C E Murphy - Hands of flame -1^St Sept U

Nalini Singh- Hostage to pleasure - 2^nd Sept P

Christine Feehan- Dark Curse - 2^nd Sept P

Melina Morel -Prey - 2^nd Sept P

Victoria laurie - Death perception - 2^nd Sept P

G A Aiken - Dragon Actually - 2^nd Sept P (Originaly released in 2004 as an ebook called Dragon Challenge under the name Shelly Laurenston

Lilith Saint crow - Steel flower - 30^th Sept P

L A Banks - Bite the bullet - 30^th Sept P

Sharie Kohler - Kiss of a dark moon 30^th Sept P

Lynsay Sands - Rogue Hunter - 30^th Sept P

Cait London - For her eyes only - 30^th Sept P

Christina Warren- One bite with a stranger - 30^th Sept P

Tazallie

Your unique wedding invitations set the stage for bridal day happiness. Rather than settling for a boiler plate invitation, when the two of you take the time to think through what you really want your invitations to convey, then you can express your deep happiness at what it actually means to be engaged to be married.

Along with your personalized, unique wedding invitations, your wedding programs can also convey your distinctive expression as a couple.

How do you do that? The first thing you’ll want to do is follow your heart. Notice how you feel toward your guests. How do you want them to feel when they read your invitation and your program. How about: cared for, included, excited to be with you. Perhaps you want to arouse a little chuckle, or a sentimental sigh.

When you both check in with your joined hearts’ desire, rather than some old romance books, you’ll easily determine the style and feel for your unique wedding invitations and wedding programs.

Remember that your wedding is an expression and celebration of your love. When you do, you’ll avoid selecting invitations that treat your wedding like it’s just a story book display.

Also, remember that your wedding is the first day of your married life. So, when you select your unique wedding invitations, don’t make it an excuse to show off. Instead make sure your invitations express the two of you as a couple, a loving, dedicated couple.

Then you’ll be able to count on your guests feeling cared for and included in your very real romantic connection expressed through the personal care you’ve taken during your wedding planning.

So, if you want to deepen and expand your romantic connection, so you can express it even further in your unique wedding invitations, be sure to take our Relationship Quiz

Well, here’s some dating advice, three dating tips actually, to help you enjoy dating, rather than cringe and run the other way.

• Dating Advice Tip #1 - Dating is not a contest. You cannot win. And you can never lose. And there’s no need to be scared of rejection. Why? Because either you both like each other and decide to see each other again, or one or both of you prefers to not go forward. And a preference for something else does not equal rejection. In fact, it is a success to know that there will be no possible future with the person so you can clear the slate and go forward to find someone with whom you DO experience mutual dating romance!
• Dating Advice Tip #2 - Smart dating, in other words successful dating, is not a theatrical play. Smart dating is all about showing up as who you really are and finding out who the other person really is. Any pretense or play-acting just ensures that you’ll feel anxious because you’ve already decided that  who you really are isn’t good enough.
• Dating Advice Tip #3 - Dating romance, the kind that can last a lifetime, is grown through getting to know each other. Instant chemistry, that sudden spontaneous thrill that we often read about in romance books or see in romantic movies, has no solid foundation and can dissolve overnight as easily as it took you over.

So, the key to smart dating is to show up as who you really are and actually get to know the other person. At the same time, you’ll be finding out if dating romance - the day-to-day real romance you want - is actually developing.

To find out how available you are for this kind of real romance in your smart dating relationships, make sure to take our Free Romantic IQ Quiz

To be truthful I really dont know why I still read this series, or indeed this author.  Perhaps its become somewhat of a tradition for me, or perhaps I just keep hoping that there will be a suprise in the story? Whatever it is I still keep coming back to them.

I started reading Diana Palmer and the Long tall texans series donkey's years ago when I was an impressionable teen devouring mills and boons romance novels, at the time Ms Palmer was one of my all time favourite writers, lots of alpha males and sweet virginal women finding love.  And the stories are still the same ...sometimes almost identical.  There have been a few good books along the way that I really enjoyed but this wasnt one of them, in fact I would have to say that I have read this story quite a few times before from Ms Palmer, and it was boring.  Sorry but thats my opinion!

Diana Palmer needs to move on, I still like Alpha males but I like a woman who can tame him, not just submit mindlessly.  In this story Boone the ultra rich succesful rancher has been ignoring his sisters best friend Keely for years, to hid the fact that he is in fact attracted to her.  Keely in turn has loved Boone for years, but she is a poor abused mouse of a child/woman.  Ok need I go on? not really cos this could be any number of the the other Long tall texan books.  You know whats going to happen, he's going to be really rotten to her, push her away, protect her, seduce her, then marry her.  Oh and dont forget the drug dealers who are after the heroine! (the new constant in these books)

So why do I still keep reading them?  I really do think its simply because she was one of my first favourite authors and I am loyal to her, but I really, really do wish just for once her heroine would be in her thirties, with a kick butt attitude who shocks the pants of the big tough alpha male.  Oh well maybe the next one will be better!!!! (and you can bet your bottom dollar I will read it!)

Tazallie

Duainfey

• By Sharon Lee & Steve Miller
• Hardcover released September 2 (already available at Amazon)
• First in new series
• Publisher–Baen
• "The husband-and-wife writing team, authors of the "Liaden Universe" series (e.g., I Dare), begin a new series that blends the fantasy and romance genres in one seamless whole." (From Library Journal review)
• Fantasy--The Liaden Universe series of books are among my all-time favorite books.

Hostage to Pleasure

• By Nalini Singh
• Psy-Changelings, Book 5
• Publisher--Berkley
• Paperback released September 2
• "Ashaya Aleine was separated from her son, forced to create a neural implant that will forever enslave her psychically gifted Psy race. After fighting a desperate battle to save her child and escape the PsyNet, she’s lead not to safety, but into the lethal danger of a sniper’s embrace."
• Fantasy--I've enjoyed the Psy-Changeling series.

The Price of Desire

• by Jo Goodman
• Paperback released on September 2
• Publisher--Zebra
• "Olivia Cole is devastated to learn that her ne're-do well brother has promised her to the operator of a London gaming hall as payment of his debts."
• Historical Romance--Jo Goodman is one of my favorite historical romance authors.

