Review - Spell of the Highlander

Title: Spell of the Highlander
Author: Karen Marie Moning
Publishing Date: 2005
Genre: Time Travel
Rating: A
Sensuality: Hot

Spell of the Highlander, to date, is last book in Karen Marie Moning's highlander series and it just happens to also be my favorite. Jessie St. James is a grad student studying to get her doctorate in archeology in Chicago. She has been asked to accept a package for her professor in his absence. So off she goes to sign for a package. Well, this package happens to be an antique mirror. But, it isn't just any mirror. It is an old UnSeelie relic and it has been cursed. Cian McKeltar has been trapped in this mirror for 1,133 years. Now, Jessie must help Cian keep the mirror out of Lucian Trevan's hands before Samhain in order to break the curse and set Cian free.

There are many reasons why I love this book. First, it has an approachable girly heroine, who is smart and funny. Jessie, is by no means "kick ass", but she can definitely hold it together when things take a turn for the worst. Luckily for her she has an awesome hero Cian, who is a Man with a capital M. His philosophy is if he can't take care of his woman's needs, then he can't call himself a man. He might be a man of few words, but when he does talk he really packs a punch.

This leads to my next favorite reason why I love this book; great dialogue. Cian and Jessie have a great rapport together and their relationship flows seamlessly along. This then leads to great pacing. This book is off and running right from the beginning and doesn't let up until the end. There is plenty of action and drama to keep the story moving. And the wonderful thing about it is that I am completely sucked into the story. As unbelievable as the whole premise is, somehow Ms. Moning makes it all work. This book is the ultimate escape and I love everything about it.

This is just such a great book and I don't even think I am beginning to do it justice. I think what we need here is a good quote so you can experience the book for yourselves. This scene takes place after Jessie releases Cian from the mirror and he realizes he can't use Voice on Jessie. That is a great scene in of itself, but too long, so I opted for the following scene.

God, he was arrogant. She marveled at the sheer, unmitigated cockiness of the man. Had all ninth-century men been that way?
In retrospect, it occurred to her that she should have seen it coming.
She was, after all, a fan of history, a studier of mankind, a ponderer of ancient civilizations. She knew what life had been like a thousand years ago for woman.
Men had been Men.
And women had been Property.
And somehow, she still managed to be utterly unprepared when he ducked that sexy, dark head of his and charged her.
"Oomph!" Jessi grunted, as his shoulder made contact with her stomach.
Her feet left the ground, her world tilted precariously, and the next thing she new, she was hanging upside down over his shoulder.
One of his muscle-bound arms banded her waist, pinning her to his shoulder. The other hand splayed firmly on her bottom.
She parted her lips and was just about to let loose a screech that would do a banshee proud, when his hand moved.
Possessively. Intimately. Dipping right between her legs.

How is that for a teaser to get you wanting more? Yep, that's right, you know you want to read it now!




This book was part of Nath's re-read challenge. Head on over to Nath's to view a list of other participants.

Review - Desire Unchained

Title: Desire Unchained
Author: Larrisa Ione
Publishing Date: March 2009
Genre: Paranormal
Rating: C-
Sensuality: Hot

Desire Unchained is book two of Larrisa Ione's Demonica series. Runa Wagner was once a human until she was bitten by a warg. Infected with the werewolf virus, she now unwilling changes into a werewolf during a full moon. The horrible thing about it for Runa is she can't remember what she does turning these turns. After having her brother help her deal with her new self, she sets out to find and kill the warg who bit her. While searching she is kidnapped by a Demon and held prisoner. After a few weeks of being held captive, a new prisoner is brought in and it is none other than her old flame, Shade. Shade and Runa are tricked into becoming mates by their captor. Now, they have to learn to get along or Shade could die.

Well, I have come to the conclusion that this series is just not for me. These stories revolve around demons and these demons are morally ambiguous at best. At worst, they are psychotic. It makes it very difficult for me to connect with the demon characters. Sometimes the demons make strides to struggle with the animalistic side of their nature. Sometimes they win. Sometimes they lose. Sometimes they could care less of either outcome.

