Review - Ten Things I Love About You

Ten Things I Love About You by Julia Quinn reminds me of that parable in the Bible of Jesus turning water into wine at a wedding, or more to the point, it reminds me of the quote by a guest at that wedding.

"Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best 'till now." --John 2:10

Usually, the best part of a book is the beginning (best wine first) and the amazing start gets a reader drunk on the story, making them read all the way through so they don't even notice if the ending sags a bit. But not only did Quinn have a great beginning, keeping me hooked on the story throughout, she saved the best dialogue for the climatic ending...in my opinion anyway. It was so hilarious, I stayed up late to read in bed and kept laughing out loud; my husband started to get irritated with me.

But seriously...you gotta love that grandma.

I watched a video of Quinn talking about writing dialogue. What I liked best about what she had to say was she puts "an undercurrent of emotion" behind all the fun, snappy exchanges. Something serious makes all the witty conversations mean that much more. I think that's great advice; it's something I'm going to reach for in my own writing.

Anyway. Great book. Great author. If you like to read regency time historical romances, I definitely recommend you check out this story.

Memory Lane

I'm taking a little stroll down memory lane. Since such a huge pop icon is being buried today (it is today, right?) and many people are feeling nostalgic, remembering Michael Jackson songs/video/scandals, I thought I'd go nostalgic as well and recall a few books from my history that made me love reading so much.

Here is my ode to some oldies but goodies:

Kristy's Great Idea by Ann M. Martin Yes, I admit, I was a Baby-Sitters Club fan. This isn't the first book I ever read, probably not even the first Baby-Sitter Club book, but this series turned me into a readaholic. I joined the Baby-Sitters reading group, where they'd send me three Baby-Sitter books a month. So, every morning on the bus to school, I'd sit reading about Kristy, Mary Anne, Claudia, Stacey, and the rest of them. Even mothers of fellow students would approach me. "My son thought of you in the book store the other day. He saw a Baby-Sitters Club and..." I think I made it up into the sixties before I finally grew out of them.

The Book of Three by Lloyd Alexander This is a young adult fantasy and the first book in the Chronicles of Prydain. I think The Book of Three initiated me into the love of romance stories. But the relationship between Taran, assistant pig keeper, and Eilonwy, was so fun to read, I had to hear more about them. There was just this "magic" between them, and I wanted to see them end up happily ever after. I also loved the creation of a new world so much, I tried to make up one of my own. I called it Rym. The idea fell through, but my creative juices had definitely been stirred.

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee This is the first school-assigned reading I actually loved. I haven't read the book since high school, so I've probably forgotten most of the plot, but I remember thinking, "This book is totally awesome." It had a very rich theme of time and place. Harper Lee is indeed a master at regionalism. To Kill a Mockingbird remains one of my favorite novels today.

Gone With the Wind by Margaret Mitchell This was a personal mission in high school for me to read. I'd watched the movie, of course, but I wanted to say I'd read the book. So, I opened the first page. Some places turned me a little glassy-eyed. I probably drooled some from boredom. Mitchell was a very thorough writer and described scenes in great detail. By the end, however, I was hooked on Scarlett's character. I'd been through so much with her, I broke down and bawled when Rhett left her. So, here was the first book that pulled my emotions into the story enough to make me cry.

Love Beyond Reason by Sandra Brown My older sisters were (and still are) romance junkies. When I was in high school, I would listen to them gossip about the latest Sandra Brown or Nora Roberts and I had to "know" what all the hoopla was about. So, they lent me Love Beyond Reason because is was "tame." I read the book and...wow. That is when I became totally hooked on romance reading. There was no turning back from this point on.

After the Night by Linda Howard I was deep into my romance reading addiction by the time I picked up a Linda Howard book, but I still wasn't prepared for the steamy scenes this author could invent. Whoa. After reading After the Night, I became a lost cause. I HAD to have more. So, yes, I read more...

Shanna by Kathleen E. Woodiwiss Woodiwiss is the author that made me want to read historicals. I didn't realize how totally different they were from contemporary romance stories until I opened the cover of her one of her books. She helped me appreciate different genres of writers, so the woman is noteworthy in my eyes.

Morning Glory by LaVyrle Spencer I still mourn the moment I learned LaVyrle Spencer was retiring. Utter heartbreak. I don't think I read a book by her I didn't instantly label a favorite. The author could do no wrong. She's fabulous, wonderful, and lifted my love for reading to a whole new standard.

For the Roses by Julie Garwood Since For the Roses is a Western, this probably sounds strange, but this book made me fall in love with Highlander heroes. OK, I'll explain. I wanted to explore a new author, so I did the whole close-your-eyes-and-pull-a-book-off-the-library-shelves trick. What I pulled of the shelf, was For the Roses. I read it, loved it, and had to check out the rest of Julie Garwood's collection. And now, I still wish I had my own highlander man. She rules in the highland historicals.

Flashpoint by Suzanne Brockmann Brockmann did for me with Navy SEALs heroes what Garwood did with the the highlander heroes. She made me fall in love with those guys in the sexy white uniforms. I was working in a public library by the time I read my first Brockmann book. It was one of those stories that got checked out a lot, so I picked it up one day to see what it was about. And, wow. I became hooked on yet another romantic genre. Later, I learned Flashpoint was actually seventh in a series, so I had to start over and work my way back. But I don't think I'll ever forget this book. Instant classic.

Dark Lover by J. R. Ward This book was my first taste of hard core paranormal romance (I read it only a year or two ago, too). And, yeah, I'm addicted to these now as well. I was iffy at first. Vampire romance sounded like an oxymoron to me. I assumed sucking all the blood out of someone would "have to" put the damper on a romance. Boy, was I wrong.

So, there are a few books (and I REALLY mean, just a few) from my memory that were great turning points in my history of reading appreciation. What are some book titles that changed your love of books?

Who is Cousin Michael?

