am trying to drag myself in right now... oh and I start another job on monday. Long story.

I have over 300 emails to sort through. Ten to one if you have sent me on in the last week I owe you one.

The good news is I am not dying ;).

Liquid into Samhain

2006-10-17T02:35:00.000-05:00

I think I have asked this before... maybe...

What's up with all the liquid silver books being republished at samhain? Are they just being cleaned up editing wise and then printed? Do they have to sell a certain number to go to print or is it a sure thing?

And why didn't LSB print them? Does LSB not do print?

But most importantly... does it say if the book is expanded and worth rebuying?

Devon Guest EBuzz: Mistress of Redemption by Joey Hill

2006-10-16T04:10:00.000-05:00

Nature of Desire - Mistress of Redemption By Joey W. Hill

The white-collar life Jonathan Powell created for himself is gone. Standing outside Wentworth prison after serving his five-year sentence, he knows he has to start over. No more hooking up with Dominant women so he can enjoy the challenge of screwing up their minds. But who knew his last target would be a psychopathic killer who tried to off two cops? No, it wasn't the game that was the problem. He just made some key mistakes. Mistakes he won't make again.

Then Mistress Dona shows up to give him a ride from the prison into his new life, and his resolve goes out the window. She's everything he can't resist. Dona knows she has to help Jonathan make the right choice this time, because Hell doesn't offer options. He has to understand and accept what surrender truly means. His only hope is a Mistress of Redemption. The problem is she may lose her own soul in the attempt to save his.

Reader Advisory: This book contains a very gritty and frank journey to Hell and contains many BDSM elements. Some of the situations and scenes may be disturbing to some readers. It is not for the faint of heart. Features Jonathan from Natural Law.

Devon can be found at her blog, Is that a stake in your pocket?

Devon's Ebuzz

Mistress of Redemption by Joey Hill, is the author's most recent installment in her "Nature of Desire" series, in which she explores BDSM and what draws people to it.

The hero of this book (and I use that term loosely), is Jonathan Powell, who previously appeared in Natural Law, and was mentioned in Holding All the Cards. Jonathan is an all-around bastard, and a sub who tops from the bottom. He manipulates his lovers into thinking that he cares about them, then destroys them emotionally.

He ends up in prison for his role in the attempted murder of Mac Nighthorse (the hero of Natural Law.) MoR picks up with his release after five years in prison. He is picked up by the mysterious Mistress Dona, who takes him to Hell and back.

Literally.

This is Jonathan's journey through Hell, as Dona forces him to face his crimes, and hopefully cleanse his soul. Mistress Dona is not only Lucifer's minion and Jonthan's torturer, but also his soulmate. And she hopes that she can actually help him. But she's going to have to make him suffer at first, but that's cool, she's into that too.

This was a fascinating read. Ellora's Cave gave it the X-treme rating, and it is that. Not for the faint of heart. There was some rough stuff here. I winced a couple of times, and I'm pretty hardened. But it never came off as exploitative or unnecessary. It was more like a bizarre form of therapy to help Jonathan to face his crimes and understand his true self. But therein also lay the problem for me. There was some heavy psychological stuff here, and I found the exploration of what motivated both Jonathan and Dona to be very interesting, but not particularly erotic.

I was much more caught up in the psychological elements than the romantic ones. I was much more curious to read why Jonathan was so fucked up than in the HEA. I think the difficult subject matter required a certain amount of readerly distance, to make it more palatable. I was happy that they did find some happiness, though.

So, in short, this was a very compelling read, but not so much a romance for me. But one thing is undeniable, I think that Hill is one of the strongest, most intelligent writers of romantica that I have read. She has a great grasp of what makes her characters tick and of the strange hold of BDSM on some people. If you're curious, try Natural Law. One's got to build up to this one.

You can buy this here and find her other titles here. Thanks Devon!

The Inconvenient Duchess by Christine Merrill

2006-10-16T01:26:00.000-05:00

The Inconvenient Duchess by Christine Merrill is a new to me HH author and even though it was a Regency novel I picked it up. Has anyone else read it? My copy is screwed up. Letters are missing at the end of some words and in places the end of sentences are gone. Really it isn't enough to make the book unreadable but it is annoying.

