Book throwing moment...beware!

So, this weekend I started reading a book. One I've been looking forward to reading forEVER. It's by one of my favorite authors and all her books have been keepers--with the exception of a few. This one, which I feel I've waited my entire life to read, has, thus far, been rather disappointing. In fact, I'm ready to strangle the heroine. Then dig a hole and bury her. Then maybe dig her back up and shoot her.

Yes, she's THAT frustrating. Once again, I get that heroines these days need to be tough, rough, hard as nails, and all that jazz. But do they have to be totally annoying and just downright cruel?? Is that really necessary??

I'm not going to mention the author's name or the book title, not even in a private email so don't ask me. LOL Let's just say that I will buy more of her books. I will finish this one, because I may end up totally surprised and find that the story HAD to be told this way. In fact, I'm sure it had to be told this way. Otherwise the author would've written it differently. Correct?

This is where it comes in handy to be an author who also reads a lot. I can see between the lines. I can understand why the author felt it was necessary to give the hero a woman who has the ability to be a hardass. Like tough love, I suppose.

That being said, this book will not be a favorite of mine. I won't reread it several times until I need to buy another copy because this one is falling apart. And I won't tell all my reader buddies that they have to buy it or miss out on a really great read. So, while I know the author has to write what her heart tells her, I don't necessarily have to like it. The thing is, I sort of wish her heart had been saying something else! LOL

Now that I've vented, I need to ask you all a question. How frustrated do you get when you're reading a book by an author you admire and come to the conclusion that you're having to force yourself to read each damn word? That you are soooo not enjoying her latest release. Does it frustrate you more when it's one of your favorite authors?? Does it make you want to quit reading her books all together?

Personally, I feel like all authors are entitled to a few misses. They can't all be THE BEST BOOK EVER, right? So, while I'm hating on this book, I will also look forward to her next release, because the truth is...no one is perfect.

I have a new release!!!

I'm excited to say that my FIRST Kensington Aphrodisia book is now available for purchase!! Yay!

Take a walk on the wild side with these steamy stories of erotic ecstasy…

Some Like It Rough by Kate Pearce
Luke Warner wants to chill out when he cashes in his hectic life in Silicon Valley
and returns to his hometown. But things heat up when he reunites with his best
friends, Julia and Paul, and invites them both to share in a sexual adventure like
they’ve never had before…

Private Eyes by Susan Lyons
Assigned to work undercover as an exotic dancer, straight-laced Haley Croft
discovers the thrill of strutting her stuff. And when she catches sexy PI Ry
Montana checking out her moves, she can’t wait to give him his own private
show…

Cherry on Top by Anne Rainey
When massage therapist Cherry DuBois rubs her oil-slicked hands all over Dante
Ricci’s rock-hard body, red-hot desire courses through her. She longs to lose
control and give herself to the pleasures of sexual submission…

Holly at Romance Reviews Today gives it a "perfect 10" and says: "Each tale stands alone, but each one brings together some terrific writing from three outstanding authors. By the time I finished SOME LIKE IT ROUGH, I knew it richly deserved a Perfect 10 and would go on my keeper shelf. If you are looking for a sizzling read that is time well spent, then pick up SOME LIKE IT ROUGH."

BUY IT AT:

AMAZON

BORDERS

BOOKS A MILLION

BARNES & NOBLE

Books I've Ordered!

I'm a readaholic. LOL I've ordered a bunch of books and I can't wait for them to arrive. Of course, some of these won't come to next month and the month after that, but I figure I may as well do the ordering now!

I'm loving Sarah McCarty's Promises series. This is the only one I haven't read. I'm not really reading them in order, but I'm finding it's not that necessary.

Wyoming Territory 1870 Widowed and barren, Jenna sees the newborn left on her doorstep as a priceless gift worthy of any sacrifice. She knows she'll need a husband to keep the baby, but nothing prepares her for the man who offers. Big and dark, simmering with a deadly intensity, Clint McKinnely could put fear into the devil. He certainly strikes fear into her. But Jenna soon discovers that the man behind the reputation is the one man she longs to trust. A hard man burned out by the choices he's made, Clint is looking for a reason to go on. He finds one in Jenna Hennessy. Lushly plump, sweet and shy, she calls to him on every level. When it looks as though Jenna might lose the daughter she loves for lack of a husband, Clint steps forward. Having Jenna in his home brings Clint a peace he's never known, but even as he ferrets out the secrets that haunt Jenna's nightmares, Clint keeps his own close to his chest, knowing this marriage is temporary because there are some sins a man can't expect his wife to forgive.

