...on a New Banner & a Thank You!

After a whole week of staring at the stock banner that came with the new blog template, I knew those three cute little kiddies reading just were not going to do it for me. Nope, I knew they were not going to make it past the first week. I couldn't look at the blog without staring at those three kiddies... they became an obsession of the worst kind -- I HAD to get rid of them! But what was I going to do? I'm still trying to make friends with HTML, never mind that I'm a total duffus when it comes to putting graphics together.

So I sent out a cyberspace distress call and what do you know? The graphics goddess herself came charging in on her mighty cyber-spaceship to save the day! She weaved some magic and ta-da!... in no time at all out of cyber-nowhere a new Impressions... banner appeared. A beauteous one at that!

So, I must thank Ms. Kenda Montgomery (known as KMont to us mortals) for weaving her graphics magic and coming to the rescue. I do hope that cyber-spaceship slows down long enough so she can see me waving my thanks... 

 (Note I made her a goddess who captains her own spaceship AND can perform magic) 

Review: Must Love Hellhounds by Charlaine Harris, Ilona Andrews, Nalini Singh, Meljean Brook

The Britlingens Go To Hell by Charlaine Harris

Batanya and Covache, two Britlingen Collective bodyguards are contracted by Crick to go to Hell. He needs to collect an object he stole from Lucifer but left there while escaping from imprisonment. Batanya is assigned this dangerous duty by her superior Tovis, who seems to be obsessed with harassing her. 

In this world, witchcraft is enhanced by science and the witches facilitate transportation for the bodyguards. Batanya, Covache and Crick battle their way through the dark and dangerous tunnels of Hell and on their way meet Hell's monsters, Amelia Earhart, Narcissus and two hellhounds. 

This is my first Charlaine Harris read and I'm afraid neither the story nor the writing grabbed my attention. The addition of Earhart and Narcissus to the story came out of left field for me and threw me out of the story. This novella was the weakest in the anthology for me. 

Angel's Judgment by Nalini Singh

In this pre-quel to Angel's Blood, we meet Sarah before she becomes the Director of the Guild of Hunters. Angel's Judgment is Sarah and Deacon's story. 

Deacon is the Slayer for the Guild. A position so secret, it is known only to the Guild Director and now to Sarah. His job is to hunt rogue Guild hunters -- those who kill vampires instead of returning them to their masters. In this story, Deacon and Sarah join together in the battle against a rogue who is killing vampires -- this right after Sarah is offered the position as Guild Director and comes under scrutiny from the Archangels. During their battles, they encounter an angel, vampires and of course Lucy, the hellhound. 

Sara and Deacon's mutual attraction and sizzling chemistry is apparent from the start. Their attraction is one that may conflict with their future professional relationship.I thought both the action and the romance were well done in this story. 

I liked the characters and the story kept my attention. We were not given as many details as expected about the Guild Hunter's world, although what we did learn was relevant. Elena and Raphael both make brief appearances and neither has much of an impact on the story.  A nice addition to this series, Angel's Judgment gives us a closer look and some added development to some important secondary characters in this UF/Romance series.

Magic Mourns by Ilona Andrews

Magic Mourns is a novella related to Ilona Andrews' Kate Daniels urban fantasy series. Andrea Nash is a knight in the Order of Knights of Merciful Aid and Kate's best friend. She's also a shapeshifter in denial. The story picks up a few weeks after Magic Strikes ends, while Kate is recuperating from her wounds and Andrea is covering for her at the Order. 

In Magic Mourns, Andrea and Raphael, the sexy werehyena who has been courting her for six months, embark in their own harrowing adventure. They battle the three-headed Cerberus, Hades' hellhound, and must figure out why he left the gates he's supposed to be guarding. In the process, Andrea must come to terms with her feelings for Raphael and with her own secret monster. 

This story is told through Andrea's point of view, a refreshing way of seeing this character story and adding further development. Here, as in other Kate Daniels books we encounter mythology -- this time of the Greek kind. Fast paced and full of action, Ilona Andrews delivers a complete story with a couple of characters I loved and some great action.  This story was a winner for me.

