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!

Party at the Sizzlers!

It may be Friday the 13th but I'm throwing superstition aside and partying at the Southern Sizzlers' 1st Anniversary celebration. Join the fun and read other anniversary posts by Sourcebooks Casablanca editor Deb Werksman, Kensington Brava editor Megan Records, bestselling romantic suspense author Cynthia Eden, Golden Heart nominee and inspirational romance author Cara Lynn James, and many more!

Spreading the Love Day #2

Today's "Spreading the Love" theme is recommended recent romance releases! Publishers are putting their best foot forward with these new January and February releases, just in time for Valentine's....

Contemporary

1. Take Me If You Dare by Candace Havens - February 15, 2010 (Harlequin Blaze)

2. Hold On Tight by Stephanie Tyler, Book III in the "Hard to Hold" SEALS trilogy - February 15, 2010 (Dell)

3. Bucked by Cat Johnson, Book II in the "Studs in Spurs" trilogy - February 16, 2010 (Samhain)

Historical

1. Lessons in French by Laura Kinsale - January 26, 2010 (Sourcebooks)

2. Scoundrel's Kiss by Carrie Lofty, a tie-in to her previously published medieval romance What A Scoundrel Wants - January 1, 2010 (Zebra)

3. Countess of Scandel by Laurel McKee, Book I in the "Daughters of Erin" trilogy- February 1, 2010 (Grand Central)

Paranormal

1. Eternal Hunter by Cynthia Eden, Book I in the "Night Watch" series - January 1, 2010 (Kensington Brava)

2. Ecstasy Unveiled by Larissa Ione, Book IV in the "Demonica" series - February 1, 2010 (Grand Central)

3. Moon Craving by Lucy Monroe, Book II in the the "Children of the Moon" series - February 2, 2010 (Berkley)

For today's book-a-day giveaway, I've got a mass market edition of James Patterson's Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas! To enter to win, just comment to this post and tell me what recent or upcoming releases you recommend! (Chances of winning depend on the number of entries; you must be 18 years or older to enter.) Weekend winners will be announced Monday; February 15....

Yesterday's book-a-day giveaway for a hardback edition of The Jane Austen Book Club is still open for entry. Just scroll down and comment to yesterday post. And don't forget, if you comment all three days of "Spreading of Love" (Feb. 12-14), you'll eligible for an extra prize drawing!

Oh, and only one more day left to vote my historical romance, Forever Amore, Best Book of 2009 at LASR!

2009 Favorites...

Since I'm continuing my Christmas countdown, instead of looking forward today I'm going to look back over all the great romances I read this year. I'm behind on my TBR pile (er..make that mountain) so many of the books I read were published in previous years. Several favorites stuck out. Here they are:





GENRE FAVORITES...



Contemporary - Lucky Charm by Carly Phillips



Historical - The Conqueror by Kris Kennedy



Paranormal - Lover Avenged by J.R. Ward



Suspense - Awaken to Danger by Catherine Mann



Sci-Fi/Futuristic - Grimspace by Ann Aguirre *This book is categorized as science fiction but it does have strong romantic elements*








FAVORITE MOMENTS...



Hero - Shade (from Larissa Ione's Desire Unchained)



Heroine - Sirantha Jax (from Ann Aguirre's Grimspace)



First Words - Fantasy Lover by Sherrilyn Kenyon



Banter - Dragon Actually by G.A. Aiken



First Kiss - Vision in White by Nora Roberts



Love Scene - Lover Avenged by J.R. Ward



HEA - Passion Unleashed by Larissa Ione



Plot Climax - Nightkeepers by Jessica Anderson

GENERAL FAVORITES...

Author - Larissa Ione

Author to Watch - Erin Quinn, Sasha White & Diane Gaston

Story Concept - J.R. Ward's Covet

Anthology - Diamonds of Welbourne Manor by Diane Gaston, Deb Marlowe & Amanda McCabe

Re-Read - Hotter After Midnight by Cynthia Eden

Series - J.R. Ward's Black Dagger Brotherhood & J.D. Robb's In Death *second year running for BDB and third year running for ID*

Slapping Myself Because I Should Have Read - Gena Showalter & Elizabeth Hoyt

All right, readers - it's your turn! What are your 2009 favorites? What books and/or moments stuck out to you in romance genre this year?

Worth A Click...

Procrastination can only take up so much of the day so I like to know which sites are worthy enough to indulge that time in. Here are some new favorites I've developed over the last few weeks...

Blogs I Follow...


