Shadowfever Excerpt and it's a Doozie!!

Oh man. This latest excerpt from Karen Marie Moning's upcoming January release of her final book in the Fever series, Shadowfever is very revealing. At least I think so! What do you think?

“I heard Cruce hated the king, wanted his concubine, and cursed the Silvers to keep the king away from her, that he planned to take the king’s woman, and all the worlds inside the Silvers for himself,” I said.

V’lane shook his head, golden hair shimmering in the sun. “It was not so simple. Things rarely are. To use a human word, Cruce loved the king, first and above all. The creator of the Unseelie is a being of unbearable perfection. If he is indeed Fae, he is from the most ancient, most pure line that ever existed. Some say he is The Father of All. Some say he had outlived hundreds of queens before the time of the queen he slew. Many of the forms he can take are beyond even Fae ability to absorb. He has been described as having enormous black wings that can enfold the entire Unseelie Court.”

I shivered. I’d seen the hint of those wings in the White Mansion. I’d felt the concubine’s awareness of them, had empathically shared her fascination with their feathery touch on her naked skin. “I thought the queen was the most powerful of your race.”

“The queen is heir to the magic of our people. It is a different thing. That magic has never accepted a male of The True Race, although…”

“Although what?”

He gave me a sideways look from beneath his lids. “I tell you too many things.” He sighed. “And enjoy it too much. It has been a long time since I knew another worthy of confidences. There is an ancient myth that should all the contenders for the matriarchal throne be no more, the magic would likely gravitate toward the most dominant male of our race. Some say our rulers are your Janus head, your yin and yang: the king is the strength of our people, the queen is wisdom. Strength draws from brute force, wisdom draws from true power. In harmony, the king and queen lead a united court. Opposed, we war. We have been opposed since the day the king killed the queen.”

“But other queens came along. Couldn’t the king make peace?”

“He did not try. Again, he abandoned his children. Upon finding his concubine dead,
through his act of atonement, he did what he had sworn never to do. By pouring all his dark knowledge into the pages of an ensorcelled tome, he inadvertently created his most powerful “child” yet. Then he vanished. It is rumored among Seelie and Unseelie alike that he has been trying to—as you humans would say about a lame horse—put it down ever since. The Hunter you saw the other night was allegedly the kings’ own for hundreds of thousands of years. It carried him from world to world, hunting his nemesis. The king, like any Fae, loves nothing so much as his own existence. As long as the Book is free, he knows no peace. I suspect if his Hunter is here in your city, the king is, too.”

I gasped. “In Dublin?”

V’lane nodded.

“In human form?”

“Who could say? There is no predicting one such as he.”

Over at AccessRomance

Hi Everybody! It's once again my turn over at AccessRomance. Do you prefer paranormal romance over urban fantasy, or the other way around? Well my tastes are changing. Which one do I favor now? Come find out!

Review - Anywhere She Runs

Title: Anywhere She Runs
Author: Debra Webb
Publishing Date: May 2010
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Rating: C
Sensuality: Warm
Book Disclosure: I received a used copy from Paperbackswap.

Adeline Cooper swore to never step foot in the small town of Pascagoula, Mississippi after a drug bust went bad and her cousin was killed on the job. Adeline's Uncle has blamed her for his son's death and because of his power in the town his threats to harm her force her to leave and never come back. Ten years later Adeline finds herself back in Pascagoula when a case of a missing woman leads her there. Now she must work with her former boyfriend now Sherriff Wyatt Henderson to solve the case.

Let me preface this review by saying that in the past I have really enjoyed Debra Webb's novels. This time though, Anywhere She Runs doesn't measure up. While there were aspects to the book that I enjoyed, the negative outweighed the good.

I'll start with the positive. The mystery surrounding the missing woman was done quite nicely. The clues are slowly revealed and the connection to Adeline was very intriguing. The mystery will easily grasp the reader. Where the book falters for me has to do with the characters themselves most especially Adeline. She is so angry and defensive most of the book it is hard to completely connect to her. Some of this is due to the fact that the author continues to hammer into the reader’s head, just how angry Adeline is about her past circumstances. There are a lot of mental diatribes that just slow the pacing of the story down.

Wyatt is okay, but he doesn't really go after Adeline and spent those ten years pining after her. I don't know. He was too passive for my tastes. Plus after all of the baggage between Adeline and Wyatt, things are wrapped up much to quickly. I don't even think a whole chapter is devoted to the major conflict resolution.

