Alaska Heart, Tulle Death Do Us Part, and Plotting Chart

Sam Wayland's Bag Of Doom, aka THE MARKERS

Monday morning updates: Alaska Heart, Tulle Death Do Us Part, and Plotting Chart (and...as an extra bonus, A Work Of Art).




1. ALASKA HEART by Christine DePetrillo

This book is just chock full of my favorite things! A sexy, rugged, outdoorsy hero, who happens to be the Iditarod-winner and have eighteen gorgeous sled-dogs. A breath-taking Alaskan setting. Adorable secondary characters. Laugh-out-loud banter. A suspenseful storyline that takes us on a hair-raising plane trip and chase through the wilderness. The hero was a bit too good-to-be-true, but honestly, I sort of like my heroes like that. He was delicious! (And had some nice scruff going on, too). Finished up with a lovely HEA.

Yum!

Grade: A-/B+


2.  TULLE DEATH DO US PART by Annette Blair

I have been a bit frustrated with this series after the last couple of books. But the latest installment was absolute perfection! Blair has combined a compelling mystery, her trademark quirky writing voice and snappy dialogue, fun vintage clothing details, and totally satisfying romance. Oh! The romance! Not only did Maddie embark on a wonderful love story (finally, long overdue and she deserved it), but some other secondary characters also found their HEAs, too. One paranormal, one firmly on earth. And the fact that Maddie's deceased mother blessed all the happiness (with the sweet scent of chocolate) brought a tear to my eye. This book is WONDERFUL!

Grade: A+

#TEAMWERNER
#WERNERFORTHEWIN
#WERNERISSEXY
#WERNERYUMYUM


3. Plotting Chart (aka Penny's Frightening Experience With A Master Plotter)

For those of you not familiar with writing approaches, let me briefly describe the two types of writers:

1. Plotters

2. Pantsers

Plotters are super organized, plot out their entire book in advance of writing it, and know exactly what is going on. I would hazard a guess that they also are extremely good at recycling, fold their underwear, and pay bills on time.

Plotter and Proud Of It!

Pantsers are authors who write by-the-seat-of-our-pants. Which means we do NOT plot the book. We have no idea what's going on. We sit down, and start banging away at the keys, and let our muse take us away! Pantsers probably plan their kids' birthday party an hour before the guests arrive, don't pack for vacation until the morning of the flight, and enjoy cocktails with silly names and umbrellas stuck in them.

I'm Pantsing, Baby! Woo hoo!

Okay. You get the idea. Needless to say, I'm a pantser. Sometimes this works out great. And sometimes, it doesn't. (I once attempted a werewolf story where I wrote myself into a corner and couldn't get out. At 50,000 words. And no amount of hairy werewolf sex could fix that problem. Ugh.)

It was with great trepidation that I finally asked my critique partner Samantha Wayland to help me with my plotting. There are "plotters" and then...there is Sam. Sam has 20,000 colored markers. Sam has 3'x4' poster boards. Sam knows what is happening at the beginning, quarter, mid-point, three quarter, and end of the book. Sam writes outlines that are 20,000 words long. The outline, people! The outline! My books aren't even that long. (*Penny takes short break to inhale oxygen canister*)

As you can plainly see, this appointment with Sam caused me undue stress. However, I personally know many people who have met with her and swore it was the best thing that ever happened to them.

So, I pulled on my big-boy pants and met with Sam. And HER BAG. (See photo above.) Do you see all those markers? DO YOU SEE THEM? She has different colors for the hero, heroine, 2ndary characters, the conflict, the black moment. You name it, she has a marker.

Our conversation started like this:

Sam: Tell me about your hero.

Penny: (eyes markers with great suspicion) Huh?

Sam: Your hero. What's up with him. (She holds marker in her hand, waiting to write something on the massive poster board).

Penny: Um...um...he's...lonely?

Sam: Good! He's lonely. (she starts scribbling on THE BOARD).

Penny: (thinks silently....SHE IS KILLING ME!)

This went on for about an hour. And something funny happened.

It worked.

There. I said it. ARE YOU HAPPY, SAM?

