King, Gleason, and Kenyon oh my!

Can I saw how excited I am that Stephen King has a new anthology of short stories coming out in November? (Even though the cover does something freaky to my eyes)

Just After Sunset: Stories (Nov. 2008, Scribner) Just After Sunset-call it dusk, call it twilight, it's a time when human intercourse takes on an unnatural cast, when nothing is quite as it appears, when the imagination begins to reach for shadows as they dissipate to darkness and living daylight can be scared right out of you. It's the perfect time for Stephen King.

And since Just After Sunset is still a few months away, why not sink your teeth into Colleen Gleason’s Gardella Vampire Chronicles? If you are not reading this series, you are seriously missing out. The latest book in this on-going series, When Twilight Burns (number 4) is available now and I can say that this is the best book in Gleason’s series. Where else can you read about a regency vampire slayer, who has a way with a stake, and two men at her disposal? By now most are aware of the on-going love triangle between the shady yet seductive, Sebastian Vioget, Lady Victoria Gardella Grantworth de Lacy and the broody, “I need a therapist” Max Peasro. Perhaps I am a bit too critical about Max because I am a Sebastian fan so much so that whenever Colleen or the Gardella series is brought up, I make sure to post the two words- TEAM SEBASTIAN!

When Twilight Burns brings the action back to London, England after the last two books took place in Rome. Not only are vampires still sucking the blood and lives of unsuspecting people at night, but now there is one or perhaps more who are striking during the day, and Victoria is being framed for these crimes. Poor Victoria never gets a break. Her mentor, aunt Eustacia who was the oldest living Venator, was killed and now Victoria has no one to guide her. Victoria is adrift, trying to keep her secret night life, just that, a secret. She still can’t get over the memory of her husband she had to stake because he became a vampire and her feelings for Max, which have become more of an attraction, puts her at odds with herself because Max was the one to kill Eustacia. Then there is Sebastian, who is a Venator like Victoria, but walks a fine line because his grandfather, who is one of the head vampire honchos, so Victoria doesn’t know where his loyalties really lie.

There is a lot of action and vampire ass kicking that you won’t want to miss, plus Victoria, in a round about way makes a decision on whom she loves. I still think whom she ends up with could go either way. Max and Victoria have a major earth shattering moment between them, much more so than the heated kiss they shared in The Bleeding Dusk and Sebastian finally tells Victoria how he feels for her. Victoria is torn between these two men. She wants Sebastian in the physical sense but she can’t trust him, whereas with Max she cares for him because he is lost in the world, much like the way Victoria feels sometimes.

If you think love triangles and blood thirsty vampires aren’t enough, Victoria also has a big personal problem that may destroy her life. She may have a lot more in common with these creatures she hunts than she could ever have imagined.

Again, if you are not reading Colleen Gleason’s, Gardella Legacy, I am giving you a call to action to hop to it. Remember how I said this was an “on-going” series? Well, come March 2009, this series will come to and end with As Shadows Fade.

And guess where I will be tonight:

Acheron Book Tour with Sherrilyn Kenyon at Borders:

Fri. August 15th, 7:00 PM
10 Columbus Circle
New York, NY **maybe I can get Christine to wear her demon horns ;D The proof will be in the pictures I will be taking**

And, make sure to come back next week because I will be posting my review for this:


Katiebabs (KB)