I can't really recommend this book. There are better out there. If you want to try Debra Webb I suggest Nameless instead.

Upcoming Septermber Releases

I have decided to scale back a little this month (if you can believe that). On my radar for September releases are six upcoming books. Six is a managable number I am sure I can get to without toppling over my TBR pile. The are as follows:

Immortals After Dark - Book 8

Paranormal

8/24/10

Contemporary

Recipe For Love - Book 2

8/31/10

Paranormal

Prometheus Project - Book 3

8/31/10

Contemporary

Not part of a series

8/31/10

Medieval

Warrior King - Book 1

8/31/10

Adventure

The Blades of the Rose - Book 1

9/1/10

Review - Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake

Title: Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake
Author: Sarah MacLean
Publishing Date: April 2010
Genre: Historical
Rating: B+
Sensuality: Hot
Book Disclosure: I received a free copy at the RT Book Convention.

Calpurnia Hartwell finds herself firmly on the shelf and one of the tons most reputable ladies. Absolutely no scandal has ever graced her as she has always held the up most propriety. Yet Callie doesn't want to have lived her life never really having lived, having experience all the wonderful, sinful things there are to experience. She creates this list of things she must experience to add excitement to her life. On the top of her list is be "kissed passionately". After imbibing a little bit too much sherry Calpurnia finds herself outside the house of Lord Gabriel St. John, with whom she has had a crush on from afar for the past ten years.

Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake is Sarah MacLean's debut novel. It was chosen as a RT's book of excellence pick and has gotten favorable reviews on the blogosphere. I am on a historical romance kick and thought I would try out this new author. I was very glad I did give MacLean a chance as I felt that this was a very enjoyable book.

I thought the book started out a little rocky with the first chapter. It read more like a prologue and at first I thought Callie was a young girl who was obviously immature. Then the book quickly jumps ten years and she is practically an old maid. Quite a leap but the writing is very good and it all works out. Callie has sort of allowed herself to be put on the shelf even though deep down inside she really is lively and fun. Those who are closest to her know this but not many others do either. Then as she spends more time with Gabriel his jaded and cynical nature finds Callie's zest for life refreshing and appealing. She essentially makes him see life through her eyes and he finds himself really living again.

This book's main focus is the romance between Callie and Gabriel. There is no mystery to solve. Callie and Gabriel go through a transformation of sorts and this book is their journey. There are supporting characters, such as Callie's brother and Gabriel's sister that add additional insight to the story. And the sinfully handsome Gabriel has a twin brother who I foresee getting his own story. I definitely will be checking into her next novel.


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Review - Crazy for Love

Title: Crazy for Love
Author: Victoria Dahl
Publishing Date: July 2010
Genre: Contemporary
Rating: B
Sensuality: Hot
Book Disclosure: I purchased a new copy.

Chloe Turner escapes to an isolated island off the coast of Virginia to escape the crazed paparazzi who have taken an interest in her ever since her fiancé crashed a plane in order to fake his death. She has been dubbed "Bridezilla" by the media and it has turned her life in to a circus. Her best friend Jenn rents a little house on the island and both women end up next door neighbors to two very hot brothers Max and Elliot. Max has a little problem with control issues that he hides from everyone including his brother. Chloe and Max hit it off, but they have big obstacles they need to overcome. Can they trust each other enough to reveal all their secrets?

Crazy for Love was a good read and I think my favorite of Victoria Dahl's books thus far. I really enjoyed both Chloe and Max and the story line was a hoot. For me Max really stood out. Outwardly he came across as this care free playboy who loves woman and an adventurous lifestyle. Only no one understands that this is all an act. Max is actually a complete control freak riddled with worry over all the dangers that surround the people he cares about and he is a sucker for a damsel in distress aka Chloe Turner.

This time Chloe sees Max for who he really is and is not bothered by his compulsions at all. For the first time in his life he can let his guard down and be himself. The other thing that I really liked about the book was the humor. There is really great dialogue between the characters and it was rather humorous. The story moved along at a rather quick pace. Here is a fun little example of Victoria Dahl's quick wit.

