Her Singapore Fling (Kelly Hunter)

Title: Her Singapore Fling
UK Title: Red-Hot Renegade
Author: Kelly Hunter
UK ISBN: 978-0-263-87743-4
UK Publisher: Mills & Boon
UK Series: Modern Heat
N. A. ISBN: 978-0-373-52807-3
N. A. Publisher: Harlequin
Series: Harlequin Presents Extra #143; Bennett Family #5
Copyright: 2011; 184 pgs
Sensuality: Warm
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Summary: Jacob “Jake” Bennett and Jianne Xang married young. He was already raising four younger siblings and pursuing his dreams of winning a world title in martial arts. Though she tried to adapt, Jianne was ill-prepared for life in the Bennett household. Their personalities, their ways, and her own history played a part in her decision to leave. Twelve years later, Jianne finds herself back in Jake’s life. A rather insistent, and unwanted, suitor is trying to court her. He’s been sending her gifts and invitations, and has even followed her to Singapore. She believes that if it looks like she’s reuniting with her husband, then her suitor will give up and go back to Shanghai.

Comments: I’ve put off reading this because I know it is the last Bennett family book and I’m sad to see it end. I’ve enjoyed the series and I’ve become a fan of the author.

Red-Hot Renegade

Jake and his failed marriage have been in the background throughout the series, so it was good to finally learn more about him and the woman he loved, and what drove her to leave him. Having read the other books featuring Luke, Pete and Tris, I can well imagine how overwhelmed Jianne must have felt.

Sometimes, I have a hard time articulating what I loved about a book and end up spending a lot of time trying to write it down, only to have wasted hours getting nowhere.  So, I’ve decided to pick two quotes from the book.  The first is Jianne, talking to Jake:

“I’m sorry I brought my problems down on you.  I’m so sorry for what this fight has cost you, body and soul.  But I’m thankful for everything that makes you what you are.  For your integrity, and your honour, and your strength that you so often put at other people’s disposal.  If Zhi Fu needs a reason as to why I could never love him, he need only to look at you.”

The second is Jake talking to Jianne.  It’s actually part of longer speech.

“I was their rock, you said, and maybe I was, but you were my rock, and things got a lot worse after you left.  For all of us.”  He took a deep breath.  “I’m sorry I neglected you.  I wish things had worked out differently.  Jianne, if there is one thing about your memory of our past that I would change it’d be your belief that you were a burden to me.  That you weren’t of any help to the family you were burdened with.  You did help.  More than you’ll ever know.”

Like the other books in this mini series, there are the light, funny moments and snappy dialogue, much of which involves Jianne’s new-found desire to shop for household items.

“We’re not talking about buying the man an island, Jianne.  We’re talking about buying him a couch.  And possibly a lamp.”

“A sideboard would work in that space too,” said Jianne.

All in all, a satisfying end to a fun series.

Start: 1 January 2012
Finished: 1 January 2012

Rating:

Loved It!

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Disclaimer: I purchased this book.

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The year’s not over with yet, but with the holidays coming up and a list of things I still want to do (top ten list, challenge wrap-ups, goals for 2012, etc.), I thought I’d post this now and do a follow-up later, if needed. Plus, if I never get around to writing all the reviews, at least I have one post I can refer to.  The books are listed in the order in which they were read.

5 Stars

Buffalo West Wing (Hyzy, Julie) {16 Jan 11}
Darth Bane: Dynasty of Evil (Karpyshyn, Drew) {6 Feb 11}
Unchained (Ashwood, Sharon) {26 Feb 11}
Queen of Shadows (Sylvan, Dianne) {14 Mar 11}
Song of Scarabaeus (Creasy, Sara) {23 Mar 11}
The Hunger Games (Collins, Suzanne) {6 Apr 11}
Visions of Heat (Singh, Nalini) {12 May 11}
Magic Lost Trouble Found (Shearin, Lisa) {21 May 11}
Caressed by Ice (Singh, Nalini) {22 May 11}
Mine to Possess (Singh, Nalini) {24 May 11}
Magic Slays (Andrews, Ilona) {1 Jun 11}
Renegade Angel (Castle, Kendra Leigh) {6 Jun 11}
Frostbound (Ashwood, Sharon) {13 Jun 11}
Red Heat (Bruhns, Nina) {22 Jun 11}}
Touched by an Alien (Koch, Gini) {30 Jun 11}
Dragon Bound (Harrison, Thea) {2 Jul 11}
Storm’s Heart (Harrison, Thea) {5 Aug 11}
Branded by Fire (Singh, Nalini) {15 Aug 11}
Tiger Eye (Liu, Marjorie M.) {4 Sep 11}
Blaze of Memory (Singh, Nalina) {18 Sep 11}
Bonds of Justice (Singh, Nalini) {23 Oct 11}