The School For Heiresses Series
1. Never Seduce a Scoundrel (Lady Ameila Plume & Major Lucas Winter)
2. Only a Duke Will Do (Louisa North & Simon Tremaine, Duke of Foxmoor)
3. Beware a Scot’s Revenge (Lady Venetia Campbell & Sir Lachlan Ross)
4. Let Sleeping Rogues Lie (Madeline Prescott and Viscount Norcourt)
5. Don’t Bargain with the Devil (Lucinda “Lucy” Seton & Diego Montalvo)
6. Wed Him Before You Bed Him (Charlotte Harris & ___??)

Today, I’m a fan, and Sabrina Jeffries is my star. Her story, Wed Him Before You Bed Him, is the sixth in her School for Heiresses Series. And it’s about to be released in one week on June 23, 2009. But no one knows who the hero’s going to be yet. Well, OK, we Jeffries fans know it’ll be Cousin Michael paired up with Charlotte Harris.

But who is Cousin Michael?

(Warning: Spoiler alert ahead)

All we know for certain is he’s the mysterious benefactor that keeps Charlotte’s school for heiresses running, and the two of them correspond through letters (and we get to read those letter at the beginning of each chapter in all the School for Heiresses stories).

What I like so much about this mystery is that Jeffries hasn’t shown us Charlotte in a close relationship with one or two (or however many other) men, therefore we can’t be truly disappointed when the guy we think should be the hero ends up playing second fiddle. Yet, she throws in just enough clues to make us wonder, “will it be—could it be—him?”

We’re aware Charlotte is friends with Charles Godwin, but we don’t actually get to meet him much. I only remember them having one conversation together (in book 5: Don’t Bargain with the Devil), and there wasn’t any sensual tension anywhere, nor any soul-bonding experiences. So, we’re not given a good enough look at him, or anyone else for that matter, to decide, “it has to be him, oh, it better be him, or I’ll just die.”

So, let’s see if we can unravel the mystery. Another warning: It's been a while since I read books 1 through 4 in the series so I don't remember them so well. Most of my guesses come from book 5.

The story blurb says Cousin Michael is a man she wrongs bad enough to regret it afterward. In offending him, she becomes Mrs. Harris. But it doesn’t say Mr. Harris is the man she wronged or even if he really exists, which makes me wonder in passing, did she create herself a make-believe husband, accumulating a married name in order to change her identity and flee the “cousin Michael” man. Except I don’t know how strong that idea is. In an earlier story, she makes reference that after being married to Jimmy Harris, she had to travel a lot… so, OK, maybe the man really did exist… maybe he could be Cousin Michael.

So, there’s suspect #1: Her supposedly dead husband, Jimmy Harris.

Suspect #2: Charles Godwin. Everyone knows Charlotte is close friends with him. And the tone of their letters does resemble the tone of their one conversation I remember them having. But, my opinion? Nope. Too obvious. And, honestly, that’d make too boring of a story (or maybe not. This is Sabrina Jeffries writing it, after all! The woman can make anything exciting to read).

Plus, if Charlotte wronged Charles long ago, would they still be friends today? Possibly, but I’m still speculative. The story blurb also says “His masquerade began as preparation for a devastating revenge, but soon became a labor of love,” so I’d think if they saw each other face to face, they wouldn’t be on friendly terms—or at least, she’d be a bit more anxious around him. Another fact making me want to say no is that “Cousin Michael” is unable to buy the land next to Charlotte’s school because he has a bad past with the current owner. Charles Godwin strikes me as too congenial and nice a person to have a bad history with anyone. But… I could be wrong… again.

So, we move on to Suspect #3. Lord Stoneville. I’d kind of like it to be him because he comes across the scandalous, rogue type, and I think a story with him as the hero would be full of sensual sin, making it fun and exciting to read.

In book 5, when he surprises everyone by helping Charlotte find her kidnapped teacher, Lucy, it made me think he’s usually a bad boy and probably has a shady history with lots of associates—ergo, he could easily be on bad terms with the landowner of the ground he wishes to purchase. Then, after Charlotte thanks him for his help, he wickedly answers, “Just how grateful are you?” Was that just me, or it did that make anyone else shiver and sigh?

One more reason I suspect it could possibly be Stoneville: He seems to be friends with the Duke of Foxmoor and Viscount Norcourt, who were both heroes in previous books. I say, heroes usually stick together and guy bond. Weak point maybe, but I want to cover everything.

On the other hand, if Charlotte wronged Stoneville in the past and he was mad enough to plan vengeance, wouldn’t she be a bit more apprehensive around him? There was no mention of tension or guilt or any history between them whenever they were in the same room together in book 5…

Then again, other more important events were transpiring, and they were surrounded by so many other people, she really didn’t have the time to reflect on the past.

Another thought I had: Maybe this misdeed she preformed against “Cousin Michael” was something she didn’t think he was aware of her doing. In that case, she might not behave very anxious around this man—whoever he is.

On to suspect # 4 then. Viscount Kirkwood. Actually, I never would’ve suspected this guy. His wife commits suicide in book 5, but we don’t really get to meet him. The teaser on the very last page of book 5, however, claims him as a possible “Cousin Michael” candidate, so… let’s throw him on the list as well.

And just to cover all the bases, we’ll say Suspect #5 is every other available man.

That leaves us with five suspects: Jimmy Harris, Charles Godwin, Lord Stoneville, Lord Kirkwood, and Mr. Unknown.

Whoever he ends up being, I’m anxious to read how Jeffries draws him and Charlotte together. And I’m thankful she didn’t give him too much coverage yet. I think I’ll enjoy meeting him more, now that it’s time for his story.

New Contest

I have lots and lots to tell today!!

First of all:
In celebration of receiving a release date for my book, The Stillburrow Crush (which is coming out FEBRUARY 26, 2010, by the way!), I wanted to have another contest and give away another Amazon Gift Certificate. So, head over to my contest page, http://www.lindakage.com/contest.html, to enter your name in the prize drawing. It lasts until June 30th, so you have plenty of time.

Second:
I went to a writer's retreat this weekend with my Midwest Romance Writer pals (hopefully, we'll have pictures on the website soon). And, wow. So much fun. I learned lots, and not just about writing. I also got to know my fellow chapter members better, and not just what their style of writing is. It really is amazing to bond with people that have a like-minded interest; the support and connection is overwhelming and really inspiring.

