Where's My Hero?

I'm Not Dead

2009-06-18T09:04:00.000-07:00

Honestly...I'm not. I wake up at 4AM each day and am zonked by the time I get home around 4:30PM. So don't be mad. I will be posting reviews in the near days. I haven't read that many romances due to lack of time (as well as me passing out on my commuter train instead of reading) but I have read the recent Balogh novels. Such pieces of crap, let me tell you. I don't understand the stellar reviews at all. They're pure shit, people. Pure shit, I tell you. Such contrived BS.

Anyone here watch Friday Night Lights? Just finished Season 3 and am now obsessed with the show. Tim and Lyla are incredible together. Love them! And Gossip Girl? Can I tell you how much I love Chuck Bass?!? HOT!

Thank you to those still reading my blog. If anyone is interested, I post here also under DANIELA L.

The Perils of Pleasure

2008-11-28T20:21:00.000-08:00

Masterpiece!

.....review to come soon.

Sad news...maybe

2008-11-28T20:11:00.000-08:00

I can't help but be skeptical and a tad disbelieving of the recent news I had the displeasure of learning. I frequent a used book store regularly. I try to go there at least 3 times a month in search of books of every and any genre. The store seems to specialize, however, in romance novels, and the owners have always been very diligent in keeping them all in strict alphabetical order. I absolutely love the store and I love the owner of the shop, a petite older blonde woman, maybe in her mid-fifties.

Recently, with two deaths in my family and a brief fling which brought back memories of a long lost love, I had no urge or desire to read anything, especially romance novels, so I stopped going to the store. I decided to go back recently, having recovered from my funk, after a trip of a lifetime in Central Europe. I looked everywhere for the owner, was sure she'd ask me about my whereabouts (she was always so very friendly and welcoming). She was never around whenever I stopped by. I finally, last week, decided to ask a man working in the store. What I learned shocked me. She apparently had passed away seven months prior. This was hard to believe because 1) I'd grown attached to her...seeing her smile at me whenever I'd walk in the store and 2) I could have sworn it hadn't been seven months since my last visit.

At this point, I don't know what to think. Why would he lie, unless we're getting people mixed up and the older woman who would often keep the other company in the store is the one who passed...I don't know. I feel horrible for the woman's family and it really just breaks my heart to hear the news.

I'm going to make a stop tomorrow and will make sure to ask again.

Masquerading the Marquess

2008-11-17T12:44:00.000-08:00

This is the first book written by Anne Mallory so I'll try to be nice.

The plot is all over the place and I never felt I quite knew the heroine; her personality and MO changed so many times I thought I was dealing with Sybil, the Queen of Multiple Personalities. Initially, the story wasn't bad. The heroine was working as a lady's companion and I didn't mind that at all. She sees the hero and can't stop looking at him. Good...good...I like where this is going....where it was going. Next thing I know, she fired and I find out that the heroine does caricatures and she's decided she's going to make the hero's life hell because she believes he was the reason behind her firing. I don't even know why she thinks that. ANNOYING WENCH!!! But wait...this chick's not done yet. This woman is a jack, or jill, of all trades. I turn for a second and she's all of a sudden affiliated with the theatre world....turn another second and she's helping some special agent. WTF is going on here?

I had no choice but to skim most of the book, waiting for it to get good (i.e. for the heroine to get laid). It happened towards the end and I'm surprised I held on for so long. I don't usually want immediate sex in a novel, but that seemed to be the only thing to look forward to here and I admit the bits of foreplay in the carriage proved entertaining.

I wouldn't recommend the book, unless you're curious to know what a rough draft published as a book looks like. I started reading the author's THREE NIGHTS and love it so far, so the author might only be suffering from the curse of having terrible editors.

Skip it if you have it in your used book pile. I'm selling mine back to the UBS.

Seduce Me at Sunrise

2008-11-16T01:28:00.000-08:00

I'm about to do something I never thought I'd do, say something I never thought I would say. I HATED THE LAST LISA KLEYPAS BOOK!!! Yes, I did...I know...I know...I'm ashamed and embarrassed and will probably be kicked out of the Lisa Kleypas Fan Club but I can't help it. I hated it...despised it. I read it all, of course, but I had to force myself to get through it. SEDUCE ME AT SUNRISE was painful. I don't care what other reviewers say; don't care how much it's praised. I hated it. I had such hopes for this book...such dreams for the characters but Merripen, the hero...got one word for you buddy: SHUT UP! Actually, I guess those were two words, huh? Gosh, STFU already with the whining and complaining about the differences in status between you and Winnifred, the heroine(he's a Roma gypsy; she's a fair aristocratic English rose). She wants you, fucker. Now get over it and do her!

What's frustrating about this whole story is that the hero says he doesn't want her, rejects the heroine at every turn and then gets violent and near deadly whenever she talks to someone else. He's got this whole "If I can't have her, nobody can" kind of attitude which is not only unhealthy, but made me nearly punch some guy out on my commuter train.

Gosh...I feel like I just swore in a church. I never thought I would dislike a Kleypas book. So far this is the only one out of the million (ok..I know it's not that much, but you get the idea) she's written. I am hopeful though that her next one will be better. Ok...I think I need to take a shower now.

Where have all the Julie Anne Long books gone?

2008-11-16T01:15:00.000-08:00

Seriously, where are they? I own all of them except the last two she's written and I'm going crazy looking for them. I've been to 4 bookstores and nada. They don't have any Julie Anne Long books. Tomorrow I'm going to check a 5th. If that effort fails, I'm off somewhere else. I'm sorta boycotting amazon right now and I honestly don't want to wait 2 weeks to get them from B&N Online. I wanted to read the books now. I'm not a very patient person. The books are Book 1 (PERILS OF PLEASURE) and 2 (LIKE NO OTHER LOVER) of her new series.

If I have to be honest, I think I know why they're not around. Julie Anne Long is the most consistent of authors; I never been disappointed by her books. I've loved all of them. All of them have given me butterflies.

This isn't a cheap plug and I'm not expecting some Julie Anne Long groupie to send me free books or anything. Seriously, she up there with Lisa Kleypas, whom we all know is my favorite romance author EVER.

If all else fails, I'll just order them via B&N, but yeah...just wanted to read them on the train to work this week. What two weeks though, right (and yeah, I've got a life...I just commute 3 hours a day and would like to have something interesting and fun to read)?

In Bed with the Devil

2008-11-16T00:41:00.000-08:00

PLEASE NOTE: Some spoilers below.

When this book first came out, I read a negative review that, coupled with the fact that the author put her other series on hold after the 2nd novel, made it easier for me NOT to go to my favorite used book store or even Borders to purchase it. I admit I'm still a little ticked that Heath put the Rose series on hold. The fact that the last book of the series was a total stinker didn't make the burn sting less. However, having started reading Elizabeth Hoyt's TO TASTE TEMPTATION and hating the heroine tremendously, I decided to go ahead and bite the bullet. I've been stressed lately because I've been fearing a lay off. Now...I have plans to go back to school part time but will still need a job to help me pay my student loans, bills, etc. Since no one seems to be hiring in my field lately, I'd very much like to keep my job 'til the economy improves. I think all of you can relate. Back to the topic at hand...not having anything else to read and needing a cheap distraction, I went to my UBS and purchased IN BED WITH THE DEVIL and came out with three hours of reading...not memorable reading, but good enough, I suppose.

The book isn't one of Heath's best. I enjoyed her Victorian series books when I first started reading them because I didn't know any better. At the time, I never even knew Heath wrote western romances. After reading the Texas trilogy, I was never the same; my opinion of Heath was never the same. Every time I read a Heath book, I compared it to her early westerns....unfortunately none of them have come close. That being said, she always provides me with a few hours of pleasure and, with today's economic crisis, anything that will take my mind off reality is good enough for me.

The heroine here is very bold...not at all the typical Victorian miss; she's feisty this one, feisty and...well...it seems as if she's a child of the 20th and 21st century. It's hard to believe she's from the time the book is set. She's bold and unafraid of being alone at night with a strange and dangerous man (who just happens to be insanely gorgeous). She has no chaperone whatsoever...her father is dying, her brother is missing and apparently the girl has no other relative keeping an eye on her. Seems a little far fetched. At some point, I was expecting Michael J. Fox to show up and take her back to the future, Huey Lewis blasting in the background.

The hero thinks he's a tough ass but is far from it. I don't get why people avoid him in Society...oh, yes..everyone is giving him the cut direct, despite the fact that he's an Earl or Duke or whatever because they're scared of him. Stupid...I never understood this plot piece at all. The whole thing seemed like a last minute add on to make the guy appear even sexier. MISSION NOT ACCOMPLISHED.

I read the book at the gym for two hours while sitting on an exercise bike and doing some leg weights. I then finished it off at home before heading to bed. I wasn't bored, but I have to admit I skimmed a lot of pages towards the end of the book. There was so much verbal foreplay going on at the end, that I nearly fell asleep while doing leg presses. Go do it already!

The hero and heroine never really hid their desires or affections which I always welcome but gosh, did I want to throw a bucket of lemons at the hero whenever he spoke of his childhood friend, Frannie (who will probably get a book, I'm sure...I hope). This is another plot piece which got on my nerves after a bit.

The hero started off so strong and macho and then turned into a big mushy wimp. From Alpha Hero to...what's the word for someone who's not even on the DLIST of heroes? Blaugh....even in the end I was expecting him to grow some balls when he found out that his lady hid her pregnancy from him, but nope...dude looks like he's gonna start crying. PATHETIC.

Overall, the book is a good effort...something to pass the time really. It's not the kind of story you will remember a year from now.

I pray and hope her next book is better than this one. Also, now that I'm getting into this, wondering about the secondary characters and the lot, I hope she doesn't bail on this series and put stories ON HOLD like she did with that last one.

TEMPTED BY THE NIGHT AND THE PROBLEM WITH MEMORY

2008-11-13T08:02:00.000-08:00

I nearly threw this book in the garbage when I realized it was a paranormal. Since when is Elizabeth Boyle a paranormal romance writer? I felt deceived and seriously ripped off. 10 pages, 20 pages, 30 pages, 60 pages went by and I couldn't get even remotely into the story. I was very close to giving up and writing a brutal review...then realized that I had mistakenly purchased three copies of the novel. How I did that is beyond me. I must have purchased it directly after my three week European vacation (more on that in a later post) and then the others when I was in some foggy daze. The fact that I spent more than $20 on a book I wanted to rip to shreds actually guilted me into finishing it. What's funny is that I actually didn't mind the book after page 80. Maybe I got used to the weirdness of it.

Paranormal romance is still not one of my favorite genres. I like a good old fashioned historical...I don't need the hero to turn into a ghost or some mythical creature fighting underworld crime. I just want a simple Duke or Viscount slut who gets brought down by the love of a sweet feisty little virgin who's also a professional sex fiend. See...it's that simple to please me. I'm really not that complicated when it comes to romance novels.

I did enjoy this book surprisingly. It's not one of my favorite Boyles, but it's also not the worst book I've ever read. I know it sounds like I didn't enjoy the book, but I actually did. I just hope she doesn't write another paranormal. Keep it simple, Elizabeth. That's all I've gotta say!

TEMPTED BY THE NIGHT is a good book and I recommend it. The only problem I had was that I couldn't remember anything about the hero and heroine who were obviously secondary characters in past books. It irked me to no end. I do remember never being given any indication that the hero was some sort of underworld wizard or whatever the heck he was. It would have helped if a summary of the characters were given at the beginning of the book or maybe..just maybe..if the book had been published close to the other ones mentioning the two characters. Just a thought.

I've noticed this problem with other series books I've read lately. Now, either the secondary characters weren't that memorable to begin with OR my memory is going down the tubes OR maybe they need to start publishing books closer together for a change (maybe if I write this enough, they'll actually do it).

Now I know that authors have lives and they can't write ten books at once. This is why I suggest they add a brief character summary to the beginning of their books. Shouldn't be too difficult, right?

I don't know. I might have to do what I used to do with Liz Carlyle books. Buy them and not read them until the series is completed. It takes years to read a series but it's worth it. No aggravation, no memory lapses.

This post is a bit all over the place and I apologize. I had this problem with the new Laura Lee Guhkre novel and it bothered me the entire time.

And seriously...WTF IS GOING ON WITH THE LISA VALDEZ NOVEL?

More to Come

2008-11-03T10:00:00.000-08:00

I have much to report on. I've been a bit MIA with this blog but promise I will be back in full force soon. I've read several novels in the last few weeks; my reading mojo is back and I'm so glad. I read a book (new Boyle book) I was ready to throw away about a week ago. I persisted and am so glad I did. More on that later. I recently came back from a trip of a lifetime which I will also write about soon and post some pictures.

In the meantime, tomorrow are the elections. Anyone else glad they're almost over? They've been going on for what feels like years.

Several reviews and posts to come in the next few days. Thanks for all your patience.

Never Romance a Rake

2008-08-01T08:36:00.000-07:00

Baron Rothewell lives a dark, shuttered existence by day, and a life of reckless abandon by night. Scarred by a childhood filled with torment and deprivation, Rothewell cares very little anyone or anything. His life on the edge of ruin suits him—until he meets a man who just might be his nemesis. The Comte de Valigny likes to play deeply and dangerously, but Rothewell’s recklessness is undeterred. Until one night when de Valigny wagers something just a little more valuable than gold.

Mademoiselle Marchand is a desperate woman in a strange land, and her pleading eyes seem to swallow Lord Rothewell body and soul—assuming he still has one. Now the baron must play his hand with the utmost care, for at last something meaningful is at stake .

Honestly, had I read this novel before the Quinn book, I would have quite possibly shut down this blog and abandoned romance novels altogether. I don't know what it is about this book. I just could not get into it, which is sad because I was looking forward to Rothwell's story ever since I first got a glimpse of him in the first book of the series. In NEVER ROMANCE A RAKE, he's depicted as a pathetic drunk with an ulcer, who thinks he has cancer. He never sleeps, eats nothing and basically looks like Christian Bale's character in THE MACHINIST. Hot!

He's on a death wish and living on the edge. He's a man of the night, bitter and guilt ridden because he boinked his brother's wife when he was 19. Of course, his brother and sis in law later died in a fire and he's been feeling guilty ever since. YAWN! Haven't I read this story before? And if I didn't, did I have to? Ugh...the story was awful. I've read stories about men slowly killing themselves. As a matter of fact, I read an exceptionally good one by Loretta Chase called LORD OF SCOUNDRELS. That was a masterpiece. The hero was likeable. This one here...not so much. I wanted him to die. That's how much I disliked his constant cries for pity (masked as tough guy talk, of course).

The heroine...I don't quite know why I disliked her. She was fine. She was smart, not a damsel in distress. I guess she just didn't make sense with him. She and the hero weren't compatible in the slightest. She was totally forgettable. I saw nothing exceptional with her depiction.

There was a shocking surprise at the end of the novel which wasn't even shocking. How about 100% predictable?

Overall, the book isn't terrible (ok..I already said it was awful...maybe it's a little terrible). It isn't amazing either. Like the heroine, the book is totally forgettable.

I'm shocked Carlyle wrote it. I had to look at the cover to make sure her name was actually on it. I can't recommend it.

The Lost Duke of Wyndham

2008-07-29T11:46:00.000-07:00

Will the real Duke of Wyndham please stand up?

Jack Audley has been a highwayman. A soldier. And he has always been a rogue. What he is not, and never wanted to be, is a peer of the realm, responsible for an ancient heritage and the livelihood of hundreds. But when he is recognized as the long-lost son of the House of Wyndham, his carefree life is over. And if his birth proves to be legitimate, then he will find himself with the one title he never wanted: Duke of Wyndham.

Grace Eversleigh has spent the last five years toiling as the companion to the dowager Duchess of Wyndham. It is a thankless job, with very little break from the routine... until Jack Audley lands in her life, all rakish smiles and debonair charm. He is not a man who takes no for an answer, and when she is in his arms, she's not a woman who wants to say no. But if he is the true duke, then he is the one man she can never have...

I was starting to lose hope, after the fiascos which were the last two Bridgerton novels (hold your horses, Quinn fans, I love Quinn, too, but the last two were garbage!). Quinn's THE SECRET DIARIES OF MISS MIRANDA CHEEVER gave me much hope for a literary comeback and that hope was not disappointed.

I loved THE LOST DUKE OF WYNDHAM and for the first time in a long time I actually want to keep on reading romance novels. I was definitely not in the mood for anything romance related for a while. When I first read about Quinn's new novel, I was initially reluctant to read it for fear THE SECRET DIARIES was merely a fluke incident. I was afraid THE LOST DUKE would be terrible, perhaps even as bad as IT'S IN HIS KISS (which I nearly ripped to shreds upon completion). However, I gave Quinn another chance and wow...she did not disappoint, not even close.

The hero is as romantic as they come and the heroine is right for him on so many levels. The novel is of the "love at first sight" variety with the hero knowing from the start that he wants the heroine as his for good. Of course, there's the struggle with emotion that is typical of any romance novel, but altogether I was not aggravated or displeased by it. Often times, writers take this too far and leave me exhausted and angry by the time they decide to unite the lovers for good. Not the case here. If you want love that is simple and without the five million ridiculous obstacles thrown in to fill in ten chapters, then THE LOST DUKE is for you.

The heroine's overly compassionate nature irked me at times, but overall I enjoyed the book immensely and look forward to its sequel, to be released October 2008.

Carlyle's Lady Sharpe

2008-07-27T22:53:00.000-07:00

Lady Pamela Sharpe is everywhere in Liz Carlyle's most recent trilogy. Former heroine?

Coming Soon

2008-07-27T21:27:00.000-07:00

Reviews for:

1. Loretta Chase's YOUR SCANDALOUS WAYS
2. Julia Quinn's THE LOST DUKE OF WYNDHAM
3. Liz Carlyle's NEVER ROMANCE A RAKE.

Started an online journal, in case anyone's interested. See LOST IN WONDERLAND in the Links. Only two short posts so far, but I'm sure they'll increase at an alarming rate. I moved back in with my parents a few months ago, after being on my own since college. I have a feeling blogger won't be able to handle all the posts I'll end up writing. Enjoy!

Mr. Cavendish, I Presume

2008-07-19T21:39:00.000-07:00

Oh my goodness. I'm not even halfway done with the first novel of the above series and I'm already thinking about the second. I simply cannot wait 'til October 2008 when the novel is released. Julia Quinn is one of the authors who got me hooked on romance. I'm so glad she's back writing amazing literature. Err....at least, I hope it's good. I was disappointed with the last two books in the Bridgerton series. This series sounds very promising though and the novel above...oh, dear. I can't stand it. I'm so excited. I hope to see it in stores before my trip to Central Europe (More to come about my trip later). I'm leaving September 12 and am praying for a miracle. I need to read this on the plane. I must I must I must! As you can tell, my excitement for romance is back. I was a bit disillusioned and not even remotely inclined to read a romance novel for a while. That and a series of personal tragedies brought my life to a stand still. Now things are slightly back to normal. But enough about me.....

