The Seduction of Sarah

I have a ridiculous number of unread books in my house, courtesy of RWA conferences 2005, 2006, and 2007. I decided to read some of the books that have been on the shelf for a while. One of these is Cynthia Clement's The Seduction of Sarah.

Widowed Sarah Wellsley delights in her daily swim--until she is discovered by an imposing stranger who mistakes her for a harlot. Having escaped the cad's embrace, she's mortified to meet him again mere hours later, and shocked to discover he is the long-absent Marquess of Caldern . . . and her cousin Caroline's intended. But now he only has eyes for Sarah, and will pursue her at any cost. The situation couldn't be more awkward--particularly because she cannot erase the memory of Alex Caldern's touch . . .

Alex long ago abandoned dreams of love. His marriage will be a business arrangement to produce an heir. On the eve of his proposal, however, he is seized by a passion he cannot ignore: the need to possess Lady Caroline's quiet cousin. By turns wanton and demure, Sarah confounds his every instinct and thwarts even his most ingenious attempts to have her. Yet she is by his side, unbidden, especially when he is in danger.

As the attempts on Caldern's life multiply, Sarah's deepest feelings slowly makethemselves known. And when Alex finally realizes what she wants, he's more than prepared to satisfy her . . .

I picked this up at the 2005 RWA signing. The cover is gorgeous.



The story itself doesn't live up to the beauty of the cover. As I read, I found myself thinking, This is extreme. Alex is extremely pushy. He wants Sarah as a lover, so he maneuvers her, has inappropriate conversations with her in public, and wonders why she's not falling into his arms. Sarah is extremely good. She's always running around the village helping people with her herbs. Then there's Caroline, who is extremely spoiled. She browbeats Sarah, acts like a snot, and doesn't understand why she can't have what she wants.

If you look for subtlety in these characters, you won't find much.

There is some good stuff here. Alex does have some nice moments, such as when he realizes he is in love with Sarah. But these moments are not the biggest part of the book.

Clement is a solid writer and this could have been a much better book. Ultimately, there's a good story here, but it's overwhelmed by the stereotypical characters. The Seduction of Sarah: 2.5 out of 5.

Sleepless at Midnight

I like Jacquie D'Alessandro's books, but haven't read any in a while. I heard some good buzz about Sleepless at Midnight, and I'm so glad I checked it out. This historical romance was a delight from start to finish: 4.5 out of 5.

The ladies in London are abuzz over Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, especially Miss Sarah Moorehouse. Her imagination is fired up, so when she spies Matthew Devenport, Marquess Langston, mysteriously sneaking home in the wee hours clutching a shovel, she simply must investigate. Impelled by curiousity, the adventurous lass steals into his bedchamber--only to be caught red-handed by the impossibly handsome and totally naked nobleman.

The Marquess Langston has more important things to worry about than a group of literature-loving ladies. But Matthew's grand plan to rescue the family from ruin could be lost when he discovers Sarah hiding behind his bedroom curtain. What is this meddlesome woman up to? And why are his desires inflamed by a chit who is too inquisitive for her own good? Well, two can play at this game . . . and when Matthew captures the beguiling Sarah in all her naked glory, the night of mischief has only just begun.

Sleepless at Midnight is the charming story of a bookish heroine who falls for a handsome man who needs to marry for money. What transforms this story from a standard romance plot to a compelling read are the characters. Matthew and Sarah meet during a house party and are skeptical of each other. Sarah wonders why Matthew is digging out in his garden, and Matthew sees her curiosity is a threat.

I loved watching Sarah and Matthew go from wariness to attraction to affection. And they have wonderfully witty conversations. There's plenty of humor in the story as well, with Sarah's conversations with her friends, and an amusing attempt to create the perfect man. Then there's Matthew's dog, Danforth, who sits on people's shoes. All of this comes together to create a book that's charming and fun.

Born to Be Wilde

Since contemporary romance seems a bit like an endangered species these days, I was delighted to get the chance to review Janelle Denison's latest book, Borne to Be Wilde. Denison is a writer I've enjoyed since her category days--her Harlequin Temptation Private Fantasies is still one of my favorites--so this was even more a treat.

Ex-Marine turned security specialist Joel Wilde thrives on the high-wire thrills that come with his job. And he isn't about to give all that up to settle down--not even with a sexy woman like Lora Marshall. Which means that while he's protecting her from a violent gang, he'll need to set a few ground rules to keep things professional. Good thing he's always been a rule-breaker at heart . . .

The last thing Lora needs is a hard-to-resist man with a history of breaking hearts. Before she knows it, though, she's indulging in a sultry tryst with her hot-blooded bodyguard. But the closer she gets to Wilde, the more she wonders if he'll ever be tamed . . .

I have a soft spot for good contemporary romance, and Born to Be Wilde definitely hit the spot: 4.5 out of 5. A little bit romantic suspense, a little bit sweet, and a whole lot steamy, it kept me turning the pages quickly. Though part of a series, this book stands quite well on its own. Denison offers a glimpse of other characters in the series in a way that doesn't overwhelm the story or feel contrived.