Third:
New Moon finally has a movie trailer out. http://www.twilightthemovie.com/ YES! I can't wait until November 2oth. Jacob looks really buff in the video, don't you think? Yum.

Harry's Moving Again

I think I'm a couple of weeks behind on this news, but the release date for Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince movie has been moved... again. This time for the better. Instead of July 17th, it'll be out July 15, 2009. Personally, I'm not impressed. They pushed us back eight months, only to give back two freaking days?! Where's the justice in that? All I gotta say, is it better be worth it. The newest trailer says it is, though. Wow... I can't wait!

Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince Trailer #4

Dark of Night Discussion

Who's finished reading Suzanne Brockmann’s book, Dark of Night, yet? I have, I have! And my initial reaction is…

If there had NOT been thirteen books in the series leading up to this story and DON was merely a stand alone novel where no one had ever read about any of the characters before, it would be an awesome book. There’s some kick-butt action, witty dialogue, wonderful super-spy intrigue, and all sorts of romance going on everywhere.

Yet, for a Team Decker/Sophia fan like me, there was, of course, plenty of disappointment. They obviously did not get together for a happily ever after. By the end of this book, though, I was glad they didn’t because the characters they were back in Flashpoint when they met are not the same people they are all these books later in Dark of Night.

Have you ever seen one of those pictures or videos where someone pastes, like, a punk rockers head on the body of a soccer player on top of the legs of a business man in a suit so they end up with a really funny, mixed-up person (yeah, I’m sure you have)? Well, that’s kind of what it felt like in this book. To have Tracy end up with Decker and Sophia end up with Dave, it was like Brockmann had to rearrange the characters and put some of Sophia’s personality into Tracy’s body and some of Decker into Dave’s body.

I’ll give one example of each instance (though there are plenty), and then shut up about that because I’m more anxious to hear everyone else’s thoughts on the matter. Here goes. In previous books, you’ll notice Sophia was always the uber-organized receptionist, and in Flashpoint, she’s the one that went after Decker on their first encounter, not giving in until she had him where she wanted him. In this book, Tracy’s no longer the clumsy screw-up receptionist but the uber-organized one and she’s the one that pushes and prods Decker until she gets him where she wants him.

On the man front, it’s always been Dave that’s opened up to Sophia about himself, being all honest and sincere, and Decker is the one that says nothing to anyone about ANY of his feelings. But in DON, Dave buttons up so much more and Deck spills out his entire life like he’s suddenly sprung a leak in him.

To me, it just felt so odd to see everyone this different. I know Tracy had been reading a bunch of self-help books, straightening her life out, and Decker had some help learning to open up because of Dr. Jo, but man, they all just changed so quickly, they seemed like totally different people to me. Or maybe I’m just over-analyzing because I’ve been way-too focused on reading every little thing Decker and Sophia did in the past few books. I have no idea.

One last issue I found to be strange was the plot. I felt a big sense of author intrusion there, like, Brockmann, not the characters, was controlling the story. She purposely kept Sophia and Decker apart for about nine-tenths of the book so these other characters could insert themselves into being their main love interests. It was like Brockmann knew she couldn’t let Sophia and Decker anywhere near each other or their real characters would emerge and they’d end up together.

But… those are just my initial thoughts. It was a good read, Brockmann remains to be one of my biggest writing heroes, and I did enjoy seeing Decker end up happy and satisfied. Brockmann was able to get me into his romance with Tracy. I didn’t exactly skip over Sophia and Dave’s story completely, but I did read a bit faster through their scenes because they weren’t as earth-shattering for me. But that’s just me.

Now, what is everyone else’s opinions, and remember, your opinion is just that, an opinion. There’s no right or wrong answer, and because of that I’m certainly not going to argue with anyone. I’m just genuinely interested to see how others who’ve followed the Troubleshooters series liked the story.

New Years List

My sister loves to make New Year's Resolution lists... okay, the woman has a thing for lists, period (Yes, Sandra, I'm talking about you). But I'm not so much into setting resolutions for myself... Too much pressure. So, I think I'm going to copy the books in my can't-wait- until-they're-released list for you to glance through. This can take the place of my December Monthly Nightstand Reviews since I only got through two books this past month. Here are some new releases in 2009 that I just can't wait to get my hands on.

• Fire and Ice by Julie Garwood (December 30, 2008)
• Contemporary Romantic Suspense.
• #7 in her Contemporary Romantic Suspense Series.
• Okay, not technically a 2009 release, but only by two days. Besides, I can't think of a better way to kick off the New Year than a little bit of Julie Garwood.

• For the Love of Pete by Julia Harper (January 5, 2009)
• Contemporary Romantic Suspense.
• #2 in her FBI Contemporary Series.
• Might also know this author as the historical romance writer, Elizabeth Hoyt. She's totally amazing in both genres.

• Star Bright by Catherine Anderson (January 6, 2009)
• Contemporary Romance.
• #9 in the Coulter/Kendrick/Harrigan Family Series.
• And would actually be #11 if you wanted to throw in the Keegan/Paxton historical romance families that eventually tie in with the Coulter group. It's all just one big, happy, Oregon family if you ask me though.

• Dark of Night by Suzanne Brockmann (January 27, 2009)
• Contemporary Romantic Suspense.
• #14 in the Troubleshooters Series.
• Okay, this is probably the most I've ever anticipated a book, and that's only because the main hero and heroine are still a mystery. I've heard rumors, some rumors that seem to have very reliable sources, so I'm already bracing myself for let down. There's been so much hype for Dark of Night, Brockmann's going to have to be one mighty fine writer to appease the masses, and I'm not so sure anyone is that good. So, my hats off to her for this gigantic attempt.

• True Colors by Kristin Hannah (February 3, 2009)
• Contemporary Romance / Women's Fiction.
• No Series.
• I'm officially dubbing Hannah the tear-jerker queen. This author has a way of reaching into your guts and pulling out the most intense feelings. I've only read a few of her stories that have not made me bawl my eyes out. Oh, yeah, she's that good.