I figured out some cool stuff about my hero, my heroine, my story, how to structure it so it flows right, and a totally killer ending.

And so I would just like to say....

THANK YOU, SAM 

YOU KICK ASS!

Penny turned to the Dark Side...Plotting! And I don't even need therapy. (Although I do still have an unnatural fear of markers).

4. And finally, the bonus...A Work Of Art!

Remember how I told you my husband got me a cool diamond ring in Santa Fe right before I fled the high altitude vacation disaster? Well, I got it! My new pinkie ring...is it fabulous or what? (The one next  to it is a garnet).

So, those are my Monday Morning updates. Hope everyone has a great week! Julia Rachel Barrett is visiting me tonight...at midnight! Like Cinderella! I can't wait to see her!

Ciao!
Penny

A Hero Named Kowalski And A Heroine Named Miss Fickle

I am fervently attempting to avoid all contemporary romance novels. Even ones that come highly recommended are pissing me off no end. However, one has been nagging at me for a while, and for one simple reason.

Kowalski.

As soon as I saw that Shannon Stacey's series had a family with the last name Kowalski, I knew I was going to read it. That is ballsy, funny, and so uncool it's totally cool.

Exclusively Yours by Shannon Stacey (Kowalski Family series #1) is just the way I like contemporary romance: fast paced, lots of comedy, lots of sexy chemistry between the hero and heroine, and a kooky family thrown in for good measure. The premise for the story is hilarious and cute--reporter is forced to camp with the subject's family for two weeks if she wants her interview questions answered. The prissy girl is not prepared for mud, kids, mosquitoes, and a still lingering attraction to her old high school boyfriend. They putt around on ATVs and butt into each other's business. Love it! All of the problems are tied up neatly at the end with a nice big bow. Great story!

Grade: A

Next up....I have recently read two Annette Blair books. One is phenomenal, one was okay. First up, Skirting the Grave. This is one of her Vintage Magic Mysteries. I have been really enjoying this series, which combines cute, cozy mysteries with a touch of paranormal and romance. Unfortunately, this was not my favorite of the series. The storyline was okay, but not stellar. I still enjoyed all the vintage clothing descriptions. There were a few totally unbelievable plot moments that popped me out of the story (Isobel finding out her cousin is dead and then joking around with Maddie a few moments later, etc.) that just didn't make sense.

Love triangles are tricky things. They can add sexual tension, but they can also make the heroine look like a fickle tease. The love triangle between Madeira, Werner and Nick was a great addition to the former books in this series. But in this story her waffling really got on my nerves. I'm not going to spoil the end of the book, but she went from struggling with her attraction for both men (and leading them both on) to making a split second decision, which, in my oh so humble opinion, was totally freakin' wrong! She picked the wrong damned guy! Ugh!

Overall, a cute story but not as sparkling as her other books. And the love triangle was a big downer and made the heroine look bad.

Grade: B

Sometimes it's hard to believe the same author can write two such totally different books. Here is a perfect example. Blair's mystery series is cute, fun, with lots of banter. There is not a lot of emotional depth since it's a cozy mystery. On the flip side, she has written an incredibly moving and emotionally intense novel, Jacob's Return. This is an Amish love story and it is a powerful bit of storytelling. I found this book mesmerizing--could not put it down. Blair has done a superb job immersing the reader into the Amish way of life. The characters are wonderful....real, nuanced, conflicted, loving. This book does not shy away from tragedy....it's simply unavoidable here. But after an emotional roller coaster, the ending was absolute perfection. Lovely, unexpected, and romantic. I bawled like a little baby.

This is a beautiful story....I highly recommend it.

Grade: A

Happy Weekend To Everyone,
Penelope

Ferrets, Hedge Hogs and Doxie Puppies: The Week's Menagerie

Here's the fastest quickie updates ev-ah!!!!!!!! (I'm using my heart attack as an excuse not to write any long-winded reviews this week....gotta milk that sucker for all its worth!)....