"I'm not lying!" When the bird chatter died out for a few seconds, Max realized he'd shouted. He glanced over to a puzzled Elliott and a suspicious Jenn and offered a friendly wave. "Sorry." Chloe, on the other hand, was smirking at the water. He leaned in close and whispered. "You're the first woman I've touched in nine months."

The smirk faded from her lips, but Max's heart was dropping. Had he just said that? Aloud? Way to play the desperation card, Max Sullivan. "It's nothing weird, though. I just decided that celibacy was... I mean, not celibacy celibacy. Just..."

"Celibacy?" She squeaked.

"No!" To offset another shout, he offered Jenn the flash of a sick smile over his shoulder. "Forget I said anything."

She shifted and tried to cross her arms, but the fishing rod and life vest interfered, so she just edged away from him. "So...You're sending mixed signals here. Flirting with me and then telling me you're celibate."

"But I'm going to have sex with you," he insisted, just before the roar in his ears warned him that this was getting very bad, very fast. His pulse pounded, pushing a headache to life behind his eyes.

"Really?" Chloe drawled.

"Oh, Jesus."

"Am I going to like it?"

"I didn't mean it like that ."

"Uh-huh."

He ran a hand through his hair, aware of the drop of sweat snaking down his neck. "I meant that I really wanted to, even though I told myself it was a bad idea, and I couldn't stop thinking about you and that red bikini. And your eyes!" he added belatedly. "And you're such a normal girl. You're not glamorous or...Um."

"I'm starting to believe you really aren't a player, because this is the worst seduction ever."

"Oh," he said, unwilling to let another full word pass his lips. He'd just blurted out the most insulting things he'd ever said to a woman. And, of course, he'd said them to the nicest girl he'd met in years. How had this become such a disaster? "I'm so sorry."

She shrugged one shoulder. "Lucky for you, I'm one of the few women in the world who actually revels in being called normal. I'll even take average at this point."

"Chloe," he managed. That one pained word was all he could get out before he slowly lowered himself to the bench seat behind him. Suddenly, he didn't care about the danger of being on a boat in open water. He didn't care that Elliott was leaning out way too far to slip the squirming fish back into the water.

Today Max Sullivan had discovered that he only had two speeds: fake and charming or freakishly awkward. Jesus. He'd spent so many years pretending to like women he didn't care for that he couldn't manage the most basic interaction with a girl he really did.

Chloe dropped into the space beside him and pressed her knee against his. "Max?"

He shook his head.

"You know what?" When she took his hand, her fingers felt beautifully delicate sliding between his. "In all honesty, I'm totally going to have sex with you, too. So it's a good thing you're onboard."

Max narrowed his eyes at her. "Is that a joke?"

"Well, the 'onboard' part was a joke, but maybe not a good one, if you have to ask. But I wasn't joking about having sex with you."

"You must have been."

"No. I haven't been celibate, but I've been monogamous, so I understand that it feels...awkward."

"By awkward, I assume you mean the ridiculously stupid shit that keeps spilling from my mouth?"

See what I mean? If you want to read a fun contemporary, look no further. Crazy for Love has just what you’re looking for.

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Guess the Book #6

I think I might make Guess the Book a regular post on my blog. I haven't decided how frequently, but expect to see them more often. They are a lot of fun.

This excerpt is a particular favorite of mine. The scene I really wanted to post was much longer. I had to just take a small portion of it or I would have given too much away. Can you guess which book it came from?

I was almost to the wall. My room to maneuver shrank to nothing.

I smashed my knuckles into his solar plexus. He exhaled in a sharp breath and drove me into the wall. His forearm pinned my left arm. I hammered my right fist into his ear. He growled, caught my wrist, and locked it against the wall above my head.

I had no room to move. Game over.

He crushed me against the wall, bracing me with his body. I strained, trying to break free. He might have been made of stone for all the good it did me. Except he was made of flesh and he was stark naked.

I strained every muscle I had. Nothing. Outmuscling him was beyond me.

"Feel better?" he inquired.

"Lean over to the left, Your Majesty."

"Want a shot at my jugular with your teeth?" He leaned to the right, exposing his thick neck. "Carotid's better."

"My teeth are too small. I wouldn't cause enough damage for you to bleed out. Jugular is better---if I rip it a bit and get air bubbles into the bloodstream, they'll be in your heart in two breaths. You would pass out at my feet." A normal human would die, but it took more than an air embolism to bring a shapeshifter down permanently.

