Book Review: The Shadow Queen

The Shadow Queen by Anne Bishop

Description: The people in Dena Nehele have been devastated by many bad Queens who have only been interested in what was good for them. They now need a Queen who knows how to do things properly and the war that has been going on there for decades has removed all of those.

So away they go to the Shadow Realm and ask for help. There Lady Cassidy, a Queen without a court, has been waiting for her place in life. She isn't the most beautiful or the most powerful but going to Dena Nehele may be the best thing for her and for the people there. If she agrees to go and be their Queen she will have to stand firm in what she believes in. Deal with a man who wants her so badly and yet has been abused in the past and isn't quite what she is used to. Can she do it?


Thoughts: Lately I have been reading quite a few books that when I got into them I enjoyed them. I don't know if Anne Bishop plans on writing another book that has to do with Dene Nahale or if this was a single book in the larger Black Jewels series but I enjoyed it and would but my vote in for another book.

Cassidy is a strong queen who has done what she needs to for the people (and solved some mysteries in the process). She may not have all the power but she does have willpower and a strong knowledge of what is right. It would also be fun to see how Gray progresses. At first he is a man child who has been hurt so badly he can't age. But upon meeting Cassidy he begins his progression into the man that he could be. We don't get to see this finished progression and it would be great to see where he goes from here.

The Black Jewel books can be a little confusing (which is why the needed glossary in the front is a life saver) but at the same time I think there is so much good stuff and imagination going on there in this complicated world - that it is worth spending the time to figure it out.

What genre would you consider this?
Paranormal/Fantasy

Overall:

The Well-Read Commuter Reviews When You Lie About Your Age, The Terrorists Win

When You Lie About Your Age, The Terrorists Win

By: Carol Leifer

What this book is about: Hollywood comedy fixture Carol Leifer faced a dilemma. She could either stop telling the story of the greatest experience of her life (seeing the Beatles at Shea Stadium) or lie about her age. Carol had always found that after finishing telling the story of singing along to every song that summer night in New York, it was followed with amazement by those that the story had just been told to and the comment “Wow, the Beatles!” However, by the late nineties the amazement was then followed with the less that amazing and slightly unsettling question, “The Beatles? God Carol, just how old are you?” Leifer then realized she could deny her authentic self, keep the story under wraps from now on and keep people guessing about her true age or continue to share the story of her night with the fab four from Liverpool. How she chose to face that dilemma and just about everything else that came her way follows in her third book.


Did you like it: In tough times good comedy can be both a gift and an escape. This book delivers both. Consider your passport stamped, as Leifer dishes on the demise of her marriage, discovering her inner lesbian, adopting seven dogs from animal shelters, calling out lazy feminists and surviving class reunions. Part advice, part biography and completely hilarious you will find yourself recommending it to all of the women in your life whether they are 31 or 71. Well written and a joy to read. I also loved the format of the book- subjects are presented in sixteen short chapters so it is the perfect book to throw in your purse and pull out whenever you are faced with a wait. However, the first two chapters were so hilarious that I read the entire book in one sitting. Being an avid Seinfeld and Larry David fan I was familiar with Leifer’s writing and straightforward sense of humor, but she outdid herself for this book.

Book Feature: The Nonesuch

Author: Georgette Heyer
Publisher: Sourcebooks
Publication Date: Original 1962 - Republished 2009
Price $13.99
Pages: 337
Description: Ancilla Trent is a woman who chaperones others. She is too old for marriage (at least according to society). She is assigned the duties of watching Tiffany Weld she is not looking forward to it as this girl is known to be difficult. Tiffany runs off leaving Ancilla to deal wit the scandal. Sir Waldo Hawkridge is a kind man who helps Ancilla deal with this horrible occurrence. And what they both learn is love can come at any age.

Book Feature: Frederica

Author: Georgette Heyer
Publisher: Sourcebooks
Publication Date: Original 1968 - Republished 2009
Price $13.95
Pages: 437
Description: Frederica brings her younger sisters to London in order for them to make an advantageous match. To do this though she needs the help of her distant cousin the Marquis of Alverstoke. Dispite Alverstokes concerns he can't help but listen to Frederica's compassion and straightforwardness and agree to help them. Before they know it there is danger for both of them.