Shade being an incubus demon, is riddled with lust. So much of his focus is on sex and getting into Runa's pants. There is a lot of mental lusting on his part and I really hate mental lusting. I have a low threshold for this sort of thing. Also, Shade and Runa are forced into intimacy with each other. Sure the sex is great between them, but they have a lot of baggage to work through. Runa caught Shade with two other women when they were dating and it broke her heart. I never really saw how Runa could have gotten over that. It was never really touched on in the book. There were a lot of issues that sort of just got glossed over like that and the book could have been so much stronger had the characters had to work out their problems.

What took a lot of the book's focus was this curse that Shade had been given in his younger days. Also, much of the time was spent on Shade and his brothers hunting down the rogue demon that had captured Shade and Runa. Because of the heavy suspense portion of the plot, the romance didn't have enough time to develop properly. There was a secondary romance between Kynan and Liz that was a pleasant bonus. I will say, I did enjoy reading about them.

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RT 2009, Part 2

There is a pattern to the Romantic Times Convention. Usually there is a morning mixer which served breakfast, that anyone could attend. It was pretty casual, people milling around chatting and having a good ol' time. Then there were usually a bevy of four, hour long sessions that attendees could pick and choose from; two in the morning and two in the afternoon.

I mainly stuck to the reader track, but they also had workshops geared toward aspiring writers and booksellers. At each of these sessions, free books and various paraphernalia were given out. The reader sessions were divided into author panels, fun games, and book signings.

Then in the evening at 8:00 they would have a big dinner each night. Each day it was a different theme and you could come dressed in costume. Dressing up is completely optional. I figure about 75% of the people dressed up with about 5% being really elaborate and the rest being "normal". I dressed up each night. They would serve food of some sort and then have dancing afterwards until midnight.

What I couldn't believe was all the books we got. And what is even more crazy, is that people who attended previous RT's said they didn't get as much stuff this year. All I know is that I took home a crate full of books and I am now wondering where I am going to put them. Since this was my first RT, I thought they were pretty generous with the books and the best part is that half of them have been signed by the authors!

Being the number dork that I am, I tallied up all the books that I received. As I am sure you are wondering which books I did get. Not everybody gets the same books. It depends on which sessions you attend and sometimes even at the same session each person would receive different books. If you got duplicates or had already read that book, you could always trade with someone else. I was pretty lucky in that I only received two duplicates and two books that I had already read out of 59 books. Here are some pictures of the books. If you click on them, they become giant sized. Or you can just scroll down and read the list.






The ones in blue have been signed by the author:

1. A Cinderella Affair, A. C. Arthur
2. Wanderlust, Ann Aquirre (received two copies)
3. Feral Fascination, Anthology
4. What Happens in Vegas, Anthology
5. Everlasting Bad Boys, Anthology
6. Secrets, Volume 15, Anthology
7. Secrets, Volume 18, Anthology
8. Secrets, Volume 19, Anthology
9. Secrets, Volume 25, Anthology
10. Masters of Desire, Anthology
11. Naughty Bits, Anthology
12. Alluring Tales, Anthology
13. Fault Line, Barry Eisler (hardback)
14. The Object of His Protection, Brenda Jackson
15. Brimstone Kiss, Carole Nelson Douglas
16. What a Scoundrel Wants, Carrie Lofty
17. Pleasure Control, Cathryn Fox
18. Rogue, Cheryl Brooks
19. Touch of Darkness, CT. Adams & Cathy Clamp
20. Faceless, Debra Webb
21. Red Fire, Deidre Knight
22. Red Kiss, Deidre Knight (This is an ARC I won)
23. Down in Texas, Delilah Devlin (received two copies)
24. Forbidden Fruit, Eden Bradley
25. Stolen Fury, Elisabeth Naughton
26. To Taste Temptation, Elizabeth Hoyt
27. The Death Dealer, Heather Graham
28. The Magic Knot, Helen Scott Taylor
29. Afraid, Jack Kilborn
30. Ecstasy, Jacquelyn Frank
31. Elijah, Jacquelyn Frank
32. Dragonbound, Jade Lee
33. A Perfect Darkness, Jamie Rush
34. The Girl Who Stopped Swimming, Jashilyn Jackson (Hardcover)
35. Destined for an Early Grave, Jeaniene Frost (This is an ARC)
36. Dayhunter, Jocelynn Drake
37. Don't Tell, Karen Rose
38. Secret Life of a Vampire, Karrelyn Sparks
39. Undercover, Lauren Dane
40. Shades of Dark, Linnea Sinclair
41. Games of Command, Linnea Sinclair
42. Lone Star Surrender, Lisa Renee Jones
43. Bunco Babes Tell All, Maria Geraci (This is an ARC I won)
44. Simply Perfect, Mary Balogh
45. Dead Ringer, Mary Burton
46. Dirty, Megan Hart
47. Fragile Eternity, Melissa Marr (Hardcover)
48. Desire Untamed, Pamela Palmer (This is an ARC)
49. Something Bad, Richard Satterlie
50. Paradise Valley, Robyn Carr
51. Wicked, Sasha White
52. The Awakening, Shannon Drake
53. Dead by Dusk, Shannon Drake
54. Heat of the Night, Sylvia Day
55. Your the One that I Haunt, Terri Garey
56. Heart of the Wolf, Terry Spear
57. The Perfect Wife, Victoria Alexander