4 Stars

Black Wings (Henry, Christina) {4 Jan 11}
Blood Spells (Andersen, Jessica) {20 Feb 11}
Whisper Kiss (Cooke, Deborah {28 Feb 11}
Paying the Virgin’s Price (Merrill, Christine) {12 Mar 11}
Kitty and the Midnight Hour (Vaughn, Carrie) {19 Mar 11}
A Taste of Magic (Madison, Tracy) {31 Mar 11}
Bound by Shadow (Windsor, Anna) {11 Apr 11}
Darkness Dawns (Duvall, Dianne) {17 Apr 11}
Visions of Magic (Hastings, Regan) {24 Apr 11}
Beyond the Night (Ware, Joss) {29 Apr 11}
Secret Society Girl (Peterfreund, Diana) {1 May 11}
Halfway to the Grave (Frost, Jeaniene) {9 May 11}
Just the Sexiest Man Alive (James, Julie) {2 Jun 11}
Master of None (Bateman, Sonya) {5 Jun 11}
Stormwalker (James, Allyson) {11 June 11}
Cold as Ice (Stuart, Anne) {4 Jul 11}
Sylvester (Heyer, Georgette) {10 Jul 11}
Kiss of Midnight (Adrian, Lara) {25 Jul 11}
Marked (Naughton, Elisabeth) {31 Jul 11}
Hostage to Pleasure (Singh, Nalini) {8 Aug 11}
Blood Bound (Briggs, Patricia) {13 Aug 11}
Heiress in Love (Brooke, Christina) {20 Aug 11}
A Regimental Murder (Gardner, Ashley) {27 Aug 11}
Kindling the Moon (Bennett, Jenn) {2 Sep 11}
Kiss of Crimson (Adrian, Lara) {8 Sep 11}
His Majesty’s Dragon (Novik, Naomi) {17 Sep 11}
Murder with Puffins (Andrews, Donna) {20 Sep 11}
Sins of the Angels (Poitevin, Linda) {30 Sep 11}
The Brain and the Beauty (Eliot, Betsy) {6 Oct 11}
Shadow Kin (Scott, M. J.) {8 Oct 11}
Flying Blind (Cooke, Deborah) {11 Oct 11}
Black Night (Henry, Christina) {29 Oct 11}

3 Stars

The Painted Lady (Metzger, Barbara) {10 Jan 11}
Not Without Her Family (Andrews, Beth) {24 Jan 11}
The Lord and Wayward Lady (Allen, Louise) {30 Jan 11}
Persecuted (Childs, Lisa) {27 Mar 11}
Hot Mama (Estep, Jennifer) {15 Apr 11}
Darkfire Kiss (Cooke, Deborah) {29 May 11}
Jedi Twilight (Reaves, Michael) {17 Jul 11}
Pride Mates (Ashley, Jennifer) {24 Aug 11}
Passions of a Wicked Earl (Heath, Lorraine) {24 Sep 11}
Viper Moon (Roland, Lee) {29 Sep 11}
Serpent’s Kiss (Harrison, Thea) {6 Nov 11}

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Tiger Eye (Majorie M. Liu)

Title: Tiger Eye
Author: Marjorie M. Liu
Copyright: 2005; 373 pgs.
ISBN: 978-0-06-202015-4
Reissued: 2011 (Avon)
Series: Dirk & Steele #1
Sensuality: Warm
Genre: Paranormal Romance

Delilah ‘Dela’ Reese is on vacation in Beijing. A mysterious old woman sells her a puzzle box — and shortly after, Dela is accosted by a strange man who frightens her. It is the same man who was watching the old woman when she sold the box to Dela. Dela manages to get away from him, but the incident has shaken her. In the privacy of her hotel room, she examines the box. Dela has an affinity for metal — it talks to her. Though there only a small amount in the box’s construct, it tells Dela that the box is at least two thousand years old. She manages to open the box and gets the shock of her life when a man bursts into existence from the the light pouring out of the box.

Hari, a shape-shifter, was cursed by an evil man he calls the Magi. To save the life of his sister, Hari promised to be his servant. The Magi killed her anyway, and when Hari tried to take revenge, the Magi placed a curse on him and banished him to the box. Plus, the Magi stole his ability to shift into a tiger. The curse: Hari is immortal and must serve who ever owns the box as long as that person lives. Through the years, Hari’s had many masters who have used and tortured him, but none have broken him. He loathes Dela at first sight because she is yet another master he must obey. However, Dela refuses to command him and goes out of her way to be kind to him, trying to prove that she would never treat him like a slave. Slowly, Hari begins to have hope, though he doesn’t believe there is a way to break the curse and regain his ability to shift.

