On July 3, I blogged about dropping books I wasn't enjoying: "I had an epiphany. I do NOT have to finish every book I start. If it's bad, I'm allowed to stop wasting time on it."
So...what books haven't I finished recently?
Temping Fate by Esther Friesner - Okay, this is Young Adult, not my usual reading material, but I've been trying to expand, to taste other genres and see what's popular. And I've read a lot of Ms. Friesner's older fantasy books - they tend to be light, quick, reasonably entertaining reads when you don't want to have to think too much or feel too much. This contemporary paranormal YA got good reviews and many YA fantasy books do seem popular with more, umm, "mature" adult readers, so I decided to give it a try. I'm not saying it's a bad book - if you are a teenager you may love it. But I'm not a teenager - heck, my kids are no longer teenagers. I enjoyed the world she creates, the paranormal elements. But by halfway through, it was getting a bit tedious. And I was REALLY tired of the teenage angst and cliques and petty jealousies. So I stopped - I wasn't enjoying it, so I didn't spend any more time on it.
The Silver Fox and the Red-Hot Dove by Deborah Smith - This is an old (1991) LoveSwept. Hey, my TBR shelves have a long history! I'll catch up someday. Not bothering to waste time finishing this one allowed me to move on to other books from those overloaded shelves. This isn't badly written in style, but it is full of factual inaccuracies, cliches, and generally silly and unbelievable behavior by the characters. Oh, and since I skipped to the end just to see what happened, I discovered the heroine descends into a TSTL moment (not that she was particularly bright from the beginning) in order to bring about the big dramatic moment and self-sacrifice for looove.
Don of the Dead by Casey Daniels - I believe this is the start of a mystery series. Ex-rich girl now poor takes a job as tour guide in a Cleveland cemetery, falls and hits her head, and now can communicate with ghosts. It isn't bad, it just didn't grab me fast enough or hard enough to keep me going past Chapter One. I think maybe I was more in the mood for romance and deep emotion, and this isn't that. So I have put it aside for a while; maybe I'll give it another try someday.
With Nine You Get Vanyr by Jean Marie Ward & Teri Smith - If you decide to read this, keep a pad of paper and a pen handy from the start. There are SO many characters it's impossible to keep them all straight. Some of the personalities are not well defined, which makes it harder to remember the identity and role of each. And it goes from our world to an alternate universe with a whole other set of names and terms. The book definitely would have benefited by having in the front a list of characters and place names. The main characters of this story (I assume there will be sequels) just lacked something and I couldn't get into them even after a couple of chapters, so I put the book down. It's fantasy/scifi, not romance, so next time I'm in the mood for that genre I may give this another try - AND make those lists as I read, so I can keep checking on who is whom or what or where. But for now, I'll "just say No". (Oh, and the damned thing is printed in incredibly tiny font, making it really difficult to read.)
So, with the time I saved by not continuing to read the books I was not enjoying, I've been able to wallow in truly good books. Reviews to come, maybe.
Showing posts with label Book Reviews. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Book Reviews. Show all posts
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Book Review: The Leopard Prince by Elizabeth Hoyt
I’m on an historical romance kick at the moment, which is unusual for me—I’m a paranormal gal generally. But there actually seem to be some fresh voices and new styles coming out in historicals, to tempt me back to that genre!
Setting: 1760 England
This is definitely a character-driven story. I became thoroughly attached to the hero and heroine, and to the heroine's brothers. I was a bit less thrilled with her 15-year-old-sister, but hey, teenage girls even 250 years ago were as annoying and self-centered as they are nowadays.
Lady Georgina "George" Maitland is at her country estate to deal with problems with her young sister. She's basically been the mother figure in the family, taking care of her younger siblings because their father was uncaring and their mother sunk in hypochondria. George quickly becomes very interested in her new land steward, Harry Pye. She defends him when all the locals think he is sabotaging farmers on the neighboring estate in revenge against the lord of that land. George decides that at her age, she wants to experience passion, and Harry is just the type of man she wants. The more time George spends with Harry, the more she comes to admire his ethics and devotion and intelligence; she is however, very reluctant to commit to a permanent relationship or to make Harry feel trapped into marriage. Of course, her family is less than understanding about her affair with a man so much lower on the social and economic ladder than her, although eventually her brothers see Harry's quality and come to like him personally.
Meanwhile, we learn the sordid history of the neighbors, and the secret of Harry's parentage (no, this isn't the cliched plot where he is suddenly revealed as an aristocrat by birth). Lord Granville is a bit over the top as the villain—he's just tooooo evil, a madman with no redeeming qualities who's abused his wife and sons all his life, treated the people on his land with cruelty.
I can't describe too much without spoilers, but I must say I loved the interactions between George and her brothers, and their scenes with Harry. The scene at the end in the church is just hysterical in an understated way.
I do question the historical accuracy of the social and cultural elements of this story. Could even a noblewoman have that much legal autonomy and independence in that time period? Would she be so socially acceptable/fashionable when unmarried by age 28? Could the son of a gamekeeper truly rise to the position of steward of large estates, and marry the aristocratic lady without both of them being ostracized by Society? This time period is not one I’m very knowledgeable about—but it struck me as odd and requiring a good bit of “suspension of disbelief” while I was reading.
