Sunlight, Moonlight: Amanda Ashley, Madeline Baker

"TWO HEROES AS DIFFERENT AS NIGHT AND DAY...TWO LOVE STORIES AS DIFFERENT AS DAWN AND DUSK...

"SUNLIGHT

"He came from across the universe--a tawny, powerful stranger more perfect than any mere mortal. Yet when Micah crash-landed on earth, not even his boundless strength could help him resist the temptations of one stunning beauty. Trapped on a worls not his own, tracked by enemies bent on destroying him, Micah fought to preserve his very life even as he ached to claim the love that would take him to heaven and beyond."

This was definitely one of Amanda Ashley's more creative books. The plot wasunique and it really kept me interested. Though the beginning, several parts in the miffle, and the end were very fun to read; it was the few parts in the middle that slowed it a little for me. It's not that the writing was lacking; it was simply that the characters fell into a very typical routine. This should not be a deterrent bu any means. The writing was great and the plot was so interesting. Its twists and turns were excellent and made me want to keep reading.

"MOONLIGHT

"Long had Navarre dwelt in darkness, yearning to end his cursed solitude. A vampire doomes to eternal night, he had searched through the ages for a woman brave enough to desire him, a lover bold enough to embrace him. And when Navarre at last found her, he swore that together they would savor the joys of undying ecstasy and surrender the dawn."

Thus far, this has to be my favorite story by this autor yet. Navarre was so well-written. I pretty much ate this story up. Ashley created such an interesting world with her ancient religious cult and the unexpected turns in the plot made me fall in love with the story. I really enjoy it when an author transports me with her writing and Ashley definitely did this in the first half of this story. Though the "modern day" portion of the story didn't make me fall in love as the first part did, it was no less entertaining and I really did like this story.

I feel really bad that it took me so long to review this book...I finished it at least two weeks ago. Despite my delay, I recommend this book. I'm in the process of reading another of Ashley's books and will review it soon!

***So...it's actually December 31 2009 and I've been having problems with Blogger. Normally, I write the reviews in Word and copy and paste them into here. Now, for the past months, Blogger has not allowed me to do this and I've been pretty frustrated. I have several reviews all written up, but I have no way to put them on here other than sitting down and copying them word-for-word (like I did for this one). It's just frustrating because I don't have the time for it... That's not a very good excuse, though... As a matter of fact, I feel really bad because I've not been reading NEARLY as much as I used to. I'm shirking my duties a little. I'll do better in 2010!!! Promise!!***

The Umbrella Academy: Apocalypse Suite: Gerard Way and Gabriel Ba

"In an inexplicable worldwide event, forty-seven extraordinary children were spontaneously born by women who'd previously shown no signs of pregnancy. Millionaire inventor Reginald Hargreeves adopted seven of the children; when asked why, his olny explanation was, "To save the world."

"These seven children from the Umbrella Academy, a dysfunctional family of superheroes with bizarre powers. Their first adventure at the age of ten pits them against an erratic and deadly Eiffel Tower, pioleted by the fearsome zombie-robot Gustave Eiffel. Nearly a decade later, the team disbands, but when Hargreeves unexpectedly dies, these disgruntled siblings reunite just in time to save the world once again.

"Conceived and written by Gerard Way of My Chemical Romance, The Umbrella Academy: Apocalypse Suite features interior art by Eisner Award-nominated artist Gabriel Ba (De: TALES, Casanova), colors by Eisner Award-winning colorist Dave Stewart, and original series covers by multiple Eisner Award-winning James Jean. This volume collects the first six-issue series, as well as out-of-print short stories and an expanded sketchbook section featuring work by Ba, Jean, and Way."

I originally saw an advertisement for this book when my little brother was watching G4 cover Comic-con. I was really excited and couldn't wait to get my hands on it. Finally, I found it...and devoured it in about two hours.

To be entirely honest, I keep going back and forth as to whether or not I actually liked it. Initially, I really enjoyed it. However, as I go back anfd look at it, I like various parts of the art less and less. Half the time the characters don't even look like themselves. As an artist (and I am NOT saying that I would or could ever do a comic) it just really bothered me.

Overall, the plot was interesting. I wish a bit more had been explained, but I can live with it. This is definitely something that should be read at least once, just so you can say you have. It's worth it.

Why Do Men Fall Asleep After Sex?—More Questions You’d Only Ask a Doctor After Your Third Whiskey Sour: Mark Leyner and Billy Goldberg, M.D.

“THE DOCTOR IS IN…AGAIN!

“Did the mega-bestselling Why Do Men Have Nipples? exhaust your curiosity about stuff odd, icky, kinky, noxious, libidinous, or just plain embarrassing? No, you say? Well, good, because the doctor and his able-bodied buddy are in! Again! Mark Leyner and Billy Goldberg, M.D., now take on the differences between the sexes—those burning questions like Why doesn’t my husband ever listen? or Why does my wife ALWAYS have to pee? And of course, Why Do Men Fall Asleep After Sex?, plus plenty of others to keep you fully informed.

“Full of smart and funny answers to an onslaught of new questions, all in a do-ask-we’ll-tell spirit that entertain and teaches you something at the same time, Why Do Men Fall Asleep After Sex? Offers the real lowdown on everything everyone wants to know about all things anatomical, medical, sexual, nutritional, animal, and mineral, but would only ask a physician after a few too many, like:
· Why do you have a “bionic” sense of smell when you’re pregnant?
· Does peeing in the shower cure athlete’s foot?
· Can you breastfeed with fake boobs?
· Does thumb sucking cause buckteeth?
· Do your eyebrows grown back if shaved?

“Bigger, funnier, and better than ever, Why Do Men Fall Asleep After Sex? proves that in the battle of the sexes, as in most things, a little Q&A is a safe, effective, minimally invasive remedy.”

After reading the first book by the dynamic duo, I was SO excited to discover that they’d written another one! This book is just as fun and witty as the first and I devoured it. It didn’t even feel like I was actually learning something about the human body. I love it when books do that.

Leyner and Goldberg definitely lived up to my expectations in this often hilarious sequel.

Why Do Men Have Nipples?—Hundreds of Questions You’d Only Ask a Doctor After Your Third Martini: Mark Leyner & Billy Goldberg, M.D.

“IS THERE A DOCTOR IN THE HOUSE?

“Say you’re at a party. You’ve had a martini or three, and you mingle through the crowd, wondering how long you need to stay before going out for pizza. Suddenly, you’re introduced to someone new, Dr. Nice Tomeetya. You forget the pizza. Now is the perfect time to bring up all those strange questions you’d like to ask during an office visit with your own doctor but haven’t the guts (or more likely the time) to do so. You’re filled with liquid courage…now is your chance! If you’ve ever wanted to ask a doctor…
· How do people in wheelchairs have sex?
· Why do I get a killed headache when I such down my milkshake?
· Can I lose my contact lens inside my head forever?
· Why does asparagus make my pee smell?
· Why do old people grow hair on their ears?
· Is the old adage “beer before liquor, never sicker, liquor before beer…” really true?
…then Why Do Men Have Nipples? is the book for you.

“Compiled by Billy Goldberg, an emergency medicine physician, and Mark Leyner, bestselling author and well-known satirist, Why Do Men Have Nipples? offers real factual and really funny answers to some of the big questions about the oddities of our bodies.”

I found this book on accident one day (actually quite a while ago) at work (I work in the non-fiction section at the library and naturally come across some pretty odd things) and took one look at the title and decided I had to discover the answer for myself. Needless to say, I was quickly drawn in to this little book by two hilarious men. I loved the little breaks where they input some of their odd, sometimes awkward, IM conversations. This book was unique and really informative in a tasteful way. I really enjoyed it (as well as its sequel).

Why We Suck—A Feel Good Guide to Staying Fat, Loud, Lazy and Stupid: Denis Leary

“Do you SUCK?

“Would you like not to SUCK?

“So you know other people who SUCK?

“Would you like to tell them how to SUCK less of how to possibly become totally SUCK-free?

“Then buy this book, because inside Dr. Denis Leary is ready to help you overcome all the sucky things that make you such a jackass. Not to mention all the fat, loud, lazy and stupid suckholes you have to deal with at the office, family gatherings or while using public transportation.

“Part memoir, part self-help to me but definitely a full-time funny assault on all the posers, politicians and pop culture icons who have sucked in public for far too long, this book is a call to arms for everyone who feels the way the good doctor does:

*Skinny jeans are for skinny people.
*Men will never change. Not even to clean underwear.
*If God didn’t want us to eat meant, why did He make the cow so slow? (Ever eaten a cheetah-burger? Nope. And you never will.)

“Buy this book and you will hopefully laugh out loud, call your mom a little more often and never vote for a member of the Bush family ever again.

“At the very least, though, you’ll have yourself a nice big twenty-six-dollar coaster to place your drink on while you watch TV. And isn’t that reason alone to buy it?”

