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.

This Side of the Grave and other Frost news

I'm counting the days now until the 5th Cat and Bones book, This Side of the Grave, is released. February 22nd is the official release day!!

And since I now have my  husband completely addicted to the audio versions read by Tavia Gilbert, I checked Blackstone Audio's site. The audio version has the same release date...but I haven't found a listing for it yet on Audible. That's not so unusual, since Audible tends to do a less than stellar job of posting not-yet-released titles there. The last two books from the Night Huntress World series were on Audible on release day, so I'm crossing my fingers.

According to Jeaniene Frost's website FAQs, there are now going to be 9 Cat and Bones books instead of 7. And she has at least 2 books planned (contracted) for Vlad, with the first tentatively scheduled for release in 2012!

Challenger: 25 Years Later

There aren't many events where we can pinpoint exactly where we were when something happened. For me, there are just two. September 11th, 2001 and the explosion of the Challenger Shuttle on January 28, 1986.

I was sitting in my 3rd grade classroom watching the launch. One of our elementary school's teachers had been on the short list of teachers who were vying to  become the first teacher in space. Everyone was very excited, even if we didn't really understand the science, or danger, the astronauts faced.

And then the shuttle exploded. (Or at least, looked as though it had).

Being 3rd graders, we really didn't understand what had happened. The first clue that something was very wrong was the look of horror on our teacher's face. Right before she shut off the television.

It's easy to forget that our astronauts put their lives in very real danger in their quest for a better understanding of our world and universe. But even with the loss of another shuttle in 2003, we still tend to take launches, and space shuttle missions, for granted.

To this day, I can't watch space shuttle launches. And it boggles my mind that a whole generation has gone by. My oldest is in 2nd grade. I was in 3rd.  The shuttles are slated for retirement now, with much political wrangling over the next phase of space exploration.  I hope in the struggle to define NASA's future, we don't forget the sacrifices of the astronauts who make up the past.

For those whose memories aren't as clear as mine, NASA has compiled an information page with links and archived coverage of the disaster.

Follow Friday

I can't believe it's Friday already! Welcome everyone.

Follow My Book Blog Friday is a weekly event hosted over at Parajunkee's View. It gives everyone a chance to get out there and mingle with other book bloggers (or find new-to-you book blogs).

This week's question is: What was your favorite school subject?

I'm going to cop out and say I didn't really have one. I loved school. It's easier to say which wasn't my favorite (Math). I really stunk at it. I had about a 3 week learning curve where the lightbulb would go on about 3 weeks after we'd taken the test. I ended up majoring in history when I went to college, so I guess that would probably rank pretty highly.

Gasp! You Haven't Read That Author Yet?

There are a few well known authors out there whose books I haven't read. Even though *everyone* says they're fabulous. Or, at least, part of a romance lexicon. It makes me feel a tiny bit illiterate sometimes.  Now most of these yet-to-be-read authors aren't a deliberate omission on my part. I'm often so overwhelmed with new releases that I rarely get a chance to read older ones. And I admit, I'm easily distracted by the shiny new release shelves.

It's a bit depressing, really, when I start listing all of the authors I haven't had a chance to read yet. Here are just a few of them!





Lora Leigh*
Kate Noble
Loretta Chase
Joss Ware*
Larissa Ione*
Nalini Singh
Carolyn Jewel*
Patricia Briggs*
Anne Stuart
Diana Gabaldon*
Ilona Andrews
Gail Carriger

*Denotes at least one book, usually the 1st in a series, lurking somewhere in my TBR.

So...once a month I'm going to try to read one of these authors (or some of the others I can't recall at the moment). Who should be first? Who is on *your* need to read list?

Hump Day Classic Movie:The Day of the Triffids (1962)

Yes, I know it's Thursday. Wednesday just got away from me.

Today's belated Hump Day movie is The Day if the Triffids. That's right, glory in the artistic brilliance of murderous trees (alien plants...whatever).

Based on a sci-fi novel of the same name, this was one of those movies featured at the drive-in. And scared the bejeezus out of my mom when she was about 10 or 11. Apparently, she and her brothers had to walk past a wooded area on their way home from the movie. And their overactive imaginations got the better of them.

From a modern horror perspective, this is prime so-bad-it's-funny material. Enjoy! You can watch the trailer on Youtube here.

Oh! And I found a 2009 British version starring Dougray Scott! Yea for more evil plant things!