Joel and Lora have an immediate chemistry. Joel is more reluctant to get involved, but it's clear his emotions are engaged from the beginning. I liked Lora's reaction to the knowledge that Joel sought her out because of her brother. This issue doesn't become a big misunderstanding. This book offers great character-driven conflict.

As for the romantic suspense, I like the way it plays out. One development is a little too convenient, but I ultimately appreciated the fact that the resolution is different than I expected.

I'm not usually a fan of secondary romances, but the one in this book is wonderfully sweet. It features Lora's friend Sydney and her daughter's math teacher. Daniel is a little too perfect; however, I loved watching him break through Sydney's shell.

If you've been missing contemporary romance as much as I have, you'll want to pick up Janelle Denison's Born to Be Wilde.

Demon's Delight

Demon's Delight is an anthology I picked up at RWA. It's a solid read, though I found myself wishing a couple of the stories were longer.

From MaryJanice Davidson . . . Can a witch and a witch-hunter find common ground . . . without killing each other first?

From Emma Holly . . . A beautiful scientist in the realm of the Demon World falls in love with a human male she has experimented on--and is changed forever . . .

From Vickie Taylor . . . Zane is hell-bent on danger--the more he eludes death, the bigger the rush. Then he awakens from a near-drowning not only alive, but in the caring arms of a beautiful angel. But the ethereal Rosemary is driven by her own desires--and full of surprises.

From Catherine Spangler . . . Meet Rachel, hooker and vampire, plying both trades after hours until she meets Gabriel on the night shift. He's an angelic emissary on a mission to prove Rachel still has a sould, and to save it. But she offers him a mortal temptation he never expects . . .

I loved the concept of MaryJanice Davidson's story, "Witch Way." The hero and heroine are destined to battle each other until both die. Unfortunately, neither one wants to do it. The premise is intriguing, and I enjoyed the interaction between Chris and Rhea. However, the story could have used another 20 pages or so to make the romance more convincing. I was a bit disappointed in the love scene as well.

The next story is Catherine Spangler's "Street Corners and Halos." It was lovely to watch the wounded Rachel heal. Her backstory was intriguing, which made her a character I wanted to read about. The resolution did seem a bit too easy; however, I liked spending time with the characters, and I plan to see what else Spangler has written.

Emma Holly's "The Demon's Angel" comes next, and it's set in the same world as the story I loved in Hot Spell. "The Demon's Angel" is plenty hot, and I loved the hero. Once again, though, I would have liked to see what Holly would have done with another 20 pages. Harry and Khira have such a complex relationship simply because of the way they meet. I would have liked to see this dealt with a bit more.

My favorite story was Vickie Taylor's "Angel and the Hellraiser." Rosemary is an angel who is set to save Zane . . . if she can. At first, he appears to be a classic troublemaker; it's soon clear that there's more to him than that. Rosemary has a lot to offer him. In a nice reciprocity, she needs to learn something from Zane as well. This story brought tears to my eyes at one point. It was very nicely done.

Demon's Delight was a quick read with a nice variety of stories. They averaged out the book to be 3.5 out of 5.

Riding the Storm

I've been looking forward to Sydney Croft's first release, Riding the Storm, so you can imagine how excited I was to get a signed ARC at RWA. I started reading the book the evening of the RITA awards, and I had a fleeting thought of missing the ceremony so I could keep reading. How's that for a compliment? (I attended the ceremony after reminding myself that the book would be waiting for me afterward.)

He can summon lightning at will. Emerge unscathed from the center of a tornado. Strip a woman down to her barest defenses through the sheer force of sexuality. He's gorgeous, dangerous, and the target of parameteorologist Haley Holmes's latest mission. Haley has been dispatched to the Louisiana bayous to investigate the phenomenon known as Remy Begnaud--a man with a gift he never wanted: the ability to control a storm's fury.

But even a woman trained in bizarre weather phenomena has no defense against the electrifying power of the ex-Navy SEAL. Haley's job is to seduce Remy, gain his trust--and help him harness his extraordinary gift. But who will protect her from this voracious lover who's introducing her to a new world of erotic thrills . . . and from her greatest fear of all: falling in love with this magnificent man, then having to betray him . . .

Riding the Storm was different than I expected. I figured it would be hot, but this book was scorching . . . in a good way. It grabbed me from the beginning and kept me reading. One thing I especially liked was the hint of deeper feelings right from the start. Yes, Remy and Haley are swept up in lust and other motivations, but there's an undeniable emotional component from the start. That said, the I-love-yous came a bit early. Or maybe I wanted them to know more about each other before they reached that point. Ultimately, though, I finished the book feeling like Haley and Remy had a good foundation to build on.

The ACRO world is fascinating, definitely one I'll enjoy revisiting by rereading this book and reading upcoming books. There are a couple of subplots, and I was just as intrigued by the Annika and Creed story as by the main couple. In fact, when I finished the book, I raced to Croft's website to see if they take the spotlight in the next book. They don't (ACK! ), but I have faith we'll see Creed and Annika again. If not, well . . . Not that I'm threatening, or anything.

This book was very good: 4 out of 5.

Your Mouth Drives Me Crazy

After reading several novellas by HelenKay Dimon, I wondered how I would like a single title. I'm pleased to say I liked Your Mouth Drives Me Crazy very much: 4 out of 5.

