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Wednesday, January 13, 2010:
Recommendations? Yes! Pressure? NO!

When I play online, there are several forums I tend to participate in. I have a sadly neglected MySpace page, a Facebook page that is nearly as abandoned at times, Twitter, GoodReads, blogs, and a variety of other networking places. Some I visit on a regular basis, while others get periodic attention. Half the time I delete Facebook or GoodReads recommendations without much thought unless it's from someone I know or from a source I keep an eye out for. I do try to give new authors a chance as well as support long-time favorites. But lately however I've started to get really irritated because I noticed that some of the recommendations are from repeat offenders. As in constant, persistent recommendations.

Now I know that new writers are out there trying to capture an audience for their books. I cannot blame them for that. Not only are they following their dream, but the majority of them most likely depend on this income to support themselves and perhaps a family. I respect that. However few things aggravate me more than people trying to shove something down your throat (not a word outta you, Katiebabs! *g* ) ; be it politics, musical taste, or purchasing a book.

What some people need to realize is that they are not making friends or fans. Instead they run the risk of repelling people, instead of attracting them. Now I know some of my Facebook "friends" are there strictly for the networking, and I accept that. But please, please, PLEASE stop recommending your book to me every 5 minutes! If I ignore your recommendations more than once, it's because chances are, I'm not going to read it. If you keep sending me recommendations, I'm DEFINITELY not going to read it. And I might be tempted to unfriend you. Kinda defeats the purpose and the result is a lot of wasted effort, now isn't it?

This may sound harsh, but in light of some of the things we've been seeing online in recent months, not so much. I've been just as drawn to some of these trainwrecks as the next person, where an author verbally attacks someone from giving negative reviews, and my first and last reaction: back away from the author and stay far, far away from their books. People can say that an author's behavior shouldn't have anything to do with it, but let's face it, it does. I'm more apt to read the book of someone I like and respect than those of someone I don't. And I know I'm not the only one. Sure there are exceptions, but not many. I'm not always able to separate my emotions so easily, so I can't promise that I can objectively read a book by an author who's been an asshat. So if I don't like someone, or don't respect someone, there book will be end up in my hands.

But back to the topic at hand. Overzealous authors. I've also been hearing talk of these new authors dissing fan favorites and trying to draw readers to their books instead, even going as far as to pretend to be a fan of said author. Oh hell no, you totally lost me right there. Masquerading as a "fan" of yourself is not only silly and immature, but chances are, you will be found out. It's pretty difficult to remain anonymous anymore. And the fall-out is so not worth it. I don't see the notoriety being your path to fame and fortune, and certainly not to build a fan base.

So please, if you're a new author out there, take it from a reader who's been around awhile and who tries not to cause drama: think about how you'd like to build your audience. Show, don't tell. Let word of mouth speak for itself. One suggestion might be to ask if someone would mind reading your book instead of saying "here you go, you are going to LOVE this more than any book you've ever read!" Because that last thing? Well, that never happens. Cool people don't have to tell you're they're cool, they just are. That's what makes them cool.
Stepping off the soapbox now.....
Just curious:
do you read books recommended to you
by authors on Facebook & Goodreads?
Why or why not?

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posted by Stacy~ at 1/13/2010 07:16:00 AM | 8 comments

Thursday, January 07, 2010:
Book buying and beta reading

Yeah I know I posted this picture of Twitter a bazillion times (hey it was my first twitpic!) but I'm rather proud of my haul here, not including the five I had purchased the day before. Look at these pretties - don't you just want to run your hands all over them and moan with happiness? No? Huh. Then it just be me who fantasizes about doing that. Fine. Me and my books want to be ALONE.

My next dilemma is trying to figure out which one to read first! I know, that's a serious problem. They all look so tempting. Maybe I'll put it to a vote...

My other thought was about beta reading. If I understand it correctly, that's when someone reads an author's work as it goes along, so as the writer is writing, they have someone (or a few someones) read portions of the story for feedback. I know a few people who are beta readers, but a comment on twitter recently made me think more seriously about it. I admit, my first reaction is to get flaming green with jealousy. But then when I got past that initial feeling, I considered what it must be like to be a beta reader. No question, the idea of reading a favorite author's work and providing constructive suggestions on how to really make the story come alive sounds exciting. It's not that the beta reader is "writing" the story, but they are coming in with a pair of fresh eyes that might be able to catch things that the writer doesn't. I can imagine it must be extremely cool to be a beta reader. And yeah, I'm still jealous.

