7/10/11

Sunday Drive

We went on a family drive to the Lakes Basin today. It's a gorgeous area in a neighboring county. Partly in Plumas National Forest and partly in Tahoe National Forest.



The boys love the Sand Pond area. There's a lovely interpretive trail there, but it took a beating this winter.


I'm not really sure what these are. They look very, um... yeah. Suggestive.


7/7/11

Review: Playing Dirty by Susan Andersen

Format: Mass market; ebook
Pub Date: July 26, 2011
Publisher: HQN (Harlequin)
Length:
FTC: Review copy from publisher via Netgalley

Way back in 2008, Susan Andersen was publishing a trilogy about 3 childhood friends. The first book, Cutting Loose, came out and I loved it. [Anyone looking for a rugged, hunky hero should check that book out!!] The second, Bending the Rules, came out 11 months later in summer 2009. It was ok, didn't love it like the 1st but didn't hate it either. Then I waited for the 3rd book. And waited. And waited some more. Turns out that Harlequin had up and decided to not publish the 3rd book!

Oh, I was pissed. As were the other rabid Susan Andersen fans who wanted that last story. We sent letters to her publisher. We gnashed our teeth on social networks and blogs.

Finally, HQN relented. I haven't heard exactly what had to happen behind the scenes to make this happen, but we FINALLY have the last story in the trilogy. Hot damn!!


Playing Dirty is a classic story of betrayal. Sort of a lovers to enemies to lovers story. And I'll admit, given what the hero does to the heroine, I didn't think Andersen could pull off a reconciliation that I'd believe.

7/6/11

Waiting on Wednesday: Wolf at the Door by MaryJanice Davidson

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, bibliophile hands on.

I admit, the Betsy vampire series didn't really work for me. But I've adored Davidson's other series: the werewolves, the mermaids... Her humor is so quirky.

Wolf at the Door by MaryJanice Davidson
Publication Date: October 4, 2011
Format: Trade paperback

The Blurb:

Rachel, a werewolf/accountant, is asked to keep one eye on Vampire Queen Betsy Taylor and the other peeled for a rogue werewolf who's itching to start a war. But her attention is mostly on a sexy, mysterious stranger she wishes she could trust.

Review: The Osiris Ritual by George Mann

Format: Hardcover (also available in Trade Paperback, ebook)
Publisher: TOR
Pub Date: August 2010 (orig. published in the UK in 2009)
Length: 319 pages
FTC: Review copy courtesy of the publisher

Egyptian artifacts, steampunk, and mystery together in one book? Yes, please. I was so excited to get my hands on this book. I'm an Egypt nut. And although I'm fairly new to the steampunk subgenre, it is definitely growing on me.

I was worried that I would be a little lost coming into the series in the middle, but this stands alone just fine. There are a few references to previous cases, but nothing that makes this book difficult to understand. In fact, the best parts of this book are the mystery aspects.

7/3/11

Happy Independence Day!

This time tomorrow, I will be sitting in a chair watching a neighboring town's 4th of July parade.

And I will be taking pictures. Like the ones I took last year. Hopefully, I won't be as unobservant. Last year, I was so entranced by the little red Rudolph nose that I completely missed the other alteration to this sign.

Yeah. Not sure how I missed the giant deer dong.

Hope everyone has a safe, happy, and fun Independence Day celebration. Me? I'm going to watch some cheesy parades and take more pictures of the "local color."

7/1/11

RITA winners!

Congratulations to all of the RITA and Golden Heart Winners. Winners were announced tonight at the RWA National conference in New York City.

6/29/11

Waiting on Wednesday: The Sexiest Vampire Alive by Kerrelyn Sparks

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

Pub Date: September 27, 2011
Format: mass market; ebook

I love funny paranormal books. They're my weakness. I love funny books in general, but mix in some vampires, shifters or other beings and I'm in heaven. While I've liked some of the Love at Stake series more than others, I'm still anxiously awaiting this one!

The Blurb:
Finally, it’s Gregori’s turn!
He was both a playboy and a vampire…and impossible to resist.
At the end of Vampire Mine, a terrible thing happened—a video was released that proved the existence of vampires.  Now Vamps fear the worst, the Vampire Apocalypse!  Will mortals start hunting vampires down and staking them in their death-sleep?  At an emergency meeting, Coven Masters from around the world decide how to proceed. They need an emissary to open negotiations with the President of the United States.  They want their emissary to be modern, safe, and harmless. A Vamp who has never bitten a mortal.  A Vamp who has been entirely bottle-fed. Their choice—Gregori!