Faefever

• By Karen Ann Moning
• Fever series, Book 3
• Publisher--Delacorte Press
• Hardcover released September 16
• "...the enthralling tale of a woman who explores the limits of her mysterious powers as she enters a world of ancient sorcery—and confronts an enemy more insidious than she could ever have imagined."
• Fantasy--I like Karen Ann Moning's books and this is an interesting series.

Untamed

• by P. C. Cast and Kristin Cast
• House of Night Series, Book 4
• Publisher--St. Martin's Griffin
• Trade Paperback released September 23
• "Zoey's adventures at vampyre finishing school take a wild and dangerous turn as loyalties are tested, shocking true intentions come to light, and an ancient evil is awakened...."
• Young Adult Fantasy--This is a very popular young adult series and I've enjoyed the first three books in the series.
• When I checked at PC Cast's blog I found out that The movie rights to this series have been optioned and a total of at least nine books are planned in this series.

Brisingr

• by Christopher Paolini
• Publisher--Knopf Books
• Inheritance series, Book 3
• Hardcover released September 20
• "Following the colossal battle against the Empire’s warriors on the Burning Plains, Eragon and his dragon, Saphira, have narrowly escaped with their lives. Still there is more at hand for the Rider and his dragon, as Eragon finds himself bound by a tangle of promises he may not be able to keep."
• Young Adult Fantasy--My husband and several of my kids are looking forward to this book!

Seduce Me at Sunrise

• By Lisa Kleypas
• The Hathaways, Book 2
• Publisher--St. Martin's
• Paperback released September 30
• "Kev Merripen has longed for the beautiful, well-bred Winnifred Hathaway ever since her family rescued him from the brink of death when he was just a boy."
• Historical Romance--Lisa Kleypas' books are auto-buys for me. She has written so many wonderful books.

Mr. Cavendish, I Presume

• By Julia Quinn
• Two Dukes of Wyndham, Book 2
• Publisher--Avon
• Paperback released September 30
• "Amelia Willoughby has been engaged to the Duke of Wyndham for as long as she can remember. Literally. A mere six months old when the contracts were signed, she has spent the rest of her life waiting. And waiting."
• Historical Romance--Julia Quinn is one of my favorite authors.

Name five books you've got close by... if you're at work, then the first five off the top of your head

1. Drug Facilitated Sexual Assault by LeBeau & Mozayani
2. The Missing (my pile of ARCS) by me
3. Still Lake Anne Stuart
4. Night Child by Jes Battis
5. Omega Games by SL Viehl

Now name the last five books you bought (or the last five you remember buying)

1. Night Child by Jes Battis
2. Omega Games by SL Viehl
3. Coast to Coast Ghosts by Rule
4. The Nightwalker by Thomas Tessier
5. The Mammoth Book of Vampire Romance by Multi...including yours truly (bought some copies for giveaways)

Now name five books you want to buy

1. Servant: The Acceptance by LL Foster
2. Just One of the Guys by Kristan Higgins
3. Sea Fever by Virginia Kantra
4. Cry Wolf by Patricia Briggs
5. Death Angel by Linda Howard

Name five books you're debating about buying

1. Archeron by Sherrilyn Kenyon
2. Darkfever Karen Marie Moning (still haven't read any of hers!)
3. The Chocolate Run by Dorothy Koomson
4. The Host by Stephanie Meyer
5. Cutting Loose by Tara Janzen

Not a meme unless you really want it to be, just do it if you want. :)

This is the third book in Christina Dodds, Darkness Chosen Series, which falls very much into the paranormal romance genre, in fact it reminded me of a modern bodice ripper - you know the ones? where the pirate kidnaps the lady? Well this was one of those set today...and I have to say at first I was very, very skeptical...but it worked very well.

This is an easy read, but it still manages to raise some very interesting questions on good and evil and how the line can often be blurred.
Take the hero; he was raised in a loving family that has a curse hanging over it. They are shape shifters, but their power is a direct result of a pact with the devil made a thousand years ago...to change strengthens the evil that resides in them. And Adrik embraces his power after a choice as a young man makes him feel he has cursed his soul already. Adrik becomes a mercenary without remorse in the Himalyan mountains and eventually kidnaps the heroine Karen.

Yes the hero is a mercenary, yes he has killed and has dammned his soul to hell but is he evil? or a victim of a pact that was nothing to do with him?

I liked the first book in this series, wasnt so keen on the second but really enjoyed this one. Overall this was a well written action packed romance, one that it well worth a read.

Tazallie

Dont Miss
Into the Flame - book 4 in the series (Aug 2008)

Into the Flame - Out Now

The Long awaited 'Acheron' (9780749908669) by Sherrilyn Kenyon is now in - this is in fact two books rolled into one big book and it is going like hot cakes!
Now here in Lincoln this is probably because we were the only ones to have had stocks in up until at least 2pm today! now whether Waterstones and WHSmiths have now had theirs in I cannot say, but I can say if you want one you better hurry as we only have a couple left on the shelves now! However elsewhere in the world it is probably doing so well due to a fantastic pre-publication campaign and lots of advance info on it - oh and of course it is by a top selling author!
But by gum is it a mighty brick of a book, However three of those that purchased the book on Wednesday have been back in today to extol the virtues of the book and story and get new books because they had finished the 700+ pages and say it is that good a read! Flicking between his past - the first part of the book and then going right up to the present it really does tell the full unremitting story of Ash.
The youtube Official Acheron Trailer!
Official Acheron song by Warchild!

We also have in the New Stephenie Meyer Book 'Breaking Dawn' (9781905654284) - another mighty book and worth the read!
Stephenie Meyer talks about Breaking Dawn

Here's an odd conundrum for you all, Josephine Cox - top British author - has had her new book 'Songbird' (9780060896980) come out in paperback in the states before it has here! and not just a few days before but almost 2 months before!
So it's just as well we are a specialist in US Imports, otherwise you would all have to wait until the 1st October before you could read it in paperback!
The first one on the shelf this afternoon sold within 7 minutes! So look likely ladies as once this batch are gone it will be another 7 days before the next batch gets in from the States!

Some of my favorite authors are Stephen King, Dean Koontz and Tom Clancy. Dean Koontz wrote a vampire book that scared the heck out of me late one night! Obviously he did a great job

Weather you just like to read or have gotten out of the habit of reading, I have listed some books below with an excerpt about each book to stir up your interest.

