Feeling the Love!

Wow! What a great weekend...the NECRWA 2009 Let Your Imagination Take Flight conference was super spectacular. I attended some excellent workshops, did lots and lots of schmoozing, and gabbed with some amazing authors.  Two things occurred to me while sipping my appletini...one is that the NECRWA (New England Chapter of the Romance Writers of America) is a very warm, welcoming and sincere group of women (and a couple of men, too!). Whether you are a world-renowned bestseller or a "newbie" just starting your first manuscript, you are treated with kindness, respect and an infectious camaraderie borne from a love of romantic fiction. The second thing I marvelled at was how open and welcoming many of the well-known authors are. (I must admit the first time I met Loretta Chase at a book-signing, I stammered and blushed and practically required CPR to recover). Instead of being pumped up on their own self-importance, they are perfectly willing to hobnob with mere mortals, and actually chat, joke and encourage our own burgeoning careers.  Jessica Andersen is one of the most down to earth people you could imagine. Annette Blair is a pocket rocket of enthusiasm.  And Jennifer Greene and I discussed how much we enjoy adverbs.  (I really, really love adverbs).  This conference was especially exciting for me since I SOLD MY FIRST BOOK THIS WEEK!!!!!  I am not sure if there are words to describe this euphoria, but I will try....HOLY MACARENA...I FINALLY DID IT! (Penelope is not feeling particularly modest at the moment).

I was feeling the love this weekend.  Thanks to everyone who offered congratulations and well wishes and let me dirty dance with them on Friday night.  (Honestly, it was the appletinis).  I think I'm going to have a bumper sticker made that says "I Dirty Danced With Judith Arnold." After following that sacred journey of all new writers (you know, writing half a werewolf book before I knew what central conflict meant, accumulating enough rejection letters to wallpaper my entire house, and wondering why the hell I wrote a 55,000-word story about Santa in love), I am thrilled to be entering the next stage of my writing career.  I feel incredibly blessed to be part of this writing community.  And I am already fantasizing about throwing a kick-ass book launch party involving Chippendale dancers dressed in Santa hats, peppermint martinis and plenty of Christmas cookies.  Maybe I'll even get a holly tattoo. Hmmm.  I would also like to extend a special thanks to my friends The Quirky Ladies who believed in me even when I felt like a small bug crushed by a mountain of rejections.

Happy romance reading to all, and to all a good night!

Feeling profoundly proud, Penelope

New England Chapter of the RWA Conference

Penelope is very excited about the upcoming NECRWA Let Your Imagination Take Flight conference.  It's two days of workshops, inspiring speakers, gut-wrenching pitches to agents, and of course my personal favorite, schmoozing. If you are an aspiring romance writer (or already have mastered the fine art of writing romance), this just might be your lucky weekend. Past highlights have included a funny, touching keynote speech by Annette Blair, Jess Andersen's perfect pitch workshop, and an excellent talk about "pantsing" by Diane Amos.  (For those non-writers, authors are either "plotters" or "pantsers" as in, writing-by-the-seat-of-your-pants.) Penelope happens to be a pantser and found Diane's talk quite helpful.  She also loves the cute picture of Miss Molly on her website! Dachshund lovers unite!  Lisa Gardner, Jennifer Greene, and Jessica Andersen are among the speakers this year.  If you are so inclined stop by for inspiration, motivation, and maybe an appletini or two.  Hope to see you there!

