RT Convention: Day One

Day one started out early because I was unable to sleep in. I woke up at 6 am even though the kids (aka alarm clocks) are with my Mom (who is totally earning her fair share of swag and books this week).

After heading to an OMFG overpriced buffet for breakfast (had a coupon for a free meal or I'd have never gone!) I made my way to the RT Virgin workshop. Then it was the Welcome to LA mixer.

After a quick lunch, I headed to the Science of Crime workshop. It was for writers, and I only stayed for the first hour, but it was well done and very interesting to this mystery buff.

After slinking out the door during the break, it was on to the Goody Room and Club RT. Promo alley (lane?) is filled with goodies. I have to say, I'm loving the Romance Trading Cards put out by all of the authors.

I was a little late getting to the Intergalactic Bar and Grille event, which means I had NO CLUE what was going on. Some sort of trivia game, but I was completely lost.

After that, I had a lovely blogger dinner (Stupid me apparently forgot my camera in the room) with Angela James, Malle Vallick, Barbara Vey, Sarah Wendell (Smart Bitches, Trashy Books) and several book bloggers who are attending the convention and/or live locally.

Then I rushed back for the Ellora's Cave Bollywood party. I stayed just long enough to watch the opening act and visit for a few minutes.

All in all, a busy day at the RT 2011 convention.

Can't Attend a Romance Convention? Read About One Instead!

I am lucky enough to be winging my way to L.A. right about now. Or at least shouldering my way through the crowded airplane to find a squished middle seat somewhere. But for those of you stuck at home, here's a list of books that mention or take place at/during a Romance Convention.

And yes, Romance Convention should be capitalized because it's just that awesome.

I have to start with the best one in my humble opinion:

Single White Vampire by Lynsay Sands

Not only does a hefty portion [heh] of this book take place at the RT Convention, but it is so freaking funny that you'll be howling with laughter. The premise alone is worth a chuckle: a vampire who writes family histories that are marketed as fictional historical romances. And who is coerced into attending the RT Convention.

Want something a little less obvious? Or more snarky?

Elizabeth Peters has an old one called Die for Love featuring her Jacqueline Kirby character. It takes place at a fiction romance convention, but many of the scenes will ring true for those familiar with the romance scene.

Maggie by the Book by Kasey Michaels is another mystery meets romance book set at a fictional writers' convention, aptly called WAR (We Are Romance.) The Maggie series is a bit odd, since it features a main character who is a current mystery and former romance writer. The odd part is that her creation, a Regency aristocratic detective, has appeared in corporeal form outside of her book! And has brought his sidekick along.

I have also informed me that the last book in Nora Roberts's Dream trilogy also features a romance convention.

Anyone else have a convention book (in any genre) that should be added to the list?

Buried By Books Birthday Bash Winner!

Wow, the beginning of the month just got away from me! This was supposed to post on the 1st, but I just didn't get it done. My apologies.

Without further ado: the  randomly chosen winner of the $15 Gift Card to either Amazon or Barnes and Noble is:

Peggy P. !!!

Congrats Peggy! An email is winging its way to you, now.

Recipe: Fresh Fruit (Banana) Ice Cream

In honor of spring's late arrival here in the mountains, I'm going to make some fresh fruit ice cream this weekend. The recipe is an Eagle Brand one, and so easy!

Fresh Fruit Ice Cream

3 cups half and half
1 (14 oz can) sweetened condensed milk (NOT evaporated)
1 cup mashed or pureed fresh fruit (we use banana)
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
food coloring (optional)

In a 2 quart ice cream freezer container, combine all ingredients; mix well. Freeze according to manufacturer's instructions.

For a more traditional texture, you might want to transfer to a freezer friendly container and place ice cream in a freezer to harden.

Hump Day "Classic" Movie: The Hard Way (1991)

Ok, once again, I am cheating on the definition of classic. But 1991 *was* 20 years ago! (Yes, I did the math just to make many of you feel old.)

I was in junior high school when The Hard Way came out. It was one of the first times I saw James Woods act, and it made an impression. He was slick, full of attitude, and could talk faster than almost anyone I'd every seen.

This is one of those movies that defies genre labels. It's part crime movie, part action flick, part buddy comedy. It isn't going to make you think, but it will probably entertain you for an hour or two.

Plus, hey, it's got LL Cool J in it. Playing a cop. Hmmm....

Waiting on Wednesday: A Beginner's Guide to Rakes by Suzanne Enoch

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted over at Breaking the Spine. Every week, we highlight titles we just can't wait to get our greedy book-loving hands on.

Format: Mass Market pb
Pub Date: October 4, 2011
Publisher: St. Martin's
ISBN: 9780312534516

Details are sketchy about this book so far, but I did glean from Ms. Enoch's Facebook page that this is the beginning of a new series, not a continuation of the Adventurer's Club series. And... I somehow missed the fact that she's changed publishers! This one is being published by St. Martin's!!

I'm a big fan of Suzanne Enoch's historical romances, and I'm curious to see how a shift in publishers will affect her writing.  *fingers crossed*

Romantic Times Booklovers Convention April 6-10

In exactly a week, I will be heading to Los Angeles to attend my very first romance convention! The RT Booklovers Convention is being held at the Westin Bonaventure hotel in downtown LA next week.