I love Feehan's Leopard series. She's really one of my favorite authors and this is becoming my favorite series of hers!

Called on a dangerous assignment, leopard shifter Conner Vega returns to the Panama rainforest of his homeland, looking every bit the civilized male. But as a member of the most lethal of the shifter tribes, he doesn’t have a civilized bone in his body. He carries the scent of a wild animal in its prime, he bears the soul-crushing sins of past kills - and he’s branded by the scars of shame inflicted by the woman he betrayed.

Isabeau Chandler’s a Borneo shifter who’s never forgiven Conner - or forgotten him. The mating urge is still with her, and when she crosses Connor’s path, passions run like wild fire. But as Connor’s mission draws Isabeau closer, another betrayal lies waiting in the shadows - and it’s the most perilous and intimate one of all.
Lora Leigh's Elite Ops are quite simply smokin' hot! I love her alpha heroes! Yum!

The Secret Service can’t control him. The British government can’t silence him. But renegade agent Travis Caine is one loose cannon you don’t want to mess with, so his commanders cut him a break—and cut him loose. His new HQ is America’s top intelligence force, Elite Ops. His new code name is “Black Jack.” And his new assignment is to die for.

She’s smart, sexy, scintillating—and one of Elite Ops’ savviest agents. Lillian Belle’s code name is “Night Hawk,” and Travis certainly wouldn’t mind flying a few midnight maneuvers with her. But when their mission turns into a red-hot game of danger, deceit, and double-crossed signals, Travis begins to wonder: Can he trust her? Can he resist her?

And the long awaited Jonas. I can't wait to see him fall. LOL It's going to be great watching him with his mate!

Bad boy Jonas Wyatt knows it is fate that Rachel becomes his mate. He can sense it. He can also sense her reluctance. But she has little power over the mating heat of the Breeds. It is Jonas's destiny to claim her. And nothing will stop him from having his way.

This is MCarty's Shadow Wrangler series. Jared is the second book. The series is sort of vampires and shapeshifters mixed.


Jared Johnson has always been a force to be reckoned with, first as an outlaw and now as a vampire. Caught in a war between immortals, he doesn't have time to waste, but when a female vampire is attacked, he can't just walk away. He expects a quick good­bye, but what he gets is a vulnerable woman who intrigues and seduces while giving away nothing of the secrets holding her hostage.

Raisa may not have extreme physical strength, but she's been able to survive as a vampire longer than most by keeping to herself. But that's about to change. Forced to accept Jared's protection, Raisa finds it increasingly hard to resist his forbidden allure while keeping the secret that could destroy them both.

So, what are you all looking forward to reading??

Children of the Moon--and a contest!

I couldn't resist blogging about this! I'm so excited to learn that Lucy Monroe has a new book coming out on February 2nd! It's the second book in her Children of the Moon series. The first book, Moon Awakening, was AWESOME. You can read more about that one here: http://lucymonroecotm.com/Book_MoonAwakening.htm

Moon Craving, book 2, is bound to be just as good. Lucy hooked me on her Chrechte Clan. I wasn't sure I'd like a medieval Scottish werewolf series, but that first book was seriously steamy and totally enthralling. I'm excited that book 2 is FINALLY nearly here!

(and what's not to love about that cover?!)

