book lover's journal

upcoming attractions of 2010: eighth entry

2010-03-19T06:28:21Z

Release Date: May 1, 2010. Price:$4.99US/$5.99 Series: The Jeffries #4
One of few exceptions I make of my unofficial do not buy Harlequins new rule. I've reached my price threshold with the publisher. Very enjoyable subway reading.

Release Date: June 1, 2010. Price: $6.25US/$7.25 Series: Steele Series #9.

Release Date: June 1, 2010. Price:$6.25US/$7.25
Another exception made. A pleasure to read.

Release Date: May 1, 2010.
Hope to catch this title at the library because Leslie Kelly's story is a sequel to:
which I borrowed from the library and found to be a pleasant surprise.

upcoming attractions of 2010: seventh entry

2010-03-18T07:29:23Z

Release Date: April 27, 2010. Price: $25.95US/$32.50 Series: Black Dagger Brotherhood #8. Looking forward to John Matthew's story as well as the possible ensuing fireworks with two side plots! I am crossing my fingers the book lives up to the spoilers I have sniffed out at J.R. Ward's fan forum. I am on the waiting list for a copy at my local library because waiting for the North American paperback edition would be killer. (Noticed amazon.ca could be selling the UK edition but I am a stickler in this case for cover art/publisher continuity.)

Release Date: March 30, 2010. Price: $14US/$16.95 Series: Wilder Brothers #3. I have started reading Instant Attraction (borrowed from the library) so I didn't see the harm in highlighting the last book in the trilogy. Two words: Wishful, California! Who would think the town named Wishful isn't a great place to set a romance story? Contemporary romance by Jill Shalvis makes for enjoyable "subway reading".

Release Date: April 6, 2010. Price: $9.99US/$12.99
Oh, oh, oh Miki Aihara! What happens when the heroine falls in love with guy who doesn't love her - he idolizes her famous musician of a father though! - seems destined for a bitter sweet ending! I am waiting for the crash and burn but can't look away. . .

Release Date: May 4, 2010. Price: $15US/$18.50 Series: Courtesans Tales 2. I enjoyed reading Yours for the Night by Jasmine Haynes more than enough to look forward another installment in the lives of men and women who contact the escort service for a bevy of personal reasons. The scenarios taking centre stage: a menage a trois becomes a pas de deux, the man you desire is watching (voyeurism in style in the spring of 2010!), and how do you 'forgive' (also insert fall in love) someone (dead husband's business partner) for not telling about your dead husband's affair?

Release Date: April 13, 2010. Available from Loose ID. Book cover is courtesy of Ms. Haynes' website. The blurb has roused my curiousity but if the title is only available in e-book format I am SOL! Loose ID has not uploaded all the details yet so I will have to wait and see.

upcoming attractions of 2010: sixth entry

2010-03-18T05:47:24Z

Release Date: March 30, 2010. Price: $7.99US/$9.99 Series: Primal Instinct #4
Rhyannon Byrd picks off where she left in Edge of Desire with Aiden Shrader's story!!! His character has a mouth and isn't afraid to use it! Writing up this entry has also reminded of the Watchmen, the organization Aiden is a member of; and I am hoping readers will learn more about the organization supporting the Merrick in their fight with the Casus.

Release Date: April 27, 2010. Price: $7.99US/$9.99 Series: Primal Instinct #5
Sometimes good things come to those to wait . . . like two books in a series published in consecutive months! The spotlight continues to shine on the Watchmen organization and features one of their leaders: Kierland Scott! To anyone who took a shine to Kierland's younger brother, Kellan, his story will be published in November!

And e-book alert:
Release Date: April 2009 Price: $2.99US (bn.com)
The prequel to the Primal Instinct series is only available in e-book format! This story takes place in the 1800's and is about a Buchanan ancestor.

