Review - Sinful in Satin

Title: Sinful in Satin
Author: Madeline Hunter
Publishing Date: October 2010
Genre: Historical
Rating: B
Sensuality: Hot
Book Disclosure: I purchased this as an ebook through BN.

Sinful in Satin is the third book in Madeline Hunter's Rarest Blooms series. Celia Pennifold, the daughter of an infamous courtesan had managed to escape from reality for a few years as she lived in isolation among a few women in the country. When her mother dies, Celia is forced to come to terms with her identity and reconcile her estate. Celia chooses to leave the Rarest Blooms and live in a modest home her Mother's estate left to her. She is surprised by a tenant, Mr. Jonathan Albrighton one night when he accosts her in her room by mistake.

Madeline Hunter's writing is like an old friend. I love revisiting and catching up with her. Jonathan and Celia ignite on the page with their forbidden sexual tension. Jonathan is not sure whether or not Celia or her mother was involved with political ties, linking them to traitorous activities. His attraction to Celia and vice versa makes things very tense while he is trying to find answers.

I could have done without all the political intrigue. That is just me though; I have never been a fan of the spy plot and could care less about traitors and such. I felt that Jonathan was an upstanding character with much strength and confidence given his situation with his family. Curious as to where his strength came from. Celia was no wilting flower and was more the aggressor than one would suspect at first glance. I can always admire a heroine who goes after what she wants.

Since it is a series, there are glimpses at the mysterious Duke of Castleford. Will he be paired up with the lovely Daphne of the Rarest Blooms? I see hero material, but will he be redeemed? He is the ultimate, debauched rake after all. Dangerous in Diamonds will be released in May 2011. All I can say is that I am hooked.

Here is what others had to say:
Fiction Vixen
Book Binge

Review - Wicked Appetite

Title: Wicked Appetite
Author: Janet Evanovich
Publishing Date: September 2010
Genre: Paranormal
Rating: B
Sensuality: Subtle
Book Disclosure: I borrowed a copy from the library.

Wicked Appetite is the first in a new series by Janet Evanovich. Some readers might be familiar with her character Diesel who appeared in the Stephanie Plum series, the Plum books between the numbers. Diesel a man of mystery heads to Salem Massachusetts to find a woman Lizzie who will help him locate magical objects. But Diesel is not the only person looking for these magical objects, his cousin Wulf is also looking for the objects and doesn’t have good intention in his use of them. Trouble seems to follow Lizzy and Diesel has his hands full protecting her.

Wicked Appetite has a very similar vibe to the Stephanie Plum series. Lizzie narrates the story from first person point of view. Her life starts to get crazy when Diesel walks into the bakery. She becomes the reluctant owner of a one eyed cat, a monkey Carl and she can't seem to dodge a hunky, mystery man. Even her best friend starts thinking she is a witch and tries to cast spells. Of course these spells go awry.

I think that if you are a fan of the Stephanie Plum books then you will like her new series. As far as the romance goes there is no love triangle in this series. Diesel and Lizzie are attracted to each other, but there is a complication that will make a relationship difficult. I foresee this complication as a way for Evanovich to draw out the romance in this series, which could potentially be a problem for romance fans. However, I am willing to give this series another a try, after all the writing is fast paced and funny.

Here is what others had to say:
Book Chick City

Review - Sins of the Flesh

Title: Sins of the Flesh
Author: Caridad Pineiro
Publishing Date: 2009
Genre: Paranormal/Romantic Suspense
Rating: B
Sensuality: Warm
Book Disclosure: I received a free copy when I was at the 2010 RT Convention.

Sins of the Flesh is the first in a new series by Caridad Pineiro. Mick Carrera has been hired by a cutting edge researcher to find one of his missing patients who he believes murdered his partner. Once Mick is on the case he realizes that things aren't adding up. Caterina, the woman who he was hired to find, is no murderer. She is a very sick woman dying of cancer, only the cutting edge medical treatments she was receiving somehow worked. They worked but not without strange side effects. Mick and Caterina work together to find the real killer.

Sins of the Flesh is the first book I have read by Caridad Pineiro. She came highly recommended by my good friend Mary. I got this book earlier in the year when I attended the RT Convention. I thought the idea and premise behind this story was very unique and very well done. The reader can tell right away that Ms. Pineiro knows her science. Sins of the Flesh has a very "X-Men" vibe to it but with a more medical aspect.