Now Gregori has the fate of the entire Vamp population on his shoulders.  Can he keep them safe?  Or will he succumb to his playboy ways and doom them all?

6/28/11

Review: Unlocked by Courtney Milan

Format: ebook
Pub Date: May 30, 2011
Length: novella (approx 28,000 words or 111 pages)
FTC: Purchased myself

I'm sure most of you have heard the buzz about this book. Not because of the novella itself, but because of the publishing back story: this is a self-published book. And since we have been trained for years to equate self-published with crappy books, the fact that a traditionally published author would go that route is news. What's even better news is that this novella is indistinguishable from the traditionally published material I've read from Ms. Milan. Except, perhaps, the quality is far superior to the sloppy formatting often found in NY pubbed ebooks.

Courtney Milan's Unlocked is a perfect example of a shorter romance done right. I read somewhere (a blog interview perhaps?) that Milan writes a short completely differently from a full length novel. And it shows!

6/23/11

Review: The Alpha and the Omega by Patricia Briggs

Format: ebook; available in print as part of an anthology
Pub Date: Oct 2008
Publisher: Berkley
Length: 160 kb, 86 pages (accord. to Goodreads)
FTC: Purchased myself

Having just finished up the Mercy Thompson series on audio, I had a craving for more Patricia Briggs books. And since the next Mercy book isn't scheduled for publication until 2013, I debated trying the Alpha and Omega series. After getting used to Mercy's first person narrative, I wasn't sure if the 3rd person POV would work for me. Thankfully, it did.

I'm very glad I listened to advice I received on Twitter to read this story BEFORE reading the official first novel, Cry Wolf. Because this story contains the entire set up for the book. I think I would have been left feeling like I got dumped in media res if I didn't have the story to fill in the blanks. And that would have been annoying.

6/22/11

Hump Day Classic Movies: Highlander (1986) Flash Gordon (1980)

I was listening to Queen on the way home the other day and got to thinking about how many movies during the 1980s featured their music. At least a handful.  But there are two movies that feature so many songs, I immediately think of them when the songs are playing.

Flash Gordon is a truly awful film. It's in the so bad it's funny genre. I suspect it was meant to be, but was a box office flop anyway. The actors who play Flash and his love interest are truly terrible actors. But there's also Timothy Dalton and Max von Sydow. You can find the soundtrack as a digital download.

The other big movie featuring Queen's music was, of course, Highlander. Personally, I am not a huge fan of the movie. It's ok. There's just too much sword play for me. And I can't stand Christopher Lambert. But the music? Love it.

But both films do have cult followings, so what do I know? If you haven't watched either of them, you should definitely give them a try. Even if you have to shut your eyes and just listen to Brian Mays's songs.

6/15/11

Waiting on Wednesday: Head Over Heels by Jill Shalvis

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.

Head Over Heels
Format: Mass Market, ebook
Pub Date: November 22, 2011 (Available for preorder)
Publisher: Forever/Hatchette

I think it's pretty obvious that I am a huge Jill Shalvis fan. The Lucky Harbor series is classic Shalvis, with wonderfully believable characters, lots of humor, and that elusive something extra that has you flipping the last page with a sigh of regret that the journey is over.

Head Over Heels is #3 in the trilogy. And features a classic oil and water personality trope that promises to be sizzling hot and hilarious. I can't wait!

The Blurb:
Breaking rules and breaking hearts

Free-spirited Chloe lives life on the edge. Unlike her soon-to-be married sisters, she isn't ready to settle into a quiet life running their family's newly renovated inn. But soon her love of trouble--and trouble with love-draws the attention of the very stern, very sexy sheriff who'd like nothing better than to tame her wild ways.

Suddenly Chloe can't take a misstep without the sheriff hot on her heels. His rugged swagger and his enigmatic smile are enough to make a girl beg to be handcuffed. For the first time, instead of avoiding the law, Chloe dreams of surrender. Can this rebel find a way to keep the peace with the straitlaced sheriff? Or will Chloe's colorful past keep her from a love that lasts . . . and the safe haven she truly wants in a town called Lucky Harbor?

TBR Challenge Review: Sugar Daddy by Lisa Kleypas

Format: Mass Market paperback
Pub Date: 2008 (orig. pubbed as a hardcover in 2007)
Length: 418 pages
FTC: Purchased used
Why it was in the TBR: Wanted to try Kleypas's contemporary debut

I've been meaning to read this book since it came out in hardcover back in 2007. Of course, I rarely buy romances in hardcover, so I waited until I found a used paperback copy at the local thrift store. And then it sat neglected on the shelf for another couple years. Ah well.