An Affinity For Murder
By Ann White
http://www.boomersneed.com/biography-ann-white-an-affinity-for-murder.html

Two dead art experts and a secret cache
of paintings which may have been the
work of Lake George's most famous
summer resident, Georgia O'Keeffe, set
writer Ellen Davies on a collision course
with danger. Ellen thinks she's stumbled
on a multi-million dollar find which will
send her career in journalism soaring.

Body Count
By P.D Martin
http://www.boomersneed.com/biography-phillipa-deanne-martin-body-count.html

FBI agent Sophie Anderson has been trained
to crawl into the sick minds of serial killers, to
understand their depraved impulses and vile
cravings--to catch them before the body count
rises.

Darkest Night
By Gena Showalter
http://www.boomersneed.com/biography-gena-showalter-darkest-night.html

All her life, Ashlyn Darrow has been tormented by
voices from the past. To end the nightmare, she has
come to Budapest seeking help from men rumored to
have supernatural abilities, not knowing she'll be
swept into the arms of Maddox, their most dangerous
member—a man trapped in a hell of his own.

Neither can resist the instant hunger that calms their
torments…and ignites an irresistible passion. But
every heated touch and burning kiss will edge them
closer to destruction—and a soul-shattering test of
love….

Dawn In My Heart
By Ruth Axtell Morren
http://www.boomersneed.com/biography-ruth-axtell-morren-dawn-in-my-heart.html

Called home to Regency London after his
brother's death, Tertius Pembroke, Earl of
Skylar, must marry quickly and produce an heir.
Lady Gillian Edwards seems the ideal bride:
young, beautiful and innocent. But Sky is no ideal
husband, having returned from the Indies gaunt, ill
and plagued by a darkness that he dare not reveal
-- even to his betrothed.

Drea learned at an early age she could manipulate men with her good looks and sexy body. She uses sex to get the things she wants--security and riches. She had an unhappy childhood and wanted never to be poor again. The first part of the book deals with Drea's life with Salinas who is a drug running thug and her escape from him. Even though I knew she chose the life she's leading and that it was ultimately self-destructive Drea was a likable character. She did what she felt she had to to survive.

When the book opens she has been Salinas' mistress for two years and from the beginning she pretends to be dumber than she is. She realizes her act as the dumb blonde makes her appear nonthreatening and harmless. Salinas believes her portrayal as a shallow, self-absorbed young woman interested only in shopping and her looks. He isn't as careful as he would be with someone smarter. Thus she eventually learns his bank account password even though she isn't planning to use it. She knows her relationship with Salinas is temporary and she prepares for the day she will leave. For example, she has the jewelry he gives her copied and she puts the real jewelry into a safe deposit box--in case he won't let her take the jewelry with her.

When it was time to leave she had planned to leave with only the things Salinas had given her, but everything changes the day Salinas lets an assassin have her for sex. She is emotionally devastated by this--especially when the assassin treats her like a person and Salinas whom she has lived with for two years treats her like an object and a whore. The assassin manages to touch her emotions--something which hasn't happened to her since she was a teenager. However, after an afternoon of marathon sex the assassin leaves her even though she asks him to take her with him. According to him, once was enough. Thus, she is betrayed by both the assassin and Salinas. The next day she leaves Salinas and takes over $2 million dollars from him.

Drea learns it's not so easy to actually get away with that much money. She transferred the money from Salinas' bank account to her own account, but actually getting her hands on the cash is another matter! Banks don't keep that much cash on-hand and she discovers even $15,000 is a lot of cash to carry around. The biggest problem though is that bank transactions create records and reports to the IRS. This part of the book was amusing as she tries to solve one problem only to have two more pop up.

Salinas is enraged Drea was able to fool him and steal money from him and he wants the assassin to kill Drea. The assassin is able to track the bank transactions and catches up with her, but he admires her ingenuity and intelligence and hasn't decided whether to kill her or not. The book takes an unexpected turn at this point and the rest of the book is quite different from the first part of the book.

This is Drea's story. She looks into herself during the course of this book and discovers she doesn't like what she sees. She has always taken the easier way out. Now she must remake herself and grow and change. She discovers money isn't the important thing in life. I enjoyed the journey she takes and the changes she makes to recreate herself.

We don't get to know the male lead very well in this book. That went along with his character and didn't bother me. What we do find out about him shows his strength of character and his ability to grow and change, too, as he realizes how much he loves Drea. His love for Drea is the single most important thing defining him.

Death Angel is not without flaws, but it's an interesting, unusual book and I recommend it. There is a paranormal aspect to this book and some reviews I've read didn't like that, but that didn't bother me even though I don't normally like paranormal mixed with my romance! I have given it a B+.

I want to remind everyone about Cry Wolf by Patricia Briggs, too, which will be released on July 29. I mentioned it last month, but I'm very excited about it. I've pre-ordered it and can hardly wait to read it!

Before the Scandal: The Notorious Gentlemen

• By Suzanne Enoch
• Paperback released July 29
• Publisher--Avon
• "Colonel Phineas Bromley is a legend—on the battlefield and in the bedroom. Though he's won many wars, and even more hearts, nothing could prepare him for his new life. When Phin discovers that someone has been pushing his family toward ruin, he assumes the role of a legendary highwayman. Riding out in the middle of the night, hidden behind a mask, Phin heads straight into trouble . . . and into the arms of the ravishing girl next door."
• Historical Romance--After the Kiss, the first book in this series, was released at the end of June. Suzanne Enoch is a favorite author.

Countdown

• By Michelle Maddox
• Paperback released July 29
• Publisher--Love Spell
• "Kira Jordan wakes up in a pitch-black room, handcuffed to a metal wall. She has 60 seconds to figure out how to escape. Thus begins a vicious game where to lose is to die."
• A Shomi book--speculative romance (which can mean fantasy, science fiction, paranormal). I've enjoyed several others of the Shomi imprint and this book sounds exciting.

Breaking Dawn

• By Stephenie Meyer
• Twilight Saga, Book 4
• Hardcover released August 2
• Publisher--Little, Brown Young Readers
• Young Adult--this is the final book in this best selling vampire series. I stumbled upon this series when the first book came out and have enjoyed them.
• The movie Twilight (from the first book) will be released December 12, 2008.