I did struggle with the pacing of the book in the beginning. It took a while for the author to establish the characters and what was going on. Mick and Caterina don't meet for a while. Once they do, things pick up a little. However, if you are looking for fireworks between these two you will be disappointed. Their romance is very sedate and sweet. It actually worked for me. With all the other stuff going on the book it would have been too unrealistic to have Mick and Cat lusting after each other. As a matter of fact, that is a pet peeve of mine that thankfully I didn't have to worry about in this book. I also enjoyed the glimpses of Mick's interaction with his family. Pineiro has a way of capturing the essence of family. I look forward to reading more by her.

Here is what others had to say:
Paranormal Haven

November Releases

Once again time has flown by and the end of 2010 is approaching. Already I have noticed some stores have thier Christmas decorations out on display. Speaking of the holidays, I also see publishers are pushing their holiday romances as well. I have one on my wishlist. Here is what I am looking forward to in the month of November.

2nd book in the Ralston trilogy

Regency Historical

10/26/2010

1st of a new series

Contemporary

10/26/2010

2nd book in the SINS series

Paranormal/Romantic Suspense

11/1/2010

4th book in the Bride quartet

Contemporary

11/2/2010



Another month of slim pickings. How about you? What books are you looking forward to this month?

Review - Where Dreams Begin

Title: Where Dream Begin
Author: Lisa Kleypas
Publishing Date: 2000
Genre: Historical
Rating: B
Sensuality: Warm
Book Disclosure: I borrowed a copy from my library after I realized that there was a Kleypas book I hadn't read yet.

Holly Taylor was widowed at a young age when her husband died unexpectedly of a fever. Holly has grieved for three years. Even though she is still grieving, because hers was a love match, she attends a ball to reinsert herself into society. Unexpectedly while taking some air, a man mistakes her for his lover and steals a kiss. Holly is shocked, yet surprised at what this stranger awakens in her. The stranger is Zachary Bronson, a self made millionaire in search of a wife to gain him entre into London's most prestigious sitting rooms. When Zachary sets his sights on something, nothing can stop him and he sets his sights on Holly.

Where Dreams Begin is not my favorite book by Lisa Kleypas. I graded this book a B which is a favorable grade, yet there where things about this book that drove me crazy but Kleypas's writing and her ability to draw me in kept me from giving this book a lower grade.

My major problem was Holly. I liked her but sometimes her behavior was wishy-washy and inconsistent. She had already experienced love with her first husband and is hesitant to love again for fear of losing it. Could she survive the loss twice in one lifetime?

Zachary is the best part of the book for me. He is the ideal man, self sufficient, sensual, protective and willing to put his needs aside for Holly's. Wow. What a man! I enjoyed seeing him slowly fall in love with Holly over the course of the story. This is the strength of the book to me, the fact that Simon and Holly fall in love slowly and the discovery of their mutual love.

Here is what others had to say:
Books, Books and More Books

RT Convention launches a website

A few weeks ago RT (Romantic Times) Magazine launched the first ever website for their annual Book Lover's Convention. I have been to the convention the last two years and I wouldn't dream of missing it next year. It is going to be in Los Angeles, California and hasn't been on the west coast for a number of years.

The website is very conclusive featuring all the workshops that will be held as well as the details surrounding those events. It also lists the authors who will be participating. Keep in mind that the agenda and authors attending aren't yet complete, but you can get an idea of the thought and planning that goes into this event.

I have had such a wonderful time attending this event the last two years. I have made so many friends and met many wonderful authors. I really hope that fellow bloggers and readers from the west coast who haven't been able to attend in the past will be able make it in April. I think RT is making next year's convention top of line since it is in LA. So far they have a really exciting agenda.

I entice you to go and check it out. Let me know if you have plans to attend. April will be here before you know it!

Review - Down in Texas

Title: Down in Texas
Author: Delilah Devlin
Publishing Date: 2008
Genre: Contemporary (Erotic)
Rating: B
Sensuality: Burning

Down in Texas is an anthology of three stort stories written by Delilah Devin. All three of the stories are centered around two ranching families the McDonoughs and the Dermotts.

Wearing His Brand
In this first story Lyssa and Brand Tynan have grown up together. Lyssa has lusted after Brand for years but he has always treated her like a little sister, since she is his best friend's sister after all. Brand has been tasked with looking after Lyssa while her big brother Mac is off on a military mission. Brand comes across Lyssa trapped in barbed wire fencing after an accident and things begin to heat up between these two on the shared horse ride back home.

