Changes + September 2014 Reads

CHANGES: September was a tough month my friends. I have some ongoing personal issues at home that are not going to get easier. My husband is gravely ill and my time is now precious. As a result, I must make a few changes around here.

I've already slowed down posting reviews and that will continue. However, reading has always been my own personal kind of meditation and I'm going to need that space. So, in the near future I will continue reading and sharing my thoughts as often as possible. My husband John has asked me not to give up on my blogging and, as long as I enjoy it, I won't. Regardless, to further alleviate personal stress I will not accept ARCs for review until further notice. See Disclosure/Rating page.

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READS: Now, on to my September reads. Two of my top books of the month have winter themes. The Bears of Winter ed. by Jerry L. Wheeler is my favorite LGBT anthology of the year to this point. It's erotic with excellent creative writing and fantastic editing. The Winter Long by Seanan McGuire finally hooked me on the October Daye urban fantasy series. I'm now a true fan. And then there is I Knew Him by Erastes, a great historical thriller with first rate writing and a central character I won't soon forget.

September 2014 Books Read: 9
Contemporary Romance: 1
Paranormal Romance: 1
Historical Romance: 1
Urban Fantasy: 2
Science Fiction: 2
LGBT: 2

SEPTEMBER 2014 TOP READS:

The Bears of Winter ed. by Jerry L. Wheeler: A-
The Winter Long (Toby Daye #8) by Seanan McGuire: A-
I Knew Him by Erastes: B+
Downfall (Cal Leandros #9) by Rob Thurman: B
An American Duchess by Sharon Page: B-
Frozen by Meljean Brook: B-
The Winter Lodge (Lakeshore Chronicles #2) by Susan Wiggs: B-
Bloodchild and Other Stories by Octavia Butler: C+
The Forever Watch by David Ramirez: C

SEPTEMBER 2014 OTHER REVIEWS AND POSTS
In Your Dreams (Blue Heron #4) by Kristan Higgins
August 2014 Recap: Favorite Reads, Old & New
Hilcia's Minis: YA Wallflowers & Dark Horses + LGBT Mysteries: Porcelain Dogs, Cambridge Fellows & Think of England

September 2013 Recap: Books Read + Minis

I am in the middle of what I am calling an "Indescribably Severe Period of Blogger's Fatigue." I'm half-way through my fifth year of blogging, and it has been seven years (or is it eight) since I've been hanging around the blogosphere. Perhaps it's the seven year itch and I just need a little pick-me up. Someone prepare a strong and refreshing mint julep for me, please!

Anyway, here are my reads for September 2013:

Total Books Read: 18
Contemporary: 1 (YA Fiction)
Historical: 1 (Romance)
Urban Fantasy: 10
Fantasy: 4 (Historical Fantasy Fiction: 2)
LGBT: 2 (Gay Fiction: 1, M/M Romance: 1)

Top 3 Reads of the month:

Desire: Tales of New Orleans by William Sterling Walker: A

I loved this book so much that I read it twice. You can read my review, but let me tell you... I had to retrain myself! This book is so gorgeous, I had enough notes and quotes to write a saga instead of a review. I can't believe I missed this collection in 2012.

The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman: A-

This is a fantastic adult fairy tale. I can't recommend it enough to lovers of fantasy as a "must read."

Ashes of Honor (October Daye #6) by Seanan McGuire: A-

After reading the whole October Daye series by Seanan McGuire, this book was definitely my favorite. It is the one book of the series where everything came together and worked for me: Toby, the plot, the relationships, and the world-building.

One Salt Sea (October Daye #5) by Seanan McGuire: B+

I love the additional world-building in One Salt Sea. McGuire's inclusion of the Undersea Faerie Folk was fantastic. The revelations about the Luidaeg's history was a definite plus. And, this book has one of the funniest scenes as well as some of the saddest of the whole series. I was kind of relieved that some characters were finally disposed of and that decisions that needed to be made were faced by Toby.

The House of Impossible Loves by Cristina Lopez Barrio: B

This Latin American style magical realism yarn has teeth and challenges comfort zones with a few taboo subjects, love, angst, some truly hateful characters, and a gorgeous historical setting. Not for everyone.

Cry Wolf (Alpha & Omega #1) by Patricia Briggs: B

I thoroughly enjoyed this tale of werewolves and witches. Briggs's world-building is quite attractive and I liked the characters much more in this book than in the introductory novella, On the Prowl. However, I feel that without reading that novella, this book would be incomplete as it really explains Anna's psychological state of mind and how Charles came into her life. A solid read!

The Untamed Mackenzie by Jennifer Ashley: B

The lovely romance between detective Chief Inspector Lloyd Fellows and Lady Louisa Scranton is a novella. It contains passion and a wonderful crime mystery. I enjoyed getting to know Fellows while he yearned for his Louisa, and wished that there had been more page time when it ended.