I am planning to blog about the convention here on Buried By Books and to tweet about it on Twitter. You can follow along with other Tweeps by searching the hashtag #RT11 next week.

I'm super excited to be meeting so many people I've chatted with online, but am also really nervous. Why? LA intimidates me. My Northern California town has a whopping 5,000 people and 2 stoplights. I rarely travel, so I am afraid this country mouse might just get swallowed up by the big city! If you are attending and see someone shy lurking by the potted plants, it's probably me.

If you live in the LA area but aren't able to make the entire convention, you might consider attending the Saturday Bookfair. It is open to the public for a fee of $5. You can read about all of the authors attending the signing here.

Is anyone else going to the convention? Any tips for an RT virgin?

Review: My Irresistible Earl by Gaelen Foley

Format: Mass Market; ebook
Pub Date: March 29, 2011
Publisher: Avon (Harper Collins)
Page Count: 400
FTC: Digital ARC via Netgalley

Melodrama, bad dialogue, and an irritating premise made this one a struggle to finish.

I don't mind spies in my stories. I don't even mind secret societies. But I do mind characters who are so immature and irritating that I don't believe anyone in their right mind would trust them with any mission of significance. 

I seem to have a problem lately with books that have flashback scenes to characters in their teenage/early twenties years. Mainly because it seems like authors aren't making an effort to mature those characters once they shift from flashback to the "present." The characters are exactly the same at age 30 as they are at age 16. And that just doesn't work for me.

I found myself skimming the second half of the book. I just couldn't stay engaged. Although there were a few secondary characters who intrigued me enough to want to read the next book in the series.


My Grade: C-

The Blurb:

The Inferno Club: In public, this scandalous society of London aristocrats is notorious for pursuing all manner of debauchery. But in private, they are warriors who would do anything to protect king and country . . .

Once, she had vowed to marry the Earl of Falconridge. Now, she vows to forget him. After he abandoned her for a life shrouded in secrets, Mara, Lady Pierson, has succeeded in keeping him away, until he appears in London unexpectedly, making her fall in love all over again. 

Forced back into Mara's life by duty, the earl quickly stays for love. He has never forgotten this passionate beauty and never meant to break her heart. But their newfound happiness is endangered—because the Inferno Club demands much of its members, and his vital mission is exposing a deadly plot that could threaten their very lives . . .

Review: Captured by a Rogue Lord by Katharine Ashe

Format: Mass Market Paperback; ebook
Pub Date: March 29, 2011
Publisher: Avon (HarperCollins)
FTC: Digital ARC via  Netgalley



Captured by a Rogue Lord really reminded me of Stephanie Laurens's books. Especially Captain Jack's Woman. Probably because smuggling plays a pretty large role in both books. The setting was very well done, with plenty of the atmosphere you'd expect from a book set in or near the coast.

The writing is pretty standard Avon fare as far as I can tell. Nothing jumped out at me as bad OR wonderful. I tend to prefer a stronger voice in my stories, but that's just me.

Operation Auction

On March 8th, Fatin, a longtime supporter of the romance genre and an integral part of our online book community lost her husband to an act of violence. The romance community has rallied around her by creating Operation Auction, a series of benefit auctions on eBay with all proceeds earmarked for Fatin and her four children.

Romance writers, bloggers, editors, publishers and other professionals have donated items, opportunities, and services for auction. Those auctions will begin to go live at MIDNIGHT on Sunday morning. Items will go up in batches on the 27th, 28th and 29th (nearly all with a 3 day listing duration).

There are some wonderful and generous donations, and I hope many of you bid early and often in support of a person who could use our help.

All of the items will be gathered within the Operation Auction eBay store found here.

RITA and Golden Heart Finalists Announced!

The Romance Writers of America announced the finalists for the RITA and Golden Heart awards today. (The RITA is for published romances; the Golden Heart is for unpublished manuscripts) A big congratulations to all of the finalists. A complete list, separated by genre, can be found at RWA's site here.

As usual there was a mix of books I was happy to see, some I was saddened to see  snubbed. And a couple whose inclusions in the nominees prompted a great, big HUH?

A few I'm rooting for:

Rebel by Zoe Archer [Paranormal Romance] Not my favorite of the Blades of the Rose, but I love the concept and Zoe's writing.


Twice Tempted by a Rogue by Tessa Dare [Regency Historical Romance] This was by far my favorite of the Stud Club series. The writing is just gorgeous and I adored the hero, Rhys.

Simply Irresistible by Jill Shalvis [Contemporary Single Title Romance] I adored this book. The heroine was so quirky, and had a wonderful character arc. Plus it was, as usual, funnier than hell.

(RITA, the RITA statuette, and Golden Heart are registered trademarks of the Romance Writers of America)

Pondering Social Media and Fangirl Behavior

There's an author I have an admitted fangirl crush on. I love just about everything she writes. And by the weird quirks of fate, she lives in my general region of the country.