The next step of course was to tally up the value of these books. Many of them were trade size paperbacks and I also did receive three hardbacks. The total value of the books was a whopping $599.09!!! I also won the raffle at Deidre Knight's midnight party and received a $50.00 visa gift card. So, if you think about it, the books more than make up for the convention fee of $490.00. Even more so if you include all the meals I was able to eat (at least two each day). I think it is definitely worth attending at least once in your lifetime if you are an avid romance reader. You can't even begin to place a value on the friendships you make.

Review - Trouble

Title: Trouble
Author: Sasha White
Publishing Date: 2007
Genre: Contemporary/Erotic
Rating: B+
Sensuality: Burning

Samair Jones finds herself at a crossroads in her life. Fed up with her job, her boyfriend and herself for trying to be someone she is not, she throws caution to the wind and starts over. She moves in with her old college friend Joey, who is a dancer for club Risque. As Samair is dancing in the club, she catches the club owner's eye. After some heavy flirting she tells him that she is looking for someone to fulfill all her sexual fantasies. Valentine Ward, never one to back away from a challenge, picks up the gauntlet.

Samair all her life has tried to be someone she isn't. Her family is very conservative and her parents have certain expectations when it comes their children. Samair has dreamed of having her own line of clothing ever since she was young. Her family would never understand or support her in this endeavor. However, Samair is sick and tired of being someone who she isn't. She is tired of trying to please everyone else and is now going to live for herself. I love that this book isn't just about fantastic sex (although, that is an added benefit), but more about Samair accepting who she is and loving herself for it. It's a motivating message without being overly preachy.

The characters were well drawn and likable. Joey, Samair's roommate has a secondary romance with a bouncer from the bar. It was enjoyable to read about Samair starting up her own lingerie business and the steps she took. I also liked how the author slowly showed Val go from their relationship initially being about sex to developing into something more meaningful for him. I was pleasantly surprised by Trouble. It was a fast, entertaining read.

*Just a side note* I totally hate the cover of this book. Yuck, yuck, and more yuck. There is no way in HELL, you could get me to walk around with this book in public. Thank God for ereaders, right?

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RT 2009 - Part 1

Wednesday morning around 8:00 I headed down to the palms foyer to pick up my registration packet for the convention. Registration was very well organized and because it was early there wasn't any line. I received a large tote bag that has 3 books in it, a convention agenda and various bookmarks and paraphernalia. As I am sitting down, checking the contents of my bag, I am just looking around in amazement at the variety of people walking by. One woman wearing a large hat with feathers in it walks by. I must have had a strange look on my face because another woman was watching me and started laughing. She asks me if this is my first RT. I told her it was.

That was one of the things that struck me right away about this convention was just how friendly and nice everyone was. Even though I went by myself, I was never without someone to sit with or talk to at any event. When I continued on to the morning mixer, the author Eden Robbins took me under her wing and introduced me to other readers and made me feel so welcome.

