(Barrons, I want to do naughty things to you – for real! Picture from Karen Marie Moning’s website.) Recently, Jessica at Read React Review (formally Racy Romance Reviews) posed the question – to what extent do you engage in fantasy when reading romance? She broke it down into two parts – first addressing why some of us treat characters as real. For example my Smexy Boyfriend list, or interacting with JR Ward’s characters on her message board. Most recently Karen Marie Moning has her characters Continue Reading
Four Dudes, Two DNF’s
I have DNF’s or "Did Not Finish" books sometimes, and last week it happened to be two M/M romances. First up, The Dark Farewell by Josh Lanyon. I made it about halfway through the books and by no means is it written poorly. I think it is a combination of the subject matter and the love interest of the hero that turned me off. It is the story of David Flynn, a reporter who visits a small mining town where a massacre occurred the previous year. There is much background into the tragedy that took Continue Reading
In The Mood For Something Erotic?
Simple Need by Lissa Matthews November 25th, 2009 Erotic Contemporary E-Book, Novella Ellora’s CaveWhy I read: The author asked for a reviewFavorite Quote: "By morning you won't remember his name and you won't want to forget mine." Elise has been dumped by text message by her boyfriend who ended up being married. She has had full access to him – phone number, address, could see him anytime, so finding out he is married is quite a shock to her. Drowning her sorrows at a bar, she meets Continue Reading
Review: Frost Moon by Anthony Francis
Frost Moon by Anthony Francis (Skindancer #1) March 1, 2010 Urban Fantasy Paperback, 284 Pages Bell Bridge Books Reviewed by MandiWhy I read: It was offered for review.Favorite Quote: "We're all one big happy vampire family, respecting each other's beliefs, and even managing to pretend Doug's whing-whang isn't hanging out." Dakota Frost stands out amongst a crowd in her hometown of Atlanta. She is not only six feet two with an uber-cool “deathhawk” but she is also covered in tattoos – magical Continue Reading
Let The Madness Begin!
Before you start running away, I’m not talking about March Madness in terms of basketball – I’m talking books. Dear Author and Smart Bitches Trashy Books have posted their annual DA BWAHA tournament. What is this, you ask? Let me tell you – they have chosen 64 romance books, in eight categories (contemporary, historical, GLBT etc…). You fill out your bracket for which books you think will advance to the next round (just like basketball) and later this week voting will open. If it is similar to Continue Reading
Review: A Matter of Trust by Judi McCoy
Judi McCoy - A Matter of Trust April 14, 2008 Romantic Suspense Ebook or Print, Novel Length Crescent Moon Press Reviewed by Amanda Penelope Zenelli is married to Roman. From the outside they look like the type of family any congressman like Roman would be happy with, he has a gorgeous wife and a beautiful baby girl. But who really knows what goes on behind closed doors? Roman has been abusing his wife for years. When he turns his wrath on their three year old daughter Continue Reading
Smexy Books Winners
The winner of Shelley Munro's giveaway is....AndreaCongrats!! An email is on its way to you.The winner of Silver Kiss by Naomi Clark is....PattiCongrats!! An email is also in its way to you!Thank you to both Shelley and Naomi and to everyone who commented :) Continue Reading
Review: In For a Penny by Rose Lerner
In For a Penny by Rose Lerner Historical Romance February 23, 2010 Paperback, 336 Pages Leisure Books Reviewed by Mandi Why did I read: It was offered for review by the author and after The Booksmugglers glowing review, I knew I had to read it. Favorite quote: Penelope seemed haloed for an instant in perfect beauty, and he felt a sharp, unsettling pang as if someone had plucked one of his heartstrings, hard, and found it out of tune. It wasn’t like affection or lust – those he Continue Reading
Book, Blog and Other News
First up, Nalini Singh has posted an excerpt to her upcoming book, Bonds of Justice. Go HERE for the excerpt. It will be released July 6th. Blameless, the third book in Gail Carriger’s Alexia Tarabotti series now has a cover: I LOVED the first book, Soulless, and the second book, Changeless releases soon. You can watch how they created the above cover, HERE. Awhile ago, Karen Marie Moning started a facebook page for some of her characters. I of course immediately became “friends” with Continue Reading
Review: Catch Me If You Can by L.B. Gregg
Catch Me If You Can by L.B. GreggM/M RomanceMarch 2, 2010E-BookSamhain PressReviewed by Mandi Why I read: L.B. Gregg is one of my favorite authors. Favorite Quote: Listed in the review. Caesar Romano is an assistant in an art gallery. He is broke and lives with his nana – this causes him some shame but he comes from a very close knit Italian family. The book opens during a show for the artist, Jean Pappineau. He creates busts of famous people out of odds and ends. As the drinks start Continue Reading