New Children of the Moon Book from Lucy Monroe

Moon Craving
Feb 2010 - Berkley Sensation
ISBN-13: 978-0425233047
Children of the Moon Book 2



If it were up to him, Talorc—laird of the Sinclair clan and leader of his werewolf pack— would never marry. But when the king orders that Talorc wed an Englishwoman, the lone wolf is shocked to find his mate in the strong-willed Abigail. And after an intensely climactic wedding night, the two fiercely independent souls sense an unbreakable bond…



Deaf since childhood, Abigail hopes to keep her affliction from Talorc as long as possible. And for his part, he has no intention of telling her about being a werewolf. But when Abigail learns that the husband she’s begun to love has deceived her, it will take all of his warrior’s strength—and his wolf’s cunning—to win his wife back. And Talorc will have to face his biggest challenge yet: the vulnerability of a man in love…

Read an Excerpt

Buy the Book

Watch the Book Trailer




As a special thank you to readers, Lucy is giving away a prize pack of pamper yourself products and paranormal romance. All you have to do to enter is send an email with Moon Craving Contest in the subject line to moon_craving at yahoo dot com before February 28th, 2010. The drawing will be held March 1st and the winner will be announced on her blog at http://www.lucymonroeblog.blogspot.com/

Wanna Feel all WARM INSIDE? Try a Historical

Considering the US is pretty much swept up in an arctic blast, I thought I'd talk about things that are warm, comforting...much like a hot bowl of homemade soup. You know, cozy, cuddly, warm yer innards kinda stuff. Now what is considered cold in Texas is, admittedly laughable to you folks back east but believe me, we are COLD down south, too. Good day to stay inside, dig out favorite soup recipes or fix up a mug of hot chocolate. If you add a dash of bourbon to that mug, I sure won't tell *wink*.

Cold weather also brings with it the urge to pick up a good book. Now, my preferrences for times when I need comfort are almost always historicals. I have some well-read titles that, frankly, have turned yellow with age. They are worn to pieces but I still read them. My faves? I have all of Amanda Quick's regencies (with some Victorians thrown in). Love her stuff. Her heroines are quirkie but easily identifiable to modern women. They have curious minds, are intelligent, and yes, they are often flawed. I love Lisa Kleypas, Julie Garwood, and many many others. For years, we've heard about the death of the historical and each time, they have come roaring back. So yeah, all those dire predictions are just a bunch of hooey. What ISN'T romantic about taking a trip back to the past and living those days once again in a good book?

Some of the first romances I fell in love with were historicals and my favorite? The Flame and The Flower by the late, great Kathleen Woodiwiss. I was hooked on her and couldn't buy her books fast enough. I followed this with The Wolf and The Dove (medieval), Shanna, A Rose in Winter...you get the drift. Bought and devoured all of them. When I finally decided to write something of my own, I began with regency. A tough period because, though it was a relatively short time span there was quite a bit happening in those days. Research and lots of it was required. To date, I have two erotic regencies available (Made for Mischief and Chasing Temptation at Resplendence Publishing). I don't write them as often as I'd like because they are so time consumming BUT that doesn't mean I don't love them.

Author Cindy Spencer Pape has a new release today at Ellora's Cave so, if you are a historical lover like me, you won't want to miss this one. I'll confess, she is one of my critique partners so I've read quite a bit of this and it is WONDERFUL. I highly recommend you whip out a credit card and snap this gem up. What better for snuggling in with that mug of hot chocolate, hmm? Buy it HERE!

Blurb:


Regency Scotland can be a lonely place, but Augusta MacLeish has four mischievous younger siblings for company—now if she only had money to feed them! Colin Fordyce has recently inherited an earldom, along with five wards in a remote Scottish castle. When he travels to meet them, he discovers his predecessor was skimming their funds. He also learns the oldest Miss MacLeish is absolutely stunning. A knock to his head leaves him seeing two of the buxom beauty, just as one kiss from her tempting lips leaves him longing for more.

A night spent together forces Colin and Augusta to marry, leaving them all the opportunity in the world to explore the sexual hunger between them. Colin delights in teaching Augusta all the pleasures of the flesh, awakening the wanton lover beneath her ladylike veneer. From Scotland to London, the flames burning between them refuse to be doused, and oh how they will set the Ton on fire.

How Much is Too Much

I might have blogged on the topic of menage before but I couldn't resist doing it again since I have a new shifter menage out today at Ellora's Cave. So thanks to Kelley for switching days with me so I could blab about it.