ISBN 9780446618489; US$6.99; © 2007
Warner Forever/Hachette Book Group
Book Review: No One Noticed the Cat by Anne McCaffrey
I first read this little fantasy when it originally came out ten years ago. I remembered it fondly and so was thrilled when it was reissued this summer.
The story takes place in the sorta medieval kingdom of Esphaia. The wise and careful regent Mangan has just died, leaving young Prince Jamas to prove he can run the country on his own. Jamas learned well from his regent, and he has a very special advantage--Mangan's cat Niffy seems to have some special skills at judging people and situations, and now becomes Jamas' companion and protector.
Jamas quickly has to deal with the ambitious ruler of the neighboring country. King Egdril seems most inclined to encourage relations by a marriage between the two families, but his wicked and conniving wife has other ideas. It's amazing how many nobles in their country have died recently, especially those who opposed the queen or had something she wanted.
One of Egdril's nieces, lovely Willow, does indeed catch Jamas' interest and he's more than willing to marry her. But she fears that she is being used in the evil queen's machinations and the marriage will only lead to Jamas' "accidental" death.
This is a cute and interesting little story. Niffy provides a touch of the paranormal, there is a mild, sweet romance between Jamas and Willow, and the suspense associated with how to end the murderous queen. This is, indeed, an excellent young adult fantasy, I recommend it for preteens and young teens.
ISBN 9780843959031; US$5.99; (c) 1996
Published by Dorchester Publishing in collaboration with Wildside Press.
Saturday, August 4, 2007
Book Review: Second Sight by Amanda Quick
This is the start of Quick’s (Jayne Anne Krentz) Arcane Society series. The stories are set in Victorian England, and are romantic suspense with a strong touch of paranormal.
The Arcane Society is basically a secret club devoted to examining “psychical phenomenon”; the members are described as “obsessive, reclusive eccentrics” and are paranoid in their insistence on secrecy. The society was founded 200 years ago by an alchemist who wanted to develop a formula to enhance people’s paranormal/psychic powers. The story opens with the decendents of the Alchemist discovering his hidden tomb and the secrets it contains.
Venetia Milton is hired by the Society to come to Arcane House and photograph the collection of artifacts and relics. After the death of their parents, Venetia has used her photography business to support her siblings and maiden aunt, and the impressive payment from the Arcane Society for her task will enable her to move her family to London and set up as a fashionable society photographer. But before doing that, she wants a chance to experience physical passion by having a short, clandestine affair—since she’s too old and poor now to attract a husband. Plus few people outside her family would understand her odd little talent of seeing people’s auras.
Gabriel Jones, son of the current Master of the Society and great-great-whatever of the founder, is Venetia’s host at Arcane House, and definitely responds to Venetia’s tentative seduction. But their night of passion is interrupted by housebreakers, and Gabriel sends the household away to safety while his “hunter” psyche takes over to deal with the intruders. Venetia is devastated to later read a newspaper article about Gabriel’s death and the destruction by fire of Arcane House. However, there is a silver lining. To establish a staid and non-scandalous presence in London, she plans to present herself as a widow—and why not go by the name Mrs. Jones?
Unfortunately, newspaper articles can be wrong. Venetia’s careful plans and her success as a London photographer are threatened when her “husband” appears in society alive and well. And insists to her that she is in danger from the unknown enemy trying to steal the old Alchemist’s secret formula. Now Venetia and her oddly talented family must play along, pretending joy at her husband’s return. But she also insists on becoming very involved in helping Gabriel find the villain.
I always enjoy Quick’s heroines. They are assertive, intelligent women trying to function in a society that expects them to be subservient to men. And they sensibly choose mates who can respect them and allow them to be what they are.
I love the “sound” of the dialogue in this story, it adds so much to the authentic feel of the period setting. It isn’t that there are words used then but not now, but rather the patterns and rhythms of speech.
My only complaint with the story was the basic set-up of why Gabriel presented himself publicly as Venetia’s lost husband. It’s pointed out that the name Jones is so common, there was no real link to him and no need for him to join her subterfuge. Gabriel’s reasons, related to his belief the hidden enemy would be after Venetia, just didn’t seem plausible to me. The situation came across as forced and fake, something the author shoved into the story in order to set up the continuing relationship between Gabriel and Venetia.
Jove Historical Romance, paperback, ISBN 9780515142808, © 2006, US$7.99
The Arcane Society is basically a secret club devoted to examining “psychical phenomenon”; the members are described as “obsessive, reclusive eccentrics” and are paranoid in their insistence on secrecy. The society was founded 200 years ago by an alchemist who wanted to develop a formula to enhance people’s paranormal/psychic powers. The story opens with the decendents of the Alchemist discovering his hidden tomb and the secrets it contains.
Venetia Milton is hired by the Society to come to Arcane House and photograph the collection of artifacts and relics. After the death of their parents, Venetia has used her photography business to support her siblings and maiden aunt, and the impressive payment from the Arcane Society for her task will enable her to move her family to London and set up as a fashionable society photographer. But before doing that, she wants a chance to experience physical passion by having a short, clandestine affair—since she’s too old and poor now to attract a husband. Plus few people outside her family would understand her odd little talent of seeing people’s auras.