• Pursuit by Karen Robards (March 24, 2009)
• Contemporary Romantic Suspense.
• No Series.
• I can always count on Robards for an exciting, in your face, beginning. She excels in those action-packed adventure romances.

• Smooth Talking Stranger by Lisa Kleypas (March 31, 2009)
• Contemporary Romance
• #3 in the Travis Family Series.
• The most unique thing about Kleypas's Travis family series is that they're all written in first person from the heroine's point of view. It's rare to find a romance not written in third person. But she can pull it off just fine, let me tell you. Kleypas is a master at whatever writing venture she puts her mind to.

• Packing Heat by Penny McCall (April 7, 2009)
• Contemporary Romantic Suspense.
• #4 in FBI Series.
• Comedy, action, Witty wordplay. Those are just a few reasons I keep coming back to read more of McCall. She's provides so much fun in her stories.

• Always a Scoundrel by Suzanne Enoch (April 28, 2009)
• Historical Romance.
• #3 in the Notorious Gentlemen Series.
• I've been half in love with the seemingly laid-back rake, Bramwell Johns, since first meeting him in After the Kiss (#1 in the series). And like so many of my fellow Enoch fans, I suspected his heroine might be Phineas's little sister, Elizabeth. But Enoch has already assured us Elizabeth will not receive that honor. So, I'm glad I have till April to get that thought out of my head.

• Lover Avenged by J. R. Ward (April 28, 2009)
• Paranormal Romance.
• #7 in the Black Dagger Brotherhood.
• Here's a group of vampire's I certainly wouldn't mind meeting up with in a dark alley. Oh, help, please save me, Mr. hunky Vampire. Yep, that's what I'm talking about. Since they don't dig human blood, I'd be totally safe... and maybe a little romanced by them. I know other human women have been.

• To Beguile a Beast by Elizabeth Hoyt (April 28, 2009)
• Historical Romance.
• #3 in the Legend of the Four Soldiers Series.
• I was able to read the set up for this story in To Seduce a Sinner (book 2 in the series), so I'm all excited for Helen and Alistair's book. I also know how sensual Hoyt makes her bedroom scenes, so I gotta say, I'm totally looking forward to that as well.

• Vision in White by Nora Roberts (April 28, 2009)
• Romance. Contemporary? Paranormal? Romantic Suspense? Don't know yet.
• # 1 in the The Wedding Quartet.
• I haven't heard anything about this series yet. But... well, it's a Nora Roberts book, so who really cares? I'll be reading it whatever it's about.

• This Duchess of Mine by Eloisa James (May 26, 2009)
• Historical Romance.
• #5 in the Desperate Duchesses Series.
• I think there's only six--or maybe it's nine--books in this series, but they've all been great so far. I haven't discovered who the main characters will be for this book, but I'm the most antsy for Gemma's story.

• What Happens in London by Julia Quinn (June 30, 2009)
• Historical Romance.
• Part of a series? Don't know.
• I haven't heard anything about the story line of What Happens in London etiher. But you tell me it's written by Julia Quinn, and I'm so reading it.

• A Duke of her Own by Eloisa James (June 30, 2009)
• Historical Romance.
• #6 in the Desperate Duchesses Series.
• Wow, two books for the same series two months in a row. That's freaking awesome. Maybe this one will star my much anticipated Gemma.

• Burn by Linda Howard (July 14, 2009)
• Romantic Suspense? That's my guess anyway.
• Series? I doubt it, but it's possible.
• Plot? Just like Quinn and Roberts answers here. Who cares, it's written but a master. I'm all over it.
  

November Nightstand Reviews

I have a bad feeling I won't get the chance to read again until 2009, so I'm glad I was able to get through so many books this month before I have to pack and move into the new house. But, anyway, as you can see, I stuck with my faithfuls again and read mostly romantic suspense and historical romances... but I threw one contemporary romantic comedy into the mix.

Broken Pieces by Carla Cassidy (Romantic Suspense)

Since I've actually met this author and think she's one of the neatest people ever, I would've read this book anyway. But I'm glad I did. If you like those hair-raising, whodunit mysteries, then this story is for you. It's one of those tales where you know the bad guy HAS to be one of the characters you've met. You just have to figure out who it is. Cassidy puts the H in hot on her veterinarian too.

Loose and Easy by Tara Janzen (Romantic Suspense)

#9 in the Steele Street Series, #3 in the Steel Street - Loose - Line. Sexy Johnny Ramos runs with Easy Alex through the streets of Denver during one wild night of Latino gangs, irate bookies, and eccentric rare-painting collectors. This story definitely follows Janzen's fun and fast-paced style.

Now You Die by Roxanne St. Claire (Romantic Suspense)
#6 in the Bullet Catcher Series, #3 in the Bullet Catcher - You - Line. I've seen Lucy in every Bullet Catcher book in St. Claire's series. And now that she gets her turn, I must say, wow... it was well worth the wait. Jack is definitely the man for her. There is some awesome chemistry between these two main characters.

By Love Undone by Suzanne Enoch (Historical Romance)

#1 in the Bancroft Brothers Duology. I'd already read Taming Rafe, which is the second book in this duology, so I was familiar with the hero and heroine, but I'm still glad I was able to see Quin and Maddie get together. Enoch is a master at setting up the most problemed situations. I think they'll never be able to work everything out. And then, bingo, it all slips happily together. Her skill at doing that just blows my mind.

Catch a Mate by Gena Showalter (Contemporary Romance)

I'd only read Showalter's "Darkest" series and seen her from a paranormal aspect. But, holy moley, this woman can do it all. This simple contemporary romance was so funny and so good, I'm still a quiver with delight. I thought the pages of my book were going to burst into flames there was so much steam (sexy and angry steam alike). I love how the two main characters came together from hate to love. It made the story so wonderful.

Show No Mercy by Cindy Gerard (Romantic Suspense)

#1 in the Black Ops, Inc. Series (Spin off from the EDEN Bodyguards Series). I met Jenna and Gabe in Gerard's Into the Dark book and knew they were destined to be together. They had some of that love/hate thing going on too. But I really liked getting a glimpse at each of their inner demons and watching them overcome their problems even as they fell for each other.