I visited her blog about once a week and posted about once a month. And since many of her posts are about the weather, I tended to chime in with what the conditions are here. Never mentioning her location by name or mine.

I also replied to a tweet or two on Twitter, but never very often. And she NEVER responds or engages with me on any level.

That's perfectly fine. I can understand that I'm just not all that interesting or she doesn't have enough time to respond to everyone.

But the other day, she DID respond to one of my blog comments with an email. Yea me, right? Except that it came across as if she didn't believe my post about my weather or road conditions. As if I were *lying* about it because the roads were closed in her area. Why I would do that eludes me, but perhaps I'm just coming across as too familiar or stalkerish? Even though I've gone out of my way to avoid doing just that.

Now, given that I can't hear tone in a written letter, I'm inclined to give her the benefit of the doubt. I responded with the fact that while her highway was closed, mine was not. But it nags at me. I'm backing way the heck off by not visiting her blog or responding to her tweets. I'm sure I'm overreacting. But I'd rather err on the side of caution than gain a reputation as a pest.

So my question is this: has an author's response in any form of social media turned you off from following them or visiting their blog? And did that extend to their books as well? Any advice on other ways I should have handled this?

Waiting on Wednesday: Cipher by Moira Rogers

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted over at Breaking the Spine. It highlights books we just can't wait to get our greedy, book loving hands on.

I'm a huge fan of Moira Rogers's Southern Arcana series. It has great characters, scorching chemistry, and plenty of heart. I just finished up Deadlock (book #3 in the series) and now cannot wait for Cipher which doesn't come out until SEPTEMBER! That's a long, long time to wait. But since it's Kat's story, I'm sure it will be wonderful.

Format: ebook
Pub Date: September 2011
Publisher: Samhain

The Blurb:

Fourteen months ago, Kat Gabriel's life changed forever when she used her empathy as a weapon. Now she can't escape the weight of those deaths--or the loss of the easy friendship she and Andrew once shared. Obsessed with her mother's violent past, Kat is determined to learn the truth of her inner-darkness by understanding her legacy.

Since the attack that turned him into a wolf, Andrew Callaghan has done everything possible to make himself stronger. More capable of protecting Kat--both from the supernatural world that forced her to kill, and from their own volatile connection. Pushing her away hurt them both, but he's finally made himself into the protector she needs.

As Kat's quest leads her into the darkest underbelly of the psychic world, Andrew is determined to be at her side. But every step forward reopens old emotional wounds and shakes their control. For a dangerous alpha and a deadly psychic, distraction could be fatal--especially when the greatest threat they pose is to each other.

Hump Day Classic Movie: The Princess Bride (1987)

Yes, the most quotable movie of all time is turning 24 this year.

Ok, most quotable might be an overstatement, but The Princess Bride does have some fabulously campy quotes. And in Romancelandia, this movie is considered required viewing. Right up there with Romancing the Stone.

What makes this movie so special to me is that it is one of only a handful of films where I can honestly say I liked the movie better than the book. And since William Goldman wrote both the book and the screenplay, it's not like I'm dissing one artist over another.

If nothing else, it's worth watching to see a cute, young Cary Elwes, a young Mandy Patinkin (with a Prince Valiant mullet no less,) and Robin Wright at the very beginning of her film career. It's available on DVD *and* blu-ray.

Quickie Review: Animal Magnetism by Jill Shalvis

Format: Mass Market (also available in ebook)
Pub Date: February 2011
Publisher: Berkley
FTC: Purchased myself

If I have a goofy grin on my face, I'm probably reading a Jill Shalvis book. Nothing makes me smile, snort, grin, or laugh out loud like her books.

I have to admit, though, I stalled picking up this book. As much as I love this author's books, this cover just doesn't do it for me. Yeah, yeah. Don't judge a book and all that, but this just seemed a bit too much on the cutesy side for me. Plus, I got a sympathy itch for the dude on the cover. Pet hair on a naked torso? *Scratches absently*

I really loved Lilah's menagerie. And her clumsiness.

The only thing missing was a bit more angst. It's hard to balance humor with drama, but I wish Brady were just a wee bit more troubled/tortured/wounded. There was plenty of opportunity to develop that angle, too, since Brady is the product of the foster system. Sometimes the story tipped the scales into the too cute area, but for the most part, I enjoyed watching Brady reluctantly fall for the hardworking, animal loving Lilah.

My Grade: B+

The Blurb:

Co-owner of the town's only kennel, Lilah Young has lived in Sunshine, Idaho, all her life. Pilot-for-hire Brady Miller is just passing through. But he soon has Lilah abandoning her instincts and giving in to a primal desire. 

It's Brady's nature to resist being tied down, but there's something about Lilah and her menagerie that keeps him coming back for more.

TBR Challenge Review: What the Librarian Did by Karina Bliss

I've had this in my TBR for a while now (having heard good things about this author), but had completely forgotten about it. It's not *that* old of a book, but since it's now a finalist in the DABWAHA book tourney, I figured now was a good time to dig it out of the digital book pile.

