Entries Tagged 'V-Z' ↓
February 12th, 2010 — Guest Blogger, Poetry, V-Z
by John Wareham, guest blogger and author of Sonnets for Sinners.
Excerpted from:
SONNETS FOR SINNERS: Everything One Needs to Know About Illicit Love,
by John Wareham
Published by Welcome Rain, New York.
Copyright © 2010 by John Wareham
The ubiquity of illicit love surely proves that marriage is like a castle under siege; all those the outside are trying to get in, and all those on the inside are trying to get out. But if the prime goal of those so anxiously seeking entry to the castle is lifetime partnership, then no wonder so many unions fail. With more time and effort, these same people might make a better match—and, given the work that marriage takes, a more compatible one, too. Maybe that’s why James Taylor hit a nerve with his song, “It’s sad to belong to someone else when the right one comes along.” Unfortunately, such a latecomer often proves all too tempting; an irresistible focus of love and lust within a thrilling aura of secrecy. Partakers become accomplices in the crime of seeking grander thrills than marriage can provide. Then the “brevity factor” comes into play: the moments that illicit lovers spend together are so fleeting that they seldom become truly familiar, allowing their intense, love-fevered illusions to remain intact for months, years, or even lifetimes. A grand tour of illicit love, conducted in my anthology of forty-nine epiphanic sonnets, guides us through six typical stages.
- Attraction. Sonnets for Sinners opens with fourteen lines distilled from the heartfelt emails of Governor Mark Sanford, who, standing in a crowded room experienced a Some Enchanted Evening
moment. “My heart cries out for you,” he wrote, “and an even deeper connection to your soul / I have crossed lines and I love you.” Well, the governor certainly crossed some lines, but whether he fell in love with the woman known as Maria might be moot, for as Voltaire warned, “If you think you love your mistress for herself, you are mistaken.” Right—for as several ultimately regretful sinning sonneteers make clear, upon gazing into the eyes of an imagined soul mate, illicit lovers, like Narcissus, mostly romance their own reflections.
- Fever. Chandler Haste shares hard-won insights about the drug induced fever of illicit love: “You blow me stardust from your heart / and speed the pulsing of my being.” Indeed: mind and heart collude in a struggle that blends infatuation, enchantment, and lust into a dangerous fever. No passion is so serious, no sickness so potent. It fells princes, presidents, potentates, and paupers. Doctors can’t quell it. Analysts can’t shrink it. Priests can’t exorcise it. The police cannot imprison it. A spouse cannot snuff it. Young men and women sacrifice their lives for it. Old folks stagger up its beckoning path. It is a feverish delirium that must run its course.
- Lamentation. Nailed on the crucifix of illicit love, sinners discover themselves hanging between two thieves—guilt and desire. Worse, however, than the inescapable presence of these forlorn companions, is the agony of ungovernable, intermittent separation from the loved one; “How like a winter hath my absence been from thee,” says Shakespeare. Yes, for clandestine lovers coming together may be easier than getting together; and as the wounded Tiger Woods texted his tootsie, “It’s brutal that you can’t always be with me.”
- Farewell. We seldom know how much we love, or how dependent we have become upon the drug of love, until a breakup. A clean rupture would be ideal, the kind of calm goodbye that poet Michael Drayton urges in the opening line of his most famous sonnet, “Since there’s no help, come let us kiss and part.” In the unreal world of illicit love, however, nothing is so simple, and the agony of goodbyes can seem as interminable as they are unbearable. Hence Emily Dickenson’s observation, “Parting is all we know of heaven / and all we need of hell.”
- Ending. The problem with the enzyme of secrecy that so heightens a sinner’s pleasure is that it also provokes pangs of anxiety, and ultimately poisons the affair. In the end, guilt-wracked sinners feel relief, but dedicated love addicts suffer a sense of loss and longing. For them, if the opening act was a heart-stopper, the closing curtain can be a soul destroyer, and suicide a distinct possibility. An apparently more palatable way to end an illicit affair is to marry one’s lover. With the glue of secrecy gone, however, longing and lust may evaporate, too, thereby, as in a devilish game of snakes and ladders, delivering the hapless partners all the way back to the bottom rung.
- Epiphany. No one can comprehend the enslaving power of illicit love without first being incarcerated in its crazed penitentiary. It is as true of a lover as of love itself: we only know well the paramour to whom we so madly committed—then, later, objectively judged. To understand the intensity of illicit love one must be free of it, but not always have been free. Only then can we appreciate the potential alchemy in sinning: with luck, that intoxicating experience can be evolve into wisdom, which, if it does not always bring joy, can yet produce the insight and redemption so beautifully described by Elan Haverford: “Lastly, a chastening sun fired fiery darts, / annihilating my losses and lies, / absolving my crimes, healing my heart / and cleansing the salt from my scarlet eyes.”
Ah, yes, psychologists and theologians can theorize on the nature of illicit love, but as you see, it takes a sinning poet to fully bare a lover’s heart and soul.
