Beau Crusoe

I bought Carla Kelly's Beau Crusoe when I saw it in the store, but I put off reading it. What if I don't like it as much as I hope? I wondered. Then I started reading it and couldn't stop. I had to take the day off work and everything. Well, I was also having stupid stomach pains, but that's beside the point. Moving on . . .

Stranded alone on a desert island, he had lived to tell the tale. A triumphant return to the ton saw James Trevenen hailed as Beau Crusoe--a gentleman of spirit, verve and action. But only he knew the true cost of his survival!

Susannah Park had been shunned by Society. She lived content with her calm existence . . . until Beau Crusoe determinedly cut up her peace! The beautiful widow wanted to help him heal the wounds of the past--but what secrets was this glorious man hiding?

After all my worries that I wouldn't like the book, I found that reading Beau Crusoe was like visiting an old friend: 5 out of 5. Don't misunderstand me--I'm not saying that Beau Crusoe was a repeat of any of Kelly's previous stories. But it does have the thoughtful characters, vivid imagery, and easy-to-read style that is her trademark.

James's story unfolds gradually, though the direction of the story is pretty clear. The delay in giving the whole story makes the impact even stronger. Seeing how his time on the island affects James was both compelling and heartbreaking. I loved the way Susannah was so fiercely determined to find out what happened and help him. Both characters show their own strength.

Though this is a serious story, I loved the moments of levity. The toucans, for instance. Heavens! I love how that aspect plays out. Every mention of them made me smile.

But the love story is truly at the heart of Beau Crusoe, and it's a beautiful story. Once I finished it, I started rereading immediately.

Carla Kelly, it's good to read you again.

The Stranger I Married

When I saw The Stranger I Married in the bookstore last week, I snatched it up. I think it's no secret that I love Sylvia Day's writing, and this book is no exception.

They are London's most scandalous couple. Isabel, Lady Pelham, and Gerard Faulkner, Marquess of Grayson, are well matched in all things--their lusty appetites, constant paramours, wicked wits, provocative reputations, and their absolute refusal ever to ruin their marriage of convenience by falling in love with one another. Isabel knows such a charming rake will never appeal to her guarded heart, nor will she sway his philandering one. It is a most agreeable sham . . . until a shocking turn of events sends Gerard from her side.

Now, four years later, Gerard has come home to Isabel. But the carefree, boyish rogue who left has been replaced by a brooding, powerful, irresistible man who is determined to seduce his way into her affections. Gone is the devil-may-care companion who shared her friendship and nothing more, and in his place is temptation itself . . . a husband who desires Isabel body and soul and who will stop at nothing to win her love. No, this is not at all the man she had married. But he is the man who might finally steal her heart . . .

Before proceeding with this review, I should mention that I had a chance to read the first few chapters of this book some time ago to offer my opinion of its unconventional characters. I told Sylvia that I was intrigued by where the story would go, and I wanted to read more. When I read this book last week, I was convinced that The Stranger I Married may well be Day's best work to date: 5 out of 5.

Conventional readers may be put off by the reasons Gerard and Isabel marry. If that's the case, I hope they will keep reading nonetheless; otherwise, they will miss a beautiful story. The Stranger I Married is not only the story of how Isabel and Gerard fall in love with each other. It's also the story of one man's journey to becoming a man who likes himself. Both these aspects of the story are compelling.

Equally moving is a secondary romance featuring Isabel's brother. I'm not always a fan of secondary romances, as I often find them distracting, but in this case it was cute and not at all detracting from the story.

The Stranger I Married is a subtly drawn portrait of two people who find love and acceptance with each other. I encourage you to read their story.

Kelley Armstrong

After reading Dates from Hell, I decided to pick up Kelley Armstrong's Bitten, which had been languishing on my TBR for several months. If I remember correctly, I bought it at Media Play . . . back when Media Play was still open.

Bitten completely blew me away. I've already reviewed it, so I won't repeat myself, but it was very, very good. I quickly bought and read the rest of the books in the series. Here's how I rate them.

• Bitten: 5 out of 5
• Stolen: 5 out of 5
• Dime Store Magic: 4.5 out of 5
• Industrial Magic: 4.5 out of 5
• Haunted: 4 out of 5
• Broken: 4.5 out of 5

Armstrong excels at world-building and story telling. The Otherworld is unique, vivid, and memorable. But it's the storytelling that makes me a fan. Bitten is particularly masterful. Another writer might have clogged up the beginning of the story with backstory, but that's not what Armstrong does. She gives just enough to tell the story, providing backstory through flashbacks or narrative as it's needed.

Case in point: Elena refers to being bitten or "the person who bit me" at least three times before we find out who that person was. (Don't worry--I won't spoil it in this post.) There are several places where Armstrong could have shared this information earlier in the story, but she doesn't. The choice is a good one because it adds to the emotional punch. It wouldn't have had the same impact if it had been revealed sooner.

Something that impresses me as a reader and a writer is how distinctive her characters are. Her men don't only look differently and act differently. They talk differently. Here are some examples.

Clayton, from Bitten
During a scene with Elena and Jeremy: "I'm staying. . . . If Elena thinks she can show up, then walk right back out, after I've been waiting for over a year--"

"You'll do what?" I said, stepping toward him. "Kidnap me and lock me in a hotel room again?"

"That was six years ago. And I was only trying to convince you to talk to me before you left."