Secret Desires of a Gentleman by Laura Lee Guhrke (Historical Romance)

#3 in the Girl Bachelor Series. Great book. I thought it was going to be yet another love/hate relationship, and it is... kind of. But it's more like Philip was just keeping all his love a secret. Guhrke did a great job of unraveling his years of deep feelings for Maria. It had one of those gooey, happy endings that just make you sigh with satisfaction.

A Wallflower Christmas by Lisa Kleypas (Historical Romance)

#5 in the Wallflower Series. This story is about Rafe Bowman, who's the big brother of Daisy and Lillian from earlier Wallflower books. His father wants him to meet some prestigious woman to marry, but he ends up falling for her companion, Hannah, instead. This is probably the shortest book that's not in an anthology Kleypas has ever published, but she certainly didn't sacrifice any talent in the word cut. She still put out an amazing story.

October Nightstand Reviews

I had my birthday, attended my friend's wedding and now... now none of my pants fit anymore. Yikes. I must've gained five pounds from all that cake and punch. Hmm.

Anyway, I think I promised last month I'd have more books to review this month. And I do, but not much more. The historical romance and romantic suspense books reigned on my nightstand.

Seduction of a Proper Gentleman by Victoria Alexander (Historical Romance).
Oliver Leighton, The Earl of Norcroft, is the last man standing in Alexander's Last Man Standing Series. He won the bet with this friends over who'd be the last of them to marry. Sad thing is, he didn't really care to win. He's the type that wants to fall in love and wants to settle down with a good woman. Well, thank God for Lady Kathleen MacDavid. Because she seems to be that woman. It's too bad their families' curse get in their way, though that does leave for some good reading.

Then You Hide by Roxanne St. Claire (Romantic Suspense).
This is the fifth book in the Bullet Catcher Series, but the second in the trilogy to find triplet daughters. The next book, Now You Die, will tie up that trilogy and is much anticipated because it's Lucy's Story. I can't find it in any of my local bookstores, so I'm going to have to order it online somewhere. But anyway, I'd always thought Lucy would end up with Dan, though that isn't so. She actually gets Jack. Even the author thought she'd put Lucy with Dan, but HERE she tells the real story. It was a fascinating read that shows how sometimes our characters really do take over our writing.

Ace is Wild by Penny McCall (Romantic Suspense).
This is the third book in McCall's FBI series and it follows the first with witty dialogue, crazy chases and the good guys overcoming and hooking up at the end. It was an enjoyable read. I'm glad McCall has more in the series to come.

Seduce Me at Sunrise by Lisa Kleypas (Historical Romance).
Second in Kleypas's Hathaway series, Seduce Me at Sunrise, finally gives us Win and Merripen's happily ever after. All you have to do is read the excerpt Kleypas posted on her website to see how totally wonderful the story is. And then to further intrigue me, this amazing author set up a nice beginning for the Hathaway brother and the governess to get together. Can't wait for their adventure... hopefully.

Mr. Cavendish, I Presume by Julia Quinn (Historical Romance).
After reading The Lost Duke of Wyndham, I'd been anxious to get my hands on Mr. Cavendish, the book not the man. And once I did, I was not disappointed. The two books happen at the same time and share some of the same scenes, but are all from different characters' points of view. I enjoyed it because I knew what what going to happen and kept anticipating certain scenes, wondering how each character saw it through their eyes. Great idea for a duo of stories, I say. I'm just depressed they're over now.

Brockmann's Dark of Night Mystery

Today’s topic is Suzanne Brockmann’s series of Troubleshooters books. The most recent installment, Into the Fire (book no. 13 in the series), was released on July 22, 2008. On her website, Brockmann announced that book no. 14 will be out in early 2009. Dark of Night has caused such a stir because no one has been officially informed who’s going to star in this story. What we do know is that the book begins on the same day ITF ends and Brockmann advises us we should be able to figure out who the main hero and heroine are going to be. But to be perfectly honest with you, I haven’t got a clue… okay, so I have plenty of clues, but they’re all so very debatable.

And debate is exactly what Brockmann fans are doing. After googling the story, I found numerous heated discussions. A few that caught my attention are the following sites:
Suzanne Brockmann’s Message Board
Adwoff’s Message Board
DON : Who Do You Think?
An Amazon Discussion
Another Amazon Discussion

Before I continue, I warn you this blog is crammed full of spoilers, so if you haven’t read any of Brockmann’s books or you’re not caught up with the series, BEWARE, I talk openly about what’s already happened. Don’t read any further if you don’t want to know about books one through thirteen… er, well, actually I’ll probably only mention books seven (Flashpoint), eight (Hot Target), ten (Into the Storm), and thirteen (Into the Fire). I’ve learned that HEA stands for Happily Ever After, so I’m going to condense the term to that acronym as well.

Okay, then. Most of the discussions I’ve read are certain Sophia stars in DON (Dark of Night), but the real question they debate is who’s going to co-star with her, Decker or Dave? I think it’d be funny if Brockmann tricked us all and published a story about, say, Jay Lopez. But she told us on her website, we’d be able to figure this out. So, let’s start figuring. Two, or maybe three, romances develop in book 13. There's Izzy, Sophia, and Decker. Izzy’s two possible choices are Eden and Tracy, though I have to say, neither affair seemed to end very well. So, I’m going to join the rest of the crowd and say, no, it’s not about him. I’m not even sure Iz has met his fair lady yet.

So that leaves us Sophia and Decker. But the big question is, will they end up together… or with other people. Since Flashpoint, I myself have supported a Sophia/Decker match. Their meet scene will go down in history as one of the most amazing romance scenes of all time. But, wow, I don’t think anyone would disagree with me that they shared an intense moment in Kazbekistan. I think it’s important that it was given from Decker’s point of view too. Since we were in his head, we saw all the heat and passion Sophia sparked in him. She also filled a loneliness he’d been feeling. If we had read this from her point of view, however, there would’ve been fear and desperation and the overall tone would’ve felt more like a perversion than a hot temptation. I don’t think we can ever forget this moment because neither Sophia nor Decker has forgotten it. In the stories Hot Target and Into the Storm, they’re very awkward around each other because of their first encounter and therefore have more sexual tension between them.