1) The Season Blog - Many may already be familiar with Beverley Kendall's historical romance site, The Season. Not only is there now a Forum, there is also a Blog. Both have helped reawaken my love of the historical romance novel. There's always interesting historical-romance-themed topics, the opportunity to pick the brain of a historical romance author or two, polls, and the occassional giveaways. The Season Blog is definitely on my procrastination list.


2) Borders True Romance - Join host Sue Grimshaw and Borders online for romance galore! Not only is there video interviews with favorite romance authors the likes of Nora Roberts, J.R. Ward, Sherrilyn Kenyon, etc., there's the chance to interact with guests like Carly Phillips, Susan Donovan, and more! Plus some pretty great book giveaways as well. I thank Borders for putting the spotlight on romance! (I find this a great diversion for my Romance Novel TV shut-down blues...)


3) League of Reluctant Adults - This group of paranormal/urban fantasy authors uses the tagline "Paranormal. Chatty. Inappropriate." Off the wall and fun, I stop by for updates often from Jaye Wells, Molly Harper, Dakota Cassidy, Michelle Rowen, etc.! Not all that many free goodies up for grabs, but there's always paranormal-related topics being discussed and that's precisely why it makes my list. Must feed my paranormal obsession!


4) Risky Regencies - This blog is probably my current favorite. I look forward to visiting to hear the latest in Regency romance chatter from one of my current must-buys, Diane Gaston, as well as Amanda McCabe, Carolyn Jewel, and several more ladies who make it their business to know...well, risky regencies. There's always something to learn or discuss, especially if you appreciate the Regency genre as much as scores of other Austen followers.


5) Cynthia Eden's Blog - Nobody throws a virtual party better than paranormal romance and romantic suspense author Cynthia Eden! Whether it's a launch party like her 30 Days of Demons leading up to the July release of Midnight's Master or holiday celebrations like her Month of Monsters going on right now, there's always fun to be had at Cynthia's blog.


6) Murder She Writes - Move over, Angela Lansbury! The queens of romantic suspense and mystery have banded together to bring readers relevant topics every week - Allison Brennan, S.J. Day, Heather Graham, Roxanne St. Claire, Debra Webb.... Yeah, these are just a few reasons I stop by. Nobody writes murder or wisdom better than these ladies. Definitely worth a click!


7) Fresh Fiction - Fiction lovers will love Fresh Fiction. Add contests and favorite fiction authors together and I'm there! Recently, Nina Banks stopped by to discuss writing humor. Now I'm hooked. I must know what is being said every week at Fresh Fiction! Plus, they review!


8) Romancing the Blog - Romance readers and authors discuss "what's hip, what's now, what's tomorrow in the world of romance" at Romancing the Blog. I've long been a fan of this site. Guests are welcome to post during "Open Blog Nights."


9) Fierce Romance - Nobody knows better what makes romance sexy (particularly romance heroes) than the ladies of Fierce Romance. A visit to this blog gets my blood moving in the morning. Whether its eye candy, book trailers, hot topics that range anywhere from hot heroes to cover models to hot hero wardrobes and weapons, I love me some Fierce Romance! And there's usually some really juicy excerpts readers can sink their teeth into :)

10) The Roses of Prose - Of course I had to go there, lol. But hey, not only do I like posting every Monday at TRoP. I love reading what the other ladies, Kianna Alexander, Laura Breck, Lisa Lipkind Leibow, and Nancy O'Berry, have to say. They're amazing ladies I've already learned beaucoups from. I'm very happy to be a part of this site!

So readers, what're your favorite group blogs? What makes a site worth the procrastination time? I'd love to hear recommendations!

Readers Luncheon Photos

As many of you know, I traveled with author Cynthia Eden to Baton Rouge on Oct 3rd to attend the HeartLa's Annual Romance Readers Luncheon as a guest author. I enjoyed what speakers Kelley St. John and Cynthia had to say about reading romance and the importance of connecting with readers and was so glad I got to share the event with my mother who drove all the way from Alabama to be my luncheon buddy :) I met several other authors, signed copies of Forever Amore and The Way Back Home, and most importantly talked to readers! Thought I'd share some photos from the event. Enjoy!

At my table at Drusilla Seafood. I enjoyed chatting with the enthusiastic ladies at my table. The pasta was divine!

Signing books - Maya Banks, me, Chere Coen, and Allison Kent. So glad I got to share the table with such distinguished ladies!

I must thank my mom for helping me look so lady- and business-like for this occassion. Where would I be without her? :)

Road Trip to Baton Rouge!

