Beard of the Day

I have never actually watched the television show Prison Break, but I love Dominic Purcell's super serious, intense look, the scruff on his face, his almost bald head, and the bulging biceps look pretty damned good, too. I could totally get into modeling an alpha male hero after this dude. Yum! Happy Friday!

I took a few days off after "the heart attack that never happened" from my writing, and then cranked for the rest of the week. The WIP is coming along nicely, and I'm fitting in my powerwalks each day and eating things like grilled tofu (not kidding....it was delicious!), and more spinach. I also read Sarah Jane Osborne's book Arranged Marriage while in the emergency room, and I loved it! It's a great romantic comedy, and the humor was much appreciated at the time.

Hope everyone is having a good week!

Penelope

Heart Attack Waiting To Happen

So, my week started out with a bang.

After getting short of breath and suffering from chest pains, I decided....

1) I had indigestion, so I popped a prilosec.

2) I was suffering from anxiety due to my self-imposed 30,000 word deadline for March.

3) I was having a heart attack.

Normally, I'm the sort to totally ignore all physical symptoms until an emergency situation arises (death would constitute an emergency situation). However, on the off-chance that I was actually having a heart attack, I decided to go the emergency room Monday morning. First, I downloaded a book on my Kindle, figuring I would be waiting a while. (What? There's no rule that says you can't read a romance in the emergency room while having heart failure). They slapped the EKG doo-dads on me, and....huge sigh of relief....my ticker was doing just fine. I fist pumped into the air and yelled, "Well, all right. I was just being paranoid!" Then they told me one of my blood tests was weird, and I had to stay for chest x-rays, a CAT scan, a stress test, etc. Needless to say, four hours later I went home with my husband who figured out I've been getting exercise-induced asthma, so he gave me an inhaler. It worked great!

So, the good news is....my heart is healthy. And, I got to read a really funny book on my Kindle.

On Monday night, my son asked me if I'd been bummed as I pondered my mortality in the hospital, thinking that I would never finish my book. I told him, truthfully, that it never crossed my mind. I was thinking about my kids and my husband and how much I love them and need to focus on being healthy for their sake. My son got teary eyed and hugged me. My husband got teary eyed and hugged me. My daughter asked if she should eat the pink candy or the yellow candy.

Today I ate some spinach and went for a power walk. I'm feeling better already.

All my best,

Penelope

Tasty Mysteries and Hilarious Vamps: My Weekend

Here's my quickie weekend reading update. I realized recently that my long reviews turned into short reviews, which turned into one sentence summaries. Pretty soon I'll be writing in shorthand. Trying to get 40,000 words written in one month while still maintaining my regular reading schedule is getting tough. Needless to say, my kitchen is a mess and I can't see my husband past the pile of laundry on my bed!

Fatally Flaky by Diane Mott Davidson (#15 of the Goldy Bear Culinary Mystery Series)

Before I became addicted to romance novels, I was addicted to mysteries. This series is right up my alley....no blood and guts, lots of humor, a cute curly haired heroine married to a big cuddly teddy bear-police officer, and a smidge of romance thrown in for good measure. Because the heroine is a caterer, there are recipes included in every book (love it!). Fatally Flaky was a fun addition to this series. I like the fact that Goldy has finally gotten some self-confidence after all these years. And, I can't wait to try the Nutcase Cranberry-Apricot Bread. Grade: B+

Nice Girls Don't Have Fangs by Molly Harper

Oh. My. God. I thought I had hit my limit with first person snarky vampire heroines, but evidently I was wrong. I loved this book. Loved. Loved. Loved. There are so many excellent one-liners in this book, I don't even know where to begin. I could not stop laughing out loud. Harper has done a fabulous job with the humor, pacing and hilarious characters in this story. Here is one of my favorite snippets...

"If you want to hurt me, fine. Take my books. Burn down my house. Shave my head while I'm sleeping. But nobody, nobody screws with my dog."

Hee hee hee. I couldn't agree more! Grade: A

Penelope

Beard of the Day

It's Friday! Time for....Beard of the Day. (Or rather, Scruff of the Day, as the case may be). Clive Owen looks way hot in this photo, and ready to rumble!

Super quickie reading updates.....I read Guardian Cowboy by Crystal Rain Love this week. It's a "sweet" (rated G) e-book about a sexy cowboy named Presley (guess who his Mama likes?). Even though I was sad we didn't get to see Presley in any good lovin' scenes (he has that whole hot cowboy thing going on), I really enjoyed this sweet, well-written and emotional story. Now I'm in the mood for some more cowboy books!