For more go too www.sonnetsforsinners.com
Buy: Sonnets for Sinners: Everything One Needs to Know About Illicit Love
John Wareham author, poet, and lecturer, is an eminent coach and counselor to upward strivers—from prison inmates to corporate chiefs. His works include the life-changer, How to Break Out of Prison
, the critically acclaimed novel Chancey on Top
—ranked in the New York Observer “among the finest novels ever”—and the bestselling psycho-political thriller, The President's Therapist
.
Visit: www.johnwareham.com
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December 28th, 2009 — 4 Stars, African American, Black, Contemporary, Executive, Guest Reviews, United States of America, V-Z
By: Cara Lynn, guest reviewer
A Moment on the Lips by Phyllis Bourne Williams is a sweet love story. I picked it up from the library because the cover was different. It is an artist's rendering of a lovely black woman about to eat a strawberry. It is a Leisure Book, and I will certainly look for more.
Grant Price is a wealthy, high powered executive who is used to getting his way in business, but his life is ruled by how busy he is. He and his father wish to recruit Melody Mason, but she has more or less disappeared from business life, after being at the head of her game. Grant goes to find her, determined to bring her back for the company. They had been in college together where the two of them were rivals, spurring each other on to bigger heights.
Melody has left the business world, originally for health reasons, but also because she no longer loved it. (There isn't an emphasis on the problems.) Being responsible for other people's money, even though she is very good at it, was also stressful. She cared enough that those invested with her were more than a number, even if she didn't know their names.
When Grant comes to offer his business proposal in person, she counters his proposal with one of her own. If he will stay in her small town in Tennessee for one week, without a cell phone, laptop, fax machine or contacting the office, she will go with him for one week and present a seminar. She doesn't think he will stick to it. He feels she will come to work for more than a week.
Melody's reason is that she doesn't want him to have the health problem she had because of his Type A personality. Grant has his own misgivings because he wished to pursue another career, only his father overrode him in his youth.
Melody is in process of opening a knit shop. Grant doesn't realize how far along the plans are.
Her small town has the usual cast of characters -- a town gossip, a homeless man, many long time friends, the intertwining of lives.
Melody suspects Grant is only using her to get her to make money for the firm. She has had two engagements fall through when she realized both men only wanted her for the money she could make them. She also isn't the typical heroine -- she is nearly 40, mature in her body and her thinking -- so she is skeptical of his involvement in her life and has been hurt enough that trust doesn't come easily for her.
Of course, they fall in love. There is humor and realism; possible marital problems with a friend whose marriage had always been happy; enough romance to be satisfying; and grown ups living lives not too far out of the realm of reality. The various threads in the story are cleared up nicely, but not in ways that seem contrived.
If you are interested in a black romance, this is well done. However, the book is not particularly black. Other than the descriptions of the two main characters and a small bit mentioned about hair weaves vs. natural curls, the other characters could be black -- or not. There is no colloquial language.
Rating: 4 Stars
It was a happy read for a hot summer day.
Buy: A Moment on the Lips
It is the goal of LRP to share with readers recommendations, opinions, and reviews on romances. All genres are welcomed and your contribution to our growing forum would be greatly appreciated. Please see our guidelines for further information.
Originally posted 2008-11-29 12:16:54. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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December 8th, 2009 — 4 Stars, ARC, Big Misunderstanding, Category, Contemporary, Cursed Lead, Entrepreneur, Executive, United States of America, V-Z
Coming on Strong in three words: kinky, flirtatious, sassy. Bonus on the cover for the sexy as sin hunk. If you're looking for a heroine who owns her sexuality and turns her hero into a pile of mush this is your novel. Weber has a way with words and is very clever. I'm positive you will devour this novel with enthusiasm and delight. I know I did.
Mitch Carter is in trouble. Somebody is sabotaging to his hotel; nothing overt, at least not yet, but he needs to find the culprit before the opening. Meanwhile, his event planner has canceled and he is in desperate need for a new one. Desperate enough in fact to hire the woman who dumped him at the altar for the job.
Belle Forsham has never forgotten Mitch and the stupid way she acted. Her only excuse is that she was young and vulnerable. When Mitch's sister played with her nerves and fears, Belle chickened out of the wedding. Now it's years later and the opportunity to be with Mitch has come again. Grabbing at this second chance, Belle plans to give it all she's got and knock Mitch right off his feet... and if by any stroke of luck she can get him to help her father so much the better.
Problems continue for Mitch after Belle's arrival. He finds himself as strongly attracted to her as he was before. Grown-up Belle packs more of a punch to his gut, tightening him knots right from the very first. Despite his attraction, Mitch is determined to keep it just business between them... and pardon the pun, but it's going to be harder than he expected.
For a Big Misunderstanding plot that is sexy and full of quirky humor pick up Coming on Strong.