Gale Force

• By Rachel Caine
• Weather Warden, Book 7
• Paperback released Aug 5
• Publisher--Roc
• "Weather Warden Joanne Baldwin is on vacation when her Djinn lover, David, asks Joanne to marry him. She’s thrilled to say yes, even if some others may be less than happy about it. Unfortunately, Joanne’s pre-marital bliss is ended by a devastating earthquake in Florida. And she can’t ask David and his kind for assistance. Because the cause of the quake is unlike anything Joanne has ever encountered—and a power even the Djinn cannot perceive."
• Fantasy--I've enjoyed this series (though I need to read a couple books to catch up). They have an original concept (especially when they were first written).

When Twilight Burns

• By Colleen Gleason
• Gardella Vampire Chronicles, Book 4
• Paperback released Aug 5
• Publisher--Signet
• "After narrowly escaping Rome with her mortality, vampire hunter Lady Victoria Gardella Grantworth de Lacey returns to London—where not even sunrise can stop a vampire’s carnage. Not only is Victoria unable to detect the vampire with her heightened senses, but she’s being framed as the prime suspect behind the killings."
• Fantasy set in Regency England. I've read the other books in this series and really enjoyed them.

Bitten to Death

• By Jennifer Rardin
• A Jaz Parks Novel, Book 4
• Trade Paperback on sale August 12
• Publisher--Orbit
• "Jaz Parks and her vampire boss, Vayl, have already fought demons, vampires, and reavers. Now, juggling work and family takes on a new dimension as she tackles her latest challenge: nail the Raptor before he can reduce her to Jaz-bits, survive a head-on crash with Vayl’s violent past, and lever her twin’s military career back on track before a dishonorable discharge ruins his life. To top it off, she must also contend with her father’s issues. Is he losing his mind? Or is someone really trying to kill him--from beyond the grave?"
• I haven't read the first books in this series, but this book and the entire series looks interesting--about a vampire assassin (Vayl) and his assistant (Jaz Parks).

The Book of Scandal

• By Julia London
• Book 1, Scandal Series
• Paperback released Aug 19
• Publisher--Pocket
• "Nathan Grey, the Earl of Lindsey, is infamously known as the Libertine of Lindsey for his scandalous ways with women. But when he hears gossip that his estranged wife, Evelyn, is about to be named in The Book of Scandal, he has no choice but to remove her from London to protect her and himself from charges of treason -- even if it calls for abduction."
• Historical Romance--a new series by a favorite best selling author.

Wanderlust

• By Ann Aguirre
• The Jax series, Book 2
• Paperback released August 26
• Publisher--Ace
• "Broke and unemployed, “Jumper” Sirantha Jax accepts a diplomatic mission for the government—only to find herself up against Syndicate criminals, man-eating aliens, and her own grimspaceweakened body."
• Science Fiction Romance--the first book in this series was published in January of this year and was enjoyable and unique.

Pure Blood

• By Caitlin Kittredge
• Nocturne City, Book 2
• Paperback released Aug 26
• Publisher--St. Martin's Paperbacks
• "In the shadows of Nocturne City, witches lurk and demons prowl, and homicide detective Luna Wilder must keep the peace—while living life as a werewolf. Now bodies are turning up all over town, the brutal murders linked by a cryptic message: We see with empty eyes…To make matters worse for Luna, she can’t get wolfishly handsome Dmitri Sandovsky out of her mind. The last time he helped her with a case, Dmitri suffered a demon bite that infected him with a mysterious illness…and now his pack elders have forbidden him from associating with Luna."
• Urban Fantasy--I enjoyed the first book in this series and look forward to this one.

Legacy

• By Jeanne C. Stein
• Anna Strong Vampire Chronicles, Book 4
• Paperback August 26
• Publisher--Ace
• "Anna has struggled to adapt to her supernatural status while clinging to the vestiges of her humanity. Now she must deal with her legacy. The sinister vampire who transformed her is dead, and Anna is entitled to his vast fortune. But a predatory werewolf comes forward, claiming the inheritance as her own—and she’ll kill to get what she wants most: blood and money."
• Urban Fantasy--I've enjoyed this series and look forward to this latest book.

Skinny Dipping by Connie Brockway was a delight to read. My husband has cousins who have a cabin on a lake in Wisconsin so I could certainly relate to this book.

Members of Mimi's family have jointly owned a cabin on a lake in Minnesota for several generations, but lakefront property has become a valueable commodity and progress and change is coming even to Mimi's small, placid lake. Huge vacation homes are being built around this lake--what Mimi calls McMansions. The one built next door to Chez Ducky, however, is the one she and her family heap most scorn on. They call it Prescott's Erection after its owner. Prescott Tierney is a young socially inept computer genius who invented a web application. He has a crush on Mimi and has created an entirely fictional story around her. He and his father Joe have a strained and distant relationship. At the beginning of the book Joe is on his way to see Prescott for an obligatory visit after an obligatory inviation from Prescott.

Mimi is a great character--she has managed to shirk responsibilities her entire life(!), but she is also so much fun. She manages to ignore the fact that some members of her family want to sell Chez Ducky and that she is perhaps the only person who could stop the sale. She doesn't want to take responsibility so she ignores it.

Joe Tierney, on the other hand, is super responsible and it would seem Mimi and Joe are completely incompatible. However, they both grow and change druing the course of the book and meet in a middle ground.

The book is written with humor and wonderful description and dialogue. Mimi and Joe's first meeting is under hilarious circumstances. Mimi has been skinny dipping (during the day with many family and friends on-shore). When she tries to retrieve her swimsuit she discovers it must have fallen into the lake. She swims ashore where she can sneak through the woods to try to make it to her cabin. Joe's rental car has a flat tire which he is changing when he hears something coming through the brush:

He quietly bent lower and peered under the car.

On the other side was a pair of dirty, sand-encrusted, scratched, feminine feet....They shuffled a bit, and Joe heard his car door open. Joe...stood up. "May I..."

A naked female was on her knees on the front seat of the car, dripping mud and gunk all over it. Weeds caped her shoulders, and twigs and leaves stuck out of curly dark pigtails. Mud caked her from elbow to ankle. For an instant she froze, a pair of wide, startled eyes gleaming up at him through a tangle of wet, dank hair.