Here's a little sneak peek into MR. CAVENDISH, I PRESUME from Quinn's website:

There went the bride...

Amelia Willoughby has been engaged to the Duke of Wyndham for as long as she can remember. Literally. A mere six months old when the contracts were signed, she has spent the rest of her life waiting. And waiting. And waiting...for Thomas Cavendish, the oh-so-lofty duke, to finally get around to marrying her. But as she watches him from afar, she has a sneaking suspicion that he never thinks about her at all...

It's true. He doesn't. Thomas rather likes having a fiancée—all the better to keep the husband-hunters at bay—and he does intend to marry her...eventually. But just when he begins to realize that his bride might be something more than convenient, Thomas’s world is rocked by the arrival of his long-lost cousin, who may or may not be the true Duke of Wyndham. And if Thomas is not the duke, then he’s not engaged to Amelia. Which is the cruelest joke of all, because this arrogant and illustrious duke has made the mistake of falling in love...with his own fiancée!

Ahhhh....I feel like a little kid. My stomach has butterflies already.

Back to Romance

2008-07-19T21:35:00.000-07:00

Finally back to romance....currently reading Julia Quinn's LOST DUKE OF WYNDHAM. I love it so far. I'm also planning a small shopping spree at my favorite used book store this week. Yay! Will post my review of Quinn's book once I'm done.

Has anyone read the latest Carlyle or Chase? I almost bought the books today but ended up putting them away and only getting the Quinn.

More Patience?

2008-07-11T00:04:00.000-07:00

I'm trying not to be annoyed with Lorraine Heath, especially since I've always thoroughly enjoyed her novels but THIS angers me in so many ways. I'm livid. So when exactly will the new book in the Rose series be out? Why do I even care? I need to stop reading series books. Unfortunately, authors can't help themselves from writing them. I like the way Jenna Petersen and Julie Anne Long work; new books are constantly coming out. I seriously can't keep up with them. Trust me...this is a good thing.

And yes, I promised I would write more and haven't. I have a good reason...I haven't read any romance novels. I need to finish a Mary Queen of Scots bio and then I'm ready to take a dip once again into the waters of romance (ugh...I'm so cheesy).

True Romance of the Month: Queen Victoria and Prince Albert

2008-06-25T21:50:00.001-07:00

Just a couple of chapters and I will be finished with a biography on Queen Victoria. I never realized how lucky she was, in a period dominated by loveless marriages, to find a soul mate in her husband Prince Albert of Saxe Coburg Gotha. Theirs was a true love story that never really died, not even when he passed away at a young age, leaving Victoria a widow at 42.

I have to say that I was a bit shocked at how obsessed Victoria was with her husband. It was borderline unhealthy. She even blamed her son, Edward VII, for his death (Prince Albert was upset upon learning that his son had engaged in sexual activity with a woman of ill repute) and disliked having her children around initially because they got in the way of her having her husband all to herself. What a woman!

Heroines and Miscellaneous

2008-06-25T21:35:00.000-07:00

I don't like heroines in their late thirties.

I've yet to read a novel in which said heroine is interesting. She's always screwed up in some way and incredibly self-righteous. Apparently, there were no feisty hot blooded women in their thirties back in the Regency or Victorian periods....only sulky frustrated virgins who made their men's lives a living hell.

This is just a rant. I'm currently debating reading the latest Mary Balogh and I hear the heroine is a dull piece of work. Makes me angry primarily because the hero is so dreamy (he's been featured in other Balogh novels).

I need to read a good romance novel. I've been immersed in historical biographies for the last month. My most recent read is a biography on Queen Victoria. Wow...incredible woman.

I need to revamp my TBR list. Hear Julia Quinn's latest is amazing and must must must buy the recent contemporary Kleypas, as well as catch up on all the romance news.

More to post this weekend, trust me!

PRINCESSES

2008-06-09T21:42:00.001-07:00

I'm currently reading a historical biography on the daughters of George III; they are also the beloved sisters of the man known in romance novels as "PRINNY," George IV, who ruled the British Empire as regent until the death of his father.

George III had several daughters and could have easily married them off to gain political alliances during an exceptionally turbulent time in European history, yet he did not. The man was affectionate and loving, but soon became affected by a hereditary metabolic disease which left him in no place to make decisions. It was only when the princesses were older, their brother having taken over as regent, that they finally were able to break free. George III's tale is told well in the film THE MADNESS OF KING GEORGE. He was, by all intents and purposes, mad! Terribly sad story.

While George III rejected suitor after suitor for his daughters (no one was good enough or he wanted to wait 'til a better political time), their mother didn't allow the women to even leave the palace. She wanted them with her at all times and had a fit whenever one of them wanted to go into London. The daughters wanted to marry and have children. The Queen would not allow it because it might upset their father and make him more mad. Gosh, it was awful! Talk about selfish!

I recommend the book if one wants to get an inside look at the court of the time. The book is filled with letters written by the princesses to their confidantes, lovers and teachers. Just be prepared to be angry for most of it and sad for the happiness denied the princesses. The princesses start out very hopeful for the future; they each dream of love and a happily ever after. The letters soon change tone and they seem almost resigned to their state. Most of them eventually married, although later in life. The story will tear you to pieces. The queen is not at all depicted in a positive light. What a absolute wench!

No More Patience

2008-05-30T09:07:00.000-07:00

Frustrated and annoyed doesn't even come close to how I feel about the latest chapter of the PATIENCE saga, starring Lisa Valdez. Apparently it's not coming out anytime soon. I don't even know why I'm so surprised. I'm already picturing the "novel" as more a collection of post-its than completed manuscript. I don't know what's been going on with Ms. Valdez. It's a big mystery. We've heard the "writer's block" excuse and I'm starting to question even that. When a reader feels betrayed, it's hard to win them back as a fan. I will, if the book ever comes out, read PATIENCE but no longer do I feel excited and over the moon at such a prospect. Perhaps it's the fact that I'm older (I feel like it's been 20 years since PASSION was published) and I have different worries, priorities and excitement inducing stimuli....or perhaps...perhaps I'm so royally pissed up, that I want to subconsciously punish the author for leading me on and making me believe time and time again that I would "any day now" get to read her newest masterpiece because that's what I thought once upon a time.

When PASSION came out, the breath was knocked out of me, it was so good. It was like no other romance novel I had ever read. It gave me butterflies and sensations I only thought could be achieved in one's imagination. I expected the same from PATIENCE. Heck, there was even a steamy excerpt in the back of PASSION to give me a little taste of what was ahead. What happened to that? Do authors throw in excerpts of books that are no where close to being completed in their current novels? I don't understand how the publishing world works, but if that's the case, I'll refrain from reading them in the future. How about I do that here on my blog? Jot down a few sentences I've scrambled together through the years, tie them together and then announce that my novel will be coming soon to a book store near you. Of course, it will come soon. How soon really depends on your definition of the word SOON. My definition is WHENEVER SOME PUBLISHING COMPANY OFFERS ME A DEAL, which could be in 30 years. So yeah..just sit and wait...it'll come soon.

I'll also be a bit more wary next time I read an email or newletter update written by Ms. Valdez. She's been saying the book is in the works, getting its finishing touches, blah, blah, blah, for over 3 years now. Sure, Ms. Valdez, I completely believe you. Yeah, sure.

I don't know what kind of problems Ms. Valdez has had. Could be anything...a death in the family, divorce...whatever. My thoughts are with you. However, please refrain from giving your reader false hopes that they'll be reading the 2nd book of your trilogy (and that begs the question of when the hell the last novel, PRUDENCE, will be out) in this decade. I'm starting to think that this will never happen.

I hope Ms. Valdez doesn't come across this post and take it the wrong way. She should be flattered to evoking so much emotion from her readers. If she gets upset by any of the angry comments, she should really rethink her choice of profession. Getting angry fan mail, unflattering reviews are all part of the wonderful world of writing.

Oh...and by the way, what incited this post was a comment I received in another one of my posts attaching a letter written by Lisa Valdez, addressed to her fans. Thank you to ANONYMOUS! And yeah, I agree...WTF? Check it out:

April 30, 2008

Gracious Readers,

I had hoped to announce today (4-30-08) that the once and for all, never to be revised, re-written, re-analyzed, re-worked (except at Cindy's request) version of PATIENCE was turned in. Alas, I'm not quite there. However, I am VERY close. One day, I will talk more about the struggles with this book, and all the beginnings I wrote that weren't really the beginning. But for now, all I can say is that PATIENCE is more than a book, it's a virtue. And though you are likely as parched for PATIENCE as my sainted editor, I beg your indulgence for just a bit longer.As soon as I have at last released the final manuscript from what will, no-doubt, be my reluctant hands, I will post that I have done so. I will also post the moment I have a release date from Cindy.Also, as some of you are aware, my web-site went down temporarily. Unfortunately, I lost my whole address book. So, even if we've been in touch in the past, please join my Yahoo Group. Then, as soon as I have news I will send an announcement there first.Many thanks to all of you for your continuing support . . .

Ciao bellas, Lisa

Whatever...the ciao bella isn't going to make me less annoyed.

Sybil's blog has some pretty good commentary on the matter as well: http://goodbadandunread.com/index.php?PHPSESSID=ddcb89714b12932f28c0a986f94e5b73&s=lisa+valdez

I agree with Sybil 100%; Ms. Valdez is destroying her career. In any other profession, she would have been fired a long time ago.

Don't You...Forget About Me

2008-05-30T08:42:00.000-07:00

Hello to whatever's left of my blog readership! I've been MIA for months primarily due to a death in the family and loss of any kind of willingness to read anything remotely romantic. I've missed blogging a great deal and will get back to it next week. I have to address the Lisa Valdez PATIENCE debacle, among other things. Readers have been pretty patient with Ms. Valdez. Honestly, at this point, I don't remember anything about her first novel, PASSION. Do I care whether the book will ever come out? Not anymore. Am I pissed for the run around? Yes...most definitely.

Carrot Top

2008-01-04T21:47:00.000-08:00

Is Jacquie D'Alessandro's Avon's ugly red-headed stepchild or something? She's a great writer. Unfortunately, Avon's Art Department seems to enjoy giving her the shaft with deformed heroines that are far from pleasing to the eye (ok...I might be exaggerating, but they're not HOT). Is she being punished for something?

Kathryn Caskie just got to Avon and she's getting SEX basically stamped on her books!

Jacquie, if I were you, I'd demand some red covers and hotter heroines. Just a thought!

One at a Time, LADY!

2008-01-04T21:12:00.000-08:00

I don't get it. What is UP with writers these days? I have to wait three flippin' years to read Book 2 of Lisa Valdez's exciting series about three sisters (still waiting; it's supposedly out in May 2008, but I'm not holding my breath. I've heard that one before). The first novel, PASSION, came out in July 2005. YES, this is no typo! 2005! I kid you not! PASSION was incredible but apparently, some tight wads' panties got a little too twisted and they started writing nasty letters to the author ripping her a new one for writing what they thought was porn...or I guess for not warning them that the book would contain some sex scenes. Yeah, I know. Sex scenes in a romance novel....what will they think of next?!?

These idiots gave Valdez writer's block. She couldn't write after that, took it personally and turned in her second book late! The book was delayed...quite a bit. NOW FINALLY (and hopefully) we'll get to read her new book in May. Hopefully, the judgmental pricks didn't ruin it for everyone and the story will be as good and sex-filled as PASSION (yeah, I want the sex DAMMIT!). I also hope Valdez will grow more of a spine and perhaps not participate in message boards talks (a lot of tight wads attacked her in ALL ABOUT ROMANCE boards). Write your book and take a vacation! Trust me, if Book 2 is as good as Book 1, you're as good as gold!

In addition (yeah, I'm full of advice today), Lisa Valdez should learn to update her website a bit more often. It's like she's fallen off the face of the earth. Is your book coming out or what? Her site hasn't been updated since May 2007. I know she's busy and all, but it would nice to know with CERTAINTY that her book is indeed coming out in May of 2008!!! PATIENCE is still showing up as a 2007 publication. Please update or you'll lose your fans NOT because you're untalented (BECAUSE YOU ARE AMAZINGLY TALENTED AND GIFTED...DON'T EVER STOP WRITING), but because your fans will simply FORGET about you. PRIMROSE, Book 3 of the series, will probably be published when I'm in my 50s (a long long long time away, trust me) at this rate.

But the post is not really about Lisa Valdez and the morons who apparently felt forced to read the sexually explicit book (if you don't approve with a book, put it away or return it to your local bookseller, ASSHOLE!), it's about Lorraine Heath and her need to start a new series without finishing another. Now, her recent Roses and Rogues series is nowhere close to being the amazing gift from God that her Texas series was (DESTINY, SPLENDOR...you ladies know what I'm referring to), but it's not terrible and I was looking forward to its end. Well, apparently, Heath is either having writer's block or her publishing house (Avon, duh!) wants to make sure she suckers in even more readers with a new series. I honestly have no clue. I can't seem to get any feedback on the avon boards. I'm annoyed...extremely annoyed. Do I have other things to do besides reading romance novels and being irritated at writers I don't know from Adam? YES! Does this mean I shouldn't be even slightly annoyed to have to wait forever for the conclusion of a series? NO!

WTF, people? Finish a series before you start a new one. I don't get it! Did you really have no ideas for the last book? Hmmm...why don't you just recycle the usual ones? It's not like romance novels lately are so groundbreaking or original. A good ruined horny debutante virgin story will do nicely. Just finish the series and then move on to the next! Baaaaaaaaaaaah!

If anyone knows what the hell is going on, let me know. I'm confused.

By the way, I'm ready to put a missing persons' ad out for Judith Ivory.

UPDATE: Ok...after a bit of thought, I have to say that I'd rather have a book...any book...by Heath waiting for me at the book stores than none at all. I guess I can wait for Roses and Rogues to end at a later date. I just really want to finish the series. If Heath doesn't have a story just yet, then I can move on and read the next series. See...I'm not that unreasonable, right?!? It better be good though!

North and South

2008-01-02T21:41:00.000-08:00

Apparently, there's been much talk recently of BBC's NORTH AND SOUTH miniseries which I own, of course, and following which I became madly in love/lust with Richard Armitage (my new ideal man...sorry, Gerard Butler...you're out). It got me to thinking of the epic 80s' miniseries of the same name, starring Patrick Swayze, James Read and Lesley Anne Downe. I was a child at the time and I remember sneaking into the living room, wanting to watch the saga. My parents would always catch me, so I had to settle for watching the taped episodes on weekends.

Can anyone top the love stories depicted in this miniseries? To this day, my heart still beats strongly whenever I hear the theme music composed by the great Bill Conti. Check this one out on netflix or at your local video store. You won't be sorry! And just a word of advice, there's a North and South, Part 3, Heaven and Hell, out there. DO NOT SEE IT! Trust me...it's not worth it. To be honest, it destroys the rest of the miniseries. It was filmed in the 90s and contains characters never mentioned in the 80s series. It's terrible. I pretend it doesn't exist. You should, too!

Check out NORTH AND SOUTH, Book 1 and Book 2 only. Enjoy!!!

A Small Dose of Reality

2008-01-01T19:07:00.000-08:00

Imagine having a friend who:

a) recently separated from her spouse,
b) has a major crush on a co-worker,
c) claims she wants to be alone to find herself, since she's never been alone,
d) spent NYE with the co-worker she wants to bang.

What would you say to her? Keep in mind she's still married. First she says she's going to be alone and focus on herself and then I find out she's meeting the new guy's friend. SHE'S STILL MARRIED!!! I love her to death, but she's saying one thing and doing something else. It's driving me nuts because she's not even divorced and I'm getting all self-righteous on her ass because her hubby is a nice guy (she just fell out of love) and I feel like she being totally disrespectful. I don't know how to talk to her. I don't want her to get hurt either. Yeah, I know these are her mistakes to make...her life, but I'm the one who has to hear her talk about this new guy and then in the same breath claim she's not dating him. Sure....yeah, right!

I want to help her. I know I can't. I do need to talk to her w/o saying something I will regret. How would you handle it?

Oh..and BTW that new Julianne MacLean book stinks as much as that crap by Dodd I read recently. Review to come!

Scandalous Again

2007-12-17T22:47:00.000-08:00

I went to the used book store the other day, after a very painful trip to the dentist. I had loads of cotton gauze in my mouth and was still drooling when I headed over to the Romance Section. Oh, joy!

I left my list of books to buy at home, so I decided to wing it and immediately ran to the "D" section, where I proceeded to pick up two Christina Dodd novels. BIG MISTAKE. Dodd is a hit or miss for me. Unfortunately, this time she was a miss, a big miss!

SCANDALOUS AGAIN is a novel that is best left at the bottom of any reader's list. Actually, strike that...it shouldn't even be on your list. Remove it. Throw the book out. Don't donate it to charity. Please! Some people are unfortunate enough as it is. They don't need a bad book tainting their existence, too.

The premise is a very simple, if not overdone, one. Madeline De Lacy, the Duchess of Magnus is in a pickle. Her gambling, useless father has lost her in a card game to a rich American magnate. She immediately devises a plan to...well, honestly I have no idea. She forces her cousin, Eleanor, who supposedly looks exactly like her, to switch places with her. Eleanor will meet the American Madeline is now supposed to marry and Madeline will go off into the country to..again I have no clue. I might have missed this part during a yawn or something, but I have no idea why Madeline goes off into country and ends up in some criminal's house. No clue. Needless to say, she's an idiot and a bossy one at that. A bitch, if you will. A stupid bitch. She soon runs into her ex-fiance, whom she dumped for some lame ass reason (read - he gambled, won a fortune and she basically ripped him a new one in front of all of Almacks and dumped him). Gosh, I want to spit at my computer screen right now. The heroine was some piece of work, spoiled and a total drama queen. When I first read the back blurb, I thought perhaps she had broken off her engagement because she caught her fiance with some prostitute or society matron. WRONG! The excuse she gives for breaking off her engagement is so asinine, I could not respect her. I was shocked (well, not really) when the hero took her back. I would have made her fall in love and then dumped her...in a cold river...literally!

Book stinks...there's really no other, more eloquent way to put it. It's terrible.

What makes me angry is that the sequel, ONE KISS FROM YOU, is apparently just as horrendous. Oh, yeah, and I bought it, too. Bah! Never buy under the influence of novacaine!

I hated this book with a passion. I hated the heroine with a passion. The hero? Meh! Sexy, but what a complete moron to take her back!

DON'T READ THE BOOK, if you know what's good for you!!!

Fool Like Me

2007-09-03T20:52:00.001-07:00

Have you ever purchased a book and left it on your book shelf to collect dust, all while purchasing other books and devouring them within seconds (and been left severely disappointed)?

