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Jen (That's What I'm Talking About) has
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New-To-Me Authors
2013 reading goal:
15 new-to-me authors.
1) Stacy Gail
2) Heather Massey
3) Sidney Bristol
4) Ann Mayburn
5) Thea Harrison
6) Virna DePaul
7) Mary Quast
8) Molly Harper
9) Eleri Stone
10) PJ Schnyder
11) Kait Ballenger
12) Denise L. Wyant
13) Lucy Monroe
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Saturday, October 6, 2012
Saturday Conversations 10/05/2012
The Err of Hair
There are some realities that just don’t exist in the lives of romance characters in any sub-genre. Frankly, I’m jealous of them. They live in a wonderful world where no one has morning breath, fugly toe nails, gas, dark roots or split ends, and stubble burn is considered a good thing. Every time a hero impulsively gets up close and personal with our heroine, no one is left coughing up fur balls or cleaning out the drain in the shower. Since I was rude enough to bring it up, let’s talk hair and hair removal. There is a whole industry devoted to the removal of body hair and collectively we spend staggering amounts of money to rid ourselves of its odious presence. The Indian culture has even made it into an art form. My too-sensitive-for-waxing red-headed skin blesses Illa for learning the art of threading in her childhood. She keeps me from looking like Chewbacca, especially as I get older and my hormones don’t always know where the girl switch is.
Razors have improved tremendously even in the last twenty years. We now have five bladed pink wonders that have their own lubrication strips and theme songs. They also cost about $18 for refills. Dipilatory creams even come with a Rockette-worthy dance line. Waxing, both home and professional, is a tried and true method that lasts a little longer than shaving, but it is painful. There’s no way around that—no matter how fast you rip off the cloth tapes. Especially in the bikini area. Relatively new on the market are home lasers. They are quite expensive ($300-$900), but they do work if you have the right color of hair (dark) and the right color of skin (light). The other catch is that the laser heads are small and it’s extremely time consuming. Less particular is the “No No”. It doesn’t care about what color your hair or skin is and also runs about $300.00. What I really want to know is who named this thing?? “NoNo” doesn’t sound confident to me. As a reader of romance novels, wouldn’t you rather buy a “Yes! YES!”? Both devices seem to have very mixed reviews.
The sad thing to me is that no product or process, including professional services, is permanent. Even if you have to do it or use it less often, you do have upkeep and this is how the industry continues to make a profit. So what works for you? What are your complaints?
And what about men?! I appreciate the masculine look of some hair on a muscley, gorgeous guy, but you also can’t deny the appeal of the smooth touch-me skin of a well man-scaped six pack. It was intentional that all of J.R. Ward’s vampires body hair-free.
Yes: http://www.handsomemasculinemen.com/photographs/Muscular-Macho-Hairy-Man.jpg
Yes: http://photos.modelmayhem.com/photos/100827/03/4c77991b7f135.jpg
No: http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2644/4026533633_d699bd2f26_z.jpg?zz=1
Have you ever shaved a man? Demanded that he wax? Enquiring minds want to know…
Friday, October 5, 2012
Review: Ruined by Moonlight by Emma Wildes
Ruined by Moonlight
Author: Emma Wildes
Release Date: Sept. 4, 2012
Publisher: Signet
Whispers of Scandal #1
ISBN: #978-0451237798
Genre: Historical Romance
Format(s): Paperback (310 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Publisher
About the book:
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What is society to do when the diamonds of the first water are caught in compromising situations, one after the other? Can the young ladies survive the season with their reputations intact…or will the scandalous whispers surrounding them bring about the ultimate ruination?
When Lady Elena Morrow, the reigning belle of the ton, suddenly disappears, her family is desperate to find her—and to keep the story from spreading through London society like wildfire, before her reputation is ruined. Unfortunately, it may be impossible to avoid a scandal. Viscount Andrews, better known as the Raven, London’s most notorious rake, has gone missing at exactly the same moment.