Reading list for February 2010

2010-03-17T23:44:26Z

Tex Appeal, Harlequin Blaze 375 Feb 08 by Kimberly Raye, Alison Kent, and Cara Summers
Pleasure and Purpose by Megan Hart
Mark of the Demon by Diana Rowland
Gorgeous as Sin by Susan Johnson
A Perfect Darkness by Jaime Rush
Archangel's Kiss by Nalini Singh
Iron Kissed by Patricia Briggs
Crank
No One But You, Touch of Heaven, Kimani Romance 160 Oct 09; and Secret Agent Seduction, Kimani Romance 107 Sep 08 by Maureen Smith
Overexposed, Harlequin Blaze 347 Sept 07 by Leslie Kelly
What She Needs by Lacey Alexander
Yours for the Night by Jasmine Haynes

Yurara V5
Fairy Tail V6
Whistle V24
Rave Master V1
Detroit Metal City V1
Beck V8 to 11
Kitchen Princess V5
Black Sun Silver Moon V3
Rin-Ne V1
Tears of a Lamb V6
Eyeshield 21 V28
Pluto V1

Mercy Thompson Homecoming HC edition

upcoming attractions of 2010: fifth entry

2010-03-17T21:53:37Z

Release Date: 3 August 2010 Price: $7.99US(bn.com)/$8.48(amazon.ca)
I've checked bn.com and amazon.ca and the cover image for Burning Up has not uploaded yet so credit for the image goes directly to one of the contributors for the lovely image: Nalini Singh.

Release Date: March 23, 2010. Series: Dark Guardian Novel #4
Originally billed as a trilogy, Rachel Hawthorne and/or the publisher changed their minds and the fourth installment will be out before the end of the month. I have already read the first two books in the series Moonlight and Full Moon. As far as the third book, Dark of the Moon, goes I am the waiting list for it at the library! Oh dear library!! <3 it <3 it and so far no fines!!! Might post a review but that's a work in progress...

Release Date: August 3, 2010. $24.95US/$31
I realize I am late jumping onto the Jeaniene Frost bandwagon but after winning a copy of First Drop of Crimson and dropping everything else to read it once it came in the mail. Yum! Two thumbs way up!! Will probably have to re-read as well as Archangel's Kiss by Nalini Singh because I was so excited and impatient about finishing the book; and sometimes you don't appreciate the smaller details in the rush to enjoy the pretty shiny story in front of you... Ms. Frost's contribution is a Bones and Cat short story though, so after I play catch up so I will be hunting this anthology at the bookstores - probably in mass market format please and thank you! P.S. Other contributors include: Charlaine Harris, Katie MacAlister, Lilith Saintcrow, and Jeff Abbott. Sookie Stackhouse fans begin your happy dance!

Release Date: March 30, 2010. Price:$24.95US/$31
Have already my name on the waiting list at the library for Ms. Briggs' latest Mercy Thompson installment!! Although the cover art could be a turn off - a friend recently admitted if she wasn't already a fan she would touch the series with a ten-foot pole because of cover art - tattoos in this care are a turn-off (I have to admit I was a little surprised at how quickly the tattoos were acquired but the cover art for this series isn't a deal breaker. I was hooked based on three friends recommending the series.) - the story and characters keep you coming back for more. Mercy is strong without powering up too quickly or acquiring a harem of men... Not that either possibility couldn't be interesting but in the end it all depends on the comfort zone of the reader and their personal tastes. If it is a turn off don't read it anymore and let the people who do enjoy it!

Okay. It is time to jump off the soap box and log off. I will be updating a bit fast and furiously for the next couple of weeks since I recently picked up my computer from the chop shop.

upcoming attractions of 2010: fourth entry

2010-02-16T04:35:49Z

Title: Sizzling Sixteen
Series: Stephanie Plum
Author: Janet Evanovich
Price: $27.99US/$33.99Cdn
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Release Date: June 22, 2010.
Format: HC, 320pp
Notes: No cover art posted yet at amazon.ca or bn.com.

Publication Date: February 23, 2010. I will be borrowing this hot release from the library but Ms. Robb (aka romance author icon Nora Roberts) has not lost her touch with the Eve Dallas series. Can't wait to add to my collection when it is released in paperback.

Publication Date: February 2, 2010. The Anita Blake series is no longer my cup of tea but one can not deny Ms. Hamilton's popularity, and the appeal of Anita as a strong, kick-ass heroine.

Publication Date: June 1, 2010. Double your pleasure with a second Anita Blake adventure from Laurell K. Hamilton.

upcoming attractions for 2010: third entry

2010-02-13T07:46:25Z

The Psy-Changeling series by Nalini Singh, in my opinion, is just beginning to hit its' stride mainly because there are so characters so stories could be told and I care about reading them. Max is the police officer to helps Talin in Mine To Possess. Yes, I did look up where Max first appeared at Nalini Singh's blog. My memory is a sieve and the one of reasons why I began a reading blog in the first place. Ms. Singh's novels are on my auto-buy list. Publication Date: July 6, 2010.