I really enjoyed this first story. Lyssa and Brand already have an established relationship and the pace moves fairly quickly. I love that readers get to just jump right into the story. Lyssa is a spunky character and isn't afraid to maneuver the situation to suit her needs. I also liked that this story easily set up the next story in the book and that the smuggler plot was carried on through till the end of the book.

Slow Ride
Daniel Tynan ten years ago worked as a farm hand for the Dermott's. As a young man he found Maggie Dermott to be the woman of his dreams and to his shame he found himself lusting after an older, married woman. He answers an employment ad to once again find himself back at Dermott's ranch when Maggie is now a widow and in desperate need of help to keep the ranch afloat.

Slow Ride was probably my least favorite of the book. Maggie has quite a bit of baggage that she needs to overcome before she can be truly comfortable with a relationship with Daniel. I felt that in such a short period of time her acceptance of their relationship was too quick. However, it was probably the more compelling and emotional read of the book.

Straight up Soldier
Suki Reece is running from an abusive ex-boyfriend. She is hiding out in a cabin her good friend Tara helped her secure. Tara, worried about Suki, asks Mac McDonough to check in on her and make sure she is safe. Mac is recovering from a bad leg wound on his latest military mission. When he gets to the cabin he finds that Suki can hold her own.

Straight up Soldier is a slight change up, now the hero is a military man instead of a cowboy but he is still just as alpha as the other two heroes. Suki can go toe to toe against this big man and brings him to his knees a time or two.

The nice thing about these stories is they are short and sweet. The men are alpha heroes who like to take control in the bedroom and make sure their woman stay safe. The stories are fun and entertaining, although, there are similarities between the men's personalities and the fun that is had in the bedroom. If you like the first story, than I can't see why you wouldn't enjoy the rest.

Review - My Dangerous Duke

Title: My Dangerous Duke
Author: Gaelen Foley
Publishing Date: July 2010
Genre: Historical
Rating: B
Sensuality: Hot
Book Disclosure: I purchased this book used.

My Dangerous Duke is the second book in Gaelen Foley's Inferno Club series. Kate Madsen is abducted from her home by a band of thieves and offered up to Rohan Kilburn as a gift. Rohan is known by most as "The Beast". Those who look upon his ferocious countenance fear his wrath. Kate is taken to his estate, drugged and against her will as a peace offering of sorts. Fortunately for Kate, Rohan might be a Beast, but he also is intelligent and easily realizes that Kate is much more complicated than she seems. Her mysterious origins, once discovered, lead Rohan to make a tough decision when it comes to their future.

I have always enjoyed Gaelen Foley's writing. One of my favorite historical romance books is The Duke which was written about ten years ago. I read the first book in this series and I wasn't too crazy about it. However, I enjoyed My Dangerous Duke more than I did My Wicked Marquess. First of all, I enjoyed the setting and characters. The book sets a very gothic feel to the mood by residing in the gloomy winter time off the cliffs of Cornwall. Kate is taken to a dark and dismal castle complete with dungeons. Rohan is a Beast of a man with a surly disposition and plenty of scars, both mental and physical.

I wouldn't necessarily say My Dangerous Duke is breaking any new ground with this story. Yet, I found the characters enjoyable and the writing entertaining and fast paced. There were a few times I was annoyed with Rohan and his tendency to jump to conclusions where Kate was concerned. Fortunately, he quickly comes to his senses and realizes Kate is not hiding anything from him. What you see is what you get with Kate. She really is a sweet and likable heroine. I also enjoyed how Kate and Rohan work together at the end of the book to solve the mystery pertaining to Kate's heritage. I found My Dangerous Duke to be a fine historical romance, one certainly worth giving a try if you haven't ever tried Ms. Foley before.

Here is what others had to say: (I seem to be in the minority on liking this one)
A Book Blogger's Diary
Dear Author
Book Chick City
Love Romances and More
My Overstuffed Bookshelf

Best of 2001

I meant to do this post on Friday. I had really good intentions but I don't know what I was thinking. See, I was at a convention that day in Orlando. I sat in on workshops for food safety and met with people all day. I was very busy and didn't get home until late. Sometimes I think I am Superwoman and can do everything. Any hoo, better late than never - I always say!

 

On to 2001. Here are the top books for 2001 according to RWA and AAR.

 

***Bold means I read it - and () is my personal grade for that book. At the bottom will be my top picks for this year, based on what books I read.