Benjamin Wallace, Lord Heathton, is more accustomed to untangling political difficulties, rather than those of the heart. But when he is pressured to help find Lady Elena, he can’t refuse—the distraught father is also his wife’s uncle. Now he must find the beautiful debutante before the connection to Andrews does away with her innocence—assuming the vulnerable young lady wants to be found.…
What Una is talking about:
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The blurb for Ruined by Moonlight was just too tempting for me to refuse. I jumped at the chance to review this debut of the Whispers of Scandal series. I was enchanted and surprised by Ms. Wildes novel… and I am eager to read the next book.
There is more to Ruined by Moonlight than just what the blurb reveals. Not only do we have the mystery of the disappearance of Lady Elena, but the book delves into the newlywed lives of Lord Heathton and his wife, Lady Alicia, and their intimate battles to adjust to married life. The parallel of personality and relationship between Lord Heathton and Alicia, as well as Elena and Viscount Andrews was fascinating. I enjoyed the interplay between each of the couples immensely. It was much more than what I was expecting. We did not just follow Lord Heathton around as he tried to find the missing young Lady. Interestingly enough, we watch as Lord Heathton and his wife, after six months of marriage…a proper English marriage, learn to actually be husband and wife; not just Lord and Lady.
... “Now, then, would you care to hear my terms?”
“Alicia, there are no terms. You are my wife.”
“I am so glad you recognize that fact.” She smiled, but in truth she was shaking inside. It was difficult to challenge her husband in this way, but maybe it was necessary.
No, it was necessary.
Benjamin’s mouth tightened. “Of course I do. Are you attempting to make some sort of point?
“What is my favorite color?”
While at the same time we experience what Lady Elena is being put through while being held captive with the notorious Raven. Lady Elena is a newly debuted young woman (and considered the crème de la crème), while Viscount Andrews is considered the notorious rake of the ton.
Just when I thought I had it all figured out, Ms. Wildes intrigues me further. Not only is the mystery of Lady Elena’s whereabouts and the why of it all explored, but also how the scandal is to be managed. I admit I do not read extensively historical romances, but I absolutely loved all the different parts of Ruined by Moonlight: the story of finding Lady Elena, the pursuit of Alicia to have not just a husband in title, how the scandal of Lady Elena’s disappearance is to be resolved, and the most important question, why she was taken. It was just such an exciting read. I found it very difficult to put down.
If you enjoy historical romances, mysteries, and wonderful interplay between expertly created characters, pick up Ruined by Moonlight, I’m sure you will greatly enjoy the journey.
Una's Rating:
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Loved it - enthusiastically recommend (A)
Purchase Info:
Labels:
4.5 stars,
Emma Wildes,
historical romance,
Signet,
Una Review,
Whispers of Scandal
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0
comments
Thursday, October 4, 2012
FeedBurner Email Subscriptions
Hi all! Once again, thanks to everyone who reads my blog! Whether you subscribe via email or a feed, stop by from Twitter or Facebook links, enter a contest, or just pass through, I am glad you have found me!
As I mentioned a week ago, I've been trying to fix some problems with my feed and working on streamlining some of the feeds. One thing I discovered is that I have two (2) email feeds. I don't know how to fix that, and after MUCH help from the awesome BOOK VIXEN, I have made progress.
Now I'm going to ask a favor. I am trying to find out how many of you read That's What I'm Talking About... from an email subscription. If you are currently subscribing, can you leave me a note? Also, I am trying to only have one email feed in case something happens and FeedBurner goes away later this month. IF you currently subscribe via email, can you UNSUBSCRIBE and then RESUBSCIBE using the new form on my left side bar? This way, I'll have most of you under one feed, in case something happens and I need to move you!
NOTE: If you joined up after October 1, 2012, this does not apply, you are on the new feed. However, if you do unsubscribe and redo, it won't hurt the subscription! You have the "correct" subscription if the subject reads: That's What I'm Talking About... RRS
As of right now, nothing will happen to either feed - so if you don't move, you'll still receive your daily feed from the blog. However, if FeedBurner dies, I will only be able to move the current feed.
I appreciate your patience with me as I try to figure all of this out!
Thank you! and Happy Reading!
As I mentioned a week ago, I've been trying to fix some problems with my feed and working on streamlining some of the feeds. One thing I discovered is that I have two (2) email feeds. I don't know how to fix that, and after MUCH help from the awesome BOOK VIXEN, I have made progress.
