Sunday, November 25, 2012

Adult titles

Please only continue to read if you are an adult !

The following two tales are erotic menage tales that I thought were very well written but are admittedly very spicy and not for every taste!

A Perfect Trifecta   
by Delilah Devlin continues the 'Delta Heat' series that centers around a group of policemen and firefighters who come together and share very kinky encounters with one another.  The series started with Five Ways 'Til Sunday and continued with Fournicopia and many of the characters continue to appear throughout the series.  Personally, I don't really 'get' sado-masochism but it works for the characters in this particular story and I enjoyed the progression of the relationship but be advised that none of the stories in this series are for the faint of heart!  My Amazon review for A Perfect Trifecta is at this link and for Fournicopia is at this link.  I have not read the first in the series at this time.



The Billionaire Bad Boys Club   

by Emma Holly added to my education as I have not read many M/M titles (I started with one a few months ago and wasn't quite sure I wanted to continue but fortunately I am perennially curious) but I was enchanted by the romance that was depicted (ok, and the very hot scenes) which deepened as the story continued.  I was enthralled by the story and was delighted by all of the asides that gave it depth and color (and I would love to sample some of those dishes that were described!) even as the sizzling scenes added to the allure of this scorching read.  My Amazon review is at this link.

Saturday, November 24, 2012

Delusion in Death

Delusion in Death   
by J.D. Robb (Nora Roberts) is part of her delightful futuristic series that features Lieutenant Eve Dallas and her oh so yummy spouse, Roarke.  This imaginative series has remarkable advances in transportation and communication yet still has its share of the evil that mankind can perpetrate on itself.

This latest addition to the series involves a horrific chemical cocktail that removes all inhibition on its victims while escalating hostilities to a killing level very quickly.  I was a little nauseated by all of the violence described even as I was quickly drawn into the spell that this amazing enchantress weaves with every one of her books.  I am always fascinated by the author's ability to paint a word portrait of the prickly homicide detective and her interactions with all of the beings (including an obese feline) who have managed to sneak past her defenses and become important to her.  The stark descriptions of the horrendous abuse that Eve endured as a child and its ongoing influence upon her are leavened by the incredibly touching vignettes that depict the genuine anguish experienced by those who love (despite her protests) the somewhat socially inept but incredibly loyal and determined advocate of justice.  E.g. Roarke tells Eve..."understand I love you beyond anything and everything there is." and Dr. Mira explains to Eve...."He loves, Eve, and those who love suffer when who they love suffers".  Sigh.  Can't help but love this series.




Eve continues to grow as a person throughout the series and I am delighted that she has come to regard her partner Peabody as a true partner and not just a protege and I enjoy the repartee between the two of them.  There's a great scene where Eve playfully warns Peabody away
from lusting after Roarke by threatening her with an icepick, a dull one...and Peabody contemplates whether it still might be worth it, lol.  The occasional lighthearted moments, including Eve's fumbling attempts to understand what her goddaughter is burbling, not to mention Eve's thumbnail sketch of Creationism vs. the Big Bang Theory, keep the drama from being overwhelming but this is definitely a murder mystery which ratchets up the tension to the very last page.  Another wonderfully crafted tale.

Friday, November 23, 2012

Untamed Journey and an interesting animal book

Untamed Journey    

by Eden Carson introduces a new author who fearlessly undertakes to give the reader a glimpse of life in the semi-tamed west of the United States.  There are descriptions of many practices that we would never tolerate in today's world (thank goodness) but also a nicely conjured atmosphere of the camaraderie and fellowship that was so essential to the pioneering spirit and survival in an literally untamed environment. This debut novel introduces a delightful new author who has penned a lovely read.
My Amazon review is at this link.



Also, during my many wanderings I came across an interesting collection of animal pictures from the book More Than Human by Lewis Blackwell and photographed by Tim Flach 


at this link.  Naturally, I love the tiger/water picture the best as this is my favorite cat but the rest were impressive as well!


Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Thanksgiving!

In the United States we celebrate Thanksgiving by having a hearty meal, hopefully with friends and family.  It is a day that is more stressful to some of us than others...whether because one is facing the daunting task of cooking an enormous fowl that is still frozen, traveling through uncertain weather to reach a dinner destination or the prospect of dealing with a slightly disconcerting friend or relative. 