"Convince? Hah. I'd probably still be there if I hadn't convinced you to set me free by hanging you off the balcony by your ankles. If I'd had any sense, I'd have let go while I had the chance."

"Wouldn't have done any good, darling. I bounce. You can't get rid of me that easily."

Clay rarely has long speeches--he's more of a doer than a talker. This exchange reveals his sense of humor, his casual speech, and his complicated relationship with Elena.

Jeremy, from Bitten
During a scene where he's telling Elena not to make any hasty decisions about leaving the Pack: "Adjusting to this has been more difficult for you than anyone else. You didn't grow up knowing you'd become a werewolf. Being bitten would have been bad enough, but the way it happened, the circumstances under which it happened, make it ten times harder. It's in your nature to fight something you didn't choose. When you make your choice, I want it to be because you've spent enough time out there to know that it's what you want, not because you're stubborn and want to assert your right to self-determination here and now."

This speech is classic Jeremy. Elena's father figure is patient and logical, both of which qualities are evident here.

Lucas, from Industrial Magic
During a scene where he's explaining to Paige how he'll handle an upcoming discussion with his father: "My intention is simply not to refuse as vehemently as I normally do, or he'll blame you, however illogical the reasoning. I will hear him out, and I will endeavor to be more receptive to his paternal attentions than is my wont."

"Uh huh."

Lucas smiled. "In other words, I'll make nice."

Lucas is a lawyer as well as a sorcerer, and his language tends to be more sophisticated. He's also aware of this tendency and is able to see the humor of it, as the last sentence shows.

Another thing I like in Armstrong's book is her use of humor. Instead of including moments of slapstick, her humor tends to be wry and understated, a type of humor I really enjoy. In Dime Store Magic, we learn that witches and sorcerers have a longterm animosity toward each other. I loved this moment when sorcerer Lucas bursts into a Coven meeting.

"Are there any questions?" Cortez said after his presentation.

Silence.

Eleven-year-old Megan, the youngest neophyte, raised her hand. "Are you a bad sorcerer?"

"I lack some proficiency in the higher-order spells but, at the risk of sounding overconfident, I must say there are worse sorcerers."

:)

Armstrong has a terrific site for readers. It has all the usual things on author sites, pages about the books, FAQ, and contests. It also offers free online reads, some of which chronicle Clay's past. One of them, Savage, is being released as an audiobook. This, too, will be available free on her website. There's also a fairly active message board.

She has two books out in the next year--one in October, not set in the Otherworld, and one next spring with Jaime, a celebrity necromancer. Next year's book will be out in hardcover. This will disappoint some readers, I'm sure, but I say good for her. By the time I read Industrial Magic, I found myself wondering why the series wasn't in hardcover already. Yes, the installments will be more expensive, but Armstrong has earned it. And that makes it even more likely to be released in audio versions, a definite plus for me.

Kelley Armstrong has joined my list of favorite writers. I'll be looking for a book signing opportunity so I can get autographed copies of all her books.

Bitten

I've had Kelley Armstrong's Bitten in my TBR pile for a while. After reading Armstrong's story in the Dates from Hell anthology, I picked up Bitten.

Elena Michaels seems like the typically strong and sexy modern woman. She lives with her architect boyfriend, writes for a popular newspaper, and works out at the gym. She's also a werewolf.

Elena has done all she can to assimilate to the human world, but the man whose bite changed her existence forever, and his legacy, continue to haunt her. Thrown into a desperate war for survival that tests her allegiance to a secret clan of werewolves, Elena must reckon with who, and what, she is in this passionate, page-turning novel.

The blurb is right. Bitten is both passionate and page-turning. It's also one of the best books I've read this year: 5 out of 5.

This review will be filled with spoilers, so if you haven't read it, think you might want to, and don't want to have anything spoiled for you, stop reading this.

Now.

Don't say I didn't warn you.

OK, then. There's so much to like about this book I don't know where to start. Actually, I do--with Elena. Bitten is told in first person from her point of view. She's a fascinating character, a strong woman who became a werewolf without being offered a choice. She is living with a man in Toronto, although she has mixed feelings about a man she left behind to live on her own, away from her pack. The problem is that she straddles two worlds and doesn't feel completely comfortable in either one. Elena's journey of self-discovery is a significant part of the book.

This is really a book with wide appeal. In addition to the story of Elena's self-actualization (if that's what you want to call it), there's mystery and romance.

Elena's got a wonderfully wry sense of humor. I like moments like this:

Naturally, Jeremy was impressed by how well I'd handled things on my own and vowed never to shurt me out of anything ever again. Yeah, right. His first words were nonrepeatable. Then he said that if I ever, ever did anything so stupid again, he'd--well, that part was unrepeatable, too, though Clay, Antonio, and Nick were quick to repeat it, each adding their own threats. So, the brave soul who saved the day was forced to slink from her victory site and ride home in the backseat of her own car. It could have been worse. They could have put me in the trunk. Actually, Nick suggested that, but he was kidding . . . I think.

Can I just say I loved, loved, loved Clay? He's a man (OK, a werewolf) some would describe as a cold-blooded killer, yet he's sentimental enough to wear a wedding ring for nearly a dozen years because he considers himself married to Elena. When I read about how Clay made Christmas festive for her in the past and that he had presents for her, hoping she would return the previous Christmas, it nearly broke my heart.

When I finished Bitten, I started reading it all over again, and I know it's one I'll reread many times in the future. I've already ordered the second book in the series, and it's going to be tough to keep from jumping right into it. Perhaps it will be a reward for writing the three reviews that are waiting for me . . .