But then I have to admit, I'd be a HORRIBLE beta reader. I love reading the story from start to finish, without interruption, and let's face it, I'm just not good at giving effective feedback. It's not in me to be that definitive. I sincerely admire those who have that ability even while I writhe with jealousy, and I recognize that when it comes to giving my opinions, I err on the side of not being able to remain unbiased. So I would be completely useless as a beta reader. So green-eyed monster syndrome aside, I won't take it personally if I'm not offered the chance *g* And actually I did proofread a chapter of a manuscript a few years back, and the process was tedious and I kept getting lost in the story instead of concentrating on checking for spelling and punctuation errors. Like I said, useless.

Would you ever or have you ever been a beta reader?

And which book in the picture should I read next???

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posted by Stacy~ at 1/07/2010 07:03:00 AM | 21 comments

Tuesday, January 05, 2010:
Reading intentions for 2010

I'm a lazy person, anyone who knows me has to realize that. I don't really do New Year's resolutions. Not so much because I'm against them on principle, I just can't stick to a set of ground rules I implemented at the beginning of the year.

However there are a few things I would like to stick with this year, mostly revolving around books. I must have over 200 books in my TBR pile, and it's getting quite out of hand. I'm anal, so I like to read my series in order, but I tend to read the first 1 or 2 books and then move on. Mostly to avoid burn-out, but also because I feel like I'm missing something. So here's what I intend to do for 2010 (and you know what they say about those intentions):


  • buy less books and finish the ones I already have (uh huh, sure) (Update: I bought 5(!) books yesterday!

  • finish a series before buying 2 (or 10) more books (hmmm)

  • feel less stressed out when others read books I want! (good luck with this one!)

  • Don't feel pressured to read 500 books when I only have time for 100. The whole idea of reading is to enjoy the experience, not rush through it.

Another thing I'm hoping to do this year is really let authors know how much I loved their books. I think I forget sometimes how much work and love went into these stories, and they would probably like to know that! So I think in some way I will be more appreciative of authors, and not just blog about their books but send them an email. I already do that with some authors, but not as much as I'd like. So this year I want to show more appreciation for the hours of entertainment I experience because of these books.

That's really all I've got. Nothing too elaborate. Also, I plan on attending Lori Foster's June get-together in Cincinnati (hope to see you there!) and also RWA in Nashville. Looking forward to both events and I hope to get a chance to meet more authors and readers, though I'll be the first one to tell you what a dork I am, so don't expect much LOL.

What are your 2010 reading intentions?


Attending any conferences this year?

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posted by Stacy~ at 1/05/2010 07:19:00 AM | 12 comments

Thursday, January 01, 2009:
My 2008 books in review

Here it is, a list of all (okay, most) of the books I read or re-read in 2008. Not as many as I thought, and not quite as many as Tracy, one of my favorite bloggers, but hey that's okay. I'd rather enjoy my books than race through them.

How many books did you read in '08?

Any re-reads?

