Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Terrific two-fer post - Kleypas and Cast

Blue Eyed Devil
Lisa Kleypas
St Martin's
March 25
ISBN 031235164X
Romantic Suspense
****1/2



If she had just followed through on the one, embarrassing kiss she accidentally gave Hardy Cates in the dark, Haven Travis might have saved herself a sentence in an earthly Hell. But, she did not, instead marrying the devil himself, or nearly so. Nick turns from being a caring fiance' to a demoralizing, abusive rapist, subjecting her to years of degrading torture that strips away Haven's self worth and tries to steal her away from herself. When he goes too far, Haven is able to summon up enough spirit to escape, turning to her brother for refuge. Once safe, she begins to heal on several levels gradually. Then, Hardy re-enters her life and the attraction is there and stronger than ever. Yet, Haven still has the scars of her marraige on her soul, ones Hardy will have to deal with in order to win her. And, Nick is not done with his ex-wife.



Though this book has been critisized for being graphic in its depiction of domestic violence, that is a strength. Normally, I abhor seeing portrayls that are graphic in any way; however, it was critical to this story for the harshness to be seen. Haven's situation comes to life thanks to this, and once you start, this book is impossible to walk away from.


Warrior Rising
P.C. Cast
Berkley
May
ISBN 0425221377
Paranormal/Time Travel
****



When the goddesses get utterly fed up with the Trojan War, not to mention with all the inaccurate information that myth, legend, and history have recorded about it, they decide its time to intervene. Since Achilles is the key to stopping it, they decide what he needs is a good woman, and thanks to Venus' time in the modern world among mortals, Kat, a twenty first century woman in the prime of her life, is chosen to go back to the time of the Iliad and tame a berserker warrior. Before she can though, she and her best friend, Jacky, are killed in a car wreck. While that's disconcerting, it's no problem, really. The goddesses simply transplant their souls into the bodies of a Trojan princess and her maid. As the princess, Kat combines a younger, more beautiful body with her intellect and skills to easily win over her "master." Yet, though Achilles loves her and longs for peace, he lives under a curse and fate seems determined to carry out his doom. Only a great sacrifice might have a slim chance of stopping that, if Kat is willing.


Most Trojan epics can be summed up in the phrase long and boring. No wonder Venus, Athena, and company got their fill of it. This is the exception to the rule. With snazzy, snappy wit and loads of humor, Ms. Cast has made the epic interesting again. Her spin on things is far different than most, but that is what makes it wonderful.

Monday, April 28, 2008

Oceans Apart

Oceans Apart
Karen Kingsbury
Harper
April
ISBN 0061456713
Inspirational Mainstream
******



He only slipped up once in his marriage vows and his commitment to living the Christian way, but it only took one night of giving into loneliness and tempation to give Connor Evans a son that he does not know about until the boy's mother is killed in a plane crash. When lawyers contact him to inform him of the sad news and the decision he now faces, Connor must confess to cheating to his wife, Michele. Though she attempts to cope, Michele is rocked and believes her entire marriage to be stained by lies. Even as Conner and his son, Max grow closer and their daughters begin to accept him as a friend, even though they do not know the whole truth, Michele struggles with the entire situation. Has Conner gained a son to lose a marriage? What is the path God woudl have them take?



This is a book that will shake you up; Ms. Kingsbury, as usual, pulls you into the narrative and wires you into the characters' emotions. Max's simple faith, Michele's hurt reaction to being betrayed, and Conner having to face the results of his sin will all feel as real as the nose on your face. Once again, a strong Christian message is presented, but not in a wimpy way, like so many "inspirational" novels tend to do. The characters are beautifully realized with all their flaws and heartaches. Even more clear though, is God's ability to make miracles out of messes.