Also read: I Thee Wed by Amanda Quick. AQ never disappoints....I got a spunky heroine, a highly disciplined hero who is shocked by his passionate response to the heroine (so shocking!), a fun mystery/story line, and an HEA. What more could a girl want?

Hope y'all have a good weekend,

Penelope

Review of First Drop of Crimson by Jeaniene Frost

First Drop of Crimson by Jeanine Frost

I love Jeaniene Frost's Night Huntress series. I love the over-the-top paranormal stuff, the intensity, the explosive chemistry between the characters, the sizzling sex, even the horror and violence. Cat's first person narrative gets us right into the thick of it, and makes these books come alive.

First Drop of Crimson is absolutely nothing like that series.

But it is nevertheless a fantastic book.

First Drop is coming from a very different point of view. Instead of Cat's bitchy first person narrative, we are watching a story unfold about a normal human woman who has suffered debilitating trauma. What if you were a normal human woman and you had your entire world turned upside down? Your new husband, who you adored, was horribly murdered by paranormal beings? You watched ghouls torture and destroy your friends and family? You miscarried your first child?

This is the story of Denise, a regular woman suffering the effects of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and how she finds the strength and integrity to fall in love again, do the right thing, and battle evil. In a sense, this is much more impressive and dramatic than having a paranormal heroine battle evil. Denise is just a regular schmo who becomes a true heroine by the end of the book. In spite of her horrible fear of paranormal beings, she is willing to do whatever it takes to protect her family, and eventually the vampire she loves.

Spade is also fascinating. He fell in love with a human once before, and was destroyed by her gang rape and death. He vows never again to become involved with a mere mortal. In spite of an intense sexual attraction to Denise, he tries to distance himself from her. He grudgingly begins to respect Denise, as he sees her rise above her PTSD and feelings of guilt about her dead husband. Their love story unfolds slowly, step by step, in a very subtle way.

Subtlety is certainly not Frost's M.O. in the Huntress series, so I was very pleasantly surprised by her approach to this story. It's not the crazy, intense thrill ride we get with Cat. The Huntress books don't really deal with believability. They are so over the top, that just isn't in the mix. But I found Denise a much more plausible and likable character than Cat. She is a real woman. With real issues, dealing with a horrifying situation. Denise's growth over the course of this book was very believable, and her growing trust in Spade was believable, too. She grapples with an intense sexual attraction to him in spite of her guilt feelings about her dead husband. I also love her humor thrown into every situation....she is a great character!

When Spade finally professes his love for Denise, it is an incredibly romantic and touching moment. I think the love story between Spade and Denise is...I can't believe I'm going to say this...sweet. I know, hard to imagine a love story between a hard-hearted killer vampire and a frightened human-turning-into-a-demon as a sweet romance, but there you go. I loved it!

My favorite part of this book is when Denise saves Nathaniel at the end. It bothered me a lot that he was a throw-away, a means to an end, when in fact he seemed like a nice person who had been horribly abused. I LOVE that Denise saved him, and tried to protect the man she loved at the final climatic scene. She showed tons of integrity and grit--a perfect match for Spade.

Okay, maybe I lied when I said it is nothing like the other series. There are still some elements reminiscent of the Huntress books. The sex scenes are very hot, the build-up for the suspense is excellent, and this story has plenty of wit and humor.

I am very impressed with this book. Jeaniene Frost has shown another side to her writing chops, and I, for one, think she rocked the house. I am looking forward to more Huntress books, as well as more installments of this spin-off series.

Grade: A

Penelope

Review of Proof by Seduction by Courtney Milan

Proof by Seduction by Courtney Milan

This book is delicious.

It is the equivalent of a multi course meal at a fine dining establishment. I'm thinking, luscious creamy bowl of soup as an appetizer, filet mignon and baby vegetables for entree, and lemon tart with fresh berries for dessert. Don't forget an incredible bottle of red wine.

It is decadent, satisfying, surprising, lush and beautiful.

I put off reading this book because the blurb did not sound appealing to me. The whole Madame Esmerelda thing threw me for a loop. I simply had no idea how incredible this story was going to be, or I would have been the first one in line waiting for the restaurant to open for dinner.