Having the best day of her life, Penelope

Rant About JR Ward, Blood-Sucking Vampires, and Rockability

Today, I decided to employ a new term for my reviews...rockability.  A great book has a high rockability rating. When I think an author "rocks the house" or "rocks out" then the rockability quotient is right up there.  I get very enthusiastic about certain books/authors, and I also have high expectations for highly rockable authors. JR Ward, master of blood-sucking vampires, got her paranormal series The Black Dagger Brotherhood off to a rousing start.  The early books, especially Lover Revealed (Butch's story) and Lover Awakened (Zsadist's story) are absolutely mind-blowingly good books.  Ward has everything a paranormal fan is looking for....larger than life heroes, a well crafted (if at times dark and violent) world, super hot sex, incredible secondary characters. In fact, this world is so delicious, it is down right addictive (just ask the millions of crazed fans who frequent her website).  Problem is, if you are an author with a lot of rockability, you establish high expectations with your followers.  Rabid followers. Then, you've got to deliver the goods or incur the Wrath (pun intended) of your disappointed fans.  Ward had us going up through book four in the series.  But V's book (Lover Unbound) was a disappointment to me. And Phury's book (Lover Enshrined) made me phurious (sorry, I couldn't help myself). (In a nutshell...lukewarm heroine, crappy romance, horribly disappointing first sex scene after 5 books of self-imposed celibacy for Phury, etc., etc.).  In fact, my friends cringe when I start ranting about Phury's book..."Oh dear God help us, she's starting up about Phury's book again. Take cover!" In Ward's defense, sustaining rockability over the course of a series is tough. Sherrilyn Kenyon was one of my all-time favorite authors for a long time (I adore Dance With The Devil and Night Play), but her "formula" is getting stale, and she needs to jet this series and start something new. Karen Marie Moning started a new series (the Fever series) and they have some serious rockability. 

Lover Avenged, #7 in Ward's Brotherhood series, will be released April 28, 2009.  It is Rehvenge's story.  He is a superb character and is deserving of an incredible book.  Will Ward get back to her winning formula (intense lusty love affairs between kick-ass vampires and women strong enough to handle them equals fabulous reading)? I sure hope so.  I was filled with trepidation about this latest installment until I read the two excerpts from Lover Avenged on her website.  They rocked the house! Oh yeah! I am cautiously optimistic about Rehv's book and am hoping that Ward has gotten back to the best part of this series for romance readers.  Namely, romance.  

I would love to hear my reader's opinions about series that are flailing, and those they think are right on target.  Anyone else excited for Rehv's book? Anyone else thinking about getting a purple mohawk? I am hoping that Ward's rockability has returned with a vhengeance. 

Reeling with Rockability, Penelope

Review of Temptation and Surrender by Stephanie Laurens

Temptation and Surrender by Stephanie Laurens

Yes, I splurged and bought the hardcover copy of the latest Stephanie Laurens book.  This is #16 of the beloved Cynster series by this author.  I have been a fan for some time, and of course read the entire series in chronological order (as well as the Bastion Club series).  Laurens is the epitome of traditional historical romance...beautiful heroines, alpha male heroes, fascinating tidbits of the Regency era, and a mystery thrown in for good measure. Laurens is also known for her high sensuality rating...love scenes have been known to go on and on and on...oh my! (Is it getting hot in here?)  Although this is not the very best of her Cynster series, I found this story very sweet and satisfying.  Jonas Tallent and Emily Beauregard make an engaging couple in traditional Laurens fashion...he is protective, she is hiding a secret, he seduces her, she surprises him with her passionate virginal response.  I really enjoyed the suspense portion of this story.  Emily is trying to solve the mystery of an old poem supposedly describing the hiding place of their family fortune. If you are a Laurens fan, then this book is a like a nice hot cup of jasmine tea...comforting, pleasant, but not really full of too much excitement.  After finishing Temptation and Surrender, I realized that what makes Laurens' books really pop is very strong hero/heroine combinations....like Devil and Honoria, Richard and Catriona, Gyles and Francesca, and my personal favorites Gabriel and Althea from A Secret Love.  If the hero/heroine combo is not vivid enough, the story is enjoyable, but not necessarily memorable. Laurens fans will enjoy this latest installment of the series, but if you are new to this author I suggest starting with Devil's Bride, especially if you prefer apple-tinis over a hot cup of tea. Grade: B

P.S. The most exciting part of this book is the excerpt for Mastered by Love, the final Bastion club book, which is Dalziel's story.  Ya-hoo!!!! I cannot wait. The book is slated to be released on July 28, 2009.  Dalziel is my kind of hero...dark, brooding, mysterious, dangerous...one hot tamale! 

