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Tuesday, August 18, 2009:
Spotlight: H - Linda Howard
The first story I ever read by Linda Howard was a short story in the anthology "Upon a Midnight Clear". The name of the story is "White Out", and it was my first experience with her particular style. What an initiation! When the heroine first meets the hero, he has come upon her cabin during a blizzard, and is in dire need of shelter. He's so cold, near frozen, and the heroine does what she must to help him survive. Quite memorable. The next book I read was "Now You See Her", about a gifted artist by the name of Paris Sweeney - who prefers Sweeney - who begins painting disturbing images. During this same time, she engages in an impulsive, intense affair with a millionaire. Oh, to be so lucky. Next up on my reading list turned out to be what I consider her crowning glory, "Mr. Perfect", by far my favorite of all her novels. Jaine and Sam are incredible together - laugh out loud funny, sexy, blunt, affectionate. This book is all that epitomizes the best of a Howard novel. I've read several LH books since then - "Dream Man", "Open Season", "All the Queen's Men" are just a few. Most were wonderful, some not so much. But they were all distinctly Linda Howard stories. I haven't read all of her stories. In fact there are quite a few I haven't read. Maybe someday I will. The last one I read, "Death Angel", stll had a glimpse of wha makes her books wonderful. It wasn't loved by all, but I found it quite enjoyable. There was something about that inevitable connection between the hero and heroine that resonated with me. Linda Howard is one of the authors I've never met, though I've seen her at RWA. But of course the line was always so long. She is one of the greats. What's your favorite Howard book? Most memorable scene? Labels: Linda Howard, spotlight
posted by Stacy~ at 8/18/2009 06:38:00 AM
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Tuesday, July 21, 2009:
Book alert: Ice by Linda Howard 11/09
’Tis the season for mistletoe and holly, Santa . . . and suspense. And the gift that keeps on giving is Ice: premier thriller author Linda Howard’s breathless tale of a man, a woman, and a battle for survival against an unforgiving winter–and an unrelenting killer. Oh what fun it is to read.
Gabriel McQueen has only just arrived home on holiday leave from the service when his county-sheriff father sends him back out again with new marching orders. A brewing ice storm, and a distant neighbor who’s fallen out of contact, have the local lawman concerned. So he enlists Gabriel to make the long haul to the middle of nowhere, and make sure Lolly Helton is safe and sound. It’s a trip the younger McQueen would rather not make given the bitter winter weather–and the icy conditions that have always existed between him and Lolly.
But there’s no talking back when your dad is the town’s top cop. And there’s no turning back when night falls just as Gabriel arrives–and discovers that the weather outside isn’t the only thing that’s frightful. Spotting strangers in Lolly’s home–one of them packing a weapon–is all it takes to kick Gabriel into combat mode. And his stealth training is all he needs to extract Lolly from the house without alerting her captors. But when the escape is discovered, the heat–and the hunt–are on. And the winter woods are nowhere to be once the ice storm touches down, dropping trees, blocking roads, and trapping the fleeing pair in the freezing dark.
I don't know about you, but this reminds me a little bit of my very first Linda, a short story called "White Out", a grand story with one very hawt, "let's share our body heat" scene. So looking forward to it. Who would you like to be stranded by a snowstorm with? Labels: Linda Howard
posted by Stacy~ at 7/21/2009 07:25:00 PM
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Monday, September 15, 2008:
Weekend reading....sort of
* Done reading * Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Pocket (September 1, 1997)
ISBN-10: 0671019716
ISBN-13: 978-0671019716 Roanna Davenport was raised a wealthy orphan on her grandmother's magnificent Alabama estate, Davencourt, where she had a passion for horses, a genius for trouble, and a deep love for her cousin, Webb. But everyone expected Webb to marry their ravishing cousin, Jessie. When he did, Roanna's desire became no more than the stuff of dreams -- until the night Jessie was found bludgeoned to death.
After the shocking murder of his wife, Webb left for Arizona, abandoning the legacy that he had once believed was all he wanted. But then an all-grown-up Roanna walked into a dingy bar in Nogales to bring him home; the mischievous sprite he had known ten years earlier was no more. Gone, too, was her fire. In its place was ice that melted at his touch. Webb is drawn back to Davencourt, to Roanna, and to the killer that once destroyed his life and waits only for the chance to finish the job....