Readers, I'll be away for the weekend at The Heart of Louisiana's Annual Romance Readers Luncheon in Baton Rouge, LA! Fellow Gulf CoastRomance Writers member, Cynthia Eden (Midnight's Master), will be a featured speaker and author Kelley St. John (Flirting with Temptation) will give the keynote address. I'll be signing copies of The Way Back Home anthology featuring 1st place 2009 More Than Magic novella Blackest Heart.

Also among the signees are two more of our GCC chapter mates Allison Knight and Fran McNabb along with Maya Banks, Nancy Brandt, Eleanor Cocreham, Chere Coen, Mary Culver, Elaine Grant, Alison Kent, Kimberly Lang, Anne Clayre Mason, Connie Rachal, Tammy Riviere, Sylvia Rochester, Josephine Templeton, Joanna Wayne, and Robin Wells.

I'll be sure to take plenty of pictures to post with my recap on Monday! Til then, everyone have a wonderful weekend!

***And a very happy birthday shoutout to my baby sis!

Big Fall Events for Readers!

Big news for fall readers, especially those who love paranormal as much as I do, there's tons happening on the web through November! First of all, Gena Showalter's new release Intertwined is such a major event, to celebrate Harlequin TEEN is giving away $10,000. To enter the sweepstakes (and win some groovy TEEN swag), click on the above widget.

The month of October marks another great party over at paranormal romance and romantic suspense author Cynthia Eden's blog: Month of Monsters! If you love Halloween, drop by and read fun posts and excerpts from the likes of Vivi Anna, Angie Fox, and more!



Tomorrow I'll be interviewed at one of my new favorite blogs, The Rantings & Ravings of Jeanne St. James! Hope to see you there :)

Exciting Contest!!!

Looking for an exciting contest? Check out Cynthia Eden's 30 Days of Demons and the last book in her awesome Midnight trilogy, to be released June 30th!

Holiday Love Affair Blog Fest & Romantic Notions Booksigning

This week will be a busy one. So everyone knows where all the fun stuff will be happening, starting Monday and continuing through the whole week of Valentine's Bragging Rights Unleashed (http://braggingritesunleashed.blogspot.com/) will be hosting Holiday Love Affair. I'll be one of the contributors and Fox & Hound will be one of the door prizes! Tomorrow will be a "Meet the Author" theme, Tuesday readers will get to meet the characters. (And yes, Todd from F&H will be making an appearance *wink*) Wednesday will be juicy with excerpts. Thursday is a day for announcements and upcoming events in which I will be announcing some BIG news. Don't miss it!

Wednesday, February 11th I'll be attending my first booksigning called Romantic Notions at the Foley Public Library from 6-8 p.m. Other featured authors include Cynthia Eden (http://www.cynthiaeden.com/), Bess McBride (http://www.bessmcbride.com/), and Allison Knight (http://www.allisonknight.com/). For more information, visit the library's website: http://www.booksite.com/texis/scripts/bookletter/showlist.html?sid=5332&list=CNL1. I'll be selling and signing copies of Denied Origin and Fox & Hound. Hope to see you there!

BLACKEST HEART: "Fantastic Read" Review

WOW, Writers & Readers of Distinctive Fiction give Blackest Heart the "Fantastic Read" seal! Here are reviewer Vasiliki Scurfield's comments:

A touch slow to start, this story soon develops a fast pace and gallops along taking the reader from one event to another. The romance that develops between Judd and Stella is really believable. I was concerned initially about whether Ms Williams would be able to make it work as the time scale is quite small and there is a lot of other stuff packed in. But it does work and it works very well too. The other characters are believable too and the story kept me pinned to my seat while I gobbled it up. There's a lot happening in this story that isn't mentioned in the blurb. Some major conflict comes from Stella's older brother - I won't say more. It's up to you to read the story to find out what happens.

I love Judd. He appealed to me from the outset and he is absolutely gorgeous. I’m not a great Western/ cowboy fan myself but this story went a long way towards converting me. Ms Williams has a good writing style; polished and confident, and I look forward to reading more of her work in the future. Definitely recommended.

Holy cow, I'm floored!!! Thank you so much, Vasiliki!

More good news: A Summer's Hope will be included in TWRP's full-color ad in the June issue of Romantic Times and may even receive a review from RT. Fingers definitely crossed there. And it looks as if Fox & Hound may be in print by my first booksigning with fellow romance authors Cynthia Eden, Allison Knight, and Bess McBride at the local library on February 11th. More details on the signing and F&H to come! Until then, *snoopy dance*