With the Utmost Graciousness, Penelope

Jessica Andersen Interview by The Quirky Ladies

I would like to invite my readers to check out this fantastic interview of Jessica Andersen by The Quirky Ladies.  Jess is the acclaimed author of the paranormal Final Prophecy series, as well as numerous romantic suspense novels by Harlequin. (She also happens to be great friends and critique partners with JR Ward! I would dearly love to be a fly on the wall during some of those conversations.) Please stop by and leave a comment for Jess, and you could win a free book. There is also an excerpt from her upcoming novel Skykeepers. Check it out!

Preparing to poke around the interview, Penelope

A Blast from the Past: Review of Ready, Willing, And Able by Lucy Monroe

Ready, Willing, and And Able by Lucy Monroe (2005-2006)

Of all the romance sub-genres, contemporary is not my favorite.  I usually need a little something extra to float my boat...something like a Regency setting, blood-sucking vampires, or macho time-traveling Scottish warriors.  But every once in awhile I read a contemporary that I love, and this trilogy by Lucy Monroe (with very witty titles, Ready, Willing, And Able-cute!!!) is great. The books focus on a trio of ex-Ranger friends. I really enjoyed the well paced suspense in all three stories, which include dealing with threatening stalkers, mysterious explosions, and ex-assassins.  But the best part of this series is the heroes...yummy! They are total alpha-male ex-military types all the way. Monroe really knows how to spin a steamy love affair.  My only complaint is that the guys take a little long to figure out their "sexual possessiveness" is really love. But hey, gotta get that conflict in there somehow, right? I also like that the heroines are not your typical romance gals...one is a computer geek, one is a military-trained tomboy, and the last one is a writer-divorcee.  My favorite of the books is Willing, about a Native American hero coming to terms with his abusive father.  He falls in love with the tomboy, and her loss-of-virginity scene is incredibly touching and romantic. Anyhoo, if you're looking for a fun stack of books to tackle on the beach, I would recommend tossing this trio into your suitcase.  Sipping a strawberry daiquiri under a beach umbrella and reading this sexy trilogy will make it a super vacation.  (Can you tell I'm dreaming about Spring Break?) Grade: A

Totally trilogy-tempted, Penelope

Interview of Joey Hill on The Quirky Ladies blog

Hello my faithful readers! I would like to invite you to check out an interview with one of my new favorite paranormal authors, Joey W. Hill.  I have reviewed two of her fabulous books, A Mermaid's Kiss and A Witch's Beauty.  The Quirky Ladies are interviewing her on their blog Tuesday, March 3.  Please enjoy the interview and leave comments for Joey.  Also, I have two new reviews coming up this week...Mary Balogh's latest book, First Comes Marriage, and Stephanie Laurens' newest Cynster novel, Temptation and Surrender.  Look for them soon! 

All my best, Penelope

Review of First Comes Marriage by Mary Balogh

First Comes Marriage by Mary Balogh

She felt beautiful.

She felt cherished.

