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!

Why I Love the Irish...

Happy St. Patrick's Day, Cozies! Or as my sister likes to say, "Happy Excuse to Get Drunk Day!" The green beer isn't the only thing I love about St. Pat's. It all started when I was five. My first St. Patrick's Day memory harkens all the way back to the first grade. The class was coming back to our classroom after lunch and we opened the door to find little green footprints trailed across the long line of windows. There were gold doubloons filled with chocolate littered all across the windowpane. After an experience like that, how can anyone not believe in leprechauns and love St. Patrick's Day?

Another reason I love St. Pat's is because I have ancestors from The Emerald Isle. Although I've never been to Ireland (must remedy that soon), when presented with pictures of the country I feel more of a connection to it than any other land. I feel as much for crumbling Irish castles, the country's misty moors as well as its rain and verdant green hills as I do for my beloved hometown here on the coast. I like to think the one thing besides my complexion I get from my Irish lineage is my storytelling abilities. Oh, and my love of potatoes and bagpipes, of course!

The thing I love most about the Irish is their impact on television, movies, and literature. It is said the Jane Austen herself loved an Irishman. James McAvoy played that delightful hero, Thomas LeFroy in Becoming Jane. In the documentary show Who Do You Think You Are? in which celebrities trace their ancestral roots, Jeremy Irons found his Irish heritage. The frontman of one of my favorite bands, Bono, is also Irish as is James Bond...er, make that Pierce Brosnan. Though they play the rogue (sometimes in real life), Colin Farrell and Jonathan Rhys Meyers are both from the Emerald Isle. In fact, Jonathan portrayed a good Irish hero in the movie August Rush. The always lovely Liam Neeson is a product of Ireland, too. My most recent favorite Irish hero is Branson from Downton Abbey. Branson may not get as much screen time as Mr. Bates or Matthew Crawley but he certainly shows his Irish every time he walks onto the scene in his chaffeur uniform - which he wears quite well ;)

In terms of the romance genre, it's hard to beat Nora Roberts's Irish heroes. It started out with her Born trilogy and continued later with the Gallaghers. (Aidan still makes me swoon!) Her first book, Irish Thoroughbred, is still one of my favorites. Nora carries her love of the Irish into her J.D. Robb books. In fact, I think the character of Roarke embodies the perfect Irish hero. And I'm convinced, if ever Hollywood wanted to give us a little Roarke, Gerard Butler would be the suitable choice for the role. That is, Gerard as seen in Timeline and heard in P.S. I Love You.

If you're looking for a good ol' Irish read this St. Patrick's Day, I highly recommend Kris Kennedy's The Irish Warrior. Finian is up there with Roarke when it comes to ideal Irish heroes.

It's your turn, Cozies! What do you love most about St. Patrick's Day? And if you have any favorite Irish heroes, fiction or non-fiction, shout 'em out! Most of all, here's wishing you the luck of the Irish today and always!

I'll leave you with this quick flying trip to Ireland as well as a fun link: Why Guinness is Good for You!

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?