Gabriel Jones, son of the current Master of the Society and great-great-whatever of the founder, is Venetia’s host at Arcane House, and definitely responds to Venetia’s tentative seduction. But their night of passion is interrupted by housebreakers, and Gabriel sends the household away to safety while his “hunter” psyche takes over to deal with the intruders. Venetia is devastated to later read a newspaper article about Gabriel’s death and the destruction by fire of Arcane House. However, there is a silver lining. To establish a staid and non-scandalous presence in London, she plans to present herself as a widow—and why not go by the name Mrs. Jones?
Unfortunately, newspaper articles can be wrong. Venetia’s careful plans and her success as a London photographer are threatened when her “husband” appears in society alive and well. And insists to her that she is in danger from the unknown enemy trying to steal the old Alchemist’s secret formula. Now Venetia and her oddly talented family must play along, pretending joy at her husband’s return. But she also insists on becoming very involved in helping Gabriel find the villain.
I always enjoy Quick’s heroines. They are assertive, intelligent women trying to function in a society that expects them to be subservient to men. And they sensibly choose mates who can respect them and allow them to be what they are.
I love the “sound” of the dialogue in this story, it adds so much to the authentic feel of the period setting. It isn’t that there are words used then but not now, but rather the patterns and rhythms of speech.
My only complaint with the story was the basic set-up of why Gabriel presented himself publicly as Venetia’s lost husband. It’s pointed out that the name Jones is so common, there was no real link to him and no need for him to join her subterfuge. Gabriel’s reasons, related to his belief the hidden enemy would be after Venetia, just didn’t seem plausible to me. The situation came across as forced and fake, something the author shoved into the story in order to set up the continuing relationship between Gabriel and Venetia.
Jove Historical Romance, paperback, ISBN 9780515142808, © 2006, US$7.99
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
Book Review: Michelle’s Men by Lynn LaFleur
This is the second in the Cooper’s Companion series about two brothers and a sister who own a male escort service. No, they don’t rent out gigolos, they really do provide women with respectable male escorts to events – but hey, if the client is interested in a little more “personal” service…
While Michelle’s brother is off on his honeymoon (read the first book in the series, Rent-A-Stud), she is interviewing new escorts. Andre and Nathan are absolute hunks, new in town, and looking for interesting part-time jobs to supplement their own freelance work—Andre’s a photographer and Nathan’s a writer. Michelle can’t help drooling over them both, even though she has a rule about never dating any of the employees/escorts. And it becomes clear they return her interest—both of them.
They eventually convince Michelle to date them alternately, and she becomes more confused and conflicted when she realizes she loves each of them for their different personalities. She’s sure she can’t have both—boy, what would her brothers say to that?—but how’s a girl to choose? What she doesn’t yet know is that Andre and Nathan are not only best friends and housemates, but have been lovers for years. They also both enjoy women, and they don’t want to make Michelle choose between them, they want to enjoy her together.
Wow, get out the asbestos oven mitts to hold this book. Andre and Nathan, Michelle and Andre, Michelle and Nathan…and eventually Michelle and Nathan and Andre. I loved all the combinations. These characters are great, the story is fun.
Michelle’s Men, ISBN 9781419911347, digital download $5.95 from Ellora’s Cave
http://www.ellorascave.com/productpage.asp?ISBN=9781419911347
While Michelle’s brother is off on his honeymoon (read the first book in the series, Rent-A-Stud), she is interviewing new escorts. Andre and Nathan are absolute hunks, new in town, and looking for interesting part-time jobs to supplement their own freelance work—Andre’s a photographer and Nathan’s a writer. Michelle can’t help drooling over them both, even though she has a rule about never dating any of the employees/escorts. And it becomes clear they return her interest—both of them.
They eventually convince Michelle to date them alternately, and she becomes more confused and conflicted when she realizes she loves each of them for their different personalities. She’s sure she can’t have both—boy, what would her brothers say to that?—but how’s a girl to choose? What she doesn’t yet know is that Andre and Nathan are not only best friends and housemates, but have been lovers for years. They also both enjoy women, and they don’t want to make Michelle choose between them, they want to enjoy her together.
Wow, get out the asbestos oven mitts to hold this book. Andre and Nathan, Michelle and Andre, Michelle and Nathan…and eventually Michelle and Nathan and Andre. I loved all the combinations. These characters are great, the story is fun.
Michelle’s Men, ISBN 9781419911347, digital download $5.95 from Ellora’s Cave
http://www.ellorascave.com/productpage.asp?ISBN=9781419911347
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Book Review: The Courage to Love by Samantha Kane
I didn't think I'd be interested in male-on-male romances. I subscribe to the theory that the female reader consciously or subconsciously identifies with the heroine, wants to be in her place in the story. Which means I want the man or men paying attention to ME, not to each other. Plus, I just didnt' think I'd find detailed descriptions of gay sex appealing or even interesting.
Boy, was I wrong. Okay, maybe I cheated a little. This story, and most of the ones in this genre I've read since then, are actually menages of two men and a woman. Yeah, the two guys have sex with each other, but they are also each making it with the heroine - so I get to put myself in the fantasy.
This is the first in Ms. Kane's Brothers in Arms series. There are three books out now, a fourth coming soon. The setting is Regency England, the main characters are men who were British officers in the Napoleonic Wars. They survived the horrors of war by supporting each other, often sharing women - and sometimes ending up sharing each other. But now back at home in England, they have to think about propriety, about their families' expections, about finding wives who will provide heirs.