Ah, how I truly adore the prose of Mary Balogh.  After I read these two sentences in her latest book, I realized this is why women love romance novels...because secretly we all want to feel beautiful and cherished, and we are sure to find these pure sentiments in Balogh's exquisitely crafted stories.  After exhausting the Bedwyn family in her "Simply" series, Balogh has moved on to the Huxtables, who are introduced in First Comes Marriage.  Frankly, I wonder if she will be able to create a family as superb as the Bedwyns, who are truly one of the most memorable of romance families. First Comes Marriage is the story of Vanessa Huxtable Dew and Elliott Wallace, and is somewhat reminiscent for me of More Than A Mistress, one of my all-time favorite romances.  Vanessa is an interesting character...a "plain Jane" with a joy for life and an intense loyalty to her family.  Elliott, much to his surprise, finds himself falling in lust and love with his wife "of convenience."  What I most admire about Balogh's writing is how she distills everything down to the most fundamentally important components of a love story...namely, love.  And joy. And pride, which threatens the path to happiness, of course. There is a starkness to her stories I find incredibly satisfying.  Not every author can elicit the feeling of spring by describing something as simple as a field of daffodils on a sunny day.  Balogh is truly a wonderful writer.  Although the rest of the family did not spark a lot of interest, Constantine, the outcast illegitimate cousin, is quite fascinating.  I cannot wait to read more about him!   I highly recommend First Comes Marriage, a quintessential Balogh novel, and look forward to more promising stories in this series about the Huxtable family. Grade: A

Hoping for Spring, Penelope

Review of Vexing the Viscount by Emily Bryan

Vexing the Viscount by Emily Bryan

Every once in awhile I discover a new writer and I am filled with glee.  A fresh, new voice! An engaging story! Wonderful, fully-formed characters who are interesting, and more importantly, who I grow to care about as I read the novel! This was my reaction to reading Distracting the Duchess by Emily Bryan. (I also had this reaction when reading Candice Hern's In the Thrill of the Night and Elizabeth Hoyt's The Raven Prince).  I found Emily Bryan to be a unique voice in the land of historical romances. This genre has a tendency to be very formulaic, but when it's done well, it is a treat for the reader.  I had high expectations for Vexing the Viscount, and Bryan delivered. Vexing the Viscount is fantastique! (I apologize for breaking into francaise, but Blanche La Tour has inspired me, vraiment!) This book is the total package...witty humor, lusty sex, intriguing plot, great pacing, and marvelous characters.  I loved the unexpected flashback to Caius Meritus in ancient Rome.  It was a great device to pull you into the mystery that Daisy and Lucian are trying to solve. Caius' tragic love story is very touching and really brings history alive. C'est magnifique!  I must admit that when the premise for the story was revealed (virgin pretending to be a courtesan), I thought "Now how the heck is Bryan going to pull this one off?" Honestly, it was done incredibly well.  I highly recommend Vexing the Viscount.  And now I am off to find a croissant au chocolat! Au revoir! Grade: A

Bien a toi, Penelope

Review of Zen and the Art of Vampires by Katie MacAlister

Zen and the Art of Vampires by Katie MacAlister

I have found, in my vast wisdom as romance reader extraordinaire, that Katie MacAlister is somewhat inconsistent with her books.  Some of her stories are brilliant (Noble Intentions), some are not (Men in Kilts). Her light paranormals (the Aisling Grey Guardian series, Silver Dragon series, etc) are usually fun reads.  However, she is one of those authors who adores (1) first person narrative,  (2) irritating heroines, and (3) paranormal scenarios where the heroine has not a clue about what's going on and has a steep on the job learning curve.  I have a bit of a problem with irritating first person heroines who are clueless.  That being said, I have often enjoyed her stories, particularly the Silver Dragon series.  I grabbed a copy of Zen and the Art of Vampires at the airport recently, and proceeded to read the entire book on my flight (have I mentioned I'm a fast reader?).  I really enjoyed A Girl's Guide to Vampires and thought I would find this book entertaining.  I was disappointed for a variety of reasons.  In addition to being a clueless heroine, Pia Thomason sleeps with one vampire at the beginning of the story, and then sleeps with another (her true mate, and the coolest guy in the book) later on.  I don't mind "off-stage" prior relationships but dealing with 2 in one book made me somewhat uncomfortable in addition to making the heroine look wishy washy.  Also, the cool vampire (Kristoff) and Pia do not resolve their troubled relationship at the end of this book, clearing the way for a sequel, but potentially leaving the reader feeling a bit irked. (Yes, I felt irked, although I am totally digging Kristoff).  The cutest part of this book is the hodge podge group of ghosts that Pia must take care of, which gives MacAlister's quirky sense of humor a chance to shine.  Kristoff is a very intriguing character, and for this reason alone I will probably read the next book in the series.  Zen and the Art of Vampires is not MacAlister's best effort, but I'm hoping that Crouching Vampire, Hidden Fang (which comes out in May 2009) will be worth the wait. Grade: B-