Two years ago I purchased Judith McNaught's PARADISE. I didn't read it. Not even close. I put it away...on the bottom of my TBR trunk and left it there. I never thought of it. I'd pick it up every now and then. I even started reading it once and immediately put it down because I didn't have the patience to learn about the heroine's childhood.

I read it this weekend. I give you all permission to kick me. HARD. VERY HARD!!!

I chose to read Julia Quinn's IT'S IN HIS KISS before Judith McNaught's PARADISE.

Again, I ask you to KICK ME!!!

Readers, let me tell you...the title says it all. The novel is pure paradise. Never have characters felt more alive and real. A review will simply not do it justice.

Meredith Bancroft is an heiress with a domineering overprotective father. Matt Farrell is your typical boy from the wrong side of the tracks. They meet one night and fall in love instantly. What follows is Meredith giving her virginity to Matt on the first night, getting pregnant and marrying him within six weeks. The marriage is later destroyed through lies, deceit and manipulation. 11 years go by and they meet again, this time Matt is a millionaire and....

Well, I'll leave it at that. It may sound like your typical "poor boy falls in love with rich girl" story, but it's not. It's so much more and I beg you to read it, if you already haven't.

Read it. Trust me. Just read it. You won't be sorry!!!

Rewriting Jane

2007-08-28T20:51:00.000-07:00

Do you approve of rewriting history for the sake of romance? Apparently, the writers of the new Anne Hathaway film, BECOMING JANE, clearly do. I never heard of the film until recently, when a friend of mine, a fellow Austen lover, mentioned a new film out on the life of the great 19th century writer. I immediately had to find out everything I could about it....and was left extremely disappointed and angry. The film covers the love story between Austen and a distant relation of hers; it goes as far as suggesting that he was the inspiration for Mr. Darcy and PRIDE AND PREJUDICE basically an autobiographical work. Da fa?!?! Who are they trying to kid? What angers me about this film is that many viewers will end up believing the half-truths it spouts out. It is not clear whether Jane Austen had a life altering love affair that led to the creation of one of the greatest literary works of all time. There is no evidence to suggest it, beyond a couple of references to the the gentleman in letters to her sister. However, the writers use their imagination and cleverly create one for her. Why?

I don't approve of rewriting history. It's tantamount to lying and I'm not one too keen on the art of deception.

I cannot help but feel deceived and cheated out of a true account of the life of such an amazing author...and a bit offended, as well. Why must a great love be associated with her? Is it not possible she didn't have one? Would that make her less complete as a woman?

I don't know...perhaps my disgust goes beyond a bit of fudging. Perhaps, I'm merely ticked that there is an underlying assumption that Jane Austen needs a lover in order to be interesting, so the writers decided to give her one. After all, I've yet to see any film about her simply as Jane.

Jane: the woman...alone.

I didn't see the film but I do hope the directors made clear that it was a fictional account of Jane Austen's personal life. I'm beyond sickened by this.

Will not see this film.

Skip School

2007-08-28T20:44:00.001-07:00

If you're planning on reading the series' novels related to this book and haven't yet purchased it, do yourself a favor and don't bother. The stories are frustrating and boring....I don't even think the authors listed on the cover wrote them. There's no way. IMPOSSIBLE!

That's my story and I'm sticking to it!

The Secret Passion of Simon Blackwell

2007-08-27T12:17:00.000-07:00

A cruel twist of fate changed Simon Blackwell’s life forever. A man of intense passions, he resolved to deny his emotions and desires forever—taking refuge in the wilds of the moorlands and shutting himself off from the world. But on one extraordinary night, on a rare trip to London, the unthinkable occurs. An intoxicatingly beautiful stranger stirs the sensuous hunger he has sworn to resist. Simon Blackwell believed that no woman could tempt him.

No woman…save Annabel McBride.

Annabel knows nothing of Simon’s secret pain. But one irresistible kiss plunges her into marriage with a man she scarcely knows, a man who hides a shattered past. She can feel the blistering heat of the fire that burns within this exquisitely handsome man, making her yearn for much more than the union in name only he has promised her.

But Simon dares not love again--for fragile love can be lost in an instant. And now Annabel must find a way to open his heart to the most glorious risk of all.

*****************

I love a good mystery when I read a romance novel. I love it when the hero or heroine have a big secret they’re withholding from everyone, especially from those they hold dear. What I don’t love is a drawn out snoozefest that promises a big secret and then gives me a big WTF. Yes, WTF! Not too eloquent, huh? But really, how else can I describe a secret that consists of the usual “my wife and kids died and I feel totally guilty because I lit a stupid candle and they wouldn’t have died in that fire had I not done that and plus, I yelled at my son and the last time I saw him, his eyes were full of tears.” Wah wah wah wah. STFU! Bah! I’ve only read this big “secret” about a dozen times. The other twelve times, however, the secret was revealed early on in the novel. Not the case with the book I'm referring to: The Secret Passion of Simon Blackwell.

I don’t know what I expected from this latest effort by Samantha James; her books are either hit or miss with me. The story started strong enough with a chance meeting and instant dislike. Potential, I thought to myself, this book has potential…..so I kept on reading….and soon wanted to take the book, rip it from its binding, eat the pages and spit them all out. Confetti, anyone?

I was not impressed.

A small suggestion for authors.....if you have a secret, make sure it’s truly shocking. Just a thought. Also, don’t make me wait almost an entire novel before having your hero disclose it….especially if it’s a secret that's been recycled more than a newspaper.

I feel terribly guilty for saying this about this novel, because I do like its author, but I was bored to tears and felt myself scrambling for something, anything, that would make me love the book. The book is the first in a series. I will continue reading it because I’m a schmuck and I love series novels. I also have full confidence in Ms. James. This book may be a miss for me, but there’s always the possibility of a hit with the next.

The Secret Passion of Simon Blackwell lacked a good secret; hero was a wimp and the heroine should have hit him over the head with a heavy piece of firewood. Buy only if interested in series novels. Otherwise, save your money, your time and your nails (I bit mine all off while reading because I was so frustrated).

Hiatus?

2007-08-22T12:54:00.001-07:00

Yeah...it's not a typo; there is a question mark after the word HIATUS. I'm still trying to figure out what the heck I'm doing with this blog. It will be undergoing a change in the next few months. I promise I won't keep my comments to myself any longer. Just needed a bit of time away from romance, if you will.

Will be back soon! Stay with me people! Don't delete me from your favorites, you hear!

Where's My Book?

2007-08-22T12:51:00.000-07:00

Seriously, what the eff is going on with Lisa Valdez and her 2nd novel PATIENCE? I've waited two years for it and I'm tired. I want to read it now. Ironic that the book is called PATIENCE. You need plenty right now, if you're waiting for it. I have a feeling the book will be on sale in the Summer of 2010. I loved PASSION and cannot wait for the 2nd. All I know is that her third book, PRIMROSE, better be released at the same time. I'm angry dammit!

Anyone know the fate of PATIENCE?

Are You Kidding?

2007-07-08T21:34:00.001-07:00

ADD on Acid. I have no other explanation for this novel. I am shocked...SHOCKED, I TELL YOU...that Gaelen Foley wrote it. It was extremely amateurish and I cannot recommend it. Luckily, I know what Foley is capable of and I will read her upcoming novels, but I still cannot get the sour taste this novel left in my mouth. Blaugh! Terrible.

Need Romance Help

2007-06-09T18:22:00.001-07:00

Romance novel help, that is....lol.

I haven't been following up on any new releases for the last few months and I'm lost...lost I tell you. I need help. What books have been released in the last few months that you believe I should get? I will do my own research later today and tomorrow, but for now I want as much help as possible....any books I should buy and read NOW? I'm ready to get back into reading. Thanks all for the great love advice BTW. I'm feeling stronger than ever.

Where have I been?

2007-06-05T06:25:00.001-07:00

Easy....men suck...and that's all I'm going to say about it right now.

You have a friend...a male friend...initially you have a crush, but realize it's not really meant to be, so you move on and start developing feelings of friendship for the guy. You end up perhaps, during a night of loneliness, well...I guess doing more than you should with the person. Relationship complicated in a matter of minutes (literally). You try to keep things the way they were and it's really not that difficult to do so. It's very easy. He's your friend and you act like he's your friend. Then one day, you make plans with him. He flakes on you. You respond with text indicating that he should just say no next time he doesn't want to hang. You don't hear from him for 5 days. You text him and nothing. WTF? I don't get guys...at all. I'm a tad annoyed and irritated because I actually like the guy and his friendship. I don't want anything else and I'm being completely honest here. I don't understand why he'd act this way. And you know how it goes...we ladies will try not to call because we then remember...wait a sec...I actually did something with this guy and he might think I want him when I actually don't. It's so frustrating...and complicated...and...and...well, I just about have knots in my stomach because of it.

It doesn't help that I've been on some meds recently that have taken away my appetite, so I've got knots in my stomach and a general feeling of starvation. Ugh! Fantastic....so, there it goes....I'm still looking for my hero. My friend is acting like a douche and I don't get it at all. I've heard it all...don't text him, don't call him...forget him, but the guy is my friend...it just sucks that perhaps the friendship might have been ruined one dark lonely night.

Anyhow, I can't read romances. AT ALL...NOT NOW. Romances only make me angry right now. I'm not bitter, but I'm not in the mood to read some chick's happily ever after, including a chick created by the great Lisa Kleypas (I still haven't read SUGAR DADDY).

Bah!

Yawn

2007-04-15T19:33:00.000-07:00

Supremely sensible Emmaline Dove wishes to share her etiquette expertise with London’s readers, and as secretary to Viscount Marlowe, Emma knows she’s in the perfect position to make her dreams come true. Marlowe might be a rake with a preference for cancan dancers and an aversion to matrimony, but he is also the city’s leading publisher, and Emma is convinced he’s her best chance to see her work in print…until she discovers the lying scoundrel has been rejecting her manuscripts without ever reading a single page!

As a publisher, Harry finds reading etiquette books akin to slow, painful torture. Besides, he can’t believe his proper secretary has the passion to write anything worth reading. Then she has the nerve to call him a liar, and even resigns without notice, leaving his business in uproar and his honor in question. Harry decides it’s time to teach Miss Dove a few things that aren’t proper. But when he kisses her, he discovers that his former secretary has more passion and fire than he ever imagined, for one luscious taste of her lips only leaves him hungry for more…

Cheesy!!! Yeah, I said it. This book was cheesy and silly and the heroine annoyed me with her guilt trips. I wanted the hero to go find some other woman..there were plenty in that story to interest him. Ugh! Didn't like it at all and it was more than the fact that we didn't see any real action (read SEX) 'til the end of the book. The author tried really hard to get us to know and understand the characters (the book is very character-driven) but she missed something along the way...a little something like 100 or so pages. What's the point of getting to know the characters if we're then treated to a WHAM BAM THANK YOU MAMN type of "courtship?" Can I get a chance to get used to the characters as a couple? Can I please see them truly falling in love?

I loved the hero, a stubborn and cynical divorced aristocrat (and did I mention very very sexy?). The heroine, on the other hand, was depicted as a whiny guilt-ridden prude with some serious fucked up family issues. Ugh!

The book felt rushed. I was still getting used to the heroine asserting some independence for herself and then WHAM love blossoms and they're a friggin' couple. I am so thoroughly disappointed by the author's latest effort.

Now, it wasn't terrible. It was not! But for Guhrke to write a book like this...well, then yeah..for her, it was terrible. I would expect this from a newbie writer. I was bored and yes, I yawned several times during the course of reading the story.

No reader puts an amazing book down every half hour. I did, therefore book wasn't good IMO. End of story.

Do what you must with this review. The folks at AAR gave it a great review.

The Raven and the Leopard

2007-04-12T21:21:00.000-07:00

The Story: Widow Anna Wren is broke. The Earl of Swartingham needs a secretary immediately and he can't seem to have any stick around due to his lousy temper. Anna becomes the Earl's secretary and soon finds herself attracted to the man. Upon finding out that he frequents brothels, a jealous Anna decides that if he's going to get any, he might as well get it from her, so she goes to the brothel and manages to convince the madam to have her entertain the earl. Lots of very hot sex ensues...of course, the Earl doesn't know it's Anna, until much much later....

The Verdict: I LOVED IT!!! LOVE LOVE LOVED IT!!! This is so far the best book of the year. It's not your typical secretary/boss story. Anna and the Earl, first off, are not exactly the most attractive of people. Anna is plain...very plain and the Earl has a scarred face. But who says you have to be smoking hot to have smoking hot love scenes. OMIGOSH! Talk about steamy! Their love story is very special and I'm tempted to reread it, despite the fact that I only read this a couple of months ago. I would recommend reading this before THE LEOPARD PRINCE, since it's book 1 of a series.

What you need to do: Seriously, just stop reading this review and go to Borders! Buy the book and thank me later.

The Story: Lady Georgina Maitland is 28 years old and the owner of a grand estate. Harry Pye is her land steward and one fine hunk of man. They get to know each other and begin an affair, falling in love soon after, but how can a love affair between the daughter of an earl and a mere servant survive the rules of society? Obviously it does or it wouldn't be a romance novel. There's a bit of a mystery as to some deaths on a nearby estate, as well as some secrets revealed about Harry and his family (and really..it's not the typical...I'VE BEEM A DUKE ALL ALONG business that's shoved down our throats by several romance writers).

Verdict: I enjoyed it. Elizabeth Hoyt has quickly become a favorite author of mine; her writing is impeccable and you find yourself never skimming or skipping chapters merely to get to the end. You actually want to read every single page because every single page is pure pleasure. You experience each character's angst, each character's emotions as if they were your own. WOW! She's amazing and I cannot wait to see what awaits us next. THE LEOPARD PRINCE isn't as good as THE RAVEN PRINCE, but it was solid. The story will engage you and make you pant for more. LEOPARD PRINCE is BOOK 2 of Hoyt's PRINCE series. THE SERPENT PRICE will hopefully grace book shelves at the end of the year.

What you should do: Get some money and go to your nearest book store now. Don't wait 'til you find it at your local UBS. Just get it new. You won't want to throw it out. It's worth it. Trust me!!!

Are the Writers Sleeping on the Set of Grey's?

2007-04-12T21:03:00.000-07:00

Have you ever read a book in which characters were completely mismatched? Where the hero and heroine belonged to anyone but each other? I have and, boy, did those books piss me off! Fans of Grey's Anatomy, myself included, should get used to that feeling because apparently George and Izzie, best friends forever, had sex a couple of weeks ago and are supposedly going to fall in love. What utter bullcrap! Can you imagine? It's like picturing a brother and sister getting it on. That's the kind of relationship the two have and now the writers are going to take that relationship, shit on it and give us a big piece of crap! Excuse the vulgarities but I'm pissed. The show used to be one of my favorites and perhaps I'm taking it all too seriously (btw..does anyone else get pissed off by Grey's constant use of the word?).

There are friendships out there that are simply meant to be friendships, despite the whole WHEN HARRY MET SALLY factor, and George and Izzie have always had a sort of brother/sister relationship. Sorry, if I'm not a fan of their "love story." Was this love story necessary? And WHY won't the writers see that not every one should "hook up" with each other on the show? This isn't ALL MY CHILDREN!!!!

Some people are not meant to be together; some are not even meant to hook up together. Maybe I feel this way because I've never fallen in love or had sex with a friend I've regarded as a brother. At this point, I'm going to wait 'til someone over at Grey's wakes up. Hopefully, they'll have George come out of the shower one episode and then we'll realize it was all one big nightmare.

And SERIOUSLY...get rid of that idiot Jane Doe and give me more McSteamy. Jerks!

The Prince Series - Reviews Coming Soon

2007-04-08T23:50:00.000-07:00

I am speechless. Elizabeth Hoyt is officially one of my favorite authors (although she's only at Book #2). Hoyt's writing keeps you enthralled from the first page. I don't think there are many authors out there like her. Many novels I read start out slightly boring (I'm not going to lie here); the authors are slow at getting to any real action. Long-winded and stale chapters abound...not so with Hoyt. She gives the reader something to sink her teeth into from the very first sentence. I absolutely adore her; I am absolutely stunned by the caliber of writing. Is she really another more seasoned writer writing under a different name? Can this last book really be her second? I am impressed....tremendously impressed. Reviews to follow, but if I were you, I'd get these books and read them asap, even before I post my reviews. They're keepers! Get thee to a book store NOW!!!

Surrender to a Scoundrel

2007-04-08T21:43:00.000-07:00

Do you ever want to read a simple book? Not a "Hi, I'm an idiot" kind of book, but the kind with which you can tumble into bed and not have to really think, merely relax and enjoy. Julianne MacLean's books strike me as such...simple and uncomplicated. Don't get me wrong; both her heroes and heroines quite often manage to do something so completely stupid or asinine, I want to throw the book out the window, but overall MacLean's books keep me seated and occupied for two to three hours. Of course, as is the case with simple books, I often forget the gist of the story a few days after finishing it. But do I care? Nope, because for those two to three hours, I enjoyed myself and was able to put aside my worries, concerns and didn't have to think. I like books like these...that stop me from thinking. I do it overly too much and that has lately been quite a problem for me.

MacLean's latest effort is decent. The book concludes the American Heiresses series that MacLean began a few years ago. To be honest, I'm glad. No offense to the lovely American women gracing the novels, but it's about time to move on and begin another saga. MacLean is very talented and, at times, I feel she is capable of so much more than what she has written thus far. I'm hoping and keeping my fingers crossed that she write something much deeper, something less simple, but until she does so, I'll enjoy those moments when I can sit, read and shut my brain.

Surrender to a Scoundrel is the story of Martin, the brother of the hero of To Marry A Duke, and Eleanor Wheaton, a prim and proper widow. The two have a history; he saved her life when they were both children. Not only that, but she managed to get him kicked out of school by mistake when they were in their teens. Of course, she has an inferiority complex; thinks he doesn't even remember saving her life or her name (he does) and he thinks she looks her nose down at him for no reason (her reason: she's secretly been in love with him for years). They meet ten years after the second incident.

The story confused me a bit because..well, I was expecting the heroine to fall in love with a scoundrel. The hero seems anything but. He was a rake in his youth, but seems to have matured a great deal due to the usual big secret which comes out in the middle of the novel. I'm starting to get a little sick of the big secrets both heroes and heroines seem to be sporting these days. Fortunately, the secret isn't mentioned every two pages. I've read a lot of books like these and I always end up putting them aside and selling them to a used book store. Of course, the hero uses this big secret to push the heroine away. What else, right? It irked me a tad, but I liked how he eventually realized he was being an idiot. The heroine didn't shut the hero out of her life or her bed for very long. Now this I like a lot. One way to get me to stop reading a romance novel is by making the heroine play games with the hero...even the "you don't really love me" speeches turn me off. Fortunately, Julianne MacLean must be aware of this because there was none of that here.