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green: B

This was our Internet Book Club choice for the month of September. The Fault in Our Stars is not a book I intended to read, but it was recommended by Mariana's young daughter and of course I had to give it a go. If this book were a movie, it would fall under the "tear jerker" category. I found it to be relentlessly sad with three dimensional characters that pulled me in and under until the end. So yes, this is a great read, but I could not help but be relieved when it finally ended. Augustus and Hazel Grace are memorable characters I won't soon forget. A really great book for young adults.

Late Eclipses (October Daye #4) by Seanan McGuire: B

Late Eclipses is the book that was needed to give this series a boost, in my humble opinion. It's filled with great revelations about Toby, her magic, and her mother Amandine that help make sense of what happened in the previous three books. Finally! A solid, solid installment.

Rosemary & Rue (October Daye #1) by Seanan McGuire: B-

Rosemary and Rue begins with a bang, fizzles out, and then picks up with the kind of great world-building that I love and kept me reading this series.

Chimes at Midnight (October Daye #7) by Seanan McGuire: B-

The latest release in the Toby Daye series was a mixed bag for me. The plot felt disjointed and not quite up to snuff, particularly after reading Ashes of Honor #6 -- a much tighter installment. In the end, I found the central theme of the book, pureblood superiority/inferiority with its power or lack of it, disturbing.

Carniepunk Anthology: B-

A dark urban fantasy anthology that is packed with stories that are part of ongoing series, although a few are free standing. I enjoyed enough of them to recommend this as a good October, Halloween read.

An Artificial Night (October Daye #3) by Seanan McGuire: C+

Another book I'm not crazy about, but I liked better than book #2 because characters such as Raj, Tybalt's nephew, are introduced, Quentin's relationship with Toby is further developed as is her relationship with the Luidaeg, plus the excellent fantasy world-building continues.

My Cowboy Heart by Z. A. Maxfield: C+

This was a good M/M Western Romance by ZAM but nothing really unique. This story about a foreman in his 30's who becomes aware that he is gay when a new out and proud gay ranch hand is hired, has been done before. It's not a gay for you story. Anyway, ZAM writes a good contemporary western yarn, better than some others I've read with this same plot device. I'm actually interested in reading the follow-up story about two older ranch hands, one of them an alcoholic.

On the Prowl (Alpha & Omega 0.5) by Patricia Briggs: C

A short novella with great central characters, but one that felt incomplete. It has that insta-mine paranormal device that feels a bit tired and an overly abusive storyline toward the female protagonist that nearly turned me off from continuing to the first book of the series. The world-building seemed interesting and I wanted to give Briggs a shot, so I continued on to Cry Wolf.

La Rosa de Fuego (The Rose of Fire: The Cemetery of Forgotten Books, #0.5) by Carlos Ruiz Zafon: C

I read the Spanish version of this fantasy-based prequel to Zafon's Cemetery series and enjoyed his prose and writing style. Set in 15th Century Barcelona during the time of the inquisition, Zafon incorporates religion, ignorance, and the prejudicial mores of the times, along with a rather heavy handed dose of fantasy. This prequel is a bit too short and lacks depth.

A Local Habitation (October Daye #2) by Seanan McGuire: C-

Unfortunately this book drove me insane! Why? The setting for the plot in this book is limited for the most part to one very uninviting, cold place, the characters introduced are not compelling or interesting, and Toby is not well prepared to investigate the crimes occurring in this place. Yet, the relationship and world-building continued and that kept me reading.

Rereads:
The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman: A

This is ghoulish children's fairy tale, that is true, but at its core it is a family-oriented fairy tale that deals beautifully and warmly with the subject of adoption. This was a reread for me, and yes I fell in love with the characters and Gaiman's storytelling talent all over again.

I will remember September 2013 as the month I went nuts reading UF! I began a couple of books from other UF series, but in the end settled for McGuire and Briggs. Maybe by the end of the year I'll read a few more of those "first books in a series" that have been hanging out in my TBR for years.

How was your September? I fell in love with Desire: Tales of New Orleans by William Sterling Walker and The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman. Did you fall in love with any books last month?

September 2012: Reads + Update

Things have been quiet around here lately. Well, I've been a bit under the weather this past month and undergoing doctor's exams and all that jazz. I'm afraid that I haven't had much energy left over for blogging lately. Instead in September, I read like a fiend -- escape and all that! You all know how it is.

Anyway, I read lots of books from my TBR in September, caught up with a few series, and also re-read some favorite books that either made me happy or that I wanted to read just because.... Again, I'm sure you all know how that goes.