Shortly after, Dela is attacked. At first, it seems that maybe the man in the market and the attack are connected, but the story the knives used in the attack tells her a different story. Dela is determined figure out why the old woman sold her the box and find out who is targeting her and why.

Comment: I discovered this book when the hidden object/puzzle game was released. I was curious about the game and liked it enough to pick up the book as well as the Dirk & Steele series. Until I read the book, I had no idea how the story ended because the second part of the game hasn’t been released yet! Now that I’ve read it, I really do what to see how the second game plays out, since the author made changes (from the book) when she worked with the developers for the game.

I liked Dela and Hari. They’re both good, decent people. Hari’s been through a lot, but it never destroyed his core ethics. There were a couple of times I agreed with Hari and the others when Dela seemed to be a bit blasé about her safety — but I also agree with her reasoning, that she couldn’t just hide under the bed all the time either.

I really loved this book. One of the things I wanted to learn about was Dirk & Steele itself: how Dela was connected to it, what was its purpose. The game barely touches on it. I also wanted to know more about Roland, too, but like Charlie from “Charlie’s Angels”, he’s only heard from, not seen.

Once Dela and Hari are back in the States, we’re introduced to several members of Dirk & Steele: Artur, Dean, Blue, and Eddie. I loved these guys and I can’t wait to continue with the series.

(Cross-posted, with some modification, from Good Reads)

Started: 3 September 2011
Finished: 4 September 2011

Rating:

Loved It!

Disclaimer: I purchased this book.

Visions of Heat (Nalini Singh)

Title: Visions of Heat
Author: Nalini Singh
Copyright: 2007 (Berkley); 332 pgs.
ISBN: 978-0-425-21575-3
Series: Psy/Changeling #2
Sensuality: Hot
Genre: Paranormal Romance

From the Back: Used to cold silence, Faith NightStar is suddenly being tormented by dark visions of blood and murder. A bad sign for anyone, but worse for Faith, an F-Psy with the highly sought after ability to predict the future. Then the visions show her something even more dangerous — aching need. . .exquisite pleasure. But so powerful is her sight, so fragile the state of her mind, that the very emotions she yearns to embrace could be the end of her. Changeling Vaughn D’Angelo can take the form of either man or jaguar, but it is his animal side that is overwhelmingly drawn to Faith. The jaguar’s instinct is to claim this woman it finds so utterly fascinating, and the man has no argument. But while Vaughn craves sensation and hungers to pleasure Faith in every way, desire is a danger that could snap the last threads of her sanity. And there are Psy who need Faith’s sight for their own purposes. . .

~&~

1. Reason for choosing this book:
I chose this book for several reasons.  It’s been several years since I read the first book in the series and I’ve been meaning to continue with it.  I made reading this book, plus the next in the series, part of my reading goal for the year (the one I dubbed, “Sweet Sixteen”).  It also met the criteria for a group challenge I was participating in at the time.  Shortly after reading this book, I made it my goal to get caught up with the series by the end of the year.

2. Reasons for liking/disliking this book:
Even thought it’s been over two years since I read Slave to Sensation, I was able to pick this one up without any problems. Though the plots are similar, I really thought this book flowed better because it wasn’t encumbered with all the world-building and character introductions that the first book had.

Like the first book,  it’s about a female Psy (Faith NightStar) and a dominant male Changeling (Vaughn D’Angelo). Unlike Sascha, Faith is considered a valuable asset to her family and her PsyClan. Faith is a foreseer, and her abilities allow her to make financial forecasts. She’s the best. I liked her more than I did Sascha. I thought she was a stronger person than she gave herself credit for, even when afraid. I also liked her interactions with the NetMind.

I do love feline shape-shifters as a whole, and I liked Vaughn. I liked how he interacted with Faith. He knew she was strong and he challenged her, teased her. I also liked where he lived. The DarkRiver leopards live in some very interesting “homes”.

I’m really looking forward to reading this series.

3. Reasons for recommending this book:
I would recommend this book to readers who read the first book and wasn’t sure about reading the next book.  I would not recommend reading this book as a stand-alone.

Started: 10 May 2011
Finished: 12 May 2011

Rating:

Loved It!

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Disclaimer: I purchased this book.

Unchained (Sharon Ashwood)

Title: Unchained
Author: Sharon Ashwood
Copyright: 2010 (Signet); 359 pgs.
ISBN: 978-0-451-23073-7
Series: The Dark Forgotten #3
Sensuality: Warm
Genre: Paranormal Romance

Possible spoilers for the first two books!