Blind Spot (A Guardian Novella) by Meljean Brook

In this novella by Meljean Brook, Maggie "Winters" and Geoff Blake are thrown together when Katherine, Geoff's sister, is kidnapped. Maggie's loyalty is in question as the two of them joined by Mr. Pup, a three-headed hellhound, take off after the kidnappers for the rescue. 

A family secret that has been guarded and is only known by Colin, Savi, Katherine and Geoff is revealed. Maggie and Geoff discover each other's attractions while they race to save Katherine and prove Maggie's innocence.

I'm not familiar with this series and this is my first book by Ms. Brook. I found Blind Spot easy to follow and loved both the characters and world they inhabit. Ms. Brook's portrayal of Maggie and Geoff as both vulnerable and strong made them a winning couple for me. I'll be looking up the rest of this series. 

I usually read anthologies to discover new writers, to make decisions about a new series or to follow series I'm already reading. I discovered a new-to-me series I want to read, and loved the added development to two series I'm already reading.  Must Love Hellhounds was definitely a successful read for me.

You can find out more by visiting the authors:

Charlaine Harris, Nalini Singh, Ilona Andrews and Meljean Brooks. 

Review: Head Over Heels by Susan Andersen

Who said, "you can't go home again?" In Veronica Davis' case, who'd want to -- especially when you hail from Fossil, Washington. But now she's back among the good-ol' boys who think she's fair game just because she's in a waitress uniform.

The truth is, Veronica's the boss -- at least until she can sell the family saloon and skip town again as fast as her feet can carry her and nobody knows that better than Cooper Blackstock. From behind the bar, the ex-Special Forces Marine sees all. And his undercover agenda has made the feisty boss-lady's troubles his own.

And her troubles are considerable, what with a family in turmoil, a pseudo-bartender with dangerous secrets, a murder investigation, and death threats. Though the town surprisingly rallies in support, it's still a good thing that Cooper will be there to catch Veronica if she stumbles -- if he doesn't start falling himself.

This is the second book by Susan Andersen I read and the better of the two by far. I'm not quite sure why I looked it up, especially since my first experience with an Andersen book was not a total success. I certainly didn't choose it because of the cover... but the blurb caught my attention and I decided to give it a chance. 

Veronica (Ronnie) and Cooper are both in Fossil, Washington for the same reason -- Ronnie's sister Crystal was murdered and her husband Eddie, who is on the run, is the suspect. Ronnie's return to town a few weeks after the funeral to see to her sister's business and to take care of her niece Lizzy is necessary, but something she's dreading for more than the obvious reasons. The truth is that Veronica left Fossil and didn't have any intentions of ever returning. She has a chip on her shoulders about working in the family saloon and the last thing she wants to do is set foot in the "Tonk" again. 

Cooper was hired to be the new bartender and manager of the Tonk by Marissa, Ronnie's childhood friend. He has his own secret reasons for being in Fossil and he's not about to let Veronica or his emerging feelings for her get on his way. Cooper is now renting a room at Crystal's home where Ronnie will be staying with her niece while in town. This set up throws them together and the stage is set for the romance and the nightly romps to begin.

This couple seemed to be big on making assumptions about each other. Early in the book Cooper assumed that Ronnie was just as trashy and easy as her sister, and I was glad that he got over those assumptions quickly. Ronnie on the other hand was big on judging Cooper by his looks and his job as the manager of the saloon... frankly, that went on for a bit too long. She seemed to see only what she wanted to see. Our heroine was not big on paying attention to detail. They both carried a lot of baggage from their childhood that needed to be resolved and turned out to be the biggest conflict between them. Neither seemed able to let go of pre-conceived ideas or old hurts. 

As secondary characters go, Marissa is the one worth mentioning and the best developed. She has her own romance going on in this book and as a widow with two children, some unique romantic problems. Although this story arc was interesting, it didn't really add to the central story. However, Marissa and Ronnie had that wonderful relationship and dialogue between best friends that can enrich a book. I loved the interaction between them and in that respect Marissa's character was a great addition.   

The murder plot was really kept in the background and it was not the focus here -- the romance was central. The resolution to the murder was used more as a device to reach that happily ever after. 

Head Over Heels had some excellent snappy dialogue I found very entertaining. Ronnie gave as good as she got and Cooper was no slouch either. As a couple, they had chemistry and I liked them together. This is really what kept me reading and the fast pace made it a quick read. Overall I found Head Over Heels to be a good read with a likable couple who worked for their happily ever after by getting to know each other in more ways than one. 