When I was in San Fran this past summer for RWA, discussion turned to Linda Howard's books, and how beloved they were by so many readers. LeeAnn confessed to never having read anything by Howard (gasp!) so immediately my roomie Beth had to straighten her out about this lapse in her reading education. Several suggestions were made. One of them, "Shades of Twilight", was a book I myself hadn't yet read. Beth rhapsodized about the glory that is Webb & Roanna's love. So of course I felt compelled to discover it for myself. Let's just say I enjoyed the book, but it didn't quite capture the standard that I feel Howard can aspire to. Let me explain. I thought that the romance was solid, filled with intense emotion and a larger than life hero. The dynamic Davenport family provided the perfect foil for the dramatics going on in the family, especially those of the pampered princess Jessie, Webb's first wife. She was a nasty girl, in more ways than one, but the matriach of the family, Lucinda Davenport, doted on her. Webb wanted nothing more than to possess her as the queen of his empire. Poor Roanna was the ugly, unwanted, clumsy one, and Webb seemed to humor her more than anything else, amused by her obvious hero worship. All these elements come together for an enjoyable, suspenseful read. But Webb didn't wow me with his magnificence. That was probably the biggest issue. The hero fell short of my expectations. I wanted him to be so incredible that I would have wanted him for myself, and I didn't. One thing I didn't like was how Roanna was always so loyal to Webb, always taking his side, and when he was accused of killing his wife, instead of taking comfort in Roanna's support, he turned against her. Yeah, that really ticked me off. His reasoning for that didn't sit well with me. Another thing that kinda bothered me was that because Roanna was such a meek heroine, especially in the beginning, and overwhelmed with her love for Webb, he really pushed to have sex with her. Even though she wanted it, loved him so much she would have done anything for him, their first time left me feeling a little cold. Some readers don't care for Roanna's character, describing her as weak and dependent, but I actually found that to be part of her appeal. What, you ask? I'll tell you. She lost her parents at a young age, and just about everyone in her family made her feel unwanted, unloved. The only things she lived for were her horses and the rare moments she spent with Webb. She was yelled at, reprimanded, disapproved of at every turn. When Webb left after the death of his wife Jessie, it was Roanna that ended up taking over and running the business. It literally almost killed her to lose Webb, but she persevered and shut out everything in order to move on. Some may find that to be weak, but I found it to be an amazing undertaking on Roanna's part. I believe in the end she proved to be stronger than Webb or any other member of her family. Maybe her strength isn't obvious and in your face, but it's as real as her love of horses is. She ended up being my favorite character in the book because of it. I'm glad I read it, but by no means is it my favorite by Ms. Howard. I would still choose "Mr. Perfect", "Open Season", "Dream Man" and "Death Angel" over this one. Or how about her novella "White Out"? My first ever story by her. Now that's classic Linda Howard. Yum. Rating: ***1/2 out of *****
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Currently reading
* Mass Market Paperback: 416 pages
Publisher: Forever (June 20, 2008)
ISBN-10: 044640103X
ISBN-13: 978-0446401036 In a place where ecstasy can cost you your life . . . She's a demon-slayer who hungers for sensual pleasure-but fears it will always be denied her. Until Tayla Mancuso lands in a hospital run by demons in disguise, and the head doctor, Eidolon, makes her body burn with unslakable desire. But to prove her ultimate loyalty to her peers, she must betray the surgeon who saved her life. Two lovers will dare to risk all. Eidolon cannot resist this fiery, dangerous woman who fills him with both rage and passion. Not only is she his avowed enemy, but she could very well be the hunter who has been preying upon his people. Torn between his need for the truth and his quest to find his perfect mate before a horrific transformation claims him forever, Eidolon will dare the unthinkable-and let Tayla possess him, body and soul . . .
Maybe I'm PMS-ing, because it took me awhile (about 200 pages) before I could really get into this book. I admit that I'm not the biggest fan of paranormals, but I do enjoy them from time to time. I'm hoping this one grabs me and I end up really liking it in the end. I mean, this one has all the elements of a strong, sensual, intense world, with a kick-ass heroine and a sexy, earthy hero. Of course they are from two different worlds, and they totally hate each other. But that doesn't stop them from being overwhelmingly attracted to each other. Srsly, what's not to like? I'll let you know my verdict once I'm done. Ever not like a book everyone else was raving about? Labels: Larissa Ione, Linda Howard
posted by Stacy~ at 9/15/2008 05:58:00 AM
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Monday, September 08, 2008:
Pirates, Angels and Ladies - quickie reviews
Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Avon (April 1, 1998)
ISBN-10: 038079747X
ISBN-13: 978-0380797479
A Splendid Opportunity
A shipload of women—theirs for the taking! Pirate captain Gideon Horn couldn't be more delighted. His men are tired of wandering the high seas and want to settle down with wives on an uncharted island paradise. And the women will surely be grateful for rescue from the life of drudgery awaiting them in New South Wales… Lord, he's so clever!