But many people are right... the after affects from that scene have dragged on. I sincerely hope Decker's talk with the psychiatrist helped him deal with all the issues he has about Sophia. Since Decker and Sophia have been so uncomfortable around each other, there are some very convincing opinions on the message boards swearing Dave will end up with Sophia. We can’t forget good ol’ Dave by any means. He’s been in every book right along with Sophia and Decker. And he’s gotten close to Sophia, becoming her best friend. They’ve opened up to each other and he’s really stepped it up in the hero department in Into the Storm and especially Into the Fire. I love Dave to pieces. He’s been there for Sophia and he’s the ultimate good guy.

I don’t want him with Sophia, however. This might sound awful because I love Sophia’s character too, but I don’t think she deserves him. Yikes, I do sound bad. As terrible as I sound though, Sophia has confided her feelings for Decker way too many times to Dave and he’ll always wonder if he’s playing second fiddle. I think his heroine should fall for him right away. He’s been so good and patient, he should get a HEA with a woman whose affections he has no doubts about, though that would be a good complication to overcome in DON if he was Sophia's leading man. Does she truly love him or not?

I still have a big thing for Decker though. Dave may be wonderful, but Decker has the alpha hero part down. Even when we’re in his point of view, he seems to hide a part of himself. He’s mysterious and masculine and he really does want to do the right thing, so I feel obligated to cheer for him. When he’s in the same room with Sophia, all the attention seems to suck into around them and focus on their interaction, suggesting they're fated to end up together.

Also, when he talked with the doctor lady, he kept waiting for the moment she’d mention Sophia. He may have dreaded it, but he was also anxious for it. He became tense, thinking she'd want to know how his heart stopped when he thought maybe Sophia had been shot way back in Hot Target. I think that was a very revealing moment. It shows he does have feelings for Sophia. It shows he's working through his messy emotions too and he'll soon be able to star in his own book.

But then he goes and kisses the doctor later and that throws things off because suddenly there’s that attraction to wonder about. And Sophia kissing Dave tosses another wrench in the situation. I mean, what's a reader supposed to think? I have a feeling Brockmann has purposely give us these distractions though, to make us wonder… which she’s successfully done. Oh, yeah. The woman knows what she's doing. If only I could accomplish 5% of her talent. Yes, insert dreamy sigh here.

That’s why I’d like to see Sophia, Dave, and Decker get all their HEAs in one book because whoever Sophia ends up with, someone’s going to get hurt and a small part of me will be disappointed. But if they paired off with their respective loves in one, tidy story, then I could deal. It’d be nice if that all happened in DON, but we’ll just have to wait and see.

So, okay. Let's get back on track. DON will most likely star Sophia or Decker. Sophia's possible matches are Decker, Dave, or Danny Gillman. But I think we'll all agree Danny doesn't have a shot. Then there's Decker. His possible loves are Sophia, the doctor lady (Yeah, I can't remember her name. Sorry), or Tracy.

I know, I know. Tracy? Yeah, that's probably not likely. But they shared a phone conversation where she invited him to open up to her if he needed someone to talk to. They also shared a moment in Into the Storm when he stopped by her room to get warm clothes for Sophia after she fell into the water. But those were just moments. Probably no big deal. Then, there was that attraction Decker felt for Hannah when she stared at his mouth to read his lips. Since she's so much like Tess, maybe he'll wait around for another Tess-like character. But I don't really believe that myself.

There's also the possibility that Tracy could end up with Dave. She was talking about him looking good in jeans. And she cuts his hair. That could get some serious sensual action going on. So, we can't forget about that... though it's also unlikely.

Ergo, the story could, maybe, possibly but unlikely star Tracy with Decker, Dave, or--yep--Izzy. I'm feeling some very odd triangles going on here. Or the story could be about Dave with... Sophia, Tracy, or some unnamed heroine to be. I'm kinda rooting for a newbie to catch Dave. I'd like his woman to feel an instant attraction to him.

So... Those are all my strange ideas. Why don't you leave a comment and let me know who YOU think will star in the upcoming Troubleshooters book, Dark of Night.

August Nightstand Reviews

Duchess By Night by Eloisa James (Historical Romance). James has a wonderful, unique style. I became addicted to her stories after reading Much Ado About You. You can really tell she's a history professor too because there's such a rich level of historical tidbits. But the woman knows how to make them entertaining .

The Wedding Dual by Karen L. King (Historical Romance). King is in my MARA writing group so I wanted to read her work. Now I need to read all her stories because they're that good.

Chasing Charlie by Kathy Carmichael (Contemporary Romance). I was directed to Carmichael's website because she has great tips on writing a synopsis. But after reading her synopsis for Chasing Charlie, I had to read it myself. What a fun, light story. Reading a Carmichael is a good way to sit back and relax.

Into the Fire by Suzanne Brockmann (Romantic Suspence). Reading this story is not relaxing, however. Talk about stressful. Brockmann sure knows how to pack in the tension. Wow. I'm amazed. There were actually three romance stories going on in this book, but only one was resolved. I can't wait to read Dark of Night coming out in 2009 to see who stars in her next Troubleshooters book.

Pleasure Unbound by Larissa Ione (Paranormal Romace). Paranomral Erotica I think it more like it. But golly, there were some vivid intimate scenes in this book. Good, though. I really like the world she created. I wouldn't mind meeting a few of these demons in a dark alley.

Twilight by Stephanie Meyer (YA Paranormal Romance). Finally, I get to talk about the Twilight Saga. Twilight is Book One in the series and I just love it. It's a great coming of age book for teen girls and has enough romance to keep me reading. But it's also got some eerie paranormal mystery that keeps you wanting to know what's going to happen. There's some good action too. Great way to start a series.