I came across this book by accident one day at work (for those of you who don’t know, I work at the local library). I like Denis Leary as an actor and thought it might be interesting to see what kind of an author he was—not to mention that it was in the comedy section so I was excited about getting a bit of a laugh out of it too. Needless to say, I wasn’t disappointed.

His takes on the simplest things—from parenting and school bullies to Oprah, Dr. Phil, and the U.S. as a whole—were so raw and honest that I couldn’t help but laugh. I’ve honestly never read anything so blatant. Denis Leary has no fear. He’s not afraid of insulting his friends, the government, his peers, or the Pope.

I recommend reading the prologue because not only do you get a taste of his (ha! A commercial with Denis Leary just came on) acidic sense of humor; but you get a fair warning of what the book will be like. This book is not for the faint-hearted or easily offended. But for those of you who can handle it, this book is a hilarious read.

Who Ever Heard of a Horse in the House?: Jacqueline Tresl

"Who ever heard of a Horse in the House?

"That's a question Jackie and Mark Tresl could answer. They've lived with Misha, a full-grown American Quarter Horse mare, for the last thirteen years.

"As a five-month-old filly, Misha suffered from pneumonia and malnutrition when the Tresls adopted her. Fearing that the cold Ohio winter would be deadly for the little horse, Jackie brought the foal inside the house and made a bed for her by the woodstove. Gradually, winter wore on and Misha grew stronger. She also grew more and more attached to Jackie and household living.

"Now, at nearly fourteen years old, Misha enjoys her own porch with a swinging door that enables her to help out in the kitchen, watch television in the living room, and slurp water from the bathtub. She is also fully housetrained. Her unconventional lifestyle and diet (spaghetti is one of her favorite foods) has prompted criticism from acquaintences, but Misha is a happy and healthy horse, defying those who believe her life is anything but perfect.

"Jackie Tresl's story of her life with a house-horse demonstrates that horses are just as capable and deserving of the capable and deserving of the emotional bond we share with our other animal companions."

I work in a library and I've shelved this book several times. Finally, I decided to pick it up and read it. Now, I'm not normally one for this type of book as anyone who has ever read any of my other blog posts will realize... However, I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

It was unbelievably cute and the stories that Tresl had were so sweet and touching. From one animal-lover to the next, I believe that her story is one of undeniable love for our animal bretheren. The Tresl family is a strong one and I don't know how many people could keep a house-horse and show as much unconditional love as they did for Misha. I recommend this book for anyone who loves horses or animals in general!

Surrender: Amanda Quick (Jayne Ann Krentz)

“From the dazzling ballrooms of glittering London society to a magnificent, cursed estate in the distant wilds of Yorkshire, comes the deliciously wicked story of a thoroughly unconventional courtship—and a thrilling midnight rendezvous that could only lead to love….

“At four and twenty Victoria Hintington thought herself quite adept at fending off fortune hunters…until she came under siege from Lucas Colebrook, the darkly disturbing new Earl of Stonevale. Amidst the brightly plumed birds of the ton, Lucas was a hawk. And when he held out the lure of moonlight rides and wild, reckless midnight escapades, Victoria found herself powerless to resist.

“But becoming Stonevale’s companion in adventure was more dangerous that Victoria could ever imagine. For the attractive earl would use her ever weakness to woo her, to win her, and ultimately to wed her. And soon the amber-eyed lady would find herself ensconced in a crumbling mansion deep in the English countryside…where the real reason for her hasty marriage becomes all too apparent…and where the ghosts of her dark-stained past are waiting to rise up in a terrifying plot that will threaten her life, her honor, and the only man she could ever love.”

Sorry that it’s taken me forever to review this book… Anyway, this is another wonderful book by Amanda Quick. The characters are fun and the plot was interesting. I really enjoy her quick-witted writing style and how her characters have such strong personalities. The fact that she’s not afraid to make her male characters somewhat flawed means that she has confidence in her writing abilities and is not afraid to step out of the box for romance writing. I can really admire that.

Of course, I highly recommend this book and look forward to reading more.

Dream Chaser (Dark-Hunter Series, Book Twenty-four): Sherrilyn Kenyon

“HADES DOESN’T OFTEN GIVE SECOND CHANCES…

“Xypher has one month on Earth to redeem himself through one good deed, or be condemned to eternal torture in Tartarus. But redemption means little to a demigod who only wants vengeance on the one who caused his downfall.

“UNTIL ONE DAY IN A CEMETERY…

“Simone Dubois is a medical examiner with a real knack for the job. Those who are wrongfully killed appear to her and help her find the evidence the police need to convict their killers. But when a man appears and tells her that she;d more than just a psychic, she’d convinced he’s insane.

“NOW THE FATE OF THE WORLD HANDS IN HER HANDS…

“It was bad enough when just the dead relied on her. Now there’s the seductive Dream-Hunter Xypher who needs Simone’s help in opening a portal to the Atlantean hell realm to fight insatiable demons. The future of mankind is at stake—and so is her life. The only question now is: Who is the bigger threat? The demons out to kill her? Or the man who had left her forever changed?”

***Technically, you’re supposed to read the Dark-Hunter Companion before you read this book, but I’m about half-way through the Companion and picked this up and just COULD NOT put it down long enough to go back to the other book. Sorry for my weakness!***

Readers are initially introduced to Xypher in an earlier book with Katra and Sin titled Devil May Cry. It’s difficult to care for a man (or should I say, god?) with such an acerbic personality and grim outlook, but even then I was able to tell that there really was more to Xypher than Sherrilyn Kenyon was letting on. Obviously, I couldn’t wait to read more. When I got this book and saw that its hero was in fact Xypher, I was so excited! The more I read, the more I fell for the battered man. It was really difficult not to, seeing as how he’d been so wrongfully tortured.

Xypher is truly the epitome of a beaten being—as are most of Kenyon’s characters—but Xypher was made even more interesting by the fact that he is a Dream-Hunter. It was nice to see the world from the eyes of a Dream-Hunter once more. I’ve only read another book and a short-story by Kenyon that were from this p.o.v. and it was really great to see again. However, I will say that I miss the Dark-Hunters a little…

Anyway, this story was full of really GREAT twists and turns and I look forward to reading more, as always!!!

P.S. I Love You: Cecelia Ahern

"Holly and Gerry are the kind of perfectly happy married couple that others envy. Then, at the age of thirty, Gerry is diagnosed with a terrible illness. Months after Gerry's death, Holly receives a package of letters that he's left for her, instructing her to perform a series of unexpected tasks. With the help of the letters--and her fun, quick-witted girlfriends abd a raucously endearing family that smothers, loves, and drives her crazy--Holly wobbles, weaves, and jokes her way toward a new life, even larger than the one that she's been forced to leave behind."

I've noticed a trend in my past several reviews. They're all books that have been made into movies!

Anyhow, I saw the last twenty minutes of this movie about a year or two ago (I know...that's cheating...but my aunt and uncle were watching the movie and I was only there to catch the end...still made me sob uncontrollably...) Seeing the movie really made me want to read the book, but I just now actually made the time to get my hands on it and read it. Though the ending was somewhat different from what I remember the movie to be, I loved the book none-the-less.

The characters were fanastic and the story was so unique. It's so difficult not to fall for Gerry and feel for Holly. This book truly shows what love can do. It can overcome death and cripple you, but it can also help you heal from even the keenest of losses. This book is about moving on after lost love and learning to live life to its fullest once you are on your own. I recommend this book to anyone who believes in true love; anyone who's lost someone they held dear in their lives; or someone who needs to get back in touch with what makes life worth living.

I loved this book and will read more from this author in the future.

The Time Traveler's Wife: Audrey Niffenegger

"A most untraditional love story, this is the celebrated tale of Henry DeTamble, a dashing, adventuresome librarian who involuntarily travels through time, and Clare Abshire, an artist whose life takes a natural sequential course. Henry and Clare's passionate affair endures across a sea of time and captures them in an impossibly romantic trap that tests the strength of fate and basks in the bonds of love."

I actually finished this book a few weeks ago...I know...I know...I'm really slacking in my reviews. But, anyway, I LOVED this book! Initially, I only read this book because I saw a commercial for the movie that was based off of it. I wanted to see the movie, but had several weeks to wait for it. I ordered the book and began reading it immediately.

I was very quickly sucked into Niffenegger's unique writing style and her amazing characters. Henry was so easy to love--despite his many faults--and Clare was an easy heroine to feel for. (However, in the movie adaptation, she is made out to be a real bitch, but she's really not that bad. That's another story...)

I laughed. I cried. I fell in love with the personalities. I cursed fate right along with Clare and Henry. This book is right up there with some of my favorites.