I'm very happy to say that the story was centered around the characters..despite the secrets, the villains and what not (yes, there are villains). MacLean kept her focus on the love story and what a pleasure to actually see an author tackle that one.

I've been away from romance novels for a while. I was tired of the same tired old plots, the same secondary characters stealing the story away from the leads. Luckily, MacLean did not disappoint me. She didn't blow me away, but she didn't disappoint me either.

I'm back

2007-03-28T22:05:00.000-07:00

...and here to stay. Several reviews coming soon. Will begin reading Kleypas's SUGAR DADDY this weekend. Am extremely excited. The reviews have been incredible.

Check out my post on 3/29/07 on Romancing the Blog, my very first. Hopefully, not too many tomatoes and eggs will be flung at me.

Did she just ruin the ending?

2007-03-11T14:54:00.000-07:00

I haven't read SUGAR DADDY yet, but my copy is on its way, courtesy of my friend Janet's friend Andrea, who went to the Kleypas book signing and got me a signed copy (JOY JOY JOY). In any case, I thought I'd check out the review on All About Romance. Is it just me or did the reviewer give away the ending?

Please No "Non Avon Authors"

2007-03-04T12:25:00.000-08:00

Wait a second....I recently learned that Christina Dodd is no longer part of AVON publishing. When and how did this happen? I want dirt. Over at the Avon board, a fan is now forbidden to discuss "non-Avon authors." Hmmm...interesting. I never noticed this before. I always remember people discussing Candice Hern and Lisa Kleypas after their departure and now suddenly we fans can't talk about them anymore? Interesting and downright rude. Nice slap in the face, huh? I want to spit. There must be more than meets the eye. Why would we not discuss authors who've been part of Avon for like EVER? If anyone has some dirt or links or if the authors themselves would like to respond, then be my guest. I'm very curious....

....and now heartbroken that my other two favorites, Julie Anne Long and Loretta Chase, have become part of Avon. I only hope Avon doesn't change them (Chase was part of Avon before they started the practice of sucking the talent out of its authors...). There are still a few authors who have remained strong, despite Avon's practices (see Jenna Petersen), but one cannot help but be worried. One or two or even three strong Avon authors vs. the rest of them...eek. It's really difficult to stay positive, but I'm hoping...hoping...because I love Long and Chase.

Update: I apologize, but earlier I erroneously posted that Teresa Medeiros is no longer part of Avon. Ms. Medeiros continues to be an Avon Author. I apologize once again for any confusion; forgive me for my poor research skills (I could have sworn I read that somewhere and then missed her name on the site when I was quickly looking at it the other day). Sorry!

Sugar Daddy Out Now

2007-03-04T12:11:00.000-08:00

I have in my possession a Borders' gift card and I now know what to use it for: Lisa Kleypas' first contemporary SUGAR DADDY out in stores now. There have been excellent reviews for it so far, but you know how those reviews are...they're usually hit or miss. Well, I can't wait to find this book at a UBS...I don't even want to look. I love Kleypas and will actually fork over the cash (err...gift card) for this little wonder. Oh...and did anyone check out Lisa's new and improved site. Me likes it a lot!!!

I've Given Up

2007-03-04T12:08:00.000-08:00

I decided to sell my soul to blogger and just use one of their templates, even though I absolutely loved the old one created for me by Mailyn. I'm still trying to get over it, but I'm mad. This all happened when I switched to new blogger...I really don't see what the big deal about it is. It seems the same..still difficult, still written in something close to Farsi. I'll figure out how to make my site better in the future. Right now it's a glorious day outside. Warm in the high 60s (that's warm for San Francisco) and I need to get out of my apartment.

Where's My.....Banner?

2007-03-02T20:42:00.000-08:00

For those of you new to my blog, welcome to WHERE'S MY HERO? The banner is now gone. I have no idea why or how...I'm confused and annoyed and now I have to find another banner and I don't have the first clue as to what to do. I hate asking people for help, but...HELP! How do I create a banner? Sybil said she'd help me with the rest, but HELP. I need HELP! Mailyn...can you do the honors? Holly? Anyone?

Two for the Price of One

2007-02-18T16:27:00.000-08:00

Normally the concept of TWO FOR THE PRICE OF ONE grabs and holds one's attention. We immediately rush to the store eager and willing to buy as many goodies as possible. TWO FOR THE PRICE OF ONE is usually a good thing. It wasn't the case with Eloisa James' PLEASURE FOR PLEASURE. At least, not for me. Once upon a time, I tried reading an older James' title...something with the word DUCHESS in it..yes...yes..it was DUCHESS IN LOVE. I couldn't get through the third chapter. So much was going on that I didn't feel much of a connection with the lead characters and if I don't feel that connection right away, like any good girl with a short attention span, I will close the book immediately and send it right on over to my local Used Book Store.

I felt the same way with PLEASURE FOR PLEASURE, but unlike DUCHESS IN LOVE, I actually loved the book's premise, that of a woman with low confidence who allows a friend of her family's to help her gain it. Josie Essex is called the "Scottish Sausage" by a member of the ton and now finds herself unable to find a husband. She thinks she's fat and wears outlandish corsets that only serve to...well...make her look like a stuffed sausage. She soon stops wearing the dreadful garment and with the help of the Earl of Mayne, a close family friend (who has been linked to all of her sisters), she tries to get the attention of the bachelors of the ton...or something like that.

It seemed like a good story, but I never realized that the lead characters would share their book with the hero's sister and younger lover. What a mess! I found myself disliking the lead characters' story soon enough and wanted more and more of the other (which I thought deserved its own book). The heroine was a big knucklehead and I honestly didn't understand (I never do) what the hero saw in her. He was almost 20 yrs older than her...apparently saw her grow up and that really disturbed me. Yes, I know that back in the day age differences weren't important, BUT I live in 2007 and in 2007 it would gross me out to discover that Bob Saget or John Stamos was dating one of the Olsen twins. Might have been acceptable for that time but so was not bathing and I don't see much mention of that in these novels.

But I digress...besides the little age issue I had with the novel, I couldn't get over how fast the hero went from being head over heels in love with the woman of his dreams (oh...did I mention he was in love with this French prude...possible lesbian?) to immediately wanting the heroine all to himself. Tha f*ck? It made no sense...it was too quick; there was no time for the hero to even get over the other woman. Perhaps had the heroine been depicted as a woman of the world, an Angelina Jolie type, I might have seen why and how the hero could fall so in and out and then right back into love so quickly. Sorry...I know Angelina Jolie, I've seen most of her movies, Angelina Jolie was in a movie I watched last night...Eloisa James, JOSIE IS NO ANGELINA JOLIE!!! And the love story you depicted for her was beyond unbelievable; it simply bored the shite out of me!

Now for the second love story, that of the secondary characters, Mayne's younger sister and the darling Darlington, the man who is the cause of Josie's low self-esteem (he's the one who called her "Scottish Sausage" to begin with), I enjoyed this one. I really did. Of course, I would have loved to see it developed further. We were merely given a few love sessions and then instant love on the part of Darlington for the beautiful and sexy Griselda (I hate that name!). It was easy to see why the two would fall in love though...they were cute together and I absolutely loved Darlington's wordplay. I was only disappointed I couldn't read more on the two.

I wish James would dedicate her novels to one couple at a time. Has she ever done this? I've not read many of her books. DUCHESS IN LOVE turned me off. I had to read this one though because so many people spoke fondly of it. James' is a great writer, I'll give you that. It's obvious she's no dummy, but her style doesn't suit me. It actually makes me quite sleepy...and frustrated...and anxious. Chapter 1 and 2 were dedicated to the leads; Chapter 3 to the secondaries; Chapter 4 back to the leads and so on and so forth. So much alternating really pissed me off. Everytime I'd get into one love story, the author would take a break and give me another one. Argh! Frustrating! Too much was going on in this novel and I developed a headache soon after starting it. By the time I finished it, I had a full blown migraine. I think I'll pass on the next one and if I do ever decide to give the author another chance, I'll make sure to take a Tylenol Migraine.

Tagged by Holly

2007-02-10T20:04:00.000-08:00

I think I've done this once....actually, I think I've done this twice or three times. Oh, well...

10 Weird Things About Myself:
1. I like burnt popcorn with a dab of dijionaise (yeah...I'm pretty sure I've done this list already).

2. When I was 13, I begged my mom for a perm so....I got the hairstylist to cut my bangs and then perm them...only the bangs. I looked like a poodle!!! Not very attractive AT ALL!!!

3. I put my PJs on as soon as I get home from work, even if I have to go out an hour later...I won't change into anything but my PJs and then change into other clothes if I go out. A few people have told me that's weird, but I don't think so. Is it?

4. I seem to always get crushes on gay men. I don't know they're gay when I crush on them though...find out later on and then I'm really crushed!

5. There's no balance in anything I do. It's either all or nothing, too much or too little. I'll either go anorexic or eat like a pig (and I've done this)....read too many books or read none at all. There's got to be a word for this.

6. I have to follow up everything with sound effects. If I trip or fall, I usually have to add a little sound effect action...yell AAAAAAAHHHH or ARGH or something like that.

7. I'm scared of heights, yet I've been rock climbing, bouldering, walk across the Golden Gate every chance I get and am even planning a sky diving trip for later this year.

8. I love to melt chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream and then use a fork to scoop up all the cookie dough. Once I'm done with the cookie dough, I throw the ice cream away (no one wants to eat it anyway, after I'm done with it).

9. My taste in men: Scott Weiland (former lead singer of STONE TEMPLE PILOTS), Clive Owen and Ralph Fiennes. Weird because it makes no sense. According to some, how can someone love Ralph Fiennes and Clive Owen and then fantasize about former druggies like Scott Weiland? I don't know the answer but I think he's hot!!!

10. I drink hot beverages with a straw (I still think I started this trend in college).

Misplaced Blame

2007-02-10T19:04:00.000-08:00

I'm clueless lately as to what's coming out in the next few months; clueless as to what came out last month. I'm bored and, for a time, I thought there was something wrong with me. I blamed it on anything and everything: seasonal depression, dissatisfaction with my work, love life and LIFE in general. I'm now beginning to realize, as I go through the shelves of my local Barnes & Noble, that it's not my fault at all. The romance genre is no longer what it used to be and therein lies the problem. The stories released today lack imagination, originality and are nothing by copycats of older, far superior romance works. It's sad really. Few authors in recent months have released works that made my toes curl. However, the same cannot be said for MANY other authors who have released books that have forced me to jump off my couch and into my car OFF to the nearest used book store.

I don't know who to blame. Is it the authors' fault or the publishing company that approves the works? I have my favorite authors...we all do. Usually, my favorites release their books once a year, maybe even every 6-8 months, if I'm lucky. I wait...and wait patiently because I know they deliver (err...most of the time), but what do I do while I wait? What books do I read? I have other interests besides romance. I read a lot of historical biographies, non-fictions set in World War II or the French Revolution. It's not all about romance, but I like romances. They're quick reads that don't necessarily require that I sit and analyze for hours on end. They're pure enjoyment...like a great piece of chocolate cake. So....while I wait for my favorite authors to release their new books, I pick up whatever new books are published. I'll look at the cover...good, nice, sexy cover. I'll look at the back blurb...unoriginal but probably good. Look at the name of the authors...she's always writing books...she must be decent. I buy the books...several books...and read them.... and realize that I've just eaten a lot of BAD CAKE!!!

The result of eating so much bad cake is naturally an aversion to cake in general....and so today, I'm scared...scared to try out new authors because the standards for getting your novel published seem to have lowered slightly. What else should I think? There are exceptions...there are always exceptions, of course. Some authors I've never been able to get enough of are now authors to stay away from; their motivation for writing is no longer pleasing the fan, but making a few dollars. Trifle and unamusing has now replaced brilliant and humorous. Good work! And then there are those new authors who've written novels that I consider far superior to even those by my favorites.

I actually laughed out loud last night at the backblurb of a romance novel. I don't know if I've ever done that. The story was so stupid, I wanted to take out some matches and have a little bonfire in the middle of the store. I won't mention the name of the book. It might be quite good...looked and sounded like every other book that's been published every month for the last year or so. I won't be reading it, unless it lands on my doorstep via some divine intervention (and that's really the only way because I'm not mentioning the name).

So what to do? Read an old goodie? Go through my TBR pile and read the works of authors whose new works aren't even good enough to use as box stuffing? I've tried that (see post below) and it didn't work. All it's done is upset me even more. Am I taking this too seriously? Perhaps. But you would, too, if you spent a bundle on books that worked better than a sleeping aid. I don't buy books to fall asleep; I buy them to escape the real world, which is all too harsh. I buy them to dream WHILE AWAKE, not while in a coma-like stupor created by said "novel." If I wanted to be in a stupor, I'd take drugs.

I'm now reading FLAGS OF OUR FATHERS. I'll follow that up with some romance novels that have impeccable reviews. I need to ease back into them. I'm going to change the way I purchase romances. I've always been too trusting of covers. They look so nice...they've got to be good, right? WRONG! Expect more selectivity on my part from now on....I guess this means AVON won't be getting as much of my money in the future. C'est la vie!

In the Heath of the Night

2007-01-30T22:36:00.000-08:00

Ok..I was trying to write up some clever title to the post and that's all I came up with. If you can come up with a better one, let me know. I'm still in shock over what happened to the writing abilities, never mind the imagination, of famed romance writer, Lorraine Heath. I have three words for you and excuse the profanity here...not suitable for children at all. WHAT. THE. FUCK? I simply do not understand what happened to the voice of this distinguished author.

For a while, every time I'd stumble upon a romance blog reviewing any one of Heath's recent books, I'd always hear the same two words over and over again: Rawley Cooper. Who was this mysterious character that everyone wanted Heath to write a book about? I didn't know and I really didn't care. These same bloggers refused to read any of Heath's new books. At the time, this seemed to me as rather foolish. I thought Heath's Victorians were better than sliced bread....great works of romance. What a joke! Various bloggers insisted I read Heath's old Westerns to fully comprehend why they would never read any of Heath's Victorian series books. I finally, after much procrastinating on my part, decided to do so.

And today...after reading the entire TEXAS series, I can finally let out a deep breath and say....RAWLEY COOPER.

How can Heath not write a book about him? How can she just keep him on the shelf? WHY? HOW? Does the story of a strong man paired with an equally strong woman not fit Avon Publishing's schedule? Does the romance world really need more dukes and spoiled heiresses from Heath?

Enough! Enough! Me want Rawley Cooper!!! I want Heath to ditch the rogues and the roses and whatever douche bag duke she's currently concocting. Enough of the empty-headed, spoiled rotten heiresses who almost deserve to get thrown in the River Thames. Enough! I want Rawley Cooper. I want a man who has fought for his life, for the mere chance to breathe. I want a man with depth...a man who doesn't just sleep around and play card games with the rest of the ton. I want a man who can grab a pistol and kill his next meal, a man whom I'd feel comfortable taking care of me....and I want a heroine who is just as strong, who can survive the elements of the old West.

I want the old Heath back.

Rawley Cooper....Rawley Cooper...oh, please GIVE ME RAWLEY COOPER!!!

Still Here

2007-01-22T20:16:00.000-08:00

I'm alive and well...I promise. A mixture of stress, work, seasonal depression and exhaustion have gotten to me lately. I don't know what I'm feeling anymore...gosh.

In any case, it's time to snap out of it, right? I have reviews coming up for:

THE RAVEN PRINCE
RULES OF SEDUCTION
A SUMMER TO REMEMBER

Also, just so you know...I've finally read Lorraine Heath's Texas series and I really cannot believe the books were written by the same author who wrote A DUKE OF HER OWN. Now I get it....what the f*ck happened?

Little rumor that Julie Anne Long is moving to Avon...say it ain't so, Julie! Please!!! If it's true, promise you WILL NOT change your writing style...do not let the powers that be at Avon change you or influence you or bribe you with money to write a story about a fallen woman turned teacher who then runs into the man who ruined her at the school she's teaching in (because he just so happens to be the uncle, brother or father of some brat you're teaching).

Ok...done...more to come. Oh...and I'm still hoping to surprise you all with a bit more. Let's see what I can come up with.

A Lady's Pleasure

2007-01-05T12:10:00.000-08:00

I'm still not sure what to think about this book, the first of a series. I have to say that, despite the fact that I found myself skimming quite a few pages, I'll probably read the second one...and the third, only because I'm curious to see what happens to its secondary characters.

Merriam Everett is your typical romance novel widow - forced to marry a decrepit old man in her youth only to be left completely ignored by him during the marriage. She does everything a boring young widow would do, attends boring society meetings with old matrons, wears gray dresses and does not even come close to causing any scandals. She is invisible and doesn't quite mind, until she overhears Julian Clay, a rake of the first order, say he wouldn't do her EVEN if they paid him to. She's infuriated and loses it. She decides to seduce the man and make him pay during a masquerade ball. I think you know where I'm going with this....she ends up seducing Drake Sotherton instead (Oops!) and running off immediately thereafter. Of course, Drake can't get his mind off the little harlot and the wonders she subjected him to (WHATEVER!); after some research, he finds her and asks her to be his mistress for the Season. She accepts.

The story contains a murder mystery that I wasn't overly impressed with. It was wrapped up fairly quickly...too quickly. I was expecting more.

As for the love scenes....my dear....there is a lot of sex in this book...a lot of rough sex. Too much, to be honest. The lead characters are doing it every chapter. There was a point I actually screamed COME ON, ALREADY! GIVE IT A REST. Love scenes are fine and I love me a good sex scene to read, but seriously....I heard more groans and grunts than actual conversation coming out of these people. I didn't get to know the characters as much as I wanted. I didn't know what the hero and heroine had in common; all they did was have sex...sex sex sex sex sex..... Did they ever do anything besides have sex? Who was the hero? Who was the heroine? No clue...I do know that they liked to have a lot of sex though.

Despite all this, the author shows great promise and I will be reading Bernard's 2nd book out later this year. I wanted to give this book a glowing review, but I can't. I'd give it a C+ because of the potential and the fire it sparked in me to read the rest of the series. Normally, bad books will turn me off an author, especially one new to me. This wasn't the case with Ms. Bernard.

Check out her site, for more info.

Coming May 2007

2007-01-03T12:49:00.000-08:00

The Secret to Seduction

WANTON!
A vicar's daughter unafraid to control her fate, Sabrina Fairleigh arrives at an exclusive country soiree with marriage in mind. How shocking—and intriguing—to discover her host is an infamous ladies' man known for his indecent (and, ah, inspiring) poetry!

WICKED!
They call him The Libertine, and his poetry is just as scandalous—and irresistible—as he is. But after one duel too many forces Rhys Gillray, Earl of Rawden, from lively London to his country estate, he's in desperate need of a cure for boredom. And the proper but beautiful vicar's daughter seems like the perfect test of his sensual skills.