Annie Parks came to Hawaii to gather information and settle a score, not spend time handcuffed to a sexy stranger's bed. Okay, so this particular stranger saved her from drowning after she was pitched overboard by some goons. And he's about six feet of hard, Hawaiian muscle and gorgeous cool that's making forgotten parts of her say, "A-lo-ha!" She needs to stay focused, but a side dish of Kane Travers is awfully tempting.

Kauai Police Chief Kane Travers is not a vacation kind of guy. So it figures that when Internal Affairs suspended him, he'd end up rescuing a sarcastic, dishonest, extremely hot redhead who is clearly hiding something. Amnesia? Yeah, right. Kane's got half a mind to give Miss Whoever She Is something she'll never forget. His cop senses tell him that the lady's in deep and needs his protection. But how can he get her to tell him anything when all he wants is to take her home and do everything?

Is it just me, or does it seem like there are fewer contemporary romances out there these days? In any case, this perception--real or not--makes me really appreciate good contemporary writers when I find them. Dimon is one of them.

Your Mouth Drives Me Crazy starts with an intriguing spin on the classic amnesia story. Yes, Annie is injured. She tells Kane she doesn't remember who she is. But she hasn't really lost her memory. Instead, she's on the run. She has a mission to fulfill, and she's not sure whether to trust Kane. At the same time, she and Kane are desperately attracted to each other.

Kane has problems of his own. He's on "involuntary vacation" from his job as police chief. Enter another problem: Annie. I loved that Kane knows Annie isn't being honest with him, so there is no big misunderstanding about her honesty. He knows there's more to her story, and he also knows what he's starting to feel about her.

She does have a mouth that drives Kane crazy, and this makes the dialogue a treat to read. Here's an example:

"Travers is a famous Hawaiian name?"

He opened one eye and peeked at her. "Are you always this chatty after sex?"

"Be happy I'm not singing."

"Oh, I don't know. I like the idea of having a woman break into song right after an orgasm."

Speaking of sex, Kane and Annie have terrific chemistry, and their love scenes are wonderfully written. This chemistry is one of the biggest strengths of the book.

I did think that Annie should have fully trusted Kane sooner than she did. His job as a cop was a definite barrier, but I thought he proved himself before Annie did. Then again, given her end goal, that's understandable. The ending was just fantastic, and I'm excited to read Dimon's upcoming books. She's a great new voice in contemporary romance.

The Object of Love

Eeek! I planned to post this more than a week ago. Problem is, when I'm writing, I'm not doing much reading--or writing about reading, for that matter. Well, I'll just keep stumbling along, doing my back and forth thing. Enough about that.

I discovered Sharon Cullars when I read Again for The Romance Reader. I enjoyed it, so I bought The Object of Love when I saw it in the book store. I liked this book even more than Cullars' debut: 4.5 out of 5.

It's been five years since Lacey Burnham saw Sean Logan, and in that time her son Calvin's best friend has turned from a surly youth into a handsome, self-assured young man. Crushed with grief over Cal's sudden death, Lacey offers Sean a place to stay when he's in town--an innocent proposal that quickly becomes anything but. Lacey is stunned and confused by the yearning he ignites with a single kiss . . .

Beautiful, warmhearted Lacey Burnham was a haven of comfort in Sean's troubled youth. Now, against every shred of logic she possesses, Lacey is falling hard for Sean and for a heady carnal bliss she's never experienced before. But the ghosts of the past are waiting. And sooner or later, every shadow must face the light of day . . .

As I mentioned, I liked Again; The Object of Love blew me away. It's full of emotion, drama, and sensuality, and I loved every minute of it. I'm a fan of older women/younger man stories, and this one works really, really well. Sean is the same age as Lacey's son, so we're not talking the five-year (or less) gap we often see in such stories. There's a bigger age difference here, but Cullars does a wonderful job of showing that these two can make it. Sean still has some growing to do, I think, but I am optimistic about their relationship.

Lacey is easy to relate to. Her pain over her son's death is very real, and it makes her very sympathetic. As for Sean . . . well, he's terrific. He's loved Lacey for years, and he finally has an opportunity to show her. I'm not sure how she resists for so long. There's a marvelous scene near a waterfall where you see everything he's feeling. The Object of Love is easily one of the best erotic romances I've read.

Calvin plays an interesting role in the story. I wasn't sure I liked him, but he grew to be sympathetic as well. The resolution to that story is perfect. I enjoyed the way the story unfolds a little at a time.

I was sorry to hear that Cullars has no more books contracted with Kensington. I hope that changes. If it doesn't, though, I'll read her books wherever they end up.

Anyway, I'm hosting a contest with this book, The Object of Love, as a prize. Just post here and tell me about a book you read by a new-to-you author that you enjoyed. I'll select a winner on June 11.

Pleasures of the Night

Like most readers, I have a list of autobuy authors. Sylvia Day is one of them. Reading Pleasures of the Night reminded me why.