I pulled this out thinking it would match this month's contemporary romance theme. Turns out I was wrong. This isn't my idea of a contemporary romance. It's more of a women's fiction/straight fiction novel. The focus isn't on a main couple, something I need to have to qualify a book as a romance.

6/14/11

Quickie Audiobook review: River Marked by Patricia Briggs

Format: Audio download
Length: 8 hrs 54 minutes
Narrator: Lorelei King
Pub Date: March 2011
FTC: Purchased myself

I've listened to the entire Mercy series in the last few months. I haven't reviewed them (bad Amber) except for the first one, but I have been flying through them as much as the format would allow. Although I loved the previous installments in the Mercy Thompson series by Patricia Briggs, I just didn't enjoy River Marked. At least until the last 1.5 hrs of it.

Maybe it's because Briggs played with her formula, but due to certain developments, there is no romantic tension in this book. None. And that was part of what I loved about Mercy.

There was also a huge emphasis on Native American religion and mythology. Something that quite frankly bores me to tears. I liked the fey, the vampires, the werewolves etc. I have zero interest in characters from the Native American creation myths come to life. It's just not my cup of tea.

Another irritant was the limited number of characters in this book. Because Mercy and Adam are on their own, we see the rest of the larger cast of characters only at the beginning and the very end. Or through an occasional phone call.  Taking these two out of their circle of family and friends did not work for me at all.  Those relationships are what keep the series afloat and provide much of the charm.

The last part of the book was much, much better. Probably because we get some action. There's a huge  battle, filled with terror, loss, angst, and lots of emotion.

The narration, as always, was terrific. The characters sound unique without being grating, and Ms. King manages to convey character emotions and attitude.

I found myself really disappointed in this book, even though the ending did bring up the grade quite a bit. The pace, the lack of romantic tension, the vague sense of stagnation where nothing really happens all made this a meh listening experience for me.

My Grade: C

6/8/11

Hump Day Classic Movie: Green Card (1990)

I just finished reading Yours to Keep by Shannon Stacey. The plot involved a pretend engagement, and some of the kooky things that happened reminded me so much of the movie Green card starring Andie MacDowell and Gerard Depardieu (in particular, the Photoshopping element that paralleled the fake photos in the movie.)

Green Card is a sweet romantic comedy that I personally haven't watched in a very long time. Hard to believe the movie is over 20 years old now.

Waiting on Wednesday: One Grave at a Time by Jeaniene Frost

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-lovin' hands on.

One Grave at a Time
Pub Date: August 30, 2011
Length: 384 pages
Blurb: Goodreads description (may have spoilers in it!)

I still haven't read book #5 in this series (although it's in the TBR), but I love this series a lot. In fact, I have them on audio also, and my husband loves them too.

6/6/11

Quickie Review: Snowball in Hell by Josh Lanyon

Format: ebook
Pub Date: (newly revised edition, April 2011)
Publisher: Carina
Length: 44,490 words
FTC: review copy via NetGalley

I'm incredibly late posting this review, but I blame the winter blues. Why? Because it's still acting like winter here. And thanks to someone on Twitter, I have a name for it: June-uary. Seriously. We've had maybe 1 day in the last month that hit 70 degrees. Anyhoo...my review:

I love Josh Lanyon's writing. Something about the mystery noir sensibility just makes me happy. And setting this one during  WWII? Total win. Finding a genre for this novella is a bit difficult. I'd say it was a m/m historical romantic suspense. And I think that's where my problem lies...I'd have preferred this story as a mystery.

Don't get me wrong, I don't mind the explicit scenes, but except for one...they seemed unnecessary to the plot. As if the author had added them to artificially turn up the heat level to match the preferences of the current crop of m/m readers.

The setting and characters are well done as always, though, and the mystery was believable. This is a very atmospheric piece of writing. It expertly captures the feel of the old film noir movies without overdoing it. And it made me care about the two lead characters enough to hope there are other stories in the works.

And props to Josh Lanyon: I didn't guess whodunnit. At all. I had part of the mystery figured out, but not who the murderer was. That's a rare thing for me.