WONDROUS!
With wit and wiliness, Rhys strips away Sabrina's defenses. But as he teaches her pleasure, the emotional stakes of their sensual duel go beyond anything Rhys has ever known. For deep in his past lies the missing clue to the crime that destroyed Sabrina's family. And all The Libertine's seductive secrets may not be enough to save their future and their hearts.

Not bad..not bad at all. I'm looking forward to reading this. I love Julie Anne Long's novels; so far she has not disappointed me. The cover seems a bit Avonish...but at least it's not red (Avon seems to have a thing with red covers lately). THE SECRET TO SEDUCTION is Book 3 in a series. BEAUTY AND THE SPY is the first one, followed by WAYS TO BE WICKED. If you haven't read a book by this author, I highly recommend that you do. Check out Mrs. Giggles' reviews, for more info.

Unfortunately, there's still no excerpt. Wait....it's out in May? My birthday month...what a glorious gift. Can't wait!!!

Mariah Carey's movie GLITTER was the best movie ever made!!!

2006-12-30T08:20:00.001-08:00

Yeah...imagine if every movie reviewer out there only fed you a load of BS. Imagine how much money you would spend watching terrible movies such as GLITTER or even Paris Hilton flicks.

Close your eyes and picture a world in which Siskel & Ebert or Ropert or whatever (still can't forget the Siskel & Ebert combo) give two thumbs up to everything they see....

Showgirls - Two Thumbs Up
Glitter - Two Thumbs Up
National Lampoon's Pledge This (with Paris Hilton) - A masterpiece
Date Movie - The Gone with the Wind of our generation

Apparently, someone over at Romancing the Blog is a little too tired of meanie reader review blogs. I'd be pissed at meanie publishing houses that approve everything presented to them, if I were her...

Check out Sybil's blog, if you don't know what I'm referring to.

Alex and....Addison?

2006-12-29T12:42:00.000-08:00

I needed to post this, although I'm sick again...this time getting over some bad sushi. I'm not surprised, considering that I was all ready to go out tonight and meet some new people, take a Mochi making workshop and what not. Whatever...hopefully I'll get better by 2:30. In any case, I had to vent....I saw a brief preview of Grey's Anatomy last night. Looks like Alex and Addison will get together. I'm pissed. Not only that, but I recently read that Izzy and McSteamy will get involved also. What the fa? Are the writers on crack? Maybe this is their way of getting Izz and Alex together. No clue...I'm just super annoyed and ill!

More to come...

Happy Holidays!!!

2006-12-23T21:35:00.000-08:00

I've been fighting the flu/cold for the last two weeks...ended up going to work sick because I didn't want to use my vacation days....but now...I am off 'til January 2, 2007. I AM SO INCREDIBLY HAPPY I CANNOT SEE STRAIGHT! No work for more than a week...a joy to my world indeed. I have an assortment of books to read and am ready to begin...today I finished my X-mas shopping and I can finally relax and begin the reading marathon.

Reviews to come and more updates.

I've been so out of the loop, I'm still trying to figure out the whole beta blogger thing everyone's been talking about this month (and last, too). Hmmm....

I hope you have a great holiday season!!! I plan on eating everything in sight!!! Hope you do, too...enjoy the rest of 2006!!!

Tagged by Devonna

2006-12-11T21:21:00.000-08:00

6 Weird Things About Me (I prefer to use the word ECCENTRIC)

1. I love burning popcorn and then squeezing dijonnaise on some and then eating it (ok..stop staring at me!!!)

2. As a child, I often pretended to be someone else, a glamorous movie star named Judy Monroe. I was married to Charlie Sheen and was having an affair with Emilio Estevez (this was the 80s and growing up alone, with siblings very far apart from me in age, I had to entertain myself in some way besides reading...and yes, I snuck in the living room to watch Dynasty...hence, the affair part of my fantasy).

3. I have no pinky knuckles.

4. I love melting chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream and then digging for the cookie dough. I tend not to eat the melted ice cream.

5. I pick at my food a lot and am always grabbing other people's food for a taste. This irritates the hell out of everybody. BTW I only do this with people I feel extremely comfortable with.

5 favorite Christmas songs are:

1) White Christmas
2) Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
3) Little Drummer Boy
4) Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas (I think...I don't know the exact title...from MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS)
5) Emmanuel (old Church song...excellent!!!).

I tag: Kristie, Holly, Dylan, Mailyn

Not sure if the girls will do this, but it's always good if you run out of things to blog about.

Enjoy!!!

Reviews...Reviews...and More Reviews...

2006-12-10T19:21:00.000-08:00

Each time I read a novel by Elizabeth Boyle, I am reminded of what an amazingly good author she is. HIS MISTRESS BY MORNING was an absolute delight!!! I loved it. I've had the book in my TBR pile since I purchased it a few months ago. Although the premise was an original and, in my opinion, a very daring one, with its BACK TO THE FUTURE like plot line and dreamy air, I was afraid...afraid because it sounded too good to be true. Afraid because, after THIS RAKE OF MINE, I didn't know if I could stand another downer.

Boyle did not disappoint. I loved the heroine. What a delightful woman! I adored and fell in love with the hero, who is head over heels in love with his lady. Wow wow and wow. I just couldn't get enough of the book and once it was over I...I...I wanted more. I was pleased to read that others might follow this one with the same MAKE A WISH magical aspect that characterizes the novel. I am jumping up and down inside. I highly recommend this book, which has a great many secondary characters who fortunately do not take over the book and lead a reader to wish Boyle had 50 hands, computers, brains, et al...so that she could write books for each and every one before Christmas day. I am still over the moon. It gave me butterflies....a clear keeper for me!!! The more I read, the more I realize that character driven romances, if written well, are what grab me and hold my attention. I adored the book, which is more than I can say for....

Gosh...character driven this book was not. I didn't know who the love story was about 'til a few chapters into it because there was absolutely no chemistry between the leads. I felt like I was watching THE BREAKUP, only without the breakup but with the gag reflex factor of seeing Jennifer Aniston and Vince Vaugh together as a couple (sorry, but I really hated that movie!!!). I never understood why the hero loved the heroine or why he even liked her. She was the biggest spoiled brat in all of England. Their first meeting made no sense; where was the attraction smoldering between them? Where? No clue...still trying to figure that one out. How do you say BORING in French??? Because that's what this novel, I hate to say, was. The majority of the novel was spent finding some French spy or whatever in France. One moment...SPOILER ALERT...the heroine is thin as a board and next thing we know....move on to the next scene and she's knocked up by the hero. I don't get to experience anything! ARGH! The book is one of Ivory earlier efforts and I wish it were better. I didn't finish it. I had about 50 pages left and I stopped reading. I had gone far enough. I wasn't interested in whether either of these nitwits lived or died; didn't give a shit about their kid either. Dumbasses! I sold the book to a UBS. Good riddance...which is exactly what I thought when I sold....

Had I read this book in order of its series' spot, I never would have read the masterpiece that is LORD OF SCOUNDRELS. That's how much I hated this book...no wonder it's never mentioned in BEST OF or FAVE lists. The book is horrendous. Well written...great use of vocabulary and what not, but...gosh...the characters...blaugh! No words...just gag gag and more gag. The hero is a slut ho gigolo and the heroine...gosh, she's ok, I guess but really sometimes she was too independent and stupid for her own good. I didn't care a crap about the two and, like Ivory's book, I ended my torture about 50 to 70 pages before the ending. Couldn't finish it, despite having invested more than a month on it. Yes, my dears...more than a month and I could never even stomach the thought of reading the book. Thank the Lord for small miracles, for leading me to read LORD OF SCOUNDRELS first. Do not recommend this one at all...and you really don't need to read it to get LOS, so don't worry for all those series whores (like myself)...you don't need this at all. Skip it...don't even think about reading it! Sorry, Ms. Chase, but I really disliked it...love all your other books, but really cannot stand this one. Which leads me to the last book read...

I don't know what it is about Heath...many fans still feel betrayed by her having abandoned the Western genre. I started out reading her Victorians and I don't find them all that bad. Of course, who knows what I'll think of them once I finally get around to read the masterpieces (which I own but am waiting for time off to savor...only a few more days...joy!!!), but for now I LOVE HEATH'S NOVELS. They are really good. At times, I find myself wanting to hit one or two characters over the head with a hammer, but overall the stories leave me with butterflies and a feeling of well-being. A DUKE OF HER OWN did just that; it didn't have the typical happy ending I perhaps wanted, but it was a happy ending nonetheless and it left me satisfied and wanting for more. I'm excited for the other books in this series. Not too happy about having to wait 'til October of next yr for one of them though..but I will manage (see, girls...developing patience here...). I love books where heroes remain speechless and flustered when the heroine is in their presence and we get to see much of that in this book. I loved it and recommend it. Wish I could say more, but I'm almost too pooped to review it. It's a good beginning to what promises to be a good series...not a masterpiece or anything like that, but a good book nonetheless.

I've rediscovered my joy for reading and am happy to inform you that more is on its way...more reading, more reviews and more tidbits re: romance novels.

Coming Soon

2006-12-05T13:28:00.000-08:00

I'm alive and well....just exhausted from a little project I had to do all last week.

I have several items coming soon. One of them is a surprise! I'm very excited about it!!!

Keep on checking the blog for more updates in the next few days.

Attention All Romance Readers

2006-11-14T12:18:00.000-08:00

Spotted this post on the Avon board. I hope you all can help me figure out the name of this book because now I want to read it. It sounds incredible.

The hero and the heroine fall in love and are very happy then something happens, maybe war, and the hero totally forgets the heroine and their love. After some time they meet again and he falls in love with her again. He is also very jealous of the man from the heroine's past whom she still loves very much not realising that that man is himself. P.S. The book I am looking for was a historical written in third person and the heroine was definitely a virgin and the hero was her one and only lover. I read it years ago prior to 1995 but it might have been a book from the 80s because the hero was very alpha.

P.S.The heroine of my book was not out for revenge of any kind. After they were separated she kept looking for the hero hoping she would find him one day. It is not: A Heart Possessed by Katherine Sutcliffe, A Promise to Return by Gail Whitiker.

The heroine's only love is the hero; she never hooks up with any other man. Hope this all helps. It's driving me nuts...and I've been so good, too. I haven't bought a new book in more than a month. I still haven't purchased the November books and that's saying a lot. I'm trying to read my TBR books, but I must have this one...must must must.

Still Here

2006-11-08T23:22:00.000-08:00

I'm alive, I promise. Been extremely busy so I haven't had a chance to read any new books...but I will...this weekend. Will post this weekend.

For Those Who Are Interested...

2006-11-05T14:02:00.000-08:00

I've been working on a couple of blogs lately...one with past journal entries and another with recent up to date ones...one's finished, the other one? Not even close, but I'm getting there. Until then, link to my new personal blog...it's a bit...err...depressing. I've had a rough weekend.

It's still in the works, so if you have any suggestions, please let me know...and Mailyn...err...I know you're gonna have a few. The blog is black, for goodness' sake. I need color!!!

TOO WICKED TO TAME

2006-10-30T19:39:00.000-08:00

Would a Reluctant Beauty Ever Wed…

Headstrong Lady Portia Derring has an impeccable pedigree…and not a penny to her name. Which is why she is alone on the rain-swept Yorkshire moor, waiting for a wealthy earl she has never met but whom her family insists she wed. When she’s nearly trampled by the dashing blackguard’s stallion, Portia is more determined than ever to refuse Heath Moreton’s suit. Handsome devil he may be, but she could never marry a rogue who’s so clearly out of control!

A Wild, Incorrigible Beast?

An avowed bachelor, scion of the notorious “Mad” Moreton clan, Heath won’t be shackled in matrimony. Why then does this lovely, rain-drenched chit excite him so? Desire consumes him, but the eminently beddable lady resists his well-practiced seductions. Now only one route remains: Heath must ignore his bad blood, vanquish his inner beast…and prove to Portia that she's the only woman capable of taming his heart.

Ok...before I get to the plot, I know I've seen this cover somewhere before, but where? It's driving me crazy. If you know the previous whereabouts of this cover, please let me know. Reward is a great big thank you (seriously, this is driving me nuts!). As for the book above, I own Jordan's first book with Avon ONCE UPON A WEDDING NIGHT. Haven't read it yet and of course, despite this, I'm all ready to buy her second book. I'm seriously deranged and in need of a financial advisor (who will probably tell me to stop buying books, unless I want to work the rest of my days).

I laughed out loud when I first read the plot of this book. I don't know why but I pictured Fabio in one of his cheesy romance covers hitting himself in the chest and roaring. The girl sounds fiesty, like most of the heroines overpopulating the British Empire. I'll read the book, but I can't help think it a tad bit...err.....unoriginal? Something about the "mad" earl ticks me off. Why must all earls or dukes have a crazy relative in the midst of them? And why does the madness always make said earls and dukes so determined to shun the love of the women of their dreams. Don't get it.

On a side note, I was saddened to learn today that a real life romance couple, Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Philippe, is DUNZO! Another couple bites the dust. So sad!

The Five Truths

2006-10-30T19:01:00.000-08:00

Tagged by Holly

1. I regret the moment I decided to go to law school, despite the fact that I met several amazing people because of it. I regret not having dropped out and I hate the fact that I am a lawyer and not a professor or teacher which is what I am most suited for. I regret the fact that I regret it and that I sometimes feel so powerless to change things, to change myself and my profession. Despite the fact that I sometimes lie and tell my friends that I don't regret it because "if it hadn't been for law school, I wouldn't have met you," I do regret it very much. I can't help it. My life would have been a great deal different had I not gone. I still don't know what possessed me to do it. I never really liked law school and I never had much respect for my professors either. Jerks!

2. I suffered from an eating disorder in college, something I don't think I've ever completely gotten over. I'm very critical of myself, my body and hate weighing myself at the doctor's, which is a problem because everytime I go to Kaiser Permanente (SUCKS!) for anything, they insist on weighing me. Last time I refused and they looked at me like I was crazy! I just don't want to weigh myself because I know that if the numbers aren't low enough, I might exercise more or start a detox diet or something. Can't have that...have come too far to go back.

3. I want to move to Italy so badly it hurts. I don't know what's stopping me. Fear, I suppose. How ironic that I was the one who wanted to move back to the US (my family moved to Italy in 1986 and stayed there 'til 1991; I bitched and moaned the whole time). To tell you the truth, I think anywhere in Europe would be great. I'm so tired of being stressed and the US is #1 when it comes to that. I'm tired and sick of it.

4. I made a list a few years ago on what qualities my future husband should have. I add to this list every now and then. I know it's silly but I'm not settling for mediocrity. Did enough of that in my early 20s. NO MORE!!!

5. I think I would die if I were to lose my sense of smell. Most of my memories are scent-driven. The smell of honeysuckle makes me happy; I think of my childhood and Disneyland, picnics with my family. The smell of firewood burning makes me think of Italy and summer barbeques. To me, it's almost more important than eye sight!!!

Mrs...Clooney?

2006-10-28T19:48:00.000-07:00

Interesting...seems I look like Lisa Snowden quite a bit, according to this site I stole from Holly. Does this mean I have a chance with George Clooney? For those of you not up to date with celebrity gossip (which I know EVERYTHING about...just test me, I know it all!!!), Snowden has been the on/off again girlfriend of George Clooney for years. Right now they're off, but it's only a matter of time...the man can't seem to get enough of her. Gosh...makes one hope, doesn't it. Geoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooorge!

2006-10-28T12:21:00.000-07:00

Vattene Amore

I have a lot to post and will do so tonight, but until then I'll leave you with one of my favorite Italian songs. It's more than 15 years old, but it's a classic. Such beautiful voices and lyrics. You may not understand a thing they're saying but enjoy it anyway. The singers are Mietta and Amedeo Minghi.

Help!

2006-10-25T23:20:00.000-07:00

I just spent 2 hours fiddling around blogger and trying to create (i.e. download from another site) a template for a new blog of mine. WHERE'S MY HERO? will still exist and I'll try to keep it more romance-focused. My other blog (name still in the works) will be more of a venting tool for me, so watch out. The ladies of Sanctuary's Finest inspired me to do this. I love reading their individual blogs, love hearing about their friends, lives, boys, etc. Plus, I have a lot to whine about...well, only because it helps me vent...I don't really have that bad a life, to be honest.

Back to my point, I spent two hours fiddling with blogger and have accomplished nothing. I missed LAGUNA BEACH 3. Argh! Good thing I taped it! Yes, I'm not only a romance series whore, but I'm also addicted to reality tv (and NO, I'm not ashamed of being fascinated by the snotty teenagers who live in Laguna Beach...should I be?).

I need help....err.....Mailyn?

London's Perfect Scoundrel

2006-10-24T22:24:00.000-07:00

The ton gossips call him "Saint" -- but the Marquis of St. Aubyn has well earned his reputation as London's perfect scoundrel. Evelyn Ruddick knows she should avoid him at all costs -- but the strikingly beautiful lady wants to aid the children of the Heart of Hope Orphanage, and he heads the board of trustees. Evie is determined to teach the charming, arrogant man a lesson in compassion, but it won't be so easy -- especially since his touch is setting her desire aflame, making Evie yearn to submit to his passionate instruction ... The idea of joining in her "project" is unthinkable, but this enchantress refuses to give up! So what else is there for a self-respecting rake to do but seduce the lady? Yet soon it is he who is being seduced by Evie's tender heart and fiery blushes. Could the temptation of long, passionate nights in her arms bring about the impossible? Could the disreputable Saint at long last be reformed?

I read this book more than a year ago and the thought of its hero still manages to set my heart ablaze! Michael "Saint" St. Aubyn is one of the hottest heroes around and...sorry, Kristie...he just happens to beat Derek Craven by a couple of points (hard to believe, I know...especially since I rant and rave about Mr. Craven and even have a picture of him for all to see).

Something about Saint always manages to make my heart sing...maybe it was the way he treats Evie...maybe the fact that in some ways he reminds me of Rhett Butler, one of literature and the silver screen's greatest rakes. LONDON'S PERFECT SCOUNDREL, as a book, is not perfect. There are instances in which I wish Evie fought more for her man, but you'll want to read this book just the same for the sole reason of getting to know the rakish Michael. I will leave it at that. I loved him and love him still. St. Aubyn holds a special place in my heart for he was the first hero to make me wish and pray I were his heroine.

My review of this book is leaving a lot out...it's not really even a review. I just wanted to get you all to read this book and discover one of most delicious heroes around.