Lady Miranda Grey was raised by a broken man who lost everything and a whore. Well by this point ex-whore, who blackmails a woman on her death bed (ex-school chum) into arranging a meeting between Miranda and soon to be dead woman's sons. One of those sons just happens to be a Duke.

A Duke. You know the guy most of those marriage mart chits would happily open a vein to wed. Lady Miranda shows up at the house, alone, after walking in the rain with a letter of introduction from her guardian 'Lady Cecily' (you know the whore) only to find out that the mother is dead and the Duke of Haughleigh might as well be.

I mentioned the alone part right? So now she is stuck, alone, with two rakes (we know they are rakes cuz they tell us so). Whatever is a girl to do?

All in all this book should be F material but it works. Miranda does some pretty TSTL things for a woman who has 'worked', been exposed to real life and has a brain in her head. The Duke and Miranda spend too much time apart in the beginning so when he finds out the truth of her up bringing, really he has no reason to keep her. When you add in how he went about 'marrying her' it isn't really believable he would care much about her.

And the little weasel St. John shouldn't be around near as much as he is. The brother should have kept a better eye on him and Miranda's background should have made it impossible for her to not see he was up to no good.

But I was entertained, kept turning the pages and wanted to know what happened next. Maybe it had to do with the fact that the plot wasn't your typical regency. Or that the characters were charming and well fleshed out. Miranda isn't your perfect, beautiful diamond and Marcus isn't the over the top alpha or doormat beta. You have two people who have been dealt some shitty cards and are making the best play out of it they can.

I enjoyed The Inconvenient Duchess and would recommend it if you are in the mood for a quick Regency read. But if you are a hard case for following the 'regency rules' you prolly want to skip it. As for me, I really want to read the next book, An Unladylike Offer (St. John's book).

You can read an excerpt here and another here.

Who Am I?

2006-10-15T06:23:00.000-05:00

A book... not me... it is too early for any post that deep in thought *g*

More about the book found here and here.

I can't believe it hasn't been found... I am really thinking it is a mix of books but sadly it sounds soooooooo like a book I have read, I just don't know.

this was posted at the Reader to Reader board by lgs and I KNOW I have read it but can't figure it out.

The H & h marry in a marriage of convienance. Can't remember the circumstances. She is clumsy & he is uptight. She comes to see him in his study & this irritates him. She gives him two big clumsy dogs. He does not like them because when he was a child, his father made him kill his dog because it got hurt or something. Anyway, she helps orphans & he does not like this at first because it is not seemly for a Lady to go to places like that. He follows her one day because he thinks she is cheating on him or something like that. And then he eats dinner with them all.

Set in regency time.

WoOT!

2006-10-15T01:50:00.000-05:00

I am a winner.

Go Team Me!

Ask Anne Stuart....

2006-10-13T22:56:00.000-05:00

Hey did you guys know she is the author to question at RT this week?

Ask the Author: Anne Stuart

and I don't see one question from cindy or megan...

...
Ask me any questions you like - I'm notoriously unguarded. I've been in the business for centuries - my first book came out when I was twenty-five - and I've seen trends, publishers, imprints and editors come and go. Nothing short of dynamite can dislodge me, and I'm gleefully certain I'm writing some of the best stuff of my career. So ask me anything, and I'll answer.

complete Anne Stuart intro here

what cha waiting for...

A couple more updated websites

2006-10-13T22:38:00.000-05:00

Love Jo Goodman's new format.

Madeline Hunter's site looks like it is still a work in progress.

As is Meljean Brook's site.

Have you seen any new or updated author sites? Have you updated or changed your site recently?

What do you most want to see on an author's website? I WANT what is next. I don't care if it is a year away... just have something up. As for extra's I love tidbits about the books and how the author came about the story. Goodman's site is grand for this as is Elizabeth Boyle.

recently mentioned site recap:
Jennifer Ashley aka Allyson James

Renee Bernard

Donna Birdsell

Karen Ranney

How To Abduct a Highland Lord by Karen Hawkins

2006-10-13T22:02:00.000-05:00

This is so update your website month in romance land. Karen Hawkins has a new look at her site. The whole thing has a look funny author feel to it. Think this ties into "branding". I have never really thought of Hawkins as the funny girl romance writer. Maybe that was what I missed...