Format: ebook
Pub Date: March 2010
Publisher: Harlequin
FTC: Purchased myself

The Blurb:

Is Rachel Robinson the only one on campus who doesn't know who Devin Freedman is? No big deal except that the bad-boy rock star gets a kick out of Rachel's refusal to worship at his feet. And that seems to have provoked his undivided attention. Devin, the guy who gave new meaning to the phrase "sex, drugs and rock 'n' roll." Devin, the guy who somehow becomes wedged between her and the past she's kept hidden for years.

It's up to this librarian to find out firsthand just how "bad" he really is. Because her secret--and her growing feelings for a man who claims he's bent on redemption--depend on his turning out to be as good as he seems. Which is really, really good.

Buried By Books Birthday Bash

Ok, so it's not really a bash. I just like alliteration. But today IS my birthday.

So, to celebrate, I'm giving away a $15 gift certificate to either Amazon.com or BN.com! (Winner's choice)

The Rules:
The giveaway is open to everyone!

If you live internationally and cannot use a US-based gift certificate, I will substitute a book of your choice (up to $15 value) from the Book Depository. The only requirement is that you live somewhere they ship.

Just Fill Out the Form to enter. You don't have to comment, but I'd love to hear from you anyway!

Winner will be chosen by random draw.  Entries are open from March 15-31, 2011. Winner will be chosen on April 1st.  Email addresses are for contact purposes only and will not be shared.

Review: Cold Wind by C.J.Box

Format: Hardcover
Pub Date: March 22, 2011
Publisher: Putnam (Penguin)
FTC: Review copy received from the publisher

The Blurb:

When Earl Alden is found dead, dangling from a wind turbine, it's his wife, Missy, who is arrested. Unfortunately for Joe Pickett, Missy is his mother-in- law, a woman he dislikes heartily, and now he doesn't know what to do-especially when the early signs point to her being guilty as sin.

But then things happen to make Joe wonder: Is Earl's death what it appears to be? Is Missy being set up? He has the county DA and sheriff on one side, his wife on the other, his estranged friend Nate on a lethal mission of his own, and some powerful interests breathing down his neck. Whichever way this goes . . . it's not going to be good.

I've been out of the mainstream mystery scene for a few years (sticking mainly to romantic suspense or cozies). Which means I wasn't really familiar with C.J. Box. After finishing Cold Wind, though, I know I've been missing out.

A Lesson in Secrets by Jacqueline Winspear

Pub Date: March 22, 2011
Format: Hardcover
Publisher: Harper Books (Harper Collins)
FTC: Review copy provided by the publisher

Sometimes coming to a series in the middle just doesn't work. This was one of those times. Although many love Maisie Dobbs, the book just didn't click with me. Everything was off: pacing, characterization, dialogue. It all seemed way too passive for my reading preferences.

A Lesson in Secrets is set in the slim amount of time between World War I and World War II. In fact, the aftermath of the first Great War is very much a part of what drives this book. Maisie is an investigator of sorts who is asked by the Intelligence Service to investigate a school founded by an author made famous by a pacifist children's book.

Waiting on Wednesday: Breaking the Rules by Suzanne Brockmann

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted over at Breaking the Spine. It highlights books we just can't wait to get our greedy, book-loving hands on.

It's only been two years since we've had a new book in Suze Brockmann's Troubleshooters series, but I've been looking forward to Izzy's story for far longer. His book, Breaking the Rules, comes out on March 22!

ISBN: 9780345521224
Format: Hardcover
Publisher: Ballantine (Random House)
Pub Date: March 22, 2011

Blurb:

Izzy Zanella wasn't looking for another reason to butt heads
with his Navy SEAL teammate and nemesis, Danny Gillman.
But then he met Danny’s beautiful younger sister, Eden. When
she needed it most, he offered her a place to stay, a shoulder to
cry on—and more. And when she got pregnant with another
man’s child, he offered her marriage. But Eden’s devastating
miscarriage shattered their life together—and made the intense
bad blood between Izzy and Danny even worse.

Hump Day Classic Movie: Three Musketeers (1993)

With all of the bad news about Charlie Sheen and his asshattery, I thought I'd pick something that dates to before he was universally known as a scumbag. Plus, this has the added bonus of Oliver Platt, Chris O'Donnell, Kiefer Sutherland, Gabrielle Anwar, Tim Curry, and Rebecca De Mornay.

In typical Disney fashion, this movie is anything but faithful to the story it is based on. They kept the basic plot and characters, but there's quite a bit of latitude taken with everything else (Most of the actors don't even bother with an accent). That is, however, one of the reasons I adore this version of the Three Musketeers. The over-the-top humor. It's fun AND funny. Our family still yells "D'Artagnan!" at odd moments in the exact tone used by Paul McGann.

Haven't seen it? You can watch the trailer here.

Going to the RT or RWA conventions this year?

For those attending either or both conferences this year, here's something to look forward to. Several authors on Twitter have decided to make Romance Trading Cards to hand out at signings or other events.


It's not a new concept (Moira Rogers has some badass ones for Wilder's Mate), but I think the number of  authors participating is what sets this apart.