The book is part of a 3 part series, Lessons in Love (yeah, it's cheesy...so?). They're all good, but LONDON'S PERFECT SCOUNDREL is by far the best IMO. Another series precedes this one and I really would recommend reading it first because many of the LESSONS characters are present...the series is WITH THIS RING. I would read in this order:

1. REFORMING A RAKE

2. MEET ME AT MIDNIGHT

3. A MATTER OF SCANDAL

4. THE RAKE

5. LONDON'S PERFECT SCOUNDREL

6. ENGLAND'S PERFECT HERO

Enjoy!

You Snooze, You Lose

2006-10-23T20:37:00.000-07:00

I'm back from LA. Wedding was awesome...I had so much fun. Glad I didn't miss it...because I almost did.

Last week I reserved an airport shuttle. The driver got to my apartment at 3:45AM. I had a 6:08 flight out of Oakland Airport. I dozed off during the drive there and woke up to signs welcoming me to San Francisco International. The driver brought me to the wrong airport. I started foaming at the mouth and went apesh-t! I yelled at the driver, asked him why the fa we were at SFO instead of Oakland. The driver then proceeded to yell back at me and ask me if I remembered the price of the service given me by the reservation agent. I told him I didn't (I was too pissed and honestly I don't even know if I got it). He said that proved the miscommunication was my fault. I still don't get his reasoning. I specifically said I needed to go to Oakland when reserving the flight. He got me another shuttle. I got to Oakland at 5:45, missed my flight and had to wait 3 more hours for another one. Fog was heavy in LA and the flight I got on was delayed by almost an hour. I got into LA at almost 1PM!!!

I'm ok now. I didn't go to work today because I was so tired! I'm ready to read books now...ready to get back to blogging about romance novels and ready to start up another blog dedicated to more personal matters. I'll keep you all posted!

Book Signing with Hern and Long

2006-10-20T20:49:00.000-07:00

In March 2006 I had the pleasure of meeting two of my favorite authors: Candice Hern and Julie Anne Long. I thought I'd post a picture. When I first found out Candice Hern and Julie Anne Long actually lived in San Francisco, I was overcome with joy. Every author seems to be from Texas or somewhere in the Midwest. I never realized they lived here, in my neck of the woods. The picture was taken during a booksigning. I was somewhat nervous when I first stepped into the book store. I was the first one there because I'm slightly psychotic when it comes to time and I like being the first one anywhere...yeah, I know...I have a problem but I hate it when people are tardy. So rude! And really, isn't being on time close to being tardy? Exactly.

The ladies were extremely nice and friendly. I don't know what I expected; I didn't expect them to start throwing books at me or anything, but...I don't know. They were very welcoming and I encourage anyone to meet up with them, if you ever get a chance. Read their books, too. I love them. Maybe I'm biased, but I do.

Queen of the Electric Slide

2006-10-20T20:26:00.000-07:00

I'm leaving for LA tomorrow morning at 6:08. I am not looking forward to it AT ALL. One of my college friends' is getting married and, as happy as I am for her, I'm just not looking forward to getting all dolled up and ready for a wedding. Is that bad? Should I repent? Should I grin and bear it, suck it up, get over it? I will. I have no choice, but I hate weddings. I hate hate hate them with a passion. I don't know if it's the fact that I've never had one of my own or what. Personally, I've never liked them...not even when I was younger, innocent and full of hopes and dreams for a hunky Johnny Depp to come storming into my life.

Oh...did I mention that at the wedding I'm sitting next to some woman whom I've known on and off for more than 10 years and who has never actually uttered a word to me. I thought she was mute for the longest time. She's not...she just doesn't speak very much....to me.

Oh...and contrary to what everyone has been saying (those at work trying to comfort me), I will not meet the man of my dreams there. At this point, I just want to have a couple of drinks and dance the really bad dance I'm so good at (I think I'm a terrible dancer...except the electric slide. I'm really good at the cheesy dances. I rock the electric slide!).

The fact that I will not be getting any sleep tonight probably has something to do with my lack of enthusiasm. The shuttle's picking me up at 3:45AM; my flight's at 6. I get there at 7:30. Wedding's at 5, ends at 10. I leave early Sunday morning. My co-workers have been warned. Monday will not be pretty!

Upcoming Books and More

2006-10-19T22:50:00.000-07:00

Coming December 26, 2006

Shy, intelligent widow Anastasia Whittig is really a Lady Spy in name only. Though she invents important items and decodes evidence, she’s hardly ventured into the field and keeps herself wrapped in a shroud of mourning for her late husband. She’s perfectly content to continue her sheltered life, but when one of her best friend’s is shot, she’s forced into service at the side of Lucas Tyler.

Lucas is a daring, talented spy, driven to solve the case of attacks on his fellow agents. He doesn’t want any help, and certainly not from Ana. But as the two edge ever closer to the disturbing truth, they cannot keep from developing a grudging respect for each other. And they cannot ignore the undeniable desire that threatens to change both their worlds.

I'm enjoying Petersen's books a great deal; she's an excellent author. I'm getting this book...hopefully I'll get a gift card for Christmas. I'm broke!

The first of a new, four-book series set in Victorian England.
Coming March 2007

The story of two people who are definitely not destined to be soul mates. Harry and Emma have nothing in common. They feel no spark. They don't even like each other. They certainly don't want to complicate their lives by anything as inconvenient as falling in love. Even Cupid has given up on them. And then, one shattering, lightning-bolt, make-your-toes-curl kiss changes everything they thought they knew about love and about each other.

Her last book was ok. I didn't love it but I didn't hate it either. I have a feeling I'll end up getting this book. I'm a sucker for love/hate relationships. Hopefully, the characters won't jump in the sack within the first two chapters.

Judith Ivory is still missing in action; her website has been updated though...by her fans (yeah, I was halfway up in the air when I realized Ivory had nothing to do with it). Check it out.

2006-10-19T21:41:00.000-07:00

It's Alive...It's Alive

Yes, Mailyn...there is a Santa Claus! I finally have both a computer in my own apartment AND internet access. I've always believed in miracles but now that I finally got my ass out to Circuit City and actually got a computer I REALLY BELIEVE! I felt like friggin' Dr. Frankenstein as I was installing the internet and got everything working.

Grey's Anatomy is playing in the background. I have a feeling Meredith Grey will again win for TSTL heroine of the week. What a moron!!!

Duel of Hearts

2006-10-18T12:30:00.000-07:00

Lilah Chadwick thinks she's the apple of her father's eye-until he announces his plans to marry. Hoping to counter his decision, she rushes to London. Adam Harleston, the ninth Earl of Drakesley, is a man possessed. His young cousin has been seduced by an older gentleman, and he's determined to save her honor before it's too late. But wedding bells are about to ring for Lilah's father and Drake's cousin. Joining forces, Lilah and Drake vow to stop their loved ones from making a drastic mistake-only to discover that falling in love is never a mistake....

Need a good laugh AND a wonderful romance? Get thee to a bookstore and buy Diane Farr's DUEL OF HEARTS. I bought it a couple of months ago, after running across an AAR review. The book is hilarious. The dialogue between both the lead and secondary characters will have you laughing out loud. The story is fresh and light...no drama or depressing dilemmas in this story. It's fast paced and there is never a dull moment. Read the AAR review for more info. I agree with it entirely. I have to say that I initially was tempted to put the book down. The heroine is very spoiled and she throws a few tantrums in the first two chapters that makes you just want to wring her neck. I'm glad I continued reading...the heroine got better, much better and she met her match in the hero...not a rake, rogue or scum jerk. He's really not like any hero I've ever encountered. Intrigued? I highly recommend the book.

Book is sold in ebook format also, for those ebook lovers!

TSTL Heroine of the Week

2006-10-13T13:18:00.000-07:00

OBSESSION

2006-10-12T12:16:00.000-07:00

I'm surprised the word OBSESSION isn't being used incessantly in romance novels...the word WICKED is everywhere. Whatever....

It's difficult figuring out what books to buy. There's always that small chance the book you've been yearning for is a total dud, a flop, a stinker, a piece of shit!

I'm currently obsessively almost stalkerishly (is that a word?) searching websites for upcoming releases. I'm going nuts and can't stop. Must.buy.more.books.now!!! I have hundreds of books I've never read, books I could probably fill a library with (the Main Library, not my own personal one), yet I insist upon buying more, quickly depleting what little funds I have. There has to be a name for this condition I suffer from...this cannot be normal.

I already have my upcoming months planned. The following are books I long to buy, even though I know little about them...yeah, I know I'm asking for duds, but whatever...it's fun to hope and believe that maybe...just maybe I'll find THE ONE...that one book that will make my stomach do flips, give me butterflies and put a permanent smile on my face for at least a day.

Here you go:

November
Lorraine Heath - A DUKE OF HER OWN
Jennifer Ashley - THE MAD, BAD DUKE
Renee Bernard - A LADY'S PLEASURE

December
Mary Balogh - THE GILDED WEB

2007
Gaelen Foley - HER SECRET FANTASY, HER SECRET PLEASURE, HER ONLY DESIRE (trilogy)
Loretta Chase - NOT QUITE A LADY
Adele Ashworth - THE DUKE'S INDISCRETION
Lisa Kleypas - SUGAR DADDY
Julianne MacLean - SURRENDER TO A SCOUNDREL

Lisa Valdez - PATIENCE

Laura Lee Guhrke - AND THEN HE KISSED HER

Barbara Pierce - SINFUL BETWEEN THE SHEETS

Elizabeth Thornton - THE PLEASURE TRAP

Sara Bennett - MISTRESS OF SCANDAL

Candice Hern - LADY BE BAD

Julie Anne Long - THE SECRET TO SEDUCTION

Julia Quinn - THE SECRET DIARIES OF MISS MIRANDA CHEEVER

Mary Balogh - WEB OF LOVE

Mary Balogh - SIMPLY MAGIC

Mary Balogh - SIMPLY PERFECT
Melody Thomas - WILD & WICKED IN SCOTLAND

This is the list for now...I'm forgetting a lot, I know, but right now this is all my mind can handle.

Do you know of any other books I should add to my list???

Errrr...huh?

2006-10-11T15:00:00.000-07:00

On the trail of fortune... Adventurous Josephine Hale is determined to live up to her scandalous heritage. With half of a crumbling treasure map that belonged to her grandfather, the legendary pirate, in her possession, the bold and beautiful lady is half-way to a fortune. Unfortunately, the remainder of the map belongs to Stephen Doubleday, Earl of Westman, her family's sworn enemy—and Josie will do anything to get her hands on it...even if it means seducing the handsome rogue.

And a passion beyond dreams...Utterly destitute, Stephen never dreamed a fairy tale about pirate's treasure would turn out to be true—bringing him a possible fortune and a passionate lover. But will joining in this wild, impetuous beauty's perilous undertaking be the biggest mistake of his life? Or will it lead Stephen and Josie to a treasure far more precious than pirate gold—a fiery and forever love?

I'm sorry but she lost me. Shana Galen totally lost me. What the hell? I needed to read the premise about 4 times in order to figure out what the heck was going on. It's too messy, contrived and I don't know...boring? Or maybe I'm just bored with the redundant VIRGIN TURNED SLUT storyline...food for thought.

I really enjoyed Galen's earlier novel WHEN DASHING MET DANGER...loved it, as a matter of fact, but PRIDE AND PETTICOATS left me wanting and her last novel was a big dud, according to AAR (it got an F review). Hey, for all I know, GOOD GROOM HUNTING could be better than LORD OF SCOUNDRELS, but at this point I'll wait for the reviews of fellow bloggers and independent review sites. Deep down I hope it's good...only because I really enjoyed DASHING and I've been a tad too sentimental lately.

Book is out January 30, 2007.

BTW - might as well, since I've been bitchy enough here...I hate the cover!!! Cheesy!

The Secret Diaries of Miss Miranda Cheever

2006-10-11T14:45:00.000-07:00

No more Bridgertons: Julia Quinn's upcoming Summer 2007 release will feature a young lady by the name of Miranda Cheever, in lover with her best friend's brother Nigel Bevelstoke, Viscount Turner. The novel is set in Late Regency England. Mucho interested!!!

Oh...and she's releasing more 2nd Epilogues in Spring 2007 (can you tell I'm not remotely interested???).

I wish we knew more about Miranda but it's still too early. I want more books already!

Upcoming Kleypas Contemp News

2006-10-11T14:31:00.000-07:00

Briefly checked out the avon board and had to post this immediately. A reader posted the following reviews of Lisa Kleypas's first contemporary, SUGAR DADDY, being released March 2007 (can't wait that long...argh!)...read up:

Review #1 - Publishers Weekly
Mass market bestseller Kleypas makes her hardcover debut with this entertaining chronicle of Liberty Jones's rise from the trailer park to life in a Texas mansion. The daughter of a Hispanic father (who dies during Liberty's childhood) and a white mother, Liberty pines for the hunky bad boy Hardy Cates while mom Diana has another daughter, Carrington, and scores the occasional windfall to keep the family afloat. After Diana is killed in a traffic accident, Liberty raises Carrington, gets a beauty school scholarship and lands a gig at an exclusive Houston salon. There she meets investment mogul Churchill Travis, who takes a paternal shine to her. A horse-riding accident puts Churchill in a wheelchair, and he hires Liberty to be his personal assistant, with the catch that both sisters have to live with him. Churchill's oldest son, Gage, immediately distrusts Liberty, and their vicious bickering, as romance readers know, can lead to only one thing. Things get messy once Hardy, now rich, reappears and a Travis family secret is revealed. Though Liberty's plight and redemption are straight out of the soaps and the prose has its trite moments, Kleypas's many readers will root for Liberty, a fiery and likable underdog. (Mar.) Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.

Review #2 - Kirkus Reviews
Growing up as an outsider in Welcome, Texas, Liberty Jones struggles to find love and acceptance. Bookish, shy and mindful of her mixed heritage (a Mexican father and a blonde, blue-eyed mother), Liberty is a social pariah. Though she's a beauty, her trailer-park home and low socioeconomic standing do nothing to further her stock among the other kids in town. She falls hard for trailer-park hottie Hardy Cates, a tough cowboy with rugged good looks and a wild streak. He sticks around long enough to steal the teenaged Liberty's heart before leaving Welcome to pursue his fortune. Loss becomes a constant in her life; tragic accidents claim both of her parents before she's 18. Forced to abandon her dreams of college, she learns a trade to support herself and her five-year-old sister, Carrington. With a beautician's certificate in hand, Liberty heads to Houston, where she lands an apprenticeship at a swank salon and vows to work her way into the middle class, one highlight appointment at a time. Her rise from poverty speeds up when obscenely wealthy businessman Churchill Travis takes a fancy to her. He offers her a job as his personal assistant and opens his home to the sisters. Churchill's family gives them the cold shoulder, but then (wouldn't you know it?) the son who resisted Liberty the most becomes smitten with the stunning interloper. Just when Liberty seems to be on the primrose path, Hardy saunters back into the picture and stirs up trouble. The author unabashedly and unsubtly capitalizes on Texas stereotypes: Big-haired, long-nailed women lust for the trappings of wealth; headstrong oilmen have fiery tempers and rapacious sexual appetites. But she also knows when to let the plot runwild and when to pull on the reins. Sinfully pleasurable melodrama. First printing of 225,000. Agent: Mel Berger/William Morris Agency

I'm very excited about this book and can't wait for it. I'm glad to know it's not a stinker because a) I love Lisa Kleypas and b) it's her first effort away from AVON and I want her to succeed! I wonder which hero I will love the most.....love triangle...sounds like both men are worth having. I have a feeling it'll be Hardy (oily beau hunk hero #1)...or maybe Gage (rich heir hero #2). Sounds a lot like her historicals which is good, with Hardy playing the rugged stable boy turned successful businessman, Gage the rich and arrogant duke and Liberty the bluestocking whom they both fall in love with. Who will win? Is it called SUGAR DADDY for a reason? Will the heroine just tell both men to f-off and get together with Gage's rich old dad??? I need to know!!!

FINALLY

2006-10-10T15:15:00.000-07:00

I finally got a new computer. So glad!!! It's about time. Internet will be installed next week...so only a few more days and I will join my friends in blogland on a daily basis. 'bout time!!!

2006-10-08T16:41:00.000-07:00

Solo Importas Tu

This is the theme song for my favorite telenovela, LA DAMA DE ROSA, which I watched religiously when I lived in Italy. The singer wrote the song for his wife, who is seated on the stage, happy and in love. Gosh, I'm so jealous!!! Lucky woman!

A ROSE AT MIDNIGHT

2006-10-08T14:23:00.000-07:00

Mailyn once posted a review on Anne Stuart's A ROSE AT MIDNIGHT. I immediately had to order the book on amazon! The hero is dark, sexy and brooding. He's not one of those "I'M A MEAN OLE RAKE EVEN THOUGH I HAVE A HEART OF GOLD AND WOULD NEVER THINK OF KILLING, KIDNAPPING OR ANYTHING ELSE THAT MIGHT REALLY MAKE ME A BAD GUY" kind of dark hero. He's truly is, as Samuel L. Jackson would describe him, one badass mother fucker! I fell in love instantly!

The plot finds Ghislaine "Gilly" de Lorgny working as a chef in a noblewoman's home; she is obsessed with revenge and lives to kill Nicholas Blackthorne whom she blames for the death of her family and the loss of her innocence. Through a series of circumstances (he's the cousin of the woman Gilly works for), they meet and the book is one fantastic journey from there. The characters are not perfect and the issues they deal with are truly traumatic and mind-blowing. There's a lot of hate, regret, remorse and pain that the two need to come to terms with before finding their happily ever after and admit their love for each other.

I loved this book and adored the richly depicted characters. Anne Stuart has a knack for creating characters you want to both murder and hug at the same time. I can't get enough of her historicals and consider myself fortunate to have read this one!

I'll leave you with one of my favorite lines from the book. The hero has just finished kissing the heroine:

He released her slowly, breaking the kiss first, trailing his mouth across her cheek until he knew she could stand without falling. Until he knew he could stand without falling. And then he stepped back.

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!!! I love it...love it! Can you feel the emotion? Can you feel him falling in love with her? My stomach still has butterflies from this romance. Read it! Do whatever you can! It's well worth whatever they charge for it. Unfortunately, it's no longer in print. I got mine on amazon! Trust me and trust Mailyn's review (which I agree with 100%), you will not be disappointed!!!

What a wonderful story!!!

Blogging Question

2006-10-08T13:29:00.000-07:00

I need help! How do I post something from youtube?

Miscellaneous

2006-10-07T17:48:00.000-07:00

I've never read anything by Renee Bernard, but Sybil's gotten me all excited about her upcoming releases. I can't wait for her first book out 10/31/06.