My Grade: B

The Blurb:

Los Angeles, 1943
Reporter Nathan Doyle had his reasons to want Phil Arlen dead, but when he sees the man's body pulled from the La Brea tar pit, he knows he'll be the prime suspect. He also knows that his life won't stand up to intense police scrutiny, so he sets out to crack the case himself.
Lieutenant Matthew Spain's official inquiries soon lead him to believe that Nathan knows more than he's saying. But that's not the only reason Matt takes notice of the handsome journalist. Matt's been drawn to men before, but he must hide his true feelings—or risk his entire career.
As Nathan digs deeper, it becomes increasingly difficult to stay one step ahead of Matt Spain—and to deny his intense attraction to him. Nathan's secrets may not include murder, but has his hunt put him right in the path of the real killer?

Review: Summer at Seaside Cove by Jacquie D'Alessandro

Format: ebook, mass market paperback
Pub Date: May 3, 2011
Publisher: Berkley
Length: 368 pages
FTC: Purchased myself

Summer at Seaside Cove is the perfect beach read: heartwarming and hilarious. As a longtime fan of Jacquie D'Alessandro's books, though, I didn't expect anything less.

Mainly known for her historical romances, Jacquie D'Alessandro's unique sense of humor translated well to this contemporary romance. It took a bit longer than normal for her voice to shine through, but once it did, I was smiling my way through the rest of the book.

6/2/11

June is Audiobook Month!

In honor of audiobook month, I'm going to attempt to post all of those audio reviews I've been neglecting to finish. I've listened to quite a few, but just haven't gotten around to posting my thoughts on them.

One thing I do know about audiobooks: the narrator is extremely important. Many non-audiophiles are leery of audiobooks because they feel like it's just too weird to have someone read a story to them. And that's where a narrator comes in. The best narrators perform a book, rather than just read it. In fact, I often search Audible.com by narrator to find new authors to try.

My favorite narrators:

Barbara Rosenblat: She does all of Elizabeth Peters's books, but my favorites are the Amelia Peabody series. She also does Katie MacAlister's dragon series and the Recorded Books version of Kathy Reich's Tempe Brennan series.

Jim Dale: Famous for his Harry Potter narrations, he also does the Peter and the Starcatchers series.

Jim Frangione: It took a bit of time for the voice of JRWard's Black Dagger Brotherhood books to grow on me. Now I can't imagine anyone else reading them.

6/1/11

Waiting on Wednesday: Viscount Breckenridge to the Rescue by Stephanie Laurens

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.

August 30, 2011
448 pages
Avon

I admit, Stephanie Laurens's last series just didn't do it for me. I read the first two, then DNF'd the 3rd one. I never bothered to try the last one in the series. But this book marks a return to the Cynster universe. It's part of a new trilogy about Cynster Brides...presumably in-law sisters or some of the younger Cynsters that were too young in the previous books. Details are still sketchy (Ms. Laurens doesn't have any info on her website yet, either).

Edited to Add: Sometime after scheduling this post, Ms. Laurens added more info to her site:

Three heros, three rescues, three weddings. 
You are cordially invited to the wedding of Miss Heather Cynster
...but not before she encounters kidnappers, danger, and a daring rescue at the hands of Viscount Breckenridge.
Determined to hunt down her very own hero, one who will sweep her off her feet and into wedded bliss, and despairing of finding him in London's staid ballrooms, Heather Cynster steps out of her safe world and boldly attends a racy soiree.
But her promising hunt is ruined by the supremely interfering Viscount Breckenridge, who whisks her out of scandal-and straight into danger when a mysterious enemy seizes her, bundles her into a coach, and conveys her out of London.
Now it's up to the notorious Breckenridge to prove himself the hero she's been searching for all along

The next two in the series are: IN PURSUIT OF ELIZA CYNSTER (September) and THE CAPTURE OF THE EARL OF GLENCRAE (October)

5/30/11

Review: Murder Under Cover by Kate Carlisle

Format: Mass Market
Pub Date: May 3, 2011
Length: 304 pages
Publisher: Obsidian
FTC: Review copy provided by Jane Rotrosen Agency

I love cozy mysteries, but I am finicky about the whole amateur sleuth aspect of them. Sure, part of the appeal of the genre is watching how ordinary people deal with death and mysteries, but too often they veer into what's known as TSTL (too stupid to live), endangering themselves and everyone around them. Thankfully, this isn't one of those books.

Brooklyn Wainwright is a rare book restorer and binder. When her friend brings home a rare copy of the Kama Sutra to clean, restore and appraise, she's ecstatic. Until people start dying around her. Again. Thankfully, she has her lover, former spy and security expert Derek, to help keep her safe.