Book Review: Sins of a Wicked Duke

Sins of a Wicked Duke by Sophie Jordan

Description: Fallon O'Rourke has fallen on hard times. Abandoned into a school where violence was taught as much as academics - she has grown into being an adult through sheer willpower. With the help of two of her friends that she met in that school she has prospered.

She now has a job working for the ton of society. Unfortunately a young woman who is attractive working leads to many problems. The young men can't keep their hands off of her. What is a girl to do?

Instead Fallon decides to become a boy and get a job as a young man - that should stop the problem. Little does she know that job will land her on the doorstep of Dominic Hale - a libertine Duke who is known for sleeping around. When she starts to work for Dominic, Fallon figures out the problem immediately - she is attracted to him. When he finds out who she really is can he keep his hands off of her? Or is she going to have to move on to another job?

Thoughts: This was a really fun romance. At first I was a bit surprised (I haven't seen a historical romance start in the way this one has - with a hot scene in a carriage involving our hero, heroine and two random women the hero has picked up). But honestly that only set the tone for the sort of man that Dominic was before he met Fallon.

Fallon can't help but change the man that she has fallen in love with. The real problem is - can he admit his own love for her. I am looking forward to reading Margauerite and Evie's books which will be coming soon.

What genre would you consider this?
Historical Romance

Overall:

Book Review: First Comes Marriage

First Comes Marriage by Mary Balogh

Description: Three sisters have lived in a small country village for most of their lives. They have sacrificed and done whatever they needed to after their father died and left them caring for their younger brother. When one day a rich Viscount comes to the village and tells them their brother is the heir to a fortune and that he is going to take him away. These sisters aren't going to let that happen - they are going with him.

So away they go to city life. But the women need to have a sponsor, they are in their 20's and ready to be released to society and for Viscount Lyngate there is no one appropriate out there. Then again he is ready to marry so why not marry one of these sisters.

Elliott can't help but be attracted to what many characterize as the least attractive sister - a widow who cared for a dieing husband. But the thing about her that is so attractive is her personality. She is witty and always putting him on his toes. Is he ready to let her be the wife that he needs? Can it be more then just a marriage of convenience - can it be a marriage filled with love?

Thoughts: I have loved some of Mary Balogh's books and not liked others. But this one I really enjoyed. I don't know if it was the foil of the cousin Con who you don't know if he is good or not. I don't know if it is the fun characters of Elliott - who feels responsibility with is title or Vanessa - who is so much more than just another widow looking for a husband. But something about it just kept me entertained.

I can't wait to see where this family goes next. The sisters are fun, the other charecters are fun, and there is just a lot going on where you can't wait to see what is around the corner. Things are not always what they appear to be in this family that is for sure.

What genre would you consider this?
Historical Romance

Overall:

Book Review: Once Upon a Valentine's

Once Upon a Valentine's by Holly Jacobs

Description: Carly Lewis had a bad breakup. It left her a single mother raising two children alone. Her ex is ok with only being peripherally involved - if it doesn't mess with his schedule. After years of supporting him to be left on her own is devastating. So the last thing Carly is looking for is a relationship. In walks Lieutenant Charles Jefferson. When a small mistake turns into something criminal Carly and Chuck are forced to spend a little more time together. And that blooms into a friendship and attraction. But Carly isn't willing to put down her walls quite yet. Instead Carly is going to focus on planning the Erie Elementary Valentine's dance. Is Chuck - Carly's valentine whether she is planning that or not?

Thoughts:
For a quick read and a fun romance this is a cute one. I actually wanted to go back and read the other books in the trilogy (and was disappointed that Andy doesn't seem to be getting his own story either). I love the fact that Carly was hurt and didn't want to open herself up - but she let herself be drawn in when she isn't looking - because I believe many times that is how it works.

So I would definitely recommend it to any Harlequin readers out there looking for a fun and flirty romance.

What genre would you consider this?
Romance

Overall:

Book Review: Smooth Talking Stranger

Smooth Talking Stranger by Lisa Kleypas

Description:Ella Varner grew up with a mother who put herself first always. So when Ella went out into the world she formed relationships with people that were very surface relationships - even with her boyfriend. She didn't want marriage, she didn't want children.

Then one day she wakes up and finds that she is the one that her family is counting on to take care of her sister's child while she gets herself better. The last thing Ella wants is to be left with a child - let alone deal with a man who left her sister alone and pregnant. If her sister is going to be the responsible one - she will find out who the man is and make sure he makes arrangements to take care of the child.