Guess that book

If you all agree - here's Clue number three

She is the oldest of three sisters and was known as the geeky sister.

~~~~~~~ETA~~~~~~~

That Book has been Guessed by Kristin. It is indeed Getting What You Want by Kathy Love.
I adored this book when I read it and gave it 5 stars. Sadly the next two weren’t as good – for me anyway – and she has since written funny vampire books – which I don’t read. So for me this author full of promise, and maybe she still has it, was a one book wonder, until she switches genres anyway and writes another book as delightful as Getting What You Want – a don’t miss book.

Guess that book

You asked for new - here's Clue number two

He's my favourite kind of hero - a blue collar hero who works in construction

Come Away With Me To The Island...

Follow Gerry and grab a margarita to the DIK Blog (Desert Island Keeper) where I am posting for the next three days! Today I talk about my six books I would take with me if I was stuck on a desert island.

Day 2 will be my favorite heroes.

Day 3 is a surprise! That means I have no clue what I will talk about! Any suggestions?

Katiebabs (KB)

Guess That Book - Book 3

Well, I had no idea that this game would go so fast!

Another author who I was lucky enough to meet in San Francisco who gave me books to give away is Toni Blake and the book in question is Tempt Me Tonight the book that was up for a RITA. Now I haven't read this particular book - I have it though. I had to get a copy after finishing Letters to a Secret Lover.

So, if you are ready to play Guess That Book, this is the prize!!


Let's have some fun - here's Clue Number 1

She has come back to her home town to do a work project.

A Rake's Guide to Pleasure Review

I must say that Victoria Dahl has some of the best historical romance covers around. I really do love the ones where the man and woman are mostly naked in a sea of silk sheets, and her latest, A Rake’s Guide to Pleasure is no exception. But a cover can only do so much for sales. A Rake’s Guide to Pleasure is a well-written, sexy romance with two mature characters who want totally different things in life. The Duke of Somerhart refuses to take the word “no” for an answer from Emma Jensen, who pretends to be the widowed Lady Denmore. You would think this would get a bit annoying after awhile, especially since Emma is so adamant in telling Hart to, “take a hike”, but Hart’s chase of Emma is the highlight of the novel. Emma is no simpering "oh woes is me!" character. She may be a virgin in body, but not in her mind, and the reasoning she gives Hart to remain so, made me want to take her in my arms and rock her. Emma has been dealt some bad cards in her life and because of this, she decides to live her own way, by her own set of rules, and won’t allow any man, especially a man like Hart to tell her otherwise.

Emma has come to London for a specific reason and it is not to enjoy the festivities that the Ton usually involves itself with. This is a woman on a mission, to make as much money as she can before the rest of London society arrives after the winter holiday. Emma uses her time wisely either gambling or places bets with various gentlemen in order to come up with enough money to live comfortably for the rest of her days in a little cottage by the sea. Emma has secrets and will lie to her advantage. She tells these little fibs so she will be able to fleece those who are gullible. Emma’s past is quite shocking mainly because of her father, who lived a life of debauchery where he gambled, drank and whored till the day he died. Emma saw many things as a young and impressionable child and refuses to fall into that trap where she will be left desolate or seduced and pregnant. She plays a dangerous game, flirting with the various titled gentlemen to get what she wants. She is very close to meeting her goal when, she is noticed by the one man who could destroy her well-laid plans, the Duke of Somerhart.

Emma met Hart about a decade ago during one of her father’s late night parties. Hart made quite the impression on the nine year old Emma and she daydreamed that Hart would be her knight in shining armor and come rescue her. Of course this didn’t happen and now years later, Hart has a reputation of being heartless, ruthless, cold… well, you get the picture. Emma is disgusted by these rumor’s especially the ones about Hart’s countless lovers. The boy she dreamed about was a fantasy after all, and she realizes that they must never be more than passing acquaintances. Hart’s reputation is mostly true but he has a new outlook on life. He will try to give up those vices he enjoyed when he was younger man. But he can hardly deny his lust towards Emma. When it comes to Emma, he finds her to be a different type of creature all together. She dances around any questions he may have and places herself in dangerous situations for money. Something is off about this so-called widow who has arrived out of nowhere. He wants to find out her secrets and thinks his excellent powers of seduction will enable him to solve the puzzle that is Emma.

I love when the heroine gives the hero a merry chase and A Rake’s Guide to Pleasure is exactly that. Emma seriously does not want to be bothered with Hart even if he makes her tingly inside. Where as the hero is the one who may seem cold and refuses to admit his feelings, Dahl has turned things around where it is Emma who tries her hardest to acknowledge any feelings she may have for Hart. She is not willing to take the risk or the consequences for a moment of pleasure. But Hart has a way of breaking down her defenses, not because this is a game to him, but because Emma calls out to him where he wants to protect and cherish her. He feels they are kindred spirits.

I can’t help but compare Emma and Hart’s relationship to a cat and mouse game that will end in the bedroom. There are two love scenes that especially caught my eye that are so very erotic. The very first one is where Hart is giving Emma pleasure and doesn’t ask for anything in return. Thank you so much for that scene Victoria! And as well as the next one where Emma gets her own revenge against Hart for rocking her world and destroying all the walls she has placed around herself.

Even though the main focus is Emma and Hart, there is a subplot that deals with an obsessive suitor of Emma’s from her past who comes out of nowhere quite suddenly. Some may find that this takes away from the on-going drama between Emma and Hart, but for the most part, I was pleased with the results, mainly because I am still a sucker for the hero who ends up saving the damsel in distress.

Even though the title may seems a bit misleading, because Hart doesn’t really have a guide he follows to make sure a woman is pleasured, A Rake’s Guide to Pleasure has everything I want to read in a historical romance from two engaging characters, wonderful dialogue and very creative and luscious love scenes. I am overjoyed that Zebra has such an author like Victoria Dahl writing for them, and A Rake’s Guide to Pleasure is one romance you will not want to pass up.

3 ½ stars out of 5

Katiebabs (KB)

Guess That Book Day 2!

Are you ready for another exciting game of Guess That Book?

The first person to post the correction book title and author will win:

a signed copy of Demon's Kiss by Eve Silver!

Clue number one:
She is a reporter for her father's newspaper in 1880's Wyoming.

Hmmm... don't have a clue? Well, here is Clue number 2:

The hero sure does like his bed.

WE HAVE A WINNER!!
ReneeW has the correct answer!
It is Donovan's Bed by Debra Mullins

Just sent me your mailing address to katiebabsgATgmail.com

I wasn't going to say anything

But for this I suppose I have to.

Today is my birthday and guess what came in the mail from my sons???? Aren't they great. This of course goes along with Season 1 which I already had.

Too bad I spent most of the day sicker than a dog though *heavy sigh*













And I saw this at Carolyn Jean's and it looked like so much fun, I decided to do a couple too.



Isn't it enough that she has Becks? Does she really have to go after my Johnny too?










And in other news....










I always knew there was a reason I liked cats. They know good TV.













This cat knows the right place to go for attention!