I really like the new cover for her next book but it really doesn't scream historical to me. Maybe that is just me...

How To Abduct a Highland Lord by Karen Hawkins
Release: January 30th, 2007

Determined to save her family from a bloody clan war, Fiona MacLean kidnaps and marries their greatest enemy, Black Jack Kincaid. After a night of debauchery, the unsuspecting rogue is stunned to wake up married to the woman he once loved and has never stopped desiring. With the tense peace between their clans resting on their unlikely union, will Jack redeem himself, rekindle their passion, and win Fiona’s heart—which he finally realizes he has always desired?

You gonna write a letter?

2006-10-13T14:45:00.000-05:00

I am guessing this is a cause now because the election is near. Or someone has a new book coming out? Since it hit newswires over two months ago.

There were too many responses to read on AAR and I don't feel like googling... but does anyone know if it has been brought up that Combs isn't (wasn't?) really embracing her romance past?

Don't get me wrong, I still think head's an ass (hee) but Combs didn't seem like the stand up proud romance novelist. I still think Mike is the man to vote for... well until I google him and find something about him I don't like.

hee

Ebuzz: Good Deal for ebook reader peeps

2006-10-13T06:14:00.000-05:00

Dance of the Gods
by Nora Roberts

Regular Club
Reduced From: $8.56 $7.28
You Pay: $7.99 $6.79
Micropay Rebate:100% 100%
Cost After Rebate:$0.00 $0.00
You Save: 100% 100%

eBook Category: Romance
eBook Description: Second in a new trilogy from the #1 New York Times bestselling author. As the Circle of Six prepares for its final clash with the dark army of the vampire Lilith, the battleground shifts. In Ireland, a stone circle serves as the portal to another land and an ancient time. It is in Geall that all will meet their fate-the sorcerer, the witch, the warrior, the scholar, the one of many forms, and the one who was lost. And as their courage is tested, hearts will bond as never

Love in a Bottle by Zoe Archer new blurb and a excerpt

2006-10-11T11:49:00.000-05:00

Another website update... great month for readers!

Love in a Bottle by Zoe Archer
Release Date: November 28, 2006

from site:

Sophie Andrews: She'd rather be in the fields with her hands deep in the earth, studying plants, than playing the coquette in the drawing room. A chance encounter with a rakish peddler has this unconventional spirit learning that she may be a lady in a man's world, but she's still a woman.

Ian Blackpool: With his charming, roguish smile, he can sell you bottles of potion guaranteeing love. But he might not buy it himself. This mountebank's search for the secret of love has taken him all over the world, but one beautiful English botanist may hold the answer he's been pursuing.

Dark Dan McGannon: The name says it all. The most ruthless kidnapper on the British Isles.

excerpt I might even give in and read...

So do you want to read it anymore than you did after reading the first blurb?

Love the cover but the blurb is very eh...

It was the most beautiful fungus botanist Sophie Andrews had ever seen. And the man who came with it was a pretty fine specimen, too: tall, handsome and flashing a grin that promised wickedness. Sophie knew the bottle of love potion the roguish peddler tried to push on her was a hoax, but she had no time to argue. One of England's most vicious criminals had kidnapped her favorite uncle, and something had to be done.

Ian Blackpool refused to let the stubborn beauty who'd stumbled into his path track down the notorious Dark Dan McGannon alone. It was his duty to help. Surely it had nothing to do with the thrill he felt at her touch. After all, love was merely a specific chemical combination. But when Ian took Sophie in his arms, science went out the window. It was time to abandon bottled love and take a chance on something new-trusting his heart.

Victim of this, victim of that

2006-10-10T22:36:00.000-05:00

Oddly enough Sandy doesn't agree with me. Shocking I know...

There's No Sex in Your Violence
Don't Go In There
Oh Grow Up

Just a note... I like like lawyers! Really!