"Here you go." He leaned his head to me, his neck so close to my lips, I felt the heat coming off his skin. His breath was warm against my ear. His voice was a ragged snarl. "I miss you."

This wasn't happening.

"I worry about you." He dipped his head and looked into my eyes. "I worry something stupid will happen and I won't be there and you'll be gone. I worry we won't ever get a chance and it's driving me out of my skull."

No, no, no, no...

We stared at each other. The tiny space between us felt to hot. Muscles bulged on his naked frame. He looked feral.

Mad gold eyes stared into mine. "Do you miss me, K---?'

I closed my eyes, trying to shut him out. I could lie and then we'd be back to square one. Nothing would be resolved. I'd still be alone, hating him and wanting him.

He grabbed my sholders and shook me once. "Do you miss me?"

I took the plunge. "Yes."

He kissed me. The taste of him was like an explosion of color in a gray room. It was a fierce, possessive kiss and I melted into it. His tongue brushed mine, eager and hot. I licked at it, tasting him again. My arms slid around his neck.

Review - His at Night

Title: His at Night
Author: Sherry Thomas
Publishing Date: May 2010
Genre: Historical
Rating: A-
Sensuality: Warm
Book Disclosure: I purchased a used copy.

Lord Vere to most of society is a bumbling idiot. Only a select few know he really is a very industrious spy for England. He is on a case where he suspects that Edmund Douglas has nefarious dealings in the diamond industry. Vere and his compatriots invent a scheme to gain them entry into Douglas's home. Douglas's niece Elissande Edgerton sees Lord Vere as an opportunity to get away from her possessive and disturbing Uncle. She takes matters into her own hands and creates a situation that will compromise them both.

His at Night is my first book written by Sherry Thomas. I have heard so many wonderful things about this book and Sherry Thomas in general that I thought this might be a good place to start. I was very glad that I did pick this one up as the writing is just wonderful! I can easily recommend that if you want to read Sherry Thomas, His at Night is a great place to start.

His at Night is a book that drew me into the story that by chapter four when Vere and Ellie meet for the first time I was hard pressed to do anything put keep my nose pressed to the book. Vere and Ellie have created a persona that they hide themselves behind, but they both do it for different reasons. These facades really complicate their budding relationship and become a huge obstacle that they will have to overcome. There really is a lot going on not just in terms of plot but also the complexity between the characters. I actually feel that I could benefit from another reading of the book to pick up every detail.

Sherry Thomas has an amazing capacity to create great characters. Her depiction of Ellie is balanced so well between desperation and strength. It really is a fine line. It would be so easy to hate Ellie, but the way she was written I felt myself understanding her reasons. The same goes for Vere. The role of the bumbling fool could have gotten out of control but Sherry Thomas keeps things from being foolish or farcical. I really enjoyed His at Night. Sherry Thomas writes an entertaining story with intricate characters.

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Review - Succubi Like it Hot

Title: Succubi Like it Hot
Author: Jill Myles
Genre: Paranormal
Rating: B-
Sensuality: Hot
Book Disclosure: I purchased a used copy.

Succubi Like it Hot is the second book in Jill Myles' The Succubus Diaries series. Jackie Brighton a newly turned succubus who narrates the story from first person point of view. It's not enough that Jackie is struggling with being a succubus, which means she has to have sex every few days or she will eventually shrivel up and die, but she has also recently been cursed. For some reason whenever she touches a human they fall asleep right at her feet. A mysterious man keeps following her and it seems she needs sex more and more frequently. Jackie travels down to New Orleans to see if she can find another succubi who can help her remove the curse.

I found Succubi Like it Hot to be a fun read. Jackie has a likable personality. She is completely down to earth, which makes her easy to relate too and she also had a wicked sense of humor with lots of sarcasm. She definitely makes for a great narrator.

As a romance reader, I do struggle with the fact that Jackie is currently juggling two men in her lives. She has Zane, her vampire maker and Noah, her fallen angel both falling over themselves to be with her. At times Jackie comes across as more than a little selfish. Some of it is out of her control as she is a succubi after all, but some of it seems just a part of her personality. There were a few instances when I was actually annoyed with Jackie always thinking of herself first.