Hollow

The Hollow
Nora Roberts
Jove
May
ISBN 0515144592
Paranormal Romantic Suspense
****



Once upon a time, three young boys performed a dark ritual to bind their friendship, but in doing so, awakened an ancient evil that has gone on a killing spree at seven year intervals in their small hometown. As the time for its return approaches, the trio unites to stop it. Now adults, the men need their other halves, the women who are their soul mates, to help them use the powers that the ceremony bequeathed them, in order to put the chaos to an end and atone for their foolish act. Fox's resultant "gift" from that night was the ability to read minds, and in Layla, he finds a soul with a similar blessed curse. For her the emphasis is on the curse side, and she is unable to deal with having such a power, or the sudden connection she finds with this man. Despite her struggle, it is something she must learn to accept, for herself, for Fox, and for everyone she cares for's sakes.



The drama and tension continue to cast their spells over Ms. Roberts' legions of fans. Her ability to weave relationships is fantastic, and she makes the utterly unrealistic seem totally believable. You will never go wrong with one of her books, and this is not the exception to the rule.

CALL OF THE HIGHLAND MOON

Call of the Highland Moon
Kendra Leigh Castle
Casablanca Press
May
ISBN 1402211589
Paranormal
***1/2



Normally, the worst thing you have to worry about when taking in a stray is fleas, various messes, or possibly that the animal is diseased. The critter turning into a hot naked guy running both away from and towards destiny just is not something that would cross your mind, but it's what Carly gets when she takes in a rather large dog that turns out not only to be a wolf, but Gideon, a werewolf crown prince. Bound together by evil circumstances that include the weather and rival wolves and by a growing attraction for each other that goes against all the rules and logic, Carly and Gideon become involved in a power struggle and the search for an ancient artifact dating back to the time of the Patriarchs.



Weaving together romance, adventure, and lore, Ms. Castle has the start of a fantastic series here. All sorts of passionate feelings crackle to life on the pages, shifting dynamically as lycanthrope mythology is reinvented for this new world. This belongs on the keeper shelf beside Susan Krinard or Ronda Thompson's shapeshifter romances for sure.

Sunday, April 27, 2008

EVE DALLAS

Stranger in Death
J.D. Robb
Penguin
Feb.
ISBN 0399154701
Futuristic/Mystery
******



The humiliating death of a millionaire was supposed to look like a kinky accident, but Eve Dallas knows murder when she sees it. Though she has strong suspicions about who did it and why, there is no way to prove it as the prime suspect has an airtight alibi. Frustration only makes her determination stronger. Armed with her keen mind, her need for justice, unerring instincts, and a cadre of loyal and brilliant friends, Eve sets out to prove her theory. The key will be found in a most unusual way.



Combining the wit and class of the best and most classic detectives with a taut edge, a hint of sizzling passion, and wry humor, Ms. Robb once again proves why Eve Dallas is the best there is. Normally, I do not like futuristic stories, because they lack humanity, but Dallas breaks that rule. The strong characterizations are what keep this series working and make it, in the words of Mavis, “totally mag.” Even if you are not into novels set in anything other than the present, if you enjoy mysteries, if you enjoy having a series where the characters become cherished friends, you are cheating yourself not to invest in the entire set of these books. Invest is the right word; they are keepers.

Monday, April 14, 2008

Personal Demons - Stacia Kane

Personal Demons
Stacia Kane
Wildside
April
ISBN 0809572559
Urban Fantasy
*****



Her promises to "slay personal demons" for her listeners and patients were supposed to be only taken as a figure of speech. Despite her paranormal gift that allowed her to read minds, Megan did not really believe there were demons out there, and certainly not that they would come after her. However, she has to alter her thoughts when she begins to see them and when a friend, Greyson, turns out to be one that is trying to keep her safe from the Accuser himself. This turn of events also forces her to confront her pain filled childhood and the incident that made her a parriah in her home town. Unless she gets past that, if she survives, her future will be ruined. Of course, the trio of demon brothers assigned to keep her from becoming roadkill would rather face the legions of Hell than Greyson if they fail to make sure she lives to see tomorrow.