Waiting on Wednesday: The Sweetest Thing by Jill Shalvis

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Breaking the Spine that highlights upcoming releases we're impatiently waiting to read.

My book this week is
The Sweetest Thing by Jill Shalvis
(#2 in the Lucky Harbor series)
Release Date: March 29, 2011
ISBN: 9780446571623

From Amazon:

Two Men Are One Too Many . . .

Tara has a thousand good reasons not to return to the little coastal town of Lucky Harbor, Washington. Yet with her life doing a major crash-and-burn, anywhere away from her unfulfilled dreams and sexy ex-husband will do. As Tara helps her two sisters get their newly renovated inn up and running, she finally has a chance to get things under control and come up with a new plan for her life.

But a certain tanned, green-eyed sailor has his own ideas, such as keeping Tara hot, bothered . . . and in his bed. And when her ex wants Tara back, three is a crowd she can't control-especially when her deepest secret reappears out of the blue. Now Tara must confront her past and discover what she really wants. If she's lucky, she might just find that everything her heart desires is right here in Lucky Harbor. 

I read the first book in the series back in October and loved it. What books are you looking forward to reading this year?

Quickie Review: Shadowfever by Karen Marie Moning

Format: read as ebook, print version is a hardcover
Pub Date: January 18, 2011
Publisher: Delacorte Press
FTC: Purchased myself

I'm definitely in the minority on this one. I didn't love it. Didn't hate it. Just feel kind of...meh. There may be spoilers below (although I'll try to keep this both short and vague).

Main observations:
1. Tense and POV. The book switches between 1st person past and 1st person present. With a little of Dani's POV thrown in. I found this extremely annoying. I am NOT a fan of 1st person present. And I honestly don't think Karen Marie Moning (KMM) does a good job with it. She does much better with 1st person past.

(For those wondering, 1st person present is : I walk to the store and open the door. 1st person past is I walked to the store and opened the door.)

But mainly, I wish she'd pick a tense and stick the hell with it. It yanked me out of the story each time she switched. 

2. Barrons. According to Katiebabs, Barrons is a douche. I wholeheartedly agree with that description. He's an ass. And while I don't get the appeal, I appreciated that KMM kept him consistent until the very last book. When, apparently, he turns from annoyingly taciturn to irritatingly loquacious. I didn't buy that he'd open up that quickly and thoroughly after all that time keeping Mac in the dark.

3. Pacing. Part of my problem with the book comes down to pacing. And I think this goes directly back to the switching of tenses, POVs etc. It throws off the entire stride of the book. It made some parts drag so badly, I skimmed.

Overall, I was disappointed in this book. It answered most of what I wanted answered, but didn't hold my attention as well as it should have. The tenses shift really affected my enjoyment of the book. And the lack of consistency with the characters seemed odd. It felt like KMM compromised some of the essence of the characters to finagle the ending she did. Her loyal fans will probably be happy with this, but as someone who only sometimes liked the series, this just wasn't that great.

My Grade: C+*

*I'm in the minority on this one. Everyone else seems to love it.

Review: Holiday Sparks by Shannon Stacey

Format: ebook
Publisher: Carina Press
Pub Date: December 6, 2010
FTC: Purchased myself

The Blurb:

House-sitting for her parents seemed like a good idea, until the microwave blew up and the lights went out.

Now Chloe Burke thinks upgrading the electrical system of her childhood home while they are away would make the perfect Christmas gift. Fortunately, there’s an electrician in town who can get the job done by the holidays.

Scott Quinn has wanted to get his hands on the Burkes’ wiring for almost as long as he’s wanted to get his hands on their daughter. Chloe didn’t notice Scott back in high school, but she’s noticing him now, and soon they’re indulging in a little festive fun: no strings, no expectations. After all, Chloe plans to get out of this goldfish bowl of a town and back to her real life in Boston by New Year’s.

But Chloe and Scott discover they enjoy each other’s company just as much out of bed. Could their holiday fling turn out to be the real thing?

I read this holiday novella a few weeks ago, but never got around to reviewing it. I loved this story while reading it, but a few weeks later? Small details are bugging me.

Normally, I love the small town, successful girl returns home trope. And I did this time, too. But this just seemed to lack the sizzle and wit of some of Shannon Stacey's earlier works. I know it's a novella, and thus limited in length/scope, but I would have liked more banter. I'm shallow that way.