New Moon by Stephanie Meyer (YA Paranormal Romance). Book Two in the Twilight Saga. To me, this book was very emotional. I think I cried through most of it. But when Edward left Bella, my heart broke with her. Though she doesn't focus on how much his absence hurts her, you can feel it in everything she does and thinks. Very dramatic. But has a happy ending. I loved it.

Eclipse by Stephanie Meyer (YA Paranormal Romance). This is my least favorite book in the Twilight Saga. In the third story, our heroine realizes Edward isn't the only guy she loves. Even though I understand why she feels what she does and it makes perfect sense, it seems to take away from that oh-so powerful thing she had with Edward. He's so understanding too, I just felt frustrated because it happened to all three of them (Bella, Edward, and Jacob). But I still liked the story. It was still very powerful. Weird, huh?

Breaking Dawn by Stephanie Meyer (YA Paranormal Romance). Fourth book in the Twilight Saga. I loved it... I even like when they jumped from Bella's perspective to Jacob's. And I'm so happy he got the ending he did. I felt bad for him after the last three books, but I loved everything about this finale. The twist with Nessie was even totally awesome. I never thought she'd be making an appearance. In my opinion, the Twilight books had a more satisfying end than the Harry Potter books. There're just so good.

Harry Potter 6 Trailer

The trailer for Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince is released today. Hallelujah! The movie comes out Novemeber 21st and I'm more than excited to see it. I feel like I'm turning into a blogger for popular young adult fiction, though, since I went on and on last week about the Twilight Saga. But honesty, those are the only two YA series I've read lately. I still want to go through The Spiderwick Chronicles and then the Inheritance Cycle by Christopher Paolini.

But, okay, I'll talk about something else now.

RWA's National Conference begins today. Wish I was there. Here on the home front, I'm still waiting to hear from four contests and three book submissions. My critique group as gone through one of my stories and will start the second next week. I haven't finished any manuscripts lately but I am working on A Father's Sacrifice, Bachelor Seeks... Single Female, and Disaster at 410 South Elm.

July Nightstand Reviews

Ah, the Fourth of July. Fireworks, homemade ice-cream, family fun, and unforgiving sunburns. I wonder if our founding fathers would be pleased that their grand struggle for independence has narrowed down to this? Either way, I’m still grateful they provided for such a lifestyle. Not only did I experience all the above, but I caught a three-day weekend and did some much-needed reading. And now, I can provide you with my monthly nightstand review.

Visions of Heat by Nalini Singh (Paranormal). #2 in the Psy/Changling Series. This novel is about Faith and Vaughn. I think Singh has a very interesting mystical world created with this leopard pack.

Caressed by Ice by Nalini Singh (Paranormal). #3 in the Psy/Changling Series. I really liked Judd and Brenna’s story. Those hard, alpha men that think they’re unfeeling are so awesome. I like the possessive changling men that are her usual heroes, but Judd, the ultimate psy, really got to me too.

Mine to Possess by Nalini Singh (Paranormal). #4 in the Psy/Changling Series. And here we have Clay and Talin’s story. Their story really focused on the idea that once a changling male finds his mate, she’s it for him. I love the history the two main characters have together.

The Darkest Kiss by Gena Showalter (Paranormal). #2 in the Lords of the Underworld Series. Lucian (possessed by the demon of death) and Anya, minor goddess of Anarchy, might be complete opposites, but they go together so well. They’re like two halves of one whole. And I couldn’t get enough of Anya’s character. She’s one of my favorite heroines, all tough and devious, not putting up with anyone’s crap, but also an absolute marshmallow when it comes to her true love. I really, really like this story if you can’t tell.

The Darkest Pleasure by Gena Showalter (Paranormal). #3 in the Lords of the Underworld Series. After The Darkest Kiss, I assumed Reyes (possessed by the demon of Pain) and Danika’s story would be a let down. I was braced for it and everything. But Showalter came up with a twist about Danika that made this just as rich and strong as its preceding story. I loved it too.

Death Angel by Linda Howard (Romantic Suspense). Holy Guacamole. If you like a steamy story, you’ll love this and you don’t have to wait long for the windows to fog. But, wow. If an aspiring writer, like me, needs an example of a chapter one that really hooks a reader into the story, then Howard has provided an excellent illustration here. I’m still shuddering over that way-hot first scene.

Body Language by Suzanne Brockmann (Contemporary). After I find an author I like and start reading their earlier work, I’m usually a little disappointed because they’re not as good at the beginning of their writing career. They have to grow and develop. But I think Brockmann was born into the book world at the top of her game. This is one of her first stories and yet it’s just as engaging as her most recent publication. Now, if only I could be like her (Insert dreamy, wistful sigh here).

After the Kiss by Suzanne Enoch (Regency Historical). In my opinion Enoch has to be one of the most talented conflict builders. She is always able to heighten the tension until I’m sweating and thinking, “How in the world are these two going to end up together. It’s hopeless.” And yet, there’s always, always a happy, satisfying ending.

June Nightstand Reviews

Since I'm not going to make my MRW meeting tonight (Yeah, it's really bumming me out), I thought I'd list what's been on my nightstand this month. I haven't done that in a while. If you can't tell I've turned into Paranormal fan this month.

The Hollow by Nora Roberts.
This is Fox's story and it's the second in the The Sign of the Seven Trilogy. There's all sorts of freaky paranormal stuff happening in this story. I suggest reading Blood Brothers before hooking your claws into The Hollow.

J. R. Ward's
Lover Eternal. 2nd in the Black Dagger Brotherhood. My favorite part about Rhage's story is that the demon thing inside him has the hots for Mary too. That is just so cool.

Lover Awakened. 3rd in the Black Dagger Brotherhood. No way could a Ward fan resist reading Z's story. He's the most scarred and enthralling brother, in my opinion.

Lover Revealed. 4th in the Black Dagger Brotherhood. Butch finally gets his woman. I wanted him to be able to turn vampire so bad. Another five star book.

Lover Revealed. 5th in the Black Dagger Brotherhood. Here is V's story. I didn't realize he had had such a bad past until his story. I'd say Vishous really is the most complicated brother like all of Ward's reviews claim.