This leads Ella to Jack Travis. He says he isn't the babies father - but isn't that what they all say. When proof shows that he is telling the truth - Ella doesn't understand why he doesn't walk away. Instead he stays to help. Why? What does he want? Maybe he wants Ella.


Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book. Once I started reading this book I remembered that I had read a previous book in the series and enjoyed it as well. They both deal with families that love you, families or people that wrong you in some way and how sometimes what you think you want is really what you don't want at all.

In this case the main heroine doesn't want a certain type of romantic relationship because of how she grew up. She is the child that decided to love someone and be stable - and yet distancing herself from things that made her feel to deeply. But who can resist a child.

I loved the interaction between a woman who had no desire to have a child but when put in the situation couldn't help but love him. I know this wouldn't always be the case but for her who had put her other relationships in a holding pattern this was all she needed to recognize that she could open her heart and it may hurt - but is the good stuff worth the pain - definitely.

What genre would you consider this?
Romance

Overall:

Book Review: Along Came You

Along Came You by Karona Drummond - Illustrated by: Estelle Corke

Description: A book written to tell a child from mother to daughter how much life changed when they were born. In a fun way it explains all the things that they now get to do because there is a wonderful child in their life.

Thoughts: I loved this book. I can't wait to read this to my own child once they are born. The funniest thing I think about this book is that when I showed it to my husband for him to see how cute it is - he finished it and looked at me and said the only thing wrong in the book is there is no Daddy.

What genre would you consider this?
Children's Book

Overall:

Win a copy of In Over Her Head

This is is your chance to win a copy of In Over Her Head Do by Julie Fennell

Same rules apply as usual - Please comment below if you are interested. Be sure to include some way for me to contact you (if I can't find you I can't get you the book). One person will be drawn at random on June 15th so enter now!

This contest is eligible to those 18 years of age that are residents of the US and Canada. We will not be able to mail to P.O. Boxes. One entry per person.

All entries are due by June 15th - so enter now!

Guest Post: Judi Fennell

Judi Fennell Guest Blog, author of In Over Her Head

I love fairy tales, especially the Disney versions I grew up with. I love almost everything about them - the heroine in jeopardy, the (royal) guy who just has to save her, the villains, the action and adventure, the comeuppance and of course, the sidekicks.

So when it came time to put my own spin on the fairy tales (In Over Her Head was my twist on The Little Mermaid), I had to have the sidekicks.

Now, if your story takes place under the ocean, the sidekicks will have to be sea creatures.
And, of course, they have to talk.

The first sidekick to introduce himself to me, was Chumley Masticar. Chum, for short. Yes, I know, how silly was it to have a fish named Chum? The thing is, when I started writing this story, I didn't plan to write a humorous piece. But once you meet Reel, the hero, you'll see that I pretty much didn't have a choice.

Reel has an attitude. A swaggering, devil-may-care, life's-a-beach attitude and anything is fair game for him. His buddy needed to be able to keep up with him and not be a doormat.
Chum is that guy.

A remora (one of those fish you see stuck to sharks and manta rays and the occasional diver) who lost his sucker due to an unfortunate boat propeller incident, Chum has been loyal to Reel since the day Reel saved him from humiliating himself by having to beg for scraps from the lobsters. So when Reel gets called on the carpet, er, sand, for turning a Human, Chum is all about going along for the ride to make sure The Council gives Reel a fair hearing.

As for his posturing along the way? Well, when you're faced with a puffer fish who's overcompensating for his size, Chum is pretty fierce with his defense.

Another sidekick is Chipper, a young parrotfish with a dental problem. Chipper's out to prove himself and when he sees a Human in need of some help from a moray, the little guy zips right over to help. Never mind that he's been told time and again not to talk to strangers, he speaks moray, so he can help her out.

Our villain has to have her sidekicks of course, and since she's nasty, they have to be as well.
Sharks, by default of being sharks, are pretty nasty, but I think a more nasty-looking fish has got to be the barracuda. Have you seen their "teeth"? More like deadly spikes poking out from their bottom jaw, ready to turn your body parts into a sieve. *shudders

So, Ceto (the sea monster) has Mato and Rasgo.