Bad Boys Ahoy!

I thought I had read just about every story that could be told during the Regency period. Bad Boys Ahoy! proved me wrong: 5 out of 5.

In the first novella, "Stolen Pleasures," pirate Sebastian steals a bride, only to discover she is his bride; they've been married by proxy. The story takes an almost immediate turn from the norm. In some romances, the proxy marriage would be a secret for much of the story as part of a "Big Secret" misunderstanding.

Instead, this issue is dealt with immediately, leaving the remainder of the story to focus on delving into two fascinating characters, Olivia and Sebastian. Olivia is not a standard simpering heroine. She is passionate, strong-willed, and astute, the perfect match for Sebastian.

I love the way Day creates unique characters. Sebastian's reasons for becoming a pirate are complex, and Olivia comes to understand and know him perfectly. This story evokes a range of emotions and culminates in a sweet ending.

"Lucien's Gamble" is the second novella. In it, Lucien discovers that Julienne has disguised herself as a man to enter his club. He has always wanted her, and he takes advantage of the surpring opportunity to make the biggest gamble of his life.

As in the first novella, this one features unconventional characters who fall in love. It's extremely satisfying to read Lucien's journey from believing he is not good for Julienne to realizing that he loves her and wants to be the one to make her happy.

Julienne is a rare historical heroine--a woman who knows what she wants and isn't afraid to pursue it.

The third novella is "Her Mad Grace." In this story, a snowstorm forces Hugh to take shelter at the house of a reclusive woman known as her mad Grace. Hugh meets Charlotte, a woman who introduces herself as a companion.

All three stories in this anthology are connected, and the hero in "Her Mad Grace" is Julienne's brother. Years have passed since "Lucien's Gamble," and the snowstorm gives Hugh the opportunity to demonstrate responsibility and show that he can be relied on.

I found Hugh's vulnerability about being needed especially poignant, and a few scenes toward the end of the story brought tears to my eyes. Charlotte is a vivid heroine, and the scene where she shows Hugh how much she loves him is incredibly moving.

I can't say enough positive things about Bad Boys Ahoy! The characters are unique and you come to care about each one. In addition, Day writes lush and unforgettable love scenes that move the story along and keep the reader engaged. I'm ready for her next book.

Kiss of the Night and Wish List

Another day, another Sylvia Day book review. I discovered her writing back with Catching Caroline, then I tried "Magic Fingers" from Sex on Holiday. Now I buy and read everything she writes because I know what I will get: memorable characters, hot sex, and an emotional story to go with them. Kiss of the Night is no exception: 4.5 out of 5.

Kiss of the Night is connected to Misled.

Special Task Force agent Alexei Night has had a crush on Interstellar Council Representative Briana Michaels ever since the first time he saw her on the vid comm. But their lives are worlds apart. He's a vampire. She's not. There's no possibility of a relationship between them. Yet he still dreams of her . . .

When Briana's unpopular position supporting vampiric rights threatens her family, Alex leaps at the chance to protect her and be with her. It's a two-week journey to her homeworld, and he'll spend it making love with the woman he can't keep, trying to get enough of her to last an eternity. Their erotic connection is easily established but their bond doesn't overshadow the danger surrounding Briana.

A hopeless romance with a woman whose mortal life is threatened . . . Things can't get any worse for Alex.

And then somehow . . . they do.

Kiss of the Night emphasizes something Day depicts really well: passionate, steamy sex that shows the emotional connection between the characters. As a vampire, Alexei has certain advantages, but he prefers Briana to want him for himself and not because he exerted any influence. I definitely admired that as well as the fact that he doesn't fight what he feels for Briana.

Wish List
Wish List is a Christmas novella, and it's just terrific: 5 out of 5.

When Nicolas James draws Stephanie Martin's name in their law firm's Secret Santa exchange he knows he's in for a merry Christmas--if he can figure out what to give the woman he's wanted for months. When he works late and finds a crumpled piece of paper listing Steph's personal wish list, he knows he's in luck. Because all Steph wants for Christmas is him, in a number of naughty ways.

And not-so saintly Nick is going to make every one of her carnal wishes come true.

Wish List is a contemporary story, and it uses a great deal of humor. Read an excerpt to see for yourself. Nick's fulfillment of Steph's wish list is wonderful. I wouldn't mind having a man like Nick for Christmas. LOL! The only thing I didn't like about this story is that it wasn't long enough.

If you read e-books, I suggest that you give one of Day's books a try. If you read print books only, Bad Boys Ahoy! is due out in January. I haven't read it, but I have no doubt it will be excellent.

Kitty and The Midnight Hour

It isn't often that I recommend books to my friends and coworkers. Most of them are not romance readers. But Carrie Vaughn's Kitty and The Midnight Hour is so good that I'm planning not only to recommend it but to give it away to a few people as Christmas presents. This is one of the best books I've read all year: 5 out of 5.

Kitty Norville is a late-night DJ. One night, she decides to take a few calls from people, and she ends up chatting about the world of vampires and werewolves. When the show's ratings spike, Kitty starts a new show, The Midnight Hour, where the supernatural can call for advice.

The problem is that not everyone loves her show. Kitty, a werewolf, owes allegiance to Carl, the leader of a local pack, and he isn't thrilled about the program. The leader of a vampire family is also displeased, since he thinks Kitty's show brings to much attention to the supernatural. So someone hires a werewolf hunter to kill Kitty.