Menage is a super hot genre these days. I was talking with a writer friend a few weeks ago and she'd been talking with one of her editors about menage. The word was that menage is hotter than a smokin' pistol and readers liked more than two...more like four or more in a bed with one woman. Hmmm. My reaction was one of wide-eyed wonder. REALLY? More than two guys? Most of us know that menage is a common fantasy for women. The idea of being 'loved up' by two guys who only want to cater to your every sexual whim is rather appealing, isn't it?

Most of you know I write a lot of shifter stories. The High Plains Shifter series features m/f action. No menage (except for one scene in Lone Star Lycan and it didn't involve the h/h). My first menage was Feral Moon and includes action between the heroine and three men (including the hero) but it was primarily a ceremonial thing when the other two guys were involved.

Am I making a lick of sense? Damn, I have a nasty head cold so bear with me.

Back to menage in all it's forms. I love a good menage story but I'm also one who likes a lot of emotion. I like layering my characters like an onion, peeling off those layers to get down to the bare bones of what the hero and heroine are thinking, feeling, and experiencing. How can you do that in a menage? It's definitely more tasking for a writer to do that. I mean a book shouldn't be all about how to insert part A into part B and then part C. It gets tricky. I take my menage stories, at least so far, into the paranormal realm where all things are possible and even accepted as the norm. It's my opinion that it's much harder to do if you have, let's say, five guys in the bed with your heroine. Really. That's just next to impossible to achieve. Now, if you are going strictly for titillation and to hell with emotion....OKAY. That's not how I roll however.

What are your thoughts about menage? Do you enjoy a no-holds-barred experience with a bakers dozen men? Or something else? I know the trend is to get down and dirty but I just don't know if my style of writing lends itself well to more than the standard two men in a menage.

BIG CONTEST!

And while you are pondering the importance of this topic, I'd also like to mention that I'm a featured author at Two Lips Reviews. That crazy crew asked me some pretty tough questions and some embarrassing ones, too. But then, I knew to expect that with this bunch! I'll be up for inspection through the month and they are sponsoring a contest. I'm giving away a big box full of signed books, a beautiful Tarot card set, playing cards and other promotional goodies. But you have to head over there to enter. Click HERE and sign up.

Here's my smokin' hot cover and a blurb and link to buy Jaguar Hunger. I'm hoping to make this a series but I'll want to see what readers think before I dive into another so, please, if you pick this up, feel free to share your thoughts. Are you hungry for the Big Cats? Tell Mama Regina all about it.

Buy it HERE!

Blurb:

Noah Littlehawk and Aaron O’Malley have searched long years for the mate they will share, a jaguar female to fulfill their lives and ease their loneliness. What begins as a job soon becomes much more when they meet Violet. Her quiet intensity calls to them. Her body makes them yearn to claim her with the savage hunger of their species.


Death comes for Violet Carson like a speeding train. She knows the shift from woman to beast will rip her apart without the help of jaguar mates. As heat and lust overwhelm her, two men step from the shadows to claim her body and soothe the fire that consumes her. But a human predator waits and he won’t rest until he possesses her, body and soul.

Favorite reads of 2009

I read a lot of books in 2009. I'm the type that gives myself time to read every day. I have to, if not I go a little crazy. LOL. It's my way to wind down after the day. That one thing that is mine and mine alone after a day spent caring for the hubby and kidlets. I read some great books, some okay books and some books that just didn't do it for me. These are my favorites of the year. They weren't all released in 2009 but that's when I read them :)






He wanted all of her—and did she ever let him have it...

Vic Savian knows what he wants when he sees it. And what he wants is his sexy neighbor, Niall Chandler. When he finds her in the hallway of their building being harassed by an aggressive suitor, Vic steps in—and finds himself greatly rewarded...

Sleeping with her gorgeous neighbor—when she didn't even know his last name—was the craziest thing Niall's ever done. Now, she can't seem to get enough of Vic—or the uninhibited passion he stirs in her. Suddenly, with his help, she's opening to sensual pleasures she's never known before. But when Niall's past comes back to haunt her, will she and Vic let themselves venture beyond the bedroom and explore the possibility of the love that's in their hearts?

author website


A friend of my recommended this book to me. It's an awesome erotic romance. Hot, hot, hot, but also emotional which is right up my alley! It's the only book I've read by this author, but I plan to get my hands on more!