ETA: Sorry, this part was cut off the original post.

This book is part of a series:

Head Over Heels (Marine, Book 1)

Getting Lucky (Marine, Book 2)

Hot & Bothered (Marine, Book 3)

Coming Undone (Marine, Book 4)

You can visit the author here.

Summer 2009 Reads: July and August

My summer reading was not quite what I expected this year... I basically concentrated on finishing my reading for the M/M Reading Challenge in the month of July. As you'll see by my lists, I was also able to fit in some new releases, but not much else -- there were too many outside interruptions this summer for me. I'm hoping that September will bring a return to my usual reading and writing schedule.

July

1) Hidden Currents by Christine Feehan - D

2) What Happened in London by Julia Quinn - B+

3) Don't Tempt Me by Loretta Chase - B+

4) A Hint of Wicked by Jennifer Haymore - B-

5) The Last Olympian by Rick Riordan - A

6) Black Hills by Nora Roberts - B

7) Branded by Fire by Nalini Singh - A

8) Boarding Action by Angela Benedetti (Walk the Plank Anthology M/M) - B

9) Islands by Samantha Kane (M/M) - A

10) ePistols at Dawn by Z.A. Maxfield (M/M) - A

11) Out of Bounds by T.A. Chase (M/M) - B+

12) Wicked Gentlemen by Ginn Hale (M/M)- A+

13) The Edge of Impropriety by Pam Rosenthal - A-

14) No Limits by Alison Kent - C

August

1) The Rancher's Rules by Lucy Monroe - B

2) Head Over Heels by Susan Andersen - Upcoming Review

3) Nightlife by Rob Thurman - B+

4) A Duke of Her Own by Eloisa James - Upcoming Review

5) Moonshine by Rob Thurman- Upcoming Review

6) Dancing in the Moonlight by Raeanne Thayne - A-

7) Madhouse by Rob Thurman - Upcoming Review

8) Natural Disaster by Chris Owen (M/M) - B+

9) Shelter from the Storm by Raeanne Thayne - B

10) Slave to Shadow by Gavin Atlas (M/M) - B

11) Shy Hunger by Ginn Hale (M/M) - B

12) The Cowboy's Christmas Miracle by Raeanne Thayne - B-

Latest M/M Romance Releases

Here are four of the latest M/M releases that caught my eye. These books became available at the end of August and I'm looking forward to reading every single one of them.

Damn Gorgeous by Jaye Valentine

Spencer Patterson writes "news" reports on paranormal phenomena for The Weekly Harbinger, a national tabloid magazine. He's had a lifelong love affair with all things supernatural, and having failed at serious news reporting, he eventually merged his hobby with his journalism degree and embarked on a tabloid career.

On assignment in the sleepy Massachusetts town of Fall River, home of the infamous Lizzie Borden axe murders, Spencer meets and falls for sexy Virgil Slade, lifelong resident and owner of a nearby bed-and-breakfast. Things are not as they seem. Virgil, with his hot body, sexy dreadlocks and usual tattoos, harbors a tremendous secret that turns Spencer's world upside down.

Available at Noble Romance.

Loving Away the Grumps: A Jarheads Short by Sean Michael

Weather Rock is in a rotten mood from getting the runaround at City Hall, or it's Rig who's out of sorts from a bad day, the Jarheads know just how to cheer each other up. Rock, Dick and Rig know the best remedy for a case of the blues is some pizza, a few beers, and some hot lovin'... Can they get over what ails them together?

A Sip from Torquere

Dona Nobis Pacem by Willa Okati

Mute saloon keeper Donnell knows all about prejudice; he's had to battle it all of his life. He also knows how self-righteous and judgmental the people of the old west town of Nazareth can be, so he isn't surprised when he sees them spurn requests for work from a man who walks into town looking to be all but on his death bed. Donnell takes the man in and nurses him back to health, falling in love along the way. But is Donnell destined to have his heart broken?