5/26/11

I Think Mother Nature is Confused...


A Conversation about Audiobooks with the Hubs

I really wish my husband would write a review for me, but then...he hates writing anything. He hates reading, too. But he's an avid audiobook "reader."

The other day, we were talking about what appeals to him and what he's been listening to. Here is a paraphrased transcript of that conversation.

Me: Do you want me to buy the newest Black Dagger Brotherhood book for you?
Hubs: No. Why bother? That last one [Lover Mine] ruined the series for me.
Me: Why?
Hubs: The ending. She [the author, JR Ward] turned Xhex into a wimp. She's a badass. She wouldn't be out there getting all teary-eyed over a dress. Or her mom.
[breaks out in falsetto with effeminate hand waving]
Look at my dress! It's so pretty!!!
Me: What are your favorite series or authors right now?

5/25/11

Review: Shadow Guard by Diane Whiteside

Format: Trade paperback
Length:  242 pages
Publisher: Brava (Kensington)
Pub Date: April 2011
FTC: Review copy courtesy of the publisher

An intriguing premise is ruined by amateurish writing and vague world-building in this paranormal romantic suspense.

I was looking forward to reading this book, despite that awful cover. The blend of magic and police work intrigued me. But what killed this book for me was the writing. More specifically, the over use of similes.


Waiting on Wednesday: The Many Sins of Lord Cameron by Jennifer Ashley

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.

The Many Sins of Lord Cameron ( #3 in series)
August 2, 2011
320 pages
Berkley Sensation (Penguin)

The Blurb:
Lord Cameron Mackenzie is intrigued when he finds the pretty widow, Ainsley Douglas, hiding in the window seat of his bedchamber. Cam remembers Ainsley Douglas all right—six years ago, he’d caught her in this very bedchamber, during a house party in the Mackenzies’ Scottish manor. Enchanted by her ingenuous excuses, he decided to seduce her, but stopped shy when she’d made a rather touching appeal about her “good husband who didn’t deserve to be heartbroken.”

Later, Cameron learned that her visit to his bedchamber was part of some female intrigue against him, the kind his late wife used to practice. Ainsley protested her innocence, but Cameron’s anger made him never want to see her again. Now she’s back, at another houseparty—and Cameron finds the gray-eyed minx in his bedchamber, again. Her excuses are just as ingenuous, but this time Cameron is determined to teach her a lesson.

They have unfinished business, Cameron tells her. He asks her how many of her many buttons she’ll let him unclasp, promising that before the houseparty is over, she’ll be asking him to undo them all.

Ainsley’s dismay is real. She’s on a mission to prevent embarrassment to Queen Victoria, and time is running out. Though the needs he’d stirred long ago during her unhappy marriage rise again, she knows it would be foolish to fall for love-them-and-leave-them Cameron Mackenzie.

But he asks her a question that challenges her beliefs about love and happiness, and she finds herself risking all to be with the black sheep of the Mackenzie family.


5/22/11

Gone Fishin'

It's finally warm enough here to get out and enjoy the sunshine. Today, we went fishing.



With a few breaks for catching lizards and playing in the dirt.

5/18/11

TBR Challenge Review: How to Woo a Reluctant Lady by Sabrina Jeffries

Publisher: Pocket
Format: Mass Market
FTC: Purchased myself

Why it was in the TBR: I bought this when it first came out in February, got about halfway through it, then set it aside. Not because I didn't like it, but because I got distracted by other authors and shiny newer releases.  Since it fit perfectly with this month's theme, I decided to pull it back out again, saving it from languishing on the "get to eventually" TBR currently residing in boxes.

I read the first book in this series, but not the second. How to Woo a Reluctant Lady (HTWARL) is the 3rd in the "Hellions of Halstead Hall" series. [I'm not sure why, but long pretentious series titles irritate me. Especially multi-syllabic ones with cutesy alliteration. Which is weird, because I usually love alliteration. Anyhoo...] Thankfully, HTWARL is fine as a stand-alone book.

What makes this book is the hero, Giles. He's very intelligent, very arrogant, but also sexy and determined. I loved the trial details and the focus given to his profession. He's a very yummy barrister who *gasp* works for a living. I found that refreshing. I also liked that our heroine, Minerva, grows to understand and respect what he does.