Previously, in Fairview…Ashe Carver — Holly’s older sister — came to town intent on staking her vampire brother-in-law, convinced he had Holly in his thrall. Instead, she ended up joining forces with Alessandro and Mac to save the Castle from destruction. Holly gives Alessandro some very unexpected news.

Six months later…

Madame Librarian: Ashe has officially retired from the monster slaying biz. She’s got her daughter Eden with her now, and she wants to prove that she can be a good mother. To that end, she works at the library, located in the local mall. Now the only battles she routinely engages in are ones with the bookstore clerks, consisting of pranks and practical jokes. But Holly and Alessandro have a new baby in the house, so Ashe is willing to pick up her weapons, on their behalf, to keep Fairview safe for all law-abiding beings. She ends up partnered with Captain Reynard, chasing an invisible and deadly creature through the botanical gardens. And that’s just the beginning of their problems.

Captain of the Guard:  Reynard is everything you’d expect in a hero from a historical romance novel, as if he had stepped from the pages of one. The second son of British nobility, destined for the army. Unrequited love for a woman who chose another. The rakish good looks and behavior. But life as a Castle guardsman has changed him — over 250 years in the prison has made him more disciplined, honed his skills and his sense of duty, and smothered all the feelings and desires from life outside the Castle. Leaving the Castle to hunt the creature is dangerous — the longer he stays in the world, the harder it will be for him to return to the nothingness of his existence in the prison.

Soul Mates:  Someone has stolen the jar that contains Reynard’s soul and removed it from the Castle. He can exist, for a time, separated from it. However, the longer he remains outside the Castle, the more alive he feels and the magic that binds him to the prison weakens. Eventually, he will die. He asks Ashe for help. Reynard hasn’t forgotten that he nearly died in her arms during the battle to save the Castle and he feels a connection. But Ashe has her hands full with her own problems. Eden’s paternal grandparents have hired lawyers and are looking to get custody of the girl. Plus, there’s a powerful vampire in town who wants what Alessandro has and he thinks Ashe — because she’s Holly’s sister — can give it to him. The fact that it has nothing to do with genetics alone and everything to do with the love Alessandro and Holly have for one another is completely lost on the fellow. Add “creepy stalker” to Ashe’s list of troubles.

All in the Family: Once again, there is a strong family theme. Ashe is trying to be a good mother and get to know her daughter. She still harbors guilt over her own parents’ deaths. Reynard’s love for his own family is the reason he ended up in the Castle in the first place. Then there’s Ashe’s vampire stalker — he wants an heir. Even Miru-Kai was motivated by his desire to save someone he cared for like family.

Going Out for a Book Can Be Dangerous in Fairview: As they are heading for the big showdown, Holly notices the newest release of a real author and Alessandro tells her he’ll get it for her if they save the day before close of business. But the scariest part — some of the most destructive scenes take place in places you can find books — the local bookstore, the public library, and a used bookstore. All those poor books! The horror!

The Romance:  Reynard doesn’t want to die or fade away, but he’s not sure he could return the empty life now that he’s fallen for Ashe. He isn’t the least intimidated or put off by Ashe’s strong personality — even though he’s from a time when women were more genteel, he likes the fact she can stand toe-to-toe with him. For her part, Ashe has already been widowed once, and she’s not sure she can cope with falling in love with someone who’s doomed. Reynard doesn’t treat her like she’s a delicate damsel; she’s a warrior and he respects that — not once does he tell her it’s too dangerous for her and he should handle things. How can she not fall for a man who understands her so well; a man who would risk his life to save her daughter?

The Bottom Line: While re-reading parts of the book, to refresh my memory, I really fell in love with the characters. Okay… I fell in love with Reynard. His dilemma, even knowing how it ends, still got to me. I really do like Ashe, now that she isn’t butting heads with Holly, thinking she knows better than her little sis. And Miru-Kai. A character like him just doesn’t just disappear without being heard from again. I wonder when and where we’ll be seeing him again. I hope the author has plans for him.

Started: 21 February 2011
Finished: 26 February 2011

Rating:

Loved It!

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Disclaimer: I purchased this book.

Dynasty of Evil (Drew Karpyshyn)

Title: Darth Bane: Dynasty of Evil
Author: Drew Karpyshyn
Copyright: 2010 (Del Rey); 306 pgs.
ISBN: 978-0-345-51157-7
Series: Star Wars Expanded Universe
Sensuality: None
Genre: Science Fiction
ERA:  Sith/Republic – 1,020 years before the Battle of Yavin (Star Wars: A New Hope)

Ten years have passed since the events in Rule of Two. Bane and Zannah, posing as his sister, live on Ciutric IV. They have kept their true identities hidden, all the while gathering knowledge and wealth, building their strength for the time when the Sith will reveal themselves and eliminate the Jedi. Bane has accepted the fact that the destruction of the Jedi might not occur in his lifetime. The long-term effects of wearing the orbalisk armor has weaken him and time is taking its toll. Had he been a Jedi, he could have lessen the effects, but the dark side of the Force is too destructive to be used for healing and repair.