Want to see who's coming to which conference and bringing cards with them? Check out the hashtag #romancetradingcards on Twitter. There is supposed to be a master list at RT so that readers can hunt down their favorite authors and give them big puppy dog eyes in exchange for the cards.

A list of participating authors can be found at Jeannie Lin's website here.

ETA:
You can find out more about the conventions by going to the RWA or  RT sites.

Hump Day Classic Movie: Big Trouble in Little China (1986)

Ah, 1980s cheese at its finest. Kurt Russell, Kim Cattrall, Victor Wong, James Hong and really bad special effects. I mean, really, REALLY bad.

This is one of those movies that is meant to be a ridiculous B movie. It's a spoof. A box office flop, Big Trouble in Little China has turned into a cult classic of sorts. The dialogue is OMG awful and the acting is not much better. But if you're in the mood for some B movie deliciousness, try this one.

With a blurb like this one: "An All-American trucker gets dragged into a centuries-old mystical battle in Chinatown," how can you resist?

There is some offensive, dated, racially insensitive stuff here (Asian stereotypes etc), so if that often bothers you, you should probably avoid.

Waiting on Wednesday: Good Girls Don't by Victoria Dahl

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Breaking the Spine. It highlights books we just can't wait to get our greedy, book-loving hands on!

Good Girls Don't by Victoria Dahl
Pub Date: August 23, 2011
Format: Mass Market
Publisher: HQN

Although I love nearly everything that Victoria Dahl writes, I particularly love her contemporary romances. This fall, she has 3 books coming out (1 per month)! The first one is Good Girls Don't.

With her long ponytail and sparkling green eyes, Tessa Donovan looks more like the girl next door than a businesswoman – or a heartbreaker. Which may explain why Detective Luke Asher barely notices her when he arrives to investigate a break-in at her family’s brewery. He’s got his own problems – starting with the fact that his partner Simone is pregnant and everyone thinks he's the father. The last thing he needs is a nice girl like Tessa getting under his skin. 

Tessa has her hands full, too. Her brother’s playboy ways may be threatening the business, and the tensions could tear her tight-knit family apart.  In fact, the only thing that could unite the Donovan boys is seeing a man come after their “baby” sister. Especially a man like Luke Asher. But Tessa sees past the rumors to the man beneath.

1st Annual March Madness starts tomorrow!

Some people might think of March as the month for basketball tournaments and St. Patrick’s Day, but starting this year March will be known for a celebration of historical romance readers and writers.

From Tuesday, March 1^st through Thursday, March 31^st, come interact with some of your favorite authors, meet new ones, and enter to win 40+ prizes as Ashley March hosts the 1^st Annual March Madness Blog Party at www.ashleymarch.com/blog.

Recipe: Swiss Alps Martini

In honor of the "lovely" weather outside, I give you my go-to drink recipe: The Swiss Alps Martini

Ingredients:
1 part Vodka
1 part White Creme de Cacao
1 part Godiva White Chocolate Liqueur
1 part Half and Half

Shake the ingredients over ice and pour into chilled martini glass. (I sometimes swirl some chocolate syrup in the glass before pouring)

Anyone for Roasted Groundhog?

If I could get my hands on that fibbing Punxsutawney Phil, his precious hide would be mine.

Early Spring? Um...not here. In fact, winter has decided to get a delayed start. Two weeks ago, it was in the 60s.

This is what it looks like today:


My car is under there somewhere.



My deck. I had a path shoveled. The new snow buried it.


I have re-shoveled the path. The snow on either side is now hip deep.

The power has been off and on for the last few days. I'm reading, but not getting much blogging done.

I hope the rest of you are somewhere warm.  Preferably with a tropical drink complete with little umbrella in your hand.

Borders bankruptcy sending customers fleeing to indies? Doubt it.

I've blogged about my antipathy towards independent bookstores before. And the recent tweets on Twitter.com encouraging everyone whose local Borders are closing to choose indies have evoked a Pavlovian response in me.

Instant irritation with a "No Effin Way" close behind.

Even though my "local" Borders is 75 miles away. Even though I only shop there 4 or 5 times a year. Even though that store is staying open (for now). I am—almost irrationally—angry that indies seem to be gleefully celebrating the toppling of the big box chain. And I am all the more determined not to shop at an independent bookstore.

Indies have, by and large, created a culture of literary elitism that by its very definition limits its market. And, at least in my experience, they rarely carry what I read. Want proof? Take a look at the bestseller lists of regional bookseller associations. It's littered with literary fiction, mysteries, non-fiction. No romance. So I'm not about to seek out an indie bookstore (often located out of the way) just to have them order in books I'd like to read since they can't be bothered to carry them in stock and then have the salespeople sneer at me when I stop by to pick up my order. I will just transfer my book buying budget even further onto the internet. Or shift a greater percentage to ebooks. Or just shop at Barnes and Noble.

And, at least amongst romance readers, it's pretty clear I'm not alone. Not alone in experiencing sneering booksellers. Not alone in finding a hostile retail environment in independent bookstores. And not alone in scoffing at suggestions that I transfer my Borders book budget to a segment of bookstores that treats me and my fellow romances readers with disdain.