In the Twilight between sleep and consciousness, a battle rages between Dream Guardians and Nightmares. Captain Aidan Cross is a legend, as skilled in fulfilling erotic dreams as he is with the glaive that kills his enemies. Women see Aidan as part of their fantasies . . . except Lyssa Bates. Exquisite, desirable, enigmatic Lyssa perplexes this immortal seducer because she sees him as he really is. And as he attempts to unravel her secrets the unthinkable occurs: Aidan Cross falls in love.

Lyssa has been having the most incredible dreams about a man whose blue eyes hold the promise of decadent pleasures and tempting intimacies. And then he appears on her doorstep! This intoxicating stranger is just as irresistible as the man of her dreams . . . but with her surrender there is also grave danger . . .

Because Aidan is on a mission, and the passion that consumes them body and soul could have dire consequences. Loving the mortal woman prophesied to destroy Aidan's world is not only impossible . . . it is forbidden.

Let's get this out of the way. The Alyssa mentioned in the acknowledgements? That's me. Now, here's what I thought of the story.

I love the Dream Guardian world--I think it's interesting and original. Sylvia's got a terrific idea here, and she pulls it off well. Aiden is completely believable as a disillusioned captain who yearns for something more. He finds it in Lyssa. I love their first meeting, where Aidan is intrigued by her no-nonsense attitude. Lyssa's history is also interesting. Though she sleeps a lot, she doesn't really rest.

The story intensifies when Aidan leaves the dream world and comes to Lyssa in the flesh. Day does a great job of showing Lyssa's conflicting confusion and trust when this man she doesn't know appears in her life. Watching their relationship develop was fascinating, and it leads to an amazingly poignant scene toward the end of the book.

I already knew Sylvia wrote wonderful historicals; Pleasures of the Night confirms her position as a leader in paranormal romance: 4.5 out of 5.

Should be interesting to see how the larger story of the Dream Guardian world unfolds.

Haunted

I've been looking forward to Silhouette's new Nocturne line since I first heard about it. Lisa Childs's Haunted is my first read.

Ariel Cooper is about to marry her soul mate, but she has a secret. She can see ghosts.

For years Ariel's resented her gift, believing it a curse. She's been hiding it from her powerful, brooding fiance, David, afraid that he wouldn't understand. But now she has to tell him. Twenty years ago, she and her two sisters were separated to protect them from a man who had vowed revenge on the women in her family. And someone has resumed the hunt.

Ariel knows she must warn her sisters before it's too late--the killer is closing in and his power is growing stronger. With David's help, they begin the search. But the closer Ariel comes to finding her sisters, the more secretive he becomes. Can she trust the man she plans to spend eternity with? Or has he been waiting for the perfect moment to destroy her?

I thought the premise was interesting, and I wanted to like the book. It didn't quite work for me, though. Childs's writing style is nice. However, I wanted to see more romance. I think it would have helped if Ariel's emotional tie to David had been clear from the beginning. What was clear was that they were engaged, but I wasn't quite feeling the love. They argue in their first scene, then she runs away. The rest of the book sees her coming back to him, wondering if she can trust him, analysis of his suspicious behavior, running away. Repeat.

The trouble was since I hadn't seen David and Ariel happy together, I wasn't terribly invested in their romance. This needed to be established for the story to work for me. Haunted gets a 2.5 out of 5, but I might try the next book in the series. Elena intrigues me, so I'm curious about her story.

Hard Evidence

After reading and liking Pamela Clare's Extreme Exposure, I was excited to read Hard Evidence. It has some good moments but isn't as strong as its predecessor: 3 out of 5.

After the murder of a teenage girl, a mysterious man in a black leather jacket was seen lurking near the crime scene. Investigative reporter Tessa Novak has him in her sights as the culprit . . .

That man was Julian Darcangelo, an undercover FBI agent working with the Denver police. He's closing in on the trail of a human trafficker and killer. Tessa's accusations could blow his cover, and he wants her off the investigation.

But just as Tessa has made Julian a target of interest, she is now a target of the killer. And as they are forced to trust each other, their physical attraction escalates as intensely as the threat from a ruthless murder who wants to see both of them dead . . .

Tessa is the book's biggest challenge. I can sum up her character in one word: frustrating. She witnesses a murder and receives a number of warnings, but she continues to barrel forward with her investigation. I just didn't quite get why she was so persistent when backing off a bit would have been safer. I understand that she wants justice for the murdered girl, but she seems bent on pursuing that her way, and it led her into danger more than once. It's true that journalism can be a dangerous business, but I thought she could have achieved her ends in a safer way.

Late in the story, Tessa receives some doctored photos showing her head on a multilated body. She tells Julian she hadn't known anyone would do something like that to a woman. This seems like a strange comment for an investigative reporter to make. She's on the crime beat, and she hadn't realized how bad people could be? Maybe I've watched too many episodes of American Justice, but still . . .

Despite the challenge of Tessa, I did enjoy some things about the story. The romance itself is good, with steamy and well-written love scenes. Julian is intriguing, and I liked the way Clare slowly reveals his history.

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.

Hunted

I've been reading Amelia Elias's work since her first book, Three Wishes. I own most of them, though I haven't read everything. This week, I read Hunted.

Explosions, car wrecks, assassins, escaped murderers, and a kidnapping . . . arranged marriages can really take their toll on a vampire.