In The Courage to Love, Jason and Tony have been in love with Kate for several years. But she was married to another man. She became a widow, but they were away. Now they are back and they want her - they BOTH want her. Although she seems able to accept the shocking notion of two men and a triad relationship, she refuses to marry them. The reasons for her reluctance, the horrifying event that is affecting her, and the villain lurking about are gradually revealed.
At the start of the story, Jason and Tony are best friends, deeply and emotionally attached to each other - but they've never had a sexual or romantic connection between them. Through their shared love for Kate, and sharing her in bed, they come to recognize the depth of their attachment to each other. And eventually the threesome becomes truly three-way.
There are many secondary characters. Lots of fellow officers get introduced, who become heroes in future books in the series. It was hard to keep them and their relationships straight. But they were all enjoyable. The only character I didn't care for was Kate's niece, who lives with her. I was uncomfortable with this very young (she's 15 or 16) woman in the situation, and I found her an annoying and obnoxious person. (Of course, she's a teenager--so maybe that's realistic.)
I cannot tell you how much I loved this story! The main characters are so vivid, so intense, so endearing in their emotional struggles. The sex is beyond hot. Yes, I drooled over the male/male sex scenes, to my surprise. Yep, I immediately purchased and read the second and third in the series, and am eagerly awaiting the next. They just get better and better.
Ebook at http://www.ellorascave.com/ . The print book will be out in September.
Author website samanthakane.us
Boy, was I wrong. Okay, maybe I cheated a little. This story, and most of the ones in this genre I've read since then, are actually menages of two men and a woman. Yeah, the two guys have sex with each other, but they are also each making it with the heroine - so I get to put myself in the fantasy.
This is the first in Ms. Kane's Brothers in Arms series. There are three books out now, a fourth coming soon. The setting is Regency England, the main characters are men who were British officers in the Napoleonic Wars. They survived the horrors of war by supporting each other, often sharing women - and sometimes ending up sharing each other. But now back at home in England, they have to think about propriety, about their families' expections, about finding wives who will provide heirs.
In The Courage to Love, Jason and Tony have been in love with Kate for several years. But she was married to another man. She became a widow, but they were away. Now they are back and they want her - they BOTH want her. Although she seems able to accept the shocking notion of two men and a triad relationship, she refuses to marry them. The reasons for her reluctance, the horrifying event that is affecting her, and the villain lurking about are gradually revealed.
At the start of the story, Jason and Tony are best friends, deeply and emotionally attached to each other - but they've never had a sexual or romantic connection between them. Through their shared love for Kate, and sharing her in bed, they come to recognize the depth of their attachment to each other. And eventually the threesome becomes truly three-way.
There are many secondary characters. Lots of fellow officers get introduced, who become heroes in future books in the series. It was hard to keep them and their relationships straight. But they were all enjoyable. The only character I didn't care for was Kate's niece, who lives with her. I was uncomfortable with this very young (she's 15 or 16) woman in the situation, and I found her an annoying and obnoxious person. (Of course, she's a teenager--so maybe that's realistic.)
I cannot tell you how much I loved this story! The main characters are so vivid, so intense, so endearing in their emotional struggles. The sex is beyond hot. Yes, I drooled over the male/male sex scenes, to my surprise. Yep, I immediately purchased and read the second and third in the series, and am eagerly awaiting the next. They just get better and better.
Ebook at http://www.ellorascave.com/ . The print book will be out in September.
Author website samanthakane.us
Wednesday, July 4, 2007
Book Review: Succubus Blues by Richelle Mead
This fascinating paranormal is labeled as "fiction". It does have a bit of romance - at least, the start of one - but it isn't by any means a romance novel.
I loved the interesting and unique world building in this story. Yay, something a bit different! Georgina, the female protagonist, is a succubus -- but hates what she is. She's been around for, oh, a couple thousand years, but now lives in Seattle and works in a bookstore. Her history is gradually revealed, so that the reader can understand and empathize with her emotional dysfunctioning, her conflicted self-image. Georgina is a good person - she is still feeling guilty and suffering for a mistake made two thousand years ago, the one that led to her being converted to a succubus.
There are lots of intriguing secondary characters, both humans and various types of immortals. Several potential love interests crop up for the heroine. The plot involves denizens of Heaven and Hell somewhat disjointedly working together on a problem that falls into both their realms. I can't tell you more without spoiling the story for you -- definitely go read this yourself! The ending does leave just enough hanging strings to make you eager to read a sequel, without making you dissatisfied or annoyed by unanswered questions.
Oh, by the way, it is written in first-person, if that matters to you as a reader.
The author's website lists the sequel as "Succubus on Top", coming January 2008.
http://www.richellemead.com/
Kensington Publishing, March 2007, trade paperback, $15.00
I loved the interesting and unique world building in this story. Yay, something a bit different! Georgina, the female protagonist, is a succubus -- but hates what she is. She's been around for, oh, a couple thousand years, but now lives in Seattle and works in a bookstore. Her history is gradually revealed, so that the reader can understand and empathize with her emotional dysfunctioning, her conflicted self-image. Georgina is a good person - she is still feeling guilty and suffering for a mistake made two thousand years ago, the one that led to her being converted to a succubus.