The story is fantastic until about midway through, when it loses steam for some reason. I'm sure that's probably why I ended up putting it aside. It's not bad, but it definitely loses something. Especially when Giles decides to lie to Minerva within a week or so of promising honesty. If he can't keep a promise for a week, how is he supposed to keep his vows for a lifetime?

Overall, though, I enjoyed the book. Especially Giles. Yes, I've said that already, but he is memorable. And that's a rarity these days among the throngs of arrogant historical heroes.Those who dislike Regency or early Victorian spies should avoid, though, as there is a bit of that type of activity in the story.


My Grade: B-

Waiting on Wednesday: When Tony Met Adam

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 big fan of Suze Brockmann's Troubleshooters series. And if you've read any of the last few books, you'll be familiar with Adam Wyndham. While I'm not quite sure how Suze will make Adam less of a prick and more sympathetic, I can't wait to read this short story anyway.


When Tony Met Adam
Pub Date: June 6, 2011
Publisher: Random House
Format: Ebook

The Blurb:
Tony Vlachic, a ruggedly handsome Navy SEAL, has kept his sexuality a secret for years under the threat of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” That is, until he meets Adam Wyndham, a charismatic yet troubled film star. Tony knows that by approaching Adam in front of his teammates he’s jeopardizing his military career. And Adam, nursing a broken heart, has no interest in a relationship. Still, neither man can deny their instant attraction.

Tony didn’t become a SEAL by accepting rejection, and his pursuit of Adam leads to one unforgettable night. But the next morning, Tony is ordered to ship out to Afghanistan, and he’s forced to leave Adam with too much left unsaid. As Tony enters a dangerous war zone, Adam, back in Los Angeles, struggles with the demons of his past, while dealing with the very real possibility that Tony could be killed in action. Half a world apart, both men must face their feelings for each other—and decide if what they’ve found is worth risking everything in the name of love.

5/16/11

Review: Devious by Lisa Jackson

Pub Date: April 2011
Format: Hardcover
Publisher: Kensington
Length: 439 pages
FTC: Review copy courtesy of the publisher

AAR has a blog post about authors repeating themselves that's feeling very timely right about now. Because as much as I love Lisa Jackson's Bentz and Montoya books, the newest installment, Devious, should be titled Déjà Vu.

In other words, it's another book about two detectives in New Orleans investigating priests, nuns, and a scandal or three involving the Catholic Church.

The surprising thing for me is even with the 'haven't I read this before?' vibe, I enjoyed the book immensely. But there are a few problems...


5/13/11

Lemon Curd Bars with coconut and pecans

This recipe, from the 2010 Better Homes and Gardens Christmas Cookie magazine, was the surprise star of my cookie trays. My husband, who is not all that fond of lemon desserts, had to admit he was WRONG about these being "gross." Something he declared after finding out that not only were these lemon, they had coconut and nuts as well. I ended up having to hide them from him to save enough for the trays!

The coconut makes these chewy. I haven't tried making these with almonds, but they're delicious with pecans. I use Trader Joe's lemon curd. Because I'm lazy. You could probably make your own if you're an overachiever ambitious.

Lemon Curd Bars
1 cup butter, softened
1 cup sugar
2 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 10-12 oz jar lemon curd
2/3 cup flaked coconut (I used sweetened)
1/2 cup sliced or slivered almonds or coarsely chopped pecans

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees Line a 13 x 9 x 2 inch baking pan with foil, extending foil over edges of pan. Grease foil, set pan aside.

2. Beat butter with an electric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds. Add sugar. Beat until combined, scraping bowl occasionally. Beat in flour and baking powder until combined. (Mixture will be crumbly). Remove 2/3 cup of crumb mixture; set aside. Press remaining crumb mixture evenly onto the bottom of prepared baking pan.

3. Bake crust in oven for 5-8 minutes or until top is golden (that's about 10-11 minutes for me up here in the mountains). Remove from oven. Spread lemon curd over hot crust to within 1/2 inch of edge. (Try to avoid having lemon curd touch the edges of the pan, because it can scorch). In a medium bowl, stir together reserved crumb mixture, coconut and nuts. Sprinkle coconut mixture over lemon curd.

4. Bake for 18-20 minutes or  until edges are golden and topping is lightly browned. Cool in pan on a wire rack. Using edges of foil, lift uncut bars out of pan. Cut into 32 bars.

Store in a single layer in covered, airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

5/11/11

Waiting on Wednesday: Heart of Steel by Meljean Brook

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.