Witness to a brutal murder, Sian Lazuro didn't count on the killer escaping moments after his conviction. Three years later, she's learned the hard way there's only one person she can trust--herself. When she wakes up in bed with a gorgeous stranger who claims to have saved her life, she's understandably wary.

Diego Leonides is like no one she's ever met before. Sensual, mysterious, and clearly delusional, he insists not only is he a vampire, but she's now his eternal mate.

Diego never dreamed he'd find his mate by getting hit by her car, and she's no happier about their sudden bonding than she is. The only survivor of a massacre that wiped out his entire Clan, he's spent the century avoiding taking a mate. Now he finds himself stuck with a woman running from a murderer just as the descendants of the vampire slayers who killed his family arrive in San Francisco to finish the job with him.

Arranged marriages are hard enough on a vampire without having to convince his mate that the real bloodthirsty fiends are the mortals . . .

Elias is one of those authors I think should get a NY publishing contract. Any day now. I give Hunted 4.5 out of 5.

One of Elias's strengths is in her characterization. I love Diego's protectiveness even as he wants to fight his growing feelings for Sian. Once he realizes what he feels for her, though, he doesn't hide it from himself or from her. There's something wonderful and sexy about that.

Sian's a strong character as well, a rare heroine who truly can take care of herself . . . at least in most circumstances. The world of vampires is an unfamiliar one for her, and I thought she dealt with the knowledge in a realistic way. She makes a frustrating choice toward the end of the book (just talk to him, OK?), but I still liked her overall.

Hunted is the first book in a series, and I'm looking forward to reading Outcast, the next book, which is out now.

Ask For It

I discovered Sylvia Day's writing when I read Catching Caroline, and I've read her books ever since. She writes in a variety of subgenres, including paranormal, futuristic, historical, and contemporary. Her next book, Ask For It, is a historical romance: 4 out of 5.

A Matter of Dangerous Intrigue . . .
As an agent to the Crown, Marcus Ashford, the Earl of Westfield, as fought numerous sword fights, been shot twice, and dodged more than any man's fair share of cannon fire. And yet nothing excites him more than the primitive hunger his former fiance,
Elizabeth, arouses. Years ago, she'd jilted him for the boyishly charming Lord Hawthorne. But now the elegant wido is his to defend, and he will do so while tending to her other, more carnal needs, showing her the depth of a real man's desire . . .

. . . and Undeniable Pleasure
Dangerous secrets led to the murder of Lady Hawthorne's husband, secrets she now holds in a diary many would kill to obtain. But to entrust herself to the protection of the most seductive man she's ever known? Outrageous. Unthinkable. Irresistible. For it was Marcus's strong passions and burning desire that frightened her into abandoning him years ago--and her answering craving has never waned. Now he means to be at her service, in every sense. And perhaps the only sensible course isn't to resist temptation, but to surrender to it completely . . .

Ask For It is Day's second book for Brava, and it's an excellent story. You have to love a heroine who knows how to use a weapon. LOL! And I liked the twists and turns of the story--just when I thought I'd figured things out, the plot took an unexpected turn. It was a refreshing change from many of the predictable stories out there. One secondary character (spoiler: Christopher St. John) surprised and intrigued me, and I hope he gets his own story.

Day has a talent for creating realistic and unforgettable heroes. Marcus definitely fits in this category. I'm a sucker for a hero who falls completely in love despite all his best efforts, and that's exactly what happens here. Marcus is a forceful man who needs a woman willing to stand up to him. Although Elizabeth isn't as strong a character, she's a good match for Marcus.

I can't review one of Sylvia's books without mentioning the love scenes. Sex isn't always about simple pleasure; sometimes it's complicated, tangled with a variety of emotions. Day does these scenes very well, painting a visual picture of Marcus and Elizabeth's evolving relationship. It starts with ambivalence on both sides and develops into more in a way that's both absorbing and real. As a longtime reader of Day's work, I admire the fact that her love scenes are never the same, and she's willing to take risks in this area.

With Ask For It, Day proves again that she's a writer whose career is on the rise. She is under contract for several books from Avon Red and Brava. The only bad thing is that I have to wait until 2007 for the next book.

Viva Las Bad Boys

I read HelenKay Dimon's Viva Las Bad Boys some time ago and planned to blog about it. Then I caught a persistent stomach bug. I'm feeling a lot better these days (in other words, I no longer want to die, although I'm still consuming copious amounts of Sprite), so I'm hoping to get to some of the blog entries I've been wanting to make.

Now, enough about my stomach; onto the book. It's an excellent read: 4 out of 5.

Jackpot
Jack McAllister is looking to get lucky on his vacation, and the jilted bride sitting at the slot machine next to him might be his answer. Getting her up to his room is a breeze. Realizing Laine Monroe isn't a bride at all . . . also easy. The pretty blonde is there to catch Jack in a compromising position, and Jack's all too willing to compromise.

Player's Club
Consultant Jenna Barrister didn't get where she was in business by being a pushover. She just never expected to be assigned as playboy superchef Zach Jacobs' corporate babysitter. But when the lights go out, Jenna's resolve crumbles. She wants to experience the heat, and the rebellious chef knows just how to turn it up.