"Jesus Christ," Joe whispered. "A Wolf Girl."

Whoever it was jumped like she'd been hit with a Taser, banging her head on the car roof. She grabbed the top of her head. "Holy Mother! Sonofabitch--"

That passage is classic. The book is at times funny, sad and serious and a great summer read. Mimi and Joe are both older characters. I loved the relationship which develops between the two of them. It takes time for them and isn't easy, but it is definitely a believeable romance.

I felt the book was more women's fiction than romance--and I was charmed by the writing, the setting and the characters. The overall message in this book is one I can really relate to also. The lakes in both Wisconsin and Minnesota are being ringed by bigger and bigger homes. The charms of many of these lakes are lost and the peace, quiet and tranquility are nowhere to be found.

Blue Smoke and Murder is the third book in the St. Kilda Consulting series (The Wrong Hostage and Innocent as Sin are the first two books). I haven't read either of those books, but Blue Smoke and Murder is a stand-alone book even though characters from this book were probably main characters in the first two books. I've read many books by Elizabeth Lowell--including other romantic suspense. Her writing is smooth and assured and she's one of my favorite authors.

The two main characters--Jill Breck and Zach Balfour--were the best part of the book. Jill is a fiercely independent woman who was raised by her mother and her great aunt. Zach is a strong enough individual in his own right that he isn't threatened by Jill's independence.

The book was a great summer read--just enough suspense along with some nice romance. However, the ending felt rushed to me and I'm not sure Jill and Zach had spent enough time together for a "happily ever after." I felt they were at the beginning of a relationship which might or might not work out, but was fun for now. I like them and the book enough that was okay with me!

I enjoyed the plot about the art world and Western art in particular. I've always liked Reminington and Russell paintings so it was fun to learn a little more about them. The cynacism of collectors collecting not because they like or understand the art certainly rang true. The suspense part of the story was good.

The book is not deep, but the "good guys" win and that makes it a good summer read for me! I liked the book enough I will search for the first two books and read them. I give this one a B.

The Summoning

• By Kelley Armstrong
• Darkest Powers, Book 1
• Hardcover released July 1
• Publisher--HarperCollins
• New YA urban fantasy trilogy set in the same universe as the Otherworld series
• "All I wanted was to make friends, meet boys, and keep on being ordinary. I don't even know what that means anymore. It all started on the day that I saw my first ghost—and the ghost saw me."
• Bitten, the first book in the Otherworld series is one of my favorite books.

The Night Bird

• by Catherine Asaro
• Lost Continent series
• Trade Paperback released July 1
• Publisher--Luna Books
• Fantasy
• "Enter into an exhilarating world of magic, beauty and political unrest with the tale of a battle between duty—and desire …"
• I am a big fan of Catherine Asaro's Skolian Empire books. This book sounds interesting and is definitely worth a look.

My Lord and Spymaster

• By Joanna Bourne
• Paperback released July 1
• Publisher--Berkley
• Historical Romance taking place in Regency England
• "After her father is wrongly accused of selling secrets to Napoleon, lovely Jess Whitby infiltrates the London underworld for the real traitor."
• I loved The Spymaster's Lady published earlier this year so I'm eager to get my hands on this book!

A Royal Pain

• by Rhys Bowen
• Hardback released July 1
• Publisher--Berkley
• Second in a lighthearted historical mystery series taking place in England about 1930.
• "Georgie, aka Lady Victoria Georgiana Charlotte Eugenie, cousin of King George V of England, is penniless and trying to survive on her own as an ordinary person in London in 1932."
• The first book in this series--Her Royal Spyness--published last year was one of my favorite books from last year.

Death Angel

• By Linda Howard
• Hardcover released July 1
• Publisher--Ballantine Books
• Romantic Suspense
• "...second chances, unexpected romance, and unrelenting action combine into a riveting new novel of suspense. In Death Angel, bad girls can wake up and trust their hearts, bad guys can fight for what’s right . . . and dying just might be the only way to change one’s life."
• Linda Howard is always one of my favorite authors.

Hidden

• by Eve Kenin
• Released in July (however, it is already available at Amazon)
• Shomi Action Romance
• Publisher--Love Spell
• "Tatiana has honed her genetic gifts to perfection. She can withstand the subzero temperatures of the Northern Waste, read somebody's mind with the briefest touch, and slice through bone with her bare hands. Which makes her one badass chick, all right."
• I enjoyed Eve Kenin's book (Driven) last year and look forward to reading more in this universe. (Eve Kenin also writes under the name Eve Silver.)

The Time Paradox

• by Eoin Colfer
• Artemis Fowl, Book #6
• Hardcover released July 15
• Publisher--Hyperion for Children
• "Artemis's mother has contracted a deadly disease -- and the only cure lies in the brain fluid of African lemurs. Unfortunately, Artemis himself was responsible for making the lemurs extinct five years ago. Now he must enlist the aid of his fairy friends to travel back in time and save them. Not only that, but he must face his deadliest foe yet...his younger self."
• This series is a favorite of my husband and several of my children.

Never Romance a Rake

• By Liz Carlyle
• Third in trilogy (First two are: Never Lie to a Lady and Never Deceive a Duke)
• Paperback released July 22
• Publisher--Pocket Books
• Historical Romance--Liz Carlyle is one of my favorite romance authors.

Cry Wolf

• by Patricia Briggs
• Alpha & Omega Series, Book 1
• Paperback released July 29
• Publisher--Ace
• Urban Fantasy
• "Anna never knew werewolves existed until the night she survived a violent attack…and became one herself. After three years at the bottom of the pack, she’d learned to keep her head down and never, ever trust dominant males. But Anna is that rarest kind of werewolf: an Omega. And one of the most powerful werewolves in the country will recognize her value as a pack member—and as his mate."
• Anna and Charles first appeared in a novella in the anthology On the Prowl. This is set in the same world as Patricia Briggs' Mercy Thompson series which is one of my favorite series.

Shades of Dark

• by Linnea Sinclair
• Sequel to Gabriel's Ghost
• Paperback released Jul 29
• Publisher--Bantam
• "Before her court-martial, Captain Chasidah “Chaz” Bergren was the pride of the Sixth Fleet. Now she’s a fugitive from the “justice” of a corrupt Empire. Along with her lover, the former monk, mercenary, and telepath Gabriel Ross Sullivan, Chaz hoped to leave the past light-years behind—until the news of her brother Thad’s arrest and upcoming execution for treason."
• Gabriel's Ghost is one of my favorite science fiction romance books.