Though Bane has tried to conceal the effects from Zannah, he is sure she has noticed his weakness. It bothers him that she has yet to take advantage of his weakening body to challenge him. He is worried that she is waiting until he is so feeble that little or no effort will be needed to strike him down. He believes, for the Sith order to remain powerful enough to eventually destroy the Jedi, an apprentice must defeat her master while he’s still strong, thereby proving the apprentice has earned the right to be the Master. Her inaction convinces Bane that she lacks the ambition. She is unworthy to be Sith. With time no longer on his side, Bane must find a way to extend his life so he can train a new apprentice, and he must do so without drawing Zannah’s attention to his actions. He sends Zannah on a mission to find out who killed a Jedi on Doan, and to find out why he was there in the first place.

Zannah has noticed the signs of weakness in Bane. However, she also knows that Bane is a master manipulator. It is possible that he is trying to trick her into attacking him before she is ready, proving she hasn’t learned the lesson of patience he has drilled into her for years. Zannah has been actively looking for an apprentice of her own, an apprentice that will take her place when she defeats Bane and becomes the Master. So far, Zannah hasn’t found any potential candidates and until then, she will bide her time. Her mission to Doan might lead her a likely candidate. Zannah is wary enough of Bane to wonder if the mission is also another of his tests and shrewd enough to consider the possibility that Bane intends to replace her with whoever defeated the Jedi.

With Zannah out of the way. Bane sets out to track down the knowledge he needs to extend his life, not knowing his past is about to come back to haunt him and that he has underestimated his apprentice.

Comments: I loved this book. It was so much better than Rule of Two. I’ve enjoyed reading the Darth Bane trilogy, having a Sith as the main character and rooting for someone who would ordinarily be considered the villain.

In Dynasty of Evil, Bane is the bad guy and I found myself sympathizing with Zannah. Bane believes her unworthy, forgetting that sometimes biding one’s time is the right course of action, even for the Sith. In fact, patience is more important than ever — acting rash could jeopardize all their plans. The time isn’t right for the Sith to overthrow the Republic and only those who learn the value of being patient are going to make the order stronger.

Besides the hunt for new apprentices and the quest for immortality, the plot involves a young woman bent on revenge. I liked Serra and Lucia were tied to Bane’s past. I couldn’t help rooting for them, even though I knew — in the back of my mind — that they were no match for a Sith Lord and things would not end well for them.

I loved the ending. Though not a cliffhanger by any means, the epilogue gives me the impression that at least one story thread was left hanging, just in case. I would like to see the Sith deal with that ex-Jedi.

Start: 1 February 2011
Finished: 6 February

Rating:

Loved It!

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Disclaimer: I purchased this book.

Buffalo West Wing (Julie Hyzy)

Title: Buffalo West Wing
Author: Julie Hyzy
Copyright: 2011 (Berkley); 275 pgs.
ISBN: 978-0-425-23923-0
Series: White House Chef Mystery #4
Sensuality: NA
Genre: Mystery

SPOILERS! But NOT for the Mystery!

It’s Inauguration Day, so things are busy for Ollie and her staff at the White House. A box of take-out chicken wings, intended for First Kids Abigail and Josh Hyden, mysteriously shows up in the kitchen. There is no note explaining who it came from and no eyewitnesses to verify how it got into the White House. Ollie follows protocol and puts it aside to give to the Secret Service. However, the First Kids see the box and, of course, they’re eager to dig in. Ollie refuses to give it to them until it’s been cleared, disappointing the youngsters. Several people, including the First Lady, think that Ollie’s over-reacting, that she should have given the box of wings to Abby and Josh.

Ollie soon learns that the wings were, in fact, poisoned. However, the Secret Service has forbidden those who are privy to this knowledge from mentioning it to anyone else, including the First Lady. This doesn’t bode well for Ollie, since she’s gotten off on the wrong foot with Mrs. Hyden for not consulting her about the wings in the first place, and now it looks like Ollie might be out of a job since the Hyden’s are bringing in their personal chef.

Comments: This book is my favorite one, so far, in this series. The mystery and the secondary story lines really worked for me. Ollie has matured in her role as the executive chef. She’s gotten better at handling Peter Sargeant, the snobby and pompous sensitivity director, who constantly hopes she gets fired. Added to the mix is Virgil Ballantine, personal chef to the First Family. On several occasions, his actions either make Ollie look bad or puts her in a difficult position. Ollie handles each situation like a mature, reasonable adult. She is dedicated to doing her best, and doesn’t require the press and notoriety the others — people like Sargeant and Virgil — seek out.