1. Spymaster's Lady by Joanna Bourne (2008)

2. One Night of Scandal by Teresa Medeiros (2003)

3. A Kingdom of Dreams by Judith McNaught (1989) *

4. Skin by Karin Tabke (2007)

5. Pleasures of the Night by Sylvia Day (2007)

6. Hot For It by Melissa MacNeal (2007)

7. Barenaked Jane by Deanna Lee (2007)

8. Show me by Celia May Hart (2006)

9. Sea Swept by Nora Roberts (1998)

10. Rising Tides by Nora Roberts (1998)

11. Inner Harbor by Nora Roberts (1999)

12. Chesapeake Blue by Nora Roberts (2002)

13. Simply Sexual by Kate Pearce (2008)

14. North & South by Elizabeth Gaskell (1855)

15. Sugar Daddy by Lisa Kleypas (2007)

16. The Hazards of Hunting a Duke by Julia London (2006)

17. The Perils of Pursuing a Prince by Julia London (2007)

18. The Dangers of Deceiving a Viscount by Julia London (2007)


19. Hard to Handle by Lori Foster (2008)

20. Touch Me With Fire by Nicole Jordan (1993)

21. Right Here Right Now by HelenKay Dimon (2008)

22. Riding Wild by Jaci Burton (2008)

23. Hot and Bothered by Dianne Castell (2008)

24. Tempted by Megan Hart (2008)

25. If His Kiss Is Wicked by Jo Goodman (2007)

26. Confessions at Midnight by Jacquie D'Alessandro (2008)

27. Riding the Storm by Sydney Croft (2007)

28. Unleashing the Storm by Sydney Croft (2008)

29. Every Night I'm Yours by Christie Kelley (2008)

30. Private Arrangements by Sherry Thomas (2008)

31. Blue-Eyed Devil by Lisa Kleypas (2008)

32. Passion for Him by Sylvia Day (2007)

33. Pregnant by the Millionaire by Carole Mortimer (2007)

34. The Education of Mrs. Brimley by Donna McMeans (2007)

35. A Dangerous Beauty by Sophia Nash (2007)

36. Black Silk by Sharon Page (2008)

37. Unwanted Wedding by Penny Jordan (1995)

38. Seven Nights of Sin by Lacey Alexander (2008)

39. Grimspace by Ann Aguirre (2008)

40. Duke of Shadows by Meredith Duran (2008)

41. The Sex Quotient by Jamie Sobrato (2006)

42. Fallen by Erin McCarthy (2008)

43. Virgin River by Robyn Carr (2007)

44. Innuendo by Crystal Green (2006)

45. To Die For by Linda Howard (2005)

46. Hot Water by Kathyrn Jordan (2006)

47. Freedom's Price by Suzanne Brockmann (1998)

48. My Fair Captain by JL Langley (2008)

49. Something Reckless by Jess Michaels (2008)

50. Hot In Here by Susan Lyons (2006)

51. BodyGuard by Beverly Havlir (2005)

52. Accidental Mistress by Susan Napier (2008)

53. The Greek's Bridal Purchase by Susan Stephens (2007)

54. Housekeeper to the Millionaire by Lucy Monroe (2008)

55. Rain Fall by Barry Eisler (2003)

56. The Raven Prince by Elizabeth Hoyt (2006)

57. The Leopard Prince by Elizabeth Hoyt (2007)

58. The Serpent Prince by Elizabeth Hoyt (2007)

59. What Happens in Vegas by Copeland, Dane, Tunstall and Bast (2008)

60. Superb & Sexy by Jill Shalvis (2008)

61. Atonement by Ian McEwan (2001)

62. Through the Veil by Shiloh Walker (2008)


63. Daughter of the Blood by Anne Bishop (1998) *

64. Heir to the Shadows by Anne Bishop (1999) *

65. Queen of the Darkness by Anne Bishop (2000) *

66. Colters' Woman by Maya Banks (2006)

67. Lover Enshrined by JR Ward (2008)

68. Swing by Opal Carew (2008)

69. Handyman by Jodi Lynn Copeland (2008)

70. Heartbreakers by Lori Foster (2008) - Treat Her Right & Mr. November (2001)

71. Body Moves by Jodi Lynn Copeland (2007)

72. What a Woman Needs by Caroline Linden (2005)

73. Caine's Reckoning by Sarah McCarty (2007)

74. Flashpoint by Jill Shalvis (2008)

75. The Rest Falls Away by Colleen Gleason (2007)

76. By Appointment Only by Janice Maynard (2008)