Of all of the over-hyped books last year, the Iron Duke was one that truly did live up to its buzz. It was so refreshingly different from anything else I'd ever read. The next book in the series, Heart of Steel, comes out November 1st.

Heart of Steel by Meljean Brook
Pub Date: November 1, 2011
Format: Trade Paperback; ebook
Length: 384 pages
**This cover may not be the final version.**

The Blurb:

Return to the gritty, alluring world of steampunk with the New York Times bestselling author of The Iron Duke.
Growing up in the dangerous world of the Iron Seas, the mercenary captain of the airship Lady Corsair, Yasmeen, has learned to keep her heart hard as steel. Ruthless and cunning, her only loyalty is to her ship and her crew-until one man comes along and changes everything...Treasurehunter Archimedes Fox isn't interested in the Lady Corsair-just the captain and the valuable da Vinci sketch she stole from him. When it attracts a dangerous amount of attention, Yasmeen and Archimedes journey to Horde-occupied Morocco- and straight into enemy hands.

Also looking forward to:



The Naked King by Sally MacKenzie
Pub Date: June 7, 2011
Publisher: Zebra (Kensington)
Length: 353 pages
Formats: Mass Market, ebook

I am a Sally MacKenzie junkie. I know her books can be rather predictable, but I love them anyway. They always manage to tug on my heartstrings. Even when they are being a bit silly and funny. There's just something about the dialogue, the characters, and MacKenzie's sense of the absurd that make these so fun.

I've heard this is the last book in her Naked series, though, which has me a bit bummed.

The Blurb:
           Indiscretion Is Just The Beginning. . .
One night of slight overindulgence—oh, all right, he was drunk—and Stephen Parker-Roth finds he must betroth himself to prevent yet another scandal. But his "intended" is lovely, a redheaded beauty under her horrendous, unfashionable bonnet, and before long, he's congratulating himself on compromising such an excellent candidate—and anticipating what other naughtiness they'll get caught at before the wedding. . .

Lady Anne Marston has long since given up any thought of marriage. That is the price she pays for the mistakes of her past. But one little conversation with a handsome rogue should never have led to a sham engagement. Even if it did end in a rather shocking kiss...in broad daylight. . .on the front step of London's premier gossip. Now, trapped between a secret and a lie, Anne must somehow disentangle herself from this charming, maddening man before the truth comes out—or her heart gives in. . .

5/9/11

Review: Bless the Bride by Rhys Bowen

Pub Date: March 1, 2011
Format: Hardcover
Length: 272 pages
FTC: Review copy provided by Jane Rotrosen Agency

I have been in a history mood lately, so I dug out this copy of Bless the Bride . I had stalled on it a few months earlier, but sometimes finishing a book is more about mood and less about the book. I think this was one of those cases.

Set at the turn of the 20th century in New York City, Bless the Bride is the 10th installment in the continuing adventures of Molly Murphy, Irish immigrant and female amateur detective.

Overall, this felt like a novella and not a novel. At 272 pages, it is quite short. Which means that something had to give. And for me, that was the relationships. We get very little time between Daniel and Molly. In fact, we get far more time with Molly's neighbors than we do between the affianced pair.

5/6/11

Recipe: Toucan Sam

This is one of those uber girly cocktails for people that want something sweet that really doesn't taste like alcohol (like me). It's also a great candidate for one of those cute little umbrellas. Warning, though, it is SWEET. You can tart it up by cutting out the grenadine or upping pineapple juice or the Curacao. It's also quite potent.

3/4 oz Blue Curacao
3/4 oz Spiced Rum
3/4 oz Coconut Rum
3/4 oz Triple Sec
3 oz Pineapple Juice
splash of Grenadine

Combine everything but the grenadine in a cocktail shaker filled 1/2 full with ice. Cover and shake until blended. Pour into a hurricane glass over ice. Pour a splash of grenadine into the glass (it will sink to the bottom).

Variation: For a slightly sweeter, less pineapply flavor, substitute Peach Schnapps for the Triple Sec.

*If you double the recipe, it will use an entire little can of pineapple juice.

5/5/11

Shhh....I'm reading (Mid-glom update)

I've been reading shifter books all week. It's true, I've been taking a break from most paranormal books, but Shelly Laurenston's books just sucked me in.

These are steamy, hilarious reads. I like that the women are all very strong and independent. I like that the men have to convince the women about love and relationships. I like that I usually end up snorting out loud while reading.

Really, they're that funny.

The only thing I've noticed, and it's largely the result of reading them back to back, is that Laurenston likes to use "tricky" a bit too much.