Delicious

• by Sherry Thomas
• Paperback released July 29
• Publisher--Bantam
• Historical Romance
• "Famous in Paris, infamous in London, Verity Durant is as well-known for her mouthwatering cuisine as for her scandalous love life. But that’s the least of the surprises awaiting her new employer when he arrives at the estate of Fairleigh Park following the unexpected death of his brother."
• I loved the first Sherry Thomas (Private Arrangements ) book and am looking forward to this book.

Westland, Michigan

June 21

Paperbacks-n-Things

2-4 pm

8044 Wayne Road
(734) 522-8018

And onto the contest...

The blog review contest I did for Through the Veil went pretty well. I think it generated some interest and hopefully caught the interest of some new readers. Soooooo I'm going to do it again with The Missing.

From the contest for Through the Veil...

I don't get too many ARCs so I do kind of want your promise to do the review. I know life sometimes happens, and hey, that's cool. But if you think you're likely to just add the book to your TBR pile, I'd ask that you not enter. If you don't like writing reviews on books you didn't care for, I'd ask that you not enter.

I do want an honest review, whether you love it or not. However there's a chance you might not like the book and I want a review whether you like it or not... *G* the power of word of mouth. Some people only review books they like, that's absolutely fine...but again, I want an honest review, love it or hate it.

Since I only get a limited number of these things, I want to make sure they are being put to the best use possible. If this contest goes well, I may continue to do it in the future, with both ebooks and print books.

So did I make that complicated enough? ;-)

Basically, the contest rules are this:

• You must have an established blog. Established as in being used prior to this post, and on a fairly regular basis.
• You agree to post an honest review of the book on your blog. Honest=as in your thoughts, whether you like it or not.

So...there's that.

Blurb for The Missing

From a bestselling author whose stories are “exhilarating [and] action-packed”* comes a sinfully sexy novel of romantic suspense about a woman whose psychic gift drives away the man she loves—and years later draws him back to her…

LOVE LOST

As a teenager, Taige Branch was able to do things with her psychic gift that others couldn’t understand—except for Cullen Morgan, the boy her stole her heart. He did his best to accept her abilities, until his mother was brutally murdered—and he couldn’t forgive Taige for not preventing her death.

PASSION FOUND

Now a widowed father, Cullen Morgan has never forgotten Taige. But what brings her back into his life is another tragic event. His beloved little girl has been kidnapped, and Taige is his only hope of finding her.

A LOVE THAT NEVER DIED

Working together against the clock, Cullen and Taige can’t help but wonder whether—if they find his daughter in time—it isn’t too late for the overpowering love that still burns between them…

______________________________________

So.... here are the rules for this one. All you have to do to enter the contest is have an established blog (yes, blogs on Myspace are fine) and be willing to post the review, good or bad, either the last two weeks of October or the first week of November. With new releases, getting the buzz out right around release time is very important, from a writer's standpoint (of course, a buzz is wonderful at any time, but right around release time...good stuff for an author).

As long as you have a blog and are willing to post an honest review, you can enter. However, I get a very limited quantity of ARCs. Because of this, if you aren't willing to guarantee you can have the review posted during the stated time frame, I do ask that you not enter the contest. I know sometimes things come up, emergencies and such, but since I only have limited number of ARCs, I want to put them into the hands of those who are willingly to help me generate the buzz I'm looking for.

So...

• You'll give an honest review
• You'll post the review sometime during the last two weeks of October or first week of November
• You have an established blog

If that's you...and you're interested...email me @ shilohwalker(at)gmail.com with Blog/Missing Review Contest in the subject line. Please include your blog address in the body of the email. I do expect to get the ARCs sometime fairly soon and once I get them, I'll get the winning names drawn and I'll contact them directly. FYI, yes, you can enter even if you won one of the ARCs from the previous contest, provided the review for Through the Veil was posted during the specified time frame.

Contest will remain open for the next few weeks!  Thank you!

Please do not post this contest to sweepstakes sites.

“I think mine cuts the b.s. pretty well. You'll find it very realistic."
Check it out online.
Submitted by Noah Reilly, author

Hey all you gay die-hard romantics, buy and read this book and let me know what you think.

P.S. And remember to support one of your own so that we can see gay & lesbian authors on main stream bookshelves all across America!

For more info on Noah Reilly and his novel please click on Gay Romance Novel!

Blue Smoke and Murder

• By Elizabeth Lowell
• Hardcover released May 27
• Publisher--William Morrow
• From author website: "Jill Breck was just doing her job as a river guide when she saved the life of Lane Faroe, son of two of St. Kilda's Consulting's premier operators. But when a string of ominous events—including a mysterious fire that kills her great aunt and a furor in the Western art world raised by a dozen Breck family paintings—culminate in a threat to her life, Jill reluctantly calls in a favor."
• Romantic suspense--I've read so many great books by Elizabeth Lowell through the years.

June's books--lots of great sounding books!

Moonstruck

• By Susan Grant
• Borderlands, Book 1
• Paperback released June 1 (though this book is already available)
• Publisher--HQN Books
• From the author's website: "...Coalition starship admiral Brit Bandar is one tough woman. A mere intergalactic treaty could never get her to trust the Drakken Horde. There was too much bad blood between the Coalition and the Horde and, for intensely personal reasons, Brit wasn’t sure that she was through spilling it! But now a peaceful accord has made Finn Rorkken, a notorious Drakken rogue, second-in command on her starship – and through some grand cosmic irony – front and center in her thoughts…and her heart.
• Science fiction romance--I've read some good books by Susan Grant.

Feast of Fools

• By Rachel Caine
• Morganville Vampires, Book 4
• Paperback released June 3
• Publisher--Signet
• From author website : "Think Amelie is scary? Meet her dad, the terrifying vampire Mr. Bishop. What does he want -- and what will Amelie do about it? Claire's caught in the middle, along with her friends and even her parents, as Morganville's fragile alliance between humans and vampires starts to fracture. Soon, everyone will have to choose a companion for the Feast of Fools ... and a side."
• Young Adult vampire series about Claire Danvers--one of my favorite vampire series.