Available at Torquere

Making It Up by TC Blue

When Dr. Thomas Paulson receives a cryptic phone message from his very first boyfriend's mother after ten years, he leaps to the conclusion that JJ -- Johnny Boudreaux-- is dead. His current lover, Alan, makes the same assumption. So imagine Thomas' surprise when he returns to his home town to grieve and discovers that not only is JJ alive and well, but is getting ready to marry Thomas' old girlfriend.

Live can be funny sometimes, and in the course of Thomas' visit he discovers a lot of things that force him to examine his own actions, past and in the present. He's made mistakes, but so has Alan who has flown to Oak Grove, Arkansas to try to help his lover and best friend. But Alan's interference makes things even worse, leading Thomas to believe that he's blown every chance at happiness he ever had.

Available at Torquere

...On Weekends and a New Look!

My weekend started with a Friday night full of family I haven't seen in umpteen years, dinner and conversation. I have a cousin visiting from my native country who I haven't seen since I was 12 years old! Believe me when I say that was a long time ago... 

It's amazing how wonderful it is to see a familiar, unfamiliar face after all those years. He looks so much like our long lost grandfather it's uncanny. What seemed even more amazing to me was the fact that there were no uncomfortable silences. We talked and talked as if trying to catch up in one evening after all these years was the thing to do. It was an unexpected and special evening.

After such a nice Friday night, I woke up this morning with lots of energy and feeling cheerful. I decided to blog about my evening and started thinking... (always a dangerous thing for me)... hmmm... Impressions just doesn't really reflect my personality! The place has been feeling a bit dark and cramped -- I like wide open spaces. Does that happen to you? It was happening to me with my old set up. Soooo, what better way to remedy that problem than to look for a different, lighter, brighter and more open look. 

I liked this three column template with the white background. I think the place looks more open, less cramped... I'm a bit of a "red" person (if you haven't noticed yet), so those red letters had to go UP! I tweaked the HTML a little bit and I'm still playing with the format, but I think it's starting to look a little better. 

You'll probably see changes in the upcoming week as the experimentation continues -- not sure yet if I'll keep the header picture, although I kind of like it. What do you think? Do you like this header?

I'm a bit of a newbie when it comes to working Blogger and must thank my friend Nath for sending me to the right place and for her suggestions. Thank you, Nath!

So, what do you think of the new look? Any suggestions?  

September 2009 New Releases

There are quite a few new releases coming up in September. I've chosen the top seven books I'm most likely to read and a few I can't wait to get my hands on. 

September 1 - Never Love a Lawman by Jo Goodman

Ahhh, a western! Lots has been said lately about them, and rightly so, during the GREAT WESTERN DRIVE. KristieJ from Ramblings on Romance blogged and recommended some excellent westerns last week. Leslie from Leslie's Psyche and Nath from Books, Books and More Books also blogged to spread the word... so I just had to dust off some oldies. I don't need too much encouragement since I love them, so I'll be kicking off my September reading about our hero sheriff Wyatt, and Rachel the woman who in order to inherit, must marry him. Yesss.... back to the good ole West. 

September 1 - Must Love Hellhounds by Ilona Andrews, Charlaine Harris, Nalini Singh, Meljean Brook

Ilona Andrews became part of my favorite authors' list after I finished reading the Kate Daniel's books earlier this year, and then followed that up by reading the wonderful and complete short story Silent Blade. Magic Mourns about a three headed dog who left the gates of Hades unguarded to follow a mysterious scent to the real world looks promising and makes this anthology one I want to read. Add to that Nalini Singh's Angel Judgment, a short story about her hunter-guild UF/Romance series and this anthology becomes a "must read" for me. The Britlingens Go to Hell by Charlaine Harris and Blind Spot by Meljean Brook are the cherry on the top of this yummy paranormal treat.

  

September 1 - To Catch a Bride by Anne Gracie

This looks like an interesting historical romance set in Egypt. It was a recommendation from a friend, so we're both going to read it. This will be my first Anne Gracie book and I'm really looking forward to it. Different setting and a new author -- two things I love. My friend loves this author, so I'm hoping I will too.

September 8 - The Golden City (Book 3, The Fourth Realm Trilogy) by John Twelve Hawks

John Twelve Hawk's previous novels about the mystical Travelers and the Brethren, their ruthless enemies, generated an extraordinary following around the world. The Washington Post wrote that The Traveler "portrays a Big Brother with powers far beyond anything Orwell could imagine..." and Publishers Weekly hailed the series as "a saga that's part A Wrinkle in Time, part The Matrix and part Kurosawa epic." Internet chat rooms and blogs have overflowed with speculation about the final destiny of the richly imagined characters fighting an epic battle beneath the surface of our modern world.