Borders bankruptcy is bad for readers. Romance readers in particular. And it is anything but positive news for indies. Even if they mistakenly think that they have something to gain here. They'd gain a lot more by reaching out to romance readers the way Borders does. By carrying books I want to read. By encouraging a love of ALL books, not just those they deem intellectually worthy.

Review: Unveiled by Courtney Milan

Format: Mass Market
Pub Date: January 25, 2011
Publisher: HQN (Harlequin)
FTC: Digital copy received from publisher through Netgalley

This is probably one of my favorite historical reads of the last six months. And Ash Turner is one of my favorite historical heroes—ever.

"You matter. You are important." Who doesn't find that sexy?

Both Ash and Margaret are incredibly self aware. It's something I've noticed in Courtney Milan's writing before. And while some may find it off-putting, I find it fascinating. I like that Ash knows his personality flaws but cannot see beyond his immediate goals to the consequences of his actions. I like that Margaret realizes just what it is about Ash that attracts her. And that she clearly sees to the root of Ash's ability to charm people, but allows him to charm her anyway.

I had a few quibbles about Ash (even though he is swoon-worthy). Sometimes, he seemed just too good to be true. As if Milan was making him so wonderful to counterbalance the havoc he wreaked with his push to become the duke. He is egalitarian, honorable, loyal to his family, gentle with Margaret. All we needed was him rescuing a battered puppy and an unrelated orphan or two to complete the picture. Still... all of those patient, honorable traits are precisely why Margaret falls so deeply for him.

Review: Wilder's Mate by Moira Rogers

Format: ebook
Publisher: Samhain
Pub Date: March 8, 2011
FTC: Digital review copy provided by the author(s)

I am not normally a fan of historical western romances.  Even though I have liked Moira Rogers's paranormal romances in the past, I was a little leery about this one. Turns out, though, that the paranormal and steampunkish elements in Wilder's Mate helped make this book just different enough to slide past my genre pet peeves.

Strong, silent type is practically a requirement in a western, and our hero, Wilder, fits that stereotype to a "T." But, he's also far more compassionate than most of the other men in Satira's life. Satira, herself, is a far cry from the schoolmarm type of characters who used to so annoy me in traditional historical westerns. She is fiercely independent, her mother was a prostitute, and she is sexually experienced.

As a bonus for me, there's the trademark witty and occasionally snarky dialogue. They didn't pretty up the language to adhere to 19th century usage. Which I actually prefer TYVM.

"I know about full moons and new moons. I'm not a fool."
"So what are you going to do when he starts humping your leg?"
"Ophelia!"
Her friend snorted. "It's a perfectly valid question."

Hump Day Classic Movie: Arsenic and Old Lace (1944)

Maybe it's the storm outside. Maybe it's the whopping 4 hours of sleep followed by the morning power outage. I'm feeling like watching something with a little bit of dark humor. And in hump day movie language, that means Arsenic and Old Lace.

Looking at the cover image, along with seeing the name Frank Capra (of It's a Wonderful Life or Mr. Smith Goes to Washington fame), might give the false impression that this is a light-hearted screwball comedy. In reality, it's anything but.

Here's the blurb:


A drama critic learns on his wedding day that his beloved maiden aunts are homicidal maniacs, and that insanity runs in his family.

No, really. That's what this film is about. It's deliciously awful. Cary Grant's facial expressions are priceless. And the characters in this wacky film are mood lifters, despite the creepy premise of the film.

C'mon, you know you wanna watch it.

Waiting on Wednesday: Unclaimed by Courtney Milan

 Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted at Breaking the Spine. It highlights books we just can't wait to get our greedy, book-loving hands on.

Unclaimed by Courtney Milan
Pub Date: October 2011
Format: Mass Market
Publisher: HQN

I just finished Unveiled and am now impatiently waiting for the story of Ash's brother, Mark Turner. October seems a long way away!

The Blurb:

Her only hope for survival...
Handsome, wealthy and respected, Sir Mark Turner is the most sought-after bachelor in all of London—and he’s known far and wide for his irreproachable character. But behind his virtuous reputation lies a passionate nature he keeps carefully in check… until he meets the beautiful Jessica Farleigh, the woman he’s waited for all his life.


Is to ruin the man she loves...
But Jessica is a courtesan, not the genteel lady Sir Mark believes. Desperate to win free of a life she despises, she seizes her chance when Mark’s enemies make her an offer she can’t refuse: Seduce Mark and tarnish his good name, and a princely sum will be hers. Yet as she comes to know the man she’s sworn to destroy, Jessica will be forced to choose between the future she needs—and the love she knows is impossible.

TBR Challenge Review: The Orphan by Stella Cameron

Format: Mass Market Paperback
Publisher: Mira (Harlequin)
Pub Date: 2002
FTC: Purchased myself (no idea where or when)

This month's installment in the TBR Challenge hosted by Super Wendy was a bit of a disappointment.

I've had this book sitting in the TBR forever. I've never read Stella Cameron before, but when I had my online used bookstore, this book and the others in the series were consistent sellers.

After finishing it, I can say that I hadn't been missing much.