My favorite books of the month? The Last Renegade by Jo Goodman, Riveted by Meljean Brook, the New Amsterdam Series by Elizabeth Bear.

The book that most confounded me last month? This Is How You Lose Her by Junot Diaz. I swear to you, I still don't know how I feel about this book! Process, process, process.

Disappointments: The last two installments in Kresley Cole's Immortal After Dark series, Dreams of a Dark Warrior and Lothaire. I loved this series, but at this point three words describe these books for me: rinse and repeat.

Total Reads: 25   Re-reads: 4
 Contemporary Romance/Suspense: 1
 Historical Romance: 4
 Paranormal Romance: 2
 Urban Fantasy: 1
 Steampunk Romance/Spec Fic/Sci-Fi: 7
 Literary Fiction: 1
 Non-Fiction: 1
 LGBT: 8

From my TBR: 11

1.   A Lady Awakened by Cecilia Grant: C+
2.   The Werewolves of Central Park by Tom Cardamone: C-
3.   Sidecar by Amy Lane: B-
4.   The Last Renegade by Jo Goodman: A- *
5.   Storm Front (Dresden Files #1) by Jim Butcher: B
6.   The Secret of Othello: A Fisher Key Adventure #2 by Sam Cameron: B
7.   Riveted (Iron Seas #3) by Meljean Brook: B+
8.   Heart of Steel (Iron Seas #2) by Meljean Brook: B-
9.   Mina Wentworth and the Invisible City (Iron Seas #1.5) by Meljean Brook: B-
10. Sexual Revolutions in Cuba: Passion, Politics, and Memory by Carrie Hamilton: B
11. The Rift Walker (Vampire Empire #2) by Clay Griffith & Susan Griffith: C
12. New Amsterdam (New Amsterdam #1) by Elizabeth Bear: B+
13. Seven for a Secret (New Amsterdam #2) by Elizabeth Bear: B
14. The White City (New Amsterdam #3) by Elizabeth Bear: A-
15. Mistakes Were Made by Tristan Cole: C
16. The General's Lover (Assassin/Shifter) by Sandine Gast-Dion: D- 
17. This Is How You Lose Her by Junot Diaz (Upcoming Review)
18. Faun by Trebor Healey (Upcoming Review)
19. Her Ladyship's Companion by Joanna Bourne: C+
20. Heart's Desire by Jacquie D'Alessandro: C
21. Nowhere to Hide by Nancy Bush: C+
22. Dreams of a Dark Warrior (IAD #11) by Kresley Cole: C-
23. Lothaire (IAD#12) by Kresley Cole: C-
24. Men of Smithfield: Max and Finn by L.B. Gregg: B
25. Tinder by Tory Temple: C+

Re-reads:
1. Here There Be Monsters (Iron Seas #0.5) by Meljean Brook (Re-read): A-
2. Coming Home by Victor J. Banis (Re-read): B
3. Gobsmacked: Men of Smithfield by L.B. Gregg (Re-read): B+
4. Happy Ending: Men of Smithfield by L.B. Gregg (Re-read): B

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What am I reading? Note that in September I read 7 books in the speculative fiction/steampunk category and I'm still in a bit of a spec fic kick. Right now I'm slowly reading Berman's best of collection of gay spec fic, Wilde Stories 2012. I saved that book to read in October for Halloween month. It's going well so far.

I'm woefully behind on reviews from August and September. Hopefully after all medical tests are done, I'll be in a better frame of mind to catch up. How was your September? I hope you had a great reading month. :D

September 2011 Reads & Minis

September is over! I am so glad... lol! September was a long burn-out month for me with lots of work and running around. I was behind the eight-ball for most of the month, and in need of rest and relaxation. My blogging and reviewing suffered and yes... I ended up slow blogging for the month. However, although much of my time was spent away from the computer, I took the opportunity to read whenever possible. Thank goodness because I definitely need those books to relax. :)

Overall September turned out to be a pretty solid reading month. It was pretty well-balanced when it comes to diverse genre reading, although I do wish I'd included a straight science-fiction romance read in there (not steampumk), but in the end decided to go with literary fiction instead. I'm including two minis in this post, as well as an impromptu review I first posted at Goodreads for Captain Harding's Six Day War by Elliott Mackle.