Guess That Book

Yep, it's time for *cue music* Guess That Book again. In this first round, the book I'm giving away is Dangerous Secrets by Lisa Marie Rice. She was kind enough in San Francisco to give me 2 books to give away on the blog. And I know this is a good one because both Katie and I read it and enjoyed it.

If you remember from last year, the way the game is played, I give a small clue a day for one of my well loved books. The first person to Guess That Book wins their own copy of Dangerous Secrets.

So are you ready?

Let's Start the Fun - Here's Clue number one

She is a land manager

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~UPDATE~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Congratulations to Web!!! She guessed the book in less then a day. The book in question is The Rake by Mary Jo Putney!

Interested in Some Books?

Apparently I have the reputation of being a book pimp. I don't want to disappoint anyone, so why not some book recommendations? It is less than 5 months till 2009 arrives! Here are some 2009 reads, including some remaining 2008 books to keep your eye on. Here are some you may have not been aware of...

The Black Dagger Brotherhood: An Insider's Guide by JR Ward (Oct. 2008 NAL)
This is a book no Black Dagger Brotherhood fan should miss—an insider’s guide that will seduce readers as powerfully as the sexy band of Brothers and the world they live in. And also included is an original short story about stars Zsadist and Bella!

This comprehensive guide features insider information on the Brotherhood, their dossiers, stats, and special gifts. Readers will savor interviews with their favorite characters, deleted scenes, exciting material from the J.R. Ward message board and the answers to their burning questions. They’ll learn what it’s like for J.R. Ward to write each installment of the series, and in a fascinating twist, read an interview with the author—conducted by the Brothers. Plus readers will get a sneak peek at the much anticipated next book in the Black Dagger Brotherhood series, Lover Avenged.

Secret Desires of a Gentleman by Laura Lee Guhrke (Oct. 2008 Avon)

Maria Martingale was going to elope. But Phillip Hawthorne, Marquess of Kayne, put a stop to those plans when he learned his younger brother intended to marry a cook’s daughter. Now twelve years later, Maria discovers that the man who holds her fate in his hands is none other than the haughty gentleman who sent her packing – and he’s as handsome and arrogant as ever.

Always the proper gentleman, Phillip will do anything to protect his family from scandal, and when Maria dares to move in right next door, he knows scandal will surely follow. She is as tempting as he remembered… and the more he sees her, the harder it is for Phillip to hide his own secret desire for her…

Hex Appeal by Linda Wisdom (Nov. 2008 Sourcebooks)
The second book in the Hex series features feisty witch Jazz and her drop-dead gorgeous vampire cop boyfriend in a new installment. On again, off again for over 300 years, Jazz and Nick are finally back together, but then Jazz thinks Nick has bitten her. Separated again, upset and angry, the two of them start having violent, recurring dreams in which each one figures in disturbing and menacing ways. They can't sleep, they can't eat, and they finally figure out they'd better get together and discover who's poisoning their dreams-and their relationship.

Like No Other Lover by Julie Anne Long (Nov. 2008, Avon)
It's the last chance for Cynthia Brightly, the ton's most bewitching belle. Driven out of London by a secret scandal, she must find a grand husband at the Redmonds' house party before word of her downfall spreads all over England. Unfortunately, someone at Pennyroyal Green is already privy to the whispers of broken engagements and dueling lovers: Miles Redmond, renowned explorer and—thanks to his brother's disappearance—heir to the family's enormous fortune.

Miles set his sights on Cynthia once, at a time when the ambitious beauty thought herself too good for a second son. But now he's the heir apparent, relishing in his control. He strikes a bargain with her: he'll keep Cynthia's steamy secrets and help her find a husband among the guests—in exchange for a single kiss.

What could be the harm in a simple kiss? Cynthia is about to discover that it's enough to unleash fierce passion-and that Miles Redmond is most certainly like no other lover in the world.

Talk Me Down by Victoria Dahl (January 2009, HQN)
Molly Jennings might look like the girl next door, but she has one naughty little secret: her job. Molly is a very successful writer of erotic fiction. Until her inspiration runs dry—thanks to a creepy ex—and she decides it’s time to move back home to tiny Tumble Creek, Colorado.

Tumble Creek doesn’t have much going for it, but one look at luscious chief of police Ben Lawson, who starred in her girlhood dreams, and Molly is back in business. But while her fantasies are pouring out on paper, the town gossip is buzzing at her door and, worse yet, a stalker seems to be watching her every move. Thankfully, her very own lawman has taken to coming over, often. The only problem now is that Molly may have to let the cat out of the bag about her chosen profession, and straight-laced Ben will definitely not approve…

NO COVER YET :( Smooth Talking Stranger by Lisa Kleypas (March 2009, St. Martin Press)
Jack Travis leads the uncomplicated life of a millionaire Texas playboy. He makes no commitments, he loves many women, he lives for pleasure. But no one has ever truly touched his heart or soul. Until one day, a woman appears on his doorstep with fury on her face and a baby in her arms. It seems Jack is the father and this woman is the baby's aunt. The real mother has abandoned the child to her more responsible sister. And now, Jack is being called upon to take responsibility for the first time in his life.

Are there any other books I should put down on my future TBR list?

Katiebabs (KB)

Now I can blame it on Wendy

I haven't felt right since I got home from San Francisco. At first I thought I was just super tired, but no matter how much sleep I got, it wasn't enough. I even called in sick one day and did nothing but sleep. My sister told me it was my punishment for planning on calling in sick when I wasn't. But I didn't though - I did go into work on Tuesday. But I still was tired like you wouldn't believe.
I still haven't unpacked my suitcases yet, that's how bad it's been.
The house is a disaster, I can't remember the last time every single room was this bad.
Me - me who loves to catalogue books still hasn't even begun to do that yet.
The thought of food - ugh! Doesn't matter though as it's going right through.
I had to work yesterday and again today. I had a coworker feel my forehead yeterday and apparently I was burning up. I knew it!! But as I'm the only one doing the job on the weekends, I have to go in.
I'm not often sick and the odd times I am, it's not for this long.
One of the problems of living alone is not having anyone to whine too when one is sick so I'm whining here.
I'm sick and I don't like being sick.

:~(

Breaking Dawn: The End of the Fairy Tale

On Friday, August second at midnight, the most anticipated book of the year was released. By the end of the week, close to four million copies will have been bought and read. As of Saturday at 7am, there were 21 reviews of Breaking Dawn on Amazon.com. As of Friday night on August eighth, the reviews had grown to 1,800. What was it about this book that made people want to read it all through the night and quickly make it known how they felt?

By now there has been a mass posting of reviews on the internet and I for one tried very hard not to read any. The joy in reading a book like this is not knowing what will happen. I was excited for that surprise and unaware what would be in store for Bella, the human girl, and Edward, the beautiful vampire who loves her. Unfortunately that was not the case. I made the mistake of going to Amazon on that Saturday morning, only seven hours after Breaking Dawn was released and the very first review posted gave away everything. My surprise was ruined, the gift I had promised myself was no more. And what I found out was a bit shocking and appalling.