 

RWA'S RITA AWARD WINNERS
The Border Bride by Elizabeth English (C)
True Confessions by Rachel Gibson
Beneath a Southern Sky by Deborah Raney
Coming Home To You by Fay Robinson
The Bridal Season by Connie Brockway (C)
Heart Mate by Robin D. Owens
Much Obliged by Jessica Benson
The Surgeon by Tess Gerritsen
A Long Hot Christmas by Barbara Daly
Tempt Me Twice by Barbara Dawson Smith (B)
Quinn's Complete Seduction by Sandra Steffen

 

AAR's READER'S CHOICE AWARDS
Over the Edge by Suzanne Brockmann (A)
True Confessions by Rachel Gibson
Fast Women by Jennifer Crusie
This Heart of Mine by Susan Elizabeth Phillips (B-)
One Good Turn by Carla Kelly
The Bronze Horseman by Paullina Simons
Gabriel's Woman by Robin Schone
Suddenly You by Lisa Kleypas (B)
Beyond Innocence by Emma Holly (B)
The Indiscretion by Judith Ivory
Danegeld by Susan Squires
The Protector by Madeline Hunter
Kiss of the Highlander by Karen Marie Moning (B+)
Ritual of Proof by Dara Joy

 

Romance Rookie's Top Picks
Over the Edge by Suzanne Brockman (A)
Darkling I listen by Katherine Sutcliffe (A)
The Defiant Hero by Suzanne Brockman (A)
Heartbreaker by Julie Garwood (B+)
The Swan Maiden by Susan King (B+)
Moving Target by Elizabeth Lowell (B+)
Kiss of the Highlander by Karen Marie Moning (B+)
An Offer from a Gentleman by Julia Quinn (B+)
Awaken, My Love by Robin Schone (B+)

 

A couple of things of note:

• I read a total of 27 books published in 2001.
• I wasn't crazy about the RITA books I managed to read as none made my top list. However, True Confessions and Heart Mate look promising.
• It looks like that my picks match better with AAR's than with the RITAs.
• Five of my top books for that year were romantic suspense.

Any books from this year that are your favorites that I should make a point to read? Agreements, disagreements with my list?

Review - The Search

Title: The Search
Author: Nora Roberts
Publishing Date: July 2010
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Rating: B
Sensuality: Warm
Book Disclosure: I borrowed a copy from the library

When Fiona Bristow was in college she was abducted by a serial killer while out for an early morning job. She was the one woman who managed to escape from Perry, the Red Scarf Killer and managed to put him behind bars for life. Years later Fiona has built up a successful dog training business on Orcas Island. One tough cookie, Fiona has put the past behind her or so she thought until the murders begin again. Fiona with the help of a sexy, grumpy carpenter Simon, struggles to build a relationship while trying to stop a copy-cat serial killer.

Fiona Bristow is a paragon of strength, patience and integrity. She was forced to live through a horrible experience at the hands of a madman and managed to put him away for life. She managed to fight every step of the way and to not allow fear to rule her life. The fact that she is targeted a second time only makes her fight that much harder to keep what she has built for herself. Simon Doyle a grumpy, blunt carpenter with an unruly puppy Jaws, can't help but find himself attracted to her and her strength. Fiona manages to worm her way under his skin no matter how hard he fights the attraction.

Simon was the best part of this book for me. He had some of the best lines in the book because he says what he is thinking without censoring it. Fiona is definitely able to hold her own with the overbearing man. She flings zingers right back at him. Fiona and Simon had great chemistry. However, I did think that these two characters had extremely good control over their emotions, almost too good of control that it seemed a little unrealistic. I would have liked to have seen Fiona or Simon lose that control at some point. It would have made them seem a little more human, imperfect.

The Search is a very gripping tale and Nora Roberts is always good for a fun reading experience. I can easily recommend it to her legions of fans.

Review - Red Leopard

Title: Red Leopard
Author: Tracy Cooper-Posey
Publishing Date: 2003
Genre: Contemporary
Rating: C+
Sensuality: Hot
Book Disclosure: I recieved a free ebook from the author requesting a review.

Red Leopard is the first in Tracy Cooper-Posey's series Guns n Lovers. Calli Munro, an American has traveled to South America where her Uncle has asked for her help. She immediately books a flight to Valeria, even though the country is in the midst of a possible civil war. Rebel troops have been building in the mountains and the political upheaval is at dangerous levels. When Callie departs the plane her Uncle is supposed to be waiting for her at the airport, but he is not there. Callie is arrested after a few minutes and is at the mercy of the police who do not even speak English. After a while a well spoken man with political influence and a very forceful presence releases her from jail. Callie later learns that her savior was none other than the Red Leopard.