Here are my reads for September:

Total Books Read: 14
  Contemporary: 3 (Romance: 1 Erotica: 2)
  Historical Romance: 2
  Historical Fiction: 1
  Paranormal Romance: 3
  Fantasy/Steampunk: 2
  Literary Fiction: 2
  LGBT Gay Fiction: 1

• The Feast of the Goat by Mario Vargas Llosa (Re-read): A
• Captain Harding's Six Day War: A Novel by Elliott Mackle: B+

Hah! I really enjoyed this book. The writer pulled me in to the story from page one. I meant to skim it to read later and ended up reading it in one sitting. It's all about Captain Joe Harding's escapades at the Wheelus Military Air Base in Tripoli, Libya. Set in the 1960's right before the Six Day War in the Middle East. That Joe is something else! "He's got balls." He's in the military, gay, and deep in the closet -- he has to be in order to keep his career intact and himself out of the brig. Remember these are the 1960's so it's worse than let's say.... last year! He transferred in as a crazy Colonel's right hand man and administrator with the idea of being discreet and maintaining a low personal profile. But that's just not Joe!

In a short period of time Joe's having under cover affairs with two different men, making goo goo eyes at the American Ambassador's young son, and getting himself and a friend in trouble at an all-men party turned orgy. Joe's not very subtle, even though he really tries. In the meantime he's making friends and enemies. As both he and his friends become embroiled and get caught in the middle of military politics, often due to deep-set prejudices (related to race, sexual orientation and gender), Joe becomes bolder in his attempts to save himself and his friends from disaster, and wages his own Six Day War at Wheelus. Of course as in all wars, expect victory, defeat, some wounded and casualties.

This is a fast paced story, full of excellent military details. I loved Joe's story, from the sexual escapades and attempts at self-deception that affected his personal life, to the manipulative machinations that he and friends used to achieve their ends (complete their mission) at the military base. The secondary characters are wonderful in this story too (both friends and foes). Disbelief must be suspended a couple of times before the end, and those pesky military acronyms get to be a bit much at times, however, this was a great read with a surprisingly sweet ending. This is my first read by Elliott Mackle and I really enjoyed the writing style. I’ll follow up by reading It Takes Two. (LGBT Gay Fiction)

• Demon Marked (The Guardians #7) by Meljean Brook: B

• The Greyfriar (Vampire Empire #1) by Clay Griffith & Susan Griffith: B

I featured this book in my recommendations for Halloween/October reads because I really did love the fact that the vampires in this steampunk/fantasy book are portrayed as such vile creatures. They are scary, violent and not a one sparkles in the bunch. It has been a while since I read vampires that were this nasty. The humans are quite intriguing themselves, not quite a black and white portrayal there either. Besides the way vampires and humans are characterized, there's quite a bit to recommend this first book, the adventure is fast paced, the world building is engrossing and the characters that populate the book are quite intriguing. Toward the beginning of the book there seem to be a bit too much of the passive third person point of view going on and it slowed down the action, but later on I either became accustomed to the writing style(s) or the plot reeled me in enough that this stopped being a problem for me. I enjoyed it enough that I'm reading the second book.

• Good Girls Don't by Victoria Dahl: B
• Archangel's Blade (Guild Hunters, #4) by Nalini Singh: B

I'm not following this series, yet I picked up this book mainly because it's all about Dmitri the vampire. This is one of the most violent romances I've read in a while. I liked the fact that Singh didn't change Dmitri's character to fit the romance and that he remained a "killer" even as he exhibited a softer side. I admired his loyalty and tenderness throughout the whole story when all I expected was passion. Honor was also a good protagonist who turns out to be quite strong while working on her recent traumatic experiences. Unfortunately, neither the numerous flashbacks, nor the foreshadowed reasons given at the end for Honor and Dmitri's romantic union really worked for me. Despite that, overall this was an enjoyable UF/Romance book that in many ways felt more like a paranormal read. 

• The Book of Want by Daniel A. Olivas: B (Upcoming Review)
• Supernatural by Larissa Ione, Alexandra Ivy, Jacquelyn Frank, G.A. Aiken: B
• Kissing Comfort by Jo Goodman: B (Upcoming Review)
• The Blushing Bounder (Wild & Steamy Anthology) by Meljean Brook: B
• Los cachorros by Mario Vargas Llosa: C
• Tempting the Highlander by Michele Sinclair: C
• Raw Desire by Kate Pearce: C
• Rough Play by Christina Crooks: C-

That closes my September reads. My top three picks of the month were The Feast of the Goat by Mario Vargas Llosa (Historical Fiction); Captain Harding's Six Day War: A Novel by Elliott Mackle (Gay Fiction), and Demon Marked by Meljean Brook (Paranormal Romance). How about you, any great reads in September?

New Releases: September 2011

Hey, two posts in one day! I've been away and missed you all... but I've had a few family emergencies that have kept me away from it all lately. We all had a tough month trying to deal with the facts of life and death after a family member was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer early in August and passed away this last week. I've been away from home for almost a week again and just got back. I hope to catch up with all of you soon after I recuperate and get some much needed rest.