I do enjoy the writing and the world building. For a paranormal, it has a more campy feel to it. Although, certain parts of the story are heavier than expected given the overall lighthearted writing style. I definitely plan on reading more in this series to see where things are headed. I am enjoying the journey so far. I enjoy Jackie and her escapades.

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Review - The Irish Warrior

Title: The Irish Warrior
Author: Kris Kennedy
Publishing Date: June 2010
Genre: Medieval
Rating: B+
Sensuality: Hot
Book Disclosure: I purchased a new copy.

Senna de Valery, an English woman who has journeyed to Ireland to make a business deal with Lord Rardove, finds herself in a terrible situation. She believed that she would be selling her prized sheep for their high quality wool, but instead she finds that the man intends to marry her and have her make the recipe for a legendary dye. Meanwhile deep in the dungeons of Rardove's castle he has imprisoned Finian O'Melaghlin an important emissary to the king of Ireland and a great warrior. Senna helps Finian to escape Lord Rardove with the hopes that Finian will help her to return to England.

I really enjoyed Kris Kennedy's debut novel The Conqueror and was looking forward to reading her next medieval. These days good, meaty medieval books are few and far between. The Irish Warrior was another solid, enjoyable read. Thank you Ms. Kennedy!

A large part of the focus to The Irish Warrior is this special legendary dye that only a handful of people know how to create. Senna happens to be the daughter of one such person who knew the secret recipe. I found the legend quite interesting and it helped to make the story unique. Reader's will note how much research the author did to make the legend come alive and seem plausible.

The romance between Senna and Finian is very volatile. I could feel the flames licking the pages of this book. These two had great chemistry. Most of the romance takes place with Finian and Senna on the run. Fans of cabin or road romances will enjoy this story. I also liked that Senna and Finian never played games with each other. Senna, although unversed in the ways of love was not afraid to be herself and accept her own sexuality as it was awakened by Finian. She was honest and open with her feelings and likewise Finian was upfront, as well. Most of the conflict came from outside factors. I'd definitely recommend this book. It's well written with an interesting plot and enjoyable main characters.

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Review - Seduced Into a Paper Marriage

Title: Seduced into a Paper Marriage
Author: Maureen Child
Publishing Date: June 2009
Genre: Contemporary
Rating: B
Sensuality: Warm
Book Disclosure: I received a free copy from the RT Convention.

Seduced Into a Paper Marriage is part of The Hudsons of Beverly Hills series by Maureen Child. Devlin Hudson married Valerie Shelton not necessarily for love but because they were good together and she had the right connections. Her father owns one the big publishing companies while his family owns one of the big movie production companies in Hollywood. Valerie left Hudson because the marriage was just a shell of what she had hoped it could be. Hudson, not one to let things languish, decides he wants Valerie back in his life. He asks her to come back home and be his wife for good. Valerie accepts but she has plans to show Hudson the real Valerie instead of the ideal woman she thinks he wants.

I was pleasantly surprised with Seduced into a Paper Marriage. For such a short read at 177 pages it really was surprisingly in depth. The set up worked for me because Devlin and Valerie already had an established relationship. Therefore, it wasn't such a stretch for them to hop right into an intimate relationship. They were already in one. Call me crazy but I enjoy reading about super wealthy people who have it all - at least they have anything money can buy, yet they still have to work for love.

Hudson has major commitment issues. At the same time he is having trouble with his marriage. His own parents are working through their own issues. Both relationships run parallel to each other and help to tie everything together. This really worked for me. It was a way to bring in family ties and help Hudson work through his commitment issues. If you are looking for a short read with family values in a Hollywood setting, don't miss out on Seduced into a Paper Marriage.

Shadowfever Excerpt #4

I have another excerpt to share with you from Karen Marie Moning's upcoming release Shadowfever. This book will be the last book in her fantastic fever series. The book is to be released January 18, 2011 and comes in at a whopping 728 pages.

Enjoy!

“You killed my sister!” The dark lake in my head begins to boil. I hear rustles behind me, leathery wet sounds and I whirl. The freaks that killed my sister are taking advantage of the distraction and trying to leave.

Not a chance in hell. This is what I’ve been living for. This moment. My revenge. First the ones that killed her. Then the one who delivered her to them.

I lunge for them, screaming my sister’s name.

I slice and rip and tear.

I begin with my spear and end with my bare hands.