Marley & Me: John Grogan

“John and Jenny were just beginning their life together. They were young and in love, with a perfect little house and not a care in the world. Then they brought home Marley, a wiggly yellow furball of a puppy. Life would never be the same.

“Marley quickly grew into a barreling, ninety-seven-pound steamroller of a Labrador retriever, a dog like no other. He crashed through screen doors, gouged through drywall, flung drool on guests, stole women’s undergarments, and ate nearly everything he could get his mouth around, including couches and fine jewelry. Obedience school did no good—Marley was expelled. Neither did tranquilizers the veterinarian prescribed for him with the admonishment, “Don’t hesitate to use these.”

“And yet Marley’s heart was pure. Just as he joyfully refused any limits on his behavior, his love and loyalty were boundless, too. Marley shared the couple’s joy at their first pregnancy and their first heartbreak over the miscarriage. He was there when babies finally arrived and when screams of a seventeen-year-old stabbing victim pierced the night. Marley shut down a public beach and managed to land a role in a feature-length movie, always winning hearts as he made a mess of things. Through it all, he remained steadfast, a model of devotion, even when his family was at its wit’s end. Unconditional love, they would learn, comes in many forms.

“Is it possible for humans to discover the key to happiness through a bigger-than-life, bad-boy dog? Just ask the Grogans.”

When the movie “Marley & Me” came out, all I can remember thinking is “That looks really cute, but where there’s a dog, it’s gotta die.” I tend to cry in emotional movies and thought that a movie about a dog that you get to love right before it dies was just not for me. Then, I noticed the book at the library where I work. For months, I avoided it. Then, with nothing better to do, I finally picked it up.

I fell in love.

This book is so not what I usually read, but I enjoyed it all the same. The writing style kept me reading. I couldn’t put the book down. John Grogan has such a way of describing things that you can’t help but imagine what it would be like to live through them.

I cracked up and laughed aloud; I cried—actually sobbed. I felt so much for the Grogans and felt like I was there with them every step of the way in their crazy, wonderful lives with Marley the bad-mannered dog. It made me feel so much.

I think that it was made all the more touching because I, myself, have an elderly dog. I’ve had him since my sixth birthday and he’s nearly thirteen-and-a-half. That’s getting up there even for a Maltese. He’s going through a lot of what Marley went through at the end and it just kills me. He—like Marley was to the Grogans—is the love of my life. Though he may drive me nutty and I may yell at him sometimes, I care for him with all of my heart. Cappy (short for Cappuccino) may not be “the world’s worst dog” but he is something special.

This book really made me see things differently. It made me realize the finiteness of life and how I really do need to embrace it. Our pets are beautiful, living, breathing creatures and—though they may sometimes make our lives hell—they love us unconditionally in our own ways. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves animals—who has ever loved and lost—and even for someone who has yet to know the complete adoration of a pet. This may just change their mind. (Oh, and now I fully intend on seeing the movie that is based off of this fantastic book!)

Seduction: Amanda Quick (Jayne Ann Krentz)

“Townsfolk called him devil. For dark and enigmatic Julian, Earl of Ravenwood, was a man with a legendary temper and a first wife whose mysterious death would not be forgotten. Some said the beautiful Lady Ravenwood had drowned herself in the black, murky waters of Ravenwood Pond. Others whispered of foul play and the devil’s wrath.

“Now country-bred Sophy Dorring is about to become Ravenwood’s new bride. Drawn to his masculine strength and the glitter of desire that burned in his emerald eyes, the tawny-haired lass had her own reasons for agreeing to a marriage of convenience. One was vengeance, and in its pursuit she would entangle Julian in a blackmail plot, a duel ay dawn, and a dangerous masquerade. The other reason was dearer to her heart, but just as wild a quest: Sophy Dorring intended to teach the devil to love again.”

(Yay for book 130!) So, this is the first book by Amanda Quick (aka Jayne Ann Krentz) that I’ve read and reviewed. I have to admit that her writing lived up to my expectations of an author of her caliber.

Quick’s characters were fun and interesting. Her plot was simple, easy to follow, yet it kept me very interested. At first, I thought to myself, “Just another angst-filled, bitter, back-stabbed husband…” but I was quickly proved wrong. Julian was a wonderful male lead who showed characters that the book’s “hero” doesn’t always have to be perfect. (This vaguely reminded me of Elizabeth Hoyt, though not quite to the same extent.) I must say that I would definitely recommend Amanda Quick for someone willing to put the time into truly appreciating her writing.

The Dark-Hunters, Volume 1: Sherrilyn Kenyon, Claudia Campos

"Vampires getting you down?

"Call the baddest warriors in town: the Dark0Hunters. What are the Dark-Hunters? Man, have you been living under a rock not to know this one....

"They're mad, bad, and immortal. Ancient warriors with attitudes who fight rough, and play hard. They are the scary things that go bump in the night. And they love every minute of it.

"It's just another night on the prowl for vampires for Kyrian Thrace when he meets the most frightening thing imaginable. An accountant. But Amanda Devereaux is much more than she seems. Hunted by one of the deadliest of vampires, Amanda is the key to our survival. If she goes down, so does he, and--no offense--he doesn't want to die (hence the whole immortality thing0. And he doesn't want humanity dead either, which is a good thing for us since he and Amanda are all that stands between us and oblivion.

"Let's hope they win."

YES! I've been waiting for months for this book to come out and it finally showed up on my doorstep this morning! I would really love to know what kept getting the release date pushed back so many times. However, reading it, I think I might just know what took so long: This volume only has HALF of Kyrian's story! It literally cuts off half way through the first Dark-Hunter book! I couldn't believe it! Now it was more than likely intentional, but the only real reason I can come up with for there being so many delays in this book's publishing (and for the fact that there is only really half a story...) is that there was something wrong with the art. It's a pretty integral part of a manga after all..... I don't know if it is true, but it's a possibility.

Anyhow, I must give out some serious props because this manga was awesome. The art--for the most part--was impressive. As a car buff, I liked the look of Kyrian's Lambo (yeah...I know I'm a dork) and as someone who's not an expert on the art of manga, I will say that I was happy with it. A bit of the art looked awkard, but I LOVED being able to put "faces" to the characters. I thought that was really awesome.

Not to mention that I could totally tell that Sherrilyn Kenyon worked on the writing. There were some of the best lines from the book in there and that made it seem so much more like an actual Dark-Hunter novel than just a spoof (though I really would have liked to have seen the "I see Dead People" shirt comment with Talon...I just about wet my pants laughing at that one when I read it in Night Pleasures).

*Heaves a deep sigh* Now, I must wait for the next installment...who REALLY knows when that will be.....

The Raven Prince (Princes Trilogy, Book One): Elizabeth Hoyt

“THERE COMES A TIME IN A LADY’S LIFE

“Widowed Anna Wren is having a wretched day. After an arrogant male on horseback nearly squashes her, she arrives home to learn that she is in dire financial straits.

“WHEN SHE MUST DO THE UNTHINKABLE…

“The Earl of Swarthingham is in a quandary. Having frightened off two secretaries, Edward de Raaf needs someone who can withstand his bad temper and boorish behavior.

“AND FIND EMPLOYMENT.

“When Anna becomes the earl’s secretary, it would seem that both their problems are solved. Then she discovers he plans to visit the most notorious brothel in London for his “manly” needs. Well! Anna sees red—and decides to assuage her “womanly” desires…with the earl as her unknowing lover.”

Elizabeth Hoyt was another author that I’ve had on my “to read” list and I’ve just been able to sit down with one of her books. Obviously, I read it pretty quickly! Her style is unique and fun and flirty. The characters were, IN ALL HONESTY, so distinctive! Her male lead was not the norm and it made the book that much more fantastic. (Just a note for you readers, BE CERTAIN YOU READ THE VERY LAST PAGES OF THE BOOK! They contain a little interview with “Edward” over the typical male lead. It was so funny and I loved it!) I also have to give Hoyt some serious props for having a fairytale to go along with her book. It was incredibly creative and really helped add to the escape that books provide.

I look forward to reading the next in this series!

Never Trust a Scoundrel: Gayle Callen

“A pact with the devil…

“Miss Grace Banbury was in shock. Her mother put her up as a prize in a high-stakes card game. And now, the gentleman who won is ready to claim her! But Grace has other plans. She just needs the dastardly rogue to go along with it…

“A notorious rake from a scandalous family, Daniel Throckmorten has no use for blushing virgins. Yet there’s no denying the attraction for the beauty standing before him, proposing an enticing wager: He will use all his charm and wit to seduce her into his bed…and she only has to resist. If she succeeds, she wins enough funds to secure her own future. If he wins…she’ll be his. Daniel has never been so tempted—and he has no intention of losing…”

I have been meaning to read Gayle Callen for a while now and I finally got a chance to. I was so excited and was not disappointed in the least! Her plot was really, really fun and unique. Her main male character was striking and very much worth remembering. Her female lead was feisty and powerful. The background itself of the story was really well-planned and I can really tell how much effort and thought went into it. I can honestly really appreciate the quality of Callen’s writing.