Rating: 4 Stars
Originally posted 2009-03-20 05:17:35. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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November 30th, 2009 — 4.5 Stars, Affinity, Business, Contemporary, Guest Reviews, Reading, United States of America, V-Z
by Anne, guest reviewer
As this book contains just about everything worth knowing, you've probably already come across it in your literary voyages. But if you haven't, be prepared for an absolute gem. From the bestselling author of The Devil Wears Prada, Lauren Weisberger, this tale follows the highs and lows of Bette Robinson, a newcomer to New York City's party circuit all thanks to a pell-mell job in public relations.
Everyone Worth Knowing is Weisberger's second foray into the world of fiction. Despite the plot similarities shared with The Devil Wears Prada
, the book hasn’t been as well received and sales have failed to match those of her first novel. This is surprising as Everyone Worth Knowing proves to be unputdownable. It is a page-turner that'll grab you hook, line, and sinker.
Bette is a single woman battling the New York dating scene, with an unbeatable weapon in her arsenal: an obsession with romance novels. Bette uses this passion for romance novels to help deal with the obstacles she's facing in her real life by escaping into a fantasy world. In this world two gorgeous and accomplished people always manage to overcome life’s struggles and challenges, as a result of their undying love for each other.
Romantic novels also provide Bette with social support in the form of an eclectic collection of women who join her for regular book club meetings. Together they form a group of avid romance readers who build close friendships through sharing titles like Who Wants to Marry a Heartthrob? and The Very Bad Boy.
One of the highlights of the book is a passage where the teenage Bette tries to justify her 'lifestyle decision' to her parents. She hits the nail on the head: romance novels contain more than their fair share of agony, ecstasy, and happy endings in a whole variety of ways, from the traditions of chivalrous courtship to the more modern dating online in the modem epoch. In this day and age it's wonderful that such books remain popular. The two-fifths of American women who are buying at least one romance novel a year can't be wrong, especially with a $1.5 billion industry behind them.
The rest of the novel is solid, with a strong character base and plenty of quirky industry figures. But the real appeal is the modern-day fairytale qualities of the story. Will Bette get her man? You'll just have to read and see...
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Buy: Everyone Worth Knowing
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November 8th, 2009 — Guest Blogger, Magic Users, V-Z
by Linda Wisdom, guest blogger
I love the idea of small towns because there’s so much you can do with them. A small mountain town for witchy Stasi Romanov and fellow witch Blair Fitzpatrick seemed right since they had lived there on and off for about 150 years by reinventing themselves over the decades.
You can also have quirky characters although there’s nothing more quirky than Horace, Stasi’s gargoyle, who hangs out in her lingerie boutique, because he enjoys hanging out in the dressing rooms with the customers who have no idea he’s real. It sure makes me think twice of trying on clothes at the store! And Stasi’s dog, Bogie, who floats instead of walks and disappears at will.
But a small town means everyone knows what’s going on and now that Stasi and Blair have outed themselves as witches, the town’s okay with that. At least, they were until Stasi’s accused of using a hexed sachet and being sued in Wizards Court and the human woman suing her is making sure everyone knows what an evil person Stasi is.
Even wizard lawyer Trev Barnes working for the plaintiff soon sees that all is not what it should be, not to mention he’s attracted to the sweet-natured witch.
But there’s still something going on in the town that can’t be explained. A lake that’s been harmed by magick. People Stasi considered as close friends now suddenly afraid of her and they’re using the word “witch” as if she’s suddenly turned evil.
All it takes is a snowstorm closing the town off to the outside world and a massive power outage to bring that fear to a high level and it’s up to Stasi, Trev and her friends to find out just what’s going on there and hopefully do it before it’s too late.
I always saw Stasi as the witch with soul of romance and her need to see women empowered by their sensuality. For her to be treated this way is hurtful and she sees the need to fight back.
When I came up with the idea for Wicked By Any Other Name I knew there would be darkness there. A town that couldn’t call out for help and with a fear that slipped through it like a disease and what they saw as an obvious villain and why not a witch? Shades of Olde Salem and I brought that up too because there was no reason why a 700+ year young witch couldn’t have lived there during that dark time.
And romance with a yummy wizard, humor with a pervert of a gargoyle along with some old friends such as Jazz, Nick and Irma. Yes, Fluff and Puff too. And some new characters that I hope will make you smile.
I love writing my witches. They make me smile. They make me laugh and yes, sometimes I have a sniffle or two. I hope you see them the same way and also enjoy the epilogue in Wicked by Any Other Name, which stars Fluff and Puff going up against Cupid.
Linda
Originally posted 2009-03-11 05:19:39. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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November 5th, 2009 — 3.5 Stars, 4 Stars, Entrepreneur, Guest Reviews, Lawyer, Magic Users, Paranormal, United States of America, V-Z
By: Mailani, guest reviewer
Banned to the mortal world for an undistinguished amount of time, Staci Romanov and her good intentioned trouble making friends weave through the centuries masking themselves as ordinary muggles. Early on in the gold rush, Staci and her best friend Blair stumble upon the town located near the power radiating Moonstone Lake. Staci owns a lingerie shop in the small present day town, to which she and Blair have vowed to protect; both friends see the town as home and the townspeople as family.