Ms. Kane has managed to blend eerie edginess with laugh out loud humor and just enough romance to make this a truly winning recipe for a good read. She even includes a recipe that looks interesting enough to almost tempt a vegetarian! I simply adored this story, especially the three brothers 0809572559who I cannot decide if I'd enjoy having around or if they'd drive me mad trying to "take care of me" where I their charge. Treat yourself to this when you want to smile.

Saturday, April 12, 2008

Personal Demon Kelley Armstrong

Personal Demons
Kelley Armstrong
April
Spectra
ISBN 0553806610
Urban Fantasy/Romantic
****1/2



In the Otherworld, you don't want to upset the Cabals, defy them, or owe them. Even if you are the devil's daughter, it's a wise half demon that stays on the good side of these semi - Mafia like entities. So, when the head of the Cortez Cabal calls in the debt Hope Adams, Lucifer's daughter, owes, she figures it's in her best interests to accept the job. Going undercover to infiltrate a gang of potential troublemakers, Hope soon finds herself up to her neck in alligators and having to tread a fine line to live through the successful completion of her assignment. Complicating matters is her back-up man, Karl, the werewolf who was once her lover. While she might resent his presence, the real problem is the temptation he represents. The perils are not wholly physical in nature. Moral choices, the lure of rekindling a romance, conflicting loyalties, truth, pride, and more become "personal demons" for Hope.



Sharing the spotlight with Hope is Lucas Cortez, Paige's husband and the youngest "black" or would that be white sheep of the Cortez clan. In his usual dry, yet witty tone, Lucas offers some extra insight into the twists and turns of the plot. He has even more issues to confront as he is drawn back into his family's politics. Even though this is a "Women" of the Otherworld book, it would be more than cool to see Lucas get a book told entirely through his eyes.



Having a Kelley Armstrong book come my way is always a treat, and this is no exception. There is an extra edginess to this one, especially when compared to the books focused on Paige, perhaps reflecting the evolution of Ms. Armstrong's writing as is seen in Exit Strategy. Fortunately, for new readers, this, as do all the books in this series, can stand on its own two feet. You can enter the Otherworld at any point in the timeline without being lost. Since manths pass between the stories, and I do read a lot, that is very welcome. October and the next book can't come soon enough.

Friday, April 11, 2008

GHOST & FEMME FATALE

The Ghost and the Femme Fatale
Alice Kimberly
Berkley Prime Crime
May
ISBN 0425218384
Mystery/Paranormal
****



An old time film noir former bombshell, Hedda Geist, is nearly killed at a revival festival, and shortly thereafter, those who attended the Festival begin to die. Because the cops are completely off base in their investigations, Penelope Thornton and her ghostly partner, PI Jack Shephard, take on the case. Jack remembers Hedda from his days among the living, and many of the clues lie in his past, when he was alive, so that's where he takes Penelope. Once upon a time is now with this charming pair on the trail of a killer.



Time travel, magnificent, spectral rogues, mystery, and romance, what more could a girl want? Jack is one of the most charming spooks since Daniel Gregg haunted Mrs. Carolyn Muir. This book also solves a mystery for me personally; where did one of my favorite authors go, Alice Alfonsi, and now I learn she's writing mysteries under two names and I have a whole new series to track down, something I advise everyone coming to these books for the first time to do.

Tuesday, April 8, 2008

Cait London interview

Q.: Have you always wanted to write, or was it something that manifested later?

Cait: I've always been a heavy reader of everything, including epic poetry, but when I began reading romances, everything clicked. It was then I knew what I wanted to do. I think writing was a natural progression from that of painting. Stories are much like paintings in that there is a canvas, which would be all of the blank chapters and pages. There is a background and a foreground. The darks bring out the light pieces. They're actually very close, writing and painting, and you'll find very many of writers also are artists, photographers, et cetera. You can see some of my paintings at my website's studio. I think my interest in painting and photography now, also helps paint the scenes within my books, the settings acting as characters. To keep fresh, or going back to the well is to say, I drive quite a bit. I also take a lot of photographs, and hope to get some of them up on my website soon. I use my photographs as visuals for my books, but I miss painting very much. I have not had much time to do that since my writing career took off full-time.