I have recently read Sweet Temptation [(second book) The premise explores of the concept of ownership in a consenting adult relationship and how this particular type of relationship effects one's business and personal life. It begins as a fantasy for Serena but is actually a reality Damon has been looking for... The journey the pair goes on to reconcile fantasy and reality and perhaps find a happily ever after was enjoyable for me.] by Maya Banks courtesy of the library. I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed reading the page turner and only put it down because I was tired and couldn't keep my eyes open anymore. Characters and plot were engaging and I did not find the frequency of sex scenes to be a turn off or out of place. It seemed integral to building the relationship between the hero and heroine and if you do not mind your romance sexy I would recommend the Sweet series by Maya Banks. I plan on attempting to read Sweet Surrender (first book) and Sweet Seduction (third book) before Sweet Temptation but my plans do not always go according to plan. Publication Date is: April 6, 2010.
Blurb for Sweet Temptation is from Maya Banks' website:

He was a by-the-book cop who broke the rules in the bedroom…

Micah Hudson has painful secrets he’s run hard from. He has new friends, a new life, but he’s about to be confronted with the one person who reminds him of all he’s tried to forget—Angelina, the sister of his oldest friend David. She knows everything about his past, including how he and David fell in love with the same woman, and how they decided the best way to prevent her from tearing them apart was to share her between them. But then a terrible accident left Micah alone…

She was willing to do anything to make him see the woman she’d become…

Micah lost the two people who meant the most in the world to him. Angelina lost her only family. And she kept her deepest secret close to her heart. Her love for Micah. No longer willing to wait, she decides it’s time to go after him and bring him to his knees. She knows his secrets, his desires, his kinks and fetishes, and she’ll use whatever it takes to reel him in. Behind the easy going, loves women exterior lies a man with dark needs and passions. She can give him what he wants. But will he decide she’s what he needs?

upcoming attractions for 2010: second entry

2010-02-09T05:06:03Z

Hello nurse! I admit with Bengal's Heart and Coyote's Mate I did not love them as much as I thought I would or should... And, I will also admit Jonas' mate is not the woman I was hoping for Jonas but he's the hero you love to hate or hate to love. Therefore I am very much looking forward to reading about his story. He deserves whatever he gets...and I am crossing my fingers I will ENJOY his comeuppance! Publication Date: April 6, 2010

Summoning demons is a job that requires a lot of finesse and do not judge a demon by his cover are two of the lessons I learned from Mark of the Demon (I am thinking of posting a mini-review...we'll see how the rest of the month goes.). I've recently read the first book in this new paranormal series by Diana Rowland and have to admit she has hooked me! An attractive FBI agent or deadly, powerful Demon Lord - how is a girl supposed to choose? Did I mention our heroine, Kara Gillian, is also a detective and cutting her teeth on two murder cases? I am crossing my fingers that Ms. Rowland beats the sophomore jinx with Blood of the Demon. Publication Date: February 23, 2010

Skyler White contest at Literary Escapism

2010-02-09T04:39:32Z

Excerpt/contest rules taken from LE's blog: In a dark and seedy underground of burned-out rock stars and angels-turned- vampires, a revolutionary neuroscientist and a fallen angel must put medicine against mythology in an attempt to erase their tortured pasts…but at what price?

Olivia, vampire and fallen angel of desire, is hopeless…and damned. Since the fall from Eden, she has hungered for love, but fed only on desire. Dominic O’Shaughnessy is a neuroscientist plagued by impossible visions. When his research and her despair collide at L’Otel Mathillide-a subterranean hell of beauty, demons, and dreams-rationalist and angel unite in a clash of desire and damnation that threatens to destroy them both.

In this fractures Hotel of the Damned, Olivia and Dominic discover the only force consistent in their opposing realities is the deep, erotic gravity between them. Bound to each other finally in a knot of interwoven freedoms, Dominic and Olivia-the vision-touched scientist and the earth-bound angel, reborn and undead-encounter the mystery of love and find it is both fall…and flight.