77. Miss Wonderful by Loretta Chase (2004)

78. Satisfaction Guaranteed by Charlene Teglia (2008)

79. Mr. Impossible by Loretta Chase (2005)

80. The Billionaire Boss's Secretary Bride by Helen Brooks (2008)

81. Lord Perfect by Loretta Chase (2006)

82. Letters to a Secret Lover by Toni Blake (2008)

83. Still Life with Husband by Lauren Fox (2007)

84. Fortune Hunter by Jasmine Haynes (2007)

85. As You Desire by Connie Brockway (1997)

86. Into the Fire by Suzanne Brockmann (2008)

87. High Noon by Nora Roberts (2007)

88. Exotica by Eden Bradley (2008)

89. Rises the Night by Colleen Gleason (2007)

90. The Bleeding Dusk by Colleen Gleason (2008)

91. Body Language by Suzanne Brockmann (1998) *

92. The Greek Tycoon's Baby Bargain by Sharon Kendrick (2008)

93. Dark Desires by Eve Silver (2005)

94. Show & Tell by Jasmine Haynes (2008)

95. The Italian's Forced Bride by Kate Walker (2007)

96. When Twilight Burns by Colleen Gleason (2008)

97. Unmasqued by Colette Gale (2007)

98. Flashback by Jill Shalvis (2008)

99. The Veil of Night by Lydia Joyce (2005)

100. Trial by Fire by Jo Davis (2008)

101. Seduce Me at Sunrise by Lisa Kleypas (2008)

102. Desperate Duchess by Eloisa James (2007)

103. The Lost Duke of Wyndham by Julia Quinn (2008)

104. A Whole New Light by Sandra Brown (1989)

105. Reckless by Saskia Walker (2008)

106. Mr. Cavendish, I Presume by Julia Quinn (2008)

107. The Pirate Lord by Sabrina Jeffries (1998)

108. Death Angel by Linda Howard (2008)

109. His Lady's Captive by Anne Gracie (2008)

110. Shades of Twilight by Linda Howard (1996)

111. Pleasure Unbound by Larissa Ione (2008)

112. In Her Wildest Fantasies by Julianne MacLean (2008)

113. On the Prowl anthology (2007)

114. Risque' Business by Tawny Weber (2008)

115. The Wicked Ways of the Duke by Laura Lee Guhrke (2007)

116. Cry Wolf by Patricia Briggs (2008)

117. Secrets Volume 17 (2006)

118. Blush by Opal Carew (2008)

119. Driven By Desire by LuAnn McLane (2008)

120. The Mistress Diaries by Julianne MacLean (2008)

121. Trio by P.F. Kozak, Devyn Quinn & Jane Ledger (2008)

122. Crazy Hot by Tara Janzen (2005)

123. An Affair Before Christmas by Eloisa James (2007)

124. Duchess by Night by Eloisa James (2008)

125. The Perils of Pleasure by Julie Anne Long (2008)

126. Kiss and Tell by Suzanne Brockmann (1996) *

127. Like No Other Lover by Julie Anne Long (2008)

128. One Summer by Karen Robards (1993) *

129. Flat-Out Sexy by Erin McCarthy (2008)

130. Just the Sexiest Man Alive by Julie James (2008)

131. Broken Wing by Judith James (2008)

132. Twilight by Stephenie Meyer (2005)

133. Free Pass by Elizabeth Scott (2008)

134. To Taste Temptation by Elizabeth Hoyt (2008)

135. To Seduce A Sinner by Elizabeth Hoyt (2008)

136. It Had To Be You by Susan Elizabeth Phillips (1994)

137. Market for Love by Jamaica Layne (2008)

138. When the Duke Returns by Eloisa James (2008)

139. Wicked Burn by Beth Kery (2008)

140. Games of Command by Linnea Sinclair (2007)

141. Surrender by Pamela Clare (2006)

142. Hot Mail by Janice Maynard (2009)

143. Reaction Time by Alannah Lynne - ebook (2008)

144. Instant Attraction by Jill Shalvis (2009)

145. Hero Under Cover by Suzanne Brockmann (1994)

146. Heaven, Texas by Susan Elizabeth Phillips (195)

147. Grooms' Gift: Naughty Nuptials by Beth Kery - ebook (2007)

148. In My Wildest Dreams by Christina Dodd (2001) *

* re-reads

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posted by Stacy~ at 1/01/2009 10:43:00 AM | 3 comments