Married by Morning by Lisa Kleypas

Now I remember why Lisa Kleypas is one of the romance masters....wonderful characters who come to life, incredibly romantic moments, very sexy (and satisfying) love scenes. She has the perfect balance of dialogue, deep POV, plot, etc....the pacing is perfect. I love how Leo keeps calling Catherine "Marks"--it reminds me of Emerson calling Amelia "Peabody" in the Elizabeth Peter's books. Adorable! Added Bonus: There's a heroic ferret. Grade: A-

Love in the Afternoon by Lisa Kleypas

I think this might be my favorite Hathaway story. All my favorites in a historical....quirky, strong-willed heroine, war-damaged hero, and totally kick ass dog. Grade: A-

Bedeviled Angel by Annette Blair

Oh, this book is fabulous! I can't believe Annette Blair made an agoraphobic heroine work, but she did. And the hero is delicious...I want one of his golden (and silver...hee hee hee!) feathers! The sweet, tender moments are to die-for. My favorite moment is when the heroine tosses the twins' uniforms out the window. Blair knows that little gestures like this make a big emotional impact. This book is charming, lusty, fun and sweet. And, it's got doxie puppies. It just doesn't get any better than this! Grade: A

Love in the Time of Dragons by Katie MacAlister

Didn't love it. Not sure why this author always has her heroines being clueless about their identity/their powers, etc. but it's not a great place to be when the story is being told in first person narrative. Don't love that whole angle. Also, there is so much snark that the sexy parts aren't really sexy. This one was missing the magic for me. Animal Attraction: Dragons, but not enough to save this book. Grade: C+

I think I might check out the new Eloisa James' book now...A Kiss At Midnight.

Happy Thursday!

Penelope

Review for Death by Diamonds by Annette Blair

Death by Diamonds by Annette Blair

I am always on the lookout for a writer who is a little bit different, a little bit quirky, fresh, original, etc. That's why I was so excited to discover Carolyn Crane and Gail Carriger this year. A favorite "quirky" author of mine, who has branched out from romance to mysteries, and whose writing keeps getting better and better (what a breath of fresh air that is!) is Annette Blair. I do believe her new mystery series showcases the very best of her writing ability. She has such a lovely, snappy cadence to her prose, it's a delight to read. Her "voice" is fresh, modern, peppy. Her heroine is adorable....obsessed with vintage clothing and hiding a paranormal secret. She can "read" old clothes when the time is right. This series is told from first person POV, but instead of the heroine being a snarky, irritating bitch, she is actually a smart, caring, creative and fashionable sleuth/shop-owner/vintage clothing aficionado.

There is a delicious love triangle going on in this series. The sexual tension is fabulous...Madeira has not one, but two hunky law enforcement officers lusting for her, and I can't decide who to root for! Werner is the straight laced cop, and Nick is the sexy, alpha FBI agent. Decisions, decisions! (Although I guess I am leaning somewhat towards Werner...I'm thinking of making a T-shirt that says "Team Wiener"--and no, I'm not talking about dachshunds. Get your mind out of the gutter! I'm not talking about that either!).

Throw in a bunch of wonderful settings (mansions, the theatre, a charming small town, etc), gorgeous descriptions of vintage clothes, quirky family members, really cool paranormal stuff, and a snappy mystery. And you've got Death By Diamonds.

For some bizarre reason, I find myself crying a lot when I read Annette's books. First, I cried while reading her dedication page, which is written for her husband. Oh, Jiminy!--"my heart's haven"!!!!!! I love that! Then, I found myself crying at the end of the book. Beneath the vintage clothes and curious mystery, this story is ultimately a love story, which is illuminated in the final pages of the book. It is very sweet and very touching. Blair's writing is an awesome juxtaposition of modern, snappy prose with a very sentimental, old-fashioned heart underneath. I love it!

Another cute thing about this book: Madeira uses hilarious seamstress-inspired fake swear words/expressions all the time...Wooly knobby knits!, Tucking A! and here's a good one: Double scrap with a 'tucking A' thrown in for trim!..hee hee hee! Not since Spongebob got me saying "Oh, Tartar Sauce!" have I been so inspired by new cuss words.