But first, well... I haven't highlighted new releases during this whole crazy, busy summer that took over this year. However, summer is almost over and there are quite a few books in September that I'm looking forward to reading and would love to highlight.

As always I read and look forward to a lot more than the books that I feature in my posts, but I do like to feature a good mixture of the books that I read during the month. Here I go:

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Title: Demon Marked by Meljean Brook (Guardian Series, #7)
Release Date: September 6, 2011
Publisher: Berkley
Category: Paranormal Romance

Nicholas St. Croix is familiar with the evil of demons. After his father’s death, a demon took over his mother’s body and raised him. Six years ago, his “mother” was responsible for the disappearance of the woman he loved, and Nicholas swore he’d find her—even if he had to go to Hell and back. Except she finds him first—and with one tormented kiss, he knows she too is a demon. Now he is determined to take his revenge…

Ash is a half-demon with no memory of her past or how she got to Hell. All she knows is that Nicholas St. Croix holds the key to her identity. And though he’s clearly drawn to her, Nicholas makes no secret of his distrust of her. Yet one kiss at a time, he breaks down her defenses as they battle an array of demons and Guardians. But is Ash’s greatest enemy the man at her side?

I love, love this paranormal series by Meljean Brook! It's one of my top two favorite PNR series and I've found myself anxiously awaiting this book's release this whole year. I heard that an end to this series has been announced and as much as I love it, I'm fine with that. I prefer a good ending to a great series, than a slow and tortuous death. For me, this is a series that hasn't lost its momentum or appeal. I will read this book as soon as it hits my Kindle on September 6th!

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Title: Kissing Comfort by Jo Goodman
Release Date: September 6, 2011
Publisher: Berkley
Category: Historical Romance

Bode DeLong knows that his playboy brother Bram isn't really in love with Miss Comfort Kennedy, even though it's clear that she's enamored with him. With Bram's motives for the engagement suspect, Bode figures the safest place for Comfort to be is in his arms. Now, Bode just needs to convince Comfort that the childhood fancy she has for his brother is no match for the incredible desire that sparks between them every time they touch.

I love my western historical romances (although I don't read nearly enough of them!) and Jo Goodman is one of those authors whose new releases I look forward to reading. Kissing Comfort has been on my list for a while and will definitely be read this month.

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Title: Speaking Out: LGBTQ Youth Stand Up edited by Steve Berman
Release Date: September 20, 2011
Publisher: Bold Stroke Books, Inc.
Category: LGBTQ Young Adult - Anthology

Speaking Out features stories for and about LGBT and Q teens by fresh voices and noted authors in the field of young adult literature. These are inspiring stories of overcoming adversity (against intolerance and homophobia) and experiencing life after "coming out." Queer teens need tales of what might happen next in their lives, and editor Steve Berman showcases a diversity of events, challenges, and, especially, triumphs.

This is an anthology that looks great not only because the authors involved are really excellent writers, but because of the content and its importance and relevance for LGBTQ young adults. I'm looking forward to reading all the stories... but hey, some favorite authors are included: Rigoberto González (From Macho to Mariposa Anthology), Alex Jeffers (The Abode of Bliss), Steve Berman (Vintage: A Ghost Story), Jeffrey Ricker (Fool for Love Anthology and New Normal), and Sandra McDonald (Diana Comet and Other Improbable Stories). I'm looking forward to "discovering" new favorites in there too.

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Title: Snowflakes and Stetsons by Jillian Hart, Carol Finch and Cheryl St. John
Release Date: September 20, 2011 (October 1, 2011)
Publisher: Harlequin
Category: Historical Romance - Holiday Anthology

The Cowboy's Christmas Miracle by Jillian Hart

Wrongly imprisoned, Caleb McGraw is finally free—but the bitterness he holds still makes him feel trapped. Until he sees the beautiful Caroline holding a little boy with eyes just like his own. Discovering his long-lost son is just the start of Caleb's Christmas miracles!

Christmas at Cahill Crossing by Carol Finch

One Christmas night, outcast Lucas Burnett finds a silver-haired angel buried in the snow. But Rosalie Greer is no pale spirit—she's a fiery, independent woman, as wild as the mustangs Lucas breeds. Can she be the one to finally thaw Lucas's frozen heart?

A Magical Gift at Christmas by Cheryl St.John

Meredith has always dreamed of a grand life but, stranded on a train in heavy snowfall with two young stowaways, she unexpectedly finds she has everything she needs with just one strong man to protect her….