Red Leopard starts out strong with an intriguing beginning when Callie ends up in prison and Nicolas (Red Leopard) helps to gain her release. Ms. Cooper-Posey paints a very beautiful picture of the South American countryside. The descriptions of the lands and the Valerian culture are some of the highlights in the book for me. Callie is a wonderful heroine. She is strong, but she under values her strength. She doesn't realize how courageous she truly is until she is faced with the Valerian rebellion and the dangerous times they represent.

Nicolas Escobado is a very regal man with many responsibilities to his country and his people. Unfortunately, he was a little lackluster for my tastes because his duties came before his feelings for Callie. Because Callie is such a strong heroine, I felt like Callie deserved better. Nick should have been falling over himself to snag the likes of Callie. I also felt that the ending to the story was a little too neatly wrapped up in light of the heavy impending civil war. However, there are more books to the series and these issues might be address in the future. In summary, I found Ms. Cooper-Posey to have very fine writing yet the hero was just not to my taste. I have plans to read the next book in the series.

Best of 2000

Okay, I have decided to do a series of posts that will encompass the past ten years of my reading progress and what I deem the best romance books from those years. I have been wanting to compile my own "top list" for each year and a 100 list for a while now. I just haven't gotten around to it for various reasons. Most of those pertaining to the fact that I want everything to be perfect and have nice, little neat categories to fit everything into. Alas, it just doesn't work out that way so I am going to do the best that I can with what I currently have.

Each post will revolve around a year, for the past ten years starting with 2000. I will post what were the popular books that year using information from RT (Romantic Times Magazine), RWA (Romance Writers of America) and AAR (All About Romance). From there I will compare what books were top of the heap with them and how that compares to my own reading experience.

***Bold means I read it - and () is my personal grade for that book. At the bottom will be my top picks for this year, based on what books I read.

AAR'S READER'S CHOICE - TOP PICKS
Winter Garden, Adele Ashworth
Welcome to Temptation - Jennifer Crusie (B+)
The Viscount Who Loved Me - Julia Quinn (B+)
The Unsung Hero - Suzanne Brockmann (A-)
Where Dreams Begin - Lisa Kleypas
A Secret Love - Stephanie Laurens
By Arrangement - Madeline Hunter
I Do, I Do, I Do - Maggie Osborne
Never Love a Cowboy - Lorraine Heath
The Star King - Susan Grant
Dark Magic - Christine Feehan (C)
Dark Challenge - Christine Feehan (B)

RITA AWARDS - RWA
A Man Like Mac - Fay Robinson
First Lady - Susan Elizabeth Phillips
The Shepherd's Voice - Robin Lee Hatcher
Rogue's Reform - Marilyn Pappano
Devilish - Jo Beverley (B-)
The Highlander's Touch - Karen Marie Moning (C)
A Grand Design - Emma Jensen
Carolina Moon - Nora Roberts
It Takes A Rebel - Stephanie Bond
The Mistress - Susan Wiggs
The Best Man & The Bridesmaid - Liz Fielding

ROMANCE ROOKIE'S TOP PICKS
The Duke by Gaelen Foley (A)
The Unsung Hero by Suzanne Brockman (A-)
Mr. Perfect by Linda Howard (A-)
Welcome to Temptation by Jennifer Crusie (B+)
Dark Desire by Christine Feehan (B+)
All the Queen's Men by Linda Howard (B+)
The Viscount Who Loved Me by Julia Quinn (B+)
Tears of the Moon by Nora Roberts (B+)

A couple of things of note:

• I read a total of 30 books published in 2000.  It's not a lot and my goal is to have read at least 50 books to make my list "mean something".
• The Star King is being offered as a free ebook by borders right now.
• I thought I had read everything by Lisa Kleypas, so how in the world did Where Dreams Begin drop off my radar?

Any books from this year that are your favorites that I should make a point to read?  Agreements, disagreements with my list?

Review - Veil of Night

Title: Veil of Night
Author: Linda Howard
Publishing Date: August 2010
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Rating: C+
Sensuality: Warm
Book Disclosure: I borrowed a copy from my library.

Jaclyn Wilde literally runs into Eric Wilder while dealing with a traffic violation at city hall. They end up later at a bar and have a night of very passionate sex. The next day Eric is called in to investigate the homicide of a young woman. It turns out Jaclyn is the main suspect, seeing as the victim was a young bride and Jaclyn her wedding planner. Jaclyn had been slapped in the face because the "bridezilla" was anything but pleased with Jaclyn's service. Eric has to clear Jaclyn's name and can't play favorites especially because of their former relationship.