This book was so much fun to read and I really, honestly could NOT put it down. Of course, I will read more of her works in the very near future.

Sweet Release (Blakewell/Kenleigh Family Trilogy, Book One): Pamela Clare

“For five pounds in cash, the convict was hers. Though Cassie hated the slave trade, her Virginia plantation demanded labor, and she knew this fevered man would surely die is she left him. But as his wounds healed and his muscled chest bronzed from the sun, Cassie realized Cole Braden was far more dangerous that his papers had indicated—for he could steal her breath with a glance or lay siege to her senses with a touch.

“Abducted, beaten, and given a new name, Alec went from master of an English shipbuilding empire to fourteen years of indentured servitude in the American colonies. There, he was known as Cole Braden, a convicted ravisher and defiler of women. And while he longed to ravish the auburn-haired beauty who owned him, he knew his one hope of earning her love—and his freedom—was to prove his true identity. Only then could he turn the tables and attain his…Sweet Release.”

Once more, I was looking for a new author to read and discovered a real gem! I want to cut straight to the chase: Pamela Clare’s writing was absolutely fantastic. Her characters were stunning and her plot was completely unique. I was so pulled in by her story that I simply could not put it down.

Normally, I am undaunted by the size of a book, but this one seemed like it would take me forever. The writing—though terribly interesting—made me feel that this would be a long-winded book. However, the more I read, the more I enjoyed myself. So, as a note to readers, don’t be intimidated. You must read further to get the full effect of this fantastic author. She’s extremely talented and I am excited about reading more of her works in the very near future.

The MacKinnon's Bride (MacKinnon Sisters, Book One): Tanya Anne Crosby

“THE WARRIOR’S VENGEANCE

“Fiercely loyal to clan alone, Iain MacKinnon will never be a slave to King or conqueror—even when his son, Malcom, is taken hostage by a lackey of the English-loving sovereign. Answering treachery in kind, the proud Scottish chieftain kidnaps the beautiful wild daughter of young Malcom’s captor—unaware that his prisoner’s father is well pleased to be rid of the troublesome wench!

“THE MACKINNON’S BRIDE

“He is the enemy—yet the fire that burns in Iain MacKinnon’s eyes kindles a passion in Page FitzSimon that she has never permitted herself to feel. But the bewitching hellion is determined to resist the MacKinnon, even as her body awakens—not knowing she has enchanted the true and guarded heart of a champion who now must protect and cherish her always.”

I’ve never read Tanya Anne Crosby before and I have to say that she now ranks up there with some of my favorite authors! As usual, I was excited about reading a new author, but I didn’t want to get my hopes up. Crosby, however, did not disappoint!

Her characters were FANTASTIC! The dialogue was some of THE BEST that I have ever read and I could hear their voices in my head. (I will say, however, that the Scottish dialogue might be a bit more difficult for others to comprehend if they do not have the time or imagination to put into it. I promise that it’s worth it though!) The plot itself was interesting and different. It kept me reading page after page and I just did not want to put it down. I am really, really looking forward to reading the second in the MacKinnon Sisters series!

His Lordship's Desire: Joan Wolf

“Napoleon’s troops stand defeated and Wellington’s Spanish campaign is over. Now a dedicated British soldier enters a very different kind of war: a battle for the woman he loves…

“The eldest son of the Earl of Standish and heir to his late father’s holdings, Alexander Devize is summoned home to his duties in England. Waiting for him, he believes, is Diana Sherwood, the irrepressible beauty with whom he shared an unforgettable night of passion, a young woman he fully intends to marry. But Diana, lovelier and more headstrong than ever, has other intentions.

“A soldier’s daughter, Diana refuses to suffer the harsh world of being a soldier’s wife and plans instead her coming out in London, ignoring the memories of wild and reckless Alex. Convinced she’d found the proper, stable gentleman in Robert Welbourne, she pursues her course, unaware of a treachery building around her—or of the unwavering devotion of a soldier willing to fight for all he’s worth in a battle he must not lose.”

Took me long enough, but I finally finished this book by Joan Wolf. I am not really sure why it took me so long… The only explanation I can offer is the fact that the book seemed to slow down a little.

This is the first book I read by Joan Wolf, so—as usual—it takes me a bit to get used to an author that is so different from what I usually read. Her writing wasn’t bad; it was just a little bit different. I think part of what made it take so long for me to read was the fact that I wasn’t really seeing as much emotional expression as in other authors’ books. I think the only real way to describe this book is a “love story” and not really a “romance novel”. It wasn’t a bad book, but not entirely my cup of tea. The characters were sweet and I really liked the plot as well.

Upon the Midnight Clear (Dark-Hunter Series, Book Twenty-two): Sherrilyn Kenyon

“EVER THINK SCROOGE HAD IT RIGHT BEFORE THE GHOSTS RUINED HIS LIFE? MEET AIDAN O’CONNER.

“At one time he was a world-renowned celebrity who gave freely of himself and his money without wanting anything in return…until those around him took without asking. Now Aidan wants nothing to do with the world—or anyone who’s part of it.

“WHEN A STRANGER APPEARS ON HIS DOORSTEP, AIDAN KNOWS HE’S SEEN HER BEFORE…IN HIS DREAMS.

“Born on Olympus as a goddess, Leta knows nothing of the human world. But a ruthless enemy has driven her from the world of dreams and into the home of the only man who can help her: Aidan. Her immortal powers are derived from human emotions—and his anger is just the fuel she needs to defend herself…

“ONE COLD WINTER’S NIGHT WILL CHANGE THEIR LIVES FOREVER…

“Trapped together in a brutal winter storm, Aidan and Leta must turn to the only power capable of saving them—or destroying them both: trust.”

Yay! I finally got to read another Sherrilyn Kenyon book! This one was short and sweet with fantastic characters and an interesting—yet simple—plot. It was one of the easier books of Kenyon’s to follow and it was nice (not that I don’t enjoy her more complicated books!).

Aidan was entertaining. His angst made for a captivating plot and back-story and Leta was the perfect counterpart for him. Overall, it was well-written and a fun read—not to mention that I REALLY enjoyed the little short story at the end of the book. It was cool to see so many different views.

Falling In Love Again: Cathy Maxwell

“A BRIDE SCORNED

“Highborn country heiress Mallory Edwards was dutifully fulfilling family obligations when she exchanged marriage vows with a dashing gentleman she barely knew. But the charming beast, John Barron, abandoned her on their wedding night. Now, years later—evicted from her home and facing prison because of her husband’s debts—she has finally found the blackguard again. And she’s not leaving until the faithless rogue grants her a divorce!

“A GROOM ENCHANTED

“Who is this extraordinary hellion who burst into John’s wild London soiree? Could it be the forgotten rural miss whom his father once forced him to wed? Now that Mallory has reentered his life, John desperately wants her to stay—and not simply because he needs her help to trap the embezzler who is ruining them both. The lady has bewitched John Barron with her sensuality and her fire. But to win her hardened heart, he will have to change more than his mind—and become a caring and thoughtful true husband worthy of her passion and unparalleled love.”

All I can say is Cathy Maxwell is a fantastic author! Her writing was beautiful and her plot and characters were enthralling. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and found myself looking forward to having a chance to pick it up.

What was amazing to me was the fact that not only was the book wonderful, but it was BASED ON REAL PEOPLE! The main characters really existed! I couldn’t believe it! I have never read an author that was brave enough to attempt something like this. Yes, I have read books that the authors have set in actual battles or the main characters interact with people who really existed, but I have never read a book in which the main characters were real. I was SO impressed and I can’t wait to find out if Cathy Maxwell has done that with more of her books.

The Mad Marquis: Fiona Carr

“SPURRING A MAD DESIRE

“Julia Westfall was being forced into marriage—with her fiercest rival on the hunt field. True, Henry Pelham was the man to whom she’d lost her heart, and he was still her secret dream. But what the widowed marquis proposed was hardly suitable—a loveless union with no children. A woman who raced her own stallions for the thrill and challenge of it could hardly be expected to rein in her passion.

“Her new husband saw his dotty aunt, loopy uncle, and willful daughter as evidence that madness ran in his family, as proof that siring more offspring would be irresponsible. But Julia would show that the craziest thing he could do was spurn her advances. For her most exciting and dashing competitor on horseback would soon be her most potent and powerful match in the bedroom.”

This was the first book by Fiona Carr that I’ve had an opportunity to read. I must say that I was impressed. The book started out interestingly enough, slowed only a little bit (though I might have to attribute that to the fact that I’m on a vacation with my two little cousins who demand a lot of attention), then really picked up pace. I LOVED the characters and the plot was fascinating. This was genuinely a fun read! I caught myself smiling on more than one occasion.