There are lots of intriguing secondary characters, both humans and various types of immortals. Several potential love interests crop up for the heroine. The plot involves denizens of Heaven and Hell somewhat disjointedly working together on a problem that falls into both their realms. I can't tell you more without spoiling the story for you -- definitely go read this yourself! The ending does leave just enough hanging strings to make you eager to read a sequel, without making you dissatisfied or annoyed by unanswered questions.
Oh, by the way, it is written in first-person, if that matters to you as a reader.
The author's website lists the sequel as "Succubus on Top", coming January 2008.
http://www.richellemead.com/
Kensington Publishing, March 2007, trade paperback, $15.00
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Book Review: Romeo by Gail Faulkner
I hesitate to apply the words sweet and endearing to an erotic romance, but that actually is how this story made me feel. I loved it, and adored the luscious heroine and hero.
Lauren had a heart transplant two years ago, but doesn't tell most people about it. She's tired of being babied and overprotected by her father and brothers, she wants to be able to live an independent and normal life. This weekend, she's off with her friend Carla (a doctor-to-be), to a gathering of Carla's family at the ranch owned by her wealthy cousin Romeo. Yep, that really is his name and he is drop-dead gorgeous and sexy and accustomed to having women fall at his feet. Carla describes him as "bossy, dictatorial and a general pain in the ass." That's because Romeo's parents died when he was young and he had to become the responsible head of the family very early. He goes overboard in trying to control and protect everyone, subconsciously trying to protect himself from losing another loved one.
Carla and her cousins are expecting lovely Lauren, known for being an "Ice Queen" with little interest in men, to give Romeo the cold shoulder, and they are looking forward to his reaction to a woman who doesn't fall for him. It doesn't work out quite that way -- Lauren and Romeo fall for each other at first sight, although in a private manner, not sloppy public pawings. Romeo recognizes Lauren's medical problems--his mother had a bad heart--and of course immediately tries to smother her with controlling protectiveness. But he's met his match in the seemingly quiet and gentle Lauren. She can manipulate with the best of them, and soon is making it quite clear to him what the word "equals" means and what the consequences are of trying to make her decisions for her. By the end of the story, it's easy to tell who will be in charge of this relationship, and that Romeo is going to enjoy every minute of the battle.
Lauren gets a five-star rating from me, she is the true iron fist in velvet glove and completely endearing and lovable. The relationship between Lauren and Romeo progesses a bit too fast--you really have to suspend disbelief to go along with them being engaged and contemplating a quick wedding trip to Las Vegas within two days of meeting. But the concept of love at first sight, of instantly recognizing "the one" and being immediately willing to make a life commitment, is a fantasy we all enjoy surrendering to, as a break from the way love works in real life.
Ebook at http://www.ellorascave.com/ or print book (trade paperback, $14.00) in the "Hurts So Good" anthology from Pocket Books
Author website: http://www.gailfaulkner.com/index2.html
Lauren had a heart transplant two years ago, but doesn't tell most people about it. She's tired of being babied and overprotected by her father and brothers, she wants to be able to live an independent and normal life. This weekend, she's off with her friend Carla (a doctor-to-be), to a gathering of Carla's family at the ranch owned by her wealthy cousin Romeo. Yep, that really is his name and he is drop-dead gorgeous and sexy and accustomed to having women fall at his feet. Carla describes him as "bossy, dictatorial and a general pain in the ass." That's because Romeo's parents died when he was young and he had to become the responsible head of the family very early. He goes overboard in trying to control and protect everyone, subconsciously trying to protect himself from losing another loved one.
Carla and her cousins are expecting lovely Lauren, known for being an "Ice Queen" with little interest in men, to give Romeo the cold shoulder, and they are looking forward to his reaction to a woman who doesn't fall for him. It doesn't work out quite that way -- Lauren and Romeo fall for each other at first sight, although in a private manner, not sloppy public pawings. Romeo recognizes Lauren's medical problems--his mother had a bad heart--and of course immediately tries to smother her with controlling protectiveness. But he's met his match in the seemingly quiet and gentle Lauren. She can manipulate with the best of them, and soon is making it quite clear to him what the word "equals" means and what the consequences are of trying to make her decisions for her. By the end of the story, it's easy to tell who will be in charge of this relationship, and that Romeo is going to enjoy every minute of the battle.
Lauren gets a five-star rating from me, she is the true iron fist in velvet glove and completely endearing and lovable. The relationship between Lauren and Romeo progesses a bit too fast--you really have to suspend disbelief to go along with them being engaged and contemplating a quick wedding trip to Las Vegas within two days of meeting. But the concept of love at first sight, of instantly recognizing "the one" and being immediately willing to make a life commitment, is a fantasy we all enjoy surrendering to, as a break from the way love works in real life.
Ebook at http://www.ellorascave.com/ or print book (trade paperback, $14.00) in the "Hurts So Good" anthology from Pocket Books
Author website: http://www.gailfaulkner.com/index2.html
Book Review: Captain’s Lady by Sharon Milburn
Yes, I can read and enjoy something that isn’t loaded with sizzling sex scenes! Mind you, I don’t do it very often, but I can…
Didn’t most of us read the short, traditional Regency romances when we were young girls? The incomparable Georgette Heyer! Those sweet, shy (but actually clever and independent) misses making their come-out in the London Season, those daring rakes who would drag the lady into scandal and then make a love-match of it? And all with just a kiss or two, perhaps a touch of hands.