If you speak Spanish, you'll recognize those words. Their verbs, actually, for "I kill" and "I tear" (as in lacerate). Needless to say, not two guys you'd want to meet in a dark tunnel... like our heroine, Erica, does.

Then there's the two pelicans, Amelia and Ernie, and Lancelot and Galahad, who transport Reel and Erica on their marlin-drawn chariot through the ocean. We've got talking starfish, chattering seahorses, the electric rays: Dufus One and Dufus Two as Reel likes to call them, whose real names are Bob and Ray-not much better... and a whole cast of characters on the ocean floor. Each one was a blast to get know, but also a hard act to follow when it came time to write the next books in the series.

I have to say, though, that after years of reading every Doctor Doolittle and Wizard of Oz book there is when I was a kid, my imagination is just peppered with talking animals, and what a tremendous pleasure to be able to introduce all of you to them throughout this series.
Here's one of my favorite passages from In Over Her Head:

"Surely this Council will understand? I mean, it was either that or let me die."

Chum cleared his throat. Which was another interesting thing to contemplate but she had enough on her shellfish plate as it was. "The Council wouldn't care if you'd died. Honestly, do you know how many Human idiots there are in the waters of the North Atlantic alone? Forget about the Great Barrier Reef. Why your kind ventures into that sharks' nest is beyond me. Talk about stupid. They should just dangle bait from their arms and be done with it. Then there's that whole shark-cage phenomenon-"

"Chum, if you don't mind, I'd like to stick to the subject," Reel said.

"Yeah, you're doing so well with that." Chum used his tail to scratch under his left pectoral fin.
"Look, Erica. Yes, I turned you when I shouldn't have. But it was either that or let you die."
"So you saved me to live on the bottom of the sea?"

"It was a split-second decision. I have to live with the ramifications as much as you do."

"Ramifications?"

Reel swiped a hand over his mouth.

"Who do you think is responsible for you now?" Chum pointed out. "Who has to keep you safe, teach you how to survive here? Provide you shelter? Teach you their ways so you'll be able to live among them because, trust me, you do not want to be an outcast in their world. All on the threat of death if he fails?"

"Do you mind?" Reel swam in front of the remora, the ripples from his kicks sending Chum tumbling to the other side of the room.

The ripples from his nudity sent her nerves tumbling around in her tummy.

"Look, Erica." His green eyes softened somewhat, and he had that glimmer of a grin starting. "I knew exactly what I was doing when I did it. Someone shot you. I couldn't let you die. It wasn't an option. So I did the one thing I could to protect you. I'm willing to deal with the fallout."

"Oh, God. Joey. I'd forgotten." She rubbed the sore spot on her head. "He threatened to shoot me."

"Looks like he succeeded," came the muttered grump from the far wall.
© Judi Fennell, Sourcebooks Casablanca, June 2009

Thanks so much for having me and I hope everyone enjoys In Over Her Head!

About The Author
Judi Fennell has had her nose in a book and her head in some celestial realm all her life, including those early years when her mom would exhort her to "get outside!" instead of watching Bewitched or I Dream of Jeannie on television. So she did--right into Dad's hammock with her Nancy Drew books.

These days she's more likely to have her nose in her laptop and her head (and the rest of her body) at her favorite bookstore, but she's still reading, whether it be her latest manuscript or friends' books.

A three-time finalist in online contests, Judi has enjoyed the reader feedback she's received and would love to hear what you think about her Mer series. Check out her website at www.JudiFennell.com for excerpts, reviews and fun pictures from reader and writer conferences, and the chance to "dive in" to her stories.

Contest
To celebrate the release of each of her books, Judi Fennell and the Atlantis Inn (www.AtlantisInn.com) and the Hibiscus House (www.HibiscusHouse.com) bed and breakfasts are raffling off three romantic beach getaway weekends. All information is on Judi's website, www.JudiFennell.com

Book Review: In Over Her Head!

In Over Her Head by Judi Fennell

Description: Erica Peck has always been a little afraid of the water - ever since an experience that she had as a child. But being part of a marina owning family means that Erica must get over her fears if she wants to be respected by her tough big brothers.

She thougth she found love with a fiance who was not what she expected. She learned quickly before any lasting damage was done. But that has left her heart a little hurt.