If the premise tickles your fancy please enter the contest before 6pm EST on Tuesday, Feb. 9th, and leave a comment about what one book would you love to get for your birthday. This is deadline for posting the review with this book however since it is an Advanced Reading Copy! The review must be posted before the official March 2nd publication date. There are multiple ways to win of course:

+1 for each place you post about today’s contest on your blog, social network, or anywhere you can. Digg it, stumble it, twit it, share it with the world. Wherever you share it, make sure you add a link to it along with your answer.
+1 for any review you comment on, however, comments must be meaningful. Just give me the title of the review and I’ll be able to figure it out from there.
+1 for being a follower of Literary Escapism on Facebook and/or Twitter
+1 for being a subscriber to Literary Escapism (new subscribers welcome!)
+10 for purchasing any print novel through LE’s Amazon store sometime during this contest and send a copy of the receipt VIA email for your purchase to: myjaxon AT gmail DOT com. Each purchase is worth ten entries, but it has to be through the LE Amazon Link.

Blog Spotlight

2010-02-08T07:07:58Z

Hello everyone out there! *waves hands like a madwoman*

I have not been posting on a regular basis for a while now so I thought I would post some links to blogs that are updated more regularly about one of my favourite subjects: romance novels!

I found Deadline Dames via recommendation by Ilona Andrews and I am scared because I have the bad good feeling I will be adding to pile of TBR soon... A beautiful bevy (nine to be exact) of female authors to be found all at one blog!

I learned about The Book Pushers via _vampire_lover because of the regularity of their contest give-a-ways! These reviewers blog on a regular basis either to post a review, a give-a-way, an interview or sometimes all three in one; and more.

I found WriteMinded via Maya Banks' blog (I loved Sweet Persuasion by Ms. Banks, and if you don't mind your romance erotic and passionate I would definitely recommend this novel!). Another gorgeous gathering of female authors!

On the other hand if you believe historical romance is being neglected and deserves the spotlight, please check out Lurv a la Mode! The lady in charge has declared it the Year of Historical Romance at Lurv a la Mode, but will also be reviewing about other types of romance novels as well in the weeks and months to come.

And last but not least I have The Book Smugglers and Dirty Sexy Books rounding out my first round of blog recommendations. I will be semi-actively searching the net for more book blogs from on... If you have a recommendation please let me know!
Happy Reading everyone!

I am currently juggling:

Shelly Munro give-away at Literary Escapism

2010-02-08T06:25:16Z

Ms. Munro's novel sounds interesting...and I also didn't win the Nalini Singh novel so I don't feel TOO guilty entering another contest so quickly...
If you also interested winning of one Ms. Munro's novels please visit Literary Escapism's blog! There are multiple ways to enter the contest and win: leave a comment about why you enjoy reading paranormal novels, subscribe to the blog via RSS or email, become a fan of LE's facebook or/and twitter account, buy a Shelly Munro book from the LE Amazon store! Visit their site to check out Ms. Munro's guest visit at the LE blog and enter the contest here: http://www.literaryescapism.com/7566/guest-author-shelley-munro

Reading list for January 2010

2010-02-07T03:03:56Z

Lover Avenged by J.R. Ward
Moon Called and Blood Bound by Patricia Briggs
Kindred in Death by J.D. Robb
More Blaze Bedtime Stories, Blaze 501 Nov 09 by Julie Leto and Leslie Kelly

Trinity Blood V8 to 11
Real V6
Fairy Tail V4, 5
Yurara V4
Rasetsu V1
Kamikaze Kaito Jeanne V3 to 7

Bone: Treasure Hunters TPB V8
Bone: Crown of Horns HC V9

Lover Avenged was not my favourite Black Dagger Brotherhood story but there were a couple of positive developments in the overall story. First, Rehvenge's story was told. Rehvenge first grabbed my atttention in Lover Awakened because he was Bella's (the heroine) brother, Phury's drug dealer, and if my memory is not completely failing me the first time the reader learns he is half symphath. He then gained a measure of sympathy after losing Marissa to Butch in Lover Revealed (Although to be honest, considering the build Marissa and Butch's relationship received in the first three Black Dagger Brotherhood novels; I don't think any of the fans were surprised.). Learning more about his past: how his step-father died, why he decided to become a drug dealer and a pimp; and watching him fall in love with Ehlena was enjoyable. Second, the development in John Matthew and Xhex's budding relationship. Although, the relationship seriously stalled with Xhex's pushing John Matthew away, after their first time together, because of her relationship issues (Xhex had been previously involved with Muhrder, also of the Black Dagger Brotherhood, who died attempting to rescue her...but that's a story for another day.) and he responded with a downward spiral of alcohol, and impersonal sex; readers know with Lover Mine, JM and Xhex will get their own happily-ever-after. Third, Lash's character became the CHARACTER I hate to love and love to hate. he settles into his position as the son of the Omega and second in command of the Lessening Society. Unfortunately, IMO, there was also chemistry between Lash and Xhex. The scene at the cemetery was one of favourites and a guilty pleasure. On one hand I want John Matthew to kick his posterior back to the Omega but on the other hand I find Lash attractive... *shiver* Thank goodness, I am not the only J.R. Ward fan to think so... And last but not least, Payne was an important supporting role! I hope Vishous's twin gets her own story down the road. Overall Lover Avenged scores 4/5.