Pondering the future, Penelope 

Review of A Witch's Beauty by Joey W. Hill

A Witch's Beauty by Joey W. Hill

Holy Macarena! I just finished reading A Witch's Beauty, and I am having heart palpitations. I honestly didn't think that this book could best A Mermaid's Kiss, but it did! Hill is a powerful, sensual, intense writer. Mina and David are an amazing combination..beauty and monstrousness, strength and weakness, good and evil...it's all here. Mina is one of the most fascinating characters I have ever met. Her physical manifestation of the struggle between good and evil (half of her body is physical perfection, the other half grotesque) is a poignant symbol of her inner struggle to control her Dark One blood.   I usually have trouble with irritating heroines. It's a fine line for an author to create a character who is willful and prickly, while still maintaining some likability.  Mina is an incredibly well developed character and her emotional journey in this story is utterly satisfying. Although David is a wonderful character in his own right, this is Mina's story all the way. Hill's expertise as a story-teller is never more apparent than in the chapters leading up to the climatic battle scene with the Dark Ones. Boy, does she know how to build up the sickening anticipation of what was going to befall poor David (and Mina) in the Dark One's World.  I am ashamed to admit that I snuck at look at the final pages of the book to reassure myself before tackling those chapters...the awful apprehension was almost to much to bear! (I can't remember feeling that much anxiety since reading Stephen King's The Shining). Anyway, of course Hill takes her characters to Hell and back.  If I had to pick one word to describe this book and Hill's writing it would be...powerful. Wow. I am officially a Joey Hill addict (that's the sound of Amazon's CEO cackling with glee).  Grade: A+

Pleased as punch, Penelope

Valentine Contest Winner

Congratulations to "Anonymous" who chose LaVryle Spencer's Morning Glory as the most romantic book. She won the drawing for a $15 gift certificate from Amazon.  Thanks to everyone who posted...our choices ranged from Danielle Steele to Jane Austen.  I hope that you all had a romantic Valentine's Day!

A Blast from the Past: Review of Simply Love by Mary Balogh

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+

Feeling inspired, Penelope

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

Valentine's Day Contest Closed!

Thanks to everyone who entered the Valentine's Day Contest.  Our romantic choices ranged from Jane Austen to Danielle Steele...love it!  The winner will be announced later this week.

Valentine's Day Contest

To celebrate the most holy of all romance holidays (Valentine's Day!), Penelope is running a contest this week.  What is the most romantic book you have ever read? Leave a comment with the name and author of this love-inspiring book, and you might win a free paperback novel (value of $15.00 or less) of your choice from Amazon. Be sure to leave your name/email address so I can contact you if you win.  (If you're not comfortable leaving your email in a public post, then email me directly.) Penelope thinks that Mary Balogh is the most romantic author there is, and that Simply Love may be the most romantic book of all time. Happy Valentine's Day...I look forward to hearing about your favorite books!