Two of a Kind
As the Casino faces its first blackout, Assistant Manager Alex Mitchell figures there are worse places to get stranded than in the soon-to-open spa with a mysterious and sexy guest. Alex doesn't know Caroline Rogers is a travel reviewer on a job, and she's not telling. When Caroline's business mixes with pleasure, Alex welcomes a game where the winner takes all.

I love good contemporary romance, and these stories are all strong. Each one tells the story of a couple who finds love during a casino blackout, and I found this to be an intriguing premise.

"Jackpot" gets the anthology off to an excellent start. Laine has ulterior motives for attracting Jack's attention. She picks an interesting approach, and I got a kick out of her explanation for wearing a wedding dress, especially when Jack begins to become suspicious and tries to get her to talk. I did wish Laine had been more forthcoming a little sooner, but that would have eliminated the conflict. The love scenes were very hot. 4 out of 5.

"Player's Club" is my favorite story of the three. I enjoyed seeing Jenna and Zach circle each other, as Zach pursued and Jenna tried to resist. Her resistance doesn't last long, although it was longer than I would have lasted. LOL! Zach and Jenna's first love scene was terrific, and I liked the way they made bets with each other--it gave the title of this story a fun double meaning. 4.5 out of 5.

"Two of a Kind" concludes the anthology, and although it's my least favorite of the three, it's still quite good. Alex and Caroline have strong chemistry, and I thought Alex was terrific. Caroline was a good match for him. I would have liked another 10 or 15 pages at the end of the story. The resolution seemed a little too quick, and another scene or two would have strengthened the ending. 4 out of 5.

I found it interesting that none of the stories feature a hero and heroine who have met before. With novellas, it can be challenging to create a meaningful connection between characters who meet for the first time, but the author does a fine job of that here. With Viva Las Bad Boys, Dimon proves herself to be a great new voice in contemporary romance.

TBR Challenge: Bone Deep

The TBR challenge for June was to read a book you bought because of the buzz about it. I picked Bone Deep for this one.

Title
Bone Deep

Author
Bonnie Dee

Year published
2006

Why did you get this book?
I've read several positive reviews of the book, and the premise sounded unique and interesting

Do you like the cover?
Yes, very much. I'm a fan of April Martinez's covers.

Did you enjoy the book?
I liked it quite a bit. 4 out of 5.

Sarah Cassidy lost her husband in WWII, and has resigned herself to a life of solitude. During a visit to a travelling carnival, she is strangely drawn to the Tattooed Man in the Freak Show. When he shows up on her farm after having escaped the clutches of the carnival owner, against her better judgement, Sarah offers him a job as a handyman.

Sarah is fascinated by this man who has been kept prisoner by the carnival owner since his mother's death. But the more he reveals about his mysterious past and demonstrates his gentle nature, Sarah finds herself fighting a powerful sexual attraction.

When Tom's presence on her farm is revealed, Sarah's neighbors are hesitant to trust the exotic stranger in their midst. Threatened by small-town prejudice and the reappearance of the carnival owner, the lovers must rise above the fear and hate to create the family they've always longed for.

The pacing of the story was excellent, making it easy to read in one evening. Sarah and Tom are both memorable characters. In fact, my main complaint about the story is that I wanted more of it. I'd love to have read more scenes with Sarah and Tom--they would have made the story richer.

One part of the story had me weeping copiously. I don't know what it is about reading books where a character has to learn to read, but when I saw Tom's misspelled note, I burst into tears. (I had a similar reaction to reading the heroine's poem in Megan Chance's The Way Home.) I'm not sure why I always have such a strong reaction to scenes like this. Maybe because reading has brought me so much pleasure.

Dee does a great job of showing us who Tom is even though we don't get any scenes from his point of view. I thought he was a wonderful beta hero.

Was the author new to you and would you read something by this author again?
Yes and yes. In fact, I just need to decide what to get. Anyone have any recommendations with Dee's other books?

Are you keeping it or passing it on?
Keeping it. (I bought a print copy, but I'm still keeping it.)

Anything else?
Other reviewers have commented that the ending was unrealistic as the town came to accept Tom too easily. I didn't see it that way. I saw the ending as more optimistic than anything else, more a start of being accepted by the rest of the town rather than a complete embracing.

I'm not officially signing up for the July challenge, since I won't have time to read or review for at least two of the four weeks. This way, if I complete it, fine, but at least I won't go on the wall of shame if I don't.

When Good Things Happen to Bad Boys

I don't usually whine, but occasionally something good comes of it. I whined on Sybil's blog a while back when she talked about reading When Good Things Happen to Bad Boys, and HelenKay Dimon graciously offered to send me a copy.

Lori Foster, "Playing Doctor"
Attitude makes a huge difference in bed. It could be Axel Dean's motto. The sexy physician likes his women with sensual moxie, and Libby Preston definitely seems to fit that bill. There's the naughty grin. That hot bod. Her eager kisses and cheeky insults. Her . . . admitted virginity. Whoa. Okay, cue cold shower. Axel may not be an honorable man, but he has his limits. Except Libby won't take no for an answer. She's determined to have someone show her what she's been missing, and suddenly, Axel can't bear to think of Libby playing doctor with anyone else . . .