I might try working on blogging on a more regular basis and posting more reviews/opinions in 2010. I have to refine my technique - it seems more babble/fan-girling at the moment that anything else...

Nalini Singh book give-away at Literary Escapism!!!

2010-01-29T05:11:36Z

Win a copy of either or at Literary Escapism's blog! There are multiple ways to enter the contest and win:
leave a comment of your favourite sympathetic characters, subscribe to their blog via RSS or email, become a fan of their facebook or twitter account, buy a Nalini Singh book from their Amazon store! Visit their site to check Nalini's guest visit at their blog and enter the contest here: www.literaryescapism.com/7472/guest-author-nalini-singh

upcoming attractions for 2010: first entry

2010-01-21T04:09:32Z

Nalini Singh is an author on my must buy list. If you haven't started reading the Psy-Changeling series yet you need to stop this entry and buy Slave to Sensation now! After devouring Angels' Blood I have to admit I was starry-eyed with Ms. Singh's world building and characterization is second to none. Raphael, an arch angel, and Dmitri, a vampire, are my favourite characters. I love the creative twist Ms. Singh gave her world of angels and vampires: angels, whose bodies create a toxin that must be expelled in order to remain sane and alive; and the only acceptable method is to expel it into another living being, in this case humans! However, if you volunteer for 'eternal life' and 'super human powers' you will be in servitude to the angels for a term of one century. The release date for the second novel is February 2, 2010.
Nalini's website: http://www.nalinisingh.com/

I discovered Ilona Andrews with the anthology Must Have Hellhounds (originally purchased for Nalini Singh) with the short story "Magic Mourns" and decided to wanted to learn about the world of Kate Daniels. Found myself sucked down the hole of fantasy books and it has been an enjoyable ride! Kate Daniels lives a world magic and technology are oil and water. In other words there are periods of time where no technology works, magic rules, and having a horse or mule as your transportation back up sounds like an excellent investment. Kate Daniels is an enigma in her world and an excellent heroine: dark and mysterious past (which some light will be shed on), an agile mind with a sharper tongue and she is in excellent physical condition. She has a dominant personality and will not take guff from anybody. She could be quaking in her boots but has the bravado to camouflage it. I admit the first three novels of the series in less than a week last october but not wanting to give spoilers and mainly because my summarization skills for reviews of any type sucks eggs I am going to post the blurb from the first novel on the author's website instead:

Atlanta would be a nice place to live, if it weren’t for magic…

One moment magic dominates, and cars stall and guns fail. The next, technology takes over and the defensive spells no longer protect your house from monsters. Here skyscrapers topple under onslaught of magic; werebears and werehyenas prowl through the ruined streets; and the Masters of the Dead, necromancers driven by their thirst of knowledge and wealth, pilot blood-crazed vampires with their minds.

In this world lives Kate Daniels. Kate likes her sword a little too much and has a hard time controlling her mouth. The magic in her blood makes her a target, and she spent most of her life hiding in plain sight. But when

Kate’s guardian is murdered, she must choose to do nothing and remain safe or to pursue his preternatural killer. Hiding is easy, but the right choice is rarely easy…

The release date for Magic Bleeds is May 2010.
Ilona's website: http://www.ilona-andrews.com/

currently juggling...