There is one simple reason why this novel is so wonderful, and it's the characters. Courtney Milan has painstakingly painted the portraits of these characters in lovely, life-affirming detail...to the point that we see every brush stroke, layer upon layer, until the stunning final product. Gareth is my kind of hero....cold, calculating, arrogant, scientific. Jenny is determined, vulnerable, world-wise, and generous with her heart and love. This heroine, who has nothing compared to the opulence of the noble Carharts, opens her heart to Gareth's entire family, and ultimately gives all of them gifts beyond measure. Milan is a gorgeous writer...her prose is smooth and lush, heady and addictive. It is not a fast paced, action packed thriller. It is a love story, filled with stark realizations and emotionally charged love scenes. The end is utterly satisfying, including a totally unexpected gesture by the hero, involving an.....elephant! (Hard to believe this is so romantic, but it is. I laughed out loud at the absurdity and beauty of this moment!)

I cannot recommend this book highly enough. It is truly seductive.

Grade: A

Read it! Love it! Be Seduced!

Penelope

Mini Review of Pleasure of a Dark Prince by Kresley Cole

How To Mix a Werewolf-tini

Take one super sexy, incredibly protective, hunky Scottish werewolf named Garreth,

Add a gorgeous, tortured, secretive Archer named Lucia,

Throw in a fabulous adventure in the Amazon rain forest,

Don't forget the vampires, demons, Skathi, Shapeshifters, and Evil Gods,

Add a nice hefty heaping portion of totally hot sex,

An intense emotional connection between the hero and heroine,

Great humor, pacing, and secondary characters,

Scary-ass climatic scene,

And totally satisfying ending,

With just a touch of enticement for the next book in the series.

Shake well with plenty of ice. Serve with a twist of lemon.

Enjoy Pleasure of a Dark Prince. It's an "A" read all the way.

Wishing Scottish werewolves lived in my backyard,

Penelope

Happy Monday!

I survived school vacation week! Woo hoo! I actually had a really fun time with my kids. However, I did not get a chance to read very much, and I did not work on my WIP at all. :(

In addition to cranking out my new story, I have an awesome pile of books to dig into this week. First up, I am rereading Crocodile on the Sandbank by Elizabeth Peters. It's the first of the Amelia Peabody series, which is absolutely fantastic....a mixture of archaeology, suspense, and romance. My review will be posted on Lydia Storm's blog (Dark and Stormy Romantic Suspense) this Friday.

I am also looking forward to Pleasure of a Dark Prince by Kresley Cole, Proof by Seduction by Courtney Milan, and First Drop of Crimson by Jeaniene Frost.

Looking forward to some Kindle-time,

Penelope

Beard of the Day

This is an oldie but goodie! Jeff Bridges from the very sexy 1984 movie Against All Odds. Gotta go download some Phil Collins songs.

Surviving School Vacation Week and Actually Having A Ball With My Kids,

(And it didn't hurt that I mixed a nice mango martini last night),

Penelope

God Save Me From Winter Vacation Week!

From the file labelled "Big Bad Ideas"......

Seriously, whoever came up with the idea of a week of school vacation during February was insane. I live in New England, which basically leaves 2 options...

1) Plan a vacation to Florida. Pay out the wazoo for hotel and air fare since it's vacation week. One day before you're set to leave, everyone in the family comes down with a stomach bug. Good times. (Thank God for air discomfort bags).

2) Stay home. Tell kids you'll be out sledding and having a ball in the crisp New England weather. Oops....too bad there's a blizzard going on, 0r rain, ice, and/or sub-zero temperatures. OK, so the kids can stay indoors and fight until the germs that have been percolating so nicely decide to erupt and everyone in the neighborhood gets swine flu.

3) Needless to say, I may or may not be posting anything else this week.

Praying for Spring,

Penelope

Review of Simply Love by Mary Balogh

Happy Valentine's Day! Since this is one of my favorite romance novels, I thought I would re-post my review from last year. It is an incredibly romantic Beauty and the Beast tale by Mary Balogh, who is pretty much the queen of true romance in this genre....

Simply Love by Mary Balogh (2007)

A friend of mine once commented on the fact that Mary Balogh does not have a sense of humor. True, there is no humor in her historicals, unlike Amanda Quick or Julie Garwood. Balogh's stories are serious, sometimes emotionally wrenching, and perhaps even somber in tone. But I defy anyone to find a writer whose endings are as emotionally satisfying, and whose characters are as romantic as Balogh's. Simply Love is one of the most touching and satisfying stories I have ever read. I cry repeatedly while reading this book. Balogh introduced Anne Jewell and Sydnam Butler (Sydnam, I love you!) in previous books as secondary characters, and thank the good Lord, she resurrected them in this wonderful tale. Both have been badly beaten down by the events of their lives. Their stilted dialogue and awkward courtship blossom into something glorious and life-affirming for both of them. The symmetry of this story, two broken souls who are able to provide each other with the will and strength to embrace life once again, is simply perfect. My only complaint about Simply Love is that I felt bereft when I finished it. I wanted more! It's everything romance should be. Grade: A+

Hoping all of you are enjoying a romantic holiday,

Penelope

Valentine Winners!