I really do like Ollie, even with her flaws. It makes her real. She has an earnest desire to help protect the White House and the First Family. But there’s a big difference between keeping a low profile, yet still be vigilant to suspicious activity — and putting one’s nose into the Secret Service’s business, questioning their decisions, etc. Ollie may think she’s being helpful, but in a town where appearances are so important, her intentions are almost irrelevant . First, her behavior gives the impression that the Secret Service can’t do its job; that the cook had to save the day while they bumbled around like the Keystone Cops. Secondly, people like Sargeant will see Ollie’s involvement as her trying to score points with the First Family. The end of the scene were Sargeant smugly informs Ollie he intends to “keep close tabs on the children” during their transition illustrates this:

“It’s about time the First Family sees my worth rather than be dazzled by the stunts you pull. I’m looking forward to the next several weeks.”

I glared at him, knowing in my heart he was wrong, but knowing just as clearly that he would never admit it. My “stunts” had saved the White House — and its staff — from several embarrassing incidents. Was it too much to ask for a little respect from our sensitivity director?

At the door, he turned back. “After all your shenanigans, it’s my turn now.”

Ollie maybe better at handling his annoying commentary and hints, but she doesn’t truly understands him. Sargeant is all about getting ahead, being “teacher’s pet”, and nothing is going to make him see her actions in any other light. The book doesn’t show his reaction to Ollie’s heroics in this book, but even if Ollie were to take a bullet for the president himself, Sargeant would still see her “stunt” as trying to insinuate herself into the First Family’s good graces. It would never occur to him that she would do something selfless out of respect for the office or for the greater good, that such acts are part of her nature.

Later in the book, after Ollie tells Bucky and Cyan about Virgil and they discuss whether her past “shenanigans” may contribute to the Hydens booting her permanently, Bucky remarks:

“I know you don’t want to talk about why you and Tom broke up, but I have my suspicions. You’ve got to true to your nature, Ollie, and you usually are. But don’t for minute underestimate the challenges you’re stuck with because of it.”

One of the reasons I think the author saddles Ollie with the likes Sargeant and Virgil is to illustrate that point. Both men are self-serving jerks, each in their own way, yet Ollie suffers for doing the right thing, or for what she believes is the right thing.

Which brings me to Tom. If a reader picked this book up before reading the earlier ones, they would think that Tom MacKenzie was a control freak who didn’t appreciate or understand Ollie, based on her views of him and their past together. Tom is a sweetheart of a guy. While it’s true he was never happy with her getting involved in the cases, he didn’t try to run her life. Tom is a dedicated and as serious about his job as Ollie is regarding her own. Ollie would not be any more pleased to have some unqualified person — Sargeant, for example — questioning her ability to cater a State dinner, than members of the PPD would be with Ollie’s inquisitiveness. In the previous book, Ollie ended the relationship initially citing the threat Tom’s boss made regarding holding him responsible for her behavior. Shortly afterward, she does wonder if she was being completely altruistic in her motives, that she did it so she could freely poke her nose into thing with a clear conscience.

My heart truly aches for Tom. When they broke up, Ollie also told Tom she couldn’t stay with him because she couldn’t be herself when she was with him. This admission hit Tom hard, “like somebody punched him in the gut”. I think that Tom is still in love with Ollie. And to add insult to injury, she seems to be seriously interested in another agent, one who doesn’t work in the White House — one who seems just as much as a sweetheart as Tom, but also seems to understand her “need to be useful”. When Ollie visits Tom’s office on a job-related matter, she also asks whether the other agent has been reassigned since she hasn’t heard from him for several days. Tom looks “hurt, curious, and sad”. He assures her that the agent in question is still on the investigation, but will not be in communication with the PPD for a period of time. Ollie presses for a more specific time frame and Tom tells her:

“Don’t push me, Ollie.  This is hard enough.”

“I understand,” I said, even though I didn’t.

And that, Ollie, is part of the problem.

Despite this, I still loved the book.  It made me think and care about the character’s future.  I understand that, if Ollie wasn’t inquisitive or in the thick of things, there would be no series.  And I can also understand why there might have been a reason (for the author) to end the relationship.  There is no realistic way Tom could turn a blind eye to Ollie’s actions and still be the head of the PPD.  People (Sargeant, again!) would see such behavior as his condoning it.  The new guy is different in that he doesn’t work in the same environment, so he won’t always be around as much (or so I assume).  He also comes with his own history, so there’s no way to predict how the relationship will develop.  I also think he’s perceptive enough to have picked up on Tom’s true feelings for Ollie and that could add another aspect to the development.  I’m looking forward to seeing how thing will proceed, and I’m very eager for the next White House Chef book.