Saturday, July 05, 2008:
Reading, fireworks, and Lifehouse
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So how was everyone's Independence Day? I have to say I enjoyed mine very, very much, as I got to see Lifehouse perform last night in Itasca, IL, which is only about 15 minutes from where I live. It was a free concert, parking $15, which was so worth it not having to walk a mile to get there. The show was excellent, and the band sounded just fabulous live. They played a little over an hour, and it was so cool. I've been a fan since their song "Hanging By A Moment" came out, I think around 2000. So far there hasn't been one song I've heard that I haven't liked. I would definitely pay more $$ to see them than a lot of other bands out there. (Note: I just checked their website, and the lead singer had to have his wisdom teeth pulled a few days ago which meant some concert dates had been cancelled. Thank God it wasn't last night!)
After that were the fireworks, which were pretty incredible too. As I drove home, more fireworks were going off, so I got to see several colorful and amazing displays. It may not have been Navy Pier (Chicago) but I'm not complaining. Besides I've seen those a few times, once from the front seat of a Cessna playing over the city. Now that's an experience.
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Welcome to The Capture Agency, a fantasy dating service for dominant men who know what they like and how they like it, and women who can handle limitless pleasure. After being matched with a partner, the male will capture his date and make her a slave to passion. This exclusive service is for couples who aren’t afraid to push the limits, let go of their inhibitions and lose themselves in the fantasy.
Clients include Chase Hunter, the agency’s owner, who decides to break his cardinal rule against dating clients and capture a woman for the first time. Kane Woods, a man of superior size and strength who’s always had to reign in his desires–until now. And Gage Michael, who learns that his ex is using the service…and decides to capture her. Will these couples enjoy a hot romp between the sheets, or will they capture each other’s hearts?
Now available from St. Martin’s Press
ISBN-13: 978-0312369453
This book was one of the free choices at the Lori Foster/Dianne Castell event. I haven't read anything by this author before, and so when I was in the mood for a little saucy romance, I decided that this would be the one to read. At first I was hesitant because I'm not a big fan of sub/dom stories, and I figured that that was what this book was about. Turns about it was more about the "capture" fantasy than about BDSM, and then I was all on-board.
Premise: Men and women can sign up for the Capture Agency, pay the exorbitant expense to fulfil their capture fantasy, and go through an extensive screening and testing process to match them with compatible candidates who are into the "capture" fantasy. (Think sheltered virgin captured by the marauding pirate type of fantasy). I was intrigued, and thought it was a pretty hot idea.
It's a contemporary, and the novellas about the three separate couples were politically correct, and responsible. Without giving too much away, there was no real "capturing". I admit, that was disappointing. But at the same time, the stories were much more engaging that a lot of erotic romances, with the characters connecting on a deeper level right from the beginning. Yes, the hot sex started right away, but the matches were so well done that each person seemed to be completely in sync with their partner, and it make it more believable. I would have liked to have seen a bit more role-playing of this popular fantasy, a more erotic edge (which would have me giving it a higher grade), but emotionally, these stories are each very satisfying, and I found myself enjoying each of them.
Rating: **** out of *****
And how was your weekend?

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posted by Stacy~ at 7/05/2008 08:38:00 PM | 5 comments

Wednesday, April 02, 2008:
Wet 'n Wild Wednesday
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With all the rain we've been getting, it's certainly wet, but I don't know how wild it is around here. It's still dark when I wake up in the morning. Heck, it's dark right now. I want spring to get here so bad. The real spring, not just the one marked on the calendar, because that one seems like a poor imitation. The one with green grass and lilacs and sun. Melting ponds and blooming buds and warm sun. Baby swans and fragrant breezes and toasty, happy sun. Instead it's gray and cloudy and utterly depressing out there.
I don't know about you, but since reading 3 really great books over the weekend, I am now at a loss as to what to start next. I have tons of books here to choose from, but none of them really pique my interest. I did grab Sophia Nash's "Dangerous Beauty", another historical, so I will start that one and see where it takes me. I aso have Elizabeth Hoyt's trilogy, and from my pimp I've got Grimspace" by Ann Aguirre and the Gardella books from Colleen Gleason. Oh, and I picked up Lacey Alexander's "Seven Nights of Sin" cuz I love her books, and I am all for a hot erotic romance read, but I'm saving that one for the weekend.
How are you surviving this lack of spring?
What's keeping you sane?
Have anything you're looking forward to?
(Like a trip to D.C. perhaps?)

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posted by Stacy~ at 4/02/2008 05:10:00 AM | 7 comments

Friday, January 11, 2008:
Reviewing slump
When I was in school, I dreaded reading assignments. Not because I don't like to read, because since I proclaim my love of romance novels, that's obviously not true. No, my problem is, is that when I "have to" read a book, story, poem as a task, that's what it becomes - a chore. And I dread chores. I think this is the reason I hated "Catcher In The Rye" and won't read it a 2nd time.....or maybe I really didn't like it just because.

Anyway, I tried to review for an online website, and discovered that instead of being overjoyed to review new releases and occasionally getting ARCs, I dreaded it because I felt like I was in school all over again, so I stopped and went freelance. Reading should be about pleasure and enjoyment, and not feel forced.