For those who have not had the chance to read Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight series, it is basically the story about a human girl and the love she has for her vampire boyfriend. The three books (Twilight, New Moon and Eclipse) before Breaking Dawn are about their bumpy road to love. These are two star crossed lovers who need each other desperately, but because of what they both are, that is virtually impossible. Edward longs to drain Bella dry because her blood is his food, the highest aphrodisiac he craves. The moral implications in their relationship is always utmost on their minds. When they are not busy trying to deny their own baser urges, Bella for sex and Edward for her blood, there are those who are trying to separate them either through death or that of another suitor trying to steal Bella away from Edward. Breaking Dawn is supposed to be their happily ever after. The road to their HEA is still very rough and not all that certain, but Meyer makes sure to give her readers a story they will never forget, no matter how strange it may seem.

Breaking Dawn is broken down into three parts. Part one begins where Bella and Edward are now engaged. This is told from Bella’s point of view. She may only be eighteen, but she knows what she wants, and that is to become Mrs. Cullen. Bella Swan has been waiting for years for Edward to make her his own, meaning sexual intercourse. The only way Edward will give in, is if they are married and soon after she will be turned into a vampire. If she is undead like Edward, she will no longer be in danger and they will be together for all eternity. And quite honestly, what young teenage girl wouldn’t want to be eighteen forever with the man she loves, always by her side? We see her planning the wedding, her marriage and finally her honeymoon with her new husband. The first one-hundred pages or so really shine here. This is what I have been waiting for. This is Stephenie Meyer at her best. But then something happens to Bella on her honeymoon because of the intimacies she and Edward share. What happens to Bella is not planned and throws both of them for a loop. Because of this, the whole tone of the book changes and enters in the Twilight Zone territory. *cue spooky theme music*

Part two is from Jacob Black, the werewolf’s view. Jacob was the other suitor vying for Bella’s affections. Bella and Jacob are not meant to be because werewolves have an imprinted mate, and Bella is not this mate. Jacob still cares deeply for Bella and when he finds out she is home and in danger, he rushes to her side. This is where he will come in contact with his own imprinted mate and that in itself stunned me speechless and made me more than a bit uncomfortable. Whereas in the past, Jacob was the enemy of Edward because he wanted Bella’s love and because werewolves and vampires are sworn enemies anyway, Jacob is now part of the family that is Bella and Edward because of this new character. This new character gives all three of them an unbreakable bond. (This new face is such a big spoiler. If you really want to know who it is e-mail me or go to Amazon. BAD AMAZON! :P)

Part three is back to Bella’s view where the action seems intense while Meyer begins to close things up into a happy little proverbial bow. The enemies we have read about in the past books come to reak havoc, but because understanding, acceptance and good prevails, all is right in this supernatural world that Meyer has created. Bella and Edward’s happily ever after is now set in stone. The fairy tale has come to an end.

Breaking Dawn is a fairy tale, much like a Grimm Brothers’ story. There is a character who is given a choice, a path they must take. This path will be dangerous and decisions must be along with sacrifices that they won’t see coming. Bella is this fairy tale character, who, because of her actions, decides on the outcome and the finality of the Twilight series. Everything she has done from her marriage, to the intimacy she shares with Edward to the cause and effect of that intimacy is what Breaking Dawn is about.

I really wish I could say this is a 5 star, A+ book that you all must run out and get as soon as possible. Unfortunately, I can't give that recommendation. Why? Well, the tone of this book is so very different from the last three books and a bit disappointing. I found the story to be too convoluted, the chemistry that I have grown to love between Bella and Edward is lacking. There are too many shocking twists that simply don’t make any sense to me. Everything is coming from all different directions and I honestly can’t say what Meyer’s ultimate plan was. Even though the tension and drama seem intense on the surface, it feels very stilted and a bit dull. Some things that that characters do seem so out of place, especially Charlie's reaction to Bella's new married life. And I can't find myself to agree with the mate Jacob has been given. That is bound to upset some readers and for a better lack of a phrase, a major WTF moment. I almost stopped reading and would have given Breaking Dawn a DNF (do not finish), but I waited way too long for this book and I was going to finish it!

As a thirty something reading a young adult novel meant for teenage girls, I must say Meyer handled the sexual intimacies between Edward and Bella very well. I remember what I used to read at thirteen and when these two engage in their lovemaking, it is well written. The fade to dark lovemaking is what I have been expecting. As for the violence, there is a bit too much for my tastes where I would be wary for a young girl to read. There is a lot of blood spilled within these pages.

The Twilight series is truly the end of a fairy tale, the likes I have never seen. It was a wonderful journey of love and devotion between two people I wanted to be together forever in my memories. I can’t help but compare Bella and Edward to Catherine and Heathcliff from Wuthering Heights. Wuthering Heights is a heartbreaking romance where two lovers are separated because of their own greed and obsession for one another, which ends in one of their deaths. The ending always gets to me where we see Heathcliff walking through the Moors looking for his beloved Catherine. When he does find her, they are reunited in death, to walk the Moors forever and at peace. Stephenie Meyer has done the same thing here with Bella and Edward. Both are together, and from all intensive purposes, now at peace. Breaking Dawn is certainly not the masterpiece I was looking forward to and I could say I wished Meyer would have taken her story in another direction, but at least she gave Bella and Edward their small, but perfect piece of forever.

Breaking Dawn may be a disappointment to some and not the best in the series, but Meyer finally ended the story of two lovers as it should be, with their arms around each other, staring into each other’s eyes, knowing they will never be separated.

2 stars of out 5 stars.

Katiebabs (KB)

**For those who were less than pleased with Breaking Dawn? Why not see what Edward thinks in this funny Live Journal review. (Thanks Ana!)**

Books, Books Glorious Books

At the risk of giving some of you a sever case of book envy, one of the highlights of the RWA conference is getting all the free books you could possibly imagine. I was telling sister Lisa this before I went and she asked me an interesting question. She asked if I had plans to read all the books I have or is it just the books themselves I like to collect. I thought about this and had to admit, a large part of the thrill comes in just the owning of them. I have so many books now in the TBR pile, if I do the mathematics, which to be honest isn’t likely because it would take mathematical talent of which I have none to figure out, taking into consideration the number of books I have unread, the number of books I read a week, which is way down anymore, too much time spent on the internet and on blogs talking about books, and the number of years I have left to live, I will never read all that I have now. If I were to completely stop buying books altogether and only read these I have, I could last for years. Then take into consideration the number of books I own and factor in rereading and I’m set for life.