I won't say how Kitty escapes. Instead, I'll focus on the things I like about the book. Kitty is terrific. The story is told from her point of view, and she's a fascinating character. The pacing of the story is wonderful; it kept me engrossed in the story. I read it in one sitting. I like the radio show angle. It allows for interesting interaction between characters, and it also gives Vaughn a way to show world-building without getting bogged down in description.

There is a suggestion of romance between Kitty and another character. It's left largely unexplored, but this is the first book in a series. The rest of the story was so good that I didn't mind. I do hope this character is brought back in future stories. I'd love to learn more about him.

If you like paranormal romance or paranormal in general, you're likely to enjoy Kitty and The Midnight Hour.

To Love and to Cherish

I'm back in town. I made my annual trip to the Shakespearean Festival, this time with my mom and sister. I had a nice and busy time. For plays, we saw The Foreigner (not Shakespeare) and All's Well That Ends Well. They were terrific. I liked the latter far more than I thought I would, considering it's a somewhat problematic play. We did some fun shopping, too.

Now I'm back at work, feeling like I need a vacation to recover from my vacation. Typical.

In any case, I read an amazing book during the trip: Patricia Gaffney's To Love and to Cherish. There is an author quote on the cover describing this book as "one of the most hauntingly beautiful love stories I've ever read." This description is totally accurate.

Christian (Christy) Morrell is the vicar of Wyckerley. As the book begins, he is at the bedside of a dying parishioner. That man is the father of Christy's childhood friend Geoffrey, whom he has not seen in years. Geoffrey soon arrives with his wife, Anne; Christy discovers that Geoffrey is not the same person he knew years ago. This Geoffrey is ill, cruel, and violent. When Geoffrey goes off to war, Anne and Christy get to know and come to care for each other.

At first, I wondered what I would think of a hero named Christy, but 100 pages into the book, I decided I wanted a Christy Morrell of my own. He is the kind of hero I adore: observant, intellectual, and serious. He is strong, but not in a physically overpowering way; instead, it's a strength of character. I loved the way he lived his faith--it's not overbearing; it's simply part of who he is.

Anne is an equally fascinating heroine. The contrast between the way she is when Geoffrey is around in the first part of the book and the warm woman she becomes with Christy is amazing.

To Love and to Cherish features rich characterization, not just with the two main characters. Gaffney paints a vivid picture of the town and its inhabitants. I enjoyed the small touches, such as the fact that neither Anne nor Christy seems aware of how beloved they are by the townspeople.

The book isn't perfect. In one section, Anne believes that God was punishing her, and something happens toward the end of the story that is kind of glossed over. Neither of these things is completely explored; I felt a little like I'd been left hanging. Still, I adored the main characters, and I found myself going back and rereading, which is my indication of a keeper: 5 out of 5.

Historical Marathon

This week, I read a number of historical romances. I've just been in a historical mood. Here are quick reviews of the books I read.

Always to Remember by Lorraine Heath
This was a lovely post-Civil War story. I thought the hero, Clay, was terrific. He was labeled a coward and deserter because he refused to fight. Now he's back home, but his war isn't over. He demonstrates an amazing quiet strength and is a beta hero. Meg starts out hating Clay because her husband died in the war. But as she spends time with Clay, she recognizes his strength and his courage. Part of the ending with the townspeople is too good to be true. However, there are several lovely moments in this book, and I found myself thinking of Clay and Meg days after reading their story. The perfect indication of a keeper: 5 out of 5.

A Promise of Love by Karen Ranney
I decided to take this one off the TBR pile after reading about it in a recent Romancing the Blog column. I'm glad I did; it's an excellent read: 4.5 out of 5. It's about a woman who is two-times widowed, then sent to Scotland, where she marries again. The marriage isn't easy. Neither of Judith's previous marriages was a happy one. Based on her previous experience, Judith is reluctant to trust anyone. I loved seeing her journey. Once Alisdair realizes what Judith has gone through, he is understanding and sympathetic. There are a few moments early in the book, however, where he acts cruelly toward her. Some readers might have trouble with this.

His Secondhand Bride by Cheryl St. John
This book has been getting raves from many bloggers, so it was a logical pick in my historical reading marathon. It's quite good: 4 out of 5. It's a marriage of convenience story about a man who marries his brother's wife after the brother dies. I enjoyed the characterization most. It's a treat to watch the vivacious Katherine and reserved Noah fall in love with each other. I was frustrated at moments when they wouldn't talk to each other about what they were feeling, but I enjoyed most of the story.

So, that's my marathon. It's interesting that none of the books I read are set in Regency England.

Origin in Death

I consider myself to be a fan of J.D. Robb's In Death series. I've enjoyed all of the books to varying degrees. Today I finished listening to Origin in Death, and I think it's one of the stronger books in the series. It's certainly the strongest book in the past few years: 5 out of 5.

NYPSD lieutenant Eve Dallas discovers a nearly spotless record when she investigates the past of Dr. Wilfred Icove. Then, she finds data disks at his home that are not only password-protected, but encoded. Once deciphered, they hint at medical experiments that may have led more than one person to want him dead.

The In Death books are futuristic, but Origin in Death feels more futuristic than many installments of the series. I was fascinated by the multilayered mystery. Every time I thought I had figured things out, the situation twists. I liked the fact that this story is very different from the one in the other books.