After the morning mixer I was in the hallway and recognized Jane from Dear Author and Sarah from Smart Bitches. I introduced myself to them and they invited me to have breakfast with them and Roxanne St. Claire, who was walking with them. I followed along, shell shocked talking a mile a minute. Again, I just could get over how friendly everyone was. It's like you just instantly connect with everyone because we all share a similar interest, a passion for reading and a love of books. I didn't actually eat breakfast with them, because after I got my wits back I realized how I had crashed their party - although, they assured me I hadn't. But, I did want to attend the first reader session, which was where I was headed when I ran into them. So, off I went to find room Oleander A.

The first reader session I went to that morning was hosted by Karen Rose. There were not many people in attendance. I am estimating about 20 people and I sat by myself. Karen talked a little bit about an upcoming series she is working on and how she came by the idea for it. Then we acted out a little mystery skit she had written using some of the characters from her previous books. After the skit we were able to ask her questions and she gave us all her first book Don't Tell. We all got to sign up if we would like to be killed off in one of her books. So you may be reading one of her books in the future and come across the victim, Jill Dunlop!

The next session took place in the same room and while we were waiting a fellow reader came up to me and asked if I would like to sit with her and her sister. These two ladies were from Rhode Island and this was their third RT. Linda and Mary were so nice to me and I continually kept bumping into them at the other sessions that day and then later that night at the Ellora's Cave Jungle party. I spent most of the convention with them. I felt like they had adopted me into their family. I forgot my camera in all the excitement of packing for the trip and they were wonderful enough to take pictures for me. How nice is that?!! As soon as I get the pictures, I'll be sure to post them.

I will post part two tomorrow!

I'm Back!!!

Hello everyone!! I just got back from having spent a fabulous time at the RT convention in Orlando. I wanted to blog about it while I was there, but alas my internet connection didn't work. Total bummer! But, I am back and I plan on doing a series of posts about my experience. I had a wonderful time and I can't wait to tell you all about it. First, I must decompress and spend some time with my family. I'll be back soon, so stay posted!!

Review - Kill Me Twice

Title: Kill Me Twice
Author: Roxanne St. Claire
Publishing Date: 2005
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Rating: B
Sensuality: Hot

Kill Me Twice is the first book in Roxanne St. Clare's Bullet Catchers series. Alex Romero works for the elite, covert team as a spy, bodyguard and security specialist. Now, he has to pay the price since he screwed up his last mission. He has been assigned to babysit news anchor Jessica Adams. It's not exactly the assignment of his dreams. Only when he arrives in Miami, it isn't Jessica whom he meets, it is her twin sister Jazz, who immediately gets under his skin. Jazz is pretending to be Jessica while she investigates a hot news story. Soon, it becomes apparent that the story Jessica is following has turned dangerous and Jazz, with the help of Alex, will fight to keep Jessica safe.

Kill Me Twice is a fun, fast read. It has many of my favorite features in a romance book. It has smart and witty dialogue between the hero and heroine. It has a sexy, confidant heroine who has no trouble at all bringing the hero to his knees. It also has the macho hero with an over protective streak, a mile wide. This book had no problems keeping me entertained.

Jazz Adams is a strong, independent woman. Although, when the book begins she just doesn't know it yet. She feels more like she has always lived in her sister, Jessica's shadow. Now that Jessica needs her, she wants to prove to her sister that she can be the one to offer help. As Jazz uncovers the mystery surrounding her sister, she grows more confident in her own abilities. I really enjoyed the growth that Jazz displayed throughout the story. My one complaint would be how long it took Jazz to accept that Jessica was actually in trouble. I think she denied it a lot longer than she should have, when all the clues where practically screaming at her.

Alex was not as well developed as Jazz. The reader gets the sense that he is intelligent and sexy and protective, but we don't really get more than just what is on the surface. More background or little stories about his past might have helped to reveal more about him. What I did get to know, I liked. It's just knowing more about him might have made me feel more connected to him and would have made his feelings toward Jazz feel all the more believable. One thing that really stood out for me was how he understood Jazz and let her be herself. The true testament - how he allowed himself to trust her. Kill Me Twice is good stuff and these are all minor complaints. It's a good book and I will be reading more from Ms. St. Claire.

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