For Reel Tritone being the second son of a king who doesn't seem to have time for him is quite the burden. He has learned to rebel. And his favorite thing to do when rebelling - find Erica. He has been attracted to her since the first time he saw her. He isn't the traditional merman but he lives the life that has been assigned to him.

When Erica's life is endangered Reel does what any self respecting merman who loves a human would do. He breaks all the rules to save her. But that leads both of them down a path that means some hard decisions. Are these decisions something they can both live with?


Thoughts: This is done perfectly. I mean who can have a book about a mer-man and a woman finding romance without the twists that Judi Fennell includes in this book. It is one of those cross-species things that could be creepy (at least to me) but instead because of how it is done, you want to see the two of them get together.

I have to admit that I am not much of an underwater person (maybe it has to do with my own brush with a shark the first time I went snorkeling) but the world that is described in this book almost makes me want to give it another try. (Sorry I won't be because snorkeling and hyperventilating just doesnt' mix as I have learned.)

The world is beautiful and fun. And even the charecters you think you shouldn't like for whatever reason have redeemable qualities - much like the real world. How many people are truely evil - some but not them all!

This is a fun and different romance and I can't wait to see what is next in the trilogy.

What genre would you consider this?
Paranormal Romance

Overall:

Guest Post: Norm Applegate

Blood Bar, is a vampire tale.

Vampires don’t exist...yet, on the brownstone back alley side streets of New York, a vampire dies. Desperate, his lover turns to Kim Bennett, author Norm Applegate’s quintessential heroine whose passion for S&M led to celebrity status as a hell-and-back murder mystery sleuth who’s been there, done that, and then some. This time, Kim finds herself caught between a secret vampire society’s attempts to locate The Black Testament (a sacred document written by Jack the Ripper), the modern-day vampire hunters bent on their destruction, and a white knuckled journey of self-discovery that catapults her into the bowels of hell and the arms of the ultimate vampire.......courtesy of The Haven, New York’s ultimate BLOOD BAR.

Blood Bar is Norm Applegate’s third book, and visit his website at www.normanapplegate.com it’s stuffed full of links to horror sites, authors, actors, and just good stuff.

Title: Blood Bar
Author: Norman Applegate
Paperback: 324 pages
Publisher: BLACK BED SHEETS BOOKS (January 31, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 098225301X
ISBN-13: 978-0982253014
Available: Amazon.com and on the Kindle

When and why did you begin writing?
Started writing in the 90’s while traveling to sharing my experiences with my wife. But began my first novel, Into the Basement in the mid 90’s. It took me a couple of years to get into the daily habit of writing, and reading everything I could about developing a story, it took a while to find the zone

Always wanted to write a book, didn’t know how, thought it was beyond my capabilities, but while working in New Zealand it began. The hypnosis career changed my life, and realizing nothing is impossible, began writing short notes, tales, and just life experiences to my wife back in the States.

Do you have a specific writing style?
Yes, I have found my voice. I weave factual information into the plot. For instance, in Blood Bar, a vampire tale, the references, and murder descriptions to Jack the Ripper are all real, as are the unknown facts about the Brooklyn Bridge, did you know John Roebling the builder, died before the bridge was complete, tetanus, cut on something they believe, I think he was bit by a vampire.

How did you come up with the title?
Blood Bar, A Vampire Tale...what the hell is a blood bar? Sounds creepy, but intriguing. The premise for Blood Bar, was what would happen if you found out you were turning into a vampire. Where else to be initiated but a bar. So I built the plot around my murder mystery sleuth and heroine Kim Bennett, she’s in my first two novels, murder at a bar for vamps, gothic dressed men and woman, and your basic role playing vampires, however it’s fertile ground for picking up fresh meat...if you like that sort of thing. Are you going ask if blood bar exists, I can’t disclose that here for fear of being arrested...blushing sinfully. But let me show you what I mean about the Blood Bar, here’s an excerpt.