Erin McCarthy, "The Lady of the Lake"
Pro baseball player Dylan Diaz is pretty sure he's going to hell. When you rescue a drowning woman from a lake your first thought should be, "Are you okay?" not, "Can I make mad, passionate love to you?" But the minute sputtering kindergarten teacher Violet Caruthers is on Dylan's boat, that's all he can think about. Maybe it's the potent combo of a nun's personality inside a stripper's body. Maybe it's the way she drives him crazy with desire and laughter. Or maybe, Dylan's finally found what's been missing in his life, and he's not about to let go . . .

HelenKay Dimon, "Hardhats and Silk Stockings"
Hannah Bridges is the most infuriating woman architect Whit Thomas has ever met--and the sexiest. If he could just get the tough contractor to stop proving himself at every turn, they might have time to discuss more important things, like his hands on her . . . blueprints. What Hannah needs right now is a night of pure bliss that's all about her: no regrets, no control, no limits. Now, in a private room where pleasure is the only goal, Hannah is about to receive a delicious education in total ecstasy . . .

I have to admit that Lori Foster is a hit and miss author for me. In this case, "Playing Doctor" was a hit: 4 out of 5. This story works mainly because of Axel--the man falls for Libby and he falls hard. When written well, this scenario is a joy to read. For the most part, "Playing Doctor" is fairly joyful.

Libby and Axel get involved very quickly, which isn't surprising given the fact that it's a novella. What's a little more surprising is that they hadn't met beforehand, although she knows who he is.

The back cover gives away the fact that Libby is a virgin. She didn't seem unrealistic, though, which can happen with virginal heroines. And she doesn't stay one for long.

Erin McCarthy's "The Lady of the Lake" is the second story. I don't think it's a huge secret that I love McCarthy's books, and this story is another winner. I want to know how she does it--she has such a gift with humor, and she starts the story with Violet falling off the back of her boyfriend's boat. He doesn't notice, but the situation as McCarthy describes it makes it funny:

Violet Caruthers had known that Frank wasn't the most attentive of boyfriends. But if she had been asked, she would have thought that even he would have noticed that his girlfriend had fallen off the back of his fishing boat.

She would have been wrong.

From there, Violet is rescued by Dylan, who is instantly taken with her. This is another story where the man falls hard, and I really enjoyed it. It's interesting to note that Violet and Dylan meet for the first time in this story just as Libby and Axel did in the previous one. It works better here, and it's hard to explain why.

Violet has an interesting goal, which Dylan agrees to pretty quickly. I'm not sure if anyone but McCarthy could have pulled this one off, but it's great: 4.5 out of 5.

"Hardhats and Silk Stockings" by HelenKay Dimon concludes the anthology. I'm a big fan of role-reversal stories; in this case, the heroine does construction. I'm no expert, but the setting and situations seemed realistic to me. In some stories, the way a character's work is described ends up being jarring and unrealistic. That wasn't the case here. Nothing like that pulled me out of the story.

Hannah is pitch-perfect as a woman who conceals her body because of the field she's in and who conceals her heart because someone close to her has hurt her. I thought she held out just a little too long, but it made sense in context.

Whit is terrific, a man who knows who he wants and pursues her. Some might view him as calculating, but I saw it as knowing Hannah--she wouldn't have responded to conventional wooing, so he tries something a little unconventional. ;) All in all, a strong story: 4.5 out of 5.

Playing Easy to Get

I was in a chat room, minding my own business, when Nicole cornered me and said I needed to read the anthology Playing Hard to Get. (OK, she didn't really corner me; she just mentioned it.) So I read the book this week and would describe it as pretty average: 3.5 out of 5.

From New York Times bestselling author Sherrilyn Kenyon comes "Turn Up the Heat,'' the story of an average woman who wins the vacation of a lifetime--a trip to Sex Camp. But what Allison George gets is a race for her life with none other than an ex-Mafia hit man who is now being sought by his prior employer. Vince Cappelleti knew the island was a risky proposition, but he'd run out of options. Now the only thing he wants in his sights is Allison, but in order to have a future with her, he must first deal with his past.

Jaid Black's sizzling hot "Hunter's Oath" sends grief-striken Sofia Rowley to the Arctic Circle, where her brother, a U.S. Army officer, was lost in a deadly helicopter crash. She's about to take a shocking journey into a secret underground world where Viking bride-hunters auction off their bounty . . . and where a strapping warrior vows to make this beautiful Outsider his.

Possession and passion entwine in Kresley Cole's sultry story, "The Warlord Wants Forever." Nikolai Wroth, a ruthless vampire warlord, searches for his Bride--the one woman who can render him truly alive. When his fevered chase leads to Myst the Coveted, a Valkyrie seductress who craves only freedom, a battle of domination and desire begins. Will the power of her seductive wiles overcome his strength? Or will she surrender and experience the deliciously agonizing lust that Nikolai has endured waiting for his one and only Bride?