With a loving heart, Penelope

Review for Dark Curse by Christine Feehan

Dark Curse by Christine Feehan

Christine Feehan has developed a winning recipe for her dark paranormal romance series. Take one sexy alpha-male Carpathian vampire, add a gorgeous female with an iron will, throw in an intriguing history of the Carpathian people (including a language that appears to roll off the tongue), and finish with heart-stopping vampire battles and incredibly steamy sex scenes. Feehan's baked herself a winning series that continues to fascinate her fans and keeps them clamoring for more.  Dark Curse is the 16th entry of the Dark Series, and I was spell bound by this installment. Lara Calladine is from the Dragonseeker line, and Nicolas De La Cruz is one of the domineering, arrogant and irresistible Carpathians.  This book has a couple of things that veer off her regular path which make it extraordinary, in my oh so humble opinion.  First of all, I love the council meeting with the warrior males...it's such a treat to see all of these characters we have grown to love together in one scene.  I also adored the council meeting with their female counterparts, especially Shea struggling to uncover the medical mystery surrounding the deaths of their infants.  I'm digging how Feehan is portraying the females as powerful members of this race with their own special talents and abilities.  I cannot wait for Dark Slayer, which will be out in hardcover in September 2009. Check out Feehan's website for more info and to watch her amusing videos.  I hope that Feehan will not make her fans wait too long for the story of Skyler and Dimitri...there's nothing I like better than two tortured souls finding salvation with each other, and this pairing should produce an incredible book in this series. Grade: A

Loving her own life, Penelope

A Blast from the Past: Review for Lord of Scoundrels by Loretta Chase

Lord of Scoundrels by Loretta Chase (1995)

This is the first of my "Blast from the Past" reviews.  I am attempting to focus on the newest releases for my regular posts, but there are some books that are just so amazing I feel compelled to write about them, even if they are a few years old.  Lord of Scoundrels is damned near perfection for a romance novel.  I could re-read this baby a million times over (and I've come close) and each and every time I finish with a sigh of envy.  (Penelope has aspirations to write the Great American Romance Novel, and this book makes me want to quit the game.) Even if you don't like historicals. Even if you don't like romance.  You must read this book.  The characters are outstanding, complex, compelling.  Jessica and Dain are without a doubt my favorite romance pairing of all time.  He is the arrogant Lord Beelzebub, she is his elegant and brilliant nemesis. Their chemistry is incendiary. The plot is utterly engaging (from the first meeting in the antique shop, to the confrontation in the Parisian townhouse, the dramatic shooting by an enraged lover, the rescue of the forgotten bastard son, and the list goes on....).  The writing is exquisite. All of my favorite authors have a "special" voice, and Chase is no exception.  Her writing is one of a kind.  Lord of Scoundrels is funny, touching, sexy, and most of all...oh, so satisfying as Jessica tames the "Beast" and heals his tortured soul.  The scene where Jessica presents Dain with the Russian icon on his birthday, the first birthday gift of his life, is powerful indeed.  In conclusion, I would like to say....thank you Loretta Chase for this little piece of heaven. Truly, there is no grade good enough for this book. Grade: A+ (A for A Little Piece of Heaven)

Your humble host, Penelope

Review for Kiss of a Demon King by Kresley Cole

Kiss of a Demon King by Kresley Cole

Kresley Cole's Immortal After Dark Series is one of the finest paranormal romance series on the market right now. In fact, it is just as good as JR Ward's Black Dagger Brotherhood Series, although Cole's name is not as well known. The first book of this series, A Hunger Like No Other, may be the best paranormal romance ever written and is on my all-time favorite list. However, it's difficult to stick with the program while writing these long-winded series, and even great authors such as Sherrilyn Kenyon and JR Ward have begun that nose dive to mediocrity after starting out with a bang. (I hope and pray that both of these exemplary authors will somehow find the magic again with their series, since their earlier books rocked the house!). Anyway, Cole's writing is mesmerizing. Her paranormal world fascinates, the sex is unbelievably hot, and her characters literally come alive. Also, the fun, witty repartee of the various members of the Lore (including valkyrie, witches, demons, vampires, etc) is riddled with pop culture references and adds a real spark to Cole's unique voice as a writer as well as a fresh twist on a paranormal setting. Now, after that stellar introduction, I must admit I was somewhat disappointed with Kiss of a Demon King.  For the simple reason that I did not like Sabine, Sorceress of Illusions.  I didn't like her at the beginning, and I didn't particularly like her at the end, either.  That's a problem. If your heroine isn't likable at the beginning of the story, you better make sure she's likable by the end.  Also, Rydstrom and Sabine did not have the same incredible chemistry as Lachlain and Emmaline from A Hunger Like No Other.  I still enjoyed the book and cannot wait for the next installment...Cole knows how to whet the reader's appetite for the next story by introducing a bevy of intriguing characters in each book. Kresley Cole's bio states that she was a world ranked athlete prior to her career as a writer. Unfortunately, Kiss of a Demon King is only getting a silver medal in my romance Olympics. Grade: B