A Splendid Passion
Married? To pirates? Sara Willis couldn't be more appalled. First she demands proper courting—at least a month. The darkly handsome pirate lord gives them a week. Then Sara insists the men vacate their huts for the women—Gideon demands her kisses in return. As the demands heat up, so do their passions—and soon Sara can't remember just why she's fighting the devilishly seductive captain so hard…
My first Sabrina Jeffries' book ever. I was "inspired' by Bella Julie to get a copy after a comment about a certain scene where the Pirate Lord takes matters in hand, so to speak. My interest was purely objective and clinical, I'm (so) sure. Anywayz, I did enjoy this book, and thought Gideon was a deliciously wicked pirate. I mourned for the little boy he was and appreciated the man he became. I could have stood for a bit more darkness and less perfection with how everything turned out so smoothly, but it was a fun read, and Atlantis Island sounded like the perfect paradise. I liked Sara's character a lot, especially her loyalty and determination to help the convict women on the ship to New South Wales. She didn't turn her back on them once her HEA was realized. Instead, it was such a intregal part of who she was. I was also fascinated by Ms. Jeffries' mention of St. Helena and Ascension Islands, and did a little research. It's one of those places you hope is never ruined by commercialism. Some things should be left untouched. Rating: **** out of ***** 
Hardcover: 352 pages
Publisher: Ballantine Books; 1 edition (July 1, 2008)
ISBN-10: 0345486544
ISBN-13: 978-0345486547 A striking beauty with a taste for diamonds and dangerous men, Drea Rousseau is more than content to be arm candy for Rafael Salinas, a notorious crime lord who deals with betrayal through quick and treacherous means: a bullet to the back of the head, a blade across the neck, an incendiary device beneath a car. Eager to break with Rafael, Drea makes a fateful decision and a desperate move, stealing a mountain of cash from the malicious killer. After all, an escape needs to be financed.Though Drea runs, Salinas knows she can’t hide–and he dispatches a cold-blooded assassin in hot pursuit, resulting in a tragic turn of events. Or does it?Left for dead, Drea miraculously returns to the realm of the living a changed woman. She’s no longer shallow and selfish, no longer steals or cheats or sells herself short. Both humbled and thrilled with this unexpected second chance, Drea embraces her new life. But in order to feel safe and sound–and stop nervously looking over her shoulder–she will need to take down those who marked her for death.Joining forces with the FBI, supplying vital inside information that only she can provide, Drea finds herself working with the most dangerous man she’s ever known. Yet the closer they get to danger, the more intense their feelings for each other become, and the more Drea realizes that the cost of her new life may be her life itself–as well as her heart. Leave it to Ms. Howard to jump-start me out of my reading slump. I devoured this book. She had me engrossed from the very first page, and though it wasn't as steamy hot as say, "Mr. Perfect", it was still a wonderfully sexy and intense story. It's also darker, lacking her trademark humor this time around, but no less enjoyable. One of the elements Ms. Howard does so well is to throw together two people who instantly and believably fall in love, despite the unlikely circumstances. This book is no exception. The hero and heroine here are virtual enemies, brought together when the assassin demands the heroine as payment for a hit. That should be wrong on so many levels, but instead it's handled in a way that sets events in quick motion, and it all comes together in a wonderful, intriguing way. There are subtle "paranormal" elements here that are so convincing that they actually have a strong hand in bringing the hero and heroine together in a very satisfying, compelling manner. The love between them is so elemental, so necessary, it's like breathing. It just goes to show that sometimes love is immediate, complete, and everlasting, and all it takes is just a moment in time. Maybe it's not easy, or sweet, or light-hearted, but it doesn't make it any less wonderful. I would definitely recommend this one, especially to Linda Howard fans. I don't think you'll be disappointed. Rating: ****1/2 out of ***** 
Paperback: 336 pages
Publisher: Berkley (September 2, 2008)
ISBN-10: 0425223248
ISBN-13: 978-0425223246 Harry Morant's tough, strong exterior hides a badly scarred heart. He's the natural son of an earl, and high-born ladies have only one use for him -- in the bedchamber. Now, after eight years at war, Harry's breeding racehorses and planning a practical, unemotional marriage. But when he buys a new estate, Harry's careful plans are threatened by an unexpected passion for -- of all things -- an earl's daughter. Lady Helen Freymore, otherwise known as Nell, is not interested. A lifetime of lies has brought Nell to the brink of ruin. Trapped by poverty and scandal, she trusts no man; she has her own secret quest of he heart. Harry's pursuit of her, however, is relentless. Forced into a marrage she never sought, she soon finds herself powerfully drawn to this masterful but gentle soldier. But as Christmas draws near, Nell's secret past threatens to shatter their newfound happiness... I learned about this book from RomanceNovel.tv, and knew I just had to get it. I even read it out of order, which surprisingly didn't bother me as much as I thought it would, though I do want to go back and read Gabe's story now. I adored Harry, and his instant attraction to the not-so-pretty Nell, only she was completely beautiful to him. Who wouldn't love a man who sees past the obvious outer package and finds the lovely soul inside? I think that is exactly what Harry does, and once he gets to know Nell, and the pain she hides, he cares for her even more. He may have "forced" her into marriage, but only because he knows that in addition to their attraction, the union makes sense on so many levels, and offers advantages that Nell doesn't have. And Nell. This poor woman suffered so much, and was almost completely alone in the world. To have anyone of worth like Harry notice her and not want to take advantage of her just doesn't make sense to her. Despite their obvious attraction and mutual love of horses, Nell feels that once Harry knows her secret, he won't want anything to do with her. But Harry is a good man, and he wants to take care of Nell, not because she's incapable of doing it herself, but because it's time she had someone she could rely on for a change. What a lovely pair these two make. Rating: ****1/2 out of ***** "Unleash Your Story" current page count: 1,035 pages. Goal: 2,500 pages Labels: Anne Gracie, Linda Howard, quickie reviews, Sabrina Jeffries
posted by Stacy~ at 9/08/2008 05:10:00 AM
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