Again, I love my westerns, and a good cozy, warm holiday story set in the historical west does it for me too. This anthology features a story by Cheryl St. John, and well... she has become a favorite author for me in the past couple of years because she writes those wonderful Harlequin historical westerns so full of love and warmth and that makes this a read to look forward to already. I haven't read anything by Carol Finch or Jillian Hart before, so those will be new-to-me authors this year and I always look forward to "discovering" those. :)

Note: I have TWO release dates for this book. Well... I found two of them and it can be a bit confusing... Goodreads has September 20th and Amazon has October 1st. I usually go with Amazon's release date, but if you're interested in reading this anthology I suggest you begin looking for it after September 20th. 

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Title: a + ɘ 4EVER by I. Merey
Release Date: September 25, 2011
Publisher: Lethe Press
Category: LGBTQ Young Adult - Graphic Novel

Asher Machnik is a teenage boy cursed with a beautiful androgynous face, boys punch him girls slag him and by high school he's developed an intense fear of being touched. Art remains his only escape from an otherwise emotionally empty life.

Eulalie Mason is the lonely, tough-talking dyke from school who befriends Ash. The only one to see and accept all of his sides as a loner, a fellow artist and a best friend, she's starting to wonder if Ash is ever going to see all of her...

a + ɘ 4EVER is a graphic novel set in that ambiguous crossroads where love and friendship, boy and girl, straight and gay meet. It goes where few books have ventured, into genderqueer life, where affections aren't black and white.

This is an LGBTQ young adult graphic novel I have for review from Lethe Press. I haven't read a graphic novel in a long while, this one just looks really good. I've skimmed it a few times, but I'm really looking forward to settling down and reading it from beginning to end.

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Title: Bad Boys Do (Donovan Brothers Brewery #2) by Victoria Dahl
Release Date: September 27, 2011
Publisher: Harlequin
Category: Contemporary Romance

Olivia Bishop is no fun. That’s what her ex-husband said. That’s what her smart bob and glasses imply. And with her trademark determination, Olivia sets out to remake her life. She’s going to spend time with her girlfriends and not throw it all away for some man. But when an outing with her book club leads her to a brewery taproom, the dark-haired beauty realizes that trouble – in the form of sexy Jamie Donovan – may be too tempting to avoid.

Jamie Donovan doesn’t mean to be bad. Sure, the wild streak in his wicked green eyes has lured the ladies before. But it’s time to grow up. He’s even ready for a serious romance. But how can that be when Olivia, the only right woman he has ever met, already has him pegged as wrong.

Have you read the first book in this contemporary romance series? It's Good Girls Don't, and it's definitely a solid and true contemporary romance -- when I say "true" I mean nothing chic lit(ty) about it. I'm really encouraged by the fact that I've read a few of those this year. I DO love my women's fiction... and a good "chic lit(ty)" book hits the spot here and there, but, but, but... contemporary romance novels are my bread and butter, my chicken soup, my comfort reads, my all time favorites and I've MISSED THEM!! So this is a good thing. :D

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What about you? What books are you looking forward to reading in September? Any good recommendations?

September 2010 Reads

Well September was busy month for me, and it went fast! I'm feeling relaxed and renewed after my week off and have energy to burn. Hopefully that will translate into a few more posts and reviews. :)

I dedicated half of September to re-reads, while I kept Mariana company during her Re-reads Month and really enjoyed reading loved/favorite books. My biggest problem was choosing them. An interesting note: I noticed that most of my comfort or favorite books are in the "B" category (B, B+) -- yes some of them are A's, but very few. Does that happen to you?

And finally I do have Challenge Updates this month. After four months of not reading or reviewing any books for the In-Death Challenge, my block was broken and I'm again on a roll again! I also finally began reading the book I chose for Orannia's BIG BOOK Challenge, Naamah's Kiss by Jacqueline Carey, and *drum roll* I finished reading and next week will be posting my last review for Anasthezea's 2010 M/M Romance Challenge. Yes!

Here are my September reads:

Total books read: 22
Re-reads: 11
New reads: 11

Favorite book AND Biggest Surprise this month?

• Welcome to Temptation by Jennifer Crusie: A

Believe it or not, this is my very first Jennifer Crusie book! This is one of those authors I kept seeing around and always decided to read later. I left a comment on Tracy's blog saying so and her answer was... "Girlfriend, what are you thinking?" So, she very generously sent me a second copy as a gift and sure enough I gobbled up that book. Tracy was right, what the heck was I thinking?! What fun! Just... what fun! So yeah [sigh] late to the party, but had a great time anyway. :D 

Biggest Disappointment

• Marrying McCabe by Fiona Brand: C

I know this is an older book, but I've been looking forward to reading it for quite while -- it took me all this time to find this old copy and purchase it. The first three books in Fiona Brand's SAS series are favorites and I just expected more from this one, and you know what those high expectations can do. Brand still weaves a good story and I enjoyed some parts of it, however in my opinion this book was definitely not in the same category as the first three in the series. You can read my thoughts here. 