This type of Regency fell out of favor in recent years, although “Regency-set historicals” remain popular – longer length, more complex story lines, much hotter sensuality. A few publishers have leapt to fill in the gap for readers who still want the traditional type of Regency. Cerridwen Press started its Cotillion line this year, putting out one ebook a month; the books seem to be showing up in print a couple of months after the ebook.
Captain’s Lady features Alice Carstairs, who is beyond the age of coming out and finding a husband (gee, if you haven’t done that by twenty, you’re on the shelf). Due to the loss of the family’s money, she is drudging at a bleak and uncomfortable position, running the household and caring for the children of a distant relative. It’s an awful situation, since that family is also about to lose its home and Alice’s integrity and loyalty are at their limit. The new heir is dashing Captain Sir Edward Masterman, and although he knows nothing about being lord of the manor, his arrival saves the household and Alice.
Despite the accusations and lies of others, Sir Edward quickly recognizes Alice’s true qualities and comes to rely on her opinions and her help in solving local problems. She is quite clever and tactful in her advice, and most of the staff and villagers love her. But there are those jealous or guilty few… Sir Edward wants to take care of Alice the way she takes care of everyone else. But he’s also torn by his attachment to his naval career and his desire to fight the evil Bonaparte. And Alice falls in love with him but of course thinks that he could never marry a penniless nobody like her. (For those of you inexperienced in traditional Regencies, this is the stock phrase used to describe a good half of these romances.)
This is a typical story of the genre, containing most of the standard elements. But it is very well written and well plotted, I enjoyed the author’s voice and talent, I loved the hero and heroine. I strongly recommend it to those who love the Traditional Regency genre.
Print (trade paperback, $9.99) and ebook ($5.95); Cerridwen Press
Author website: www.users.bigpond.com/micenko/
Didn’t most of us read the short, traditional Regency romances when we were young girls? The incomparable Georgette Heyer! Those sweet, shy (but actually clever and independent) misses making their come-out in the London Season, those daring rakes who would drag the lady into scandal and then make a love-match of it? And all with just a kiss or two, perhaps a touch of hands.
This type of Regency fell out of favor in recent years, although “Regency-set historicals” remain popular – longer length, more complex story lines, much hotter sensuality. A few publishers have leapt to fill in the gap for readers who still want the traditional type of Regency. Cerridwen Press started its Cotillion line this year, putting out one ebook a month; the books seem to be showing up in print a couple of months after the ebook.
Captain’s Lady features Alice Carstairs, who is beyond the age of coming out and finding a husband (gee, if you haven’t done that by twenty, you’re on the shelf). Due to the loss of the family’s money, she is drudging at a bleak and uncomfortable position, running the household and caring for the children of a distant relative. It’s an awful situation, since that family is also about to lose its home and Alice’s integrity and loyalty are at their limit. The new heir is dashing Captain Sir Edward Masterman, and although he knows nothing about being lord of the manor, his arrival saves the household and Alice.
Despite the accusations and lies of others, Sir Edward quickly recognizes Alice’s true qualities and comes to rely on her opinions and her help in solving local problems. She is quite clever and tactful in her advice, and most of the staff and villagers love her. But there are those jealous or guilty few… Sir Edward wants to take care of Alice the way she takes care of everyone else. But he’s also torn by his attachment to his naval career and his desire to fight the evil Bonaparte. And Alice falls in love with him but of course thinks that he could never marry a penniless nobody like her. (For those of you inexperienced in traditional Regencies, this is the stock phrase used to describe a good half of these romances.)
This is a typical story of the genre, containing most of the standard elements. But it is very well written and well plotted, I enjoyed the author’s voice and talent, I loved the hero and heroine. I strongly recommend it to those who love the Traditional Regency genre.
Print (trade paperback, $9.99) and ebook ($5.95); Cerridwen Press
Author website: www.users.bigpond.com/micenko/
Book Review: Elven Surrender by Jory Strong
Anything Jory Strong writes is fantastic. I got hooked on her from her first book, Trace’s Psychic, and that Supernatural Bonds series remains my favorite. She has four ongoing series (paranormal, contemporary romantic suspense, futuristic), and mixes in the occasional unrelated short story or novella. Elven Surrender is a fantasy/paranormal short novella, with a menage a trois.
Silver has been trained as a witch, and is about to undergo the initiation rite and go off to handle her own remote territory. But a little-understood mystical mark appears on her hand, indicating that she may be destined to be the mate of a warlock—a fate she does not want, as it would mean surrendering her will and mind to the warlock’s control and never having a territory of her own. Pursued, she flees into the forbidden forest, where she’s intercepted by…
Wraith and Tynan, elven half-brothers. They were raised to hate each other, competing to eventually assume their father’s role as Lord of their land. But they are actually both more intelligent, more interested in healing and helping their people after their father’s evil rule—even if it means they must work together. The only way they can combine their powers and have their elven people accept them jointly is to share a wife. They foresee Silver, and know the mark on her hand means she is theirs. What neither they nor she know is that she is a rare half-elven, and her heritage could have an unpredictable impact on their joining.