Excerpt:
Surrounded at the bar, Kim’s thoughts were focused as her eyes became fixed on the ring, until she caught Rose glancing toward her chest eager to see what would be revealed beneath the tight fabric of her sweater.
“I dare you.”
“Very well.” Kim knew what to do next.
“There.” She exposed her swaying breasts, felt the cool air against her rubbery nipples, and leering eyes all over her.
Rose’s voice broke her concentration, “It’s not too late to say uncle.”
“Then what?”
“Run in fear the rest of your life, always wondering what the blood bar is all about.”
“I don’t run.”
“Then I dare you not to flinch.”
“Test me,” Kim said, "Really test me."
Rose shook her head and smiled, “You know what you’ve become don’t you?”
“A donor...”
“Not just a donor, you are my property,” Rose said.
Everyone’s attention was diverted to the look on Kim’s face as her eyes shot open when she felt the cool metal press against her skin. Kim followed the blade as it shimmered in the light, and with a strong steady hand, Rose carved a slit under her right breast. Slowly their eyes met, a furnace burned in Kim's chest with searing pain, and biting her lower lip, drew blood as she felt the full hell of blood bubbling from the wound.
The moment the blade penetrated, separating the plumpness of her skin, Kim’s mind came to attention. She was so well conditioned in her role as a submissive that her body instantly released a flood of endorphins like an explosion of fireworks on the 4th of July.
"Cut me," Kim said, "Make me hurt."
From the wet wound, droplets of blood emerged, which became a watery trickling, then turned to the familiar gore red syrup which wormed its way over her ribs.
At that precise moment, Nicolai crossed the room and as swift as the wind and just as silent, he positioned himself at the far end of the bar. His ice blue eyes were hidden behind dark recesses until he raised his angular chin and in the obscurity of the room, he met Kim.
“Is it burning?” Rose lowered her head toward Kim’s breast.
“Hell yeah.”
“This will take it away.” Her lips made contact, receiving the gift and the room filled with the odor of warm sweet iron.
A fiery sensation ran through Kim’s veins. The emotion was overwhelming and cradling her head, Kim pulled Rose tight into her body. The urge to be bled peaked with a soaring pulse rate as Kim, panting for air, reached out and cupped her breasts. The heightened sexual frenzy of anticipation had Kim moaning with pleasure. She arched her back, felt a warming sensation run through her stomach, squeezed her thighs together until they throbbed and felt her face slowly flush sinfully.
Drugged from the embrace, Kim lazily looked down the long shiny length of the crowded bar. Lust was in the eyes of every man and woman watching Rose feed, and at the end of the bar Kim locked eyes with the vampire and couldn’t let go.
Nicolai smiled his approval, slowly nodded his head and felt the beast inside explore perverse thoughts. The two of them never lost eye contact, and while everyone was studying Rose, Nicolai studied Kim.
Seconds turned into minutes and felt like time stood still as Rose nourished. “I love the feeling of blood gushing down my throat,” she said. In her rapture, she was able to control the craving before draining Kim of too much life, and lifting her head up for air, she kissed her on the lips. Instinctively Kim responded.
Like in a drug induced state, Kim’s body began to shut down, the dizziness took over, her eyes began to close, then Rose placed Kim’s head on the bar. With her mouth open and thin drool seeping out, Kim’s half closed bedroom eyes remained fixed on Nicolai.
“I love you,” Rose whispered into her ear. “It’s all good, let yourself dream.”
Vibrant colors flashed before her eyes, feeling no pain and dancing to the thoughts of making love to the devil's thrashing as he rode her like a dog, she drifted in and out of reality.
Erin Roberts was working the floor, preparing drinks and watched the whole episode play out until distracted by Nicolai’s focus. Between the passion she felt for him and the embrace between the girls, Erin was more than curious about Kim.
As the evening wore on, Kim began emerging from her stupor, and stared into space for a moment thinking about all she had been through, and then she remembered where she was. She looked up, rubbed her eyes and watched the room slowly come into focus.
“That is as close to an orgasm I could ever have without actual sex,” Kim said with a sultry tone that brought a smile to Rose’s face.
“I missed you.”
Brushing her hand through Kim’s hair, Rose looked at her and smiled. It was the signal Kim needed; she reached over, kissed her on the lips and eased her tongue forward as she accepted the invitation of her open mouth.
“I feel really close to you right now,” said Rose.
“Hold me.”
“Your skin feels cool, you okay?” Rose asked.
“Yes,” Kim responded immediately, “I’ve been here before.”
What Kim was referring to was the bond that develops during an intense S&M edge play. The high experienced from this, combined with the mental submission of giving yourself to someone, is infatuating.
Rose smiled, “They call it a blood bond.”
“I like it,” Kim whispered.
Rose understood. She had found satisfaction in being both a donor and a consumer. “Still feel weak?”
Kim’s face had lost all color and Rose was right, she was weak. “Yeah, it’s a strange feeling.”
“Not your cup of tea?” Rose inquired.
“Contraire mademoiselle, give me a drink and I’ll go again."
“Now do you believe in blood bars?” Rose asked.
Before she answered, Kim realized all around her were groups of two, three and as many as five people feeding off one another. It was a decadent orgy of the most sinful kind. Strangers meeting at a hidden away bar to engage in blood play.
Kim looked peaceful, and turned to Rose, “I like this place.”