Now I'm going to ask a favor. I am trying to find out how many of you read That's What I'm Talking About... from an email subscription. If you are currently subscribing, can you leave me a note? Also, I am trying to only have one email feed in case something happens and FeedBurner goes away later this month. IF you currently subscribe via email, can you UNSUBSCRIBE and then RESUBSCIBE using the new form on my left side bar? This way, I'll have most of you under one feed, in case something happens and I need to move you!
NOTE: If you joined up after October 1, 2012, this does not apply, you are on the new feed. However, if you do unsubscribe and redo, it won't hurt the subscription! You have the "correct" subscription if the subject reads: That's What I'm Talking About... RRS
As of right now, nothing will happen to either feed - so if you don't move, you'll still receive your daily feed from the blog. However, if FeedBurner dies, I will only be able to move the current feed.
I appreciate your patience with me as I try to figure all of this out!
Thank you! and Happy Reading!
Review: Cry Wolf Graphic Novel by Patricia Briggs, et. al.
Alpha and Omega: Cry Wolf Vol. 1
Author: Patricia Briggs / David Lawrence / Todd Herman
Release Date: Oct. 2, 2012
Publisher: InkLit (Penguin)
Alpha & Omega Graphic Novel #1
ISBN: #978-0441018482
Genre: Graphic Novel / Urban Fantasy
Format(s): Hardcover (128 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Publisher
About the book:
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Cry Wolf is Patricia Briggs' New York Times bestselling novel about the werewolves Charles Cornick and Anna Latham. Now, these characters come alive in full-color graphic novels.
Anne never knew werewolves existed, until the night she survived a violent attack...and became one herself. After three years at the bottom of the pack she's learned to keep her head down and never, ever trust dominant males.
Then Charles Cornick - the son of the leader of the North American werewolves-came into her life. He insists that not only is Anne his mate, but she is also a rare and valued Omega wolf. And Anna may be the key to stopping a rogue werewolf that threatens the entire pack.
This is a re-issue of Ace's compilation of the Dynamite Entertainment Cry Wolf graphic series. It contains new artwork and a never-before published version of issue #1. It is NOT identical to the Ace edition though it does have the same ISBN.
What G & U are talking about:
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WARNING: Please note that the series this graphic novel is based on is an ADULT urban fantasy series. Sometimes we can easily mistake a graphic novel for being an acceptable young adult genre, a comic book if you will. That is not the case. There are very serious adult themes that take place in this story that are not appropriate for young children.
As huge fans of Patricia Briggs, it is not surprising that Gikany and Una had the privilege of reviewing the graphic novel release of Alpha and Omega: Cry Wolf Volume 1. (Okay, we may have nagged Twimom…a tad…a bit…a lot). Although it has been released before in this format, the artwork on this one is new and the story is a retelling of the novel from the Alpha and Omega series, Cry Wolf.
The story follows Cry Wolf very well. It is understandable that there had to be a few tweaks to the story considering the change in format. We enjoyed the way the novella, Alpha and Omega, (from which sprang the series) was incorporated in flashbacks of various characters. Anna’s history in her previous pack is very much a critical point in her relationship to not only Charles, but also every other wolf she meets. Her development along the series is incredible.
However, the real review is of the new format. When we read a novel, our individual brains create the characters in our head (at least for Gikany and Una… but we admit we do have overdeveloped imaginations…). So to see these characters come to life in another person’s talent is interesting. First off, we do like the way that Charles and Anna are depicted, although, we did feel Anna should be a little skinnier considering that she was malnourished prior to meeting Charles and therefore his goal to get some meat on her bones.
The depiction of Charles felt spot on along with Asil and Samuel. However, we thought that Bran did not appear young enough. We could understand him being depicted occasionally as an adult, but we know he is easily mistaken for being a teenager – part of the power and mystery of the Marrok. However, overall, the graphics were good, but we loved the sketches at the end the best.
We recommend Alpha and Omega: Cry Wolf Volume 1 to any fans of Briggs, urban fantasy graphic novel lovers, or anyone interested in getting a preview of the series. It is very entertaining to see a beloved story come to life in a new format.