Staci places a charm on a satchel she sells to Carrie Anderson (a townsperson) to allow her husband to see what kind of person Carrie truly is. Right from the beginning of the novel you find out that Carrie has filed suit on Staci in Wizard's Court- a very aggressive legal medium. Trev Barnes, a wizard and Carrie's cut throat counsel, soon meets Miss Romanov in her small town, under the humorous insistence of his aged secretary.
With the Cupid's hearts dancing above both Trev and Staci's heads, this book makes for a very lighthearted mystery romance novel. Their meeting was nothing less than love at first sight. Even with the upcoming lunar eclipse and Mercury in Retrograde there is something still forbidding in the air that has the town's friendly ghosts trembling with shock and fear. Staci and Blair both put it upon themselves to find out what's causing the upset, later assisted by a motley crew of supernatural friends. The search leads them to Moonstone Lake, originally used as a sanctuary for the witches, now guarded by power-sucking orbs and a dangerous ward by an unknown assailant. The witches in the town are quickly placed under suspicion for causing the upset. Trev, whom is unable to remove the bitter Carrie from his case load- due to wizard's law- doesn't seem to mind crossing the social boundaries he has with Staci (as wizard's law isn't specific with interaction of opposed counsels).
I found the story funny and very entertaining. Some of the sex scenes were short and lacked description that I craved. The compilations sounded like an entrance and orgasm before I even knew what was going on. I enjoyed the food play in the book- always a treat or tea in a character's hand, which made the story seem more realistic to me. It also slowed the plot to allow the characters to develop. I felt like there were too many characters and time spent on too many side plots instead of being solely focused on the main plot. I found the mystery of Moonstone Lake’s mystic upset to be a great driver to push the character's forward, but would have enjoyed more interaction between the two protagonists. In short, Wicked by Any Other Name is well written with great flow.
Rating: 3.5 – 4 Stars
Interested in reviewing for LRP? Check out our Guest Review Submission Guidelines.
Originally posted 2009-03-08 14:19:36. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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November 3rd, 2009 — Author Interviews, Contemporary, Magic Users, Paranormal, V-Z, Vampire
Or more accurately an interview with her ragtag group of characters from the Jazz Tremaine novels, 50 Ways to Hex Your Lover and Hex Appeal.
LRP: We'll start by asking Croc and Delilah, Jazz' slutty but funny crocodile stilettos a few questions. Who’s the hunkiest character in Jazz’s world?
C&D -- Oooh, that’s easy! Jonathon, although Jazz calls him Krebs. There’s a sexy boyish quality about him that makes us quiver and swoon. Yum!
LRP: I know you can match every outfit Jazz wheres but what’s your favorite color to turn into?
C&D -- We love to turn into red because the color is so sexy. We know many think black is sexy, but red stands out more. When we turn into red we love to be the sexiest stilettos in the universe.
LRP: I know there's some animosity between you and Jazz' other set of talking shoes so here's my last question. If you could get away with it, what would you do to Fluff and Puff?
C&D -- They are so mean to us! Nasty things! We’d like to turn them pink. They hate the color and they’d hate being pink.
LRP: Oo! Pink! I shudder to think how they would react. Now Nick, I have a few questions for you if you have a minute. Why is witches’ blood poisonous?
Nick – It’s a protection for them against our kind since the witches and vampires had been at war. We vamps were never told how it worked, only that the spell cast centuries ago would also protect future witches. So there’s no nibbling where Jazz is concerned.
LRP: Do vampires have a soul? More importantly, do you have one?
Nick – Our souls aren’t like a traditional soul, more the knowledge of right and wrong. Over the years we’ve had to remain in the dark, so to speak, and many of my kind used that to their advantage by preying on the weak. That’s why the Protectorate is in force, making sure rogue vampires aren’t on the loose and keeping order within our community.
LRP: When did you first know you loved Jazz?
Nick (laughing) – Don’t tell her this, but probably from the very beginning. Even during a time when women were supposed to be seen and not heard, she still made sure that she was heard … big time. She has an aura of energy that you wouldn’t believe. I knew I was a goner and I still am.
LRP: How romantic! Now let's talk to the witch behind all the magic. So why ‘because I say so, damn it?’
Jazz -- So mote it be is so old century and when I cast a spell I like it to stick. This way no one can undo it.
LRP: I'd hate to be cursed. Now Nick, tell us about him. When did you first know you loved him?
Jazz – Have you seen him? The man is seriously hot, so for a second it was lust when I looked at him, and once he spoke I knew it was much more. I wouldn’t have believed in the term soul mates if it wasn’t for him. Nick is the other part of me.