Q.: What was your first published work?

Cait: LADY ON THE LINE, 1986. That was for Second Chance at Love, Berkley. I've written several category since then, quite a few Silhouette Desires, and single titles in romance subgenre. I've written for Berkley, Silhouette Desires/Harlequin, Dell, and the latest is Avon Books/HarperCollins. I am considered to be an “enduring” storyteller, that is, many of my stories are in reissue in the U.S. and abroad.

Q.: Do you have a favorite genre? Is there one kind of writing you would never want to do? Is there some kind you've always wanted to do, but never have?

Cait: I've written in several different romance subgenres, and have been quite happy in romance. I believe it permeates through time and our contemporary lines. On the other hand, stretching out of the comfortable is something every writer needs to do. If you don't stretch at times, your writing can become stale and you can be locked into a slot that may be difficult to leave. “Branding” is recommended for writers, to build their careers. However, “branding” also can restrict a writer’s creative growth. I’ve been lucky enough to move around within romance subgenres and still enjoy it. But I believe that every writer should “stretch” and I may in the future.

Q.: Would you like to meet any of your characters as "real people"?

Cait: Since I've been living with these characters for a period of time, I feel as if they are "living."  I have three daughters and understood much about the individual’s personality as it pertains to birth order. I basically wrote what I knew existed in my own family and extended the personalities.

Q.: Do you have a favorite book among your own?

Cait: My favorite book is always the one I am currently writing.

Q. Tell us about your current series?

Cait: The Aisling psychic triplet trilogy concerns contemporary sisters descended from an ancient Celtic seer and a Viking chieftain. Each triplet has inherited a gift she does not want; she only wants to be like every other normal woman, but she cannot deny her inheritance. Claire, the youngest and an empath, begins the series in AT THE EDGE. Tempest’s gift lies in her touch; with her naked hands she can feel the history of an object and something of those who have held it. She must wear gloves to protect herself, and her story is A STRANGER'S TOUCH. Leona, the eldest is a precognitive; she sees into the future and her visions are unwanted. She is also the oldest and considered the most powerful of the psychics, should she want to "open" herself. FOR HER EYES ONLY is an October 2008 release and ends the series. Though each book has its own individual story, there are story threads through out all three, and danger is never far away.

Q.: Will Greer get her own book?

Cait: There is much interest in Greer; however at this time I am not planning a prequel.

Q.: Do you think this series of books works better as direct sequels one to the other chronologically or more of they all exist in the same world and are related, but can be read in any order of format?

Cait: This is based on individual taste; all readers like different challenges and have different interests. These books are based on a storyline arc. That means interest builds in the first book, identifies the main characters throughout. The second book heightens the interest and danger, and the third book concludes the series, answering all questions. Not all readers like many-layered stories, rather they would prefer to read simplistic books. It's all a matter of individual reader preference as to whether they want individual completed stories within each book, or a continuation until the conclusion. For the writer, to write series in a storyline arc is a definite risk. I only hope readers will enjoy the triplets journey through their romances and danger. I believe this trilogy will be enduring and has already gone back to print for new readers.

Q.: What’s your favorite way to interact with fans? As any fan encounter particularly touched you? Freak you out?

Cait: To me, the word “fans” represents more of an interest in me personally, rather than my stories. I love talking to readers at my book signings and do carry on correspondence with some of them via e-mail. But generally, a writer's life is pretty reclusive as they create their stories. I am no different. It is always surprising and thrilling when a reader can recall an older book, the incidents, and the characters, while I have moved on to new stories, and cannot recall the same. Many of my books are reread and recalled to me continuously, and I am always pleased.

Q.: Anything else you would like to add?

Cait: I hope readers of my work will visit my extensive website to learn more about the Aisling psychic triplets and my personal involvement with their development. I am guesting on several blogs now and writing articles about the series and my work, i.e. how I get my ideas, etc. I hope readers will subscribe to my e-newsletter at my website, http://caitlondon.com. They can also enter monthly contests, check out my articles on writing, cooking, etc. I hope that readers will also write to me. I am always grateful when readers take their own time to write. A wonderful letter from a reader is an uplifting gift and encouragement.