But do I plan to stop buying? Not on your life! As I stood in line, experiencing claustrophobia, heat, tired, aching Feet that still haven’t forgiven me yet, part of me wondered what on earth I was doing – and why?? Was it just books I wanted or were the ones I picked up, ones I figured I would read. And I came to the conclusion that each and every book I picked up were either books I thought would be a good read, or in some cases books I had already read and very much enjoyed and wanted to share with other readers – via contest starting Sunday *g*.

Chances are I won’t get to all of them, but each one had something that got my attention. Whether it was The Bargain by Julia Templeton, an erotic medieval which I’ve started reading or Howling at the Moon by Karen MacInerney, which is a tale of an uban werewolf by an author I’ve never heard of before or We’ll Never Tell by Kayla Perrin, a suspense tale I know I’ve seen somewhere in the blogosphere or Bound to Please by Hope Tarr, the first in a new series by Harlequin – Blaze Historicals, something grabbed me about them.

I’m fortunate that I like pretty much all genres so I don’t limit myself when choosing what book to read. I admit that I start a lot of books that I don’t end up finishing for one reason or another, but each one I pick up, I do so expecting to like it. And I’ve had quite the surprise with some of them. I never really expected to like the Lara Adrian Midnight Breed series, but I’m delightfully surprised at how much I’ve enjoyed the ones I’ve read. I didn’t think I’d care for Urban Fantasy, but Driven and Hidden by Eve Kenin blew me away. Who’d have thunk when I read Countdown by Michelle Maddox (which is out now by the way) I would be so enthralled with it.

I thought I was getting over historicals but then comes Joanne Bourne and Elizabeth Hoyt to rekindle my interest in them again.

I picked up a couple of Jill Shalvis book who is an author I’ve really enjoyed in the past.

I picked up Oceans Apart because I knew I’d read a wonderful review of it on Book Binges. And Twisted Creek because Nath really enjoyed it and she’s a tough sell!

So yes, every book I get, I have every intention of reading, when is another matter though. And yes, Lisa is partly right. Part of the addiction is in just the having.

So I’m curious now about other readers with huge TBR piles that they may not ever get through. Is it just the acquisition of the book that gives you the rush, or the unexpected thrill when you’ve read one you didn’t think would be as good as it was?

The Midnight Man by Charlotte Mede

The Midnight Man may possibly have one of the most eye catching opening chapters I have read this year. “Oblivion is what she craved”, is the first line in this very dark and at times sensual historical romance by Charlotte Mede. This is not a fluffy read, but an angst filled romance over land and by sea with a woman bent on her own destruction, along with those who want to help speed along her pain and suffering. There is also a man who is obsessed with her and wants her for his own her, while at the same time he wants to punish her for the sins of her father.

Lady Helena Hartford is a very rich widow who is a protégée in the art world. She lives and breathes to paint. Her now deceased father sold her quite callously into a titled marriage. When we are introduced to Helena, she is in an opium den, high on the smoke, trying to forget her woes. Helena has quite the reputation at flaunting her nose at society with her shocking pieces of art and her countless lovers. Her husband’s nephew, the Bishop of Sissinghurst wants Helena removed and sent to Bedlam on grounds of immoral insanity, licentiousness and salaciousness. If Helena is considered insane, he will be able to take over her fortune. And if she dies in the asylum, all the better. But as Helena hides away in the haze of opium, she is saved by Nicholas Ramsay. Ramsay also has quite the reputation. He has power and money and is not one to be crossed. He saves Helena for his own purposes. He desires her but wants her to suffer because of what her greedy father did to him when he was a boy.

Helena fights Ramsay tooth and nail and believes he is working for Sissinghurst. Ramsay has his own plans for Helena, which is very selfish and a bit cruel. Ramsay is also the host and benefactor of the X Club, a group of scientific minds that support Charles Darwin’s theories. They need Helena’s artistic abilities to provide evidence to support their cause. Since these bones and fossils Darwin found cannot be transported back to England, Helena will go with Ramsay to the other side of the world, as he says, where Helena will capture their likeness on paper. She will escape the clutches of her nephew and also help a wonderful cause. Helena has no choice but to accept and with that Ramsay will continue to seduce her and speed along her downfall.

Ramsay has some very shady plans for Helena that includes making her his lover on their long journey. He wants her to be overcome with pleasure in the sex act before he proceeds with his punishment. Ramsay has lusted after Helena for years, but his feelings for her are at odds with his final goal, his revenge. Even though he will stick with his plans till the bitter end, he will make sure Helena experiences the heights of passion with him. He wants her to let go, to fall apart in his arms before he rips apart her heart and soul. His plan is to make her fall in love with him and to crave his body. And when she does, his revenge will be complete.

Charlotte Mede has written a dark and at times depressing romance with The Midnight Man. I have to admit this was quite the uncomfortable read because of the tension, fear and lack of trust Helena has for Ramsay, which is understandable if I were in her shoes. Her father treated her like cattle and sold her to the highest bidder, which happened to be her husband. Charlotte doesn’t go into great detail about Helena’s marriage, but from what is told, you can assume her husband was a sexual abusive man who enjoyed hurting his wife both in the physical and spiritual sense. Even though Helena has had lovers, she has never found joy in sex; that is until Ramsay comes along.

Ramsay is a bit of a mystery, never really fully explained. The reader is given some insight on why he is so hell bent on destroying Helena, which includes his callous treatment and attitude towards Helena. I felt this was a bit too much in some ways. Even though their relationship is an uncomfortable and I should say unstable one, The Midnight Man has a nice gothic feel to it. There may be no dark castles or things that go bump in the night to scare the heroine, but there are demons, deep in a person’s soul. The physical demon is Sissinghurst who hides behind his own religion for the things he does. What he has planned for Helena is even worst than what Ramsay has in store for Helena.

Poor Helena cannot get a break, but she is not that typical heroine who will be walked all over. She does try to stand up to Ramsay. Ramsay in turn tries to seduce her every chance he gets, he wants her to understand what a woman’s pleasure is, even though his methods are questionable throughout the whole story. Is there a HEA in their future? Well, this is a romance after all…

The Midnight Man is not a book for everyone and some may question Ramsay’s motives as being very un-hero like. I have to give Charlotte credit for writing a psychological historical thriller that taps deep into the darkness of men’s souls. Helena and Ramsay may not be your ideal couple but I was fascinated by the story Charlotte has penned. Dark and brooding are the best words to describe The Midnight Man and I wouldn’t mind seeing what other future books Charlotte Mede has in store. (Available now from Kensington/Brava)

3 stars out of 5 stars

Katiebabs (KB)

**Update: Guess what book I finally got last night??? WOOT!!**

RWA – Memories – Part 2

First off, I’m dying today – no I don’t mean in the literal sense, but I got home Very Early in the morning on Monday. Yesterday was a holiday here in Canada and I would have taken the day off even if it wasn’t for more than one reason. I fully planned on taking today as a sick day, but, being the dedicated worker bee that I am, I set the alarm clock anyway. Just as it went off and I was about to turn it off, make my phone call into work and roll over and go back to sleep, I remembered that one of the team of 3 that I work on was going to be off today. If I had called in sick, we would have just had one person and she is brand spanking new and I didn’t want to do that to her.