In other words, I really enjoyed it. Fiona Carr is a very talented author and I will try to get my hands on her other book as soon as possible!

Brave Land, Brave Love (Australia Trilogy, Book Three): Connie Mason

“BRAVE, BOLD AND BRASH…

“those were the traits of the men bred in the land down under, and there was none braver than Ben Penrod. Only one thing would turn his sun-bronzed visage pale, and that was a marriage-minded female. Though Ben was heir to the vast Australian holdings of Penrod station, he had no intention of saddling himself with a wife…until he met his match in the most alluring and contrary creature he’d ever beheld. With hair like moonbeams and eyes like aquamarines, Tia was only as big as a child, yet her lush curves proclaimed her all woman. With manners as dainty as those of any fine lady, she could charm his highborn friends, yet her salty language would make a Cockney blush. And instead of being pursued, Ben found himself being refused by the one woman who had captured his heart for all time!”

Ah, yes. The finale to the Australia trilogy by Connie Mason. It took me quite a while to get to it, but it was well worth it. I was not disappointed in the least! The recurring characters from the past two novels definitely remained true. The settings were written in Connie Mason’s usual eloquent manner. I was thoroughly impressed yet again by the quality of the writing and I could not read it fast enough. It flowed perfectly and I practically devoured it.

As always, look for more reviews on Connie Mason in the future!

Once More: Colleen Faulkner

“AGAINST THE MAGNIFICENT BACKDROP OF STUART ENGLAND, BESTSELLING AUTHOR COLLEEN FAULKNER HAS WOVEN A SPELLBINDING TALE OF A MAN CLOAKED IN SECRECY, A WOMAN BOUND BY DUTY, AND A FORBIDDEN DESIRE THAT CAN ONLY BE FULFILLED BY THE POWER OF LOVE…

“ONCE MORE

“Julia Thomas faces her wedding day with dread. Twice her age, Simeon, the earl of St. Martin, has an appetite for cruelty, yet Julia is bound by duty to marry him. Now, alone among the disturbing occupants of Simeon’s home and terrified of his viciousness, the red-haired beauty turns for companionship to his cousin, Griffin St. Martin, the one man who seems to be everything she’d ever dreamed of, but who may not be anything he seems…

“Devotion to king and country has forced Griffin St. Martin to live a lie, agreeing to a loveless marriage and years of secret service safeguarding the royal heir. Now, his only aim is to root out a lethal plot against the new king—the one that Simeon himself may be hatching. Simeon’s young bride is an unexpected complication, and one that becomes an irresistible temptation. As Griffin attempts to unravel both the deadly scheme and his own undeniable longings, Julia finds herself tangled in a desire that threatens all she loves—as well as her own life…”

So I decided to try a new author and picked up this book by Colleen Faulkner. From reading the back of the book, I knew that it could be either really good or just like every other romance novel. However, as I got more and more into the story, I really fell for the characters. I must admit that Griffin was one of my ALL TIME favorite characters! He was hilarious and mysterious (a winning combination in my book). The plot—which started out simple—quickly picked up its pace and became more interesting as time went on. As for the rest of the characters; you either loved them or you hated them. There really wasn’t anything in between. I think that’s difficult for an author to do, especially in a book with this many characters.

Overall, I did really like this book and was impressed with Faulkner’s writing. She turned something ordinary (in the world of romance novels) and made it extraordinary. I especially LOVED the plot twists she integrated!!! I will definitely read more of her in the future!

Devil May Cry (Dark-Hunter Series, Book Twenty-one): Sherrilyn Kenyon

“Sin, an ancient Sumerian god, was one of the most powerful among his pantheon—until the night Artemis robbed him of his godhood and left him one step from death….

“For millennia, the ex-god turned Dark-Hunter Sin has sought to regain his powers and take revenge on Artemis. But now he has bigger fish—or in this case, demons—to fry. The lethal gallu that were buried by his pantheon are stirring, and they are hungry for human flesh. Their goal: to destroy mankind. Sin is the only one who can stop them…if a certain woman doesn’t kill him first.

“Enemies have always made strange bedfellows, but never more so than when the fate of the world hangs in the balance. Now a man who only knows betrayal must trust the one person most likely to hand him to the demons. Artemis may have stolen his godhood, but this one has stolen his heart. The only question is: Will she keep it…or feed it to those who want him dead?”

Yay! I was SO beyond excited to pick up a Sherrilyn Kenyon book once more after all of this time. (I’ve been spacing out my reading so I won’t finish everything she has written in a week…) I looked forward to reading this book and it most certainly didn’t disappoint!

Sin was a fantastic hero! I loved his story (though the angsty stuff might not be for everybody) and it was fascinating given the fact that I just learned all about the Sumerians and their gods in college. Ah, the irony. Anyhow, Acheron played a rather big role in this book and it was wonderful to see him again. I really don’t want to give anything away, but there was an awesome plot twist that really brought everything together and new evil is afoot…and I don’t mean Stryker has a new plan… (You’ll have to read it to find out!)

I loved this book and devoured it. If you read it, drop by and let me know what you thought!

Love's Blazing Ecstasy: Kathryn Kramer

***Sorry there is no picture for this book. It's from 1984 and kind of difficult to find an image of it online! I will try scanning it in as soon as I have the time.***

“PASSION’S SLAVE

“When she saw the dangerous glitter in the Roman soldier’s eyes, Wynne knew she was lost, yet she could not forget that she was a Celt and he and enemy of her people. But as Valerian’s amber eyes caressed each soft, sensuous curve of her body, Wynne found herself melting into his embrace of a thousand teasing kisses and hot throbbing passion…

“PASSION’S POWER

“This golden goddess was forbidden fruit, but Valerian could not resist such an innocent, ripe blossom, whose silken skin and moist honey-sweet lips set him on fire. And in one wild, reckless moment of uncontrollable need, Valerian conquered Wynne’s body and soul and filled her with—

“LOVE’S BLAZING ECSTASY”

This was the first book by Kathryn Kramer that I’ve read. I actually acquired it from my mother who was cleaning out the basement and found a whole box full of her old romance novels and I was really excited because I thought that there were some good ones in there. This one, however, was not one of the best that I have read.

I’m not saying that this was a bad book, per say, but it just wasn’t my cup of tea. I don’t know if it was because of the style of writing or if the writing itself was influenced by the decade in which it was written, but there was something not quite right about it. Everything seemed to drag on and on. The dialogue was overly dramatic, but the plot was interesting. This was the first book that I’ve read that took place in Britain during the Roman occupation and it was interesting. I really liked all the parts containing the Celts and the history itself was interesting.

All in all, this book might be for someone who enjoys writers with a flair for the dramatic, but it just wasn’t for me.

Once a Mistress: Debra Mullins

“Hard-Hearted Captor…

“He was the dark, dashing rogue of Diana Covington’s fantasies…until he literally swept her off her feet, swooping across the ship’s deck on a rope to rescue her from her evil abductor. But now Diana is the captive of this handsome, charming pirate—and who will save the beautiful heiress from the bold stranger whose burning kisses inspire such unmaidenly thoughts?

“Or Man of Her Dreams?

“Alex Rawnsley is merely living up to his rakish reputation when he claims lovely Diana as his mistress—but he had no intention of plundering her fiery innocence. This Earl-in-disguise hides behind tales of pillage and seduction in order to win vengeance—not love. Yet the mere thought of one passionate night with the defiant beauty is more than enough to tempt Alex to forget his pledge to return her home—untouched.”

So—in case you haven’t noticed—I have been on a sort of a “kick” with reading new authors. I’m finding some real gems, with this book being one of the best. I bought this book at a local library book sale and thought I would give Debra Mullins a try. I was most definitely not disappointed!!!

Her writing was absolutely beautiful and the characters were amazing. I loved the plot and the settings and, overall, it was a fantastically written book. Everything was very well-thought-out and it all came together to make the book very fun to read. The author really made this time period come alive with her swashbuckling pirates and her epic battle scenes. I loved every page of this book and would be more than pleased to read more of Mullins’ works!

Watchmen: Alan Moore, Dave Gibbons

Now, with all of the hype with the Watchmen movie around, I figured that it was only fair that I read the graphic novel. I saw the movie and (though it took me a day or two) I decided that I actually loved it. I know what you're probably thinking... "Why didn't she read the novel before she saw the movie like any normal person?" Well, simply because I COULD NOT get my hands on a copy!!! I had to wait weeks before I was able to get one! Anyway, I actually finished reading it a few days ago, but I haven't gotten to sit down and review it until now.

Well, I really liked it. I was amazed at how like the graphic novel the movie was! (Though I am sure that that's more praise for the movie than the novel...) The art itself was fantastic and the writing was genius. It was a really good read; however, I will say that parts dragged on or were hard to follow, but the rest of the novel quickly made up for it. I think that this is definitely deserving of another read-through or two.