Happy Valentine's Day! I hope all of you are planning a decadent celebration with champagne, lobster tails and chocolate mousse for dessert. And if not, at least planning to read a lovely romance novel today.

Here are the lucky winners of the Valentine Contests...

**Cathryn P. has won the gourmet chocolate!

**Jennifer M. has won an Amazon giftcard!

**Keira of LoveRomancePassion has won an Amazon giftcard!

**Sherry has won a book to be determined from the Most Romantic Heroes list!

Congratulations, ladies. Thanks so much for playing this week. By the way, Hugh won the Most Romantic Beard contest. Excellent choice! And big shout out to Scorpio M and Meandi who got all of the answers right on the Most Romantic Hero quiz. They obviously read the same (wonderful) books I do.

I will be re-posting my review of Simply Love by Mary Balogh later today in honor of the holiday. It's my favorite Valentine re-read.

Happy Heart Day,

Penelope

Final Day for Penelope's Valentine Celebration Contests!

Today is the final day to enter the Valentine Celebration contests....here are links to the various posts:

Valentine Contest. Prizes include gourmet chocolates and Amazon giftcards. Go here!

Vote for the MRB (Most Romantic Beard). Giftcard giveaway. Go here!

Penelope's Most Romantic Hero Quiz. Book giveaway. Go here!

Sunday, Feb 14: Winners announced.

Good luck to everyone. Thanks for stopping by to play,

Penelope

Looking For A Good Valentine Movie?

I was just thinking about some of my favorite romantic movies and a couple of oldies came to mind. If you're looking for a fun film for this holiday weekend, I have a couple of suggestions. Moonstruck is pretty damned close to perfection for a romantic film. It is the equivalent of Lord of Scoundrels for my movie list! If you have never watched this 1987 film (starring Cher, Nicholas Cage, Olympia Dukakis, Danny Aiello and lots of other great actors), check it out for Valentine's Day. It is sweet, spunky, sexy and romantic. (Great film moment: When Ronny sees the gorgeous transformation of Loretta just before they go to the opera...he is literally speechless. It is sooooo great!)

Another great one is Cousins with Isabella Rossellini and Ted Danson (from 1989)....there are some great romantic scenes in this film, and lots of actors you'll recognize (Sean Young, Lloyd Bridges, Willian Petersen, and more!). I know, I'm still living in the 1980's. So sad. Big hair. Still love the music. Can't get over it. Oh well.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Penelope

Mini Review of The Rose of Shanhasson by Joely Sue Burkhart

The Rose of Shanhasson by Joely Sue Burkhart

I am feeling pretty conflicted about this story. There were some things that I loved about it...cool paranormal stuff going on, beautiful and well-written imagery of this fantasy world, and two sexy heroes. There were also some things I didn't love...too much detail about the political conflict, the blood sucking/biting thing was a little off-putting to me and reminiscent of a vampire story (but it's not a vampire story), and I found the heroine's repetitive complaint (I can't fall in love, I must return to my people) irritating and one-note.

Unfortunately, the best thing about this book also turned out to be the worst thing! Burkhart does an amazing job building the sexual tension between the heroine Shannari and the secondary hero, Gregar. The climatic scene at the end of the book when she finally admits her love for both Rhaekhar (the primary hero) and Gregar, is awesome. (I must admit that I really love both of these heroes...they are intense, sexy alpha males all the way). So I was definitely expecting a lusty conclusion to this story, especially after being teased about the threesome "sharing their blankets." Well, I got to the end of the book and my jaw dropped. After the huge build up for this menage, Burkhart leaves us hanging. In the immortal words of Spongebob, "Well, tartar sauce!" The emotional conflict was resolved, but I guess any sexual satisfaction will be taking place in the next book of the trilogy. Needless to say, I am feeling pretty irked about the whole thing. She should have put off the emotional resolution, too. Having one without the other is nothing but a Big Tease. So, I'm not really sure how to grade this...I loved some of it, and I was disappointed with some, especially the "go take a cold shower" ending. Grade: B-

Penelope

Penelope's Most Romantic Hero Quiz

Welcome to Penelope's First Annual Most Romantic Hero Quiz (which is seriously skewed towards Penelope's favorite heroes....and I'm not apologizing!). This is a low-stress matching quiz, people! Just leave a comment with your answers. For example, 1-A, 2-B, etc. If you only know a couple of answers, that's fine--you're still entered in the contest. I give lots of extra credit for just showing up!