Lover Enshrined. 6th in the Black Dagger Brotherhood. I had been anxious for Phury's story ever since reading Z's tale and Ward did not disappoint. Her story's are so addictive. They keep getting better and better as the series progresses.


Slave to Sensation by Nalini Singh.
This book begins the Psy-Changlings series. We meet half-leopard, half-men changlings and a woman who was programmed to never feel emotions but does anyway. Engrossing.

The Darkest Night by Gena Showalter
I was hooked from the first page. If you want a bunch of tortured alpha males that make you shiver with delight this is the series for you. Starting the Lords of the Underworld series, Maddox and Ashlyn's story is outstanding. And my favorite part of J.R. Ward's Lover Awakened is mirrored in these stories where the demons inside like our leading ladies as much as the hero does.

The Lost Duke of Wyndham by Julia Quinn
First book in the Two Dukes of Wyndhams duolgy. I just love Jack, that's all I have to say about this book.

The Wicked Ways of a Duke by Laura Lee Guhrke.
This is the second book in Guhrke's Girl Bachelor series. It's set in historical England and filled with longing, passion and deceit. I liked it.

Okay, so a read a couple historicals too. I have eclectic taste, I guess. Next month I probably be caught up with Singh's and Showalter's series books and move on to something else.

Linda Kage is Excited.

I must be on MySpace too much because I feel like I need to start my blog with, “Today, Linda Kage is excited.” Amazon has sent out my copy of J. R. Ward’s new Black Dagger Brotherhood book!! But, hello, I’m so totally eager to devour it. I’ve been anxious for Phury’s story ever since I read Zhadist’s book (Lover Awakened)… and that was only last week. I just discovered this series a month or two back, so I haven’t had to wait as long as other brotherhood fans. But, geesh, it seems like I've been waiting forever.

Feels like July 21, 2007 all over again where I stood in a block-long line until one in the morning at Hastings for my issue of Harry Potter’s last book (Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows). Yeah, I’m one of those people. Actually, I thought I was going to do what I did with Julia Quinn’s The Lost Duke of Wyndham and go buy the book at the store because I couldn’t wait for the print I ordered to come in the mail. But thank God Lover Enshrined is already on the way, so I won’t have two copies of that floating around too.

My husband seems to think I buy and read too many books, but I always have the comeback, “Dear, it’s research. If I want to publish my own stories someday, I should read what everyone else is writing. I have to read all this material.” Hee, hee. Pretty tricky, huh?

May Nightstand Reviews

Guilty by Karen Robards
Robards always has the most exciting beginnings. I love starting her books and getting sucked into a sexy, adventurous story. Thank God the woman didn't disappoint this time either.

Don’t Let Go by Marliss Melton
Don't Let Go is the fifth in Melton's Navy SEAL series. I became addicted to these military romances after reading Suzanne Brockmann's SEAL Team Ten, published by Silhouette Intimate Moments, and then her more popular series, Troubleshooters, Inc.

Fire and Ice by Anne Stuart
I was so upset to read on Stuart’s web page that Fire and Ice might be her final Ice book. The only way I can forgive her for that is if she keeps writing those dark, dangerous romances because I can't get enough of them.

Dark Lover by J. R. Ward
Kicking off the Black Dagger Brotherhood Series, Dark Lover is hot and juicy. In the past, I always turned my nose up at vampire romances, but after deciding to give Ward a little taste test, I'm hooked and I'm not going to stop reading them until I've gotten through all the brothers in her series.

Hot by Julia Harper
If you like Elizabeth Hoyt, then listen up. Here's her first contemporary romance under then name Julia Harper. Starting a new FBI series, she shows us just how fulfilling a phone romance can be.

To Taste Temptation by Elizabeth Hoyt
Well, she's done it again. Beginning a The Legend of the Four Soldiers Series, Hoyt rocks the historical romance world with a steamy yet blunt portrayal of 1760's England

First You Run by Roxanne St. Claire Fourth full novel in the Bullet Catchers Series (there are a few short stories published in anthologies), this story is the beginning of a trilogy about finding three women lost in a black-market adoption operation called Sapphire Trail. And it was just the kind of romantic suspense I love.

Recently On My Nightstand

On Writing by Stephen King It's hard for me to get into a book that's not a romance and even doubly so for a non-fiction. I usually only gag through a few chapters and call it good. But this book was so wonderful, I read the entire thing. Entertaining and informative, it kept me captivated. If King stopped writing books I was too afraid to read and took up the romance genre, he'd probably become my favorite author. I just love his style. He taught me loads about the craft of fiction.

Second Sight Dating by Marianne Stephens New in print, Stephens tries something different with Second Sight Dating. Using paranormal abilities, she creates a sensual relationship between the two main characters. Her story is fun and relaxing to read.

Blue-Eyed Devil by Lisa Kleypas Okay, I have to confess. This book never actually touched my nightstand because I consumed it in one big gulp. But yum. Kleypas pulled out another awesome story. My husband deserves a big thanks here too, for not complaining while I left the night light on and read until the wee hours, finishing Blue-Eyed Devil.

Eggs by Jerry Spinelli I have no idea why I bought this children's story but I'm glad I did. I think I can learn something from Spinelli's technique. The way his words flow is very "lyrical" as one of his reviews quotes. I'd be doing okay if some of his style rubbed off.

Blood Brothers by Nora Roberts I don't think those NR seals on her books really mean a new release. I suspect they're actually guarantees, promising us she's created another hit. Roberts couldn't write a bad story if she wanted to (in my opinion, anyway). The woman's talent is truly outstanding.

Ice Storm by Anne Stuart I'm a romantic suspense junkie, so this is my kind of story. Just can't get enough of them. Fourth in the Ice series, Ice Storm is an exciting, sexy, dangerous ride. Stuart sticks to her usual dark characters and creates a fine line between death and romance.

Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah Warning: Do not read Firefly Lane without a couple boxes of tissue. Though this may be Hannah's best work yet, it's not her traditional romance. The central relationship is between the two best friends and it doesn't have a happy ending. But if you're looking for an amazing tear jerker, this is totally the story for you.