While I enjoy the In Death mysteries, I read the series primarily for the interaction of the characters. If that's the case for you, you'll love this book. There are several terrific moments with the characters. One in particular, where Eve mimics an Irish accent, is particularly funny when listening to it. This story is full of amusing and memorable moments. In fact, I like the book so much, I am listening to it again.

Here's a story that might amuse you. I received the audiobook first (in fact, I'm still waiting for the hardcover), so I've been listening to the book to and from work and in the evenings. Yesterday, I had to drive downtown for work, and I pulled up to a parking garage. The audiobook was playing fairly loud, but since Roarke wasn't in this particular scene (and therefore, he wouldn't be getting it on with Eve right then), I figured I would be fine leaving the audio on. So, the guy asked for $5, and as I dug in my wallet, with the window rolled down, Mavis said, "Check out these t*ts!" Then I was digging in my wallet and fumbling to lower the volume. Oy!

Contact

The Silhouette Bombshell series has been hit and miss for me. I've enjoyed one--Catherine Mann's Pursued--but the others I've read haven't impressed me. Until I read Evelyn Vaughn's Contact. Vaughn's skilled writing makes Contact an unforgettable book: 5 out of 5.

To say that Contact is a book about a female psychic who hooks up with a skeptical cop is a serious oversimplification. Faith Corbett has always been different. Her senses are amplified: she has heightened abilities to smell and hear. Her sense of touch is also unique. When she touches someone, she can sense his feelings. Faith is very aware of her unusual abilities, and she has isolated herself physically because of it. She avoids the touch of others.

The murder of her roommate forces her to work closely with New Orleans detectives Butch Jefferson and Roy Chopin. She's known both men for a while, and she anonymously feeds Butch information about cases. Roy distrusts psychics and doesn't know that Faith is the anonymous informant.

The Bombshell series promises strong heroines, and Faith lives up to the billing. While young (only 22), she is very mature and she doesn't hesitate to jump in and kick ass. This is no pseudo-strong heroine who talks a good game but needs the hero to jump in and save her.

What made the story so good, though, is the way Vaughn depicts Faith's abilities. We really get inside Faith's head so we understand what she experiences. I was especially impressed with the descriptions of what it's like for Faith to touch someone. Faith has held back for so long because she becomes overwhelmed through touch. There is a scene with Faith and Roy that's beautifully written. You'll know it when you get to it.

Roy is a wonderful hero. We don't really get any scenes from his point of view, but I still felt like I got to know him pretty well. He's abrupt and strong, but he has a softer side I find appealing.

I wish more books in the Bombshell series were like this one. When I originally read it, I rated it 4.5. I've gone back to reread it a few times already, though, so I figure it's a 5. Now I need to order Vaughn's backlist.

Alyssa

To Die For

I have a confession. I stopped reading Linda Howard years ago. All of her characters started to seem the same, so I read a few of her single titles, then quit. However, last year I heard good things about her book Cry No More, so I bought it once it came out in paperback. I haven't read it, but I read To Die For during the weekend because it sounded different. I ended up enjoying it tremendously. It's not perfect, and I was originally going to give it a 4, but I've already reread it once. That makes it a keeper in my book: 5 out of 5.

Blair Mallory owns a gym called Great Bods, but she's had some trouble with a gym member who started imitating her hairstyle, clothing, and manner. When this troublesome woman's membership expires, Blair won't allow her to renew it. The woman storms out after an angry confrontation. When Blair goes out to the parking lot after work, she sees the woman's car in the parking lot. Soon she hears a gunshot and thinks someone is trying to kill her. She goes back inside, calls the police, and discovers that the woman has been killed. This turn of events brings police lieutenant Wyatt Bloodsworth, a man she dated briefly two years ago, back into her life.

To Die For is told in first-person from Blair's point of view, which is perfect for this story. Blair is an ex-cheerleader who runs a gym, and I loved getting inside her head. It was fascinating to watch the couple interact from Blair's perspective, and I loved small (or not-so-small) details such as Blair's sensitive neck. The handstand and movie incidents are funny, too.

I'm going to give Linda Howard another try. I'll read Cry No More one of these days, and I'd definitely buy another book written in the same style as To Die For.

Alyssa

Better Than Chocolate . . .

This seems to be a weekend in which I blog about books with weird punctuation. I read Better Than Chocolate . . . by Jennifer LaBrecque and loved it: 5 out of 5.

Last year, I read LaBrecque's Barely Behaving; it was OK, but I didn't feel inclined to buy anything else. I picked up Better Than Chocolate . . . at the library, and now it looks like I need to get a copy for myself.

Eve Carmichael and Jack LaRoux are up for the same vice-president position at Hendley and Wells Advertising. The one who creates the campaign for a certain client will get the position. Jack and Eve haven't met; she works in the New York office, while he works in San Francisco. Both go to Chicago to have an initial meeting with the client to discuss ideas. Before that, though, Eve and Jack meet in the hotel, and go out for a drink.

I'll state right now that Jack finds out who Eve is, but he doesn't reciprocate. In most cases, I'd think that was a rotten thing to do. And it is. LaBrecque, however, shows talent in creating complex characters. Jack is likable even though his actions in this situation aren't. When Eve discovers the deception, she handles it much differently than I expected. She's a woman who gives as good as she gets. And I love the fact that she's attractive but not gorgeous.

Complexity is perhaps the best word for this story. The characters are complex, the situations are complex, and the sex is complex. I simply couldn't put this book down. (But again, what's up with the punctuation? No ellipsis is needed.)