Complete List of Books Read

1. Lady Sophia's Lover by Lisa Kleypas (Re-read): B
2. A Separate Peace by John Knowles (Re-read): A
3. Almost Like Being in Love by Steve Kluger (Re-read): A
4. Cullen's Bride by Fiona Brand (Re-read): B+
5. Ceremony in Death by J.D. Robb: B-
6. Vengeance in Death by J.D. Robb: B+
7. Mr. Perfect by Linda Howard (Re-read): A-
8. Up Close and Dangerous by Linda Howard: C
9. Blue Moon (Under the Boardwalk Anthology) by Linda Howard: B-
10. Overload (Summer Sensations Anthology) by Linda Howard: B
11. StarCrossed 1:Demon Tailz by McLeod & Valentine (Re-read): B+
12. StarCrossed 2:Opposite Ends of the Spectrum by McLeod & Valentine (Re-read):B+
13. Reckless Seduction by Amanda Young (Re-red): B-
14. Reckless Behavior by Amanda Young (Re-read): B
15. Tabula Rasa by Tori Temple (Re-read): B+
16. Marrying McCabe by Fiona Brand: C
17. Truly, Madly by Heather Webber (Upcoming Review)
18. Once a Father by Kathleen Eagle:  (Upcoming Review)
19. Shamara (Shielder, Book 3) by Catherine Spangler (Re-read): B-
20. In Enemy Hands by KS Augustin:  (Upcoming Review)
21. Welcome to Temptation by Jennifer Crusie: (Upcoming Review)
22. The Doctor's Wife by Cheryl St. John:  (Upcoming Review)

How was your September? What book was your favorite? I chose an "oldie, but a goodie." Was yours an "oldie," or a new release?

New Release - Tented: Gay Erotic Tales from under the Big Top edited by Jerry L. Wheeler

Hurray! Hurray! Hurray! Step right up and read stories both salacious and miraculous! Only fifteen dollars for the Grand Tour of Tented! That's three fins to meet the Great Masturbator! Three Lincolns to explore a post–apocalyptic future where every clown has his very own catamite! Yes, my friends, these stories are guaranteed to amaze, beguile, and captivate. That's the ABC's, my boy. Stay close, you might learn something.

We have acrobats ready to assume positions, knife–throwers blade in–hand, the stickiest cotton candy around, and a Hall of Mirrors to reflect your deepest desires!

Okay, you all know I love my anthologies, right? Here's a new release from Lethe Press I couldn't help but feature. How could I?  Tented: Gay Erotic Tales from under the Big Top edited by Jerry L. Wheeler.

There's the great cover that fits perfectly with the title and that blurb! However, the big draw to this anthology is that it includes excellent writers: Gavin Atlas, Steve Berman, 'Nathan Burgoine, Tom Cardamone, Dale Chase, Hank Edwards, William Holden, Sean Meriweather and more...  hmmm... definitely a tempting anthology. ;)

You can find it here and here.

New Releases: September/October 2010

I only have two new releases in my list for the month of September, so I've decided to combine my list for September and October and as you'll see it's a small one at this point.

I would like to highlight a book I previously neglected to mention, a book that I've been waiting for with bated breath -- KILLBOX by Ann Aguirre!

I had this book down as a September 2nd release and didn't realize somewhere along the way the date changed and it turns out the book releases today, August 31st! So, I'm getting my Sirantha Jax and Science Fiction/Romance fix a few days early. I cannot wait to read this book!

The rest of the books I'm looking forward to reading are a mix of Urban Fantasy, Paranormal Romance, Steampunk, Young Adult Fantasy and Historical Romance.

Bayou Moon (The Edge, Book 2) by Ilona Andrews
Release Date: September 28, 2010

Cerise Mar and her unruly clan are cash poor but land rich, claiming a large swathe of the Mire, the Edge swamplands between the state of Louisiana and the Weird. When her parents vanish, her clan’s long-time rivals are suspect number one.

But all is not as it seems. Two nations of the Weird are waging a cold war fought by feint and espionage, and their conflict is about to spill over into the Edge—and Cerise’s life . William, a changeling soldier who left behind the politics of the Weird, has been forced back into service to track down a rival nation’s spymaster.

When William’s and Cerise’s missions lead them to cross paths, sparks fly—but they’ll have to work together if they want to succeed…and survive.

Visit Ilona Andrews here.

Double Cross by Carolyn Crane
Release Date: September 28, 2010

SOME SECRETS COME BACK TO HAUNT. OTHERS COME TO KILL.

Justine Jones lived her life as a fearful hypochondriac until she was lured into the web of a mysterious mastermind named Packard, who gifts her with extraordinary mental powers—dooming her to fight Midcity’s shadowy war on paranormal crime in order to find the peace she so desperately craves.

