1st Quarter Recommended Reads

It's that time of the year again, Cozies! I've compiled my list of 1st Quarter Recommended Reads. It's sad how behind I am on some of my TBR. Please keep in mind that not all of these books were published in 2011. Most, I think, were published in 2010 (2009 at the earliest). I love, though, when reviewers go back and feature books that have been published in the past. In fact, that's how I discovered one of my favorite Regency romance authors, Christine Wells!

Title: Marked Author: Elisabeth Naughton Genre: Paranormal Romance Review: 4/5 - I love discovering new voices in paranormal romance, especially those who take the world we know and give it an intriguing world within our own. This is the case with Naughton's Marked. Another thing I loved about this book was its mythological overtones. The Eternal Guardians and their people are descendants of Greek gods. The Greek references made a mythology geek like me squee. And of course, the romance between the guardian, Theron, and his "supposedly" human mate, Casey, was spot on. I can't wait for the third book in the series, which features the guardian, Demetrius.

Title: The Irish Warrior Author: Kris Kennedy Genre: Historical Romance Review: LOVE! - Sorry, but it's hard to find a better voice in historical romance than medieval romance author Kris Kennedy. Loved her debut novel, The Conqueror. Despite my high expectations, she didn't disappoint in The Irish Warrior. I think the title character, Finian, is probably one of the best historical romance heroes I've had the pleasure of reading in some time. And heroine, Senna, doesn't disappoint either. Even if you don't read much of the medieval period, if you're a fan of historical romance you must read at least one book by Kris Kennedy!

Title: Covet Author: J.R. Ward Genre: Paranormal Romance Review: 4/5 - Anything by J.R. Ward is on my must-read list, but I was a little cautious about her new Fallen Angels series and some iffy reviews for Covet. Despite this, I enjoyed the book. As much as I love and adore the Black Dagger Brotherhood series, it was nice to take a break outside that world with Ward's awesome paranormal voice. Although Jim isn't the romantic hero of the book, he is a central character and he and his angel friends are my favorite so far. I have to warn you though, Covet is even more dark and scary than the BDB books. Still, I look forward to reading the next in this series, Crave.

Title: Deadly Fear Author: Cynthia Eden Genre: Romantic Suspense Review: 5/5 - I discovered the romance genre through romantic suspense so it's been a little weird over the past few years. My romantic suspense TBR has been pretty sparse. I have no idea why. Especially now that I've had a chance to read the first book in Eden's Deadly series, Deadly Fear. My love for romantic suspense has definitely been rekindled. All of the books on Eden's booklist feature things that go bump in the night. Deadly Fear is no exception. In fact, this novel's heart-tripping pace and freaky villain kept me reading into the early morning. My favorite element though, is the hero Luke's feelings for heroine Monica. Monica, who comes from a dark and harrowing past, might be one of the strongest heroines I have ever read. If you don't mind jumping at small noises while you're reading RS, read Deadly Fear! (Side Note: Deadly has just been nominated for a RITA! Congrats, Cynthia!!!)

Title: Happy Ever After Author: Nora Roberts Genre: Contemporary Romance Review: 4/5 - Other than the usual batch of lovable characters, Nora's Bride Quartet series started out a little lackluster for me. Book three finally turned things around for me, enough for me a await the final book, Parker's, with excitement. I liked streamlined Parker and her near to OCD tendencies from book one. She's a perfectionist you can definitely learn to love. It didn't take me long to fall in love with Harley-riding hero, Mal, either. The series' completion is a satisfying one. If you're a Nora fan, I recommend Parker and the gang :)

Title: Haunting Beauty Author: Erin Quinn Genre: Paranormal Romance Review: 5/5 - Light paranormal is something you don't see a lot of now but Erin Quinn writes it with some serious flair! I'm a fan of the Irish setting and Celtic characters so this book was a double win all around for me. Quinn's Irish setting is fluid and lush as is her voice and storytelling ability. The romance between hero, Sean, and heroine, Danni, is heartbreaking in its sweet intensity. This book packs plenty of heat nonetheless and it left me wanting to rush off to the bookstore to buy the second book in this series right away. Quinn's imagination is one I will be revisiting soon!

Title: Strangers in Death Author: J.D. Robb Genre: Futuristic Romance Review: 4/5 - I'm so far behind in Nora's In Death series. And why oh why? Eve and Roarke set a romantic precedent above all others and this addition was no exception. A rarity for a Eve Dallas viewpoint, our heroine knows who the culprit is early on and from there it's a pretty awesome game of cat and mouse with the usual suspects assisting her in her quest to unveil the killer. Roarke, Peabody, McNabb, Feeney, Mira, and Summerset feel almost more family to me than they do to Eve. And did I mention Roarke? Sorry, can't seem to do that enough. Another excellent saga in the Eve/Roarke storyline.

Next quarter, I'll be reviewing J.R. Ward's latest Black Dagger Brotherhood book, Lover Unleashed, and the first book of Larissa Ione's Lords of Deliverance series (I'm told there's must-read upside down tree sex involved so, trust me, it's next on my TBR) as well as another great Ann Aguirre book and more!