Their Rating:
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Enjoyed - strongly recommend (A-)
Purchase Info:
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Review: Night of Fire by Nico Rosso
Night of Fire
Author: Nico Rosso
Release Date: July 10, 2012
Publisher: Avon Impulse
The Ether Chronicles #2
ISBN: #978-0062201089
Genre: Steampunk Romance, Western
Format(s): Paperback (256 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Publisher/Edelweiss
About the book:
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US Army Upland Ranger Tom Knox trades the front lines for a different conflict as he returns home to California on his ether-borne mechanical horse. Three years ago, he skipped town, leaving the one girl who ever mattered. Rosa Campos. He thinks she’ll be settled down but discovers Rosa’s the town sheriff, caught in a battle with a mining company’s five-story, rock-eating machine.
Tom’s the last person Rosa expects to see riding out of the sky to her aid, and seeing him again reignites a flame more dangerous than the enemy threatening to destroy them both.
What I’m talking about:
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Our hero, Tom Knox, left his small coastal hometown of Thornville three years ago, leaving behind his love, Rosa Campos. He joined the service and has been fighting against the Hapsburg soldiers here on US soil - or in Tom’s case, in the sky as an Upland Ranger. Before Tom left, he wasn’t much of a hero or a man worthy of Rosa, and her parents were certain to remind him of that often. He returns now, uncertain of how he’ll be received, yet certain that Rosa has settled down and moved on. To his surprise, Rosa is a changed woman - now the sheriff of Thornville, and she’s never forgiven Tom for abandoning her those three long years ago.
Unfortunately, as soon as Tom arrives, there are serious problems for Thornville. The Crandall Mining Company, unhappy that no one would sell land in Thornville, is heading towards town in a massive monstrosity of a machine that destroys everything in its path. It’s up to Tom and Rosa to overcome their past and work together to save the town.
Although this is the second story in The Ether Chronicles, the opening of Night of Fire is almost the complete opposite of the first book, Skies of Fire. Instead of jumping right into the action as in Skies, this book takes its time and introduces the reader to the surrounding landscape. We take a stroll down memory lane with Tom as he flies his way back to his childhood homestead and the woman he left behind. The beginning focuses on world-building and filling the reader in on the environment of the times.
Another change from the first book is that the locale has shifted from Europe to the United States in Night of Fire. The Army is warring with the Hapsburg troops (as they did in Skies), yet here in the US, there are no Men O’ Wars or large airships. The culture is that of the “Wild West” and cowboys, complete with flying metal “horses” used to combat the foe. This book has a very different feel from Skies of Fire.
Yet even with the differences, the story still has similarities with its predecessor. Once again we have a hero and heroine that share a history - a love - that ended abruptly when one partner left. This time around it's the guy who ran away three years ago, instead of the girl. But that’s about where the similarities end.
Although I’m not a big western-genre fan, I hoped the steampunk elements would supersede the wild west feel. At times the story did have the action and intrigue of a more traditional steampunk, yet at others, it was all whooping it up and cowboys. And while I felt the opening was strong and compelling, once the pair start their interactions with the mining company, the dialogue became flat and repetitive. The storyline held promise, but the voice it was written in just couldn’t keep me glued to the pages.
I liked that Rosa was such a strong woman and could handle herself. I liked that Tom appreciated that in her and even found it sexy. I also enjoyed that they both recognized that their time apart (although it was painful), was the best thing for their relationship.
However, their one sex scene came across mechanical in style and didn’t flow well for me. I also became annoyed with Tom and his constant jabs at and about Parker, the man he thought Rosa would marry. I wanted Rosa to punch him and tell him to get over it.
Overall, Night of Fire is an average book for me. It started out strong, and I found it intriguing. But all too soon, the story started to drag and felt repetitious. The high-intensity action was exciting for a while, but then started to grow old, and I found the insertion of serious relationship dialogue in the middle of fighting to be awkward. I had hoped for more after loving the first book, written by Zoe Archer. Knowing the next book is also written by her, I look forward to getting back to the Men O’ Wars and the British navy.