One winner will be chosen randomly from all who enter/leave comments. The prize will be a print book (or e-book if you prefer) of one of the novels mentioned in this quiz. Good luck to everyone!

You can add your own quiz questions in the comments section, too. Bring it on!

***

1) He's good with a knife, has a wicked bad Cockney accent, and falls for a literary country mouse. When this rough and tumble hero sprinkles rose petals on the heroine during their first love-making scene, I swooned with romantic happiness!

2)This one-eyed character is a recluse who refuses to leave his castle, since his disfigurement during the war. But when the heroine's children are kidnapped, he rushes to London and outwits the evil villain. (And proposes to the heroine with a sweet bunch of wilted wildflowers!)

3)What's more hot and sexy than a romantic werewolf? This hero makes his plus-size heroine feel like the most beautiful and desirable woman on earth. The opening scene of this book, when he seduces her in a dressing room and buys her a lovely necklace, is really, really romantic.

4) When this historical romance hero (who worships the heroine from afar) finds out her favorite flower is bleeding heart, he goes door to door asking her neighbors if he can dig up this perennial from their gardens. He then plants a lovely little bleeding heart garden for the heroine as a surprise. She cries with happiness. (Me, too).

5) This hot Cynster falls in love with a 29 year old woman who missed her own come-out season so that she could save her family from financial ruin. He sends her a gorgeous orchid posy and a declaration of his love before the big ball. Sigh.

6) Most unlikely romantic hero...a big, scary, scarred vampire with anger issues. Most touching, sweet scene ev-ah: the tortured hero finally learns to read and write, and scribbles "I love you" for the heroine. Oh. My. God. Get out the hankies!

7) What if a hot hunky Scottish warrior travelled through time to save your father's life, prevent your mother from getting terminally ill, and seduced the holy hell out of you? You'd be stoked, baby! This hero is luscious.

8) Most heart-breaking couple (raped, unwed mother and war-tortured and disfigured artist) turn into the most romantic happy ending of all time. Hero surprises his new wife by visiting her estranged family and helping to heal her battered heart. This dude is the man.

9) Legendary Carpathian who is a master vampire-hunter, turned into doting mate and father. When he unselfishly adopts a horribly abused girl into his family with complete devotion, loyalty and love, he won my heart forever.

10) This powerful Scottish warrior proves his love for the heroine by showing up at her uncle's house (where she has fled her evil brother) with his entire army in tow. When she peeks out the door, all of the soldiers raise their swords in loyalty to her, and the hero tells her "I've come for you, Madelyne." So. Freaking. Great!

A) Zsadist from JR Ward's Lover Awakened

B) Gabriel Cynster from Stephanie Lauren's A Secret Love

C) Derek Craven from Lisa Kleypas' Dreaming of You

D) Gabriel from Christine Feehan's Dark Legend

E) Sydnam Butler from Mary Balogh's Simply Love

F) Sir Alistair Munroe from Elizabeth Hoyt's To Beguile A Beast

G) Duncan from Julie Garwood's Honor's Splendour

H) Circenn Brodie from Karen Marie Moning's The Highlander's Touch

I) Vane Kattalakis from Sherrilyn Kenyon's Night Play

J) Andrew Stanton from Jacquie D'Alessandro's Love and The Single Heiress

So, how'd you do? Did I stump you? I hope some of these awesome guys are your favorite, most romantic heroes, too.

Penelope

Pressing Question of the Day: Who Has The Most Romantic Beard (MRB)?

Okay, it's time for the poll you have all been waiting for with baited breath...(drum roll, please): the Most Romantic Beard Contest! Woo hoo!

Penelope has assembled a nice assortment of scruffy guys for my (oops! I mean your) viewing pleasure. Take your time and carefully peruse the following photos, then let me know who is your favorite bearded valentine. I know, I know....it's hard to choose just one. I will announce the results of the poll and pick one random winner from the comments today. Prize is an Amazon gift card.

Enjoy!

George Clooney: Salt-n-peppa happiness with just a hint of naughty.

Brad Pitt: Pre-Jeremiah monstrosity, this beard is nicely groomed and looks oh, so soft! Weee!

Hugh Jackman: Perfect combination....wild, wet water and Hugh's masculine scruff.

Eric Bana: Yowzah! Sooooo cute!

Matthew McConaughey: Dude, that is one southern-fried sexy bit of business.

Ralph Fiennes: So serious and scruffilicious!

Those are some fine specimens of harry manliness! Please leave a comment with your #1 choice!

Penelope