But now serial killers with unheard-of skills are terrorizing the most powerful beings in Midcity, including mastermind Packard and his oldest friend and worst enemy, Midcity’s new mayor, who has the ability to bend matter itself to his will.

As the body count grows, Justine faces a crisis of conscience as she tests the limits of her new powers and faces an impossible choice between two flawed but brilliant men—one on a journey of redemption, the other descending into a pit of moral depravity.

Visit Carolyn Crane here.

The Iron Duke by Meljean Brook
Release Date: October 5, 2010

First in an all-new series where seductive danger and steampunk adventure abound in the gritty world of the Iron Seas.

After the Iron Duke freed England from Horde control, he instantly became a national hero. Now Rhys Trahaearn has built a merchant empire on the power-and fear-of his name. And when a dead body is dropped from an airship onto his doorstep, bringing Detective Inspector Mina Wentworth into his dangerous world, he intends to make her his next possession.

But when Mina uncovers the victim's identity, she stumbles upon a conspiracy that threatens the lives of everyone in England. To save them, Mina and Rhys must race across zombie-infested wastelands and treacherous oceans-and Mina discovers the danger is not only to her countrymen, as she finds herself tempted to give up everything to the Iron Duke.

Visit Meljean Brook here.

The Heroes of Olympus, Book One: The Lost Hero by Rick Riordan
Release Date: October 12, 2010

After saving Olympus from the evil Titan lord, Kronos, Percy and friends have rebuilt their beloved Camp Half-Blood, where the next generation of demigods must now prepare for a chilling prophecy of their own:

Seven half-bloods shall answer the call,
To storm or fire the world must fall.
An oath to keep with a final breath,
And foes bear arms to the Doors of Death.

Now, in a brand-new series from blockbuster best-selling author Rick Riordan, fans return to the world of Camp Half-Blood. Here, a new group of heroes will inherit a quest. But to survive the journey, they’ll need the help of some familiar demigods.

Visit Rick Riordan here.

A Christmas Promise by Mary Balogh
Release Date: October 26, 2010
(First released in 1992 as a Signet Regency)

Weddings are supposed to be joyous occasions—especially when a couple seems as well matched as Randolph Pierce, Earl of Falloden, and his bride-to-be, Eleanor Transome. Ellie brings to the marriage a vast dowry, while Falloden, though distant, is handsome, tremendously desirable, and possessed of a title most young ladies can only dream of sharing.

Yet Ellie is not most young ladies. She knows that she must honor her dear father’s dying wish for her to wed the proud earl, but she dreads a lifetime in a union without love—and how can Falloden claim to love her when he married her only for her fortune? As Christmas descends upon the Falloden manor, the warmth of the season may yet melt away the trappings of duty and wealth, leaving behind only a man and a woman destined for each other’s arms.

Visit Mary Balogh here.

What are you looking forward to reading in September and October? Any good suggestions?

September 2009 Reads

My September reads weren't too bad. I'm happy with the results, although I didn't get to some books I absolutely wanted to read this month. They are still at the top of my TBR pile and I'm hoping to get to them in October. With work gearing up and lots of personal commitments, I rearranged my pile to accommodate my momentary needs. Soooo, short reads came into play peppered with a few longer ones in between.

I'm still behind with my reviews, so this month I did review some of my August reads. Head Over Heels by Susan Andersen, A Duke of Her Own by Eloisa James is posted at Musings of a Bibliophile, and of course those fun buddy reviews I did with Nath of Moonshine and Madhouse by Rob Thurman are posted at Breezing Through. I didn't do as well with my reading, but much better with my reviews this month. :)

Let's see what happens in October!

September

1) A Cold Creek Homecoming by Raeanne Thayne

2) His Second Chance Family by Raeanne Thayne

3) Must Love Hellhouds by Charlaine Harris, Ilona Andrews, Nalini Singh, Meljean Brook

4) Never Love a Lawman by Jo Goodman

5) Deathwish by Rob Thurman

6) Dona Nobis Pacem (M/M) by Willa Okati

7) Hex in High Heels by Linda Wisdom

Upcoming Review at Musings of a Bibliophile

8) Tempt Me at Twilight by Lisa Kleypas

9) His Convenient Husband (M/M) by J.L. Langley

10) Love in the Library (M/M) by J.M. Snyder

11) Don't Look Back (M/M) by Josh Lanyon

12) Unrequited (M/M) by Abigail Roux

13) Love Means No Shame (M/M) by Andrew Grey

14) The Tudor Rose: A Novel of Elizabeth of York by Margaret Campbell Barnes

Review at Musings of a Bibliophile

15) On the Edge by Ilona Andrews

Upcoming Review