"Turn Up the Heat" starts with an appealing fantasy--leaving an oppressive place of work to have your fantasies fulfilled on a private island. But the characters don't quite engage me. The story is just too short to create a solid connection with Allison and Vince. The pacing was good, and I wanted to know what would happen, but the story didn't quite cross the line from good to great: 3 out of 5.

I had a similar issue with the length of "Hunter's Oath." I was definitely intrigued by the story, although the Viking society is ruled by a bit too much testosterone. There's also a woman I wanted to bash over the head. (You'll know the part I mean when you read it.) There is a clash of ideologies as well. I thought it was resolved a bit too easily with only one conversation. Again, this is where another 20 pages would have helped: 3 out of 5.

It probably won't surprise you to know that the longest story is the one I enjoyed most. This is the first time I've read anything by Kresley Cole, and the world she creates in "The Warlord Wants Forever" is a compelling one. Neither Myst nor Nikolai are perfect characters, which is something I appreciate. In this case, I found my sympathy going back and forth between them: 4 out of 5.

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.

Futurelove

There are simply not enough hours in a day. Yesterday, I came home from work and did some scrapbooking for the first time in months. I also worked on revising the NaNoWriMo story so I can inflict it on share it with other readers. What this means, though, is that I'm not spending as much time reading.

Anyway, I'm home with a stomach bug today, so I have time to read and blog. I bought Summer Devon's Futurelove and thought it was terrific: 4.5 out of 5.

Time-travel agent Collins is preparing for a routine assignment to the past when rebels kill his commander and force him back in time, unprepared. With no sex-suppression drugs and incomplete training, he's stranded in a strange old world.

Candy was almost resigned to her humdrum life until a man in a strange black get-up dropped onto her park bench. If he wasn't gorgeous, and wounded, she might listen to her common sense and run. But curiosity and kindness have always been her weaknesses, and the fact that this guy rouses her long-dormant libido doesn't hurt, either.

Overwhelmed by the novel sensation of lust, Collins can't resist Candy's sensual sweetness. But every fevered joining of their bodies breaks the stringent laws to which he's sworn allegiance. Being trapped in the past is bad enough. Committing carnal crimes with an irresistible 21st century indigenous could destroy his future--and hers.

I like so many things about this story that I don't know where to start. Futurelove features one of my favorite kinds of heros--one with less sexual experience than the heroine. Collins struggles to stay aloof as he has been trained to do, but he finds Candy very tempting. His inexperience was realistically depicted; at least, it seemed that way to me. And he learns quickly, hoo boy!

Candy ends up experiencing a roller-coaster ride in this story as she tries to figure out where Collins is from. She's a delightful heroine with a great sense of humor. In fact, I smiled all through the story. Futurelove is a wonderful combination of comedy and romance.

I enjoy futuristics, and while this one has a primarily contemporary setting, I thought the futuristic elements were well explained and incorporated into the story. I also enjoyed Devon's first story, Perfection, so I'm adding her to my auto-buy list.

TBR Challenge: She Went All the Way

I'm participating in Angie's TBR challenge, so today I picked a contemporary. What I realized while reviewing my shelves is that I have a lot of series romance and a lot of historical romance TBR and not as much straight contemporary. Anyway, here's what I went with.

Title
She Went All the Way

Success hasn't spoiled screenwriter Lou Calabrese--it's just given her a taste for luxury. And it's put her in some bizarre situations--like in a helicopter en route to the wilds of Alaska, sharing too-close quarters with the last man she wants to be with: Jack Townsend! Once a sexy nobody whom Lou helped make a somebody, Jack's just been dumped by a high-profile Hollywood airhead--who's eloped with Lou's longtime love. So what else could go wrong?

Their pilot could try to shoot the most adored man in America. They could crash land in the icy, mountainous middle of nowhere. And at the worst possible moment, when survival should be their only consideration, Jack could start wondering if maybe he wasn't a wee bit hasty for not giving this sexy screenwriter a second look--while Lou could start noticing how superstar Jack is kind of hot after all . . .

Author
Meggin Cabot

Year published
2002

Why did you get this book?
I have liked several of her other books, both as Meg Cabot (contemporary) and as Patricia Cabot (historical). So it was natural to buy this book.

Do you like the cover?
I like it, although I'm not in love with it. Still, it's nice and one I wouldn't mind reading in public.

Did you enjoy the book?
Yes; I rate it at 4 out of 5. I liked Lou and Jack's story, although I wish there hadn't been so much about the secondary characters. They were supposed to be quirky and fun, but I just wanted to get back to the main story. On the other hand, it helped to get to know some of the characters and to get information about the suspense aspect of the story. Still, I think some of it could have been omitted.

Was the author new to you and would you read something by this author again?
Not new to me, and I have another Meg Cabot and several Patricia Cabot titles to read. I like to spread out reading books by one author so I don't overdose, so it will probably be a few months before I read another one.

Are you keeping it or passing it on?
Good question--this is kind of borderline. I usually keep books that are 4 or higher (with the occasional 3 thrown in), but I haven't decided for sure whether I'll keep it. I'll probably decide in the next month or so.

Anything else?
I wish there had been a little more with Lou and Jack toward the end; I wan't completely convinced of their happily-ever-after. But it was still a strong enough story that I recommend it.