Veil of Night starts off strong. It has a fast, interesting beginning. Unfortunately, things slowly deteriorate from there. First off, let me state for the record that I cannot be impartial when writing this review. I have been a long time fan of Linda Howard. She is one of my favorite all time authors, however I have been less than enthusiastic with her recent releases. This one included.

The problem for me is that I have come to expect a really superb romance, with a strong romantic thread between the hero and heroine. Veil of Night does not deliver in this aspect. While Jaclyn is a fine heroine and Eric a definite hero, the romance is left to the wayside as Howard allows the murder and the details to detract from the main relationship. I can't help but compare Howard's recent work with her former and it just can't compare.

I would say that if reading Howard for the first time, there is still something about her writing that can lend itself to intrigue. The characters invite confidence and an easy manner that will draw readers in. The mystery is somewhat ordinary and hard core mystery fans will most likely think that part of the story is weak. Overall, I am not impressed. I just can't help compare Veil of Night to her other work and it just doesn't stand up. It makes me so sad. I just don't want to give up on her books, but what can I do? I don't think I can hang in there any longer.


Here is what others had to say:
Dear Author
Dirty Sexy Books

Access Romance Today

I am over at Access Romance today. I am discussing a new trend in my reading habits. Come check it out!

Review - The Empress' New Clothes

Title: The Empress' New Clothes
Author: Jaid Black
Publishing Date: 2002
Genre: Sci-Fi Erotic
Rating: C+
Sensuality: Burning
Book Disclosure: I purchased a used copy at a bookstore that specializes in trades.

The Empress' New Clothes is the first book in Jaid Black's Trek Mi Q'an series. Kyra Summers is spending her vacation at a resort that specializes in stress relief and relaxation with her best friend Geris. She is completely clueless that meanwhile, in a galaxy far, far away, the Emperor of Trek Mi Q'an has learned that his queen shall be none other than Kyra Summers. Zor takes a trip to Earth to pick up his destined mate. He finds her outside the resort and whisks her away to his planet. There Kyra must learn the new customs of Zor's world and succumb to his passionate nature.

This book was a lot of fun. It's hokey and over-the-top, but it is also entertaining as all get out. So the theme is a fish out of water. Kyra is taken to another world, existing in another time. It's nothing at all what she is accustomed to and she must learn a whole new way of life. This is the part of the story that I was most interested in and found entertaining.

Since this is an erotic romance there is a lot of sex in this book. The customs on this particular world all seem to revolve around sex. I liked reading about the different customs, but after a while I was bored with the sex. It just seemed like the sex scenes became repetitive. Wash, rinse and repeat. Boooorrring. The entertainment for me came from Kyra finding out the hard way certain customs. That was always good for a laugh. Zor was completely clueless as to what Kyra would accept and not accept as a custom. I actually enjoyed reading this book, but it is no literary classic. If you like Sci-fi and enjoy a good laugh, then you might want to give this one a try.

Here is what others had to say:
Smart Bitches, Trashy Books

September Book Summary

At the beginning of September I had lost my blogging mojo. Fortunately towards the end of the month I felt it coming back. I am still not caught up on all my reviews, but I am not as far behind as I was.

As far as my reading went, I am reading plenty of books. However, the quality this month was rather mediocre. There were a lot of B-, C+ reads in the stack. The best book was Wicked Intentions by Elizabeth Hoyt. A fine start to her new series. The most disappointing read was Veil of Night by Linda Howard. I hate to say it but I think I am going to have to give up on my all time favorite author. *Sigh*

1. Ruthless, Stuart (Historical) Rating: B
2. Twelve Sharp, Evanovich (Mystery) Rating: B+
3. Love in the Afternoon, Kleypas (Historical) Rating: B
4. This Heart of Mine, Phillips (Contemporary) Rating: B-
5. Wicked Intentions, Hoyt (Historical) Rating: A-
6. Inside Out, Eisler (Thriller) Rating: B-
7. Waking the Witch, Armstrong (Urban Fantasy) Rating: C+
8. The Empress' New Clothes, Black (Sci-Fi Erotica) Rating: C+
9. Last Night's Scandal, Chase (Historical) Rating: B+
10. Veil of Night, Howard (Romantic Suspense) Rating: C+
11. Red Leopard, Cooper-Posey (Contemporary) Rating: C+