The Guardian: Barbara Miller

“For seven years, Miss Amy Conde has run a successful horse breeding enterprise on her country estate, Talltrees. She longs to bring new blood into her line with a younger stallion, but that requires capital—money her absent guardian is willfully withholding. Until Amy turns twenty-five in three months’ time, Mr. Trent Severn controls her fate, and she bitterly resents his interference.

“Trent’s role in aiding his country’s war against Napoleon has consumed the last decade of his life. When he thinks of his ward, he remembers a little girl he met once, at her father’s funeral. Then he comes to Talltrees and finds that Amy is now a capable, strong-willed businesswoman—and a vital, passionate soul who regards him with deep disgust. Stunned beyond measure, he determines to find her a husband who will take her off his hands. But when an eligible suitor does arrive, Trent and Amy discover the heated emotion that sparked between them from the first is rapidly turning to desire.”

This is the first of Barbara Miller’s books that I have read and I must admit that I am impressed. I found this book at our local library’s book sale and was drawn by the cover. However, once I began reading, I was drawn into the book for an entirely different reason.

The characters were fun and exciting. They were very different from A LOT of the other books that I’ve read and it was really captivating. The plot, itself, was unique and I recommend this book to someone who is looking for a little change in their romance reading. I will definitely look for Miller in the future!

Tangled Reins: Stephanie Laurens

“Miss Dorothea Darent had no intention of ever getting married, until a dashing stranger with hazel eyes kissed her under a blackberry tree. Haunted by their kiss, the Marquis of Hazelmere, a notorious scoundrel, was determined to win Dorothea’s heart, even while she was busy dazzling other London socialites. Dorothea had a choice to make: stick with her plan to stay a respectable spinster, or run into the arms of her dashing stranger….”

Stephanie Laurens was a new author for me and I was really excited to read her works. I knew from the start that I was going to really enjoy her writing. Her characters were beautifully written and their personalities were so real. The plot was fun and different. I was constantly interested and was excited to read more. It was difficult to put down. However…This book was not like what I normally read. Parts of it were much tamer than I am used to and anyone who reads the other books that I recommend will agree. This isn’t really a bad thing, it’s just different. This would be perfect for someone who is a little more sensitive to the more “explicit” parts of romance novels.

Either way, the book was a good one and It was nice to read, but not entirely my style.

Challenge to Honor (Master at Arms, Book One): Jennifer Blake

“They were professionally trained, highly skilled men of valor, but the roguish dangerous sword masters were not always respectable…

“When her brother challenges New Orleans’s most infamous swordsman to a duel, Celina Vallier boldly confronts his opponent, Rio de Silva, determined to thwart what would be her brother’s certain death. Legendary maître d’armes agrees…for a price.—Celina’s innocence.

“Though Rio is captivated by Celina’s beauty and courage, she is also the perfect pawn for his revenge. She is to be betrothed to his sworn enemy, the Count de Lérida. And what sweet vengeance it would be to take the bride before the wedding.

“But neither anticipates the tangled web of scandal and danger that will soon follow. Devious plots are afoot, and Celina is wary of trusting anyone, including the man whose brazen sensuality tempts her to think of nothing but her own desires….”

I decided to try to read a new author and picked out this book by Jennifer Blake. I really enjoy reading about New Orleans and this period in history in particular. I was really excited to learn about the maître d’armes and I liked the whole idea behind this series.

The book started off really interesting and it made me want to read more and more…then…it slowed a bit. Don’t get me wrong, the book was beautifully written—in fact, it sometimes felt more like a screenplay than a novel because Blake has a talent for setting up her scenes like an actual film. The descriptions were wonderful…but I have never read a book with more dialogue… I hate to admit it, but this made this book just not my cup of tea. I’m not saying that the book was bad, it just wasn’t for me. I enjoy reading about what the characters are thinking and what motivates them. It makes them seem more real with a depth that captivates the readers. I am not saying that others won’t love this book—I really enjoyed a lot of it—but I am just warning others that—if they have liked the other books that I have recommended, then they may not completely love this book.

As this is the first in a series, I may or may not continue this series.

The Outlaws—Rafe (The Outlaws, Book One): Connie Mason

“He Was Going To Hang

“Rafe Gentry had committed plenty of sins, but not the robbery and murder that had landed him in jail. Now, with a lynch mob out for his blood, he was staring death in the face…until a blond beauty with the voice of an angel stepped in to redeem him.

“She Was Going To Wed

“There was only one way to rescue the dark and dangerous outlaw from the hanging tree—by claiming him as the fictitious fiancé she was supposed to meet in Pueblo. But Sister Angela Abbot never anticipated that she would have to make good on her claim and actually marry the rogue. Railroaded into a hasty wedding, reeling from the raw, seductive power of Rafe’s kiss, she wondered whether she had made the biggest mistake of her life, or the most exciting leap of faith.”

So, I’m back to reading more Connie Mason! (I’ve noticed a trend in my reading lately…there’s a pattern of Connie Mason and Sherrilyn Kenyon…so I think to keep things interesting, I’m going to have to read a new author next.)

This was the first in Mason’s The Outlaws series and it was an interesting start. I liked Rafe’s character a lot and Angel was fun to watch too—though both were similar to other Mason characters I’ve seen before. I mentioned in my last review that there was a pretty common thread in Mason’s books. This one deviated a little and it made it easier to read. I liked seeing more variety in Connie Mason’s writing—though; don’t get me wrong, I love Mason’s writing! I’m pretty excited to get my hands on the next book in this series.

1800’s, romance, novel, book, western, cowboy, Colorado, America, Kansas, mine, The Outlaws, outlaw, wanted

Dark Hunger (Manga Version): Christine Feehan

“FEEL THE NEED…

“He is Riordan…Carpathian male. Immortal. Seer. Now trapped and caged, his honor is compromised by his captors. They’re in his mind. They’re in his blood. But not one of them can withstand his desire for revenge.

“She is Juliette…A Beautiful activist devoted to the liberation of animals from the foul and humid confines of a secret jungle lab. What she has stumbled upon is unexpected—a prisoner like no other she has ever seen. Or touched.

“She will release from his bonds. He will release her from her inhibitions. Each has a voracious appetite that must be sated.

“…DARK HUNGER

“FEED IT.”

So, occasionally, I will pick up a manga or two (and I'm REALLY excited to read the manga version of Sherrilyn Kenyon's book, but that's another story...) and this one caught my eye. A while ago, I read the actual short story of this and I liked it. The plot was interesting and I believe that this manga followed it pretty well. However, I think the short story was a bit easier to follow and it explained things in a better manner; but I can't really fault the creators of this manga because I understand that it's not necessarilly easy to compile an entire plot into a manga. It was still well-done and I REALLY loved to finally have a face to the characters. I'll look for more Feehan manga in the future.

The Dream-Hunter (Dark-Hunter Series, Book Twenty): Sherrilyn Kenyon

“IN THE ETHERIAL WORLD OF THE DREAM-HUNTERS

“Condemned by the gods to live eternity without emotions, Arikos can only feel when he’s in the dreams of others. For thousands of years, he’s drifted through the human unconscious, searching for sensation. Now he’s finally found a dreamer whose vivid mind can fill his emptiness.

“THERE ARE CHAMPIONS WHO FIGHT TO PROTECT THE DREAMER….

“Dr. Megeara Kafieri watched her father ruin himself and his reputation as he searched to prove Atlantis was real. Her deathbed promise to him to salvage his reputation has now brought her to Greece where she intends to prove once and for all that the fabled island is right where her father said it was. Instead, she finds a stranger floating in the sea—one whose face she’d seen many times…in her dreams.

“AND THERE ARE DEMONS WHO PREY ON THEM.

“What she doesn’t know is that Arik holds more than the ancient secrets that can help her find the mythical isle of Atlantis. He has made a pact with the god Hades: In exchange for two weeks as a mortal man, he must return to Olympus with a human soul—Megeara’s.”

I was really excited about reading this book! This was a book all about the Dream-Hunters and it was a very interesting change-up. Sherrilyn Kenyon has done it again! She’s managed to suck her readers in with her fantastic plots and captivating characters. However, I have to admit that there were a lot of characters (the other Dream-Hunters) that were a bit difficult to keep straight, but I managed with a little effort. I liked how Kenyon explained more about the world of the Dream-Hunters because it made the entire story easier to follow. It was really neat to see more of Olympus and the other gods as well. I think I would have liked to have learned more about the background of certain characters, but it was still a good book nonetheless.