Loved it! Hot, hot. (Ooh, I wish I had a bathroom/bathing tub like Wraith’s!) Short but satisfying, although I do hope Ms. Strong considers setting more stories in this world in future. Write faster, write faster!
e-book, available from http://www.ellorascave.com/
Author website: http://www.jorystrong.com/welcome.html
Silver has been trained as a witch, and is about to undergo the initiation rite and go off to handle her own remote territory. But a little-understood mystical mark appears on her hand, indicating that she may be destined to be the mate of a warlock—a fate she does not want, as it would mean surrendering her will and mind to the warlock’s control and never having a territory of her own. Pursued, she flees into the forbidden forest, where she’s intercepted by…
Wraith and Tynan, elven half-brothers. They were raised to hate each other, competing to eventually assume their father’s role as Lord of their land. But they are actually both more intelligent, more interested in healing and helping their people after their father’s evil rule—even if it means they must work together. The only way they can combine their powers and have their elven people accept them jointly is to share a wife. They foresee Silver, and know the mark on her hand means she is theirs. What neither they nor she know is that she is a rare half-elven, and her heritage could have an unpredictable impact on their joining.
Loved it! Hot, hot. (Ooh, I wish I had a bathroom/bathing tub like Wraith’s!) Short but satisfying, although I do hope Ms. Strong considers setting more stories in this world in future. Write faster, write faster!
e-book, available from http://www.ellorascave.com/
Author website: http://www.jorystrong.com/welcome.html
Book Review: Witch Fire by Anya Bast
Until now, Mira’s had a rather dull life. She was raised by a maiden aunt after her parents were killed in an accident when she was a baby. She’s recovering from a recent divorce from her cheating lawyer husband, living in a cheap apartment and working as a waitress to earn money to go back to college. Then sexy Jack sits down at a table in the diner and orders coffee – and Mira’s world changes. Turns out she’s an incredibly powerful and rare air witch, as were both her parents. Jack is a fire witch, sent by the Witch Coven to protect her. Seems that the head of the Evil Warlocks, who killed Mira’s parents, now wants her. To cure his own fatal illness, he needs to summon a demon by draining the power of (and killing) four elemental witches.
When Mira’s attacked by warlocks, Jack takes her to the Coven headquarters to protect her and to provide her with training in her powers. The two of them also, of course (after all, this is a romance), fall in lust and love, but they both resist the attraction. Mira wants time to recover from her divorce, plus is trying to cope with all these wild alterations in her world view. Jack’s reasons are darker – he’s overcome by guilt. He hasn’t told Mira that (1) his father is head of the evil warlocks, and (2) when he was ten years old he witnessed his father killing her mother, and was unable to save her.
This was an intriguing story that kept me reading. Not perfect, but very good, and I will definitely buy the sequel (Witch Blood). Mira and Jack are great characters. There’s lots of intense sex. Well, actually, I got so interested in the plot moving forward that I began to skim the sex scenes – at times, it did feel like some were unnecessary to the story and had been inserted just to feed the trend for erotic romances. I appreciated that although Mira initially resisted believing in witch’s and magic—wouldn’t most of us?—once she saw it “in action” she was smart enough to accept. She is a determined, intelligent and level-headed heroine. There’s one TSTL moment near the end, when she insists that Jack not be included in a dangerous rescue mission—even though he’s the most capable person, she wants to protect him. Of course he finds out and shows up to save the day.
My only other complaint is the very sparse world-building. I wanted to know a lot more about these elemental witches: where they come from, how their power works and what its limits are, how they fit into the regular world, how their own witch society functions and governs itself, and so forth. Almost nothing is explained. At one point, Mira asks these questions and no one answers her, either. I hope Ms. Bast expands on this in the future books of the Elemental Witches series. I’m eager to read them!
print book (mass market, $7.99), Berkley Sensation
You can check out the author’s website at www.anyabast.com
Friday, June 22, 2007
Book review: Ellora's Cavemen: Seasons of Seduction I & II
First off, let me say that I read a lot of anthologies. My reading time is limited, it's almost impossible to find an uninterrupted chunk of several hours to plow through a whole book. But I can fit in novella-length stories. Plus, like many other readers, I've found this is a great way to discover new-to-me authors. I couldn't even count the number of times I've loved a story in an anthology and done an Amazon or Google search for that author and discovered their backlist. And bought them all!
I love the annual series from Ellora's Cave. Four books each year, six stories in each, a mix of genres, a mix of experienced and newbie authors. I don't, of course, love every story in every book, but these anthologies probably have the highest "success rate" with me for liking almost all the stories.
Plus, the books come out in print (trade paperback) the same day they are released as ebooks! I do indeed call my local Borders and rush to get the book. I'm feeling especially spoiled this time. I bought Seasons of Seduction I, but a friend gave me the ARC of volume II, which was available at BEA.
Ellora's Cavemen: Seasons of Seduction I (March 2007)
An historical, a contemporary, a vampire, an alien abduction (sorta), a paranormal (a banshee and a demon), and a fantasy paranormal! Something to please anyone. And contains one of my very favorite authors, Jory Strong; I'd pay the $15.99 for her alone.