2010-01-11T23:49:22Z

Reading list for December 2009

2010-01-09T17:56:24Z

"Missing In Death" by J.D. Robb from The Lost anthology
Smart and Sexy by Jill Shalvis
Lover Enshrined by J.R. Ward
Secret Love, Slow Burn, and Unfinished Business by Brenda Jackson
Mating Game by Janice Maynard
Dead Sexy, Harlequin Blaze 358 Nov 07; and Drop Dead Gorgeous, Harlequin Blaze 390 Apr 08 by Kimberly Raye
Sweet Persuasion by Maya Banks

Honey Hunt V2
Ultimate Venus V5
Phoenix V1
Trinity Blood V2 to 7
Heroes Are Extinct! V3
Magic Touch V4, 5
Mixed Vegetables V6
Otoman V4
The Kindaichi Case Files: The Opera House Murders
Your & My Secret V5
Prince Of Tennis V34
Love * Com V15
Words of Devotion V1
Psycho Busters V3
Angel Sanctuary V2 to 4
Skip Beat V19
Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya V3
Fairy Tail V3
Real V1 to 5
Kamikaze Kaito Jeanne V1, 2

Runaways: Dead End Kids HC
Runaways: Dead Wrong HC
Runaways: Rock Zombies HC
Flight TPB
Bone: The Dragonslayer
Bone: Rock Jaw Master of the Eastern Border
Bone: Old Man's Cave
Bone: Ghost Circles
Invincible : The Facts of Life TPB V5
Invincible: A Different World TPB V6
Invincible: Three's Company TPB V7
Invincible: My Favourite Martian TPB V8

Reading list for November 2009

2009-12-03T04:48:37Z

Edge of Desire by Rhyannon Byrd
Quade's Babies, Silhouette Desire 1911 Dec 08 by Brenda Jackson
Tall, Dark...Westmoreland!, Silhouette Desire 1928 Mar 09 by Brenda Jackson
Cole's Red-Hot Pursuit, Silhouette Desire 1874 Jun 08 by Brenda Jackson
Temperatures Rising, Kimani Romance 131 May 09 by Brenda Jackson
Blaze of Memory by Nalini Singh
Eternally Yours by Brenda Jackson
Crimson by Jordan Summers
A Risky Affair, Kimani Romance Sep 08 by Maureen Smith
Diamond in the Rough, Harlequin Romance 4087 Apr 09 by Diana Palmer
The Bikini Diaries by Lacey Alexander
Bachelor Untamed, Kimani Romance 157 Oct 09 by Brenda Jackson
Double Play by Jill Shalvis
Shadow Hawk, Harlequin Blaze 329 Jul 07 by Jill Shalvis
Better Naughty Than Nice, Harlequin Blaze 507 Dec 09 by Vicki Lewis Thompson, Jill Shalvis, and Rhonda Nelson

Wild Ones V8
Spiral V9
Rose Hip Rose V1 to 4
Psycho Busters V2
Kamichama Karin Chu V6
Gakuen Prince V3
Honey Hunt V1
Me & My Brothers V5
Angel Sanctuary V1

teen books aren't just for teens! ;D

2009-11-20T07:58:23Z

Reading list for October 2009

2009-11-11T06:18:14Z

Angels' Blood by Nalini Singh
Hot for the Holidays
"Angels Judgment" by Nalini Singh, "Magic Mourns" by Ilona Andrews, & "Blind Spot" by Mejean Brook from the anthology Must Love Hellhounds
Magic Bites, Magic Burns, Magic Strikes, & On the Edge by Ilona Andrews

Gakuen Alice V9
The Palette of 12 Secret Colors V6 (end)
V.B. Rose V6
High School Girls V9 (end)
Rozen Maiden V3 to 7
After School Nightmare V6
La Corda D'Oro V11
Yakitate!! Japan V7
Not Enough Time
Ghost Hunt V9

currently reading:

the temptation to read new authors comes and goes...

2009-10-14T05:40:15Z

To be listed in the entry about October's reading list I read all four short stories from Hot for the Holidays; and three of four short stories from Must Love Hellhounds. In giving in to temptation I have, with not much of a fight, added three more authors to my list... T_T (If music was playing I would think 'Don't cry for me Argentina' would be appropriate.) Anya Bast and Allyson James lauched new series with Hot for the Holidays (With Bast, the world of the humans is currently sharing space with the fae; and with James, the world of Changers with a dash of Native Indian Shamanism is explored.) anthology, and Ilona Andrews added the fourth installment to her Kate Daniels' series with the short story, "Mourn Magic". Thus I am now looking forward to the following:

and Stormwalker, available in spring of 2010!