LRP: My final question for you is about a different kind of magic. What is your favorite spell?
Jazz – Truthfully? Glamours when I wake up in the morning looking like a hag. And I mean a literal hag! There’s no way I can leave the house looking like that, so a little of this and a pinch of that and I look gorgeous. Who wouldn’t want that spell in her arsenal?
LRP: Krebs, what’s it like having a witch for a roommate?
Krebs -- Very different, but she’s turned into my best friend. Magick flies all around and she eats all my pudding cups in my fridge in my work area, but Jazz makes life interesting, so it’s worth it.
LRP: What’s the craziest thing that’s happened to you since Jazz swept into your life?
Krebs – Just one? I’ve had Christmas trees destroyed courtesy of Fluff and Puff, my house has been turned into a toxic dump, Fluff and Puff ate my Grateful Dead T-shirt, which I still haven’t forgiven them for, I’ve met my share of vampires. So life definitely isn’t boring.
LRP: Haha, poor Krebs. So my final questions are going to the mischievous bunny duo, Fluff and Puff. Who was the last person you ate?
F&P – Contrary to popular belief we don’t eat people. Way too nasty. Sure, there’s been an occasional squirrel, but we’d rather have good stuff like carrot cake, licorice root and chocolate.
LRP: Are you going to punish Jazz for locking you up?
F&P – We were mad at her at first, but we knew she had to do it even if it wasn’t any fun for us. Of course, that doesn’t mean we won’t have our ways of making her miserable now and then.
LRP: If you could get away with it, what would you do to Delilah and Croc?
F&P -- Heh heh heh! We’d make sure they could NEVER use any make up or perfume. They’re really HATE that!
LRP: That would be tragic! Thanks for taking the time to chat with Love Romance Passion readers Jazz and gang.
If you have questions you would like to ask Linda Wisdom about her kooky and wild characters or about her novels submit a comment and I'll be sure to forward them to her!
Be sure to check out the Casablanca Authors Blog, where Linda is a regular contributor for more information on other going-ons in her world. This blog is a group blog for Sourcebooks Casablanca authors so you can learn more about your favorites.
Originally posted 2008-10-28 05:59:52. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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October 24th, 2009 — 0.5 Stars, 1 Star, Business, Category, Contemporary, Enemies, Gentry, Marriage of Convenience, Mexico, Rape/Abuse, V-Z, Virgin Heroine, Working with Land
I liked the other Violet Winspear so much that I picked this one up without a moment’s hesitation.
The story revolves around the Greek tale of Hades and Persephone. The hero is Don Diablo and the heroine is Persepha. A perfectly convenient match, but a delightful one nevertheless.
However that’s about the last good thing that I can say about this book. It’s definitely period as it was published in 1975 for the first time. Knowing it was period was really the only fact that kept me reading after they hero and heroine joined in a quick marriage of convenience.
The heroine wakes up from grief of her loved and recently departed guardian. She says it was a mistake to marry in such haste. Diablo refuses to let her go and what followed was the least romantic series of events.
She struggles. He overpowers. It’s not said in so many words but it’s clear it’s rape or at the very least an extremely forced seduction. He wears her out and then proceeds to “love her.”
The hero sums up their relationship quite succinctly when he tells her later in the novel he believes she didn’t cuckold him on his business trip despite the overwhelming evidence to the contrary.
“I should hate to think that I had misjudged you after all, querida, and you were not so intrinsically virtuous that even a husband feels he is raping you each time he takes you in his arms. It isn’t a pretty word, is it? But to the point.” -- pg 155
Another Greek myth is mentioned and very nearly plays out in full. Don mentions reenacting out the story of Lucrenzia. I looked it up. The story of Lucrenzia is a story of a young wife who was raped in her own bed because the man threatened to do it anyway and then kill her and a slave and arrange their bodies to look like she’d committed adultery. Afterwards she confesses to her husband and family and then takes her own life.
The last ten pages (180-189) the heroine still is crying out how much she hates the hero, doesn’t love him, doesn’t like him, doesn’t want his kids, wishes he’d die, etc. He overhears her telling this to his grandmother and she realizes he’s heard. Off she runs and manages to run to the very spot where his mother committed suicide. He thinks she’s about to do the same – grabs her and hauls her back to her room. He explains about his brother’s death, his mother’s actions and in less than five pages she claims to have fallen in love with him.
It’s completely ridiculous and I closed the book miffed.
Rating: 0.5-1 Stars
Buy: The Devil's Darling
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October 22nd, 2009 — 3.5 Stars, Book Review, Category, Cinderella, Contemporary, Dukes and Earls, Farming, Governess / Companion, South America, V-Z, Virgin Heroine
I would never pick this book up in a secondhand bookstore because the title is strange and the cover is weirder. No wonder Harlequin puts the money and effort into consumer research. It’s all about pretty covers and catchy titles!
The romance takes place in Brazil with references to England and Portugal. Goldenhawk is the name of the hero’s best estate.