What are your current projects?
Just finished re-editing Into the Basement, was never happy with what my previous publisher did to it. Next is the screenplay to Basement, written by Nicholas Grabowsky and myself, we have a producer/distributer interested, and the movie is cast with Courtney Gains, then my next novel in the Kim Bennett series that I’m tentatively calling Black Sun Rising, is another vampire tale. You can go to www.intothebasementthemovie.com to read more about the cast, director J.L. Botelho, and see his trailer for Into the Basement...it’s wicked, prepare yourself, you don’t want little kids watching this, seriously don’t let your kids see this.

Blood Bar on Amazon.com

www.normanapplegate.com

Book Review: Blood Bar

Blood Bar by Norm Applegate

Description:Kim Bennett (who is featured in Applegate's other books as well) is a woman who is sure of herself. She is a madame who is into the S&M game and has recently delved into solving murders. When an acquaintance calls her and asks her to help because her lover - a vampire - was murdered, Kim runs to her side.

This takes her on an adventure that has Kim (and many others) looking for this vampire book - The Black Testament. The Black Testament was supposedly written by Jack the Ripper and has all sort of secrets in it. As far as Kim is concerned vampires don't really exist. So this is all some weird story. But as she gets deeper into the world Kim has to start to wonder. Maybe they do exist.

Thoughts: What a unique book. The theme of vampires is something I have read a lot about over the last few years and is something I enjoy - but I really have a hard time comparing this book to anything else that I have read. And that is a good thing. The heroine Kim isn't necessarily likable. She is a hard woman that has a past that has caused her to be the way she is. She likes sex -and she likes it the way she likes to have it (but mind you this book isn't about the sex though it is a theme that winds its way through the story).

But despite Kim not being a character I would want to be friends with the story has so much of a different twist to it that I just didn't mind. This isn't a story that I wanted to identify with. But the theme of it, the way it progresses still keeps me entertained.

I was curious how I would like a female main character in a book written by a man. In earlier posts I have written about how men writing from men perspectives are interesting and not something I see often enough (except with action books). I have heard some people mention that they think that women writing men can be off (and since I am a woman I can't say one way or another for sure). I think this book is written in a way that it is ok that a man is writing it - and in fact maybe gives it a refreshing outlook. This woman is hard on the outside. She has had to be. I wouldn't consider her feelings or emotions the same as a the generic woman's (mainly out of hope that no one has gone through the things she has). The writing style displays this more than anything else.

Applegate's first book Into the Basement is going to be a movie. And I definitely will take a look to see what I have missed by not reading that first book.

What genre would you consider this?
Paranormal

Overall:

Book Review: Cousin Kate

Cousin Kate by Georgette Heyer

Description: Kate Malvern has lost her job and has no where to go. Kate is a poor relation - saved by her aunt to stay at a rich mansion - Staplewood. There is so much going on behind the scenes at such a place - intrigue and secrets. Kate starts to wonder if more is going on here then meets the eye. The only one who can tell her anything is her cousin Philip. Is he willing to tell the secrets he knows the answers too - if it means saving Kate?

What Kate's aunt really wants is not to help Kate - but instead to get Kate to marry her son - Torquil. Torquil is definitely not Kate's type and instead has issues of his own.

Do Kate and Philip belong together?

Thoughts: I feel like I keep giving the same reviews. If you have loved the other books that I have reviewed by Georgette Heyer you will love this one too. I will say of the three that I have read this one is my least favorite - but it still is good. It just has some drier parts.

Heyer's heroines are traditionally likable and her heros are men that you just can't help but like. But I will warn you that this book has a bit of an underlying darkness which isn't in her other books. It doesn't make the story any less engaging - it just is an overarching theme.