Get Over It by The Eagles

From the album Hell Freezes Over (1994)

I turn on the tube and what do I see
A whole lotta people cryin' 'Don't blame me'
They point their crooked little fingers ar everybody else
Spend all their time feelin' sorry for themselves
Victim of this, victim of that
Your momma's too thin; your daddy's too fat

Get over it
Get over it
All this whinin' and cryin' and pitchin' a fit
Get over it, get over it

You say you haven't been the same since you had your little crash
But you might feel better if I gave you some cash
The more I think about it, Old Billy was right
Let's kill all the lawyers, kill 'em tonight
You don't want to work, you want to live like a king
But the big, bad world doesn't owe you a thing

Get over it
Get over it
If you don't want to play, then you might as well split
Get over it, Get over it

It's like going to confession every time I hear you speak
You're makin' the most of your losin' streak
Some call it sick, but I call it weak

You drag it around like a ball and chain
You wallow in the guilt; you wallow in the pain
You wave it like a flag, you wear it like a crown
Got your mind in the gutter, bringin' everybody down
Complain about the present and blame it on the past
I'd like to find your inner child and kick its little ass

Get over it
Get over it
All this bitchin' and moanin' and pitchin' a fit
Get over it, get over it

Get over it
Get over it
It's gotta stop sometime, so why don't you quit
Get over it, get over it

The Good, The Bad and The Unread

Ebookwise 101

and your guess?

Joy to the World

Merry, Merry

YAY

You are, you are...

Review Coming Soon: Unleashed by Rebecca York, Susan Kearney, Diane Whiteside, Lucy Monroe

Review Coming Soon: The Stranger I Married by Sylvia Day

Is it just the cough meds....

sooooooo anyone know

I becomth a domain

Dear Mrs. Williams

The More the Merrier

beta blogger suckage or things to try if you can't comment

Review: High Stakes by Erin McCarthy

We are, we are, the youth of a nation

hitler is so 1980

reviews, buys and reads - oh my

For love or money

Poor Computer is still Teh Dead

It bes sick

So just where were you last night at midnight?

Just when I thought that I was out, she pulled me back in... **info added**

New books and a thankee to Dear Author

Oh ebookwise, oh ebookwise

Was this ever found...

passion for fashion

To blazes with the code.

minions....misty water-colored minions

Color me annoyed

Update as SKL Site: Just Sex

Panic! At the Disco or book coveting

sexing up the cover

Enslaved by Hope Tarr **June 2007**

Edge of Midnight by Shannon McKenna **Aug 2007**

Never Lie To A Lady by Liz Carlyle ** June 2007 **

I still don't get it

gakked from marg, who gakked from dylan who...

Can old news be the sign of new things?

Is it wrong of me...

Holiday... Celebrate...

Review: The Rules of Seduction by Madeline Hunter

Dear Self: The Texas Ranger

okay.... this completely pisses me off

That is cool

Should it make me smile so every time I see one of these?

Review: Sugar and Spice by Leda Swann

Am I the only one who thinks this blows?

Whatever you are looking for....

something to ponder...

Hey at least it is a different time...

Always. Buy. The. Book.

Shamelessly Reckless

Something new from Dorchester

Slake... editoral link

cream, sugar or milk...

It's a Wonderfully Sexy Life and Sierra's Homecoming

Chatty Cathy

Food for thought...

If you can't take the heat...

You ARE what you WRITE

Why would one want to use this?

Guest Wench

What Regency Readers Want

Just a little Patience

Running out of patience...

nothing like

Damn it!

New Books! take II

I would like to know more...

Redecorating....

They say it's your birthday

“Devil's Kiss” by Brenda Williamson

Women fic...

Kiss of the Wolf by Morgan Hawke

A Tale of Two Sue's

When did romanceblogland become myspace?

Yes, I did get more than one....

Which Cover?

Just when I thought that I was out, she pulled me back in... info added

Enslaved by Hope Tarr June 2007

Edge of Midnight by Shannon McKenna Aug 2007

Never Lie To A Lady by Liz Carlyle June 2007

Devils on Horseback: Nate by Bet Williamson Publication Date: September 25, 2007

Love in a Bottle by Zoe Archer new blurb and a excerpt