Anyone buy THE VAMPIRE WHO LOVED ME by Teresa Medeiros yet? Can someone explain what the deal is with Avon's fonts lately...and the spacing? What the fa? The font itself is close to 18 and each page isn't completely filled. Avon literally gives you about 2 small paragraphs per page. I feel like I'm reading a kids' book, POLLYANNA for 12 year olds or something. I don't understand it. I guess if they were to print it as a 200 page book instead of a 370 (more or less) pager, they would also have to charge $4.99 - $5.99 for it, instead of the $7.99 they ripped out of my pocket. I realize I didn't have to buy the book. I didn't even notice 'til I got home (and really it wouldn't have made a difference because I've been itching to read the book for months) and I was a little ticked! Anyone else find this extremely irritating? The font keeps on getting bigger. It was huge in Heath's PROMISE ME FOREVER but really Avon's pushing it with the #18 font of THE VAMPIRE.

Speaking of Lorraine Heath, the author has donated a copy of the very rare (I've never read it, hear it's amazing and I can't find it anywhere) ALWAYS TO REMEMBER to help fellow author Julie Kenner raise funds for LOVE WITH BOUNDARIES, an organization that assists in aiding orphaned children in China. The book is being auctioned off on ebay. As of now, the price is up to $17 but there are 6 days left and you know that means it'll probably end up being sold for close to $100 (if not more).

PATIENCE, MY SWEETS

2006-10-05T08:48:00.000-07:00

In 2005, I read a book that very nearly knocked my socks off. It was sexy, smart and had my undivided attention the entire time. The book, PASSION by Lisa Valdez, received a lot of praise, but also a lot of criticism for its explicit sex scenes and its NC-17 language. I loved it (yeah, I'm a bad bad girl). The love story was believable and didn't completely revolve around sex. Of course, when I heard that this would only be the beginning of a great series (I'm a series whore...yes, I admit it), I jumped up and down and shouted HALLELUJAH!!! The second book, PATIENCE, was set to be released August 2006. Today is October 6, 2006 and the book has not yet been published. WHAT THE FUCK?!?

The author failed to meet the publishing deadline and her book was therefore postponed!!! It was initially believed that the book would be postponed to October (clearly not!) or November. Well, ladies...the book's not called PATIENCE for nothing. Seems as if we'll have to dig deep within for a bit of it.. PATIENCE by Lisa Valdez will be released May 2007. I can only say that it better be good! The book is being released almost two years after the first. I mean this is just ridiculous.

The author e-mailed a fellow fan the following explanation:

"I'm sorry for the long wait.....but I really needed to make this book into all that it was meant to be. I hope you'll hang in there."

Whatever!!!! Do we really have a choice? Does this mean she delayed it even more or did the publishing house simply not have any room in their schedule for PATIENCE? The book is highly anticipated...at least by moi. Gimme a break though! TWO FUCKING YEARS! I thought waiting 8 months for a series book was bad! I'm really disappointed I'll have to wait for this book. It better rival LORD OF SCOUNDRELS and A ROSE AT MIDNIGHT (more on that later) for excellence. I will run to Barnes & Noble when it's released. I'm only hoping that I won't have to wait another two years for PRIMROSE, Book 3.

UPDATE: I e-mailed Lisa Valdez and received a response. It looks like the reason for the delay is very simple: Lisa Valdez wanted the book to be the best it could be. I've got to say I admire her for not just turning anything in (like plenty of authors I know)/ I will be patient and I'm very excited to read this book now more than ever. I have a feeling it'll be better than PASSION (if that's possible!!!)

Here a Book, There a Book, Everywhere a Book Book...

2006-10-02T09:06:00.000-07:00

No, ladies...your eyes are not deceiving you. Above is a picture of a warehouse full of books, books and more books and this weekend I WAS THERE!!! Every year the Friends of the San Francisco Public Library hold a massive four day book sale. On and off for those four days, I was there rummaging through piles of books, dropping everything in my cart and buying, buying, buying and not coming even close to breaking the bank. Prices varied from $1 to $10, with everything being dropped to $1 on Sunday. I think I bought close to 50 books for less than $80. The books are in excellent condition; some are out of print hardcovers you'd probably find at a UBS for $50.

I managed to find Mary Balogh's SIMPLY LOVE on sale for only $1. This is the same book that went on sale as a hardcover a few months ago that I refused to buy because of the price ($23). I was going to hold off for the paperback, on sale in March 2007. Well...looks like it does pays to wait. Now I know I cheated Ms. Balogh on some good hard earned profit by buying the book for a buck, but honestly....how do I say this without sounding like a bitch...I don't give a crap!!! All I can think about is that I bought it for a dollar...a dollar!!! I saved $22!!! That alone deserves a brownie...and I'm craving one right about now.

I have enough books for a couple of years, but I'm now contemplating buying more. I'm missing my romances and am now slowly coming out of my slump. I'm headed to buy THE VAMPIRE WHO LOVED ME later today. The book received an incredible review on AAR. It's a series book; I enjoyed the first one AFTER MIDNIGHT and can't wait to read this.

Am I crazy? My parents think I need to calm down when it comes to book buying. They believe I overdo it. Maybe I did this weekend, but who can blame me?!? Check out the picture above again. I felt like a kid in a candy store. It definitely energized me. I needed it. I can now finish reading Anne Stuart's A ROSE AT MIDNIGHT. Review to follow.

Junior Slump?

2006-09-29T08:09:00.000-07:00

Last night was Episode 2 of Grey's Anatomy....can you say BORING? I was bored to tears...I did enjoy Addison's mini breakdown and the return of McSteamy, although I knew he would be returning from all the spoilers lurking on the internet. The writers need to do something about Meredith and McA-hole. Yeah, I think he's an A-hole. I'm sick of their relationship; it's not exciting anymore, if it ever was. Izzie's storyline needs to change ASAP; I'm honestly tired of MENTAL INSTITUTION Izzie. And Alex? What a pig!!! I still want him to be with Izzie though. I was not into the show at all last night. Hopefully, the show isn't experiencing a slump. Maybe it's just me...experiencing a slump, that is. I haven't worked out in weeks...I'm like Izzie, but without the dead boyfriend and the baking. I need a storyline change ASAP also.

Anyone else hate Grey's Anatomy last night? I don't even remember which patient died...it was that bad.

Writers better focus more on regulars not named McDreamy and Meredith if they want to keep my attention.

Hospital Romance

2006-09-23T18:18:00.000-07:00

I love Grey's Anatomy, too! Actually, more than love. I am obsessed, addicted, cannot get enough of it. The show is engaging, smart, sexy. I've never liked hospital drama. I hate ER; couldn't stand CHICAGO HOPE. In fact, I was certain I would hate Grey's Anatomy, so...Season 1 came and went. Didn't watch it. Season 2 started...didn't watch it. It just "didn't appeal to me," or so I thought.

I've known Conny for 11 years. We were friends in college, roommates/enemies (living with a friend is hazardous to that friendship...don't ever do it) for a year. She is identical to me...we may not look alike; she's of Taiwanese descent. I'm of Italian descent. She's has no curves whatsoever and I'm...Italian. Petite and curvy. We look different but our interests, personalities are IDENTICAL. I always thought that was creepy and wonderful at the same time. In any case, she told me I NEEDED to watch Grey's Anatomy. "YOU WILL LOVE SANDRA OH! YOU WILL LOVE THE SHOW." I decided to watch it...why not? How bad could it be? She liked it. We have identical tastes! Ergo...I would like it also. I netflixed it. Watched it. Loved it. Ran to Barnes and Noble. Bought Season 2. Watched it in a few days. Became obsessed. Now watching Season 3. Wow...what a show. I absolutely cannot get enough of it. It's fresh and brilliant (yes, brilliant) and the cast...wow...diverse, well-spoken and...can anyone say ALEX KAREV??? Be still my heart!

I was surprised no one noticed the potential of Patrick Dempsey as a hottie. When I was in college, I noticed a picture of him modeling some clothes for a company; I had to cut out the picture. He made my mouth water. Something about the eyes and the hair. Boy, that man has got some amazing hair (I'm jealous!!!).

The first episode ran Thursday night and I was a little disappointed. Here are my two cents on the characters and storylines of Grey's Anatomy:

Meredith and McDreamy: I'm so sick of them. I'm sick of them. Really I am so done with them. It's time for writers to spend a bit more time on the other regulars. Patrick Dempsey is hot and all, but really I am so over their love story already. I don't want them dating anyone else, mind you. I think they belong together in some odd dysfunctional highly unethical and unhealthly way, but gosh...how can this man be in love with her after a quick one night stand? Is she that good in bed? He couldn't stop thinking about her after the first time...he had to have her again and again. What the hell! Dude, you just met her. Is he really even in love with Meredith? Judging from how hurt he looked after discovering Addison had cheated on him with his friend Mark (aka McSteamy), it appears to me as if he needs someone to save him from his hurts, a rebound chick if you will. I have a feeling Mer is headed for big time heartache this season. Just my opinion.

Meredith and McVet: Really McVet is very sweet....too sweet. I smell skeletons in the closet, which would make him a lot more interesting than he is now. I mean...you want to throw your hat or whatever in the race for Meredith's love, but really do you know Meredith at all? What is it about this chick? Is she that exciting? Personally, if I were a guy I'd want to date Cristina. She's smart and I love her sharp wit. Right now McVet is McBORING!!!

Bailey: I also smell skeletons in her intern past...why does she refuse to talk to Izzie, as previews for next week's episode suggest? Did she herself fall in love with a patient during her first year as a surgical intern? Just speculating. I do miss Nazi Bailey, believe it or not, but I'm digging this side of her, too. Nazi Bailey is still there...writers are just showing us there's a big heart beneath the ice.

Richard: Boy, oh, Boy! Dude doesn't want to be near his wife at all. I'm guessing he never really loved her...was with her out of guilt. Does he have any kids? Looks like his wife has given him the boot...guess that means he'll have a love interest in the near future, but who? Addison? She is more of a daughter to him, but they're both in pain, right? Anything could happen! Boy, wouldn't that be awkward. It's obvious Richard feels a lot of pain over cheating on his wife. He can't even look her in the eye. There are a lot of unresolved issues between him and Meredith's mom. Unfortunately, due to her Alzeimer's, it looks like they will never really be a resolution.

Alex: He really got me when he cared for Izzie after Denny died. Out of all her friends, he was the one who knew exactly what to do and say to calm her down and get her off Denny's bed. He may be immature and an ass at times, but you can tell he's got a heart. He holds on to a great deal of pain caused by a difficult childhood and I'm hoping the writers will delve more into his character this season. I'm sick of seeing him as the ass of Seattle Grace. There's a reason he's the way he is. I'm hoping we find out soon! I would love to see him and Izzie together. Their relationship ended so abruptly...one can hope, right???

Izzie: Argh! I wanted to beat the shit out of her at the end of Season 2. Is this chick for real? Falling in love with a patient? Getting angry at him for signing a DNR? Cutting his wires, essentially killing him? What the fuck? Izzie, are you insane!? 4 years of med school, baby! You flushed 4 years of med school down the toilet. I still don't understand the Denny/Izzie relationship. How long was he in the hospital for her to fall in love with him? Wow...girl went seriously psycho and it took her all of episode one on Thursday to get her ass and face off the probably very dirty and unsanitary bathroom floor (these people are doctors?). I would like her to get her act together, go back to being an intern and into Alex's arms...sorry, I have a thing for Alex and Izzie. They belong together!!! Oh...one more thing...the bleached blonde bimbo look's gotta go. I liked her hair a bit more last season.

Cristina and Burke: If the writers break them up, I will seriously go to ABC headquarters in NYC or LA or whereever and go on a hunger strike 'til they get back together. These two belong together! I'm sure their relationship will not be a bed of roses, but I'm hoping writers show their hard times without getting one to break up with the other. Also, no cheating...if one of them fucks over the other, then someone will have to pay. Don't mess with this couple!!!
Having said that, what the fuck was with Cristina freezing up on Burke when he needed her the most? I wanted to see her cry for him and get on her knees...we're seeing a bit more of that now, but I'm hoping she gives him the love he truly deserves. Hopefully, she'll be able to tell him she loves him when he's actually awake!

George and Callie: Ok...1) Callie is very sweet and I love her personality and 2) George deserves a great girl who will love and treasure him always. That being said...I don't like the woman who actually plays Callie...sorry, but she looks like she could beat the crap out of George. It's not even the size...it's more like the goth look she's sporting...the hair..I just want to cute it off. Maybe if she had a cute little bob or something. Right now, she just looks dirty. Maybe it was that episode from Season 2 when she went to pee and didn't wash her hands (she said she did, but whatever). I guess I want George to have a girl who loves him but also one who is somewhat dangerous and sexy, which leads me to....

George and Addison: Maybe I'm crazy, but I think this pairing would be genius. I know they never interact and I know people are thinking and wanting her to have hot casual sex with Alex, but I think Addison and George together would be incredible. Call me crazy, but I think George is the only male cast member who can actually put her in her place. Despite appearances, Addison is very insecure and she needs someone honest to treasure her. George will tell her off in his own way and will also treasure her when she needs it. Imagine it...really...just picture it. I think it would work.

Addison: I don't want her hooking up with Alex or Derek. I hope she gets over him and finds someone else (George) to obsess about.

McSteamy: I hope he doesn't fall in love with Meredith...no more! I'd love to see him with...gosh, maybe even Izzie for a few episodes but, of course, she'd have to dump him for Alex.
I think we're in for an awesome Season 3. I see McSteamy creating a lot of drama. I'd like to see McDreamy get a little jealous over Addison. He says he doesn't love her, but it wouldn't hurt to have him doubt his 2nd choice Meredith. Wouldn't that be fun???

Gosh, I am obsessed with this show. I cannot get enough and I'm glad fellow romance bloggers are as obsessed as moi! Can't wait 'til Thursday.

Fantastic...

2006-09-23T18:16:00.000-07:00

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!

I'm Back, Beeyatch!

2006-09-23T16:12:00.000-07:00

Jury duty was an ordeal, yet somehow....it also felt like a much needed vacation. It lasted more than 2 weeks and I was able during that time to sleep in 'til 8AM (I normally wake up at 5AM to get ready for work...I start at 7). I loved not having a real 9-5 (or 7-4) schedule...loved the uncertainty of it all...not knowing what times I'd have to go in the next day and I LOVED LOVED LOVED those days when the judge would just say YOU CAN COME IN TOMORROW AT 1. Wow...it felt like college all over again, when your classes are all over the place, scheduled 3 hours apart and you can actually enjoy your days, rest, sleep and just BE!!! It was tough not having a computer in front of me. Yes, I'm still shopping for one. Why is it taking so long? I haven't had a chance to go to any stores...simple as that. Got the money...time? Well, I've been lazy and busy at the same time. I'm giving myself 2 more weeks. I'll have a computer in 2 weeks...mark my words!

I've missed blogging...missed my fellow blogging friends and the comments just made me smile, knowing that thanks to my love of "trashy" romance novels (I don't think they're trashy...well, some are...you get the idea) I've made so many friends. I wish I could meet you all. Gosh, anyone coming to SF? At all???

I haven't been reading many romances lately. I started ROSE AT MIDNIGHT by Anne Stuart a while ago and am still on page 84. I decided to read a few historical non-fictions I've had sitting next to my couch. One of them is SEX WITH THE QUEEN, a book which unfortunately sounds sexy but isn't. Good thing I bought it on OVERSTOCK. What a disappointment! The book is about...you guessed it...queens through the centuries and their paramours...Marie Antoinette and her beloved Axel Fersen...Catherine the Great and her many many many lovers. The book was good, but...gosh, I felt like the author couldn't keep her thoughts organized and it was just a big mess. Also, the author seemed to rely on a lot of rumors and speculation. I know quite a great deal about royal history...I'm obsessed with monarchies, royalty, women's history, et al. I was thoroughly disappointed in this book, the sequel to the excellent SEX WITH KINGS.

During this time, I've also rediscovered my love for Anime. My family moved to Italy when I was 12. We stayed there 'til I was 17 and then we moved back to California. The move was not work related. My parents simply decided they wanted to raise their children in their native country. I loved certain aspects of living there, but I felt very lonely and I learned to keep to myself and survive on my own, without having a dozen friends around me at all times. Anime kept me going...all of them series anime dubbed in Italian. Now...really THERE IS NO COMPARISON between US Cartoons and Japanese ones...sorry, I know it's good to be patriotic and all, but seriously Japanese cartoons are the bomb. I was in love with the stories, the characters, the perfection of colors. I bought a few old anime dubbed in Italian (the very ones I watched as a teen) recently and now I am obsessed with getting all the ones that helped me get through my years in Italy. The following are my recent purchases:

CANDY CANDY
MILA E SHIRO, DUE CUORI NELLA PALLAVOLO (ATTACKER YOU in Japanese)
(sorry, but most of this is in Italian...)

Now I want to get the following (again in Italian):
Milly, Un Giorno Dopo L'Altro (other names in Japan LADY LADY and Hello! Lady Lynn!)
E' Quasi Magia Johnny (Kimagure Orange Road in Japan)
Prendi Il Mondo e Vai (Touch in Japan)

I understand I could probably get the last three in Japanese with English subtitles, but I want them in Italian. It's how I remember seeing them and...I guess I've gotten extremely nostalgic lately...I know eventually I'll find them...after all, I never thought I'd own CANDY CANDY and MILA E SHIRO, which are incredible anime, by the way. Anyone heard of them? What I love the most about Japanese anime and manga is how realistic they are...they don't spare anyone the experiences of death or broken hearts. They're not watched or read exclusively by children, but by all. They're glimpses into everyday life, so beautiful, warming and even tragic.

I'm glad to be back to the world of blogging. I've missed it a lot. Missed you all and can't wait to get back into the swing of things. Oh, court was boring...very boring! MISTRIAL! Nice! Criminal case! Not too pretty, either! I need some good romance to cheer me up, y'all!!! I'm soooo happy to be back.

On another note, I'm taking the California Bar Exam next year. I hate my job! I need to actually do something I went through years of schooling for (whether I like it or not). Wish me luck! I think this country needs another lawyer to clean things up...a lawyer with integrity, ethics and...a love for "trashy" romances.

BTW: Anyone catch Grey's Anatomy? Alex and Izzie need to get back together and live happily ever after NOW!!!

Alive and Well...

2006-09-11T16:56:00.000-07:00

Just on jury duty...oh, and did I mention I'm still computer shopping??? Don't ask...see ya in a week or so.

TBR Pile Meet New Books...New Books Meet TBR Pile

2006-09-03T19:03:00.000-07:00

Plot - Heroine's parents arrange her marriage. Girl is not exactly pleased; she yearns for adventure and visits a local jail every chance she gets to see a pirate who gets her blood boiling like no man ever could. The hero can't believe this woman's visiting him so much. He's definitely intrigued. He knows she might be the only way to escape from jail, so he tricks her into releasing him and then kidnaps her, takes her hostage aboard his ship. Of course, they fall in love, but then when she is finally rescued she must decide if her heart belongs to this pirate. I paraphrased the book's backblurb. I've never read it, but Kristie was raving about this book the other day. I leapt for joy when I saw it at my favorite UBS. I'm eager to read it. Mrsgiggles also gives it a glowing review and we all know how difficult to get those are.