I am currently reading:

Reading list for September 2009

2009-10-09T01:20:10Z

Scarlet by Jordan Summers

Shinobi Life V1
Burst Angel V1 to 3
Red Hip Zero V3 to 5
Whistle V23
X2 (stand-a-lone)
Boys Over Flowers V2
Full Metal Panic V1
Brilliant Blue V2 (end of series)
Strawberry Panic V1
Psycho Busters V1
Monkey High V7
Mixed Vegetables V5
Gakuen Alice V1, 2; V3 to 5 (online scans); 6 to 8
Is V1 to 7
High School Girls V6 to 8
POT V33
Love Code
Crazy Star
Kyo Kara Maoh V4
Love * Com V14
Mad Crazy Love V1
Maria Holic V1
Saiyuki V6 to 9

Mini Review for RED by Jordan Summers

2009-09-02T07:37:51Z

I tried to put my last review under a cut and failed absolutely fabulously!!! so I am using the pretty book covers for coverage...

As I mentioned earlier last month I am a sucker for a good or even semi-good catchline... "What if Little Red Riding Hood and the Big Bad Wolf turned out to be the same person?" is the question asked on the back cover of Red by Jordan Summers; and I decided to take a chance and find out for myself. To give a semi-general summary: the world went to war and let's just say not everyone bit the dust. Although, unfortunately, Mother Nature took one heck of a beating. Instead of countries we now have independent republics (And woohoo! At least one Canadian province, Ontario, survived the military fireworks.) where it is required to register your identity... An international police and security force, International Police Tactical Team was established to ensure population control and other legal matters are taken of care; and our heroine Gina "Red" Santiago is a member who after finding the body of a horribly mauled murder victim - wants to find justice for her. To backtrack a little, Red is Gina's nickname because unfortunately, there has been a trend when Gina encounters unknown individuals they usually end up dead instead of apprehended; and thus the majority of the other tactical team members do not like working with her. Red is a solitary woman, but has a loving grandfather and a "chirpy" wrist navicom unit named Rita. Her parents and younger sister died when Red was a young girl. However her belief and commitment to law and order is staunch and firm. Therefore heading out from the dome where IPTT is located (formerly northern Montana and Alberta, Canada) to the border town of Nuria, on her vacation time no less, Red begins the murder investigation that will change her life. For the town of Nuria has secrets of its own and one murder victim also horribly mauled; with the sheriff Morgan Hunter wanting to keep it under wraps and find the killer himself without attracting the notice of the republics or IPTT. The tactical team member and the sheriff also have immediate chemistry (cough cough erotic dream cough cough) despite the fact the professional and personal agendas are in conflict... Unfortunately, more murder victims with the same M.O. are found, a politician's schemes for world domination are already in motion, and did I mention Red is about to discover the secrets of her past; that her grandfather tried to bury but our sexy sheriff is already aware of one them? Needless to say, there is enough romance, suspense, mystery and a scene to two of comic relief (Kane and Morgan are cousins, and both take a liking to our heroine Red... The scene when Morgan takes Red out for dinner and Kane shows up is funny!) to keep you hooked and of course Ms. Summers is kind enough to let the reader in on the secret of the identity of our lady killer before the end of the story. I will admit I stayed up all night to finish the first book in the series and the third book Crimson, to be released in november, sounds interesting/exciting! However, it is the second book I am having trouble reading. Almost two thirds of the way through, but my emotional radar is already broken with all the excitement from Scarlet; and like with Edge of Hunger I am ready to tear all my remaining hair out in frustration...

Reading list for August 2009

2009-09-02T06:00:56Z

Coyote's Mate by Lora Leigh
Bengal's Heart by Lora Leigh
Red by Jordan Summers

Dawn of Love
Sighing Kiss
Princess Resurrection V6
Kamichama Karin Chu V5
D. Gray Man V14
Prince of Tennis V32
Pita Ten Official Fan Book V2
Nodame Cantabile V16
Wild Adapter V1
The Loudest Whisper V1
Author's Pet
Clear Skies V1
Love Round!!
Little Butterfly V1 to 3
Maid-Sama! V2
Wallflower V20
Otoman V3
High School Debut V10
Eyeshield 21 V27
Love Attack V2, 3
Sayanora Sensei V1
Love * Com V13
Dazzle V7
Whistle V1 to 22 (re-read)
Rose Hip Zero V2
Eyeshield 21 V1 to 26 (re-read)

Mini Review of Edge of Hunger. General Spoilers Ahead.