Overall, though, these are perfect pick-me-up reads. Not without substance, but mostly without emotionally draining angst.

5/4/11

Hump Day Classic Movie: Legend (1985)

[Photo:© Universal Studios]

Ah for the good ole days. When Tom Cruise still couldn't act, but I didn't dislike him quite so much. The 1980s were fantasy movie heaven. Between the barbarian movies (Conan, Beastmaster etc.) and the magic/fantasy movies (Dragonslayer, Labyrinth), the decade overdid the genre so heavily that it nearly disappeared from the theaters until Harry Potter and The Lord of the Rings made fantasy OK again.

Legend isn't the greatest movie. In fact, it can be quite, quite bad. (It does have Tom Cruise in it, right?) But the highlight for me is the wicked way they use Tim Curry's presence. OMG does his voice fit so well with his role as the Prince of Darkness. There's none of his campy, tongue-in-cheek style here. Just menace.

Waiting on Wednesday: A Night to Surrender by Tessa Dare

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.

A Night to Surrender
August 30, 2011
Avon

Tessa Dare's writing never fails to wow me. I'm a little nervous, though, because this book is with Avon. Don't get me wrong; I like Avon. But not only did she lose her trademark cover style with this book, Avon has a pretty strict "feel" they seem to insist on. I'm hoping the new publishing house lets Tessa be Tessa. Because her writing and lengthy, tension filled scenes are unique.

*crossing fingers*

The (micro) Blurb: This is the Avon Debut of the immensely talented Tessa Dare! This is the first book in her new regency "Spindle Cove" series, set in a seaside resort town for ladies of good breeding and delicate constitution. 

For more information, Tessa has a page on her new series with Avon here.



Also coming out soon:

Guarding a Notorious Lady by Olivia Parker
May 31, 2011
Avon
384 pages

I really enjoyed the Bride Hunt Ball and its sequel To Wed a Wicked Earl. Her books always have the literary equivalent of a mischievous twinkle and are just plain fun.

Exquisite trouble . . .
A woman of pristine breeding, Lady Rosalind Devine is also an unrepentant meddler and snoop— which is why her brother refuses to leave her to her own devices while on his wedding trip. But Rosalind will not make things easy for any unseen, unwanted “nursemaid”—and vows to use her considerable wiles to expose her mystery guardian.
Nicholas Kincaid, the Marquess of Winterbourne, agreed to secretly guard his friend’s spoiled, stubborn sister, though her infuriating penchant for mischief is causing him to question his decision. Though bound by the rules of society—and friendship— Rosalind’s spirit and sensuality have sparked a fierce desire in Nicholas to play a very different role in her life, one that entails passion, ecstasy . . . and unavoidable scandal.

5/3/11

Winner! Gone With a Handsomer Man by Michael Lee West


And the winner of Gone With a Handsomer Man is ...

Linda K.

Congratulations Linda! An email is winging its way to you right now!

5/1/11

Welcome Spring

Spring has finally arrived up here in the mountains. In fact, the weather has been so screwy that my flowers are confused. Instead of having a distinct order of appearance (crocus, narcissus, tulip) they've all come up at once.

My favorite, though, are these star tulip looking things. I'm not sure if they actually ARE a tulip, but they're so pretty.




4/30/11

Review: Moon Called by Patricia Briggs (Audio)

Format: Audio (download)
Narrator: Lorelei King
Length: 9 hrs
FTC: Purchased myself

The Blurb:
Mercy Thompson's life is not exactly normal. Her next-door neighbor is a werewolf. Her former boss is a gremlin. And she's fixing a VW bus for a vampire. But then, Mercy isn't exactly normal herself.
I admit it. I was one of the few holdouts who hadn't read the Mercy Thompson series. But after downloading the first few books based on recommendations I received from Twitter, I am thinking I will pick up print versions (or maybe ebooks) of the entire series so far.

I bought the first book for my husband, the avid audiobook fan. We've listened to Lorelei King's narration before with the Stephanie Plum series and decided to take a chance on the books. He really enjoyed them, and the Mercy series has now become one of his favorite audiobook series. At his urging, I decided to move the first book, Moon Called, up on my audiobook TBR.

There's nothing all that original about this book. There is no groundbreaking, genre twisting innovation. But  I really like the characters. And the sassy sense of humor. My husband was chortling with laughter when he discovered what field Mercy's college degree was in. Because mine is the same. With the same lack of marketability. *sigh*