The fact that the heroine works from home negates most (not all) of the potential conflict about the big city girl and the home town boy. Clearly, if they choose to make it work, they can without her having to give up her career or him having to relocate his  business. I actually would have preferred to see more small town gossip or meddling. Something to remind Chloe about the drawbacks of small town life in a negative way. Which would have made her decision a little more complicated and angsty.

[On an unrelated side note, this cover bugs me. I normally love Carina's covers. They are some of the best ebook covers out there (and way better than most of Harlequin's print covers). But the position of this guy's hand seems off. ]

Still, it's a sweet little holiday novella.

My Grade: B-

TBR Challenge Review: Thief of Hearts by Tess Gerritsen

Harlequin Intrigue #328
Publisher: Harlequin
Pub Date: 1995 (OOP but available in a reissued Kindle version)
FTC: Purchased myself...a distressingly long time ago

The Blurb:

Reformed cat burglar Clea Rice has witnessed enough crimes to put her on the straight and narrow. But little does she suspect that her search for justice will land her in the arms of wealthy English gentleman Jordan Tavistock. As their attraction grows, so does the danger. Now their biggest concern isn't whether a proper gentleman and a cat burglar can find happiness...it's whether they'll survive long enough to find out.

As part of the TBR Challenge hosted by Wendy the Super Librarian, I chose to read a category novel (this month's theme) by a very well known author. I've never managed to read a book by Tess Gerritsen so I don't know how it compares to her more recent full length thrillers. And it's been a long, long time since I've read a category romance.

Shadowfever: Yeah, you can't escape it. Not even here.

Everyone should know that today is Shadowfever release day. Shadowfever by Karen Marie Moning is the long awaited conclusion to the Fever series.

I hadn't read the Fever series before last month. And while I don't have the OMG mad love that so many others seem to for this series, I can see why it is so compelling. The concept is highly original. The story is gritty. And the plot is intricate. Oh, and KMM is the queen of cliffhangers.

I feel for those who have been waiting for this book. I really do. Nothing sucks more than being left hanging, not knowing the fate of characters you're rooting for (or against).

I don't think I'm going to be hanging out on Twitter or Facebook today. Or visiting blogs. Because I am in the I Hate Spoilers camp. I don't expect readers to keep silent post-release about the book, but I want to find out what happens on my own.

Happy Reading!

What's in a Name?

Most of us know the reasons behind the use of pseudonyms, especially when dealing with the romance and erotic romance genres. Or, really, fiction in general. And, most of us are ok with authors not using their real names.

But what about authors who change names mid-career? Who build up a (questionably) loyal following only to dump their well known name in favor of a new one. Or those who seem to have a different pseudonym for every possible subgenre of romance out there?

Are we, as readers, ok with that, too?

Hump Day Classic Movie: Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988)

In today's world of CGI, this movie might seem unimpressive. But considering it was made in the 1980s, what the filmakers managed to to accomplish in Who Framed Roger Rabbit is pretty amazing. Blending live action with cartoons had been done before, but never quite this well.

Apart from the technological achievements, I think this movie is also pretty clever. Playing up the film noir and giving a wink to the history of cartoons, the plot, characters, and concept are original and often very adult.

This is one of my favorite movies from the 1980s. If you haven't yet seen it, you should give it a try.

Quickie Review: The Lady Most Likely... by Julia Quinn, Connie Brockway, and Eloisa James

Format: Mass Market Paperback
Pub Date: December 28, 2010
Publisher: Avon/Harper Collins
FTC: Purchased myself
Blurb: At end of review due to length

I have to admit, I was more than a little nervous about reading this one. I used to be a big fan of Julia Quinn, but her more recent efforts have fallen very flat with me. It's been a long time since I've read either Eloisa James or Connie Brockway, too. But I was pleasantly surprised by this one.

This is technically not an anthology, but given the fact that it's a novel written in three parts about three different couples, I'm going to review it as one.

Julia Quinn

Surprisingly, my favorite part of the story. The shy heroine is a favorite trope of mine, and while this one does not bring anything startling new, it is still charming without losing heart and substance.

Connie Brockway

It's been so long since I've read a book by Connie Brockway. I remember liking them, but that's about it. This was another solid story in the book, even if the plot was pretty tired and overused. I really liked Captain Oakes.

Eloisa James

My least favorite of the three, and I'm not sure why. Maybe because Hugh didn't seem like the same character from the first two novellas. It's the smuttiest (not in a bad way) of the three, but I just didn't see Georgie's capitulation as believable. I think it would take far, far more than an afternoon with Hugh to change her mind.