1. Okay, I admit I'm not a fan of historicals, especially medievals. So I sort of skimmed Her Lance-Alot by Delilah Devlin. But who could resist that title!
2. The contemporary Dance of the Plain Jane by newbie Lillian Feisty is hot, hot!
3. Very interesting Club Vamp by Allyson James, plus I adore menage stories. I'd have loved to read this as a longer story with the world building expanded.
4. Another luscious menage in Choosing Madison by Sherrill Quinn (another newbie at the Cave). The aliens are a lot of fun.
5. Come Howling by Denise Rossetti is hysterical! Who knew a banshee could be so funny? Definitely not the half-breed demon who falls for her.
6. Lyrael's Sacrifice - Not the best by Jory Strong, in my opinion. But even on her off days she's incredible. Again, there's a lot of stuff packed into this short length, it might have benefited from more space to explain the world.
Ellora's Cavemen: Seasons of Seduction II (June 2007)
(Remember that I read the ARC - there could have been some changes between that and the final version released yesterday.)
1. Gillian's Island by Lani Aames is a contemporary with paranormal elements. It was good, but not great. It's a bit hard to cram two couples/relationships into a short story.
2. Devon's Vix by Rebecca Airies actually had a new twist on a vampire world. Something a little different in this overloaded genre is always welcome! I loved the relationship between h/h. Vix, BTW, is her term for a female vampire - I like it.
3. Wendy's Summer Job by Charlotte Boyett-Compo is pure spoof of all the cliches in romance novels. It is completely unlike the dark fantasies this author typically writes. The author's note at the beginning says, "Please read little Wendy's story with your tongue firmly tucked in your sweet little cheek and expect the words to be a pretty shade of purple." Enjoy!
4. I'd love to know more about the warprinces and the futuristic world introduced in Chasing the Dragon by Megan Kerans. Maybe she'll do future novels set there.
5. Viking's Pledge by Melany Logen is an historical. The h/h relationship is very touching, as he is determined to protect her and willing to give her up if that's what she wants.
6. Taking It All by Cheyenne McCray is hot BDSM. Ooh, I love the ice cube scene! One of my favorite fantasies.
e-book ($9.99) and print book (trade paperback) from Ellora's Cave Publishing
I love the annual series from Ellora's Cave. Four books each year, six stories in each, a mix of genres, a mix of experienced and newbie authors. I don't, of course, love every story in every book, but these anthologies probably have the highest "success rate" with me for liking almost all the stories.
Plus, the books come out in print (trade paperback) the same day they are released as ebooks! I do indeed call my local Borders and rush to get the book. I'm feeling especially spoiled this time. I bought Seasons of Seduction I, but a friend gave me the ARC of volume II, which was available at BEA.
Ellora's Cavemen: Seasons of Seduction I (March 2007)
An historical, a contemporary, a vampire, an alien abduction (sorta), a paranormal (a banshee and a demon), and a fantasy paranormal! Something to please anyone. And contains one of my very favorite authors, Jory Strong; I'd pay the $15.99 for her alone.
1. Okay, I admit I'm not a fan of historicals, especially medievals. So I sort of skimmed Her Lance-Alot by Delilah Devlin. But who could resist that title!
2. The contemporary Dance of the Plain Jane by newbie Lillian Feisty is hot, hot!
3. Very interesting Club Vamp by Allyson James, plus I adore menage stories. I'd have loved to read this as a longer story with the world building expanded.
4. Another luscious menage in Choosing Madison by Sherrill Quinn (another newbie at the Cave). The aliens are a lot of fun.
5. Come Howling by Denise Rossetti is hysterical! Who knew a banshee could be so funny? Definitely not the half-breed demon who falls for her.
6. Lyrael's Sacrifice - Not the best by Jory Strong, in my opinion. But even on her off days she's incredible. Again, there's a lot of stuff packed into this short length, it might have benefited from more space to explain the world.
Ellora's Cavemen: Seasons of Seduction II (June 2007)
(Remember that I read the ARC - there could have been some changes between that and the final version released yesterday.)
1. Gillian's Island by Lani Aames is a contemporary with paranormal elements. It was good, but not great. It's a bit hard to cram two couples/relationships into a short story.
2. Devon's Vix by Rebecca Airies actually had a new twist on a vampire world. Something a little different in this overloaded genre is always welcome! I loved the relationship between h/h. Vix, BTW, is her term for a female vampire - I like it.
3. Wendy's Summer Job by Charlotte Boyett-Compo is pure spoof of all the cliches in romance novels. It is completely unlike the dark fantasies this author typically writes. The author's note at the beginning says, "Please read little Wendy's story with your tongue firmly tucked in your sweet little cheek and expect the words to be a pretty shade of purple." Enjoy!
4. I'd love to know more about the warprinces and the futuristic world introduced in Chasing the Dragon by Megan Kerans. Maybe she'll do future novels set there.
5. Viking's Pledge by Melany Logen is an historical. The h/h relationship is very touching, as he is determined to protect her and willing to give her up if that's what she wants.
6. Taking It All by Cheyenne McCray is hot BDSM. Ooh, I love the ice cube scene! One of my favorite fantasies.
e-book ($9.99) and print book (trade paperback) from Ellora's Cave Publishing
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