What genre would you consider this?
Historical

Overall:

Author Interview with Cheryl Brooks, Author of the Cat Chronicles Series

Tell us a little about yourself.

I'm a nurse, romance writer, wife, mother, cook, gardener, all-around animal lover and hopeless romantic.

Where did you come up with the inspiration for your Cat Star Chronicles books?

A friend gave me a book about a woman who had to pose as a slave to a dominant male, and I thought it would be so much more fun if the man was the slave. That's where it began, but the series has grown with each book.

What question do you get asked the most about in regards to your books?

That would be question number two.



What prompted you to begin writing?

What I wanted to read just wasn't out there; I wanted books that were more erotic in tone, had strong, intelligent heroines, and heroes who weren't stereotypical alpha males. Unfortunately, while romance novel heroines have grown in strength in recent years, the heroes have changed very little; most are still dominant, arrogant, and always seem to be doctors, lawyers, or police officers. I began to question why romances were written about men like that and the only reason I could come up with was that it was an effort to convince romance readers that the dominant male would make a good partner. Well, I've seen enough failed marriages to know that they don't—at least, not for women with a more independent spirit. My efforts have been to make my heroes and heroines true partners in life and love, without either of them having to be submissive.

What is your favorite part about writing? Your least favorite part?

I love writing something and having the next line pop into my head without having to stop to think. My least favorite part is when that doesn't happen!

What are you working on next?

Right now, I'm working on the sixth book in the series, Hero, which was supposed to be the final installment. However, I was recently asked to continue the series for another three books, so I'm trying to come up with some new ideas.

If you couldn't be a writer (or have anything to do with writing) what do you think you would want to be?

I would like to be a really good rock guitarist.

Was there anything you wished I had asked you about that you couldn't wait to tell me?

Question:

What is your greatest claim to fame, Cheryl?

Answer:

I make a really terrific chocolate pie.

The Well-Read Commuter Reviews Obama’s Blackberry

Obama’s Blackberry

By Kasper Hauser

Obama’s Blackberry dares to pose the question, just what would have happened if after Barack Obama moved into the White House he had been allowed to keep his beloved Blackberry? According to the comedy company Kasper Hauser, President Obama would be getting Evites to Irian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s birthday parties, economic advice from Oprah, drunk dials from Ann Coulter and hilarity would definitely have ensued. If only the Secret Service had not required that the device be turned off and turned into them.

All fantasy, this book was an easy read and non-stop fun. I also could not help thinking that it would be a great gift for any political junkie in your life as no one was safe from this equal opportunity offender. The book was hip, irreverent and a delicious delight as it poked fun at the world we live in and stretched the personalities of the leaders on the world stage. I won’t spoil the punchlines, but the best texts/tweets/forwards were from Kim Jong-il, Prince Charles and Sarah Palin.

Book Review: Miranda's Big Mistake

Miranda's Big Mistake By Jill Mansell


Description: Miranda is a girl who only wants love. But she can't seem to find the right man for her. When she finds Greg - she thinks finally a man that is perfect for me. But instead what she finds is a man who just left his newly pregnant wife - and doesn't even tell Miranda about it. This is just the first in a variety of experiences with men that could leave any woman heartbroken.

Thoughts: It took me a little to get into this book. From the beginning I wanted Miranda to get together with Danny. But it was just mistake after mistake between them. And then with the whole Miranda/Greg/Chloe triangle - I wanted Miranda to find out so badly. But once she did the whole book started to move so much faster.

I love some books that are written in London and some I find to be hard to love because there are some differences in the cultures. But this book wasn't one of those books. This is a book about a woman who makes the wrong choices in relationships and when she isn't making the wrong choices fate steps in and does something unthinkable. Add to that everyone's propensity for miscommunication and you have someone who is just like us in that it takes a lot to find the right person for you.

What genre would you consider this?
Summer Read

Overall:

Book Feature: The Greatest Knight - The Unsung Story of the Queen's Champion

Author: Elizabeth Chadwick
Publication Date: September 2009
Pulisher: Sourcebooks Landmark
Pages: 560 pages
Price $14.99
Description: William Marshall saves the life of the Queen, Eleanor of Aquitaine. From being an obscure knight to being appointed as tutor to the heirs of the throne he becomes a favorite. There is much danger to being the favorite of fickle royalty. Add to that the enemies you create just by being a favorite and you will find many willing to take you down.