Bottom line: If you usually like all or any of these authors, you'll probably like this one. But if they aren't usually your cup of tea, this will not change that. There's a necessary sketchiness that comes from the novella length of each story, too, so be prepared for that.

Overall Grade: B/B-

The Blurb:

Three of the brightest stars of historical romance invite you to a party at the country home of the Honorable Marquess of Finchley

Hugh Dunne, the Earl of Briarly, needs a wife, so his sister hands him a list of delectable damsels and promises to invite them— and a few other gentlemen—to her country house for what is sure to be the event of the season.
Hugh will have time to woo whichever lady he most desires . . . Unless someone else snatches her first.
The invitation list includes:

• The horse-mad but irresistibly handsome Earl of Briarly
• The always outspoken Miss Katherine Peyton
• The dashing war hero Captain Neill Oakes
• The impossibly beautiful (and painfully shy) Miss Gwendolyn Passmore
• The terribly eligible new Earl of Charters
• The widowed Lady Georgina Sorrell (who has no plans to marry, ever)

And your hostess, Lady Carolyn Finchley, an irrepressible matchmaker who plans to find the lady most likely . . . to capture her brother’s untamed heart.

Review: All She Wrote by Josh Lanyon (Holmes and Moriarity #2)

Format: ebook
Pub Date:December 28, 2010
Publisher: Samhain
FTC: Purchased myself

The Blurb:

Giving screwball mystery a whole deadly new meaning.

Holmes and Moriarity, Book 2

A murderous fall down icy stairs is nearly the death of Anna Hitchcock, the much-beloved “American Agatha Christie” and Christopher Holmes’s former mentor. Anna’s plea for him to host her annual winter writing retreat touches all Kit’s sore spots—traveling, teaching writing classes, and separation from his new lover, J.X. Moriarity.

For J.X., Kit’s cancellation of yet another romantic weekend is the death knell of a relationship that has been limping along for months. But that’s just as well, right? Kit isn’t ready for anything serious and besides, Kit owes Anna far too much to refuse.

Faster than you can say “Miss Marple wears boxer shorts”, Kit is snooping around Anna’s elegant, snowbound mansion in the Berkshires for clues as to who’s trying to kill her. A tough task with six amateur sleuths underfoot. Six budding writers with a tangled web of dark undercurrents running among them.

Slowly, Kit gets the uneasy feeling that the secret may lie between the pages of someone’s fictional past. Unfortunately, a clever killer is one step ahead. And it may be too late for J.X. to ride to the rescue.

I am a big fan of Josh Lanyon. He writes some of the smartest, funniest romance/mystery/capers out there. This one was no exception.

I read the original Holmes and Moriarity book, Somebody Killed His Editor, sometime early last year. I loved it. And when KC from Smokinhotbooks tweeted a link to an early review and clued me in that a sequel had been released, I fired up the Kindle and pre-ordered it.

It did not disappoint. In fact, I think I liked this one even more than the first book.

Hump Day Classic Movie: The Worst Movie Ever Made aka The Conqueror (1956)

I count this as the worst movie ever made. And I do mean ever. John Wayne as Genghis Khan is OMG awful. The script is laughingly bad. I can't make it more than a few minutes into The Conqueror without wincing. Even worse, this was filmed near the Nevada Test Site and many of the crew developed and died from cancer later in life.

This is so staggeringly bad that I think everyone should see it once. And probably only once. And should get some kind of merit badge proving they've watched it and survived.

Don't Mess with My History (Rant)

For those who missed it, Publishers Weekly has announced that NewSouth publishers are going to be putting out a politically correct version of Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.  They are removing the "n-word" and replacing it with "slave." You can read the Publishers Weekly article here.

Those who read the sanitized version of Adventures of Huckleberry Finn* are, in my ever so humble opinion, not reading Huckleberry Finn. This offends me on so many levels, I can't see straight. It's capitulating to the narrow minded masses. It's messing with our cultural history. And it's not going to do a darn thing to make this book more accessible to modern readers.

I read this book in high school. Then I read it in an American literature course. Then I read it again, 6 times for a literary criticism class. I don't think it's literary genius. But I do consider it to be important for those seeking to understand life in America in the 19th century.