I hope the rest of my summer reading goes this well! Grade: A

Happy Summer Romance Reading,

Penelope

Feeling Paranormal-ish

I am looking forward to the weekend. Paranormal activities will include Halloween parades, parties, trick-or-treating, hopefully watching a butt-load of horror movies on the Sci Fi Channel, and of course a couple of paranormal romance novels. One is Kresley Cole's Deep Kiss of Winter, which I am very excited to read. And the other is an ARC of Annette Blair's Naked Dragon, which looks very lusty and funny. Hope everyone is looking forward to a horror-licious weekend. Too bad all 14 bags of Halloween candy mysteriously disappeared and all I have left is one pack of twizzlers. 

Paranormally pleased,

Penelope

Annette Blair Interview And Contest!

What's the best way to celebrate Annette Blair's fantabulous new book Larceny and Lace, which will be released on August 4? (Yes, Quirky Ladies, a toast to Annette with a mango margarita is definitely a good idea!) But actually, I had another good idea....how about a contest and interview with Annette on Monday July 27? Please stop by to check out a fun-filled and informative interview with Annette on 7-27. One lucky commenter will win a copy of A Veiled Deception, the first of the Vintage Magic Mystery series. Annette and I will be discussing writing, romance, vintage clothes, and of course, wiener dogs! Please stop by and join us! 

Here is another photo of one of my Nana's vintage purses. Isn't it adorable? First of all, I have a background in botany, so the pansy (Viola) theme is wonderful. And I love, love, love sequins! Note the green velvet background. How great is this? My daughter Natty loves this bag and often takes it with her on playdates (she's six). 

Review of Larceny and Lace by Annette Blair

Larceny and Lace by Annette Blair

Penelope has been feeling somewhat cranky lately and nothing could bust me out of my funk. Not my new professional margarita maker. Not a soak in the hot tub at the pool. Not even Top Chef Masters edition. Then, I dove into Annette Blair's latest installment of the Vintage Magic Mystery series, Larceny and Lace, and my whole mood changed. It was better than Lexapro, baby! Why, you ask, did this delightful book accomplish what no frozen alcoholic beverage was able to do? Where to start? Awesome first person narrative, colorful, smart and sassy heroine Madeira Cutler, touching secondary characters including a romantic ghost pining for his lost love who is now 103 years old, as well as a lovely secondary story line with Maddie's widowed father and her Aunt Fiona, snappy dialogue, intriguing mystery (with no excessive blood and violence, which I detest...I like to call Annette's stories "light" mysteries), and finally, delicious sexual tension with Detective Wiener (oops! I meant Werner...hee hee!).

Blair's writing is an absolute breath of fresh air...witty, original, perfectly-paced, and filled with fascinating tidbits. The vintage clothing angle rocks out and makes me want to jump onto a train to NYC and shop for vintage clothes like I did during my freshman year at Vassar with my best friend Jilly B. In spite of the fact that this book has no sex scenes, I hardly noticed. Why? Because the delicious and unexpected sexy undercurrents flowing between Maddie and Wiener (oops! I mean Werner) were soooo totally satisfying. Plus, there was even a scene with a dachshund! You have got to be kidding me...all my favorite things in one book, even a wiener dog!!! Yippee! The only thing that makes me sad about this book is that it's over.

All right, confession time. I actually cried TWO times while reading this book (I know, I know, I'm a big crybaby). The scene where Maddie and her father both smell chocolate, a paranormal indicator that her dead mother's presence is being felt by both of them, was so sweet and touching, I welled up and cried. And the final scene of this book is absolutely wondrous! It was hands-down the best scene in a book I have read in...well, forever. So romantic, so sweet, so embarrassed I was blubbering when my kids got home.

Thank you, Annette Blair, I bow down to the greatness that is this book. Now if there was only a way to package it in pill form, I would be all set. I'm not sure if there is a grade good enough for this baby, so I'm bestowing my first A++! Grade: A++

Larceny and Lace will be released on August 4. It is available for pre-order now from Amazon.