On a reading note, I'm seeing a trend here. Better Than Chocolate . . . isn't the first book I've liked with a coworkers-who-don't-know-each-other plot. Jacquie D'Alessandro's We've Got Tonight also uses this storyline. Different execution, of course, but I loved it, too. I wonder why I seem to be drawn to this scenario? Must give this some thought.

Alyssa

Three More Books

I turned 34 today, and so far I've managed to avoid the painful self-analysis I sometimes subject myself to on my birthday. Instead, I dedicated myself to spending some of the flex-plan money I must use by the end of the year by buying colored contact lenses. My eyes are naturally dark brown, and I discovered that the dark color makes it impossible to get the rich blue, green, or violet colors that you see in ads for colored contacts. In fact, the best color of the five I got might be the one that makes my eyes light brown instead of dark brown. But then, I'm blind without my contacts, and I had to take one of them out so I could try the different colors. This meant I couldn't see at all very well. I'm in for an adventure in a few weeks once the new contacts arrive. It should be interesting.

Here's another reading report--again, these are shorter than usual so I can cover more books:

Forbidden by Janelle Denison: 4 out of 5.
Forbidden combines two of my favorite plot elements: cops and heroes who have loved the heroine from afar. In this case, the heroine was married to the hero's partner. When the husband is murdered, the heroine is in danger. This means, of course, that the hero must step in to protect her.

This story includes some familiar elements--Paige doesn't want to become involved with another cop, and she and Josh have to work undercover to capture her husband's killer. Still, Forbidden is well done.

Christmas on Snowbird Mountain by Fay Robinson: 4 out of 5.
This is a sweet Christmas story about two people who find love when they aren't looking for it. Susannah's mother died more than a year earlier; since then, she's been traveling and trying to complete the items on a wish list, such as performing in a ballet and creating a beautiful work of art. The latter wish brings her to Snowbird Mountain and a mosaic artist named Ryan.

Christmas on Snowbird Mountain is enjoyable largely because of Ryan. Though naturally reserved, he recognizes his feelings for Susannah and dedicates himself to making her happy. He fulfills some of the items on her wish list in a beautiful way. Susannah is more stubborn. After caring for her mother through a long illness, she avoids developing ties with anyone, but eventually she can't resist loving Ryan and his young daughter.

[Note: While looking for Robinson's website, I discovered that she died in 2002. How sad.]

The Grinch Makes Good by Alison Kent: 5 out of 5.
Another good book to read during the Christmas season or any time of year. I think I've missed out by not discovering Kent's work before this year, but that doesn't stop me from enjoying it now. The Grinch Makes Good is spectacular both for what it doesn't do and for what it does. What it doesn't do is start with a character that hates Christmas and turn him into a jolly lover of the holidays (though Duncan is a good lover--whew!). I've read stories with this plot, and they can be incredibly cheesy and unrealistic. Not so here. Instead, this story explores the lives of these two characters, Brooke and Duncan, so that we see the reasons for their feelings about the holidays as well as the reasons they are so good for each other.

The Grinch Makes Good is the best book I've read so far by Alison Kent, and I know it won't be the last.

I'm planning a long year-in-review report, which will take some time, since I'm transferring my written notes to a spreadsheet. I hope to post it later this week.

Alyssa

The Marriage Bed

My furnace is now working. I'm also $400+ poorer. Sometimes I hate being a homeowner.

Claudia Dain's The Marriage Bed is a medieval romance that has been part of my to-be-read list for quite some time, and I finally decided to read it. I'm very glad I did.

Lady Isabel seeks sanctuary at an abbey after her father dies. As heir to three wealthy estates, Isabel realizes that she is a tempting target now that she has no man to protect her. She is betrothed to marry Lord Hubert, but she has always wished to marry Hubert's younger brother Richard, whom she knew in her youth. As a third son, however, Richard was not considered a good match for her, and now Richard is a novice at the abbey.

Fate intervenes in Isabel's and Richard's lives when they learn that Richard's two older brothers are dead and he is to fulfill the marriage contract. Although guilt-ridden over the fact that two men died to bring Isabel's desires to pass, she is elated by the idea of marrying the man she loves. Richard feels differently; he is committed to his life at the abbey and is bitter about leaving it behind.

What follows is a beautifully written story about two people who marry, then fall in love. One of the things I particularly enjoyed about The Marriage Bed is how medieval it seems. I'm no historian, but the depiction of the abbey, the estate at Dornei, the religious beliefs of the time, and the hardships faced in that period seem genuine. This was a brutal as well as a beautiful period in history, and Dain provides evidence of beauty and brutality. For readers who prefer more history in their historicals, this one is for you.

Richard and Isabel's marriage gets off to a rocky start. Richard doesn't hide the fact that this marriage is not what he wants; in fact, their wedding night is spent in prayer for Isabel's father and Richard's brothers. When the marriage is consummated, it is not the joyful event Isabel had hoped for.

I won't say any more because I don't want to spoil it. The Marriage Bed is a beautiful story: 5 out of 5.

Alyssa

Wicked and Willing; The Real Deal

I woke up this morning to the season's first snowfall. It was beautiful! Though the fall is my favorite time of year, winter has its moments. I love being inside, curled up on my couch with a good book. I like snow, too, when it's not on the roads. I always feel nervous about driving when there's snow on the road. Luckily it has melted, so it just looks nice on my lawn and the roads are clear.