My Rating:
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Finished it - take it or leave it (C)
Reviews in the Series:
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Author Guest Post & Giveaway: Jennifer Ashley
Hello Readers! Today I bring you romance author Jennifer Ashley. New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Jennifer Ashley has lived and traveled all over the world, and now lives in the Southwest. She writes historical, paranormal, and contemporary romance as Jennifer Ashley; mysteries as Ashley Gardner; and paranormal romance and urban fantasy as Allyson James.
Jennifer enjoys writing and reading above all else, but her hobbies include cooking, hiking, playing flute and guitar, painting, and building miniature rooms and dollhouses.
Today Jennifer is going to tell us about her research for writing about Shifters. Please help me welcome Jennifer to That’s What I’m Talking About.
Thanks so much for asking me to post! I’m excited about the release of Mate Claimed (Shifters Unbound Book 4).
If you’re new to the Shifter series, this is a contemporary paranormal romance series about shape-shifters who have revealed themselves to the world, only to be rounded up and made to live in Shiftertowns and wear shock collars to control their violence. Or so humans think. The Shifters know who’s really in charge.
In Mate Claimed, Eric Warden, the leader of his Shiftertown must round up a half-Shifter half-human woman who’s been passing for human all her life. She’s resistant, not wanting to reveal her Shifter side to the world, but her Shifter instincts are making her crazy, and Eric fears she’ll go feral if he doesn’t bring her in.
It’s a hot, sexy book. :-) But also has a meaty plot and lots of heart.
I’ve been asked how I do research for writing about the Shifters. I’ve always loved animals (horses, dogs, cats), and am very aware that they each have their own personalities, wants and needs. Even the cats I have now—twins—are completely different from each other (though the same in many entertaining ways—for “entertaining” read “exasperating.”)
I’m also lucky enough to live near a private wildlife refuge which rescues big cats, wolves, bears, and other animals that have been mistreated, illegally captured, or abandoned. The animals live in giant enclosures in the countryside, and the owners and caretakers do lectures on animal behavior. It is fascinating to watch big cats of different species interact with each other—the smallest cats, like leopards, often are the most dominant. Watching a giant tiger rub heads with a panther is an amazing thing.
My Shifters are very tactile—they touch and hug for reassurance (and for more fun things as well :-)). The humans who enter Shiftertown are often startled to see male Shifters hugging each other for comfort, or a whole family in a group cuddle. But the humans soon learn it’s not so bad!
When I’m writing about other kinds of shifters—such as dragons (see the Stormwalker series I write as Allyson James), I am free to make up whatever I want. Fun stuff! But I take as given that a dragon is an animal, and their human sides take on animal instincts (scent, ability to see in well in the dark, possessiveness of a mate).
Why do I like shapeshifters so much? I don’t know. When I first started reading fantasy way back when, I wasn’t always as fond of shapeshifters. How can you communicate with someone when they’re an animal? Or a dragon?
But the more I wrote about them, the more I liked them. Now, I can’t imagine not writing a shapeshifter book. Mine are hot, hunky males who can change in to warm, fuzzy animals. And it’s such fun to write about the cubs!
I hope you enjoy my shapeshifter world and Mate Claimed.
I’ll do a giveaway—comment on why you like shapeshifter books (or why you don’t!) and be qualified to win a signed book.
Thanks so much, Jennifer! For more about Mate Claimed and the giveaway, read below!
You can find Jennifer on line at
More on Mate Claimed
Shifters Unbound #4
Berkley, Oct. 2, 2012
Berkley, Oct. 2, 2012
To protect her, he will unleash the beast within…
Eric Warden knows that half-Shifter wildcat Iona is passing for human, living without a Collar in the human world. He also knows that if she does not acknowledge her Shifter nature and her mating hunger, it could kill her. Iona finds the mysterious and dangerous Eric, a wildcat and leader of his Shiftertown, haunting her dreams, but she vows never to "come out" and take the Collar, fearing backlash against her mother and sister for hiding the fact that she's Shifter. But Eric is a compelling Shifter male, and Iona's hunger calls to him.