And I do like to review books on my blog. No pressure, and not every book I read gets reviewed. But now I've finished 3 books in the last month or so that I planned to review but I haven't because...I am in a reviewing slump. I feel like I cannot get my thoughts together to string a coherent sentence, much less convey the appeal or scope of a story I had just read and wish to share it with other readers. I feel at a loss as to how to get back into it. I have reviewer's block.

One of the stories, Joanna Bourne's "The Spymaster's Lady", is of the the books I had intended to review. I finished it, loved it, but now I don't know what to say about it. I decided to re-read it, but I haven't gotten very far on my 2nd time around, and now I feel bad about it.

Maybe I'm suffering from reviewer's anxiety. The reason I think this is because I read 2 very eloquent and powerful reviews of Bourne's book at "Dear Author", and know that I could not say it any better than what's already been said.



Am I the only one who feels this way?

How do you approach reviewing?

Whose reviews do you like to read?

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posted by Stacy~ at 1/11/2008 05:25:00 AM | 10 comments

Monday, June 11, 2007:
On a short hiatus...
...for a few days or maybe a week. I noticed that I was blogging more than I was reading, and it was making me cranky, so I've decided to take some time off from my place. Otherwise life is good.
I'm getting back into the "In Death" series with JD Robb. Love, love, love this series, and I still have about 3 books to go before the next is in pb. It's wonderful to have something to look forward to.

What are you reading these days?
Are you liking it?

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posted by Stacy~ at 6/11/2007 05:01:00 AM | 3 comments

Sunday, January 28, 2007:
Lazy Sunday...stay in and read...
It's cold! - 18 degrees - and it's blowing snow. I'm supposed to be meeting my friend later today to finally give her a Christmas present, but so far neither one of us is too enthusiastic about braving the elements, though I did run out earlier today to get some Dunkin Donuts coffee, with wet hair. If I get sick, you know whose fault it is.
Update: we did meet for dinner and exchanged our gifts - got a lovely gift certificate to Barnes & Noble as one of my presents. Given that my friend hates to give gift cards because she feels they are too impersonal, this was a true honor, and I let her know how much I adored it :)
This "forced" isolation this weekend so far has given me plenty of opportunity to read, or re-read. I was in the mood for something really hot, so I re-read a Ellora's Cave by Kathryn Anne Dubois - "Perfectly Incompatible".
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Michael Mulcahy, successor to a long line of NYC cops, has learned enough from his brothers' mistakes to know that Libby Crowne Vandermark, a fellow FBI agent and former debutante from the Upper East Side, is all wrong for him. He just needs to slake his relentless lust for her. This undercover operation, where they pose as a married couple at a "second honeymoon" spa, is the perfect excuse to do it.
Libby can't believe she's stuck with Neanderthal Mulcahy. Having grown up with three chauvinist brothers and a dominant father, she goes out of her way to avoid men like him. If she can just keep her eyes off him while they're together, every day and night, she'll get through this.
Until they realize just how perfectly incompatible they are.
I'll admit that the first time I read this story, I didn't much care for it, but then it grew on me. I just love the idea of the hero being so attracted to the heroine, and then eventually falling in love with her. And if he's unwillingly attracted to her, that's even better. It's one of my favorite storylines. I'm not sure why I didn't like it at first - maybe because of some of the events that happen after they finally get together - but once I gave it another chance, it ended up being a re-read.
And all those sparks between two people who claim to hate each other made this story totally hot. Sometimes all I want is just a really sexy romance - nothing too deep or complicated, maybe a little emotional. I also like how the sexual tension was drawn out between Libby and Michael, and that instant gratification was denied until about 1/2 way through the book. I believe that's what made it a better story.
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Lady Pelham could not have designed a husband more suited to her needs. The Marquess of Grayson is a dear and enchanting friend and an unrepentant ladies’ man. Their union is solid; their hearts safe from one another. But every marriage has its surprises…

They Were Together For All The Wrong Reasons…
They are London’s most scandalous couple. Isabel, Lady Pelham, and Gerard Faulkner, Marquess of Grayson, are well matched in all things… their lusty appetites, constant paramours, wicked wits, provocative reputations, and their absolute refusal ever to ruin their marriage of convenience by falling in love with one another. Isabel knows such a charming rake will never appeal to her guarded heart, nor will she sway his philandering one. It is a most agreeable sham … until a shocking turn of events sends Gerard from her side.