Ready to shop till I drop,

Penelope

End of June Update From Penelope

Only one day left of school! Hard to believe that summer vacation is right around the corner...and all that entails. The ice-cream truck blaring that idiotic music every night and sending my daughter into a sugar-induced coma, being packed in the local pool like a bunch of sardines, and waiting for the most-hated children's complaint since the beginning of time..."Mom, I'm bored!" Actually, I am looking forward to my new Williams and Sonoma margarita maker and lots of fun vacation time spent on lovely New England beaches. 

I also am enjoying some excellent books at the moment. I am thrilled to admit I got a sneak peek at Annette Blair's newest installment of her Vintage Magic Mystery series, Larceny and Lace. It will be released on August 4, just in time for your summer beach trip. Needless to say, it is absolutely marvelous...sweet, sexy and oh so romantic (Penelope is somewhat embarrassed to admit that she cried not once, but twice, while reading this book!) I will be posting my review soon. I also am reading the final book of the Rei Shimura series by Sujata Massey, called Shimura Trouble. This is a superb multi-cultural mystery series with lots of sexual tension between Rei and the men in her life. My latest re-read was Christine Feehan's Dark Fire. Every once in awhile I get in a Carpathian-vampire-sort-of-mood, and plow through the Dark series with gusto. This week I was in the mood for Darius and Tempest, and I think I will pen a Blast From The Past review ASAP. Hope all of you are ready to embrace summer! Get ready for summer romance reading...yah!

Jonesing for a pistachio ice-cream cone,

Penelope

P.S. In celebration of Larceny and Lace, I am posting a photo of one of my Nana's festive vintage hand-bags. Nana's favorite colors were pink and green, and her entire house was decorated accordingly. Check out this delightful basket hand-bag, with pearl peas-in-a-pod, strawberries and watermelon, and a nice collection of bumblebees. More photos to come later in the summer. Do you have any favorite vintage hand-bags? Send me a photo and I'll post it (penelope.romance@gmail.com). 

Review of Never Been Witched by Annette Blair

Never Been Witched by Annette Blair

Let me just say, oh how refreshing it is to be reading an author whose books are getting BETTER as the series progresses, instead of steadily losing the magic (you know who you are!). Blair's voice has matured into a highly entertaining, engaging and "spell-binding" style of writing.  I simply could not put this book down.  I LOVE when that happens.  The pacing of her books is absolutely perfect.  They're fast, intense and suck the reader in with a vengeance. Never Been Witched is the story of Destiny (the final of the identical triplet witches) and Morgan, a disbeliever with hidden secrets. Honest to God, no one writes a love scene like Blair.  They are downright juicy (in a really good way!)- fun, flirty, sexy, completely original. And finding an original sex scene in romance is no small feat. Blair also weaves the emotional angle and the sexual attraction together in a totally convincing way, another challenge for every romance author.  The sweet paranormal touches (butterflies following the ghostly sister, for example), humorous language and snappy dialogue are superb.  Blair is setting a high bar for herself and future works, and I have no doubt she will rise to the challenge.  This book rocked the house! Grade: A+

Feeling somewhat witchy, Penelope

Review for A Veiled Deception by Annette Blair

A Veiled Deception by Annette Blair

Technically speaking, A Veiled Deception is not your typical romance. It's actually a mystery. But if you have enjoyed Blair's Witch Series, I guarantee you will not be disappointed with this fun, flirty, adorable story which combines a funky heroine, vintage clothing, and, of course, a little bit of witchiness.  What a delicious combination!  Blair has written her best book yet and I am looking forward to more of these "romantic mysteries" from her.  I am not a big fan of bloody, violent romantic suspense books.  A Veiled Deception is perfect for those of us who like our mystery stories on the "light" side (yes, there is a murder, but no, it's not gruesome or too disturbing).  My favorite part of Blair's writing is her unique voice (also fun, flirty and snappy!) which lends itself perfectly to this genre.  I literally could not put the book down until I finished (midnight of the day that the man of my dreams, I mean the UPS man, delivered the box from Amazon).  I highly recommend A Veiled Deception, and bestow my first grade of 2009 upon this wonderful book. Grade: A+

Penelope