Personally, I am disappointed that one of my brothers has not managed to span the abyss that developed between us with aftermath of the death of my stepmom but I am grateful that I have a supportive husband who has helped me get through some of my complicated emotions.  I am striving to be grateful that my mother-in-law maneuvered us into preparing a Thanksgiving meal although I daresay it will be unlike the one served in many households as there are only a few dishes that we prepare well...and turkey and dressing is not one of them, lol. 

Nonetheless, there are countless things that I have to be thankful for this year, among them the many new friends that I have made who share my love of reading who have encouraged me to share my opinions and enthusiasm for all of the wonderful authors out there.  I am thankful that there are so many warm and gracious people in the field and I truly appreciate all of the authors and others who are active in the publishing field who take the time to reach out to fans such as myself.  I wish all of you (whether you actually celebrate the holiday or not) the time and opportunity to remember to be grateful for the little things in life, not least of which is the ability to read this message and comprehend the good wishes that are sent to each and every one of you.

Monday, November 19, 2012

Fundraiser for Hurricane Sandy victims

From the Linnea Sinclair loop...
a group of authors have gotten together to do a fundraiser, this would be a great way to get a gift for a fan and support a worthy cause as well.



From the posting:

Good stuff for a good cause! Several authors--
all organized by Cie Adams and Cathy Clamp aka CT Adams--
have pooled together for a charity auction on eBay, 
with proceeds going to the Red Cross and Best Friends Animal Society. 
There's stuff from Carole Nelson Douglas, Jim Butcher, Rachel Caine, 
Charlaine Harris, Jade Lee, Lucienne Diver, Shannon Butcher, 
Brenda Novak, Carrie Vaughn, Deanne Gist 
and, of course, me! Take a peek and please, spread the word! Thanks! 
 
http://stores.ebay.com/Authors-Assist-Hurr-Sandy-Victims
 
**permission to forward granted**>>

Saturday, November 17, 2012

Ruined by Moonlight

Ruined by Moonlight       

by Emma Wildes is part of her 'Whispers of Scandal' series and is a delightful combination of sensual historical romance and mystery.  I enjoy this author's facility for presenting two different love stories in each of her novels, often featuring rather unconventional lovers.  The implication that, after six months of marriage, there is no real communication between the two people who occupy their own little worlds, is a saddening reflection of many relationships.  This is contrasted with the tale of a couple who have never even met yet are thrust into enforced proximity.  The ending is a little surprising and dangles bait for additional stories in the series but I enjoyed the lush romance and mystery that permeated this wonderful story.  My Amazon review is at this link.

(and for those of you who like entering contests...make sure you look a my previous post...there are quite a few with giveaways for stories!).

Thursday, November 15, 2012

Mortal Ties and even more contests and freebies (updated 11/17/12)

Mortal Ties          
by Eileen Wilks is one of my favorite shifter series.  I like the fact that not only is there the requisite 'Romeo and Juliet' romance...between a wolf shifter and a human but that the heroine is from a relatively non-traditional race (Asian) and brings her own set of prejudices and 'baggage' to the mix, including a very rigidly traditional mother and a VERY unconventional grandmother (it's not every day that a girl has such an impressive backup to call in an emergency...but when that someone is comfortable scolding a dragon...wow!).  I love strong heroines who do their own share of kicking butt so the fact that Lily is an FBI agent is very gratifying to me and I love the way she constantly makes that adorably annoying overprotective male in her life remember that she is competent and self-sufficient.  Finally, I love tigers...they are one of my very favorite animals...so I am always thrilled when this one shows up (although the reminder that it is a carnivore necessarily means that there will be blood!).

My Amazon review is at this link.


I have been relatively busy lately so I am not keeping up with all of the contests that I normally peek at but there are a couple in addition to the ones I talked about during this post.


The Romance Reviews is having a Year End Splash (YES) party at this link.  There are always plenty of prizes available.

Kendall Grey has a contest to advertise the upcoming release of the final novel in her fascinating paranormal series, the Just Breathe trilogy (the profits benefit whale research) at this link.

Author C.J.  England evidently went on a fantastic vacation and wanted to share in the good things.  The contest is almost over but it's fun to look at the entries.  Start at this link.

The Romance Studio (TRS) is having a Thanksgiving party at this link.  There are tons of giveaways and is open until 11/20/12!


and don't forget (which I had, drats!)  Pocket After Dark provides a couple of free reads every month at this link.  At this particular time they are featuring Alison Pang's Sliver of Shadow (which I am embarrassed to admit is on my teetering TBR pile) and Jane Feather's A Wedding Wager

                 

 


Good luck and happy browsing!