Start: 10 January 2011
Finished: 16 January 2011

Rating:

Loved It!

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Other Books in the Series:

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Disclaimer: I purchased this book.

Winter Kiss (Deborah Cooke)

Title: Winter Kiss
Author: Deborah Cooke
Copyright: 2009 (Signet); 389 pgs.
ISBN: 978-0-451-22843-7
Series: Dragonfire #4
Sensuality: Warm
Genre: Paranormal Romance

From the Back: The mysterious Dragon’s Blood Elixir gives immortality to Magnus, the Pyr’s greatest enemy, and his minions. The Pyr must destroy this source of power, and outcast Delaney vows to complete the quest himself. Delaney was exiled because of his dangerous impulses, and success in eliminating the Elixir will either redeem him or end his suffering. But his plans don’t take into account his sudden firestorm — or fiery Ginger Sinclair. The firestorm revitalizes Delaney, restoring him to his old self. And when Ginger learns about Delaney’s mission, she realizes she cannot resist a strong man with a noble agenda.

~&~

1. Reason for choosing this book:
The Dragonfire series is one of my favorite paranormal romance series.

2. Reasons for liking/disliking this book:

Delaney and Ginger. From the first time I read the excerpt in Kiss of Fate, I liked the couple and I looked forward to reading the full book.  It is my favorite of the series so far, beating out Delaney’s own brother Donovan (Kiss of Fury)

Unlike the other Pyr and their mates, Delaney meets Ginger almost accidentally.  He walks into a bar, unknowingly crashing a private party.  He’s minding his own business when “the cutest woman he’d ever seen” taps him on the arm.  Sparks fly.  Literally.  Delaney never expected to get a firestorm, considering what happened to him, and takes this new development as a sign that his decision to go on a suicide mission is the right one.  He has every intention of satisfying the firestorm before fulfilling his self-imposed obligation.

Ginger believes in kismet, that there’s some one out there for everyone and it’s just a matter of finding that person.  From the moment she first sees him in the bar, she felt a recognition and couldn’t pass up the chance to talk to him.  She flirts with Delaney and they take to the dance floor.  Ginger follows her instincts and they tell her Delaney’s not a bad person.  This, coupled with the fact that he seems to look at her as if she’s the only thing important to him, convinces Ginger to take a chance on him.  Once she finds out he’s a dragon, she doesn’t try to deny the reality.  What pisses her off is the fact Delaney intended to leave her, pregnant, without telling her the truth.

Though Delaney shares the same parental issues that Donavon had, it’s his time in Slayer‘s clutches that casts a shadow of his heart and soul.  Delaney doesn’t think he has a future, that everything would be better if he dies trying to destroy the Elixir.  Ginger is like a ray of sunlight on his soul and she is a threat to his resolve.   Because of her, Delaney wants to stay and build a life together — he just doesn’t think he has that choice anymore.  Ginger thinks he does and she eventually convinces him that he should try to come back from his mission and not go with the determination to die.

The Elixir’s back-story is revealed and the Pyr learn what Magnus had planned for Delaney.  The children conceived in the first three books make their appearance, including the three-month old Zoë Sorensson,  the new Wyvern.

3. Reasons for recommending this book:
Tortured hero.  A heroine who isn’t afraid to take chances on people and speaks her mind.  She doesn’t sit back and wait to be rescued.  Fights for what she believes in.

Started: 31 May 2010
Finished: 3 June 2010

Rating:

LOVED IT !!

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Other books in the series:

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Disclaimer: I purchased this book.

Magic Bleeds by Ilona Andrews

Title: Magic Bleeds
Author: Ilona Andrews
Copyright: 2010 (Ace); 349 pgs.
ISBN: 978-0-441-01852-9
Series: Kate Daniels # 4
Genre: Urban Fantasy
**** SPOILERS ****

From the back:  Kate Daniels works for the Order of Knights of Merciful Aid, officially, as a liaison with the mercenary guild. Unofficially, she cleans up the paranormal problems no one else wants to handle — especially if they involve Atlanta’s shapeshifting community. When she’s called in to investigate a fight at the Steel Horse, a bar on the border between the territories of the shapeshifters and the necromancers, Kate quickly discovers there’s a new player in town. One who’s been around for thousands of years — and rode to war at the side of Kate’s father. This foe may be too much even for Kate and Curran, the Beast Lord, to handle. Because this time, Kate will be taking on family.

**** SPOILERS ****

1. Reason for choosing this book:
I chose this book because it’s my #1 favorite Urban Fantasy series.

2. Reasons for liking/disliking this book:
The characters. Kate’s a strong person, but she still can be hurt, both physically and emotionally. Same with Curran — Gordon’s Curran POV for this book illustrated how much Kate means to him.