The heroine is a very plain girl. Her name is Jaine, appropriate for the phrase plain Jane. Quite often in the novel she is mistaken as a boy. I wanted to jump into the novel and tell her to grow her hair longer and wear less concealing clothes because it’s obvious she’s plain only so much as her aunt and cousin made her so.
Jaine is basically an indentured servant to her cousin and aunt. She’s an orphan and poor relation. Jaine is sent off to take the wrath of the hero as her cousin and aunt depart days before the cousin’s wedding to Pedro de Ros Zanto, a very wealthy landowner and a Duque.
Pedro is amused and determined to hire Jaine out from under her aunt. He promises a life outside of the colorless drab world she’s in and enough money to make it lucrative. Jaine accepts and becomes his son’s companion and caretaker. The son, quite frankly, reads as an excuse for her presence because even with his disability the boy never really makes a big splash or seems to have purpose.
The story is very chaste. We never see anything beyond some passionate kisses. It ends in a bittersweet way similar to Sound of Music. They’re together, but they’re leaving a lot behind in their effort to make it to safety.
Rating: 3.5 Stars
Buy: The Girl At Goldenhawk
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October 16th, 2009 — Guest Blogger, Lycanthrope, Magic Users, Paranormal, V-Z
by Linda Wisdom, guest blogger and author of Hex in High Heels
Thank you to Love Romance Passion for having me here today!
As an author who’s been published for many years, I still get excited when a new book comes out. It’s fun to go into the bookstores and see the books there and so tempting to say “I wrote that book” when someone picks up a copy. Yes, I have done it a few times. So far, Security hasn’t hauled me out. :}
It’s even more fun now because I have these wonderful stand-out covers that grace the shelves.
I started out with the concept of rebellious witches. The best part is that it’s taken off from there.
Unlike most series, mine deals with a different heroine in every book, but I do sprinkle in the others and introduce future witches in the books. In essence, the same part is a rebellious witch with special gifts and accessories along with a hot male, but the difference is in personalities and their adventures.
Blair Fitzgerald is the main witch in Hex in High Heels
, although Jazz and Stasi also appear along with sightings of Thea and Maggie who will be in the next two books. Since layers are important to a book, I’ve added sexy carpenter Jake Harrison, Blair’s Were Border collie love interest and some nasties as in Jake’s Were mother and brother who aren’t happy about the idea of Jake being involved with a witch. Let’s just say there are reasons there that are not good at all.
But Blair can’t just have furry boyfriend trouble, although that’s there in spades. Not when Fluff and Puff have decided to hang around as tattoos on Blair’s ankle, Irma’s staying in Moonstone Lake because she’s found a boyfriend who’s older than her, and some elves that Santa wouldn’t want at the North Pole.
Blair’s not just a witch, she’s a stubborn and determined witch and if anyone messes with her boyfriend she’ll go after them with spells a’blazin’ and the same if anyone thinks they can harm her town. How Blair handles it is fun and more than a bit scary, since we are talking a witch who’s gifted in revenge spells. She also shows a cheating boyfriend it’s never good to lie to his girlfriend or strange things can happen.
That’s my thing. I love to add layers to my books. One thing will lead to another then to another and eventually go back to the original incident. Even if you throw them all up into the air, they’ll come down in a strangely chaotic and fun arrangement that goes together.
I may have started out with a witch in lust over a Were Border collie, but pretty soon a lot of roadblocks were thrown Blair’s way and being the witch she was, she managed to zap them out of the way.
An excellent reason why I also love writing paranormal, because it’s so much fun to add magick to the book and what some might oddball situations.
What can I say? I love the unusual!
And I hope too.
What is it you love about paranormal books?
Linda
Hex in High Heels, Book 4 in the Hex Series,
In Stores October 2009!
In this sexy, funny paranormal romance by bestselling author Linda Wisdom, it's all beautiful witch Blair Fitzpatrick can do to keep a lid on her talent for revenge spells, but things are about to get a lot more complicated...
Blair loves running her vintage shop and hanging out with witchy friends Stasi and Jazz. She's forever had a crush on hunky carpenter Jake Harrison, whose Were nature (he's a Border collie) makes him loyal, lovable, and fierce when need be. Just as sparks are beginning to fly, Blair is served with a big surprise when Jake's mother shows up along with his pack leader, who threatens to make Jake heel! When the alpha does the unthinkable, Blair is pushed over the edge. No one messes with her boyfriend-to-be, even if he does shed on the furniture!
Buy: Hex in High Heels
About the Author
Linda Wisdom has published more than 70 novels with 13 million copies sold worldwide including traditional, paranormal, humor, action/adventure romance, and romantic suspense. Her bestselling books have been nominated for Romantic Times awards and the Romance Writers of America Rita Award. She lives with her husband in Murrieta, California.