***SPOILER***

I didn’t know until the very end, but this book took place even before Kyrian’s story! It was cool to see a bit more of some “behind the scenes” type things, though it did make me a little choked up when I got to the part about Nick and his mother…

Fear the Darkness (Dark-Hunter Series, Book Nineteen): Sherrilyn Kenyon

***This is Nick’s short story! As it is an exclusive e-book, there isn’t really a synopsis, sorry! It is available on Sherrilyn Kenoyn’s website at www.sherrilynkenyon.com.***

Short, but tantalizing as well as informative, this short story was a VERY quick read and interesting. It made me really want more. I fell for Nick (as did many other readers) back in Kyrian’s book and I’ve been having a really hard time handling what this guy has been going through and the choices he has made. Like many others, I kind of understood why Nick acted the way he did, but it was still difficult to swallow. This short story, however, gave me the insight I needed to better understand his decisions and motivations. Overall, it was a good short story—shorter than I’m used to—but it was classic Sherrilyn Kenyon. All great.

Promised Splendor: Connie Mason

“ “I won’t cheat you, Glenna,” Kane Morgan swore in the heat of passion. “I promise you’ll find only pleasure in my arms.” And pleasure—searing, breathtaking, exquisite pleasure—was what she did find as Kane took her innocence amidst the whispering pines of the Colorado wilderness. Lovely, flame-haired Glenna longed to give him her soul as well as her body, but she had come West to avenge her father’s death, and she could not promise her heart until she’d brought his murderer to justice. Caught in a trap of her own making, estranged from the only man she would ever love, Glenna prayed he would return to make good his passionate vows. For only in Kane’s strong arms could she find the sweet ecstasy of….

“PROMISED SPLENDOR”

Another hit by Connie Mason! This book took me a while to read (though I know school was a major factor in that), but it was good nonetheless. I really love her characters—especially her leading male roles. They are easy to fall for and fascinating to watch develop. As I’ve mentioned before, Mason has a knack for writing settings in such a way that the readers feel as if they are actually there. I caught myself on more than one occasion feeling as if I were actually watching a movie instead of reading a book. Her writing is so easy to get sucked into.

Overall, the plot was interesting and fun. Lately…I have been noticing some common threads throughout all of Mason’s books that I’ve read. I don’t know how I feel about this, but it’s not terrible. Certainly, I will be reading more of Mason in the future (but I will keep a lookout for the patterns I’ve noticed…hopefully I’m not disappointed…)

Love at First Bite (Contains Dark-Hunter Series, Book Eighteen): Sherrilyn Kenyon, L.A. Banks, Susan Squires, Ronda Thompson

“PRIMAL KISSES. EROTIC SECRETS. ETERNAL PASSION.

“Sink your teeth into these sexy supernatural stories from some of today’s hottest authors.

““Until Death Do Us Part” by Sherrilyn Kenyon

“Over five hundred years ago, Esperetta’s soul was bound to her husband’s by dark magic, and when Velkan became a Dark-Hunter, to her horror, she became immortal as well. Now, they must come together to fight an old enemy…and the passion that threatens to consume them once more.”

Need I say how much I love Kenyon’s works? She’s the reason I bought this book!!! Anyhow, this was a fantastic short story! I loved the characters and the plot was unique—even for her Dark-Hunter Series. I was very impressed! I thought the story behind this tale was brilliant and so well-thought-out. Her characters were very likable (as always) and they easily become very dear to the readers. So far, this is one of my absolute favorite short stories by Sherrilyn Kenyon!

““Ride the Night Wind” by L.A. Banks

“Dark dreams haunt Jose Ciponte, dreams of a woman so beautiful he aches for her—and a deadly enemy who stalks them in the night. And now those dreams have become a reality…”

Well…another work by L.A. Banks…I still feel bad about reviewing her works whenever I read them… I don’t think it’s very fair because—as I have stated before—the writing is just not for me… I will admit that this is the best work that I’ve read by this author, but that’s where I will stop.

““The Gift” by Susan Squires

“All major Davis Ware wants to do is propose to the beautiful Emma Fairchild. Instead, he is called back into battle, and a desperate fate. And Emma will venture into hell itself to save him.”

This story was a bit hard to follow at first, but it quickly got me caught up in the fast-moving plot. I liked the characters and the story a good deal. The plot, itself, was unique and fun (Well…as fun as a vampire war can be!) It had new twists and I really liked that a lot. Overall, it was a sweet, fun, and interesting short story.

““The Forgotten One” by Ronda Thompson

“Lady Anne Baldwin longs to break free from her proper bonds. When she meets the mysterious Merrick, whose eyes glow like a wolf’s, she may have found more than she bargained for.”

I’ve read Ronda Thompson before and this short story definitely lived up to my expectations. I really enjoyed her writing the other time I read it and this was just as good. I like her style and her characters are very, very likable. Her plotlines are captivating and (though there was a little bit at the end that I wish she’d explained a little better). I very much look forward to reading more of Thompson in the future.

Wild Land, Wild Love (Australia Trilogy, Book Two): Connie Mason

“AUSTRALIA, 1812

“It was a virgin land waiting to be explored, a wild frontier peopled by even wilder men, a place where a defenseless woman risked both her virtue and her life. But hot-tempered, high-spirited Kate McKenzie was sure she could survive in Australia on her own…until she met her match in Robin Fletcher. In the brawny arms of the former convict she discovered that a defenseless woman can have the time of her life losing her virtue to the right man.”

As the sequel to Connie Mason’s book, Bold Land, Bold Love, this was a perfect book. It was wonderfully written with fascinating plot twists and the return of all of the readers’ beloved characters from the previous book. I laughed and got choked up a little; I felt for the characters and thoroughly enjoyed the story. It was so much fun to return to 19th century Australia and witness the development of the untamed land and the people who were brave enough to conquer it—even if they had a difficult time admitting their love to the people who mattered most (as was the case with Kate McKenzie). I recommend this book and any of Mason’s other works because they truly do touch something inside of the readers.

Bold Land, Bold Love (Australia Trilogy, Book One): Connie Mason

“NEW SOUTH WALES, 1807 – It was a vast land of wild beauty and wilder passions; a frontier as yet untamed by man; a place where women had few rights and fewer pleasures.

“For a female convict like flame-haired Casey O’Cain, it was a living nightmare. Exquisitely beautiful, utterly helpless, she was expected to cater to her master’s every whim. And from the first, arrogant, handsome Dare Penrod made it clear what he wanted of her. Casey knew she should fight him with every breath in her body, but her heart told her he could make a paradise of this wilderness for her. His callused hands took rights she should never have granted, his warm lips whispered of pleasures she had never known, and his hard body promised a love she would never relinquish.”

I have always loved Connie Mason’s writing, but this book truly solidified her on my list of favorite authors! I cannot fathom the amount of thought and effort that went into this book. There were SOOOOO many plot twists that kept me guessing; so many varied, vivid settings; and SO many historical aspects to this book that I have a hard time believing that anyone could not appreciate it. I love falling for Mason’s characters and feeling their emotions. The situations are captivating and unique.

This book was a rather long read, but I honestly do not believe that it could, or SHOULD be shortened in any way! Overall, this was a great book with a very deep plot and fantastic characters. I love Connie Mason and HIGHLY recommend her!

The Knight's Redemption: Joanne Rock

“The Curse Of Spinsterhood Lay Upon Her

“But Ariana Glamorgan swore she would dispel the fog that clouded men’s minds and be seen as she really was—particularly by Roarke Barret, a knight of great prowess beset by sorrows of his own. For prophecy foretold him as the true destined husband of her heart…!

“ ’Twas no matter who Roarke Baret wed, so long as the lady was Welsh. However, secrets made a poor dowry, and in hiding her true identity, Ariana brought lies in abundance to the marriage bed. He’d been deceived…and yet Roarke remained intrigued by this woman who awakened magic in his soul…!”

Yet again…this is one of the books that I forgot to review…for almost a year… This one, in particular, I remember liking a lot. It was a fun read with well-written characters that easily make the readers care for them.

The plot was creative and was constantly moving—making for an overall good book. This is the only book I have read by Joanne Rock, but I would definitely like to read more.

My Lady Angel: Joanna Maitland

“Was Lady Angelina Penrose some grasping Harpy?

“Or the beautiful widow longing for love that others saw. The Earl of Penrose wanted to think the worst. But when he learned otherwise, Frederick doubted he could ever make amends for their unfortunate introduction. Until he spotted Angel at a ball that could ruin her reputation…and he felt honor bound to save her!

“Abused by her late husband, Angel had some to the risqué ball for a little harmless flirtation. And she found it with a mysterious stranger known only as Max. But even under the spell cast by Max’s gentle kisses, she sensed there was something disturbingly familiar about her masked lover….”