Valor's Trial

• By Tanya Huff
• Confederation Novel, Book 4
• Hardcover released June 3
• Publisher--Daw
• Book description from Amazon: "Gunnery Sergeant Torin Kerr is a Confederation Marine’s marine. She’s survived more deadly encounters—and kept more of her officers and enlistees alive—than anyone in the Corps. Unexpectedly pulled from battle, Torin finds herself in an underground POW camp that shouldn’t exist, where her fellow marine prisoners seem to have lost all will to escape. Now, Torin must fight her way not only out of the prison but also past the growing compulsion to sit down and give up—not realizing that her escape could mean the end of the war…"
• Military science fiction--I've read a number of Tanya Huff's science fiction and fantasy including the excellent Blood Books series.

A Rake's Guide to Seduction

• By Caroline Linden
• Paperback released June 3
• Publisher--Zebra
• From author's website: "Anthony Hamilton is the most scandalous man in London, a gambler, a fortune hunter, an infamous rake. Celia Reece is sure he's never had one thought of her, except as his friend David's younger sister. Who would ever guess she's the only woman he's ever loved…and can never have…"
• Historical romance--I've read a number of good books by Caroline Linden.

Murder on Bank Street

• By Victoria Thompson
• Gaslight Mystery, 10th in series
• Hardcover released June 3
• Publisher--Berkley
• Historical (about 1900, New York City) mystery series about Sarah Brandt, a midwife, and Frank Malloy, a police detective.

After the Kiss: The Notorious Gentlemen

• By Suzanne Enoch
• #1
• Paperback released June 24
• Publisher--Avon Books
• Book description from Amazon: "Sullivan Waring wants only two things: his rightful inheritance, and revenge against the man who stole it from him. By day, Sullivan is the most respected horse breeder in England; by night, he plunders the ton's most opulent homes to reclaim his late mother's beautiful paintings. His quest is going swimmingly . . . until the night he's discovered by Lady Isabel Chalsey."
• Historical romance--Suzanne Enoch is one of my favorite romance authors.

Duchess by Night

• By Eloisa James
• Book 3, Desperate Duchesses series
• Paperback released June 24
• Publisher--Avon Books
• From the author website : "Harriet’s in a rut. And she’s beginning to long for something altogether different. It’s time for a complete change of pace – she will throw off her widow’s weeds and escape…to the famously dissolute house party held at Lord Strange’s country estate..."
• Historical romance--Eloisa James' is one of my favorite historical romances authors

Hawkspar: A Novel of Korre

• By Holly Lisle
• Hardcover released June 24
• Publisher--Tor Books
• From author website : "A young Tonk woman stolen from her family as a child and raised as a slave in the far-away Ossalene Citadel is given the choice--be free and be nothing, or give up every hope and dream you had, give up everything you cherished, give up your own life, and fight to save what remains of the people who were once yours--people you don't know and may never live to meet. More than anyone imagines rests on her choice."
• I read the first in this series--Talyn--and enjoyed it a lot. Holly Lisle is one of my favorite sci fi/fantasy authors and I like this cover!

The Iron Hunt

• By Marjorie M. Liu
• Book 1, Hunter Kiss series
• Publisher--Ace Books
• Paperback released June 24
• Blurb from author website :"Living tattoos: demons of the flesh, turned into flesh, the only family demon hunter Maxine Kiss has ever known. The only way to live—and the very way she’ll die."

It's only been a month since single mom Cassie Burke unexpectedly became the hottest demon killer in town-and already there's a price on her head and a website calling for her murder.

Then a sizzling hunk of a faery shows up on her porch in need of protection. Cassie's happy to help because, after all, he is an expert love slave. Plus, he gets along great with her teenage daughter-a heroic feat in itself.

After a few not-quite-chaste nights, Cassie knows why Queen Vanessa wants him back so badly-and why she's planning an all-out attack on her. Suddenly Cassie's wondering if she can fend off an entire city of demons-and if a little faery tail is even worth it...

I really, really, really like that cover.

* Book Read: Test of Time
* Author: Jayne Ann Krentz
* Originally published as Harlequin Temptation #177
* Copyright: 1987
* Genre: Contemporary Romance

Test of Time is one of Jayne Ann Krentz's earlier books. Her books are a comfort read for me and whenever I find them at a used bookstore or book sale I buy them. Occasionally the books are also reissued. I bought this at a library sale awhile ago. Many of these earlier books were series romances written in the 1980's. She does a good job of presenting a quick and enjoyable story.

Garrett Coltrane is a typical Krentz alpha hero. He's a former rodeo star who came from a broken home. He became a successful and wealthy businessman with a farm and ranch management consulting business. As the book opens he has married Katy Randall whom he knew when he was a very young man working for her father. Katy was a young teenager at that time. She is now 28 years old and Garrett knows their marriage was a sensible decision.

On some gut level Garrett had known instantly that the grown-up version of Katy Randall would suit him perfectly as a wife. He had briefly tried to analyze his certainty and had come to the conclusion that it was all very simple. He had found himself an intelligent, sensible young woman who would fit right into his business and his life. She would be an asset to the consulting firm, and she would be comfortable with the kind of people he now saw socially.

Katy Randall comes from a wealthy background and has been her father's breed manager for the family's Arabian horse business for a number of years. Katy is thrilled to marry Garrett. She liked him when he worked for her father and quickly fell in love with him when he visits her father's stud farm years later.

...Katy had been sure all along that he was capable of great depth of feeling. Just because he could not or would not talk about his feelings did not mean he was unemotional. Katy had been sure of her analysis, sure that deep down Garrett loved her in his own strong, silent way.

This sets up conflict from the very beginning--Katy is in love with Garrett and thinks he is in love with her even though he has never told her that. Garrett views Katy as a sensible woman:

Calm, quiet, serene, gentle, intelligent, comfortable. Those were all the adjectives that came to mind whenever he thought of Katy.

The reader quickly sees this is a train wreck waiting to happen! Krentz builds her story around the lack of communication between these two people and the fact they both expect something different from each other. They don't know each other very well before they are married.

Garrett is amazed when he discovers just how much he has misjudged Katy. She's devistated when she sees he doesn't lover her and doesn't even believe in love.

"The problem is that you don't love me."