Saturday, April 5, 2008

Feast of Fools, Mogranville

Feast of Fools
Rachel Caine
June
NAL Jam
ISBN 0451224639
YA Paranormal
*****



Claire is rapidly coming to learn that in Morganville, it's always darkest, and there's no dawn that the darkest is just before, and furthermore, when it's dark, that's when the vampires come out to play with humans. It need not be said that the games are not nice or fun for the humans. Though she might feel like Amelie is on the side of the angels and can harbor both fear and an odd affection for Myrnin, and even be friends with Michael Glass, for the most part, she fears the vampires, with reason. The newest one in town, Bishop, makes even Oliver, Amelie's nemesis, seem friendly. With the deadliest, most ruthless of the undead in Morganville, determined to take over, and with her parents and friends in danger from him and his minions, the risks Claire is forced to take are not just increased, but cubed. Strange alliances are made as former enemies realize that they share a common foe. As Claire struggles with all this, she still has to race against time to try and save the lives of all the local vampires from a microscopic opponent, a disease that could make the threat of Biship moot. And somewhere in all the madness, she'd love to be able to sort out her own life as well.



Even when she's not writing about the weather, Ms. Caine blows me away. Through Claire's eyes and heart, we are pulled into an intense, kinetic, and highly emotional story that with wider exposure could topple a certain wizard from his broomstick. Words can barely describe the impact of books like this, that are so filled with feeling that you almost become the characters. It is not a stand alone novel, but if you have missed the first volumes, you just need to go back and read them. Though labeled young adult book, I'd say that just means there is nothing vulgar in it. The swear words are those of low level and everyone keeps their clothes on around other people. That does not make this any less of a mature book. In fact, it is more so than some adult books.

Thursday, April 3, 2008

Amish romance

When Morning Comes
Cindy Woodsmall
Waterbrook
2007
ISBN 0739487949
Inspirational
*****



After fleeing her quiet Amish community, Hannah sought to make a new life for herself among the "English." Still mourning the loss of the baby concieved in violence, she is quite lost in the new world until a kind, yet gruff and somewhat sarcastic, doctor, Martin, offers her friendship and real help. Before long, she is attending school, working, and making friends in a land she never imagined living in. Meanwhile, back at home, her first love, Paul, has seen how wrong he was about her and wants to find her, and her family is grief stricken by her disappearance. Her sister in particular has difficulty coping. As Hannah moves on, the question remains, will she ever find the past she left behind, or is the future a better direction?



This beautifully complex novel manages to be gentle and hard hitting at the same time. Hannah's story has taken an unusual twist that I did not see coming,and though unconventional, is executed so well that I hope it ends in a certain way that I'd spoil for the readers if I said more about. Ms. Woodsmall is not just one of the best inspirational authors, but one of the best.

Amish romance

When Morning Comes
Cindy Woodsmall
Waterbrook
2007
ISBN 0739487949
Inspirational
*****



After fleeing her quiet Amish community, Hannah sought to make a new life for herself among the "English." Still mourning the loss of the baby concieved in violence, she is quite lost in the new world until a kind, yet gruff and somewhat sarcastic, doctor, Martin, offers her friendship and real help. Before long, she is attending school, working, and making friends in a land she never imagined living in. Meanwhile, back at home, her first love, Paul, has seen how wrong he was about her and wants to find her, and her family is grief stricken by her disappearance. Her sister in particular has difficulty coping. As Hannah moves on, the question remains, will she ever find the past she left behind, or is the future a better direction?



This beautifully complex novel manages to be gentle and hard hitting at the same time. Hannah's story has taken an unusual twist that I did not see coming,and though unconventional, is executed so well that I hope it ends in a certain way that I'd spoil for the readers if I said more about. Ms. Woodsmall is not just one of the best inspirational authors, but one of the best.