Lilah Chadwick thinks she's the apple of her father's eye - until he announces his plans to marry. Hoping to counter his decision, she rushes to London.

Adam Harleston, the ninth Earl of Drakesley, is a man possessed. His young cousin has been seduced by an older gentleman, and he's determined to save her honor before it's too late.

But wedding bells are about to ring for Lilah's father and Drake's cousin. Joining forces, Lilah and Drake vow to stop their loved ones from making a drastic mistake - only to discover that falling in love is never a mistake...

I love reading romances in which the lead characters hate each others' guts. I'm hoping this will be one of them. Hopefully, they won't have sex too soon...cough...IN THE BED OF THE DUKE...cough...the story strikes me as being one of the slapstick comedy sort.

When a promised inheritance turns out to be a fraud, shy spinster Charlotte Wilmont makes an impetuous wish that despite her lack of charm and fortune, she could capture the heart of the one man whom she's forever adored—Sebastian, Viscount Trent.
Be careful what you wish for...
With that utterance, Charlotte awakens shocked to find herself entwined with her beloved Sebastian. But the respectable man she knew is now a most rakish devil and she is...well, by some inexplicable magic, London's most infamous mistress.
Even passion cames at a price...

Being the scandalous Lottie Townsend affords Charlotte unimaginable freedom—passionate nights with Sebastian, endless days of shopping, and adoring fans. But all too soon, Charlotte finds that being one man's mistress isn't the same as being his wife. Yet if she returns to her old, respectable life, can Charlotte trust there will be enough magic left to recapture Sebastian's heart...and reawaken his rakish desires? Excerpt

Ok...I'm not going to lie...when I first read this I had no clue what to think...Ok...I just lied. I actually thought we were going to revisit the DALLAS Bobby shower scene. Since I haven't read the book yet, I have no clue what will await me. I told myself I was going to wait for the review on this one, but I didn't. I've enjoyed a majority of Boyle's works in the past. I can only hope that it's not a stinker like THIS RAKE OF MINE!

Marry? Never! It would end Louisa North's work with her ladies reform group—and truth be told, she likes her independence very much, despite her royal father's protests. So when Simon Tremaine, the dashing Duke of Foxmoor whom she'd once loved—and had exiled from England-returns bent on marrying her, she's skeptical. Does he truly care for her, or does he simply want revenge? It's difficult for Louisa to resist Simon's dangerous charms, because the fire between them still burns as hot as ever. But when his ulterior motive for marriage is exposed, along with the deeply buried secrets of his past, Louisa vows to make him pay…and the price will be his heart. Excerpt

I've been waiting for this book for more than a year....I can't wait to read it. Unfortunately, I'll have to read the first book in this series which I heard was so-so! Gosh, Simon put Louisa through hell when we last met them. I cannot wait to see her do the same. Sybil...did you read this one yet???

Luke MacKenzie had always longed for Carla McQueen. But she was too young, too innocent...and he'd sent her away from the Rocking M Ranch, telling her to forget him.

But now Carla was back: a woman grown, with a woman's wants...a woman's needs. And Luke couldn't help but give in to the power - and the passion - of a love that could never be.

Ever since Sybil suggested Elizabeth Lowell's ONLY series, I was a goner. I absolutely loved it (I have a couple of more to read though...) and jumped at the chance at reading this one (not connected). Maybe it's the fact that there's history between the lead characters...

Shane Graham had always looked out for his neighbor, Dorie, but lately he'd had his own share of problems, including an arranged marriage. But then little Miss Dorie—shotgun in hand—kidnapped him from his own wedding ceremony and he found he could no longer ignore her change from scrappy girl to blossoming beauty….
The resourceful yet naive Dorie McCabe knew the struggling rancher would come to the same realization—they were meant for each other! But time was not on her side, so who could blame her for giving him a gentle nudge in the right direction? Excerpt

The thought of a woman holding a groom at gunpoint and forcing him to leave his own wedding amuses me tremendously. I hardly ever read Harlequin Historicals and am very excited to read this one...again this reeks of slapstick comedy, which I am in much need of lately.

To her spiteful aunt, Kathryn Marchant is little more than a servant: she does not deserve a place in polite society. That's about to change, when Kathryn accidentally falls into the arms of the most notorious rake of them all.
Lord Ravensmede draws the line at seducing virgins. Yet once he has tasted the lips of the delectable Miss Marchant, he wants her! He has the distinct impression that she's in need of a protector, but, no matter how much he strives to be honorable, her temptation may prove just too sweet to resist! Excerpt

Ok...ok..this is the second MISTRESS book of my list (Mailyn, I know you're shaking your head that I would dare buy not one BUT two of these, but what can I say? I needed a cheesy novel and this one looks pretty darn cheesy!!!). The fact that Kathryn falls "accidentally" into the arms of a rake isn't really what got me...actually that would normally keep me away...I like stories which include men who try to be honorable. It never works...always backfires and I love reading every bit of it. This is another Harlequin historical.

HAVE YOU EVER....

2006-09-01T19:10:00.000-07:00

Have you ever had a crush on someone whose sexual orientation you questioned?

I'm going through that right now...a co-worker...good-looking...good body...tight jeans...tight shirt...tight ass...amazing hands...oh, dear...he's given me a few massages. I'm starting to think I just like his hands on me..on my shoulders especially, massaging the knots (and there are A LOT! Oh, did I mention he gives the most incredible massages...at work...while no one's looking and sometimes when they are...oh, dear...so unprofessional, I know) away. What do I do? How do I find out? It's been driving me nuts...argh!

NO MAN'S BRIDE

2006-08-30T12:29:00.000-07:00

AAR just reviewed Galen's NO MAN'S BRIDE and....HOLY SHITE! This book sounds terrible! I know I shouldn't judge 'til I read it (and I was planning on reading it, mind you) but how wrong can a review be? Don't get me wrong...I don't always agree with AAR reviews, but an F??? The reviewer sounds as pissed off as I was after reading Sylvia Day's ASK FOR IT. I don't know about you, but I think I might trust this review and steer clear of the book.

Read the review and weep...I didn't know whether to laugh or send Ms. Galen condolence cards.

ASK FOR IT

2006-08-27T19:41:00.000-07:00

I'm not exactly sure what Sylvia Day is telling me to ask for, but after reading her new book I can only assume the answer to be MY MONEY BACK. Gosh, what an experience reading this book was. The cover's backblurb and author's site offered what I thought would be exactly the story I've been itching to read for a while: heroine dumps hero only days before they are to wed; hero is beyond upset and vows to make her pay one day. They finally meet again and sparks fly. However, hero is having none of it...he wants her to want him and will try everything to make sure she falls for him (I know you're all shaking your heads right now).

I know the story sounds like thousands of others you've read before. If this is the case, please send me a note with a list of said books because I can never seem to find any in bookstores and personally the story of the jilted hero who never quite stops loving the heroine is one of my favorites. I thought I would be getting one of the best love stories around. I was sadly mistaken...and pissed beyond belief because I used a Borders gift card to get the book. $14.00...I spent $14 on it!!! Argh!

What's bad about the story? Where do I start? How about everything. All About Romance's review hit it on the dot: the lead characters are two of the most immature brats ever written (ok...maybe not ever written, but they're morons...you get the idea). Sex seems to be all they engage in when they're not mucking everything up with idiotic and silly banter.

The hero is obsessed with the heroine. Normally, I wouldn't mind that sort of thing in a romance; however, it really got on my nerves here. The obsession and stalking he engaged in were too much...dude needed to get a life PRONTO! I felt sorry for him! The heroine didn't seem worth his effort. What was so special about her? Nothing really. I never really got a chance to truly know the characters. I didn't really want to. They bored me to tears and I still cannot figure out why I even bothered finishing the book.

Here's the story in a nutshell: hero and heroine are in love, ready to get married. Heroine has some daddy issues (which Day never really clears up...or maybe she did...honestly, I skimmed a lot of the book, so many an explanation was offered...whatever...who cares!). She sees hero half naked with some lady. Of course, she thinks he's cheating on her, so she immediately runs off with a colleague of her brothers and marries him. Hero is heartbroken and runs far far away. Now the story sounds pretty good, right. I should have known it would only frustrate me because of the fact that the heroine didn't even bother to ask for an explanation from the hero. She just left and married some other man. What the fa? Of course, the guy dies 4 years later and she's a widow. She's like totally available now. Enter hero....boy, he's been waiting for this moment for like EVER and he's ready for revenge...cut to thirty sex scenes later, some lame mystery, a couple of people getting killed, stabbings, ransacked bedrooms, kids born, sex, misunderstandings, sex, marriage, sex, misunderstandings, sex, TSTL heroine antics, misunderstandings, sex, jealousy, misunderstanding, sex, mystery solved, the end.

I don't recommend this book to anyone. I didn't enjoy it. The mere fact that I skimmed a lot of it towards the end and that it took me more than a week should be enough to convince you that this book is one to skip.

If you are like me and you bought it for $14, then read it...you might like it. We all have different tastes, after all. I was disappointed. I feel cheated....kinda like the time I thought I was going to eat lasagna for dinner and then had to settle for spaghetti. Not a good feeling at all.

20 Things that Irritate Me (Only 20?)

2006-08-26T10:49:00.000-07:00

I was tagged by Holly.

1. The phrase AND THEN THERE WERE (fill in with a number). It pisses me off to no end. AND THEN THERE WERE 4, AND THEN THERE WERE 3, AND THEN I threw something at my tv set. Yeah, cause you usually hear this line on tv, typically on a lame reality show (I love lame reality shows), like American Idol, or Project Runaway (my new addiction) or one of the Real World/Road Rules Challenges (why can I not break away from MTV shows?).

2. Tardiness. It's inexcusable and disrespectful. I cannot stand people who are late...once is ok...I'll make an exception, but all the time. Every day? Set your frickin' alarm an hour early! I used to have a friend who'd be late for everything. I'd pick her up to go out to party and she'd still have to take a shower. Not only that, but you'd think a person who's late would just comb her hair real quick or something...NOOOOOOOOOO...she had to straighten her extremely curly hair! Nice! I love being 2 hours late to parties, church or whatever.

3. People who ask HOW ARE YOU? and then walk away before you even answer. Now, ok...I know HOW ARE YOU has become akin to HELLO in today's world, but it's a question, not a greeting and I will answer it DAMMIT! People through the years have learned not to ask me that because, believe you me, I will tell them exactly how I'm doing...in detail.

4. Friends who become MIA as soon as they get a boyfriend. I've had several friends through the years who have literally dropped off the face of the earth, as soon as they met the man they thought was THE ONE. Months would go by without even a hint of their existence. I was very close to filing a missing person's ad on several occasions. Next thing I know, they call me. I start to wonder why, then I find out. The boyfriend is either a) now an ex and they need someone to help them deal with the loss or b) the boyfriend is out with his buddies and "friend" needs someone to hang out with. I've dropped friends through the years because of this. I've never been like this...to be honest, I've always tried to have a pretty good balance between spending time with friends and boyfriends. My friend Debbie is currently one of those friends. I'll call her and she won't call me for weeks. When I finally get in touch with her (miracle), she is deaf to my whines about life, but then suddenly finds her hearing when the subject comes to her boyfriend and her relationship! I'm old enough not to have to deal with this shit anymore.

5. People who start a story with serious JUICE potential and then end it with I JUST CAN'T TELL YOU THE REST...YOU WOULD GET TOO UPSET or even I KNOW SOMETHING SO JUICY, YOU'LL JUST DIE, BUT I CAN'T TELL YOU. What the fuck, bitch!?!? Why would you even start talking about it, if you have no intention whatsoever of telling me anything? If it's a secret, you should have kept your trap shut from the start 'cause you've already violated that person's confidence by opening your mouth, so you might as well just finish it! Argh!

6. I don't appreciate being talked down to. I'm not an idiot! Condescending people need to stay away from me!

7. Sexist pigs!

8. TSTL heroines and books that insult my intelligence such as those in which high pleasure is achieved during the heroine's first time. There's no pain AT ALL. Immediate satisfaction for all and the act itself (without foreplay) is about an hour long. Sure...I believe it! Riiiiight!

9. Those who believe there should be NO separation between church and state. There should be! End point!

10. Close-minded individuals.

11. Disguised bigotry (many instances of that in recent months here in our own country...sad!).

12. People who hate Hillary Clinton for no reason. Just frickin' admit it's cause you don't want a strong woman in the White House and are terrified she'll be there in 2008!

13. People who believe global warming is a liberal lie. What else could it be?

14. Jessica Simpson and any other celebrity who should be using their money to help people, rather than party and shop all day and night (I especially dislike Jessica Simpson).

15. 3% raises at work...we all got one in March. I didn't know whether to laugh or cry. Thanks for the extra bus fare money, jerks!

16. Fox's cancellation of REUNION. I'll never know how the mystery ends. FUCKERS!

17. GIRLS GONE WILD.

18. The fact that Lindsay Lohan's mom has done zilch to help her daughter get her act together. Why would she? She's too busy partying it up and living the high life! Gucci, anyone?

19. People who don't vote and then complain when the shit hits the fan! You had your chance scumbag!

20. The cop out apology I'M SORRY YOU FEEL THAT WAY which isn't even an apology, but more like a FUCK YOU.

I have many more...but the post would be too long.

Err...I'VE READ THIS, RIGHT?

2006-08-25T22:13:00.000-07:00

Warning: The following excerpt contains a bit of what was going through my head when I was reading it...enjoy!

NO WOMAN CAN RESIST HIM...EXCEPT ONE (oh, please....gag me)

Lord Martin Langdon (What? No clever nickname?) takes pride in his scandalous reputation as a scoundrel (never heard that one before), and he considers the art of seduction a most rewarding pastime (like all other zillion rakes I've read about). So when this dashing rakehell learns of a particularly beautiful woman who is "impossible to flirt with," (Oh, God...please, not another bluestocking TSTL heroine) he is determined to prove that not even the prim and proper Evelyn Wheaton can resist his charms (I smell a bet...gag me some more). Evelyn knows all about the reckless rogue's shocking reputation (duh!) and she wants nothing to do with him (yeah, right...until she has marathon sex with him her very first time....all pleasure and no pain AT ALL, of course...because he's suuuuuuuch a good lover). She may be looking for a husband, but Martin is certainly not a candidate (just good enough for some free nooky). The smoldering looks he sends her way, however, are a different matter entirely. She suspects there is great passion to be had if she'd throw caution to the wind and surrender to this scoundrel... but dare she risk her heart? (AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH)

Is it my imagination or have I seen this cover before? As a matter of fact...I feel like I've also read the book. What the hell is up with romances these days? Are authors really that hard up for ideas? I've enjoyed plenty of MacLean books over the last few years; her books aren't masterpieces (but then again, what is these days?), but they show great potential and I'm a sucker for authors (and anything else) with potential, but this...gosh, give me a fuckin' break. I've read this story. I know I have. I can't remember when or where I read it, but I read it. The synopsis sounds so much like every other book I've have the pleasure (or displeasure) of reading over the last year or two, that I'm about ready to yak my brains out.

Does this mean I will skip the book? Believe it or not (after this long rant) I can't. It's the last book of a series!!! How the hell can I skip it? I'm tempted, but I won't...I just...can't. I need strength...strength to break away from tired books and cut and paste covers. Is there something I can take for this? Hypnosis? A joint that makes you forget you were even reading a series? Anything? Hello? Help? Anyone there?

Dear Authors - I've read stories about morons who argue with themselves over whether to have sex with rakes and then proceed to "fuck" said rakes' brains out night after night after night.

I've read them and have enjoyed them immensely. However, how many more rake/innocent fair maiden combo stories must I read before I become fully lobotomized? Honestly, I'm starting to believe I'm halfway there thanks to the crap I've been reading lately. No offense to Julianne MacLean.

I almost feel bad for even writing this, but I was honestly taken aback by MacLean's book description. I was hoping for originality. Based on what was given me, I cannot say there's much. I may be wrong. I will read the book and report on it and I will apologize profusely to Ms. MacLean if I'm in error, but right now...heck, I'm just a little ticked!

SURRENDER TO A SCOUNDREL is out January 2007. Let's hope MacLean delivers!!!

P.S. I have a thing for red covers...I actually think this one's pretty.

M.I.A

2006-08-23T08:25:00.000-07:00

I've been working, working and working, so I apologize for my blog's inactivity. I have a lot of updates coming soon, book reviews (one in particular that pisses me off...it sucked so much), author interviews (well, only one author interview), a tag list to complete (tagged by Holly...woo hoo) and more...

I finally developed my pictures (I'm still living in the dark ages and don't have a digital). Among them is one from a Candace Hern/Julie Anne Long book signing from a few months back...picture to come!

Brighter than the Sun

2006-08-15T12:02:00.000-07:00

Has this book always sucked or have my tastes changed? I became very nostalgic recently and had to reread a few of Julia Quinn's older novels. I decided to pick up BRIGHTER THAN THE SUN and thought (emphasis on the THOUGHT) I was in for a wild ride. WRONG! I don't remember hating this book the first time I read it.

The hero was charming but he did zilch for me and the heroine...argh...what a moron! There was no chemistry, no funny tidbits...I just didn't enjoy the book the second time around. I'm not even going to go into it. Just know that the book was constantly being dropped on the floor in favor of house cleaning (yeah....no joke). Was I having an off day? No clue...I think perhaps my tastes have changed (that and the book left a lot to be desired in the sex appeal dept). The book is very cut and paste; nothing scandalous or inventive or really out of the ordinary can be found within its pages.

The book is one of Quinn's earlier works and it shows. Do I recommend it? Yes, if you want something light and fluffy. No, if you want some substance.

THE STRANGER I WANT TO MARRY

2006-08-12T15:29:00.000-07:00

Why are Sylvia Day books $14? That irritates me! She's moved to Avon recently, so hopefully the prices will go down. I haven't read ASK FOR IT yet, although I managed to buy a copy with a gift card I won in a raffle (one of the few things I've ever won). AAR gave it a pretty bad review...err...I don't know what to say because I haven't read the book, but I truly hope I will enjoy the book, despite the review...hopefully the reviewer and I have different tastes in books. Hopefully she didn't like Day's use of the words COCK and FUCK. Yes, she uses that word...actually...wait a sec...is Avon going to make her tone it down? Hmmm...I wonder.

Day recently posted an excerpt to her December 26 release THE STRANGER I MARRIED. The cover, as you can see for yourself, is hot! The hero is smokin' hot! Where can I find one of those? Do any of them live near me? I'm willing to travel... The story sounds pretty good, different than any other I've read. Both lead characters are sluts...not something you see everyday in romance land.