This isn't exactly an Ugly Duckling story in terms of traditional beauty, but Jenny McBride is a milliner's assistant. She's living in poverty, dressed in plain clothes that are carefully mended. And the fact that she's attracted Latimer's notice, a man of good family with a successful business, seems like a good thing. But Jenny is proud. And confused by Latimer's attentions. And she's also got a little bit of damsel in distress going on.

Review: The Guy Next Door by Lori Foster, Susan Donovan and Victoria Dahl

Format: Mass Market Paperback
Pub Date: February 15, 2011
Publisher: Harlequin
FTC: Digital review copy from Netgalley

I was a little skeptical about a Spring Break themed anthology. Turns out, I was right. Although this collection of novellas did tweak a few preconceptions of mine about how a Spring Break novella could work.

Ready, Set, Jett
Lori Foster's story is the least Spring-Breaky of the three. There's snow. Lots of it. Which is something I'm unfortunately quite accustomed to. As the leading story in the anthology, I found it odd that there is no hint of what most people would expect from a Spring Break story here.  But she does make up for it by setting the tone for the title of the antho. It was also the most evenly paced of the three stories.
My Grade: B

Happy Valentine's Day!

I know many of you out there are Valentine's Day scrooges. That's ok. I agree with you that the holiday is commercialized. And for some provides an excuse to be unromantic the rest of the year.

I'm neither a fan or a hater. I celebrate it with a few extra smooches for my sweetie or my kids. I break out the heart shaped cookie cutter for extra special PB&Js. And I don't turn down any chocolate or flowers that might come my way (although this year's gift was the complete series of the Powerpuff Girls on DVD). But the house isn't overcome in shades of pink and red and there are very few hearts in sight.


So, for those who celebrate and those who don't, I wish you happy Monday/Valentine's Day. I hope it's better than mine. I woke up to snow, wind, and 2 downed sections of fence. :)

Review: Zombie Cupcakes by Zilly Rosen

Format: Paperback
Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing
Pub Date: February 15, 2011
FTC: Digital copy received for review from Netgalley

I love cupcake and decorating books. And I really, really love Halloween. Even gross Halloween decorations. I have a brain mold for making floating brains for punch bowls. I have severed limbs that look all bloody. But even *I* was grossed out by some of the projects.

The designs are exactly what they claim to be: zombie themed. But I found the designs on some to be a bit uninspired. Others, I found just too gross to contemplate.

The book's design is quite cute, though, and it is stuffed full of zombie trivia. It's also small enough and cheap enough to make a great gag gift. I don't see many people actually using this. Even on Halloween.

I have to admit, I'm a little confused about the release timing of this book. I think it would have a larger audience around Halloween.  Although...those with a weak stomach would do best to avoid entirely.

As a cookbook/decorating book, I'd give it a C-. As a gag gift or unique gift idea for the zombie lover, it gets a B+ from me.

Waiting on Wednesday

WoW is a weekly event hosted by Breaking the Spine. It highlights books we can't wait to get our greedy, book loving hands on.

Unbearable Lightness of Dragons by Katie MacAlister
#2 Light Dragons series
Published by NAL 
May 3, 2011

I am thoroughly addicted to Katie MacAlister's dragon series. I had mixed feelings going into the stories about Baltic, but the first one was laugh out loud funny. MacAlister's dragons aren't shapeshifters, really, and are incredibly sexy. Baltic can't quite match Drake from the Aisling Grey series, but he's a hoot to read about. (Plus...yum...look at that cover)

From Goodreads.com

Even an ancient dragon can learn how to multitask…

Ysolde de Bouchier is a woman beset with trials. The dragon part of her buried deep for centuries is still making itself known, but in ways that just don’t make sense. She’s continuing to have visions, but now they involve events she wasn’t present to witness.

As if that isn’t enough, she’s caught up in a tangled web of plans that seem to grow more complex each day. Not only does she have to work out peace between her Light Dragon mate Baltic and the weyr, she also has to free his friend, convince an archimage to lift the spell controlling her magic, figure out what it is that the First Dragon expects her to do, rescue a half-dragon damsel in over her head, and once and for all clear Baltic’s name of murder charges that continue to plague him.

No one told Ysolde that dragon love would be so hard…

Hump Day Movie: Fools Rush In (1997)

And, the second "date" movie that my husband will voluntarily offer to watch is...

Fools Rush In starring Selma Hayek and Matthew Perry.

Ok, granted, Salma Hayek is a large reason that my husband will watch this movie. She's gorgeous. But the main reason he doesn't grumble is because this is a funny, sweet movie. The humor is well done without making the romantic parts trite or sappy.

The scene where Matthew Perry's character comes home after spending the day with Hayek's family completely plastered on tequila and with a butt full of cactus spines is classic.

I think this one got such poor reviews upon its release because Perry was at the height of his Friends popularity and critics panned him because of it. That, and the Hollywood film elite don't like anything romantic that doesn't end with a body count. *blows raspberries*

What romantic movies (if any) will the guys in YOUR life watch without grumbling?

Brian Jacques Dies at Age 71

BBC News reported that Brian Jacques, author of the very popular Redwall series, died over the weekend.