In The Golden City, Twelve Hawks delivers the climax to his spellbinding epic. Struggling to protect the legacy of his Traveler father, Gabriel faces troubling new questions and relentless threats. His brother Michael, now firmly allied with the enemy, pursues his ambition to wrest power from Nathan Boone, the calculating leader of the Brethren. And Maya, the Harlequin warrior pledged to protect Gabriel at all costs, is forced to make a choice that will change her life forever.

September 22 - Tempt Me at Twilight (Hathaways, Book 3) by Lisa Kleypas

Well, Poppy is finally going to get her book and she's supposedly marrying the "villain" -- I love bad boys, the Hathaways and Lisa Kleypas, so this book is one I can't wait to get my hands on. :)

September 29 - Doubleblind (Jax Series) by Ann Aguirre

Sirantha Jax isn't known for diplomatic finesse. As a "Jumper" who navigates ships through grimspace, she's used to kicking ass first and taking names later -- much later. Not exactly the obvious choice to sell the Conglomerate to the Ithtorians, a people whose opinions of humans are as hard as their exoskeletons. 

In Ithiss-Tor council meetings aren't the only place where Ambassador Jax needs to maneuver carefully. Her lover, March, is frozen in permanent "kill" mode, and his hair-trigger threatens to sabotage the talks -- not to mention their relationship.

But Jax won't give up on the man or the mission. With the Outskirts beleaguered by raiders, pirates, and the flesh-eating Morgut, an alliance with Ithiss-Tor may be humanity's only hope. Which has Jax wondering why a notorious troublemaker like her was given the job...

September 29 - Grand Junction by Maurice G. Dantec

I love post-apocalyptic tales and this one is combined with science fiction. I couldn't resist. I have Babylon Babies by Dantec and frankly I've been dying to read some of his work. However, this one sounds much better to me than the book I already have on my TBR pile! So you know what I'm going to do, right? I'm going to start with Grand Junction and read the other one later! I know, I know... but this is the one pulling me at the moment. 

September 2009 has been a long time coming. I blogged about the The Golden City (Book 3 of The Fourth Realm Trilogy) by John Twelve Hawks, when I realized this book was finally going to be released. After such a long wait, I'm more than ready for it. 

I remember devouring both Grimspace and Wanderlust by Ann Aguirre September of last year and wondering how on earth I was going to wait a whole year to read more about Jax, March and Vel's next adventure in Ithiss-Tor... now it's almost here!  

And, how can I not be excited about a new Hathaways release by Lisa Kleypas! She's one of my favorite historical romance authors. Throw in an anthology with two other favorite authors, Ilona Andrews and Nalini Singh; a western romance by Jo Goodman and some post-apocalyptic, literary sci-fi by Dantec and I would say it's going to be a great reading month for me!

What new releases are you looking forward to?

Review: Dancing in the Moonlight by Raeanne Thayne

Lieutenant Magdalena Cruz had come home... And though all she wanted was to be alone, infuriatingly handsome Dr. Jake Dalton -- of the enemy Daltons -- would not cooperate. And she needed him to, because the walls around her heart were dangerously close to crumbling every time he came near...

Jake had spent most of his life trying to get closer to Maggie, with little to show for it. But she was the woman he'd always wanted, and no injury in the world could change that. Now if only he could convince her that the woman who stood before him was beautiful, desirable, whole... and meant to be his...

Dr. Jake Dalton is part of the ranching family of the Cold Creek Daltons. He and his two brothers, Wade and Seth, survived their childhood with their tough and dishonest father, Hank. They have all built lives they can be proud of and none more than Jake, who is now the dedicated and hardworking sole physician in Pine Gulch. Despite all these accomplishments, Jake is a lonely man who spends his days working long hours and takes little time for himself.