So, here I am, at work, feeling worse than I did last Saturday when I really did have a hangover, feeling like I have the hangover of all hangovers. And not only am I at work – I arrived two hours earlier than I was supposed to. I work on a rotating schedule, one week I start at 8:00, the next 9:00, the next 10:00. I thought I was 8:00 but I was 10:00. But we got a total new phone system while I was away so I stayed for a workshop on how they work. But it’s going to be a loooooooong day. So I might just have to do a Part 3.

I last left off with many of my fellow bloggers who showed up. So now I’ll do other stuff

• Running into authors in the parking lot. I told my roomies it’s probably the only time it’s not bad being a smoker – at a RWA conference.

• Having to ask what a Silver Bullet was. I found out what it was.

• Finally finding out what the name of that movie was. I think there are some who might remember *sly wink*. It's Pirates. Who'd u thunk it. Thanks go to Angie for the title.
  

• Getting up the courage to say hello to Nora Roberts. And she remembered me!!! Me!!!

• The ferry ride to Sausalito. Man was it cold up front. I had to go back inside and then I lost my bus pass. I needed that to get on the bus! But I told the tour director I’d lost it somehow and she let me on anyway.

• The tour guide from hell. Tracy, Alys and Katie can attest – she was one Drill Sargent of a tour guide. The funniest part was when she leaned into some people who were whispering in the front and with her microphone said very clearly and very loudly, I do NOT share.

• Meeting so many authors! I'd love to mention them all, but then I would forget some. But I have to say each and every one was gracious and friendly and a real credit to the world of Romance Writers.
  

• Seeing Gena Showalter smack the bottom of Sarah and Jane at the Harlequin signing. I’m sure there was a private joke in there somewhere *g*

• Handing out business cards and then getting to tell them about the back. (I designed them myself *proud grin*). Mind you I had a bit of a scare there for a bit. I was telling my sister about them and she said that there might be a copy right violation there. I immediately emailed Jane who replied that yes, technically there was. "Oh shit, shit, shit "I thought! What do I do now?" Then she sent me another email saying she didn't think they would mind. But just in case there are any people from BBC reading this - I did not make any profit. I just wanted to share the love.
  

• Telling Madeline Hunter all about North and South. She had read the book but didn't realize there was a series made out it. Hopefully she will be checking out Netflix.

• Finding my bus pass in my big fat dirty old man underwear purse - long after the fact

• The books!! The books!! All the free books!! There were a number of authors I approached and told them I had all there books and loved them, but if they didn't mind I would love to take one and give them away for contests on the blog. Each and every one of them was thrilled with the idea. So! Contest for free books start on Sunday. Kate and I were chatting and I had such great fun last year with "Guess that Book" that I'll be doing it again this year. Starting Sunday. "Guess that Book" And the prizes will be books I've loved.

• The Dorchester dinner. Wowzers - was that the great time. I think Kate and I were the only bloggers there and sadly I was in shy mode that night. But just being invited was most thrilling!!!

• Along with not just getting free books, was getting books I'd never heard of, books that look really good. I can hardly wait to dive into them. I had so many I had to ship them home - well to the office really. I thought they would take at least a week to get here, but Joy of Joys - they arrived today. I guess it wasn't so bad working today after all (it's now much later - this post has been a long time in the writing)

• The freedom of realizing that I wasn't going to make the Very Many workshops I'd planned to make and then finding out they would all be available after the conference. I went to the desk and ordered a set. And for a Very Low price, I also got a copy of the top 24 from last year too!!! I was starting to feel so bad that I was missing them since I planned on attending them this year.

Well - it's getting late and I'm still pretty jet lagged - seeing as I had to go to work today. As more memories come to me I may have to do a third post. But I'm saving the best memory for last.

• I don't know how many were visitors after I went to RWA in Dallas last year, but I had one of those 'moments in time' memories last year when Jane, Sybil and I went out for lunch with Lisa Kleypas. I wasn't sure if she would be there this year. I thought she probably would be as both Sugar Daddy and Meet Me at Midnight were up for RITA's, but she wasn't on the literacy signing list. I didn't want to bother her by emailing her, but I was keeping my fingers crossed. I was having Christina Dodd sign a book for me when she mentioned that Lisa was downstairs doing a signing for St. Martins. I was overjoyed and headed straight down there - lickety split. She had a number of people ahead of me in line so I waited a bit. When it was my turn, she looked up, saw me, got out of her chair and hugged me. Another one of those moments in time. There was still quite a few people in line behind me so I didn't want to take too long talking to her, but she asked if I would be in Washington next year. Since it's my goal to start some kind of book, I absolutely plan on it and told her. She said then for sure we would get together then and I know she is the kind of person who means what she says. One last thing - I handed her a card and told her to check out the back seeing as she was an integral part of the Great North and South Crusade. She loved it!
  

So this may or may not be my final post. It depends on how much I forgot. I'm still on San Francisco time I think.

Will Blogs Save Books?

I must thank Zeek (The Way I See It) for bringing this to my attention:

Lisa Warren from The Huffington Post internet newspaper has written an article questioning blogs and their capability to post well written book reviews. I, for one, was a bit insulted as a reviewer and one who takes part in a book reviewing blog.

Some excerpts:

"I'm tempted to say it's an issue of format. Blogs are, by nature, brief. They give the appearance of having been dashed off even though many bloggers (though I'd argue not enough) spend a good deal of time crafting their posts. For that reason, we tend not to assign them the same "weight" as the reviews we see in the San Francisco Chronicle or the Washington Post."

"So if it isn't just a "size" thing, what is it? Well, I think book reviews on blogs -- particularly those of the Blogspot variety -- tend to be self-indulgent. Book reviewing bloggers need to move away from opinion in favor of judgment. How does the book compare to -- and fit in with -- the author's previous work? What's the book's place in the genre? The canon? Does the writer succeed in doing what he or she set out to do -- meaning, is it the book they meant it to be? Whether it's the book the blogger wanted it to be is of much less importance to me, frankly."

Any thoughts? How do you feel as book reviewer and/or a owner of a blog or website where book reviews are posted? Are you one of the bloggers who, "jettison the use of personal pronouns"?

Katiebabs (KB)

I'll continue with my memories of San Francisco tomorrow, but today is also a different day of memories for me. It was two years ago today that my life changed forever. It was August 4th 2006 that I lost Ron to cancer. I still can't believe it's been two years now. I still love him and miss him as if it were just yesterday. He was the other part of me and he still is. Although time has helped cover over that missing part, it hasn't filled it nothing ever will. There still is hardly a day go by when I don't ache for missing him. I still hear a noise in the house and think it's him moving around. I'm still in that almost asleep stage and I think he is lying next to me. I still sit in my spot in the living room and glance up every so often waiting for him to come in the back door.