After writing a full-length review of The Bane Affair, I decided to write about a few more books today. I've read a lot in the past few weeks and I won't cover them all, but here are my thoughts on some of them:

Wicked and Willing by Leslie Kelly: 4 out of 5

Wickedly Hot was my first book by Leslie Kelly, and I've read several of her books since then. Her plots aren't terribly realistic, but her characterization is so strong that I enjoy the stories. This was particularly apparent with Wicked and Willing. The hero, Troy Langtree, makes an appearance in Two to Tangle, and I didn't particularly like him in the latter story. This book helps me understand him better and I ended up liking him very much. He meets Venus Messina, the apparent long-lost granddaughter to Troy's boss (it's a bit complicated), and they are instantly attracted. Venus and Troy have had many lovers in the past (a unique aspect I liked), but they experience something amazing when they decide to get together.

With this book, Kelly's going on my auto-buy list. Her next book will be out in December, and I'm looking forward to it. In the meantime, there are several books on her backlist for me to enjoy. Here's how I rank Kelly's books I've read so far:

Wickedly Hot: 5 out of 5
Wicked and Willing: 4 out of 5
Into the Fire: 4 out of 5
Suite Seduction: 3 out of 5

The Real Deal by Lucy Monroe: 4 out of 5

Amanda Zachary discovers that her husband has been unfaithful. She divorces her husband and decides that romance is overrated. The experience with her husband wounded her deeply; during the marriage, he undermined her confidence in large and small ways, claiming that she was fat and couldn't satisfy him. Since the divorce, Amanda has devoted herself to her work.

Enter Simon Brant, a man Amanda must persuade to accept a merger. Although they meet because of business, their interest quickly turns personal. However, Amanda can't believe that he would be attracted to her, and Simon has insecurities of his own--namely a belief that the solitary focus that makes him so good at his job also makes him unable to have a meaningful relationship.

I loved the first half of this book. I was incredibly moved by both Simon and Amanda. Amanda in particular makes an incorrect assumption that I found heartbreaking. I'd say that only 1 out of 50 books makes me cry, but this one did. Somewhere in the second half, though, I felt let down. Amanda trusted Simon very quickly; I expected her trust to come more gradually. I was frustrated by another aspect that comes late in the book (and therefore I won't reveal it here) as well. Still, The Real Deal was a strong story that was well worth reading.

Alyssa

Suzanne Brockmann

I started reading Suzanne Brockmann in February of this year. I was at the bookstore and remembered that I had read about the famous couple Sam and Alyssa online, so I bought Gone Too Far. I can tell you from first-hand experience that the book has a much bigger impact when you have read all of the ones in the Troubleshooters series first. When I first read it, I rated Gone Too Far a 3 out of 5 and wasn't sure whether I'd read any of her other books.

As you can tell, I changed my mind. I bought Prince Joe, thinking that I'd try her Team 10 series from the beginning, and I loved it. I figured I would stick with Team 10 until I saw a copy of The Unsung Hero at a used bookstore. It looked new, and I knew it was the first one in the Team 16 series, so I bought it. The book stayed on my TBR shelf for several weeks before I picked it up, read it . . . and was hooked. That required another bookstore trip so I could pick up the books between The Unsung Hero and Gone Too Far. Here's how I rate them:

The Unsung Hero: 4 out of 5
The Defiant Hero: 4 out of 5
Over the Edge: 5 out of 5
Out of Control: 5 out of 5
Into the Night: 4 out of 5
Gone Too Far: 3 out of 5 the first time; 4 out of 5 after second reading

Perhaps it's a cliche, but Sam and Alyssa are my favorite of Brockmann's couples. (See my scrapbook pages below; they are part of my All About Me album.) Of course, I didn't have to wait between installments of the books, so there wasn't time to become too frustrated or impatient. One of the scenes in Over the Edge ranks in my top five list of love scenes. (By the way, there's an interesting blog topic. I'll have to give it some thought.) It's the one where Alyssa goes to Sam's hotel room hours after she's just told him, "I don't even like you." Sam, however, has realized that he's in love with her. Most of the scene is told from Sam's perspective as he wrestles with his conflicting emotions: hurt and anger that Alyssa won't come to him unless she's had a few drinks first; overwhelming desire for her; fear of telling her how he feels; and love. All of Sam's feelings result in a scene that takes my breath away.

That's what I enjoy most about Brockmann's writing: her talent for writing compelling stories that include genuine emotion, and her ability to get into a character's head and take readers with her. This section from the scene described above illustrates what I mean. As Sam and Alyssa make love, he struggles to put aside all of his feelings and focus on "pure sex." Eventually, though, the emotions break through:

He couldn't stop himself from thinking anymore. She was what he'd been missing all those months. It wasn't just great sex that he'd been longing for, as much as he'd tried to tell himself otherwise. It was Alyssa. Her voice in his ear. Her smile lighting up his world. Her take no shit, take no prisoners attitude. Her ability to take what he dished out and give it back to him in large quantities. He didn't just want her, he loved her. And he didn't just love her, he liked her. The world was fifty-two thousand times a better, more interesting, more exciting place to be when he was with her. And that was when they weren't having sex.

Men in fiction with that kind of devotion and love for a woman are irresistible. The fact that I wouldn't typically be interested in someone like him--a cocky, foul-mouthed cowboy--somehow makes him even more appealing, because Brockmann shows us who he really is.