Giveaway: 2 readers can win 1 copy of Hex in High Heels. Open to US and Canada readers only. Enter by answering Linda's question or leaving a relevant comment. Multiple entries allowed. Ends on October 23, 2009.
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October 15th, 2009 — 5 Stars, ARC, About, Genre, S-U, V-Z
I won the Beyond Heaving Bosoms: The Smart Bitches' Guide to Romance Novels in the SBTB ARC giveaway contest. When I got it in the mail I ripped the packaging and squeed! About two chapters into the guide my first thought beyond the squeeing was this...
English/Lit grad students working with romance novels: Smart Bitches just pwned your thesis. Scrap what you got and start over. Think I'm kidding? Ignore my advice and you will Not Pass Go and Collect $200 you'll just go straight to FAIL.
My second thought another two chapters down the road was...
SBTB has written the ultimate end all be all guide for romances. You won't be able to talk about romance again without using this book because they've covered it all: lead types, plot tropes, standard clichés, wtf moments, sex, and HEAs.
Sarah and Candy have written a terrific book. Their guide to romances will definitely bring tears of laughter to your eyes as well as enlighten readers to why women love to read romances... the shortcut answer is all about the hero and heroine... or maybe it's all in the Magic Hoo-Hoo? Hmm... tricky. I guess you'll have to read to find out for yourself.
The tone of the novel is set to read like your best friend breaking down the facts of romance for you to understand, potty language and crude jokes included. Pick this book up for no other reason than to read and learn about the different types of heroes and heroines. It's sure to bust your gut because you've probably come across at least one of each... like the too stupid to live heroine.
Overall, 5 Stars out of 5 Stars.
Fans and Scorners ignore Beyond Heaving Bosoms at your own peril... especially the scorners for we just might throw the 80s Rapist Hero at you.
Originally posted 2009-02-14 05:22:43. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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October 3rd, 2009 — 4.5 Stars, Arabia/Middle East, Australia/New Zealand, Book Review, Category, Contemporary, Foster/Orphan, Interracial, Kings, Princes, Sheiks, Chiefs, Mistaken Identity, Pregnant, Sheik/Desert, V-Z, Virgin Heroine, Widow or Widower
This book was made out of 3 parts awesome.
Maggie’s mother ran off with her younger sister when Maggie was eight leaving Maggie in the care of her father. He was pretty awful and basically treated Maggie like the son he wished he had forcing Maggie to put all of her time and savings into his farm which basically was throwing it away. Now her father’s dead, but her upbringing has left her with some emotional scars. It doesn’t help to find out the man she thought she loved was screwing with the curvier and more feminine wife of another man.
She meets the hero in the midst of a rainstorm where he rescues her from her sad and sorry state. Concerned, Khalid watches as shock and possibly hypothermia takes over her system. He’s also furious thinking that her tragic state is due to a man hurting her sexually/physically. She denies that she was hurt – which is true at least in the ways that Khalid was mentally coming to a boil over. Her scars are far more mental. Now more than ever before Maggie is feeling inadequate. She’s not nearly feminine enough or enticing enough to attract a man, let alone capable of stirring love in the breast of anyone.
That night she seeks comfort in Khalid’s arms. He hesitates, mentally castrating himself over his undeniable need for this fragile female, because he doesn’t want to take advantage of the situation. Maggie notices the hesitation and it confirms her current muddled thoughts about all the ways in which she is lacking. She presses on and Khalid gives in making love to her.
He wakes to find her gone and his half-brother dead, making him Sheik. Unable to track down the elusive Maggie he heads back home to his country. When he finagles things so that Maggie comes to his country, an incident with a terrified horse almost immediately occurs. This of course leads to some medical tests and surprise, surprise, despite preventative measures Maggie is pregnant. Khalid reveals his identity and proposes marriage.
Will Maggie accept and if she does can she handle being a royal wife with a man who wants her body but not her heart? Will Khalid’s frozen heart melt in the heat of their shared passion? Can a marriage last when it was made purely for the convenience of raising a child?
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Buy on eHarlequin: The Desert King's Pregnant Bride
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Originally posted 2009-01-25 05:47:41. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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September 29th, 2009 — 2.5 Stars, ARC, Guest Reviews, Jane Austen, Regency, V-Z
by Isabel G., guest reviewer
The main character, Mary Bennet, is not the most interesting person and the story was slow to develop. With that said, I am not sure this book would have mass appeal. The author does not reveal if she chooses to marry until the last fifty pages. What kept me reading, was how well the author managed to capture that time period. A person can find themselves lost in another era while reading this book. I had a real sense of what it was like for women living in that period. The characters seemed to be very careful as to how they behaved, and what they said to one another; in order to maintain propriety.
Mary Bennet feels the pressures of society, as her mother tries to prepare her to take a husband. She’s an honest woman with good morals and a strong faith in God. She’s searching for an opportunity to live without the need of marrying. This, of course, does not sit well with her mother! As time passes, Mary begins to see the happiness her sister Elizabeth has with her husband, and it changes her negative image of marriage. Although she has no interest in the idea of getting married, she begins to feel she may have no choice. Mary is willing to sacrifice her future to help another sister named Lydia.