I fall on them like the beast-form of Barrons. My sister died in an alley with these monsters working on her and now I know it wasn’t fast. I can see her, white-lipped with pain, knowing she’s going to die, scratching a clue into the pavement. Hoping I’ll come, afraid I’ll come. Believing I could succeed where she failed. God, I miss her! Hatred consumes me. I devolve into vengeance, I embrace it, I become it.

When I finish there are no pieces larger than my fist.

I’m shaking, gasping, covered with bits of flesh and gray matter from smashing their skulls.

I double over and hit the pavement, puking. I puke until I dry-heave then I dry-heave until my ears ring and my eyes are stinging.

I don’t have to look behind me to know the street is empty. My sister’s murderer is gone.

I finally got what I came to Dublin for.

I know who killed my sister.

I curl in a tight ball on the cold pavement and cry.

Review - Beyond the Night

Title: Beyond the Night
Author: Joss Ware
Publishing Date: January 2010
Genre: Paranormal
Rating: B
Sensuality: Warm
Book Disclosure: I purchased a new copy.

Beyond the Night is the first book in a new series by Joss Ware. It takes place in a post apocalyptic world when six men find that they have been asleep for 50 years in a cave. They went to an expedition, major environmental destruction happened ending the world as they knew it and they woke up not having aged at all but the world was completely different. It is only safe for them to travel during the day because at night these zombie-like creatures come out to feast. Elliott Drake meets a mysterious woman, Jade who draws his curiosity. She is able to introduce Elliott and his friends into the small society that formed after the big disaster. Elliott must find a place for himself in this new world.

I really like the set up for this new series. I don't often get a chance to read books with a more sci-fi aspect to them, but I do enjoy them. I find the whole mystery to the world disaster very interesting. The world building is great and the reader can easily see the author has interesting plans for revealing the whole story. Readers get a taste with this first book but there is a lot more to be discovered as to what exactly is going on and how things came to be.

It's funny because most of the time I am more interested in reading about the romance between the two characters than the world building. Oddly enough, that wasn't the case with this book. It was the other way around this time. While I liked Jade and Elliott, I felt almost as if the romance was forced on me. There was a lot of internal dialogue that told me of their attraction for one another but I didn't necessarily see it. I think Elliott is a really great hero for Jade. He gives her the space she needs. Jade has a lot of hang-ups caused from past relationships. She has a lot of baggage and Elliott lets Jade know he is interested without being pushy. Fans of Beta heroes will really like Elliott.

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Review - Infamous

Title: Infamous
Author: Suzanne Brockmann
Publishing Date: August 2010
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Rating: A
Sensuality: Hot
Book Disclosure: I purchased a new book and even had it signed by Ms. Suz herself!

Infamous is a stand alone book. Yay, for those of you who want to try Ms. Brockmann and don't know where to start. I'd definitely recommend starting here.

Alison Carter is a history buff and professor back in Boston. She writes a book centering around a famous gunslinger and sheriff. A famous producer reads her book and makes a movie according to the legend. He hires Allison to be his historical advisor for the movie. While on the set, Allison mistakes A.J. for an extra. While she is reprimanding him for wearing briefs (which were not worn in the Wild West) A.J. has an ulterior motive for wanting to meet Allison. See, his grandfather was the infamous gunslinger the movie represents as a murderer. But A.J is being haunted - I use the term loosely because the grandfather has no malice - but wants A.J to set his story straight. So A.J. travels to the movie set to meet with Allison to share the real story.

I am just going to tell you right now, I absolutely loved everything about this story and I feel like gushing about it. Seriously, Suz absolutely rocks!! I just wish she would write faster, LOL! Fans of Suzanne Brockman will still see her signature style - deep, well developed characters, fantastic dialogue and a fly by the seat of your pants plot. What more could a reader ask for? Lots of passion, well not to worry, Suz delivers there too!

There is a lot going on in this book. You have the present day romance between A.J., a carpenter from Alaska, whose tall and buff and is great with his hands *wiggles eyebrows*. You have Allison who is a no nonsense gal with a winning smile and down-to-earth outlook on life. These two are completely explosive when it comes to chemistry. Hang on dear reader, things aren't so simple. Both come with heavy baggage that must be dealt with before the happy ever after can be achieved. Not to worry, Suz mixes in plenty of light hearted moments to even out those ball-busting ones.