Maggie Cruz is home. After a tour of duty in Afghanistan that ended in the loss of a limb, numerous surgeries and five months of rehabilitation at the Walter Reed Army Hospital, Maggie is ready for some tender loving care. Rancho de la Luna and her mother Viviana can provide that for her, and frankly she doesn't feel she has too many options at the moment. With her nursing career at an end and her self-confidence in tatters, is there a better place to hide than home? Maggie is not taking Jake into consideration.

There is a history between Maggie and Jake. They grew up together and although both their fathers are dead, what happened between them still affects Maggie's view of Jake and his family. Her contempt for all things Dalton is evident from their first meeting early in the book and Jake seems to be her focus. Jake on the other hand can't stay away from Maggie -- he always had feelings for her and now she's back, in obvious pain and needs him. He's not about to stay away.

Dancing in the Moonlight has that 'secret crush' trope that I love to read in this type of romance. Thayne does an excellent job of bringing these two characters together and developing their relationship. The fact that they've known each other their whole lives helps with the development and gives them the background history needed to make the romance a believable one.

Maggie's struggle through her physical and emotional trauma was both believable and touching. Her cluelessness when it came to Jake's feelings was also understandable under the circumstances. She was carrying a lot of baggage and we share Maggie's growth by seeing her go through different phases: pain, insecurity, stubbornness, pride and self-awareness. Jake's persistence, patience and understanding were just what Maggie needed. He was a wonderful hero, if a tad too perfect at times. Neither an alpha nor a beta, Jake certainly knew what to say and when to say it. I liked him and wanted him to get his woman.

There is a sense of community in the book as secondary characters are kept in the periphery, with Maggy's mother, Viviana, and her uncle, Guillermo, highlighted within the story. The focus is kept squarely on the couple as is customary in these romances.

It has been a long time since I read a Silhouette I wanted to recommend -- Dancing in The Moonlight is that book. Needless to say I enjoyed it and will not only check Thayne's back list, but I'm also looking forward to her new release.

Dancing in the Moonlight is part of Raeanne Thayne's Silhouette Special Edition Cowboys, Cold Creek series. This is Book #2 in the original trilogy featuring the Dalton brothers: Light The Stars (Book #1) and Dalton's Undoing (Book #3).

Ms. Thayne has an extensive back list of Silhouette Special Editions, Silhouette Suspense and Silhouette Intimate Moments books. A Cold Creek Homecoming, a new Cowboys, Cold Creek series release is scheduled for September 2009.

You can visit the author here.

...on Lazy Summers, Reaching Goals & Natural Disaster by Chris Owen

Summer has really taken its toll on my reading schedule -- too many family functions, lazy weekends, busy work days, unexpected emergencies and just things that seemed to crop up. Hmm.... too many lazy days, I think.

So, I was going to do a Weekly Reads post, but can't do that since I haven't really read that much this week -- 2 books . Then I was going to do a Latest Reads post and... well... I read the last book I had left for the Challenge! I'm finished, done!  So, my post changed for the THIRD time *g* and here it is... 

My latest read was Natural Disaster by Chris Owen, my last book for the M/M Romance Reading Challenge. Yay! I posted a complete list of books and reviews at Musings today and it feels wonderful to have accomplished this. Reaching this goal in the midst of all I've had going on this summer made me feel like celebrating today. So, I decided to post my last review for Natural Disaster at the Manhole @ The Phade to celebrate with the whole team! But I wanted to share some of this with you, so here are some of my impressions of this, my last Challenge book.

Natural Disaster is the continuation of Jake and Tor's love story as told by Chris Owen in Bareback. It takes place a few years later when these two men have an established life as a couple with responsibilities. A tragedy brings Jake's teenage nephew, Jacob, into their lives and they must adjust everything to accommodate not only the new addition to their family, but the new feelings that come with it. Grief, loss and joy are all a part of this book as is the importance of family -- the main focus of this piece. 

Owen continues the wonderful work she started in Bareback when it comes to characterization. For me, it was wonderful to see both Jake and Tor evolve and grow in their relationship. Jacob's character is well developed, although I don't think he worked through his grief as well as Jake -- that part of the story needed further development in my opinion. I thought Jacob's recovery was a tad too fast and easy under the circumstances.  

Overall, this is a solid story highlighting the passion and love between Jake and Tor, while giving us a complete story full of family love as well. A great way to finish the Challenge!

Yay! Yay! and Yay!