Some observations/thoughts:

• After reading the prologue, way back before the book came out, I speculated that the reason Curran was a no show was due to loups. It was the first thing that made any sense to me. I never believed for a moment that he’d stand her up on purpose: he won a bet involving food and a scantily clad Kate — he’d been hauling rocks for weeks and he’s had plenty of time to fantasize about the evening. Nothing short of his duty to the Pack and injury/death would keep him from attending.
• Did Mahon have a hand in the two challenges that prevented Curran from going to Savannah? I can’t see him deliberately goading his people into challenging Curran — that would be throwing aways lives, plus one might have gotten REALLY lucky and beat Curran (I know, impossible, but still…). Yet, it seems too coincidental to be a random, unrelated thing.
• Even if Curran had gone to Savannah, some variation of the breakfast table conversation that takes place later in the book would have occurred — and with the same results.
• It’s good to know that I wasn’t wrong about Roland targeting the Pack because they’ve become too powerful. Makes me even more interested to know the details behind why and how Greg gained Friend of the Pack status. Did he know about Curran’s background?
• Aunt B explains it all. Again!! One of my favorite scenes in the book.
• Some interesting new characters: Barabas, Jezebel, and Naeemah. I wonder if we’ll be seeing Naeemah again in future books. And Grendel.
• Still don’t like Saiman. Still don’t trust him.
• Good to see Dali again.
• Great antagonist! And what a hoot. The scene in Kate’s apartment is great. Calling the apartment a hovel! Giving relationship advice. Too funny.
• Looking forward to seeing what happens with Andrea and the Order.

3. Reasons for recommending this book:
There’s a little of everything in it: action (okay, maybe more than a little of this), romance, humor, great characters (as I type this, I can’t help thinking about Peter Falk’s character in The Princess Bride movie — the book gets a number of mentions/references in Magic Bleeds)

Favorite Quote:
“We should clap or something,” Curran said. “She’s trying so hard.”
“Maybe we could scrounge up some panties to throw.”
– Curran, Kate

Rating:

LOVED IT !!

Started: 16 May 2010
Finished: 16 May 2010

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Other books in the Series:

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Disclaimer: I purchased this book.

Moon Called (Patricia Briggs)

Title: Moon Called
Author: Patricia Briggs
Copyright: 2006 (Ace); 288 pgs.
ISBN: 978-0-441-01381-4
Series: Mercy Thompson #1
Sensuality: N/A
Genre: Urban Fantasy

From the Back: Mercy Thompson’s sexy next-door neighbor is a werewolf. She’s tinkering with a VW bus at her mechanic shop that happens to belong to a vampire. But then, Mercy Thompson is not exactly normal herself . . . and her connection to the world of things that go bump in the night is about to get her into a whole lot of trouble.

~&~

I saw this format on the Book Girl of Mur-y-Castell’s blog. She, in turn, got it from Jenny at Jenny Loves to Read. I think I’ll give it a try.

1. Reason for choosing this book:
Seen it recommended by readers who were fans of Ilona Andrew’s Kate Daniels series.  I hadn’t planned on reading it just yet — but lo! — one of the GoodReads groups had picked Patricia Briggs to be the featured author for November. I’ve had Cry Wolf in my TBR since it first came out, but decided to start from the beginning.

2. Reasons for liking/disliking this book:
I have to say, I wish I had picked this book up sooner. Mercy does remind me of Kate, though different enough that it’s not like I’m reading the same character. She is perfectly capable of taking care of herself, and she has  a penchant for driving hot, Alpha men crazy.  Mercy has had a comparatively normal life.  She has a small circle of family and friends, some who are part of the pack, though generally she avoids attracting the attention of the wolves.  There are vampires, though they’re not any more date-worthy than Ilona’s. However Stefan, the VW owner, seems different from the rest of his group.

I was comfortable with the world-building is this book.  I wasn’t confused or frustrated with how the information was conveyed to the reader.

I also loved Mercy’s sheep.  Too funny.

3. Reasons for recommending this book:
I would recommend this book to readers who are new to Urban Fantasy. The series isn’t long  — the sixth book comes out in hardback in 2011, so there is time to get caught up.

Favorite Quote:
“I forgot to tell you that I joined the secret society of villains while I was away,” I told Samuel, exasperated. “I am now trying to put together a harem of studly, muscle-bound werewolves. Please. Remember, I didn’t know Mac until he dropped in my lap sometime after the villains screwed up his life.”
– Mercy

Started: 1 November 2010
Finished: 17 November 2010

Rating:

LOVED IT !!

Disclaimer: I purchased this book.