I still can't watch the Blue Jays on TV (not that I really want to with the season they are having). I still can't watch the Leafs on TV (not that I really want to with the season they had this year). Those are just a couple of things that have altered in my life. I'm not reading as much because while he was watching the Jays or the Leafs, I would rather have still sat in the room with him and read then watch TV in another room, even though it was often frustrating sitting watching either the Leafs or the Jays.
I still to this day miss our Sundays when he would get up early, get us each a Timmies (coffee for those who don't know what that is *g*) and the Toronto Sunday Star. He always started with the sports page and I started with the editorial page and we would switch back and forth. I would take as long reading the sports pages as he did.
But in reality, he is still very much with me. Although he's not walking in the door, he's still there. Although it's not really him moving around at night, he's still in the house. I can still feel him being frustrated with me that I'm not keeping up the housework the way he did but even that's a comfort. And I still feel him every night lying next to me, just not in the way he did before. Now instead of just his arms around me, it’s all of him. He’s there when I’m happy and he’s there when I’m sad. When I start crying over missing him so much, he allows me to, then tells me I have cried long enough and that’s when I feel him the most. He helps dry my tears and sends me a memory.

Ryan mentioned not long ago about maybe selling the house. I told him I didn't dare. Ron would first of all haunt the new owners and then come and haunt me for selling. He loved this house and while I do to, a good portion is because he did. Although I felt him with me in San Francisco and I told him on the plane going there I was taking him with me, even though I'm sure he shuddered at the thought of going to a romance writers conference, one of the big driving forces into coming home was his stronger presence. I talk to him hear and I know he hears me.
There were so many things he did around the house that were so far off my radar, for example, cleaning the eavestroph. I didn’t even clue into that chore and I had little baby trees growing in them from the maple keys. Brent and Ryan came over today and cleaned them out. Somehow it seemed fitting that they should do that. And of course not to mention that they were getting so big they would have pulled the eaves right off. Apparently the little buggers were almost a foot tall so they said.

I know Ron is still watching out for me. I mentioned a while ago that not less than a month after he died, the place I was working let go all contract employees. I was one they let go. So there I was, still reeling from losing my other half, the love of my life, my anchor to the real world, the one who knew how to work the DVD, the VHS and all the other electronic stuff and I had no job. I was alone in the house since both sons had moved out and I was headed to a very rough place. But I finally signed up at an agency and within a week, they had sent me to the very same place that arranged for the home care Ron got. I didn’t know who they were or what they did until the day I started working there and when I did, I knew that it wasn’t coincidence; that it was Ron taking care of me. At the end of my contract there, I was hired on full time and it is by far the best job I’ve had in all my various jobs through the years. I’m almost still giddy that I work there.

He is still showing me things. I did something I really shouldn’t have but couldn’t resist. I looked up his records on the computer. As I said, I didn’t know about the role this place had. They are supposed to send out case managers and somehow we got lost in the cracks. Although I adore working there, there was still a little bit of resentment and I couldn’t help thinking ‘but what about us? Where were you when we were so scared and didn’t know who to turn to when we couldn’t get hold of the nurse, when Ron’s pain was so bad neither of us could take it?’ I saw who our case manager was and while it’s a large place and I didn’t get a chance to meet her, I knew her name. Only a month ago, she started working in the very occasionally in the same department as I did. She didn’t know who I was, but I helped her a bit in learning things (no, I’m not a case manager – I’m team support, but they still need our help) and I really liked her. A couple of weekends ago she worked the weekend I did and when she did, she told me she was so glad it was me that was working with her – and I was glad to work with her too. That was Ron’s way of telling me it was time to let go of my last hold of resentment.

I know Ron is proud of me for moving on. I can feel his support every day. I know he was happy I went to Dallas last year and then again when I went to San Francisco. There has always been a writer in me wanting to get out. When I was young, I loved writing anything in school. I used to write letters to friends, long rambling letters, and I told them to hold on to them because someday I would be a famous writer and they would be worth something. The writer in me has lain dormant for a LONG time, but she started coming out when I started this blog and she’s really been knocking at the door these past couple of years. I was listening to the acceptance speeches of some of the winners at the RITA’s and was so touched about the support they received from their husbands. When I finally sit down and start at the beginnings of something, I know Ron will be supporting me. I know some part of him will be in what I write, even if it’s not romance.

I know not everyone believes in the soul mate romances but I do because that’s what Ron was – and is. From the first night I met him I loved him and I will for eternity. I’m not ruling out meeting someone else someday, but Ron will ALWAYS hold a special part of my heart. He will never be replaced even if there should be someone else and I will miss him until I see him again.

I love you Ron – just as much today as I ever have.

RWA - The memories - Part 1

I'm home. I had an absolutely incredible time but as I think we all have experienced, there's nothing better than coming home. I rolled into the house last night somewhere around 1:00 am and 'fuck me' I made it all the way back from San Francisco all on my own!! And the trip back included a stop over in Indianapolis.

There was so much happening in San Francisco and so many memories I will treasure for always probably the best thing to do is list them all. I doubt I'll get them all this post so I'm sure it will take more than one post. These are all in no particular order - just as they come into my head.

• Meeting Rosie and Katie. I had already met Wendy (and felt her pain over the Pudge trade) last year and it was so great to see her again. But it was the first meeting with Rosie and Kate. They are both "good people" and I'm so glad I met them.
• Meeting Alys. I wanted to take her home with me. I didn't get a chance to say goodbye and give her a hug so here is a (((((((((cyber hug)))))))))). She is just the sweetest and it was a joy seeing her enthusiasm. My biggest regret is not being there when she met Lisa Kleypas. From what Wendy said, it was a 'moment'.
• Meeting Tracy. She didn't get to spend as much time with us, but what time we did get to spend with her was loads of fun.
• Meeting Sula. It was great meeting her after all our planning and pajama parties for the Great North and South Crusade. She didn't get to stay for the whole time, but what time we did have with her was WONDERFUL!!!!!
• Meeting Ciara (who I still keep seeing CEEARA in my head instead of Kera which is the right way to say her name)
• Meeting Lisabea. She is a hoot - and looks so much like one of my neighbours I kept wanting to call her Kathy.
  
• Meeting Megan in person. I've known her online for a while now but it was great meeting her in SF! I LOVE her glasses!