"Katy, I don't know what's gotten into you. You're not making much sense. Nothing has changed between us since yesterday or last week or last month, for that matter. Everything is going just as we planned. I feel the same way about you as I did when I asked you to marry me."

"I know." Her voice was laced with disgust.

"Then why in hell are you so upset?" He sounded honestly confused.

"It's my fault," she said starkly. "I'm to blame. I misjudged you, your feelings and the whole situation. I thought you loved me. Do you hear me? I was stupid enough to think you loved me. I thought the only problem," she added scathingly, "was that you were the strong, silent type. Isn't that a joke?"

"Calm down, honey. You're going to hurt yourself. Just take it easy." His voice was the familiar, soothing rumble he used to quiet a horse.

Katy shut her eyes in an agony of fury and humiliation. She swore bluntly, using a four-letter word she knew Garrett had never heard her use before in all the time he had known her.

...Garrett stared at her as if she'd taken leave of her senses.

The rest of the book deals with their coming to know and like each other. It deals with their growth--especially Garrett's since he's the one who has to change his attitude about love. Katy needs to forgive Garrett and learn what has made him the person he is.

The book has some external conflict as well as the internal conflict. The external conflict helps Garrett and Katy come together more quickly than they might have otherwise. Garrett demonstrates his trust for Katy as well as his concern when she is threatened. Katy also gives up her bitterness toward Garrett--well before the end of the book which was refreshing. This book doesn't have big misunderstandings which mar some books. Katy and Garrett learn to communicate and trust and ultimately thethird circle love each other.

A very satisfying read! Jayne Ann Krentz has a new book which came out within the last month. The Third Circle is written under her pen name Amanda Quick and is part of her Arcane Society novels.

*G* Can we say wow? (pssttt.... Emmy... behave)

Although I can't post anything new to the auction listing, I've decided to throw in an ARC of THE MISSING. This will be hand bound-and I won't be able to mail it for a while yet, but I promise, I'll get it to the winning bidder well before the release date in November. Most likely sometime in August-September.

So come on...lets see if there is anybody crazier than Emmy.

Click here to check out the auction...or bid... *G*

The current titles listed are...

The NEWEST titles added are...

ARC of Immortals: The Redeeming -signed-by Jennifer Ashley

No Free Lunch: Hal Spacejock -signed-by Simon Haynes

Riding Wild & Hunting the Demon-signed- by Jaci Burton

Already in the auction...

Signed copy of Private Places, historical romance anthology, not due out until 8/08 with stories by Robin Schone, Allyson James, Claudia Dain & Shiloh Walker

-The Perfect Ten, signed, donated by Janice Maynard

-The Legacy & bookmarks, signed, donated by Beth Williamson

-Hard as Nails, signed, *7/08 release* ARC donated by HelenKay Dimon

-Signed books donated by Rosemary Laurey-titles to be listed at a later date-

-Hunters: Heart and Soul, signed, by Shiloh Walker

-Hunting the Hunter, signed, by Shiloh Walker

-Hunter's Salvation, signed, by Shiloh Walker

On May-10-08 at 06:20:35 PDT, seller added the following information:

Recently added items include

Wild, Wild West-signed-donated by Charlene Teglia

Eternally His & Full Circle-both signed-donated by Ann Jacobs

Boys of Summer Series - Squeeze Play, Curveball & Strike Zone- signed-donated by Kate Angell

$50 Gift Card to Barnes & Noble donated by The Brown Literary Agency

You Belong to Me & On Fire-signed-donated by Patricia Sargeant

On May-11-08 at 13:16:40 PDT, seller added the following information:

Added 5/11

Books-signed-& goodies from Desiree Holt/Judith Rochelle

Ghost Touch & Prodigal Son-signed-by Mary Winter

Meet Your Mate-signed- & promo goodies by Donna Michaels

T-shirt & promo goodies from Selena Illyria

Hands On, Built & Nailed-signed-by Amie Stuart

Dark Hunger-signed-by Sara Reinke

Signed books from Devyn Quinn

Witch Fire & Witch Blood-signed- by Anya Bast

On May-11-08 at 13:22:35 PDT, seller added the following information:

*edited- Devyn Quinn's donations will include the titles Sins of the Flesh & Sins of the Night-signed-

On May-12-08 at 11:31:24 PDT, seller added the following information:

Riding the Storm-signed-by Sydney Croft

Sexy Devil-signed-by Sasha White

Cops and Cowboys, A Wish, A Kiss, A Dream, & Wicked Pleasure -signed-by Lora Leigh

Fire and Ice

• By Anne Stuart
• 5th and final book in the Ice series
• Paperback on sale May 1
• Romantic suspense
• I have enjoyed all the books in this series.

From Dead to Worse

• By Charlaine Harris
• Southern Vampire (Sookie Stackhouse) series, Book 8
• Hardcover on sale May 6
• Favorite author--I like all the books she has written, but this is probably my favorite series--I've pre-ordered the book!

The Host

• By Stephenie Meyer
• Hardcover on sale May 6
• Adult science fiction
• This book is by the author of the Twilight series (young adult vampire books--the next book in that series is out in August). This sounds like a very different book than her young adult series.

Romancing the Dead

• By Tate Hallaway
• Garnet Lacey, Book 3
• Urban fantasy--main character is a witch--add in vampires, Vatican witch hunters, the Goddess Lilith and it all makes for an entertaining series
• Trade paperback on sale May 6
• I liked the first book in this series

A Fatal Waltz: A Novel of Suspense

• By Tasha Alexander
• Book 3
• Hardcover on sale May 20
• Historical Mystery/Suspense set in Victorian England
• I read the first two books in this series last year and they were both among my favorite books from last year--I've pre-ordered this book!

Secrets of Surrender

• By Madeline Hunter
• Paperback on sale May 20
• Historical Romance
• I like Madeline Hunter's writing and am looking forward to this book

Your Scandalous Ways

• By Loretta Chase
• Paperback on sale May 27
• Historical Romance
• Loretta Chase is a favorite author--I've liked everything I've read by her

The Lost Duke of Wyndham

• By Julia Quinn
• Two Dukes of Wyndham, Book #1
• Paperback on sale May 27
• Historical Romance
• Julia Quinn is another favorite historical romance author

What books are you waiting for in May?