2009-07-31T21:53:54Z

     Based on a friend's recommendation I decided to take a chance on Rhyannon Byrd when I found two of her books, among the 14 in total I purchased, at the Paperback Exchange. Waiting for Bengal's Heart by Lora Leigh to come out I thought I would bump Ms. Byrd's books to top of my reading list. I think it's an interesting premise: Werewolves, vampires, and other ancient clans are living amongst humans in secret with an advisory/judicial committee with representatives from all clans called the Consortium with branch of undercover agents the Watchmen helping to maintain order. However a clan called the Casus, after inbreeding, become more powerful and began to ran rampant. They go on a killing spree of humans threatening to reveal the existence of the paranormal another clans. Therefore after a long drawn out war, the Merrick in tandem with the Consortium lay a trap and send the Casus into a dimensional prison. It is a holding cell until they can develop the means to kill them - body and spirit. Damage is already done, however, because the humans form an organzation of their own - the Collective to hunt and kill all forms of preternatural life and a hard fought war the survivors of the ancient clans disband mating with humans and diluting their blood lines; with the Casus still in holding.
     Fast forward to present day, and one finds out the Casus have figured out a way out of their own personal hell, thus re-awakening the Merrick... Ian Buchanan's bloodline is of one of the Merrick's strongest clans and thus will be in thrust into the middle of a new war... His mother's spirit is aware of this and thus in an effort to protect her doubting thomas son makes contact with psychic Molly Stratton through dreams. Ian has to comes to terms with his past, train with re-organized Watchmen in order to be battle ready for the fight with the Casus (It's a yin and yang relationship. For every Casus that is pulled out from their holding ground a Merrick is re-awakened.), and realize his feelings for Molly maybe the key to future happiness... I have not in recent memory recalled a series I loved/hated more at the same time. Ian Buchanan has been given a pet name by yours truly - the freaking asshole. Never before was I so frustrated by a hero's stubborness and hard headedness - I was cussing him out as reading - infact my cursing out the freaking asshole actually slowed down my reading of the book. That's how emotionally involved I became with Ms. Byrd's Primal Instinct series. So although there were times I was tempted to rip up the book - at the time there was no better way for me to get even with the freaking asshole was my weak and illogical justification; I continued to read because the story was compelling even though I allowed my emotions to whipped up into a frenzy.
      I just finished the second book today and will eventually read Edge of Desire. First of all I want to catch up with Lora Leigh's Lion Breeds series, second I have a book review I will try to do of Red by Jordan Summers since I failed miserably at fulfulling

sabriel_0405 's first request. Third I want to try and find the title second hand. I have a couple of sources to check before purchasing the title at the World's Biggest Bookstore. (The store is not the biggest in Indigo's monopoly but the name is catchy and attracts tourists.)

Currently reading:

Reading list for July 2009

2009-07-31T19:44:23Z

Branded by Fire by Nalini Singh

Irrestible Forces Kimani Romance 89, May 08 by Brenda Jackson

Intimate Seduction Kimani Romance 145 Jul 09 by Brenda Jackson

Promises in Death by J.D. Robb

Edge of Hunger by Rhyannon Bird

Edge of Danger by Rhyannon Bird

Hot Limit

Gacha Gacha 3 to 5

Tricky Prince

Kamichama Karin Chu 1 to 4

Saiyuki 1 to 5

The Day I Beame A Butterfly

Party

Hot Steamy Glasses

The Paradise on the Hill

La Vie En Rose

Clan of the Nakagamis

Dazzle 6

Princess Resurrection 4, 5

My Hime 2

Cy-Believers 1

Vassalord 1

You & Harujion

Love Training

Love Share

Love Attack 1

Tsukuyomi Moon Phase 1, 2

Passion 1 to 4

Kannazuki No Miko 1, 2

Blood+ 1

Alcohol Shirt & Kisses

Gakuen Prince 2

Captive Hearts 5

Kashimashi 1

Kamen Tantei 1

Blue Sky

Waru

Magic Touch 3

Spiral The Bonds of Reasoning 8

High School Girls 2 to 5

Mr Flower Groom

Love Control 2

A Capable Man

The Devil’s Secret

Love * Com 12

Kyo Kara Maoh 3

A Strange & Mystifying Tale 1

Genju no Seiza 1, 2

My Heavenly Hockey Club 8

Shy Intentions