It was enjoyable to read how loving her family was with Mary. All, except her mother, were very supportive of her wishes. Mary is also very fortunate to make a good acquaintance who offers her a job and a place where she can live on her own. Despite her wishes not to marry, a suitor approaches her and she’s forced to make a decision; that could alter her life forever. It is also interesting to see how Mary changes throughout the story. It is through Mary’s observations of how others live their daily lives and interact with one another that she begins to grow as a person and becomes less introverted.
If you enjoy historical novels, this is the book for you.
Rating: 2.5 Stars
Buy: A Match for Mary Bennet
Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark
ISBN 978-1-4022-2011-1
Copyright 2009
Genre: Historical Romance
Page: 350 pages
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September 28th, 2009 — 1 Star, Arabia/Middle East, Book Review, Bride Stealing, Category, Comedy of Manners, Contemporary, Great Britain, Interracial, Kings, Princes, Sheiks, Chiefs, Mistaken Identity, Sheik/Desert, V-Z
How can I put this lightly? The novel was crap. How terrible? Really terrible. I could break down the awful for you (warning this is the whole plot and is full of spoilers):
Heroine to self: My brother is in prison and only the Sheik can help.
Hero to self: Next time my baby half-brother is getting his own wife.
Heroine and Hero lock eyes – every sane thought drops from head.
Heroine to self: I’m so hot and bothered.
Heroine aloud: You can’t do this to Andy!
Hero to self: I’m so hot and bothered. That apron is hot. She must be maid and lover to Andrew – so jealous.
Hero aloud: I can do what I want!
Insert massive make-out scene that gets interrupted by father.
Hero aloud: Meet me at my hotel at eight.
Later at hotel Hero and Heroine getting it on and right before anything good happens…
Heroine aloud: More!
Hero aloud: We have all night!
Heroine aloud: And for the rest of our married lives.
Hero freezes. All action stops.
Hero aloud: WTF?
Heroine aloud: But- but you told my father you wanted to marry me – that by marrying you, my brother would go free.
Heroine to self: Marrying you would be no hardship… meow.
Hero aloud: No I didn’t. My stupid moronic half-brother who’s going to be dumb enough to fly his helicopter into the sea in three chapters is going to marry you. I am the Sheik of the neighboring country and you’re a gold digging witch.
Which boils down to the Hero kidnapping Heroine upon arrival into his brother’s country for her ‘protection’ that then leads to the half-brother is dead news and of course this leads to the Hero saying, ‘Same deal. Marry me instead.’ Poor Heroine is confused but the sex clears her head and they decide to get married until she can’t go through with it unless he loves her (I totally thought it was going to be the whole I can’t have babies, because another neighboring sheik/wife couple showed up and the wife was pregnant). Hero tells Heroine he loves her. Heroine is happy, repeats the same sentiments. The end.
Honestly? Why are stories with Harlequin such a crap-shoot? Most times they’re just meh… average. Sometimes you get lucky and they’re great. However you’ll stumble upon one of these and are like WTF? Why am I still reading this BS? How did this get published?
Rating: 1 Star
Originally posted 2009-01-26 05:12:32. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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September 14th, 2009 — 3.5 Stars, Book Review, Category, Contemporary, Entrepreneur, Estranged, Friends, Mistaken Identity, Nerd, Older Woman/Younger Man, United States of America, V-Z
The cover of Feels Like the First Time is the reason readers hide the books that they read. I’m surprised Harlequin approved it frankly. It looks like the 70s on drugs. Disco pinks, blues, and purples swirl in a psychedelic mess surrounding two humping dancers that look like Sims characters. It’s just bizarre!
However the story between the covers is great; a very cute friends-to-lovers tale. The leads were best friends in high school but time and distance got between them. Not necessarily estranged, but close enough. At the ten year high school reunion they reconnect and have a magical weekend that leads to a HEA.
Zoe Gaston must find Gandolf, the video programmer who if persuaded could help her brother’s floundering company by writing an exclusive game for the new gaming system. Based on clues from Gandolf’s first ever video game Zoe knows he must have gone to her high school. Nothing less than love for her dear brother could get Zoe back to that small town and meet up with all of the people that made her high school years hell.
Dexter Drake is Zoe’s oldest friend and is in fact Gandolf, but since he left the company he was with he’s been under a confidentiality clause not to spill the beans. Of course, even if he could, he probably wouldn’t. Everybody from high school used him in some way or another except Zoe and he doesn’t want to give her a reason to start. Dexter wants Zoe to want him for himself… if only he had the courage to reveal that the man dressed as Aragon at the costume party was in fact him.
Rating: 3.5 Stars
Buy: Feels Like the First Time
Buy on eHarlequin: Feels Like the First Time
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