What's next? Putting a diaper on Michelangelo's statue of David because we find his package offensive? Painting clothes on the Birth of Venus where her hair just doesn't cover that left breast? I'm not comparing Mark Twain to Botticelli or Michelangelo, but I am comparing art to art. You can't just mess with art because some piece of it offends you. Don't look at it or read it if you can't handle it in its entirety. But for crying out loud, don't butcher it to make it fit your own level of comfort.

Political correctness should be about moving forward. Not about rewriting the past.

Are those 219 instances of the word "nigger" important? If they were so unimportant, there wouldn't be a controversy. They are important for the very reason so many want them removed: they are offensive. They make an impact. And they show us just how ugly that word and all it represented could be. Changing the word to slave may pacify the uptight parents who challenge Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and get it removed from classrooms. But it fails to convey the very thing Huck Finn should teach us. That our history was not pretty. That language can hurt. And that we have come a long, long way from the days of Mark Twain.

*Notice the lack of "the." The first edition [and all scholarly editions] did not have a "The." Hey, I did learn something during all of those rereads.

Review: Winter Wishes (anthology) by Vivian Arend, Vivi Andrews, and Moira Rogers

Format: ebook
Pub Date: December 6, 2010
Publisher: Carina Press
FTC: Digital copy received through Netgalley

The Blurb:

A Twist on Tradition
A woman has the Christmas Eve from Hell. Two cat shifters play naughty games. And a witch brings out the beast inside the man. The magic of the season takes on a whole new meaning in these three fantastic—and festive—novellas from some of the best voices in paranormal romance.

I know I'm a bit tardy getting this one published. The holidays are over, but I am one of those readers who can read holiday stories any time of year.

I don't think I've read a holiday novella collection quite like this one. I'm a big anthology fan in general. Anthos allow me to sample new-to-me authors without the time commitment of an entire full-length book. And the inclusion of a better known author will help get me to pick up the book...something the marketing pros at the publishers clearly know.

I was familiar with Moira Rogers' writing, but had never read either of the other two authors featured here. While I enjoyed all 3 stories, I was surprised that it was the middle one, the one about angels no less, that captivated and surprised me.

Review: Darkfever and Bloodfever by Karen Marie Moning

With the upcoming release of Shadowfever on January 18th, Twitter has been, well, atwitter with references to the Fever series by Karen Marie Moning.

Until last week, I had ignored this author. Largely because I'm not a fan of fairy stories (thank you very much Laurell K. Hamilton) and because I can't help but go Jr. High and start giggling over the author's last name. Moning? Seriously?  *ahem*

But, seeing how many people know and love this series, I decided I needed to read at least one of them to understand the various references made.

There are a few things to know before starting this series.

1. This is not a romance series. I'm not quite sure what it is (I suck at classifying books by genre) but it's not a romance. I'd go with Urban Fantasy, but that brings to mind more Urban and less Fantasy, whereas this book is primarily fantasy with a little urban Dublin thrown in for color. There is some minor tension between some of the main characters, but this is grittier, more violent and lacks a Happily Ever After. Or any real relationship. At least in the first two books.

In fact, the publishers have rebranded the covers to remove the romance-y elements. The original cover for Darkfever looked very much like a BDB cover.

2. The books end with cliffhangers. Very little is resolved at the end of each book.

3. It's told in the first person. Some hate this POV, so ye are hereby warned.

4. There's lots of fairy/Gaelic words and terms. So many, in fact, that our lead character, Mac, has created her own glossary at the end of the book.

5. The characters are not "likable." Any of them. Not even Mac.
 

Year-End Review 2010

One thing I can say about this year...I should have kept better track of what I read. Even using Goodreads, I don't have quite as much info as I'd like.

I fulfilled one of my goals for the year, though. I more than doubled the number of posts I made to the blog compared to last year. And I think I livened up the topics a bit, too. 

Total Books Read: 95
(not including rereads or audios I've read in print)

Total Books Reviewed: 84
(including cookbooks and audios I've already read in print)

Not too shabby, really, considering I always feel like I should be reading more than I am. That's 1.8 books per week. 

For this year, I'm hoping to write a few more posts about trends I see, highlighting more authors I've discovered, and in general, diversify the blog a little bit more. Maybe even read a few more mysteries than I did last year. I am a few books behind on the Temperance Brennan series by Kathy Reichs, and I still have most of the In Death series to listen to on audio. And I have one last Sookie Stackhouse to listen to as well.

What changes or additions would you like to see on the blog for 2011? What are your personal goals for the new year?

I hope everyone has a wonderful 2011!