Now, four years later, Gerard has come home to Isabel. But the carefree, boyish rogue who left has been replaced by a brooding, powerful, irresistible man who is determined to seduce his way into her affections. Gone is the devil-may-care companion who shared her friendship and nothing more, and in his place is temptation itself … a husband who desires Isabel body and soul and who will stop at nothing to win her love. No, this is not at all the man she had married. But he is the man who might finally steal her heart…
I won this one at the Brava Authors blog, and I was so excited because I've been waiting for this book for what must have been a year, ever since first reading "Bad Boys Ahoy" and falling in love with Sylvia's writing. I wanted to savor it, and boy, did I. I liked it better than "Ask For It", which was enjoyable but a little bit harsh for me. Yet this one got to me on so many levels. I went in fully expecting to actually dislike both the hero and heroine in the beginning, but that's not what happened at all.
Isabel is an independent widow who has no qualms about taking lovers to satisfy her needs. She's honest with her men and intends never to fall in love with any of them - she's very upfront about that. Marrying the younger, charming Gerard seemed like the right thing to do at the time - it would allow her to go on as she had been without worrying about her paramours having further expectations beyond an affair. Neither wishes to give up their lifestyle, so marriage to each other would provide them with the perfect set-up to continue living as they see fit: happy, free, and apart from each other. It's an ideal arrangement.
But a tragedy has sent Gerard away for many years, and when he returns, he has come to the decision that he wants his marriage to be a successful one. No longer satisfied with his old lifestyle, Gerard wants his wife...and only his wife. He's determined to make her feel the same way about him. But not only does Gerard have to deal with those who oppose his new endeavor, he must also convince his very beautiful and equally stubborn wife that they were meant for each other. Not an easy thing to do considering her past experience with marriage and his own fears for the future.
I found both Isabel and Gerard to be likeable characters right from the start, and they genuinely did care for each other as friends, sharing an affection that brought them close together from the very first. I would have liked to have seen even more glimpses into their friendship and less into their bedroom; it would have made their connection stronger, more emotional, which is something I am constantly seeking in the books I read and hardly ever manage to find anymore. All in all though, I was not disappointed and plan on reading more of Sylvia's work in the future.
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As a masked ball reaches its fever pitch, Cybelline Caldwell surrenders to the embrace of a midnight lover, a stranger who seals her fate. By morning the wanton seductress has been replaced by a determinedly sensible woman preparing to leave London...and its memories. Yet temptation follows. For Christopher Hollings, Earl of Ferrin, the notorious rake she so brazenly challenged, vows to show her that one night was not enough.

It took some clever detective work, but Ferrin uncovered the identity of his mystery lover, surprised and intrigued to come face to face with Cybelline. Soon he discovers she is a woman of mystery-and a woman in danger, stalked by a ruthless enemy. Unable to erase the searing memory of Cybelline in his arms, Ferrin knows he must discover the secrets that shadow her days...for only than can he claim all of her nights.
I'd heard good things about this book since it first came out, but can't say that I really paid all that much attention to this author or any of her work, so it pretty much dropped off my radar. During a recent trip to the bookstore though, I happened to notice this one (yeah, NK caught my eye) and liked the blurb on the backcover. I was hoping it wasn't as cynical and clinical as "Passion", a story that left me somewhat cold and disappointed after reading so many rave reviews. To my relief, I was immediately pulled into Cybelline's and Ferrin's story. It energized me.
Sure, for those who have read it, you know the ending is contrived and a bit over-the-top, but the rest of the story was delightful. Both Cybelline and Ferrin impressed me with their wit and intelligence, and I loved how Ferrin proved his devotion to Cybelline with actions as well as words. In addition, Cybelline finally began to let go of her self-hatred and accept her true worth. Their love story was romantic because they took the time to get to know each other, and what they discovered was even more wonderful than they could have imagined. Having never read anything by Goodman before, I was quite taken with this story, which according to some readers, is not her best work. I'm tempted to glom her entire backlist, but so far I've managed to hold off on that particular urge.
Have any of you read Goodman? What would you recommend?
How are you staying warm?

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posted by Stacy~ at 1/28/2007 11:43:00 AM | 1 comments