Sweet Thing, Page 1
Sweet Thing, Page 2

Alyssa

Charlaine Harris

Since I mentioned Charlaine Harris in my last blog, I thought it would be a good time to talk about her. I learned about her when I read MaryJanice Davidson's Undead and Unwed. There was an excerpt for Dead to the World, the fourth book in Harris's Sookie Stackhouse series, at the end of the book. I was intrigued enough by it to find out more. I learned it was part of a series, so I checked out the first two from the library: Dead Until Dark and Living Dead in Dallas. I read them in two days and went in search of Club Dead, the third in the series. Here's how I'd rate the books:

Dead Until Dark: 4 out of 5
Living Dead in Dallas: 5 out of 5
Club Dead: 4 out of 5
Dead to the World: 5 out of 5

These stories are told from the perspective of Sookie Stackhouse, a telepath. Sookie lives in a world where vampires are recognized by society, though they are not accorded equal rights in all regards. Because of her ability to read the thoughts of others, Sookie is viewed with skepticism and hostility by many people in her town. Her life changes when vampire Bill Compton walks into it. Sookie discovers that she can't read his mind, a fact she finds both surprising and comforting. In Dead Until Dark, Sookie falls in love with Bill and comes into contact with other vampires who value her telepathic abilities.

The Sookie Stackhouse novels feature elements of humor, mystery, and romance. Sookie's world is peopled with vampires, shape-shifters, werewolves, and other beings. Sookie herself is what I enjoy most about the series. She's down-to-earth and optimistic, with a wry sense of humor. The fifth book won't be out until next spring, and it will be interesting to see who Sookie finally ends up with romantically, though I think that decision is probably several books down the road. My vote is for Eric, who plays an ominous role in Dead Until Dark, but still manages to be appealing. You have to love a guy who is willing to wear pink lycra when you need him to.

Alyssa

Pulled Muscle Results in Another Weekend Reading Marathon

Yesterday I went to Media Play with a list of books I wanted to buy. When I buy new books, I usually buy them from Media Play. (Their Replay program offers certificates for $5 off with each $100 purchase--on triple point days, you essentially receive $5 every $35 purchase.) This time they had one of the five books on my list, so I placed a special order for the rest. I ran some other errands with my sister, one of which involved buying a cabinet. I suspect that I pulled a muscle when I helped her carry it into the house. I went home, took a nap, and when I woke up, I realized that I had pulled a muscle in my back. Ugh.

So, instead of the cleaning marathon I was planning, I had a reading marathon instead:

Hot Stuff, by Carly Phillips. This is the next book I'm reviewing. I'll start writing the review tonight if my back will allow it. I've read other books by Phillips, and this is the one I enjoyed most. 4 out of 5.

Night's Edge, by Maggie Shayne, Barbara Hambly, and Charlaine Harris. This was my Media Play purchase. All three stories have supernatural elements; the first two focus on ghosts, while Harris's story is about vampires. Please excuse the pun, but Night's Edge was a haunting read. All three stories are engaging. I read Shayne's story right before going to bed last night, and I worried that I would have nightmares. I've never read Hambly's work before, but I'll definitely seek her out now. Harris's story, "Dancers in the Dark," is set in the Sookie Stackhouse world, though it's not a Sookie story. I liked Sean very much. This is the darkest story of the three. I give this anthology 5 out of 5.

Wickedly Hot, by Leslie Kelly. Wow--the title is apt. I loved this story, not just because it was a good change after the dark stories of Night's Edge, but because I fell in love with the characters. Ryan Stoddard goes to Savannah, Georgia to track down the woman who conned his grandmother out of a painting. Jade Maguire wants revenge against the man who dumped her sister. Sparks fly from their first meeting. Wickedly Hot includes a plot element I don't usually like--revenge via bondage--but Kelly illustrates that it's all in how the story is executed. This aspect didn't work in a book I reviewed recently, but it worked here. Another 5 out of 5.

A Question of Intent, by Merline Lovelace. A military story by an author I haven't read before. While I liked the characters, Jill and Cody, the story is more plot than character driven. By the end of the book, I knew Cody's (and some of Jill's) backstory, but I wanted more interaction between them. 3 out of 5.

That's it for now. I think I'll try ice on my back.

Alyssa

Reading Marathon

I've been on a book-reading marathon, which started with When He Was Wicked. What I learned is that I shouldn't start a Julia Quinn novel in the evening. I ended up staying up to the wee hours of the morning. I loved it and rate it 5 out of 5. That sent me to the bookstore on Friday. I bought To Sir Phillip, With Love, which I read yesterday. I enjoyed that one very much also: 4 out of 5. I'm fond of stories that include exchanges of letters, so I loved the way this one started. I was incredibly moved by the scene where Phillip tells Eloise about his first marriage. I can tell I'm going to look for more of her books on my next bookstore trip.

On Friday, I read Justine Davis's In His Sights. I've enjoyed a number of her books in the past; in fact, three of her books are on my top 100 list. This one was a 3 out of 5. Rand is investigating a series of thefts at Redstone, Inc., and Kate is a suspect. Of course, they fall in love. The story wasn't bad, but it wasn't particularly memorable, either.

Here are my latest scrapbook pages:

In the Garden, Page 1
In the Garden, Page 2

Family Portrait, Page 1
Family Portrait, Page 2

Now I think I'll finish my list of my 100 favorite romances. I keep talking about it--now it's time to finish it.

Alyssa