When I first heard the news on Twitter via Publishers Weekly, I admit it: I cried.

I had never heard of the Redwall series when I was young. The first book, Redwall, was published in 1986, but it wasn't until a decade later, while taking a Children's Literature course in college that I discovered the magic of Brian Jacques.

The premise of the books sounds so silly. Furry rodents and other creatures in a medieval like setting having battles, eating yummy sounding food, and going on adventures. But Jacques managed to put so much heart into his books. They are truly moving, very engrossing, and timeless.

These are a perfect example of books that transcend genres and age groups. To some, they are written for children. But these are full length novels that I quite often found shelved in the adult fantasy section. My personal favorite is not Redwall, but Mossflower. I haven't reread those in a long time, and I know a few of the series is available on audio. I think it may be time to introduce these books to my own children.

I am a little heartbroken that there will be no more Redwall adventures. But I am so grateful that Brian Jacques left us the rich legacy of his stories. For those who haven't read his stories, I highly recommend them.

Falcon at the Portal [audio]: "Good Parts" version

I've already read the entire Amelia Peabody series from start to finish. Several times. I even have the Amelia Peabody companion book. In short, I'm a wee bit obsessed with the series. Just a smidge.

I had been working my way through Barbara Rosenblat's fab narration of the audiobook versions.  And then I reached Falcon at the Portal. Anyone who has read the series knows the significance of that. For those who haven't read the series, let's just say a major character acts out of character and FUBARs  the romantic story arc from the last few books.

I got about halfway through it. Then...I stalled. Not because I hated the writing. Or because I didn't want to find out what happens. I already knew what came next. But because I just didn't want to suffer through what happened again. Once was enough. In fact, the first time through Falcon, I pitched the print book against the wall. Literally.

So...I decided to skip to the last 20 minutes of the book. There's still some angsty stuff there. But the hit me in the gut emotion was skipped. And, cowardly though it seems, I'm glad I skipped. Because the next book, He Shall Thunder in the Sky rocks! And I don't have the cloud of depression and annoyance following me around that came from my 1st reading of Falcon at the Portal.

What about you? Are there any keeper books that you reread but only the "good parts?" Any books that you'll stop reading just before an emotionally draining scene? Or am I just weird? (Don't answer that last question.)

Review: Sweet as Sin by Inez Kelley

Format: ebook
Publisher: Carina
Pub Date: January 31, 2011
FTC: Received for review via Netgalley

I haven't read an Inez Kelley book before, but I will definitely be checking for backlist and future releases after finishing Sweet as Sin.

I've never been fond of sex scenes that had food in them. They just seemed messy rather than erotic. But the scenes at the bakery with Murphy and Livvy are some of the most erotic, sensual scenes I've ever read. Especially the luster dust. *fans self* I'm not really a fan of explicit scene after explicit scene in books, because so often it seems as if the sex overwhelms the romance. But the scenes in this book are both explicit AND incredibly intimate. Emotionally charged as well as hot. And that was a wonderful surprise.

Waiting on Wednesday: Quicksilver by Amanda Quick

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted over at Breaking the Spine.  It highlights books we just can't wait to get our greedy, book loving hands on.

QUICKSILVER by Amanda Quick (Jayne Ann Krentz)
Book Two of the Looking Glass Trilogy
Hardcover
On Sale April 19, 2011
The Blurb:

Virginia Dean wakes at midnight beside a dead body, with a bloody knife in her hand and no memory of the evening’s events. Dark energy, emanating from the mirrors lining the room, overpowers her senses. With no apparent way in or out, she is rescued by a man she has met only once before, but won’t soon forget....


Owen Sweetwater inherited his family’s talent for hunting the psychical monsters who prey on London’s women and children, and his investigation into the deaths of two glass-readers has led him here. The high-society types of the exclusive Arcane Society would consider her an illusionist, a charlatan, even a criminal, but Owen knows better. Virginia’s powers are real — and they just might be the key to solving this challenging case.

This is part of the Arcane Society series (and 2nd in the Looking Glass trilogy) that spans Jayne Ann Krentz's three names and genres.  I haven't read the first one in the trilogy yet, but plan to before April.

Hump Day Movie: The Cutting Edge (1992)

February makes me think of Valentine's Day. And Valentine's Day makes me think of date movies. And date movies make me think of the very few movies that are both romantic and don't give my husband a case of the dry heaves. There are really only two movies, and The Cutting Edge is one of them. Even though it is about figure skating.

Usually, I stick with classic movies on Wednesdays (although, cripes, this movie turns 20 next year) but what the heck. This is one of those romantic comedy/drama movies that taps into a ton of stereotypes but somehow works anyway. Critics didn't love it. They didn't hate it. And I think the film found much of its audience when it went to video.

There are a few scenes that make me cringe with their cheesiness...especially the workout scenes. But the peppy banter, the underlying sweetness of the film, and DB Sweeney make this film a favorite of mine. Hubs just likes the humor. "Finger painting?" And I think he has a thing for Moira Kelly's expressive doe eyes.

For the other movie my hubs admits he likes, check back for next week's hump day movie.