Too make things unique and change things up a bit, a ghost is thrown into the mix. This ghost is not hokie in anyway. It is actually very interesting how Suz tied actual historical accounts from the ghost and his past love through her diary. Then to make things even more on the edge there is a suspense plot that puts Allison's life in danger. Trust me, there is a lot going on, but is all brilliantly concocted. I highly recommend this book to all different kinds of readers - fans of contemporary, romantic suspense, Suzanne Brockmann and westerns won't want to miss out on Infamous.


This book can be purchased in print or kindle format from Amazon

Sweet and Bittersweet

Check out the top right hand corner of SEALed with a Ring. Do you see the quote up there? Look at who was quoted!!

ME!!!!

I can't believe that one of my reviews was quoted on the cover of a book. I am just tickled pink, as if you couldn't tell. I didn't discover that I was quoted on the book until I went to the RWA signing and met Mary Margaret Daughtridge, the author of the book's cover on which I was quoted.

She gave me a bookmark that had a picture of all her books and news about an upcoming release. I was using the bookmark at home for the latest book I was reading and I stopped to look at the bookmark. I caught a glimpse of the quote and read it. It didn't even register at first that it was me who was quoted. I felt my heart start pounding and then read it again to make sure I read it correctly.

The ironic part of the whole thing is that when I met Mary Margaret Daughtridge I didn't tell her that I was Romance Rookie. I figured she wouldn't know who I was and now looking back I realize I was quoted on her book cover. I completely regret that I didn't introduce myself and tell her I reviewed all three of her books. Who knows if or when I might ever have the chance to meet her again.

*sigh*

Funny thing. I went back to that review to see if I really did write "A fun, clever and emotionally gripping story" and sure enough I did, word for word.

Review - Lux in Shadow

Title: Lux in Shadow
Author: R.G. Alexander
Publishing Date: 2009
Genre: Paranormal Erotic
Rating: B-
Sensuality: Burning
Book Disclosure: I purchased a used copy.

Lux in Shadow is book two in R.G. Alexander's Children of the Goddess series. Lux Sariel is haunted by the death of his former lover who was murdered during an attack on his people. With the help of Arygon he must find a woman Sylvain who has the power to save his people. Her life is in danger and Lux and Arygon must find her before the Shadow Wolf does. When Arygon and Lux find Sylvain they discover that the three of them are mates, which only complicates the situation more.

I picked up this book because my good friend Dana really likes R.G. Alexander and I haven't ever read anything by this author before. She had recommended this series. When I was at the used book store the other week, I picked it up on a whim. It was a mistake to read this book before reading Regina in the Sun, Children of the Goddess book one. I was struggling to understand who the different factions were in the book. I didn't completely understand the world building.

I will say even though the world building was complicated I liked that there is a feeling of Native American mythology to the story. It put a different slant to vampires and werewolves. I enjoyed the characters' interactions with each other and the whole threesome plot didn't seem too contrived. It worked within in the context of the story. I will have to go back and read the first book to see if certain gaps in the storyline are filled in. The overall plot in the book is easy to understand, yet the world building just felt incomplete.

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July Book Summary

I think July was a pretty good month for me. At first, I thought I didn't even manage to read 10 books but then it turns out after adding them up I managed 11! I'll take it, LOL! The best book I read this month was Infamous by Suzanne Brockman, incredible, just incredible. I still need to write up a review for that one. My least favorite read for the month was Ten Things I Love About You. I just didn't think it was up to her usual high standards. But if that is the worst book I read this month, I'd say that's pretty darn good.

1. The Forbidden Rose, Bourne (Historical) Rating: B+
2. Nothing But Trouble, Gibson (Contemporary) Rating: B
3. Bitten by Cupid, Anothology (Paranormal) Rating: B-
4. Amethyst Destiny, Montgomerie (Time-travel) Rating: B-
5. Hell Fire, Aguire (Urban Fantasy) Rating: B
6. Ten Things I Love About You, Quinn (Historical) Rating: C+
7. Naked Edge, Clare (Romantic Suspense) Rating: B+
8. Lady Isabella's Scandalous Marriage, Ashley (Historical) Rating: B
9. Lux in Shadow, Alexander (Paranormal/Erotic) Rating: B-
10. Infamous, Brockmann (Romantic Suspense) Rating: A
11. Beyond the Night, Ware (Paranormal) Rating: B