When Brittany Ellis walks into chemistry class on the first day of senior year, she has no clue that her carefully created “perfect” life is about to unravel before her eyes. She’s forced to be lab partners with Alex Fuentes, a gang member from the other side of town, and he is about to threaten everything she's worked so hard for—her flawless reputation, her relationship with her boyfriend, and the secret that her home life is anything but perfect. Alex is a bad boy and he knows it. So when he makes a bet with his friends to lure Brittany into his life, he thinks nothing of it. But soon Alex realizes Brittany is a real person with real problems, and suddenly the bet he made in arrogance turns into something much more. In a passionate story about looking beneath the surface, Simone Elkeles breaks through the stereotypes and barriers that threaten to keep Brittany and Alex apart.

author website

This is a YA while I know that's not every one's cup of tea, this is a fantastic book. I devoured the whole thing in one day and then promptly brought a copy for my friend and had it mailed to her. It's sweet and takes on some hard issues, like young men in gangs. I recommend this to anyone who enjoys a sweet romance.






In a frozen wilderness steeped in darkness, the lines between good and evil, lover and enemy, are never black or white but drawn in Shades of Midnight.

Something inhuman is stalking the frigid Alaskan wilds, leaving unspeakable carnage in its wake. For bush pilot Alexandra Maguire, the killings stir memories of a horrific event she witnessed as a child and evoke in her the inexplicable sense of otherness she has long felt within herself but never fully understood . . . until a darkly seductive stranger with secrets of his own enters her world.

Sent from Boston on a mission to investigate the savage attacks and stop the slaughter, vampire warrior Kade has his own reasons for returning to the frigid, forbidding place of his birth. Haunted by a secret shame, Kade soon realizes the stunning truth of the threat he faces–a threat that will jeopardize the fragile bond he has formed with the courageous, determined young woman who arouses his deepest passions and most primal hungers. But in bringing Alex into his world of blood and darkness, Kade must confront both his own personal demons and the even greater evil that could destroy all he holds dear.

author website

This is one of my favorite paranormal romance series. I fell in love with Dante in book too, fell harder for Tegan in book three and loved the books in between. Now I have Kade who is battling Tegan for my heart. Kade is a HOT, hero who wants to take care of his woman, but he doesn't deny the fact that she's a capable woman who can take care of herself too. Gotta love that in a man...err...vampire. LOL. This is a great series and Shades of Midnight was one of my favorite books in it.





Half-vampire Catherine Crawfield is going after the undead with a vengeance, hoping that one of these deadbeats is her father—the one responsible for ruining her mother's life. Then she's captured by Bones, a vampire bounty hunter, and is forced into an unholy partnership.

In exchange for finding her father, Cat agrees to train with the sexy night stalker until her battle reflexes are as sharp as his fangs. She's amazed she doesn't end up as his dinner—are there actually good vampires? Pretty soon Bones will have her convinced that being half-dead doesn't have to be all bad. But before she can enjoy her newfound status as kick-ass demon hunter, Cat and Bones are pursued by a group of killers. Now Cat will have to choose a side . . . and Bones is turning out to be as tempting as any man with a heartbeat

author website

WOW!!!! This was by FAR my very favorite read of the year. In fact, all four books in the series are on my list but I figured I didn't need to post them all here. I picked this book up after it was recommended to my from Stacy. I read all four books that are currently released in one week. I neglected my dinner duties a bit but Cat and Bones were SO worth it. I laughed out loud countless times in the series. Cat and Bones not only have great chemistry but their banter is fantastic. Bones...what can I say about this hero? I think he's probably my number one hero off all time right now. He's sexy, strong, capable, tough, a great sense of humor and he loves Cat so much it made my heart twitter. There's great action in the books and Cat is a wonderful, kick-butt heroine who doesn't sit around and need to be taken care of. Love that about her.

And as a side note...there is one scene, chapter thirty-two in book two that is the hottest vampire love scene I have ever read...I almost need a glass of water just thinking about it.

There you have it. My list of my favorite reads of 2009. Any books you read last year that you want to rave about? Inquiring minds want to know!