All my best, Penelope

Review for A Mermaid's Kiss by Joey W. Hill

A Mermaid's Kiss by Joey W. Hill

My good friend Michelle once gently suggested that I check out an author named JR Ward, not knowing that I would turn into one of those (slightly) deranged fans who actually joined The Black Dagger Brotherhood message boards on this author's website.  Point being, Michelle is chock full of excellent recommendations.  This past weekend she told me to check out Joey W. Hill and offered me her copy of A Mermaid's Kiss (which, let's face it, she's never getting back!).  I am in love! What an amazing author, what an amazing book...it has the perfect combination of lusty sex and that emotional love connection I crave in romances.  It also has an awesome paranormal world with angels, demons, witches, mermaids, fairies, dragons....you name it, she's got it. Jonah (an angel who is the Prime Legion Commander for the Goddess) is the kind of tortured hero I cannot resist.  As he struggles with his inner demons, Anna (an innocent and loving mermaid) reawakens his will to live.  Hill is one incredible writer...I was sucked into the story from page one and totally forgot I was reading a book until my kids got back from school and ran screaming into the house. (Then I set them up with a snack and locked myself in my bedroom until I finished). I am now going to Amazon to order the next installment, A Witch's Beauty. Thank you, Michelle...I owe you one! Grade: A+

With happiness in her heart, Penelope

Review for Running Hot by Jayne Ann Krentz

Running Hot by Jayne Ann Krentz

My favorite type of romance novel seamlessly mixes sexy characters, paranormal elements, humor and a dash of mystery.  That's one of the reasons that I truly adore Amanda Quick, aka Jayne Ann Krentz, aka Jayne Castle.  She's got the recipe down pat.  Her Arcane Society Series is a heady combination of quirky characters, fascinating paranormal abilities, and mysterious circumstances that draw the reader into her delightful world.  I absolutely loved Second Sight, which is a historical installment of this series.  (I love that she is following the origins of this secret society, and then jumps into contemporary times to follow the members' descendants...totally cool!) Anyway, Running Hot is a great addition to this series.  Luther and Grace are a terrific combination, and the threads of various stories that are woven together in the book are wonderful.  My favorite is La Sirene, who uses her supernatural voice as a weapon of destruction.  Krentz' observations about opera music are superb and almost make me a believer of the paranormal (she's so convincing!).  I highly recommend this book and look forward to the next installment of the Arcane Society Series. Grade: A

Your humble servant, Penelope

Review for Fire and Ice by Julie Garwood

Fire and Ice by Julie Garwood

Let me start by saying I am a die-hard Julie Garwood fan.  Her historicals got me hooked on the romance genre.  That being said, I am not a huge fan of contemporary romantic suspense.  I still feel that Garwood's historicals are by and far her most stellar works...in fact, I consider The Secret, The Bride, Honor's Splendour, and The Lion's Lady among the best romances ever written (and believe me, I have read a lot!). However, I really enjoyed Fire and Ice, Garwood's newest contemporary romantic suspense.  It is a very engaging, well-paced suspense, with enough sexual tension to satisfy those of us addicted to romance.  Since I personally have a background in science, I loved the biologist's journal entries dispersed throughout the book which serve as tantalizing clues for the reader. Garwood throws in enough surprise twists to keep you guessing until the end, and her secondary characters add a huge amount of flavor to the book. I would have to admit that I found this latest installment a very satisfying read.  For those of you who are new to Garwood, I highly recommend taking the time to read her older historicals as an introduction to this talented author.  For those of you already on the Garwood Bandwagon, this is probably her best example to date of her contemporary work.  Happy reading! Grade: A