• Meeting Carrie Lofty. We have swooned over North and South together and both love SYTYCD
• Meeting up again with Alyssa. I've know her for a while now too and met her last year. We did want to get together for a coffee in SF but it didn't work out. Well, I'm sure it won't be the last time I run into her. Next time for sure Alyssa!!
• Meeting Lori of Let's Gab. The first time I met her I wasn't on my game and felt terrible, but all I could relate too was my anguished Feet. But luckily I did meet her again after that a few times and got to hang out with her.
• Meeting Stacy. Unfortunately it was a very brief meeting and I would have loved to sit down and share a coffee with her (alcohol is no long part of my liquid consumption for a while) but things are so crazy busy there.
• Seeing Jane, Sarah and Candy again. Jane was our roomie for one night. I have to say it was wonderful going to Borders with Jane and Sarah and others for the interview they did. I adore both of them.
• Meeting Robin at the Harlequin party. I've know her through the AAR boards and we've emailed back and forth a few times. She is also a reviewer at Dear Author. I loved that I got to meet her, though by that time I'd had more wine than I should have and I think I might have made a bit of an idiot of myself.
• Listening to the reading that Beverly Jenkins did at Borders. She had me enthralled listening to her. I had a few of her books before but I had to make sure I picked up the book she was reading later - as well as another book by her. I ran into her a number of times in the area us smokers (yes - damn it all, I have that nasty habit as yet unkicked). She has such a wonderful drawl, I could just listen to her talk for hours.
• Meeting Angie (or Angela James) again. I met her last year in Dallas and a nicer sweeter person you could not meet. I'd been invited to the Samhain breakfast and my biggest regret of the whole conference is that I didn't quite make it. See point about having given up alcohol.

Well - that's it for Part 1. There is a lot more to come but as I didn't get in until 1:00 am last night. I'm headed for a NICE LONG AFTERNOON NAP right now.

Free on Tuesday Night?

Author extraordinare Colleen Gleason will be holding a webcast on Tuesday night to celebrate her new release, When Twilight Burns, book number 4 in her Gardella Vampire Chronicles.
This will be a live virtual booksigning where Colleen will chat, take questions from the audience and have some awesome door prizes. Including an Advance Copy of AS SHADOWS FADE.-

**KATIEBABS WANTS!!!**

The event will be:

Tuesday August 5

8:30 pm Eastern Time

Space is limited, so log in early!

Here's the link:

http://learning.mihealth.org/mediasite/colleengleason/

Katiebabs (KB) So, who's going to join me? :D

I am the Reader, The Blogger and Finally the Writer...

"For true success ask yourself these four questions: Why? Why not? Why not me? Why not now?" -James Allen

My final thoughts on attending RWA

From RWA National Conference Website FAQ’s page:

1. Who can attend the RWA Conference? Anyone can attend the RWA national conference.

2. Should I attend the conference if I am unpublished? Of course! While there are special workshops that only members of the Published Authors Network (PAN) may attend, most workshops are geared to authors at every stage of their writing careers. It is also a wonderful opportunity to "network" with other writers -- chat about writing, share writing woes, exchange good information.

3. Is this conference geared towards readers as well as writers? RWA’s primary goal is to advance the professional interests of career-focused romance writers through networking and advocacy, and the conference is developed with that in mind.

The main question I had about attending my first RWA conference was, do I have the right to go? As everyone knows, I am not a published writer, as of yet. The three questions above are the ones I have asked myself countless times in the past six months since I reserved my spot at the conference. I am part of the “anyone can attend” group. I am unpublished, but I feel I am at a certain stage in my writing career. It was an excellent opportunity for me to network, exchange ideas and talk with others who “get me” and why we all love the romance genre. I feel I am a, "professional and career focused individual romance writer".

Wait, Kate. Stop right there! You don’t write romances.

I may not have published any novels, but every review, commentary and post I have here is geared to the romance industry, the people, the readers and the genre itself. If there were no romances, authors, or publishers who write and publish them, I would be adrift in the world, lost. There would be no light at the end of my tunnel. I would be a drone who goes through life bored. I am a fan and a reader who does tend to go a bit fan girly from time to time. When I walk into a bookstore and go straight to the romance section, my heart skips a beat. When I pick up a book, I feel I belong. I am lost in that world where a happily ever after is promised. Romance books are a promise that I am welcomed. It is like I am coming home again and again. I rather have books than any other things on their planet, even over purses, shoes and even other essentials. If I were down to my last ten dollars, can you guess what I would buy?

I am a blogger whose true joy in life is to promote and support those who have reached their dream regardless of money, fame or prestige. They write because of their love for the written word. They are my idols, my super heroes, my muses. I aspire to be like them. What I do is for love. My parents keep asking me what do I get out of this? I don’t get paid in dollar bills. I can’t put a monetary value on what I do. I write reviews and commentary because it has become as important to me just as it is to read.

I am a writer. I write for a blog. I also write reviews for countless other sites. I may not write books that you can purchase in the store, but I am writer to my very soul. I write poetry and short stories. I have done so since I have been sixteen years old. I have a work in progress I am allowing people to finally read so I can have their opinion and critique so I may possibly be brave enough to send it to a publisher. I have unfinished manuscripts to be finished. My characters call to me, “Kate, come back, we miss you!”

I was welcomed by the romance community this week by authors, bloggers, reviewers, and the publishers. We talked and laughed. I had a permanent smile on my face. I cried. I cried tears of happiness, especially on the last day there because I was welcomed in a way I have never been before. I wasn’t an outcast, I was part of this elite group of intelligent, witty and lovely people. My tears were those of true happiness. Countless people to come up to me give me a hugs and were so very happy because they finally were able to meet me and see me, as well as I to them. I was speechless. As I stood in line for various signings, I was nervous, I was shaking. The minutes I entered the room and went up to my idols, I was at peace. I reached my own personal nirvana.

To those who don’t think I deserve to be there, of course that is your opinion. I may not be a “published author” and perhaps you believe I may have taken away a spot from someone who deserves it. Don’t I deserve it? Am I not worthy? I may not have a publishing contract and my books may not be ready to be purchased, but I am a writer to the very depths of my soul and I say: I belong and quite honestly you can’t take that away from me. This week I did belong and for all those who helped me, who told me to go, who supported me, who gave me advice, who sat down and talked with me, who took pictures with me, who wanted me to be in pictures with them and those who said, “thank you” just because, I in turn say, thank you, THANK YOU. My gratitude will never be enough.

One final thought. I also went for those who couldn’t go, those who feel they don’t belong, those who feel they may not be good enough to write, or don't have the talent to be thought of as an author. As Nora Roberts said during her panel, sit your ass down in that chair and write, stop making excuses, believe in yourself. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.

Katiebabs (KB)