This is yet another of the books that I read a long time ago and am just getting around to reviewing. I remember certain parts of the plot stuck out at me as unique and interesting—like the fact that the author was brave enough to write about a husband abusing the heroine. I commend her for that—though it’s a terrible subject. However, I distinctly remember how it was a bit hard for me to finish the book. It took me a while to get through. Not to mention that the quotation marks throughout the book were not the proper ones that should be used in dialogue; read it and you’ll see what I mean. (I know that sounds like I’m being a jerk, but that’s just what my friends call the “Grammar Nazi” in me…)

A Perilous Attraction: Patricia Frances Rowell

“Being Force-Marched To The Alter Made An Inauspicious Start To Marriage

“But because dire financial straits had bound her to the enigmatic Earl of Caldbeck, Catherine Maury resolved to make the best of it. Yet could she break through his mysterious restraint an uncover the secret of his true nature?

“Charles Randolph, Earl of Caldbeck, had always guarded his emotions closely, and an insidious danger to his people only deepened his reserve. But now that he’d taken fiery, greathearted Catherine to wife, he could feel that the walls around his heart were close to tumbling down!”

So, I read this nearly a year ago, but it was during that period where I just did not review anything that I read. If my memory serves me correctly, this was an entertaining read. I remember liking Caldbeck very much and finding the plot unique and interesting. It was the first—and, so far—the only work that I’ve read by Patricia Frances Rowell and I really actually enjoyed it. It made me smile and it was a decent read. I would recommend it.

My Big Fat Supernatural Wedding (Contains Dark-Hunter Series, Book Seventeen): Sherrilyn Kenyon, Charlaine Harris, Jim Butcher, Lori Handeland & more

“WEREWOLVES, VAMPIRES, WITCHES, VOODOO, ELVIS—AND WEDDINGS

“An “ordinary” wedding can get crazy enough, so can you imagine what happens when otherworldly creatures are involved? Nine of the hottest authors of paranormal fiction answer that question in this delightful collection of supernatural wedding stories. What’s the seating plan when rival clans of werewolves and vampires meet under the same roof? How can a couple in the throes of love overcome traps set by feuding relatives…who are experts at voodoo? Will you have a good marriage if your high-seas wedding is held on a cursed ship? How do you deal with a wedding singer who’s just a little too good at impersonating Elvis?

“SHAPE-SHIFTERS, WIZARDS, AND MAGIC, OH MY!

“Spellbound: L.A. Banks”

Well, this was not the first time that I read L.A. Banks, but I didn’t enjoy it as much as the first—and, for those of you who didn’t read my other review of Banks, I didn’t really like the writing to begin with. I REALLY don’t want to be completely down on Banks because it does take a lot of work to write, but there was just something lacking in both stories I have read by her. Plain and simple, her writing just isn’t for me. The plot was not fun to follow and there were just so many names and hardly any background at all (which was similar to the other short story of hers that I read). The overall idea of this story was cute and interesting, but things could definitely have been explained better, and I had a hard time feeling for the main characters at all. I was a little disappointed with this story and—in all honesty—really hoped that the book got better as I read.

“Something Borrowed: Jim Butcher”

I have never read Jim Butcher before, so this short story was a first. I liked the characters and the story was unique because it was written in the first-person. This isn’t easy to do and not many authors are able to pull it off, but I must say that Butcher did a very good job. His story was interesting and gave me good background and defined terms so I wouldn’t struggle through the story.

Now, this isn’t really my normal type of reading, but it was fairly compelling and a good, short read. Who knows? I might even read more of Butcher’s works in the future—even though he isn’t entirely my style.

“Dead Man’s Chest: Rachel Cane”

I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED this story!!! It has to be my favorite one in this book thus far. The characters were fun and realistic and the plot had captivating twists that kept me reading. ****This next part is a bit of a spoiler*** As soon as I read the description of Captain Lockhart, I instantly thought “oh boy…here’s a blatant copycat of Captain Jack Sparrow from Pirates of the Caribbean…” and that Rachel Cane was just a Pirates fanatic… But I was REALLY happy that Cane’s character realized how similar the situation was to Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl. She even went so far as to practically quote certain scenes that corresponded to the film. I laughed several times and found myself charmed by her characters.

Overall, the plot was unique and VERY interesting and would actually LOVE to read more of Rachel Cane in the future!

“ “All Shook Up”: P.N. Elrod”

This is the first writing by P.N. Elrod that I have gotten a chance to read and I really enjoyed it. Her characters were sweet and endearing and the plot was fun. I found myself guessing what was going to happen next and could not figure it out. (That’s pretty hard for an author to do that to me. Though, I will be honest, I think if I had read Elrod before, then I would have been able to figure it out.)

Anyhow, this was a very cute short story and found myself really liking the characters. I will probably read more of Elrod in the future.

“The Wedding of Wylda Serene: Esther M. Friesner”

Esther M. Friesner was another new author to me in this anthology. This was an interesting short story as a first reading from this author.

As I first started reading, I had no idea what to expect from this story. The language used—including the dialogue—was a bit wordy for my tastes. The story was written in the first-person (which wasn’t necessarily a bad thing), but the vocabulary was unnecessarily elaborate. I liked the plot twists and it was a cute story, but I may or may not read more of Friesner in the future.

“Charmed by the Moon: Lori Handeland”

I’ve read Lori Handeland before, in another anthology, and it was good to read her again. Her writing is fun; her characters are interesting; and her plots move very well. I don’t have much more to say about this short story because it’s all pretty straightforward and to-the-point, but it was all good nonetheless.

“Tacky: Charlaine Harris”

I don’t believe that I’ve read Charlaine Harris before, but this was a cute story. The plot was refreshing and interesting. There were refreshing bits to it that made the story unique and cute. The characters were fun and made me want to read more.

Overall, it was a nice short story and I may even read more works by Harris in the future.

“A Hard Day’s Night-Searcher: Sherrilyn Kenyon”

And here we are with Sherrilyn Kenyon again. Need I say how much I love her writing?

Anyway, once more, Kenyon has that unique ability to make her readers care about her characters in the span of only a few pages. It’s amazing! However, this was not one of my favorite works of hers, but it was still very cute and a fun read. The characters were interesting and it was cool to read more about a Dark-Hunter that I’d only barely seen before. Plus, I LOVED the fact that Rafael’s Squire, Jeff, wrote about the world of the Dark-Hunters and made it his own. It was hilarious and really dragged me into the story. Can’t wait to read more of Kenyon’s work!!!

“ “…Or Forever Hold Your Peace”: Susan Krinard”

This is the first work by Susan Krinard that I’ve read and I liked it more than I expected to. It was very unique and I instantly liked the characters. I know for certain that I wouldn’t have been able to understand what the heck was going on if Krinard hadn’t supplied background information, so I REALLY appreciate that. I actually really liked this short story and—though it isn’t my usual taste in reading materials—I think I may seek out other books by Krinard that are like this one.

***YAY!!! So, this is my 100th post for my book-review blog! I’m actually really excited about it! I wish I’d posted the books that I’d read in that gap between my first and second posts, but oh well…I will just end up making them my next few blog postings :) Anyhow, I LOVE doing this blog and would really appreciate some feedback. Just a “hey, what’s up”, let me know what you think of the books I review—whether you loved them or hated them, or even tell me that you think what I’m doing is stupid. I can take it! I know people read this and I would LOVE to hear from them! Peace out!***

*Just a note, my label for this post does not contain all of the authors of this anthology because I can only have 200 characters...sorry!*

The Lion's Bride: Connie Mason

“THE LADY AND THE LION

“Lord Lyon of Normandy had saved William the Conqueror from certain death on the battlefield, yet neither his strength nor his skill could defend him against the defiant beauty the king chose for his wife.

“Ariana of Cragmere lost her lands and her virtue to the mighty warrior, but the willful beauty swore never to surrender her heart.

“Saxon countess and Norman knight, Ariana and Lyon were born enemies. And in a land rent asunder by bloody wars and shifting loyalties, they were doomed to misery unless they could vanquish the hatred that divided them—and unite in glorious love.”

There’s actually a cute story behind my acquisition of this book. So, my mom has always been a big reader—just like me—and she was recently cleaning out our basement when she brought up a big cardboard box and told me I could have everything inside of it. It was full of her old books! Needless to say, I was SO excited because one can never have too many books. Among the books (many of them older than myself) was a book by Connie Mason titled The Lion’s Bride. I think it’s just so cool when an author can have an effect on two generations of avid readers.

Now, down to the actual review. As always, Connie Mason didn’t disappoint me in the least. Her characters were well-written and the plot was interesting. She does a very good job of creating amazing settings and dragging her readings into the periods her books take place in. However, I must admit that there is quite a bit of similarities in this book to her book titled A Touch So Wicked. Granted, there were differences because they took place in different centuries, but I couldn’t ignore the slight…“recycling”…if you will…(I don’t mean for that to be mean!) of the plots. This wasn’t necessarily a terrible thing, but it was definitely noticeable.

Overall, I really liked this book a lot and am very pleased with Mason, yet again!