Yours truly, 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

Review for Faefever by Karen Marie Moning

Faefever by Karen Marie Moning

Oh Lord, have mercy on my soul! Karen Marie Moning's newest series is a gift of epic proportions to paranormal romance fans.  Two of Moning's Highlander series are among my favorite time-travel romances...The Highlander's Touch and Kiss of the Highlander...yum!  The new Fever series is definitely a departure from her time-travel books, and fans expecting more of the same may be disappointed. (By the way, Faefever is the third installment of this series; Darkfever is number 1, and Bloodfever is number 2, and yes, you must read them in order...no cheating!) However, I implore you to give these a chance.  They are tremendous.  Moning's talent as a writer has truly flourished over the years, and this newest series is a testament to that.  This first-person narrative is brimming with Irish lore, mysterious, sexy characters, and a dark, sensual tone that is addictive.  I LOVED this book and cannot wait for the next one. Grade: A+

With the utmost sincerity, Penelope

Review for Murder Game by Christine Feehan

Murder Game by Christine Feehan

Murder Game is Book 7 of the Ghostwalker Series by Feehan.  For those of you who love dark paranormal romances, this series is for you.  And I do mean dark.  Feehan is not for the faint of heart.  She handles some seriously disturbing themes in her books, and this one is no exception. Tansy Meadows (love the flower names!) and Kadan Montague are the two enhanced Ghostwalkers who fall in love, and lust, in this intense novel. Feehan is an absolute master of the paranormal...discovering the range of abilities for her Ghostwalkers is always a fabulous adventure for the reader. (My favorite part of this one is the modifications to Kadan's fingertips, allowing him to stick to any surface and crawl like Spiderman).  I know it sounds ridiculous, but you're a believer once sucked into Feehan's world. Tansy is forced to experience a sort of mental torture as she touches objects used by the perverse killers playing this murder game. The violent images she must endure may be too much for many romance readers. Nevertheless, I really enjoyed this book.  If you're a fan of dark paranormals, then Murder Game is a must-read.  It also continues (in the same tradition as the television show Lost, I suppose) to reveal some answers about the mysterious Ghostwalkers and their creator Whitney, while introducing more questions to be addressed in future installments.  I also recommend starting with the beginning of this series (Shadow Game) and working through the books in order, since there is a lot of fascinating back story. Also for your amusement, check out Christine Feehan's website to see her video ads for the Ghostwalker Series...they're a hoot!  Grade: A- (minus is for excessive violence)

Sincerely, Penelope

Review for Where the Heart Leads by Stephanie Laurens

Where the Heart Leads by Stephanie Laurens

No one can write a love scene like Stephanie Laurens.  I once read a review that criticized Laurens' long-winded love scenes, but I say....bring it on! Her prose is eloquent, her historical settings are fascinating, and yes, her love scenes are long.  But they are also beautifully and romantically written, with just the right amount of melodrama that we romance lovers have grown to expect and appreciate.  Starting with the wonderful Devil's Bride, Laurens has enthralled her fans with the Cynster series since 1998. Although she seemed to have lost her way a bit (the premise for Gerrard Debbington's book The Truth About Love was preposterous...but I digress!), she appears to be back on track with Where the Heart Leads, the story of Barnaby Adair and Penelope Ashford (and yes, I have a fondness for heroines with the name Penelope). I also have a penchant for heroines who wear glasses, or in this case "spectacles." Laurens has successfully woven her lovers' story, an intriguing mystery, and as always the fascinating backdrop of Regency London, into a well-crafted and sensual book. Laurens' fans will not be disappointed.  Grade: A

Sincerely, Penelope