GIVEAWAY:
Thank you to Jennifer Ashley for stopping by today and also thanks to Jennifer and Berkley for generously donating one (1) copy of Mate Claimed to giveaway. To be entered, please use the RAFFLECOPTER form below. As part of your entry, please leave a comment answering the question: Why do you like shapeshifter books (or why don’t you!)? You do not need to be a google friends connect follower of my blog, but it is always appreciated. Contest is open from October 2, 2012 until Tuesday October 9, 2012 at 12:01 AM EDT. Contest is restricted to US mailing addresses only. One (1) winner will be selected from eligible entries. I am not responsible for items lost in the mail. If you have problems with the RAFFLECOPTER form, please email me at twimom227 (at) gmail (dot) com.
Happy Reading!
Monday, October 1, 2012
Review: Savage Hunger by Terry Spear
Savage Hunger
Author: Terry Spear
Release Date: Oct. 2, 2012
Publisher: Sourcebooks
Jaguar Series Book 1
ISBN: #978-1402266928
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Format(s): Paperback (352 pgs), e-book
Book Source: Publisher/NetGalley
About the book:
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He saved her once…
When Kathleen McKnight was caught in the crossfire during a mission deep in the Amazon rain forest, a mysterious man saved her life then disappeared. Kathleen returns a year later in the hopes of finding her mysterious savior…
Now he wants to claim her…
Jaguar shape-shifter Connor Anderson is instantly intrigued by Kathleen’s beauty and courage and thinks about her constantly. When she comes back to the Amazon to seek him out, he knows he has to act fast if he’s to keep her for his own…
What B is talking about:
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Still traumatized after the other members of her team were killed while on a mission gone wrong a year ago, Kathleen McKnight has returned to the Amazon looking for the man who once saved her. Encouraged by her doctor to face the past, she’s determined to thank the man, achieve some closure, and move on with her life. But, when she finds herself lost and in danger again, she discovers she has, not only unexpected allies, but a chance at a life she never dreamed possible.
Connor Anderson has never been able to forget the woman he saved while vacationing with his sister in the jungle. A year after finding her dying in a tent, the woman who so quickly captured his fascination is back, and this time, the beast within him won’t rest until it has claimed her as his own.
Though it begins with the main characters in the middle of a grave and horrific situation, Savage Hunger is a lighthearted read. Ms. Spear takes her time introducing us to Connor, his sister Maya, and Kathleen, as well as the world they live in, which does slow the action down a little in places, but the pacing starts moving along nicely about halfway through the story. Naturally, a lot of attention is given to the details of the jungle and its inhabitants, along with Connor and Maya’s past and the need they feel to return to the place where their jaguar halves can roam free.
Kathleen and Connor are a wonderfully sexy couple, though they both initially do everything in their power to resist their mutual attraction. Kathleen isn’t a born shifter, and while Connor accepts that he wants a mate and family of his own, he’s not willing to turn Kat against her will in order to have them. Kat, on the other hand, isn’t the tough Army officer she once was, and is convinced that she’s a burden Connor and his sister don’t need. Thank goodness for Maya, though, because she’s got no compunction whatsoever about turning Kat herself and making her one of the family, whether Kat or Connor consent to her methods or not. While Maya isn’t a pillar of responsibility and forethought, she’s incredibly loving and loyal, and provides much of the humor running through the story, most notably when she and Kat gang up on Connor.
The book really picks up when the trio are on the run from a drug lord and his heavily armed men. Kat’s greatest weakness is that she can’t control her shifts, but as she begins to reconcile the shifter she’s becoming with the soldier she was, her self-confidence returns, making her a much more interesting character overall. Her ready acceptance of what Maya has done to her feels a bit too easy, but as Kat and the siblings begin to operate as a unit, the near misses and battles with the bad guys end up being some of the best parts of the story.
Savage Hunger is a solid beginning to a new series by a very talented author. Having had the opportunity to read several of Ms. Spear’s Werewolf tales, I believe that this new series will be just as enjoyable. Kat and Connor were a pleasure to read about, as was Maya, and while there were a few instances earlier on I had some trouble connecting with, by the end of the story I was having a wonderful time tagging along on their adventures. I’m excited to see where Ms. Spears takes her jaguars in future novels, and cannot wait to find out what sort of trouble Maya will get into in her own story!
B’s Rating:
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Liked it - recommend (B+)
Purchase Info:
Labels:
3.5 stars,
Bs-review,
Jaguar Series,
paranormal romance,
Sourcebooks,
Terry Spear
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2
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